The Central Andes - 9D

It is an off-the-beaten-path itinerary that the Alpa-k agency offers you. With this circuit, we take you where tourists are not, where discovery is authentic. If this region is very little frequented, it is because it does not have the same infrastructure as the others. But Alpa-k has designed for you the most pleasant circuit possible so that you can discover this incredible region in complete serenity. Peru off the beaten path is above all tranquility but also the discovery of authentic Andean landscapes shaped by local populations. It is a dive into what true Peru is, that is to say, a warm and open place from which a certain simplicity of life emerges. A pleasant place.

Arrival in Lima and pickup by the Alpa-k team.
Departure by bus (or train) to Huancayo and arrival in the afternoon. The end of this first day will be devoted to discovering this city, the largest in the region.

Excursion day in the Huancayo valley.
You have four options:

• The first consists of discovering the local culture. Throughout the day, you will observe all the artisanal talents of the local populations. From Hualhuas for textiles to Ingenio for fish farming, passing through San Jeronimo for jewelry, you will have the opportunity to admire a priceless know-how.
• The second is an exploration of the archaeological sites in the region. From Arwaturo to Warivilca, we will have the chance to admire ancestral architectural know-how while contemplating wonderful landscapes from the Chupaca overlook or by the shores of Nahuinpuquio lake.
• The third choice is an excursion to the Huaytapallana glacier. To get there we will pass by 2 magnificent high-altitude lakes and finish with our feet in the snow on the glacier of the mountain.
• The last choice involves taking you to the central jungle. On the agenda: suspension bridge, waterfall, and sumptuous landscapes inhabited by very welcoming local populations.

We will leave early in the morning towards Huancavelica, an isolated city in the middle of the mountains. For this, we will count on a 3 to 4 hour drive through magnificent landscapes. Once settled and after lunch, we will leave for a half-day excursion to discover local life and culture.

We will continue to explore the surroundings of Hauncavelica, notably its magnificent stone forest, a volcanic formation of great interest. This day will also allow you to deepen your understanding of the culture and way of life of the locals.

Today we will take the road towards Ayacucho. Throughout the day we will cross the magnificent landscapes of the central Andes. Thanks to the private vehicle, we can stop whenever we want to take photos, enjoy the scenery, or take a little walk.

The surroundings of Ayacucho are full of small wonders and the village of Vilcashuaman is one of them. This city was one of the most important of the Inca empire. As a main trace, only a magnificent pyramid remains and the foundations of the sun temple on which the conquistadors built a church. On the way, we will stop to observe the largest flowers in the world, the puya raimondis, as well as the puma crater where the Andean gods reside according to legend.

Second day of excursion in the surroundings of Ayacucho. We will visit the Wari ruins, a pre-Inca culture just as interesting. Then we will go to the site of the battle for Peru's independence before finishing with a discovery of local craftsmanship.

Today we will complete the first stage of our journey to reach Cuzco. Our private vehicle will allow us once again to stop at will to enjoy the landscapes as you wish.

We will complete our journey to Cuzco. We will arrive in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire in the late afternoon and we will start to get our bearings in this city which is one of the most beautiful in Peru if not the world.