Itinerary

Day 1 Lima-Ica-Paracas
After breakfast your will be taken to the bus station for your Royal Class bus ride to Ica. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to the Ica airport for your overflight of the Nazca Lines. The Nazca Lines are gigantic geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that stretches 53 miles between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana in Peru. They were created by the Nazca culture between 200 BC and 600 AD. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys and lizards. The Nazca Lines cannot be recognized as coherent figures except from the air. Since it is presumed the Nazca people could never have seen their work from this vantage point, there has been much speculation on the builders abilities and motivations. Overnight Hotel Paracas.

Day 2 Paracas-Lima
After breakfast you will enjoy a tour of the Ballestas Islands. These spectacular islands, a one hour cruise from the mainland, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine birds including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, bobbies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. You will then take the Royal Class bus to Lima for overnight.

Day 3 Lima-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport or you can extend your stay in Lima, add one of our many other tours of Peru or continue to Ecuador or Bolivia.

Additional nights available

This tour can be combined with our Lima and Cusco Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado (not included). Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado you will be met and driven to the city pier. You will be taken on a tour of the Puerto Maldonado city market, where you can buy (for your trip on the Madre de Dios River) Brazil nuts, aguajes, pacays, coconas, cashew nuts and star apples as well as other typical tropical forest fruits and nuts and local handicrafts made from seeds from the Amazon region. Lunch included. Embark on a 45 minute cruise downriver in an outboard motor boat. Along the river one can view caimans (alligators), birds and flowers native to the region. Arrive at the lodge, which is situated on the left bank of the Madre de Dios River. After check in you will enjoy a lecture on the architecture and layout of the lodge, built entirely by local indigenous people using axes and machetes and according to Inapari, Mashco, Amaracair, Dipo and Ese-Eja customs. In the afternoon you will enjoy a 2 hour guided walk on the botanical trail beside the lodge to learn about the exuberant flora and fauna. Later you will enjoy an excursion to Monkey Island where you will observe up to 5 species of monkeys, the howling monkey, the white capuchin monkey, the black capuchin monkey, the maquisapa and the pichico. Dinner and overnight at the Reserva Amazonica-Puerto Maldonado

Day 2 Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast you will take a 20 minute crossing by boat to the right bank of the Madre de Dios River for a 1 hour guided walk through the tropical forest. You will see plants, trees, Batrachia (toads and frogs), reptiles, a variety of birds and throughout the entire walk, dancing multicolored butterflies. At the end of the path, setting off by rowboat to glide along a canal through the marsh to the solitary, magnificent Lake Sandoval. This lake offers extraordinary scenery of placid waters surrounded by palm, aguaje and other primary forest trees. During the journey one can observe the rich flora and fauna of the place, river otters, caimans (alligators), turtles and Amazonian birds such as the hoatzin or “Shansho” ( a pre-historic looking bird), parrots, black skimmers and herons among others. You will have the opportunity to swim in the lake. Return to the Madre de Dios River to board the boat. You will make a brief stop to disembark and walk for 5 minutes through the wet forest through plantings of cacao trees, coffee bushes and other plants to discover the famous boat Fitzcarraldo which ran aground many years ago and is covered with vegetation. You will also make a visit to an indigenous cultivation plot where you can observe the style of life of the local community and different kinds of Amazonian crops. Opportunity for tasting tropical fruits and edible plants such as sugar cane, yucca (cassava), bananas and cacao (chocolate). Return to the lodge at sunset, the ideal moment to take spectacular photos of the fusion of river and sky in soothing colors. This evening you will enjoy a typical dinner of PACA (fish, chicken or meat prepared on a bamboo skewer and cooked over the coals, rice with cooked tomatoes and onions and a variety of exotic herbs and sauces). Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3 Puerto Maldonado-Lima
After breakfast you will be returned to Puerto Maldonado and its airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Lima.

Day 4 Lima-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight home. You may extend your stay in Lima, take one of our many other tour options in Peru or continue to Ecuador or Bolivia.

Additional nights available

This tour can be combined with our Lima and Cusco tour

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima
Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your centrally located hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of the Peruvian capital. Lima was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro as “The city of the kings” and became the capital and most important city of the Spanish Vice royalty. Today it is still Peru’s most important city as it gives home to about 9 million people, almost 30% of the national population. The historical city center comes with splendid colonial style architecture, ample squares such as the Plaza de Armas (or Plaza Mayor) and grand churches which yielded it the declaration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. In its modern quarters such as Miraflores and San Isidro you can find present day architecture, rich entertainment possibilities and a great number of first class restaurants. Peruvian cuisine is excellent and gets more and more famous in the world and Peruvians are extremely proud of their typical dishes. Overnight in Lima.

