TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: PICK-UP FROM THE AIRPORT AND HOTEL TRANSFER

When you arrive to the city of Lima’s international airport you will be assisted by one of our tour guides who will accompany you to the hotel in a private vehicle made available for your transfer. At the hotel, you will receive a general briefing of the chosen tour; you will be given the vouchers for the different services that will be provided to you throughout your trip; also, you will briefed on the format of the beginning of your voyage across Peru

DAY 2: LIMA (CITY TOUR-HOTEL)

After enjoying the hotel’s delicious breakfast, we will take an enchanting guided tour throughout the city of Lima, the nation’s capital, which was founded by the Spanish in 1535. You will be able to uncover for yourself impressive archeological sites, which are the silent witnesses to the greatness of Pre-Hispanic civilizations that populated this valley. While in the Historic Downtown, you will be able to enjoy the charm of our main squares and the splendor of our majestic buildings such as the Government’s Palace, the Catholic Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Municipal Palace. You will be able to gaze at the stone facades and the wooden balconies of the colonial mansions; also, at the beauty of our churches. We will visit the Convent of San Francisco (entrance fee included)—a monumental religious site of the XVII century—and its “Catacombs”, which is the ancient underground cemetery of Lima. We will visit the traditional district of Rimac, leisure area of Lima’s ancient elite population; we will also visit Paseo de Aguas (Water Passage), Alameda de los Descalzos (The Barefoots’ Poplar Grove) and the San Cristóbal Barrio (neighborhood). We will tour the main streets and avenues of modern Lima, its commercial and residential areas, including “El Olivar” in the San Isidro district, then culminate the day with a marvelous view of the Pacific Ocean from the Parque del Amor (Park of Love) located in the Miraflores district. By the afternoon, we shall return to the hotel to enjoy some well-deserved time for relaxation.

DAY 3: LIMA - PARACAS

Transfer from your hotel to the bus station in order to head 239km from Lima to the Paracas Wildlife Reserve via the Panamerican Highway. Once in Paracas, we will make our way to the Chacos Seaport to embark on our tour of Ballesta Islands where we will witness one of the greatest concentrations of aquatic flora and fauna. We will enjoy visiting the enigmatic “Candelabro” (chandelier), which belongs to the fascinating and mysterious group of “Líneas de NAZCA.” Next, we will tour the Paracas Wildlife Reserve, view the “Cathedral” (strange rock formation caused by sea-side erosion), the flamingos, and the Site Museum Julio C. Tello. Here, you shall be able to uncover the enigmatic Paracas culture, its mummies and textiles. By the afternoon, we shall make our way to the city of Nazca where we lodge ourselves for the night.

DAY 4: NAZCA-LINES OF NAZCA-AREQUIPA

Early in the morning, just after breakfast, we will make our way to the Nazca Airport in order to board a small plane that will make a 45min flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, enormous linear designs of animals, birds and geometric figures, drawn on the desert soil, which can only be appreciated from the air. At noon, we shall make our way by private transportation to the city of Arequipa (approximately 10hrs.) by crossing deserts and coastal valleys along the way. During this trip, we shall stop at many different interesting points in order to rest and enjoy the scenery. Then, arrival in the Ciudad Blanca (White City) of Arequipa, which gets its name for its buildings made of white volcanic rock spewed out by el Volcán Misti (Misti Volcano). At the arrival in Arequipa there will be a transfer to the selected hotel. You will then be free to enjoy any evening plans.

DAY 5: AREQUIPA

Following breakfast, we shall take a guided tour of the city of Arequipa, including the Plaza de Armas, which is one of Peru’s most charming main squares; the Catholic Cathedral, which is a prime example of Peru’s colonial architecture built during the XIX century and is host to many national treasures composed of gold and silver. Also, we shall visit the church of La Compañía (The Company), which is considered most important in Arequipa for its history and tradition. At this church, we will be able to take a close look at its history, which will show us the influence caused by different European cultures. Thereafter, we shall visit the convent of Santa Catalina, a “small city” dating back to the XVII century and, at last, open to public since 1970 after 400 years of closure, allowing visitors to time-travel 4 centuries into the past. We will see many spacious courtyards and flower gardens, the kitchen and, finally, the rooms of the convent’s slaves and stone washers. Around 20 nuns still inhabit a section of the convent, which, at one point, hosted up to 500 cloistered nuns. After the tour, we will head back to the hotel to have lunch and enjoy some free time in Arequipa during the rest of the afternoon and evening (dinner not included).

