This trip was carefully designed for those enchanted by the majesty and mystery of Peru. We will take you to all the most important destinations in the country: Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Amazon Rainforest, Lima, the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the full Peruvian experience and feel the power of magical Peru!
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 (JUNGLE)
We shall leave Cusco very early in the morning on one of our specially equipped vehicles for the unique route to be taken. We will cross an interesting Andean valley and one-of-a-kind farming communities. Around mid-morning, we will visit the Pre-Incan Tombs of Ninamarca, known as Chullpas, then head to Paucartambo, which is a typical colonial town of great importance and that still retains its local flavor. We shall continue by making an ascent to the inlet of Acjanacu at an altitude of 3,850m. From here we shall begin our descent as we, first, go through the Cloud Forest, an area that is abundant in endemic species such as the Oso de Anteojos (“Spectacled Bear”) and Gallito de las Rocas (“Cock of the Rocks”), Orchids, Bromelias, Ferns, etc. Then, once in San Pedro we shall visit a lookout point for the Gallito de las Rocas, which is where these harmless birds gather early in the morning and during the afternoon to display an interesting mating dance. Next, we continue our journey until we arrive in Pilcopata, where we shall spend our first night.
DAY 15: PILCOPATA-YANAYACU
After breakfast we shall continue on our journey by bus, cross the high jungle, then arriving to port of Atalaya, located on the banks of the River Alto Madre de Dios, at 700m above sea level; this is where we shall begin our trip down river by boat (55HP external engine). Off the river banks we will be able to see a great variety of existent bird species such as herons, vultures, cormorants, etc. After a few hours we will reach some hot springs where we will have the chance to take a soothing bath, then, around 3 in the afternoon, we shall make our way to our lodging in order to accommodate ourselves, quench our thirst, then, head back out for a walk of approximately one hour in which we will hopefully be able to see tapirs. Thereafter, we shall return to our lodging where our nice dinner will be awaiting us. Option: in case no tapirs are spotted during the hour-long walk, there is a possibility of choosing to stay the night on a platform in the middle of the jungle in order to wait for them to appear.
DAY 16: YANAYACU-BOCA MANU
By morning, we shall continue on our expedition down river, then, within a few hours we will arrive at the town of Boca Manu. We will then take a short walk to the Cocha de los Valles (Lake of the Valley) where we will use a catamaran to find the right spot to view birds and fish pirañas. After that, we shall return to town where we may buy some beer, then continue on our way down river, arriving at our next lodging where we shall stay the night
DAY 17: BOCA MANU-BLANQUILLO
After having enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we shall continue making our way down river until we arrive at our following accommodation. Once there, we shall quench our thirst so that we may soon continue by boat for only a few minutes up river. We shall then get off the boat to take a walk of about half an hour at the end of which we will arrive at a lake and seek to remain low-key for a short moment. We shall get onto a catamaran, which we will navigate around in order to spot giant river otters. By night time, we will have the chance to spot caimans if we are dealt good fortune. Once we have returned to our lodging, we will get some well-deserved rest.
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).
Price: Starting at US$ 3000.00 (includes domestic flights in Peru with a minimum of 8 persons).
Peru has one of the most diversified geographical make-ups in South America. It shares borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. There are three geographical zones in the Peruvian territory: the coastal desert, the highlands made up by the Andes, and the Amazon Jungle. For more info, click here.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS TYPICAL OF PERU?
Staple foods in the highlands include potatoes, corn, rice, and meat dishes, often with a spicy sauce. In jungle areas, fresh fruits, fried plantains, and other vegetables are also common. Though vegetarians can be easily accommodated in all areas, options typically leave out the meat rather than adding vegetarian mainstays such as tofu, beans, or nuts.
HOW DO I GET AROUND PERU ONCE I'M THERE?
With the exception of Nazca, you fly to all the major destinations even if you go between some of them by surface travel.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN PERU?
Overall Peru is a safe country. Pickpockets and crazy Lima traffic are typically the biggest problems travellers will encounter. For a detailed list of precautions, click here.
IS GOOD QUALITY MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE?
Medical care is generally quite good in private health care facilities in urban areas, but less so in the rural parts of the country. Urban facilities usually have modern equipment and someone on staff that speaks English. It is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before you leave home. However, hospitals and clinics often ask for cash payment up front. Make sure that you keep all receipts so that you can be reimbursed once you return home. Also, make sure that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation. If you plan on doing any "dangerous sports" such as riding motorcycles, scuba diving or even trekking, ask if those activities are covered. They usually aren't, but you can buy supplemental insurance to cover you. For more detailed information about health, vaccinations, insurance and medical facilities in Peru.
HOW CAN I FIND A REASONABLY PRICED AIRLINE TICKET TO PERU?
