Holiday in Peru with a rental car

Day 3: Lima - Arequipa

Today you fly to Arequipa. Upon arrival in Arequipa you will be welcomed and brought to your hotel. The city is beautifully situated with the majestic peak of the "El Misti" volcano in the background. There is some uncertainty about the origin of the name Arequipa. There are several stories going around. One of them is that the Aymara people invented the name because in their language 'ari' means mountain and 'quipa' means behind. Literally translated it says 'behind the mountain' by which the El Misti volcano is meant.
Overnight stay: Palla Boutique Hotel | bed & breakfast

Day 7: Colca Canyon - Puno

(approx. 290 km | 5.5 hour drive)
Today's ride will take you from the Colca Canyon to Puno. On the way you will travel through an impressive landscape with small traditional mountain villages. You will pass the beautiful mountain lake Lago Lagunillas and cross the town of Juliaca before arriving in Puno. Puno is located on Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia and the highest navigable lake in the world, at almost 4000 meters above sea level. The landscape is truly beautiful. The clear blue lake is surrounded by some of the most impressive mountains of the entire Andes. From a historical point of view, this place is enormously important. According to legend, the first Inca king was born on the Island of the Sun, an island located in the Bolivian part of this lake.
Overnight stay: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca | bed & breakfast

Day 9: Puno - Sacred Valley 

(approx. 425 km | 8 hour drive)
Today you will leave for the Sacred Valley of the Incas and along the way you will pass several ruins. First of all there is the ruin of Sillustani, a pre-Inca cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs are built above the ground and look like small turrets. They are called Chulpas. Most of the tombs have been robbed and others have never been finished. This is followed by the ruins of Raqchi, also known as the temples of Wiracocha. Here you can still see the baths, food storage and houses in good condition. You drive on and pass several villages before you arrive in the Sacred Valley. Your accommodation is located in the village Urubamba.
Overnight stay: Hotel Soy Y Luna | bed & breakfast

Day 10: Sacred Valley

This day is scheduled off and you can determine your day program yourself. This fertile region was of great economic and spiritual importance to the Inca culture. It was one of the most important centers for agriculture and is still the best place for growing corn in Peru. The valley is the basin of the Urubamba River, where numerous archaeological sites and villages can be visited. It is a beautiful area to drive through and stop wherever you want. 
Overnight stay: Hotel Soy Y Luna | bed & breakfast

Day 11: Machu Picchu

A special day today, because you are going to visit the Machu Picchu! From the Sacred Valley take the train to Aguas Calientes, the base for a visit to the Machu Picchu. Together with your guide you will visit this famous complex that was probably built by the Incas at the beginning of the 15th century. The buildings and the surroundings make the Machu Picchu a magical sight. Enjoy this special place today, your guide can tell you everything you want to know. In the afternoon you will return to the Sacred Valley by train and be brought to your accommodation.
Overnight stay: Hotel Soy y Luna | bed & breakfast

Day 12: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

(approx. 65 km | 1.5 hour drive)
Today's ride is short, reason enough to take a little detour to the salt flats of Maras and the archaeological site of Moray. Moray, is a terraced complex in the shape of an amphitheater. These terraces were used for agricultural experiments and date back to the Inca era. At the salt flats of Maras, enjoy the beautiful view that you have here on the white color of the salt and the different colors that the mountains show because of the many minerals. The salt that is collected here is sold by the locals at the markets. Cuzco is the longest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, lies at an altitude of 3360 meters and is nicknamed the 'imperial city'. Upon arrival at the hotel you can return your rental car and spend the rest of the day at leisure. 
Overnight stay: Hotel JW Marriot Cuzco | bed & breakfast

Day 13: Cuzco

This day gives you the opportunity to explore this beautiful city. Be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas, which is home to the famous cathedral. Cuzco comes from the Quechua word "Cosqo", which means "Navel of the World". The entire city center consists of colonial buildings, built on the foundations of the old Inca palaces. There is plenty to do in this beautiful city!
Overnight stay: Hotel JW Marriot Cuzco | bed & breakfast

Day 14: Cuzco - Lima - Amsterdam

Your journey through Peru is unfortunately over. Our local staff will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Cuzco airport, where you will board your domestic flight to Lima. You will then board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 15: Amsterdam

Your unique journey is over. Today you will arrive in Amsterdam.