The Epicurious Wanderers!

I’ve had a few people ask exactly where we are going in South America so I thought i might share the details with you.

We arrive in Lima via Auckland and Santiago and have a couple of days to settle in before our tour starts.  Then it runs a little like this, as described by Peregrine our tour company;

Best of Peru map

Day 1: Lima
Welcome to Lima, Peru! Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport where a transfer guide will be holding a sign with your name on it. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in the well-known coastal suburb of Miraflores. In the evening, meet your leader and the other members of your group (apparently we are the only members of our group so it becomes quite an exclusive private tour) for a pre-trip briefing. This usually takes place at 6 pm, but please check the noticeboard near the hotel reception to confirm the exact time and place.

The meeting is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. The cuisine in Lima is some of the best in South America and is especially renowned for its exceptional seafood. Perhaps try Peru’s national dish of ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice with hot peppers).

Day 2: Lima
Start your day with a walking tour of Peru’s capital, once the most powerful in South America. You’ll see many of the city’s icons such as the striking Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas) with its cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. Next, visit the San Francisco Monastery and the catacombs, containing some 70,000 human remains. Check out the huge variety of foods at Lima’s Central Market, including exotic local fruits and the infamous ‘cuy’ (grilled guinea pig). Head to Lima’s Chinatown and main square, where the tour will end in time for dinner. You have the option of eating in downtown Lima or back in Miraflores.

Throughout the day and after dinner, you might have some free time to wander around Lima by yourself. Perhaps visit the Parque del Amor (Love’s Park) where you can enjoy views across Lima’s beaches, or catch a taxi to the Gold or Larco Museums. Lima also has an impressive National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Peru.

Notes: Please remember that taxis here don’t have meters, so you have to agree on a fare with the driver before getting in. For example, the trip between Miraflores and downtown Lima should cost between 10 and 15 soles.

Day 3: Nazca
Today travel to the ancient city of Nazca using the regular deluxe bus service. Mummies, textiles and ceramics from the 2nd century BC have been remarkably well-preserved by the area’s dry desert conditions. In Nazca, climb a viewing platform to see the famous Nazca lines – enormous geoglyphs which were drawn into the sand thousands of years ago. There are many theories about how and why they exist, let alone who created them. To get an even better look at the shapes, take an optional flight over the desert (at your own expense). The light planes can be a bit bumpy, so this activity isn’t recommended for those with a weak stomach.

Day 4: Arequipa
Spend the day travelling to Arequipa. You’ll be using a regular bus service fitted with convenient reclining seats. Known as ‘La Ciudad Blanca’ (The White City), Arequipa has been built almost entirely from a white volcanic material called sillar. The city lies in a beautiful valley at the foot of the 5822-metre-high El Misti volcano, a perfectly shaped cone. Arequipa is one of the most beautiful cities in Peru and is a UNESCO heritage site. Its wild surrounds consists of mountains, high altitude deserts, hot springs and canyons.

Day 5: Arequipa
Take a walking tour of this charming city down cobblestone streets to see the cathedrals and the beautiful Santa Catalina Convent. Originally built in 1580, the convent is a maze of high walls decked in flowers and buttressed houses painted in white, brown and blue. You’ll also visit the church of La Compañia and the Plaza de Armas, where you can poke around the shops and cafes.

Day 6: Colca Canyon
Today drive to the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The journey will take you through the Altiplano (High Plains) where you’ll see wild vicunas, domestic llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by the indigenous people. Stop at the highest point to enjoy views of the landscape and the snowcapped Nevado Ampato in the distance. You may experience some shortness of breath here, but after snapping a few photos, you’ll be back in the vehicle descending to a lower altitude in no time. Continue on to the capital of the provence, Chivay, where you’ll visit the local hot springs. In the evening, you may wish to see a show of traditional Peruvian dance and music, before spending the night in Chivay.

