Day 1 | LimaThere are no scheduled activities on day 1 until the group meeting at 4pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.
Your leader will collect your local payment at this meeting. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.
For those who arrive early, we recommend you take a walk around Miraflores. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively go to Parque del Amor (Love's Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches. Other things to see and do include a tour to Pachacamac (approx 30 km from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion, Museum of the Inquisition, Gold Museum and Archaeological Museum.
Please note that on day 2 we include an orientation walking tour in downtown Lima so there is no need for you to visit downtown prior to the trip.
While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was built on top of an existing palace and temples that belonged to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well preserved historical centre.
Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the 16th century monastery of San Francisco which boasts a fresco of the Last Supper that has a distinctly Peruvian flavour: the disciples pictured dine on guinea pig and drink from gold Inca cups. The monastery's catacombs are the real draw-card, and have been Lima's underground general cemetery for hundreds of years. Another fascinating church is the Iglesia de La Merced, just two blocks from the Plaza. Here the devout come in their hundreds to kiss the silver Cross of the Venerable Padre Urraca. There are many fine museums in and around the city including the Museo del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, which gives a fascinating insight into the Spanish Inquisition and the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia which offers a look at Peru's succession of ancient cultures.
Away from the historic centre, mingle with the locals in Lima's cosmopolitan coastal districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood specialty.
Located in the heart of Miraflores, our hotel has comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot shower, cable TV and minbar.
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Day 2 | PiscoIn the morning of day 2 your leader will give you a safety brief, followed by an orientation walk in Lima (approx 2 hours).
About midday you will travel by taxi or minivan to Lima's bus station and take a local bus to Pisco (approx. 4 hours). The bus will stop three or four times before reaching our destination. Upon arrival in Pisco we transfer to our hotel (approx. 30 minutes).
An important port town, Pisco is the gateway to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. Sometimes called the 'Galapagos of Peru' the islands are a haven for wildlife and hundreds of pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You could get up close to the wildlife on an optional boat tour of the islands on day 3.
After the earthquake of August 2007, the town is in the process of reconstruction and getting its lively spirit back, starting with the main pedestrian avenue. Look for a restaurant to sample some of Peru's famed national drink, Pisco Sour, or for some local food specialties head to the Plaza de Armas where the locals hang out and munch on tejas, small sweets made from nuts and dried fruits.
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Days 3-4 | NazcaToday starts early with an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are reached by speedboat and the excursion lasts around 1.5 - 2 hours. Between June and September the port might be closed by the Peruvian Navy due to weather conditions. Should this occur an alternative option of a land tour to the National Reserve of Paracas will be offered.
Following the optional excursion we continue on to Nazca (approx. 3 hours), stopping en route at the oasis of Huacachina. Here, sand dunes are at their most dramatic and offer endless photography and sandboarding opportunities. We arrive in Nazca about 4-5pm.
We stay overnight in Nazca in a hotel with fan cooled ensuite rooms. The hotel has a swimming pool and a restaurant and is about 5 blocks from the main square.
The entire desert area was once home to the ancient Nazca and Paracas cultures which preceded the Incas by over 500 years. Remains of their cultures are still visible and we head deeper into the desert to learn more. From our base in Nazca we explore one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites, the Nazca Lines.
The enormous lines have been etched into the ground by scraping away the dark rocks to reveal paler ones underneath. Animals, insects and birds are depicted, and some of the simpler line formations are up to 10km (32 miles) in length. Who drew them, how and why, can only be guessed at, but theories range from alien invaders to complex Nazca calendars. The best way to view the lines is from the air and there is the option to take a flight across the desert before we continue to the desert cemetery of Chauchilla. The Nazca people were buried with colourful textiles and ceramics deep in the desert where the arid climate has naturally mummified the bodies for over 1,500 years.
Your afternoon on day 4 is free, followed by an overnight bus ride to Arequipa (approx. 9-10 hours). A simple snack is provided the following morning.
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Day 5 | ArequipaUpon arrival in Arequipa we transfer to the hotel. Check-in time is at noon but we can ask to keep our luggage in the storage room.
Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cuzco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Arequipa was built out of pale volcanic rock, called sillar, and the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname the 'White City'. The main plaza with its cafes and nearby cathedral is a lovely place to while away the day. For a glimpse into a bygone way of life, you might like to visit the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. When the convent was built in the 16th century it was traditional for the second son or daughter of a family to enter the religious service. The Santa Catalina accepted only women from high-class Spanish families, with each family paying a hefty dowry for her acceptance. But life inside the convent was far from modest: each nun had between one and four servants, many brought rugs, fine china and silk curtains, and they often gave parties.
Your leader will suggest a Picanteria (local restaurant) where you may like to sample a typical lunch.
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Days 6-7 | Chivay/Colca CanyonThis morning we travel by minivan to Chivay (approx. 5 hours). Along the way you'll see llamas, alpacas and vicunas and discover the differences between these similar creatures. There will also be the opportunity to stop for pictures. At our second stop (after approx. 2 hours) you will have the chance to try some coca tea. After a third stop at Patapampa (4800m above sea level and the highest place on our tour), we descend to Chivay town.
More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The Incan and pre-Incan terraces that are carved into the walls are still cultivated and traditional Indian villages are dotted throughout the canyon.
After lunch at Chivay, your local guide will organise a short trek, finishing at the local hot thermal baths. You may choose to spend your evening soaking in the baths, dining on llama steak or listening to live Andean music at a pena.
Accommodation in Chivay is in a very basic hostel. There are en suite toilets, however there is no heating (you can request extra blankets) and some rooms can be noisy.
The main star of the canyon is not the amazing scenery but the magnificent Andean condor, the world's largest flying bird. We wake up very early on day 7 to go to the viewpoint where you can admire the condors, followed by an opportunity to explore the incredible canyon.
In the afternoon we will meet our host family for a one night homestay. For a 'real life experience' you might like to offer to help your host family with their local daily activities such as planting, collecting water, peeling potatoes, or preparing the family meal.
The Colca community homestay is also very basic with shared family toilets and no showers. There is however a proper bed with extra blankets and a basic local breakfast.
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Days 8-10 | Puno/Lake TiticacaOn day 8 we take a morning trek near the community before saying goodbye to our host family. Travelling by bus we head to Patahuasi (approx. 4 hours) and there change to a bus to Puno (approx. 5 hours).
Travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The town of Puno is also famous for its traditional dances and if you're fortunate enough to be here on a Catholic feast day, watch as the locals perform one of the 100 styles in a street procession.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3,820m (12,562ft) above sea level. From the shoreline, the water stretches out almost as far as the eye can see, its expanses just waiting to be explored. We have the opportunity to tour the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros built the islands from many layers of totora reeds to isolate themselves from rival tribes. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.
Boarding the boat again, this time we travel to our homestay at a lake community. Play soccer with the locals, help out with their daily activities or try to have a chat in the local language, Quechua. Basic lunch and dinner are provided today.
Our homestay is a mudbrick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, there are shared drop toilets and there are no showers.
A short distance away (1 hour by boat) is Taquile Island, our excursion on day 10. Here knitting is strictly in the male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. A trek uphill (1 hour) will bring you to the main area of the island. After the visit we descend about 500 steps to board the boat back to Puno (approx 3 hours).
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Days 11-12 | CuzcoTravelling by local bus (approx. 6 hours) we reach Cuzco.
The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest, continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today, Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Incan foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for optional explorations into the Incan world and to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
In the afternoon on day 11 your leader will give you a safety brief, followed by an orientation walking tour, including a visit to a Coca shop to taste a special and unique coca tea. We will also visit the local San Pedro market.
Day 12 is free for you to discover some of Cuzco's highlights.
Explore the many baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city. The Cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco's picturesque heart. The cathedral is one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a gold-covered Renaissance altar. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compania, La Merced and San Blas.
There are several impressive Incan ruins within the city, the most easily accessible being Coricancha, which was the Incan Empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican Church atop its sturdy walls. The stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman is also worth a visit. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. Other ruins nearby are Qenqo and Tambomachay. To visit these get a Boleto Turistico, and choose your method of transport - taxi, tourist bus, trekking or cycling.