Day 2 Lima
Today you will explore the city on a sightseeing tour through Lima. The Plaza de Armas with the beautiful buildings of the government Palace, the town hall, the Palace of the archbishop and the cathedral are still the most important places in town. After that you will visit the beautiful San Francisco monastery. Proceed through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and to the Coastline enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific ocean. Afterwards enjoy a guided visit of one of the Lima’s most noted museums, the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum which houses the world’s largest private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian Art. Mr. Rafael Larco Hoyle founded the museum on July 28, 1926, in the Chiclin sugar estate in Trujillo, naming it as his father as an expression of filial homage. In 1958 he moved the collection to Lima, installing the Museum in a Colonial house in the district of Pueblo Libre, where it currently functions. This locale was adapted to the characteristics style of the 18th century Colonial houses from Trujillo. The approximate 45,000 objects of the collection have been exhibited to the public in the Permanent Hall, Jewelry Vault and the Classified Storage Area ever since. The Halls of the Larco Museum are organized by subjects. The Metals, Ceramics, the Stones, the Culture, the Great Jewelry Vault and Textile Halls emphasize the technological aspects by Pre Colombian cultures. Finally the world’s unique Erotic Hall gives you a glimpse of the fascinating sexual life of ancient Peruvians. Overnight in Lima.

Day 3 Lima-Cuzco-Yucay
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco.(not included). Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival you will start the tour with a visit to Chinchero community located 28 km away from Cusco. Here are the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, as well as beautiful colonial temples built on Inca’s foundations. However, its main attraction is its Sunday market originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products. This colorful and lively market still fascinates people with its variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style. Then you will be transferred to “El Mirador de Racchi” where you will have a splendid view of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards you will enjoy a typical lunch at a local house, followed by the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Yucay.

Day 4 Yucay-Ollantaytambo-Yucay
After breakfast you will have the morning at leisure. You can take one of the following optional excursions. Trekking to the terraces of Yucay (1h) An easy and relaxing hike to enjoy nature. Behind the Plaza of Yucay you will see an impressive group of terraces that follow the outline of the mountain and are still in use by the locals. The trail will take you to witness also the old Inca’s aqueducts used for the irrigation of the agricultural terraces. .Optional: Moray and Maras The excursion starts with a visit to Moray, a little Andean community which is famous for its embedded amphitheater, formed by four circular terraces which seem to disappear into the interior of the puna, like an artificial crater. Evidences seem to suggest that Moray was an important Inca agricultural research center. Finally, you will be transferred to visit the Salt Mines of Maras. With the salt which is tapped by exposing salt water that bubbles to the surface from a spring called Qoripujio in men-made wells to the sun, people earn their living. The view of this complex of nearly 3,000 wells is spectacular. The local people demonstrate the ancient techniques to visitors, even allowing you to participate. **Remarks: Visits are not recommended during the rainy season (November to April). Urubamba River Rafting (3h, 1h30min in the river) At the given time you will be picked up from the hotel to be transferred to Pachar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas where your guide will be waiting for you ready with all the equipment. Here you will receive rafting equipment and a safety briefing (toilet facilities and changing rooms available). After a brief practice on the flat part of the river, you will start your journey on easy waters while admiring the spectacular views of the mountains and archaeological remains. Afterwards you will continue towards Ollantaytambo and its amazing Inca terraces. At that time you will experience class 2-3 rapids, to finish with “El Resbaladero” (The Slide), a strong class 3 rapid that includes waves and small whirlpools. You will then reach the river take out located in the community of Cachicata (Toilets available) just 10 minutes by car from Ollantaytambo. Biking in the Sacred Valley: Yanahuara (4h, 2h30min of biking) You will picked you up from your hotel be taken on a one hour drive to the Paucarbamba bridge. Here you will receive a safety briefing and will adjust your bikes for the ride. You will go through a trail following the Urubamba River, the sacred river of the Incas, until you reach the town of Pachar. From here you will take an easy descend through an ancient Inca trail that passes through farming fields and Inca terraces until you will get to the Inca bridge. Hiking, Ollantaytambo Cachicata (3h) Early in the morning, you will be picked you up from your hotel, on the way you will admire the imposing Urubamba range, along with potato fields to Ollantaytambo where Your hike will begin at the Inca Bridge over the Vilcanota River. Your hike starts going up an Inca trail through terraces and tombs, until reaching the base of one of the most important mountains of the area, the Apu Buena Negra, a granite geological formation. From this area you will have an impressive view of the Veronica Mountain, one of the most important in the Urubamba range, as well as a great view of the Pakaritampu pyramid, based on the agricultural terraces, and the town of Ollantaytambo and its fortress. Here you will enjoy a box lunch, followed by your descent while you admire breathtaking views in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its beautiful typical little houses, its green corn fields, which are irrigated by the sacred river of the Incas. The hike ends at “El Rancho” in the nice community of Cachicata’s. The houses in this community were built on stone foundations, using adobes (mud bricks) to build houses of only one or two stories high, all with roofs made of straw. Transportation will wait for you in the community of Cachicata, to take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon you will enjoy a visit to Ollantaytambo, a typical Inca community. Towering above the town of Ollantaytambo you will find the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Steep stone terraces rising from the edge of town lead up to the fortress ruins at the top of the hill. A stone stairway leads up through the terrace walls, allowing visitors to step out on them. One of the best-preserved areas lies north of the Hanan Huacaypata square: an area of 15 blocks of houses built on top of carved stone walls. Overnight in Yucay.

