Genesis of the Andean Culture will introduce you to the unique, authentic cultures of the Andes. You will learn about their ancestry, including the great Indian empires of the Aymara and Quechua tribes, and their past and present relationship with Spanish descendants. This short and well packed, yet flexible trip enables you to sample the very best of Bolivian & Peruvian daily life and history combined with breathtaking landscapes in the Andes, and featuring privately guided tours.

Explore La Paz and its lively markets, and discover the highlights of South America's Central Andes: Tiwanaku archaeological site and Lake Titicaca including the Island of the Sun — mythical birthplace of the Inca Civilization. Then carry on across the Altiplano to Puno and Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Finally you will have plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu — arguably the highlight of any trip in South America.

Our Genesis of the Andean Culture travel package has an extraordinary scope, taking in one highlight after another. Unquestionably, one of them will be spending one night at Machu Picchu.

As you combine the best of Bolivia and Peru, you will experience South America first hand, including fascinating cultural wonders and a wealth of outstanding natural sceneries.

With many opportunities to customize your stay, Genesis of the Andean Culture is designed to give you an authentic look at Bolivia & Peru, its people and the daily life in the Andes.

WHERE?

• La Paz - The city of contrasts: a unique blend of cultures and ways of life, and located within breathtaking panoramas, with whispers of ancient civilizations at Tiwanaku – one of the most interesting archaeological sites of South America.

• Tiwanaku - This site near La Paz flourished as the religious and administrative capital of a major Andean state/power for approximately five hundred years. The Tiwanaku civilization was the most important precursors to the Inca Empire. Its monumental architecture is characterized by large stones fitted, notched, and dressed with a precision unequaled even by the Inca. Tiwanaku painted pottery is one of the great achievements of pre-Columbian art.

• Lake Titicaca - The religious center where the ancient Andean beliefs interact with the living faith of today’s Aymara people. In the middle of the lake, the Island of the Sun is the Sacred Place — mythical birthplace of the Inca civilization... The Origin.

• Cuzco - The capital city of the Inca Empire and of the Andean world, enriched by the surprising, magic and secretive city of wisemen which mysteriously died out—the enticing Machu Picchu.

• Sacred Valley of the Incas - Also known as Urubamba Valley, it includes a wealth of Inca remains and small Andean villages such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the sacred Urubamba River.

• Machu Picchu - Located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, "The Lost City of the Incas" and most familiar icon of the Inca World may have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Unknown to the outside world until 1911, the archaeological site was brought to international attention in by American explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu is built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls.

WHAT?

Cultural Exploration - Day Walking - Community Projects

WHEN?

Year-Round Departures (depart virtually any day of the week).

May - October is dry season.

Day 1 - Arrive La Paz; Tour the city.

Day 2 - Learn about the origins of Andean civilizations at Tiwanaku Archaeological Site. [B]

Day 3 - Explore Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Island of the Sun – cradle of the Inca Empire. [B]

Day 4 - Puno – Sillustani ancient sanctuary and floating islands of the Uros. [B]

Day 5 - Take the Andean Train to Cuzco. [B]

Day 6 - Visit Cuzco and its nearby archaeological sites at Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. [B]

Day 7 - Explore Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Pisaq... (Optional overnight in the valley). [B]

Day 8 - Explore the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and spend the night at hotel by the ruins. [B]

Day 9 - Make time for a second visit to Machu Picchu and then back to Cuzco by the Andean Train. [B]

Day 10 - Transfer to international flight or carry on with one of our special extensions. [B]

Meals Included: Breakfast [B], Lunch [L], Dinner [D]

Accommodation:

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars ($), based on 2 people traveling together (double room basis).

Please note:

• Travel by bus and save up to $190 p/p on this trip! Ask us for schedules and customized price options.

• All services in Peru provided on a non-exclusive/group basis.

• Hotel names and descriptions by city and category are subject to confirmation at time of booking.

Depart any day! Custom dates and prices available.
Contact one of our travel consultants for details.

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Unique expeditions, exclusive hotels and tours for people who don't like tours in Bolivia.