Day 7: Colca Canyon- Arequipa
Drive through the breathtaking scenery of the Colca Canyon today. Discover the surrounding traditional villages and Inca and pre-Inca terraced fields that have supported agriculture for centuries. Locals roam the area in highly decorative costumes and hats. Stop off at Cruz Del Condor, a viewing point where you can often see Andean condors nesting in the canyon walls. These are some of the largest flying birds in the world. The sight of them soaring above you is truly magnificent. Afterwards, drive back to Arequipa.

Day 8: Cuzco
Today fly to the ancient Incan capital of Cuzco. Take an afternoon walking tour around fascinating city – a favourite for many visitors to Peru. See the Plaza de Armas with its 17th-century Baroque cathedral, and learn about the fascinating history of the execution of the last Inca king. As you wander the streets and alleys of the city, you’ll see that many of Cuzco’s colonial and modern buildings are built on foundations of Inca stonework. The comprehensive walking tour will also take you to the city’s main squares, the Koricancha Temple and the Coca Museum. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Cuzco. Perhaps visit the Inca Museum, Religious Art Museum, Church of San Blas or the Santa Catalina Museum.

Day 9: Sacred Valley
Head to the Sacred Valley for a full day of sightseeing today. This area was treasured by the ancients for its climate, fertile land and the sacred Urubamba River. Here you’ll see impressive old engineering feats including ruins of aqueducts, irrigation canals and dams. There are imposing terraces and temples dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Next, visit Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress made of huge stone blocks. This archeological site gives insight into what was a highly advanced Incan society. Move on to the Awana Kancha tourist centre where you’ll see adorable llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos. Continue through the region to the colourful Pisac market, and then onto Ollantaytambo, a formidable Inca fortress which presents amazing photo opportunities. Spend the night in the Sacred Valley, resting up for the trip to Machu Picchu tomorrow.

Day 10: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option
(Guess which option we’ve picked!)
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before your trip, during the next four days you may: hike the Classic Inca Trail, hike the Inca Quarry Trail or stay in Cuzco for another two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. While away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cuzco you’ll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (6 kilograms maximum).

Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you won’t have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you’ll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cuzco and only travel with the necessary items for the next few days.

Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:
Today travel by minivan to the 82 kilometre marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3,100 metres above sea level. On the way you’ll see the ruins of Llactapata, which was burnt to the ground by the last Inca emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail. In the evening, set up camp while the cook makes dinner.

Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 kilometres long and often steep. Each day’s journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq’a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3,700 meters above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q’orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.

Notes: The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 kilometres long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.

Route 3 Train: (aah a comfy train ride)
For those travellers disinterested in hiking the trail or who are unable to, spend two extra nights in Cuzco before travelling by bus to Ollantaytambo. From here take a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll spend a third night.

Day 11: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as we ascend a long steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 meters above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A three-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 meters high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 meters. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite, which is only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo.

Route 3 Train:
Today, perhaps use your free day indulging your inner foodie in the eateries of Cuzco. Head to lunch at the arty Fallen Angel restaurant, and if you still have room for dessert, the ChocoMuseo offers tastings and chocolate-marking workshops.

Day 12: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around two to three hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 metres), also known as ‘Town Above the Clouds’. Start the two-hour descent down the Inca steps, which takes you to the final night’s campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.

Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn’t hike. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a soothing way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Route 3 Train:
In the morning take the three-hour train to the town of Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in the hills at the foot of Machu Picchu. For those who want to, there’s time to visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the next day. If you’d like to do this, please advise your group leader at the welcome meeting at the start of the trip. Otherwise, you might like to while away the afternoon in the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes.

Day 13: Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option (Machu Picchu)- Cuzco
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:
The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around two-and-a-half hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with tourists).

Route 2 Quarry Trail:
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5:30 am this morning along the winding road to Machu Picchu. The journey takes around 30 minutes. At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If skies are clear, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins.

Route 3 Train:
In the morning at 5.30 am, take a bus up to Machu Picchu. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters, and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Cuzco.

For all trails – after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it’s time to return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and a pisco sour. Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure.

Day 14: Cuzco
Enjoy another free day in Cuzco. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere, there are endless things to do here. Whether you’re still feeling energetic or prefer to relax after your Inca trek, Cuzco can accommodate. Perhaps wander the attractive streets, shop for handicrafts, visit museums or catch up on any sightseeing you couldn’t fit into your schedule earlier. Be sure to stop in for a drink in one of the traditional local bars known as penas.