Day 5 Yucay-Machu Picchu-Cuzco
Transfer by bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo where the tour starts by train that goes through the fertile plain of the Urubamba valley and on to Aguas Calientes. From there, small buses drive up the steep mountain to the ruin town Machu Picchu. Called the Lost City of the Incas, this cultural heritage of mankind is a beautifully located impressive stone city constructed with a technique incredible for its era and even for present times. Stone upon stone, fitted together perfectly without any cement, with impressive delicacy, exquisite detail and discrimination worthy of the world’s greatest palaces There are many theories about Machu Picchu, but one thing is for sure – it is one of the most impressive sites in the world. Extensive guided visit of the ruins and return by bus and train to the Sacred Valley. Transfer to your hotel in Cuzco. .

Day 6 Cuzco
In the morning your half-day city tour begins. You will be shown the exact center of the Inca Empire, the Plaza de Armas. There one can find the cathedral built on the ruins of the ancient Inca Palace. The cathedral borders on other churches on both sides. Next stop will be the old town with its magnificent renovated colonial buildings; some of them are being used as hotels. Then proceed to Sacsayhuaman, a ruin located approx. 3 km above Cusco. Sacsayhuaman also offers a fabulous view of the city. Afterwards visit the surrounding ruins. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Cuzco.

Day 7 Cuzco-Puno
A full day bus journey from Cuzco to Puno leads through the Peruvian highland along snow-covered peaks, passes up to 4.300 m above sea level and then goes down to Puno, which is right on Lake Titicaca. On route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi, the small town of Pucara besides another Inca remains.The beauty and charm of Puno town is made up by its habitant’s kind personality and by its mixture of typical Andean architecture that is to be found all way down from the sides of the hills until the bank of the Titicaca Lake. Its archaeological, cultural and architectural variety and richness owes Puno to the fact that it once had been inhabited by three different civilizations on the banks of the Titicaca Lake: Aymara, Quechua and Spanish. This multicultural origin has created a mestizo race that is also found in their artistic and cultural expression and especially in an incomparable folklore which is second to none and has made Puno the “Folklore Capital of Peru.” The main attraction of Puno is Titicaca Lake, a must for any visitor. The Sacred Lake of the Incas is one of the most enigmatic places in the world. It is the highest navigable lake and combines beautiful sights, culture and history. Lunch in a typical restaurant en route is included. After arrival in Puno transfer to your hotel.

Day 8 Puno-Lake Titicaca-Lima
In the morning you will be taken on an excursion to Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros floating islands. The Aymara Indians build their houses over floating artificial islands that elaborate themselves on the waters of the Titicaca in which they inhabit in organizations and with ancestral customs. Continue to Taquile Island where you find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and Inca terracing. The island is narrow, only about 1km wide, but 6-7km long. The people here still wear their traditional clothes and there is a co-operative shop on the Plaza where one can buy woolen goods of very fine quality. After lunch on Taquile Island back to Puno and take the flight (not included) to Lima. Boxed dinner included this evening. Overnight in Lima

Day 9 Lima-Iquitos
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Iquitos (not included). Arrival in Iquitos and brief city orientation, 40 km journey by boat down the Amazonas River to Ceiba Tops Lodge, where private rooms with air conditioning and hot water provide all of the comforts of home in the middle of the Amazon. Afternoon hike in the beautiful primary rain forest reserve surrounding Ceiba Tops which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner there may be local flute or guitar music at the El Toucan Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest

Day 10 Iquitos
Morning boat ride, spotting for dolphins, to visit a small village of Yagua Indians where your guide will explain the Yagua Indian culture and how it was affected by the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the local crafts and for a demonstration of the blowgun which some of the Yagua elders still use for hunting. Afternoon walking excursion to the neighboring town of Indiana. Originally a Franciscan mission, Indiana has grown into a large river community with its own market, high school and small hospital.