DAY 6: AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON

On this day, we shall prepare to take a tour around the Earth’s core, our destination being Colca Canyon. On our way, we will visit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reservation where we will observe the Vicunas; this National Reservation is representative of the Peruvian fauna and the typical scenery of the Andes.Next, we shall visit Vizcachani where we shall enjoy the breathtaking view of the Cordillera Blanca (White Cap mountain range) and the Pampa de Tojra (Tojra Plains), which is host to a vast population of Alpacas and Llamas. We shall briefly come across the Mirador (lookout) de Chucura to finally arrive in Chivay. After an energizing meal, we will visit the baños termales (thermal baths) de la Calera where we will be able to enjoy a refreshing and relaxing bath. By the afternoon, we shall return to the town of Chivay where we will spend the night.

DAY 7: CONDOR CROSS - AREQUIPA

Early in the morning, we will head to the Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross), where the world’s largest bird—the condor—can be seeing flying above the green agricultural terraces, which have been cultivated since pre-Incan times. Take in and enjoy the beautiful views that Colca Canyon—one of the deepest canyons in the world (3,000 m)—has to offer. On our way back to Chivay, we shall visit the Mirador (lookout point) de Chichina, where we will find the Tumbas Colgantes (Hanging Tombs) and the Puente Colgante de Sifón (Hanging Bridge of Sifón) that joins the towns of Yanque and Copóraque. Later, we shall arrive in the town of Yanque to visit its charming church and cobblestone streets among other attractions. Then, we shall take brief stops at the lookout points of Choquetipo, Artahuilque and the town of Maca where we will take advantage of our last chances to see the charming Colca Valley. After lunch, we shall continue on to our destination back to the city of Arequipa.

DAY 8: AREQUIPA - CUSCO

Early in the morning, we shall transfer Arequipa Airport to board our flight headed to the imperial city of Cusco. At our arrival, there will be a transfer to the chosen hotel. We suggest that you get some rest during the remainder of the morning so that you may acclimate yourself to the high altitude, then enjoy lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we shall take a guided city tour of Cusco visiting the Plaza Mayor (main square), the Catedral, the Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) or Qorikancha. The trip shall continue onto the outskirts of town to visit the different Incan complexes such as the impressive Fortaleza (fortress) de Sacsayhuamán, which was strategically built on a hill on edge of Cusco and it is famous for its enormous crafted stones that have been pieced together with stunning precision and that conform to the external walls of the complex; some of these stones extend above 9m in height and weigh over 350 metric tons. Next, we will direct ourselves toward the archeological sites of Kenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. By nightfall, we shall enjoy some free time.

DAY 9: CUSCO- INCA TRAIL (KM 82-HUAYLLABAMBA)

The bus will pick you up at the hotel and take us to Km. 82 as we go through Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. We shall, then, meet up with all the professionals who will contribute to making our expedition an enjoyable success. We begin our journey off the banks of the Urubamba River until we arrive at the important archaeological complex of Llactapata, where we shall enjoy our lunch so that we continue on our way to our first campsite in Wayllabamba, where, after a revitalizing dinner, we shall spend the night

DAY 10: HUAYLLABAMBA-PACAYMAYO

After a nice breakfast, we will begin our second and, perhaps most difficult day of trekking since we will need to climb up to Wuarmihuañusca at an altitude of 4,200m above sea-level. Here, we shall enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the region’s mountain range. Then, following our lunchtime meal, we shall begin our descent to the Pacaymayo Valley where we will set up our second campsite.