For lunch or mid-morning coffee and cake head to Yanapay restaurant on 415 Ruinas St. This restaurant uses all its profits to support children in Cuzco through Aldea Yanapay and its social projects. For more info on Aldea Yanapay visit http://yanapay.facipub.com/
Alternatively, take a local bus to the Sacred Valley where you can visit a local community and learn about Andean lifestyle and daily activities.
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Days 13-16 | Inca Trail/Machu PicchuThe four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a demanding but incredibly rewarding trek. We catch a bus (approx 2.5 hours) to the 82km marker and are joined by a crew of local porters, cook and guide. Take advantage during the 4 days of the trek to get to know your porters. You will realise they work the hardest on the team and are gentle people willing to share with you their culture, language and trek experiences.
Accommodation on the trek is camping (3 nights). Double tents (twin share) and foam camping mats will be provided. Tents are set up by the porters. Meals are prepared by the trek cook.
The trail is part of a series of Incan highways that linked the empire all the way from Quito in Ecuador, to Santiago in Chile. As we hike from high plateau to dense forest, you will see the ruins of ancient villages, temples and inns, the first of which is Llactapata, burnt to the ground by the last Inca Emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail.
The starting point of the trek (the 82km marker) is located at 2,850m above sea level. Day 1 includes some uphill trekking to the campsite (over 3,000m above sea level).
The second day is the most challenging of the trek as we ascend a long steep path (approx. 4 hours) to reach the highest point of our trek, Warmiwanusca, or Dead Woman's Pass, at a height of 4,200m (13,779ft), before descending to the Pacaymayo Valley (3650m above sea level/2 hours downhill). Depending upon what has been established by the Government, you might camp here today, or may need to continue further up and down.
We might cross the first and second passes on day 2. From the second pass, Runkuracay (3,980m above sea level/90 minutes uphill) we can enjoy views of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (1.5 - 3 hours downhill). From here it is only a few more minutes to the Chaquicocha campsite (3,620m above sea level).
On day 15 we continue over the third pass and soon reach the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the 'Town above the Clouds' (3,850m above sea level / 90 minutes uphill). Start descending real Inca Steps (2 hours) to reach our final night's camp by the Winay Wayna, or 'Forever Young' ruins (2,750m above sea level), with panoramic views of the valley below.
Day 16 sees a short final hike (1.5 - 2 hours) to Machu Picchu and we climb the steps to the Sun Gate to watch the ruins emerge from the mist below. The feeling as the as you see the ruins for the first time is indescribable.
While it is thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There is plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (1.5 - 2 hours) with plenty of free time afterwards. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it is time to return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and glass of Pisco Sour.
The trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but do come prepared: the trail is 45km (28 miles) long and often steep. Generally the journeys consist of 7 hours walking on average (both uphill and downhill), plus stops for snacks and lunch. Normally trekking starts at 7am (except for the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 4-5pm. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season and temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses three passes, the highest being 4,200m (13,779ft).
For those passengers not interested or unable to hike the trail it is possible to spend an extra 2 extra days in Cuzco then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. The following morning there will be a bus to Machu Picchu passengers can join the rest of the group for the guided tour. This option must be arranged at the time of booking or local fees will apply.
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Day 17 | CuzcoEnjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights. Rest weary legs at a caf? on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, horse riding or white water rafting on the Urubamba River.
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Days 18-19 | Amazon JungleWe take an early 30 minute flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will take us to their office in town where you will leave most of your luggage at a safe storage and continue traveling with a small pack with the necessary items for the next 2 nights in the jungle. We then take a motorized canoe up river to our jungle lodge.
Depending on our flight arrival time, we will have lunch on board the canoe as we travel to our lodge in the Madre de Dios Area.
We head into the jungle with our local, multilingual guides and encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. The guides can also teach us about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants.
After exploring the wilds to your heart's content, it is time to jump back on the canoe and return to civilisation.
The lodge is eco-friendly and combines low-impact architecture with traditional native style. Rooms are simple, but comfortable with flush toilets (en-suite), showers (cold water only), mosquito nets and kerosene lamps for light.
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Days 20-21 | LimaA midday flight (approx. 2 hours) brings us back to Lima and we return to our comfortable hotel.
Depart at any time on day 21. Please note that hotel check out is at noon however you can ask at reception to store your luggage.
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Itinerary DisclaimerPlease note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.
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