Day 15: Puno
Travel by bus today through spectacular Andean scenery to the town of Puno. Along the way, see Inca adobe ruins and stop for lunch in the small town of Sicuani. Continue the drive, taking a break at La Raya, the highest point on the journey and a great opportunity to take photographs. Move on to the town of Juliaca, famous for its lively street dancing, before arriving into Puno. Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. In the evening, you may like to take a little stroll to Calle Lima which is full of bars and restaurants.

Day 16: Lake Titicaca (Suasi Island)
Today, take an enchanting cruise around Lake Titicaca. Enjoy the mystical scenery that was once venerated as the birthplace of the sun and the Inca people. Stop by the amazing floating Uros islands, manmade islands built from reeds and still home to an indigenous village. The cruise will take you to Taquile Island where you can admire some woollen handicrafts made by the locals. Finally, retire to the private island of Suasi, where you’ll spend the night in an eco lodge.

Day 17: Puno
Travel back to Puno this morning and make your way to Sillustani for the afternoon. Here you’ll explore the pre-Inca tombs and funeral towers of the Aymara people, towering structures protruding from the rocky landscape. Afterwards, head back to Puno for the night.

Day 18: Tiahuanaco – La Paz
Follow the shores of Lake Titicaca to the Bolivian border at Desaguadero. After completing the immigration and customs formalities, continue your journey into Bolivia. First stop is a visit to the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco, an eerie archaeological site used by pre-Colombian society as a religious centre. The vast ruins comprise of temples, courtyards, ziggurats, monolithic stone statues and gateways – most famously, the Gateway of the Sun.

From the ruins, make the two-hour drive to La Paz, enjoying spectacular views as you near the city, which lies within the bowl of a volcanic crater. Once you’re settled into your hotel, enjoy an orientation tour with a local guide. Visit some of La Paz’s unique sites such as the Witches Market, San Francisco Church and the main street of El Prado Avenue downtown. Tonight you’ll stay in La Paz.

Day 19: La Paz
Say goodbye to your new friends and leader today as your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you can leave your accommodation at any time.

That’s the first tour section over, now we head on to Santiago for our next adventures…..

Santiago Experience 31 Jul – 2 Aug
Day 1: Santiago
On arrival at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Please look for your transfer guide at the airport – they will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Once you have checked into the hotel the remainder of your first day will be free until your welcome briefing at 6pm.

Day 2: Santiago
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 9am.
With a local guide, you will take a walking tour of Santiago and witness some of its most spectacular sights.
Founded in 1541 by the Spaniard, Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago has experienced a turbulent history that has included native wars, floods and earthquakes. Your walking tour will visit many outstanding attractions in the city centre. You stop at the Plaza de Armas and have a look at the cathedal before heading across to La Moneda Palace – the presidential palace and the place where significant events in Chile’s history took place. You then head through the main avenues of old Santiago, across the Bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista and up the San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes mountain range. Then you’ll visit the modern parts of Santiago to see elegant residential neighbourhoods, and shopping and financial districts. The tour ends at the artisan village of ‘Los Graneros Del Alba’, where the craftsmen can be seen at work. Here, you have time to walk around or do some shopping.
You then head out of town to the Concha y Toro vineyard, located in Pirque in the Maipo Canyon. This winery, founded in 1883, is one of Chile’s most famous. The cellars, built with materials dating back to the 18th century, are situated six metres underground to maintain the ideal temperature needed for fine wines. You will stroll around this beautiful estate before moving to the cellars where some of the different stages involved in the local winemaking process are explained. And finally, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the wines that have made this winery so famous.
You then return to Santiago for the night, where you will have a chance to go out and dine at one of city’s famous restaurants (optional).

Day 3: Santiago
Your Independent Experience will come to an end today after breakfast.

Aug 2 – 5
Helen and Simon explore on their own, armed with a guide book and a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish and a large sense of adventure……