DAY 11: PACAYMAYO-WIÑAYWAYNA

This day we shall trek through a stretch of the Inca Trail that is particularly well-kept, passing by ancient archeological remains covered by dense tropical forest, then visiting Phuyupatamarca (city above the clouds) with its spectacular views of the various snowy, white peaks of the Andean mountain range. Then, we shall set up camp in Wyñaywayna (forever young), which is probably the most spectacular archaeological complex of the entire expedition.

DAY 12: WIÑAYWAYNA-MACHU PICCHU-CUSCO

Today we begin our walk toward Machupicchu. First, we arrive at Intipunku, from where we can enjoy the view of the majestic citadel of Machupicchu. Then, we enter the citadel, where we must register our arrival at the control gates, and begin our guided tour in order to appreciate its magnificence to the fullest extent. Thereafter, we shall descend to the town of Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs) to, finally, make our way back to the city of Cusco by train.

DAY 13: CUSCO

This will be our day of rest in which you can enjoy yourself by strolling through the streets and squares or go shopping at one of many artisans’ markets of Cusco. (Breakfast and lunch not included)

DAY 14: CUSCO-MANU NATIONAL PARK (JUNGLE)

Departure from Cusco city very early in the morning in one of our trucks specially prepared for this road. We will pass through interesting Inter-Andean valleys and picturesque farmer communities. In the middle of the day we are going to visit the pre-Inca buried towers of Ninamarca, known as “chullpas”. After that we will arrive to Paucartambo city, which is a typical colonial town. It had a lot of importance and it still conserves it’s flavor. Continuing our trip we drive up until the Abra of Accjanaco which is found at 3850 meters over the sea. From this point we start to go down passing through the cloud forest, which is an area rich in endemic species as the spectacular “Andean Bear” (Tremarctos Ornatus) and “The Cook of the Rock” (The Peruvian National Bird), “Orquis”, “Bromelias” and “Ferns” etc.
Then in San Pedro we will visit a lek of “Cook of the Rocks”, in which these birds every morning and afternoon made during a very interesting dance called “Displays”. After that we continue our tour until reaching Pilcopata, where we will stop and spend our first night.

DAY 15:- PILCOPATA LODGE - ATALAYA - BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE.

After eating our breakfast we continue the tour by bus going through the high forest arriving to Atalaya which is found next to Madre de Dios river ( 700 meters over the sea). From this point we start to go down river in a motorized boat (55 hp). At the riverside we will have the opportunity to see a lot of bird species such as “Herons”, “Vultures”, “Cormorants” etc. After some hours we will arrive to Aguas Calientes (a hot spring), where we are going to have a comfortable bath. Passing three in the afternoon we will arrive to our lodge, where we accommodate and get new water resources to be able to take an one hour walk through the forest. With luck in this walk we will have a possibility to see Alot of wildlife.  After this impressive experience we go back to the lodge where our delicious dinner is going to wait. 

DAY 16:- BONANZA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE - BOCA MANU

In the morning we continue our trip down river in the boat and will later on arrive to Boca Manu Community. Here we accommodate in our lodge and after that visit the Valles Oxbow Lake. At the lake we will be sailing in a floating Catamaran, spotting birds and fishing “Piranhas”. We return to the town in the afternoon, where it will be possible to buy beers and other refreshments. At night we will have typical food of the zone as dinner.

DAY 17:- BOCA MANU - BLANCO OXBOW LAKE - BLANQUILLO LODGE.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast we continue the tour down river until arriving to the lodge, Here you can file up your bottles with water and briefly after this, we go back to the boat, but just to sail for a few minutes. Rapidly arriving to the port we continue by food through the forest more or less for half an hour until reaching The Oxbow Lake called “Cocha Blanco”. Here is a hidden place where we are going to wait for the “Giant Otters” to arrive and after this we go sailing on a Catamaran. Same night we will have the opportunity to spot “Caymans” and there will be a possibility of catching one of them. After this adventure we take a deserved rest in the lodge.

