THE MYSTERIES OF PERU IN COMBINATION WITH CHILE – the way of wine and the Incas

08 October - Full day tour of Lima /breakfast/
Breakfast. Our day begins with a tour of the Peruvian capital, Lima, located at the foot of the Andes. The city is the cultural and economic centre of Peru. Founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 as the "City of Kings". Lima is home to the oldest university in the Americas. We'll start with the modern Miraflores district and the 25-meter high Huaca Pucllana pyramid, dating from 200-800 AD. Next, a walking and hiking tour of colonial Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the main square (the place where the City of Kings was founded in 1535 and Peru's independence was proclaimed in 1821 with the name of Lima) with the buildings of the Presidential Palace and the City Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, the San Francisco Convent with the catacombs that remind of the country's colonial past. We will take time for lunch and then walk to the Cathedral of Lima, a beautiful colonial building and an important part of the city's identity. We will then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by the chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Geronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time that still belongs to the same family so many centuries. Finally, we will head to the Gold Museum. Exhibits include fine textiles, ceramics and gold from various pre-Hispanic cultures, in addition to a collection of weapons consisting of twenty thousand objects from different eras and parts of the world. Return to the hotel and overnight.

09 October - Lima - Cusco /breakfast/
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Welcome and tour of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, located in the Andes Mountains. Cusco is known as the Imperial City and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital of the Inca Empire has the outline of a puma's body and has preserved many of the Inca architectural masterpieces. We will head to the central Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city, and the Temple Complex of Coricancha, we will see one of the most interesting ancient fortresses of Saxayuaman. It was built from huge stones, carved and arranged like a jigsaw puzzle, some of them weighing 300-400 tons and having been transported from a distance of over 30 kilometres. They are lifted and stacked on top of each other with extreme precision and accuracy - another mystery? The fortress was built on a huge, artificially flattened plateau and has a zigzag shape, suggesting that Saqsayuaman was not only used as a defensive fortress, but was also a temple dedicated to the Sun cult. We will then venture out of the city to visit the other masterpieces of Inca architecture - the Inca thermal baths at the Tsaremonial Centre of Kenco, Puka Pukara and Tambomachai.
Overnight at Costa del Sol Ramada 4* or similar.

10 October - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes /breakfast, lunch, dinner/
Breakfast. We will leave the hotel at 07:00 for the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Pisac, where we will visit the colourful traditional market where many local handicrafts and other items can be seen and bought. We'll spend about 30 minutes here and then head to the ruins of Pisac, which sit atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. From this archaeological site, we will enjoy the beautiful views of the valley, then begin the tour of the ruins. We will pass through various buildings that once served as homes, warehouses and temples, and see Inca altars, carvings, tunnels, caves and the famous Intiwatana sun stone used by the priests for astronomical observations. After a detour around Pisac we will head to Urubamba, where we will stop for about 45 minutes for an included buffet lunch, and after another 30 minutes we will reach the beautiful Inca city and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the city and ceremonial center. We will spend about an hour exploring these magnificent ruins, visit the amazing Temple of the Sun and see massive blocks of rock that were perfectly carved and polished by master Inca stonemasons. Ollantaytambo is also a great example of Inca agricultural construction and hydraulic engineering, with an intricate series of stone water fountains, canals and agricultural terraces at different altitudes to create different microclimates for crop experimentation. We then have a 2-hour train ride that will take us to the hot springs town of Aguas, where we will spend the night. Dinner and overnight at Hatun Inti Boutique Hotel 4* or similar.

11 October. Machu Picchu - Cusco /breakfast and lunch/
To best appreciate Machu Picchu, we'll wake up early in the morning so we can get to the citadel on time. First we will have time for breakfast, and then we will leave the hotel around 5:40 am. We will walk to the bus starting point for the short but zigzagging climb up the road to Machu Picchu. We will then pass through the gates to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Here we will start our walking tour , which will last about two hours and will take us to all the most famous and spectacular parts of the vast archaeological complex. These include the Guardian House, Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Square and other key sites. And as we walk around, we'll have amazing views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu to the surrounding mountains and deep ravines. After the orientation tour we will have time to walk to some less visited parts of Machu Picchu such as the Inca Bridge, then we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where we will have lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. Free evening in Cusco, where you can reminisce about the amazing tour of one of the world's most famous and most impressive attractions. Overnight at Costa del Sol Ramada 4* or similar.

