Complete Peruvian Experience

Lima will be the gateway to this amazing rendezvous with history and nature, on this journey through the most attractive destinations in the Andes and the wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon. Discover Arequipa, one of Peru’s most beautiful colonial cities, and enjoy the amazing views of the Colca Valley. Then you will cross the Altiplano, in the midst of imposing volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, until you reach Puno.

Take part in an unforgettable trip in the waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, and visit remote islands such as Taquile or Sillustani. Discover why Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire, and feel closer to heaven as you arrive at Machu Picchu. Experience the magic of the tropical jungle and let yourself be captivated by the flora and fauna of the Amazon Basin at Madre de Dios, one of the world’s most biodiverse places.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Lima and transfer to the hotel. You will have the afternoon free.

Day 2: Lima city tour. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, you will stop off at the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). There, you will explore the square by foot and admire the exteriors of the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), the Cathedral of Lima, and the Municipalidad (City Hall), all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. Afterwards, you will visit La Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Next, you will make your way to the Convento de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Convent), a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country.

Finally, you will leave behind Lima’s Historic Center and begin your journey through the streets of modern Lima as you head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro and Miraflores. In San Isidro, you will pass through the heart of the city’s financial district and then enjoy a panoramic view of the Huaca Hullamarca Pyramid, an important pre-Inca and Incan ceremonial center and cemetery built out of adobe mud bricks. Soon afterwards, you will travel to the district of Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

You will complete your tour of Lima with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, a neighborhood called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda. Remaining day at leisure.

Day 3: Flight to Arequipa and transfer to the hotel. Fiercely guarded by three volcanoes the Misti, the Chachani, and the Pichu Pichu the magnificent Ciudad Blanca (White City) awaits you with its extraordinary architecture and surreal landscapes. Discover one of Peru’s most beautiful colonial cities. You will begin your tour with a visit to the Convento de Santa Catalina (Convent of St. Catherine). Founded in 1579 as a cloister, in its early days the convent was home to a small group of clergy who came from the local elite. Walk through its beautiful buildings as your guide takes you on a journey back in time through one of the largest holdings of colonial art in the Americas. The tour of the city will continue as you visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus). With its imposing size and fascinating appearance, this magnificent church will take your breath away.

Be sure to pay special attention to the Baroque façade and the amazing sacristy, meticulously decorated with vividly-colored murals. After finishing your tour of the church, you will move on to the Mirador del Carmen (a natural lookout point), ten minutes from the city center. From there you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Chili River Valley and of the majestic Misti. Next, you will stop off in the upscale neighborhood of Yanahuara and get a chance to walk along its wide cobblestone avenues and see its old ashlar stone mansions, which still preserve their traditional gardens. You will also be able to admire a beautiful church constructed in 1750 and a quaint plaza with a gorgeous ashlar stone lookout balcony. You will have the rest of the day free.

Day 4: Early in the morning, you will depart Arequipa to embark on a journey across a land of snow-covered volcanoes, inhospitable pampas, and incredibly beautiful quaint villages, arriving finally in the Colca Valley. The first stop will be in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, whose rugged plains are home to vast herds of Guanaco, Alpaca, and Vicuña. You will continue the journey as you ride along the edge of the crater of the Chucura Volcano, until you reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa.

This lookout point, at 16,100 ft (4,900 m) above sea level, will offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Calca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato. Next, you will head to the town of Chivay (close to where the Colca Valley begins) for a closer inspection of the impressive system of platforms and terraces built by the ancient Collagua and Cabana inhabitants. After lunch, you will make your way to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon free to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings, or simply rest and recover for the next day, as you see fit. Enjoy an excellent night’s rest at your hotel in the Colca Valley. (L)

Day 5: Early in the morning, you will travel to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Lookout). With its incredibly vast and breath-taking expanses, it is considered to be the best spot in the world to see the majestic Andean Condor in flight. Be on the lookout for the sudden appearance of this emblematic bird on the verge of extinction. With a little luck, you will enjoy a truly awe-inspiring experience as you watch this awesome bird soar, almost magically, ever higher into the infinite blue sky. From this vantage point, you will be able to look out across one of the world’s deepest canyons (13,650 feet [4,160 m] deep at the northern end and 11,800 feet [3,600 m] deep on its southern end).

After lunch, you will experience an awe-inspiring trip of about six hours through the unique landscapes of the high mountain plain. The trip will begin in Colca Valley, and shortly thereafter you will reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. Continuing the trip, you will circle along the base of the Chucura volcano as you make your way towards Pampa Cañahuas, a rugged plain that belongs to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a place where guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas freely roam. You will end your trip in the legendary city of Puno, built on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Overnight in Puno. (L)

Day 6:  You will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs.

You will continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Before making your way back to Puno, you will have lunch at a local home. (L)

Day 7: Early in the morning we will depart from Puno to Cusco on board a comfortable vehicle, as we enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During our trip, we will make a brief stop at Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made. The famous torito is believed to have magical and religious qualities among the inhabitants of the Andes as a symbol of procreation for the flocks, for happiness in marriage, fertility at home and as protection for the house. We will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 14,222 feet (4,335 meters) above sea level.