DAY 18: BLANQUILLO-MACW CLAY LICK -PUERTO MALDONADO

Very early in the morning and before breakfast, we shall hide out in very discreet area near the Collpa de Guacamayos—a sort of clay wall caused by riverside erosion—where many different species of parrots and macaws go out each morning to extract essential minerals for their nutritional balance. Parakeets, Amazon Parrots, Blue-headed Parrots and, finally, the fabulous Macaws give way to an unforgettably colorful wildlife spectacle. Once we are finished witnessing this daily bird activity, we shall continue on our trip down river until we arrive to the town of Colorado from where we will be taken by our own vehicle to the city of Puerto Maldonado. It is here, in Puerto Maldonado, where we will spend our last night in the jungle. (Dinner not included)

DAY 19: PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO

After enjoying breakfast, we will make our way to the tiny Puerto Maldonado Airport to board our flight headed to the city of Cusco. The afternoon will be free to enjoy as you please.

DAY 20: CUSCO-PUNO

On this day’s journey we shall come across Lake Wacarpay, which offers spectacular views of the mountains’ reflection off the lake’s calm waters. We shall visit the citadel near the pre-Inca town of Pikillacta—Quechua name meaning “town of the fleas”—considered to be one of the most spectacular centers of the Wari culture. These ruins consist of over 700 structures with some walls that stand about 12m tall. From there we shall proceed to the charming city of Andahuaylillas and visit the Saint Peter’s church of Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas due to its gold-adorned ceiling. Then, we shall stop in Racchi along our way, where we will see a marvelous Inca sanctuary built by Pachacutec the Inca King and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It contains a great main wall with a base made of stone of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are then made of large adobe bricks. The structure also has two large side columns. Around the temple there are a number of buildings once used as shelters and for storage. Then, around 70km further down the road on our journey, we shall come across the “La Raya” ranch where we will be able to spot herds of vicuñas and llamas. We shall then journey along the Plateau of Collao, stopping in the city of Ayaviri—an important center for textiles and cow-herding—to visit the impressive Kalasaya temple, which are ruins of the ancient Pucara culture. By the afternoon, we shall arrive in the city of Puno where we will be spending the night. (Dinner not included)

DAY 21: PUNO- TAQUILE- LOS URUS

After having breakfast we shall proceed to the pier via Chucuito, where we will visit the Templo de los Falos (Temple of Fertility), then continue on to the town of Charcas, which has a traditional market that, still at present day, continues its exchange of goods since the period prior to exploration of the Americas by the Europeans. Thereafter, we shall make our way to the pier where we shall board our boat headed to Taquile Island. There, we shall appreciate the cultural and ethnic values of its inhabitants who, to this day, maintain their ancient customs and cultural traditions. At noon we shall enjoy a traditional meal, then, by afternoon, we shall make our way through the arches and descend the 500 steps of stairs of Taquile to embark on small boats and arrive at the floating islands of Los Uros, which are made of a local type of aquatic reed called Totora. Then, later in the afternoon, we shall return to the city of Puno.

DAY 22: PUNO-SILLUSTANI-LIMA

In the morning we shall make our way to the airport of Juliaca to board the flight headed back to Lima. On our way to the airport we shall visit the famous Chullpas de Sillustani, cilindrical mausoleums used by the Aymara indigenous group to bury their high priests. The Umayo Lagoon, located in front of the Chullpas, only adds to the beauty of it all. Here, we will have the chance to spot a great variety of birds. Thereafter, we will head our way to the airport from where we will make our return to the city of Lima, marking the end of a spectacular 22 day trip. (Lunch and Dinner not included).

Hotels in Cusco Sacred Land Peru most recommended Hotels and Hostals in Cusco Peru, book your hotel online now!! READ MORE

AREQUIPA HOTELS Sacred Land Peru most recommended Hotels and Hostals in Arequipa Peru, book your hotel online now!! READ MORE

HOTELS IN PUNO Sacred Land Peru most recommended Hotels and Hostals in Puno Peru, book your hotel online now!! READ MORE