12 October. Cusco - Andahuelas - Raki - Siquani /breakfast
Breakfast. Free time for an independent walk and lunch in Cusco.
13.30 Departure from Cusco.
Our first stop will be the town of Andaihuajlillas, where we will explore the Baroque church of San Pedro, famous for its amazing frescoes, hence its nickname - the Sistine Chapel of America. The famous elongated skull from Peru, believed to be that of an extraterrestrial being, was also discovered in this town.
We will continue to the ruins of Racchi located about 110 km from Cusco and at an altitude of 3480 m. The settlement of Racchi is popular for the Temple of the deity Wiracocha (Wiracocha - one of the main deities worshipped by the Incas, setting the beginning of everything in the world). The rectangular structure of this temple has thatched roofs 20 meters above the ground; they are considered the highest in the Inca Empire.
Overnight in Sikuani at Wilkamayu Hotel 3* or similar.

13 October. Siquani - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain - Puno /breakfast and lunch/
After breakfast we will head to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains, a charming alternative to the more famous Rainbow Mountain. Offering a more relaxed experience, the Palcoyo Mountains promise breathtaking views of three different rainbow-coloured peaks, along with the majestic Ausangate Glacier, all within just a 30-minute walk (one way). It's an ideal alternative to the more famous Vinicunca Mountain, where the hike is around 4 hours. Continuing our adventure, we venture into Checacupe to witness its three bridges, including the awe-inspiring Inca Bridge, an experience not to be missed. After lunch, we'll head to Puno, arriving around 7pm. We will make a stop at the highest point of the itinerary, the La Raya Pass /4338 m above sea level/. It marks the boundary between the Cusco and Puno regions and offers a beautiful view of the Chimboa Glacier.
Arrival in Puno in the evening. Accommodation at Hotel Jose Antonio Puno 4* or similar.

14 October. Puno - Lake Titicaca /breakfast and lunch/
Breakfast. We start an unforgettable day on Lake Titicaca, the floating island of Uros and the island of Taquile. With its 8 562 km2, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America, but also the highest navigable lake in the world with an altitude of 3812 m. The name Titicaca is a corruption of Titiaia, meaning stone puma, because of its shape.
After breakfast, we head to the port of Puno, where a boat will be waiting to take us to the beautiful floating islands of Uros, located about 4 km off the coast of Puno or a 20-minute speedboat ride away. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru who live on a series of man-made islands made entirely of the floating tortora reeds that grow abundantly in the lake's shallows. The islands are composed of layers of woven tortora that are regularly replenished from above while rotting from below. It was these islands that became the prototype for Norwegian sailor Thor Heyerdahl to create the famous raft Kon Tiki.
After visiting this fascinating island, our walk will continue to Taquile Island, a small part of paradise that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Traces of the past are clearly visible everywhere here, as if life has been unchanged for generations. Taquile, with only 1,500 inhabitants, is an island of great cultural value thanks to the preservation of its ancestral traditions, especially the production of textiles. The island is inhabited by a community called the Taquilenos, another Amerindian people who speak the Quechua language and have also preserved their ancient customs.
Lunch at a local restaurant (included in the price). Return to Puno. Overnight.

