2017 - APT South America

42 Marvel at the pre-Inca stepped terraces of the breathtaking Colca Canyon Day 18. Cusco, Freedom of Choice. A walking tour of Cusco will take you to the square in the city's historic heart, the Plaza de Armas, as well as the sacred sites of Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral. For lunch, perhaps head to Limo Cocina Peruana & Pisco Bar, savour Italian cuisine at Incanto, or enjoy a fine dining experience at the renowned MAP Café. BL Day 19. Cusco, Puno. Board the Andean Explorer for a full-day rail journey into the highlands and on to Puno. On the way, enjoy access to the lounge car and the open-air observation bar car, and be treated to a three-course lunch. Arrive in Puno and settle in to your hotel, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Two Night Stay: Puno, The Libertador Lake Titicaca, Lake View Rooms. BL Day 20. Puno, Lake Titicaca. Travel by speedboat over the waters of Lake Titicaca to the village of Luquina. Here, visit a school where you will spend time getting to know the teachers and pupils. Enjoy a local-style lunch with views of the Capachica Peninsula, before a cruise to the islands of the Uros people, built entirely with reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. BL Day 21. Puno, Colca Canyon. As you make your way to Colca Canyon today, you'll see the region's incredible manmade stepped terraces, many of which date back to pre-Inca times. Stacked upon each other like staircases, most of these fields are still tended to by local farmers, whose livelihood depends on the potatoes, beans, barley and quinoa that grow here. Make a stop for lunch overlooking a lake before arriving at your hotel, perched at the bottom of a terraced valley. Two Night Stay: Colca Canyon, Las Casitas del Colca. BLD Day 22. Colca Canyon, Freedom of Choice. Spend the morning in Sibayo, a little local village tucked away in the mountains known as 'stone town' for its stone and mud brick huts. This friendly community will let you participate in a choice of their daily activities. Perhaps visit their alpaca and llama farm and learn about the traditional breeding and farming techniques. Or, take a walk with one of the local villagers for some fishing on the Colca River. Alternatively, remain with the village women who will share stories and demonstrate local weaving techniques. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the village as the families reveal their customs, local legends and myths that have remained alive through the generations. Return to the hotel in the afternoon where you have some free time at hand to relax and make use of the facilities. BL Day 23. Colca Canyon, Arequipa. This morning, travel to the Mirador Cruz del Condor viewpoint in the heart of the Colca Canyon and gain unparalleled panoramic views of one of the world's deepest canyons. Look for the legendary Andean condor rising and circling on the morning thermals, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of the pastoral Andean scenery. Enjoy lunch en route to Arequipa, a lovely city situated in the shadow of the snow-capped El Misti volcano. Blessed by 300 days of sunshine annually and filled with dazzling white stone buildings, the 'White City' is indeed a delight to explore. Two Night Stay: Arequipa, Casa Andina Private Collection. BL Day 24. Arequipa. Embark on a city tour, visiting the historic World Heritage-listed centre where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture, including the 16th-century Santa Catalina Convent. This afternoon, join a delicious 'Bean to Bar' chocolate workshop. Enjoy tastings of Peruvian chocolate and create your own flavours using a range of Andean grains such as quinoa and kiwicha. Tonight, swap stories with your fellow travellers and Tour Director over a Farewell Dinner. BD Day 25. Depart Arequipa. After breakfast, your South American adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. B LIMA OR SANTIAGO STOPOVER Relax before your journey back home with a stopover in Lima or Santiago. See page 92 for information and pricing. www.aptouring.com.au

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