There we will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Our following stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture.  Our last stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and façades. Buffet lunch at a country-style restaurant, where we will enjoy the regional cuisine. Overnight in Cusco. (L)

Day 8: Cusco city tour. History-filled alleys, churches, walls and archeological treasures await you in the magnificent Incan capital. You will begin your tour as you enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. You will then visit the nearby Fortaleza de Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Sacsayhuamán), a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision.

As you return to the lower part of the city, you will stop off at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter), which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region. Just a few blocks away, you will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Korikancha (the Golden Temple) – a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. You will complete the day with a stroll through the Cusco Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where you will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Day 9: This morning, you will continue or trip toward Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley), you will soon reach the must-see stop of Awanakancha. A few miles farther along, you will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. You will have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Time permitting you will get a chance to mingle with the locals at a typical Peruvian Andes establishment, either at a “chichería” (establishment for the brewing and sale of chicha, the famous traditional Andean drink made of germinated corn) or a bakery with still-functioning traditional ovens. (L)

Day 10: This day, you will visit the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu). Aboard a comfortable train, you will depart for the Aguas Calientes train Station, enjoying a spectacular view along the way. Upon arrival, you will transfer to a bus that will take you to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away.

You will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incans as you explore this magical citadel along with your guide. After the tour, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Time permitting you will be able to head back to the site for a second visit. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up and taken to the Aguas Calientes train Station, where you will board your return train. Upon your arrival at the station just outside of Cusco, a private transfer service will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city.

Day 11: Flight Cusco – Puerto Maldonado. Upon arriving in Puerto Maldonado, you will be greeted by one of the lodge’s representatives, who will welcome you and take you to the Inkaterra offices. There, you will go through the simple check-in process and will be able to store any extra luggage you might have. Boat transfer to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica, one of the best lodges in the region. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by the staff, who will give you a brief tour of the lodge and will explain the schedule of meals and excursions.

On the first day, we recommend that you discover the jungle through a guided tour along the trail network of the Inkaterra Nature Reserve, where you will discover the marvelous Amazon River Basin and have excellent opportunities to see some of the birds and insects that live in the area. Once the guided tour ends, you will be invited to take an evening boat tour on the Madre de Dios River and experience nightfall on the river. Witness the fantastic transformation of the jungle as the various creatures active in daylight are replaced by new species, totally adapted to the night. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an excellent night’s sleep at the lodge. (L/D).

Day 12: Puerto Maldonado. After breakfast, you will have a chance to visit Lake Sandoval in the Reserva Nacional de Tambopata (Tambopata National Reserve), a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy exceptional views on the lake as you canoe across its waters. In the afternoon, visit Canopy walkway Inkaterra. Here you will be able to observe the many animal species that make their home in the treetops as you climb the first tower, 95 feet (29 m) above the ground.

Get ready to walk through the treetops of the tropical forest for more than a quarter of a mile on the extensive network of suspension bridges that connect eight observation platforms. After descending from the canopy, you will experience the Anaconda Walk (650 feet [200 m] of wooden bridges spanning the Aguajales Swamp), where you will be able to observe different species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and tropical plant life. Once more, enjoy lunch, dinner, and an excellent night’s sleep at the lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 13: You will journey along a portion of the Madre de Dios River to reach your next destination: Gamitana Creek, home to piranhas, caimans, turtles, and a large variety of birds. After exploring the creek, you will return by river and stop to visit the Gamitana Model Farm, where you will get an idea of how a farm operates in the jungle and will get to see the products produced there. In the afternoon, you will journey to the Hacienda Concepción, an incredible botanical garden home to more than 200 species of plants native to the rainforest.

Then, you will take an amazing 30 minute canoe trip in search of turtles, nightjars, and exotic herons. After dinner, you will go on a nighttime trek on the trail network at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Lodge and will enter into the secondary forest. For around two hours, you will enjoy the concert of natural sounds created by the jungle. Prepare yourself to encounter new animals that are only active at night. Return to the lodge. You will have dinner and spend the night at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica .(D)

Day 14: Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you leave. You will travel 45 minutes upstream to Puerto Maldonado on the Madre de Dios River. You will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport. (B)

• Location: Lima and Surroundings, Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley, Titicaca and Arequipa
• Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
• Start / End:Lima / Lima
• Activities: Lima city tour, Arequipa and city tour, Colca Valley, city of Puno built on the shores of Lake Titicaca, visit Machu Picchu, Uros & Taquile Island excursion
• Highlights: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Altiplano, Puno, Lake Titikaka, Islands of Taquile and Sillustani, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Amazonas Basin at Madre de Dios
• Season: All year
• Included: Accommodation, meals mentioned in itinerary, local bilingual guide, all transfers and transport as detailed on itinerary, entry fees
• Not Included: Tips, domestic and international flights, meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Prices: Please contact us for pricing