Day 11 Iquitos
Early morning departure from Ceiba Tops by boat to the narrow motorcar crossing connecting the Amazon and Napo Rivers to continue by boat to ExplorNapo Lodge for breakfast. Hike to the spectacular Canopy Walkway spanning over 500 meters (one-third of a mile), connected by tree platforms, and reaching a height of over 35 meters (115 feet) but accessible without any type of climbing skill or equipment. After lunch, visit the “ReNuPeRu” Ethnobotanical Garden where over 240 medicinal plants are cultivated by a local shaman who will explain the nature of Amazonian natural healing and the uses of some of the plants. Return to Ceiba Tops in time to enjoy the pool or hammocks before dinner.

Day 12 Iquitos-Lima-End of Tour
Depending on your flight back to Lima you have the choice of morning walking or boating excursion to further enjoy the rain forest and Amazon River. In case you take the early morning flight, there will be no further excursions on this day. Transfer to Iquitos and to the airport for your flight back to Lima (not included.). Tour ends upon arrival at Lima Airport. Hotel nights in Lima can be added.

Additional nights in Lima are available

Pre and Post tours to the following are available: Northern Peru, Nazca Lines, and/or Puerto Maldonado

Itinerary

Day 1 Cuzco-Arequipa
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Arequipa (not included). Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of this lovely colonial city. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 2 Arequipa
After breakfast you will be you will enjoy a tour of the “White City” of Peru. The modern city of Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540, by Garci Manuel de Carbajal, an emissary of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. One year later, King Charles V of Spain gave it the rank of “City” and the coat of arms that it still keeps. The arrival of Spanish influence left many relics and colonial architecture, which reminds the visitor of the city’s colonial past, when it was the city with the highest proportion of Spanish population in the whole of Peru. You will see the Arequipa Cathedral which stretches the entire length of the north end of the Plaza de Armas. It was originally constructed in 1656. In 1844 the Cathedral was gutted by fire, rebuilt shortly thereafter and then destroyed in the earthquake of 1868. The Cathedral which stands today was rebuilt following the quake. You will also see the La Compania Church and Cloisters, one of the oldest churches in Arequipa and located on the southeast corner of the Plaza de Armas. It was completed in 1698 and boasts an elaborate sillar stone facade. Of note inside the church are the carved cedar main alter and the two chapels, Capilla Real and Capilla de San Ignacio. Next to La Campania are the Jesuit cloisters which remain much the same as they were during the colonial period. Next on the tour is a visit to the Andean Shrines Museum which focuses on the Inca Empire and high altitude finds. The most significant find displayed in the museum is the body of the young girl known as, Jaunita, the Ice Maiden of Mount Ampato. The girl, approximately 12 or 13 years old at the age of her death, is thought to have been a ritual sacrifice in Inca priests. In the afternoon you will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a cloistered convent built in 1580 and was enlarged in the 17th century. Built in the Mudejar style the convent is known for its vividly painted walls. There are approximately 20 nuns currently living in the northern corner of the complex, the rest of the complex is open to the public. The founder of the convent was the rich widow, Maria de Guzman. The tradition of the time indicated that the second son or daughter of a family would enter religious service, and the convent accepted only women from high-class families. Each nun at Santa Catalina had between one and four servants and invited musicians to perform in the convent, gave parties and generally lived a lavish lifestyle. Each family paid a dowry at their daughter’s entrance to the convent. The nuns were also required to bring 25 listed items, including a statue, a painting, a lamp and clothes. The wealthiest nuns may have brought fine English china and silk curtains and rugs. Although it was possible for poorer nuns to enter the convent without paying a dowry, it can be seen from the cells that most of the nuns were very wealthy. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 3 Arequipa-Colca Canyon
This morning early drive to the Colca Canyon. You will take the road that passes between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. On the way to the canyon you have the opportunity to visit a vicuna reserve before arriving to the picturesque towns of Callalli and Sibayo. Continue to the town of Chivay. Box lunch included. Remainder of the day is free to relax or visit the town. The Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is in the province of Caylloma and provides an incredible view of the majestic Andean condors soaring in their natural habitat. Overnight and dinner in a local lodge.

Day 4 Colca Canyon-Lima
Early departure to the “Cruz del Condor” site, the best place to admire the Colca Canyon and the famous Condor’s flight. On the way, you will visit archaeological remains, Inca terraces which are still in use and charming villages such as Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. You will also visit the hot springs at La Calera. Lunch included. Afternoon return to Arequipa and your flight to Lima (not included). Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your hotel for overnight in Lima.

Day 5 Lima-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or you can extend your stay in Peru or continue to Ecuador or Bolivia.

Additional nights available

This tour can be combined with our Lima and Cusco tour