No matter where you are in the world, the staff in our travel agency can help you find the best airfares and schedules to Peru. They can also assist you with hotel accommodations, tours, plane, train or bus reservations within the country, and much more.
ARE THE TRAINS AND BUSES SAFE, COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE?
Yes, the trains and buses are safe and the service is quite good. In our transport area, we have an extensive list of schedules and fares. By European or North American standards, the prices are very affordable. They are usually 3 different levels of service and the prices vary according to the amenities offered. Some buses even have waitress service and onboard movies. However, a word of caution: keep a close eye on your hand luggage and camera onboard buses, trains, and in the terminals. Pickpockets and thieves often target weary travelers in these places. For more information about transportation,
CAN I RENT A CAR IN PERU?
Yes, you can rent a car in Peru but it is not recommended. Aggressive drivers, poor road conditions, and long distances between tour destinations make taking public transportation a better (and usually more affordable) alternative. However, if you do want to rent a car we have a list of the most popular rental car companies including Hertz, Budget and Avis. Make sure you look closely for hidden charges for items such as mileage and insurance. You may want to make your reservations from your home country. Click here for a list of phone numbers. You should also get an international driver's license in your home country.
HOW CAN I FIND THE PERUVIAN EMBASSY IN MY COUNTRY?
For a list of Peruvian embassies in your country, click here.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CONTACT MY COUNTRY'S EMBASSY IN PERU?
For a list of embassies in Peru, click here.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT I CAN BRING IN OR TAKE OUT OF PERU?
You may bring 2 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes into Peru duty free. Items for personal use including cameras, laptops, and travel gear can be brought in for personal use. It is illegal to take any pre-Columbian art out of Peru and it is usually illegal to enter into most countries with these artifacts. If you are going to buy reproductions, do so from a reputable dealer and obtain documentation from the National Institute of Culture Vendors to show to customs officials. In the jungle vendors also sell live exotic birds and animals. It is illegal to take these endangered species outside of the country. Bags of cocoa leaves are sold in Peru and are legal, but they are not legal in most other countries. Although it would be impossible to produce any significant amount of cocaine from one of these bags, it's not worth the risk in bringing them back home.
DO I NEED SPECIAL VACCINATIONS?
There are no vaccinations that are required by law to enter Peru. However, there are some that are recommended: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diptheria, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Many of these vaccinations are recommended if you are spending any time in the jungle. Malaria is also common in the Amazon region and you can ask your doctor for malaria tablets. Check with your doctor at least six weeks prior to traveling because some shots take time to become effective. Ask them what they recommend and the possible side effects of each vaccination. For further details regarding vaccinations for Peru, visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control's website at:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/regionTropicalSouthAmerica.aspx
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Peru. Bottled water is readily available at tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants. Don't forget to use bottled water when brushing your teeth as well! Ice is not always made with boiled/ bottled water. Order your beverages without ice ("sin hielo") or ask your tour leader if the ice is safe in a particular restaurant.
DO I NEED TO GET A VISA BEFORE I VISIT PERU?
All persons visiting Peru on business are required to have a visa. For those visiting as tourists, citizens of the US, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand only need a valid passport. Most visitors are given a tourist card that allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, for a fee you can extend your stay.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PERU WEATHER WISE?
That depends on where you plan on visiting. There are three main zones of Peru: the coast (La Costa), the mountains (La Sierra) and the jungle (La Selva). If you are visiting the coastal desert area, which includes Lima, then it is better to come during Peru's summer months, December-March. Once you enter the mountains or the jungle there are two seasons: wet and dry. If you are planning on visiting La Sierra which includes such tourist spots as: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail you should come during the dry season which runs from May-September. The best time to visit the jungle is also during the dry months of May-October.
WILL MY CREDIT CARDS, ATM CARD, AND TRAVELER'S CHECKS WORK IN PERU?
The most widely accepted credit card in Peru is Visa. Mastercard is also popular, but American Express and Diner's Club are not that widely accepted. I find ATMs the best way to get money. Most of them work on the Plus system, although you can find ATMs that accept Star, Cirrus and Interlink. The downside of credit and debit cards is that stores, hotels and restaurants will sometimes add an 8% commission to the final bill. Your best bet is to take money from the ATM and pay for your purchases in cash. Traveler's checks are usually good to take as "insurance", but they are often difficult to change and the exchange rate is not as favorable as if you used cash. For a more detailed description regarding money and to see a list of banks and exchange locations (casas de cambio).
CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE?
Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information.
DO I NEED A CONVERTER/ ADAPTOR FOR THE ELECTRICITY?
Peru uses 220 volt, 60 cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110 volt devices. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type found in the US, though some facilities have been noted to use the 2 rounded prongs instead.
WHAT TIME ZONE IS PERU?
Peru is five hours behind GMT (same as EST). They do not observe daylight-savings time so during these months (April-October), Peru is on CST.


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