15 October. Puno - Lima - Ica /breakfast/
Early breakfast. Early departure by bus from Puno to the airport in the city of Juliaca. Domestic flight from Juliaca to Lima at 08:45 (flight duration 1 h 50 min). Arrival at Lima airport at 10:20.
Transfer towards Nazca, where on the way we will explore the magical lagoon of Huacachina, sometimes called the "Oasis of the Americas". This beautiful village is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of dunes, with a shimmering lagoon set in this otherwise desert location. The greenish water comes from an underground spring, creating a true oasis. Besides being a peaceful place to stay, Wakachina is also known for two adrenaline-inducing activities: sandboarding and dune buggying, both of which are a lot of fun! On site we will enjoy a walk along the famous dunes of Huacachina. We continue to Ika.
Accommodation at Hotel Las Dunas Ica 4* or similar. Overnight.

16 October. Ica - Nazca - Lima /breakfast/
Breakfast. A full-day visit to Nazca, where we will learn more about the lines whose origins no scientist or archaeologist has explained.
The Nazca Plateau is located about 400 m south of Lima, near the town of the same name. The Nazca Lines were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 but remain of unknown origin to this day. Created during the Nazca civilisation between 500 BC and 500 AD, the lines are complex and represent different figures - around 70 of them depict animals and birds, others trees and flowers. Their purpose is thought to have been religious, but theories about this are numerous and controversial. The largest figures reach up to 370 m. in length, and the whole area on which they were made reaches up to 450 sq. km. The specific climate of the plateau area - dry and windless all year round - determines the preservation of the lines over the centuries.
Flight over the Nazca lines (included). Drive to Lima and visit El Tambo de Tacama, the oldest winery in South America.
Late evening return to your hotel in Lima and overnight at the Jose Antonio Lima 4* or similar.

17 October. Flight Lima - Santiago, Chile /breakfast/
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your 11.55 flight to Santiago, arriving at 17.35.
Pick up at Santiago Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation at NH CIUDAD DE SANTIAGO 4* or similar.

18 October. Tour of Santiago. /закуска/
Breakfast at the hotel. There will be a tour of the city of Santiago with a visit to its main attractions. We will start the tour with a cable car ride that will take us to the top of San Cristobal Hill. From here you will have a panoramic view of the whole city, where our guide will describe the geography of the area and point out the places we will visit during the tour. We'll descend the hill on an open-air funicular, which will take us directly to the colourful Bellavista district with streets lined with lively cafés. From there we will walk through Piazza Italia and the beautiful Forestal Park to reach Lastarria Neighborhood with its many small shops and cafes. We continue to the historic city centre, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Central Market and Plaza de Armas - the main square of the city. In the square we will see the Cathedral, the Santiago City Hall, the historic Chilean Post Office building and the Indigenous Monument. We will then pass by the former National Congress and Supreme Court buildings and continue to La Moneda Palace (La Casa de Gobierno). We will then pass by the oldest church in Chile, the Church of San Francisco, and visit a handicraft market to buy souvenirs. After visiting the heart of Santiago, we will return to the hotel.

19 October. Santiago de Chile - Valparaiso - Viña del Mar - Santiago with tasting of Chilean wines /breakfast/
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we're off for a pleasant drive to two iconic coastal towns that are located about an hour and a half from Santiago. Arrive in the picturesque town of Valparaiso. This city, founded in the 16th century, contrasts sharply with Santiago's former modern vision. The city's harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unique architecture. The town is situated next to several hills, which are reached by long narrow streets connected by staircases and various elevators built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Interspersed among them are homes that are painted in different colors and form an irresistible landscape for photography lovers. We will visit Pablo Neruda's house museum, La Sebastiana.
Later we leave for Viña del Mar, the so-called "Garden City", which thanks to its beautiful beaches, parks and floral ornaments, such as the famous "flower clock", is one of the most representative tourist attractions in the central part of the country. Here the tranquility of the seascape and the modern infrastructure of the city mix in a very interesting way.
On the way back to Santiago we will pass through the Casablanca Valley, an area famous for its vineyards, where we will visit a traditional winery in the area with a tasting included. Return to Santiago and overnight.

20 October. Santiago - Madrid /breakfast/
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your 12.00 Iberia flight.

21 October
Arrival in Madrid at 05:40. Flight from Madrid at 10:20 and arrival in Sofia at 14:10.