Day 1. Arrive Lima
As most flights into Lima arrive late at night on your arrival into Lima you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel of choice.
Day 2. Lima - Arequipa
An early morning spectacular flight along the Peruvian coast brings us to the "White City" of Arequipa, the ideal place to start acclimatizing to the rarefied air of the Andes and a beautiful city to explore.
Arequipa boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, quaint old town streets, the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery and Juanita the Ice maiden museum. Alpaca wool is Arequipa's finest export and there are plenty of opportunities for treating yourself to some stunning textiles here. B
Days 3. Arequipa - Colca Canyon
Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca canyon.
The Colca canyon is one of the World's deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip. We over night in the charming Colca lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge's restaurant, bar or games room. BLD
Days 4. Colca Canyon - Cruz del Condor - Colca Canyon
The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world's largest birds, the condor, who nests in the cliffs of one of the world's deepest canyons (approx. 3, 400 m deep). Hiking to near-by ruins and a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area are also available activities. On return to the lodge plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs. BLD
Day 5. Colca Canyon - Puno
A spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas as we travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca and on to our destination of Puno.
En route we can take a visit to Silustani ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers pre-date the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilization was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno we check into our hotel and can explore this interesting town and barter for locally hand-knitted woolen goods. BPL
Day 6. Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is a photographer's dream, its clear sapphire water and the astounding blue skies are mesmerizing. A full day's boat trip with your own private guide and boat ensure you see all the sights in safety and style.
The famous floating reed islands of Uros and the ancient traditions and weavings of Taquile Island are explained and viewed at your leisure. We return to our Puno hotel for the night. BL
Day 7. Lake Titicaca - Cusco
Today we board the luxury all day train from Puno to Cusco. This classic Orient Express train journey, recently voted "one of the top ten railway journeys of the world" cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages where life is harsh but the resilient locals keep their communities with pride and good humour.
On arrival at Cusco train station we transfer to your hotel. This evening we stretch our legs around the spectacular Plaza de Armas and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants as we begin to explore the fascinating city of Cusco. Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a luxury bus alternative on the other days. BL
Day 8. Cusco - Sacred Valley - Cusco
A vital Inca road once snaked its way up the canyon that enters the Urubamba Valley at Pisac. The citadel, at the entrance to this gorge, now in ruins, controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with Paucartambo, on the border of the eastern jungles.
Set high above a valley floor patchworked by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing, the stonework and panoramas at Pisac's Inca citadel are magnificent. Terraces, water ducts and steps have been cut out of solid rock, and in the upper sector of the ruins, the main Sun Temple is equal of anything at Machu Picchu. Above the temple lie still more ruins, mostly unexcavated, and among the higher crevices and rocky overhangs several ancient burial sites are hidden
Modern Pisac is a picturesque Andean Village, typical except for the huge, spreading pisonary tree that dominates the central square. The village is best known for its Sunday market, which draws hundreds of tourists each week.
In spite of its popularity the market retains much of its local charm, at least in the part where villagers from miles around gather to barter and sell their produce. In the tourist section of the market you can buy a wide variety of handicrafts - mostly the same things you see in Cusco.
Pisac is a good place to buy the local ceramics including a huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-colored beads. There are smaller markets in Pisac on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
We return to Cusco in the early evening. B
Day 9. Cusco - Inca Trail
The Inca Trail
From Cusco we drive into the sacred valley of the Incas, calling in at the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road we meet the team of porters and cooks for lunch and start to trek along the banks of the Urubamba River. This is ideal for acclimatization purposes. We camp the night at Llactapata (2, 288 m) beside some spectacular ruins. This is camping and trekking in style. Whilst walking all you need to carry is a daypack - all camping equipment is carried by our support team of traditional porters. All camp chores are done for us and delicious food is served by a cook and his helpers. BLD
Day 10. Inca Trail
We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680 m). This has out-standing views down the valley. BLD
Day 11. Inca Trail
Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200 m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay.
Our second pass of the day (3998 m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on incredibly well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp (3650 m) BLD
Day 12. Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on a seemingly endless Inca Stairway to Winay-winay (2, 600 m), another impressive ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment and having a guideed tour of the ruins we catch a bus down to the train station in the near-by town of Aguas Calientes (2, 000 m) before returning to Cusco. BL
Day 13. Cusco - Lima
An early transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward international connections home.
Amazon Jungle add on
Day 13. A short flight over the Andes brings us to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here we travel by motorized dug out canoe boat away from the town to our jungle lodge. With our resident expert guides on hand we can choose to do as little or as much exploring as we like. We can take canoe rides, hike trails, go out at night in search of Caimen or simply relax in our hammock and soak up the atmosphere. BLD
Day 14. Amazon Jungle
Up at dawn we continue our exploration of the jungle, by foot into the pristine rainforest or by canoe on the nearby lake. Our resident naturalist guides will explain to us the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon. Hopefully we see several species of monkeys, many exotic birds and if we are lucky maybe a mammal or two. Another siesta and for those who wish, more exploration of the rainforest. BLD
Day 15. Amazon Jungle
Another day to explore the Amazon Jungle. BLD
Day 16. Amazon Jungle - Lima - Home
We transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima in time to connect with your international flights home. B
PRICES FROM:
Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form or call us on 1 888 469 2949.
NOTES:
*Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a luxury bus alternative on the other days.
**The "Inca Trail" travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes the Inca Trail so very special could also cause certain problems.
- Peru international departure tax $30 USD
- Peru domestic departure tax $8 USD
- Local currency is Soles
- Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
- Dialing Code: 51
- Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
- Weights & measures: Metric
HOTELS:
Lima: Faraona Grand Hotel
Arequipa: Casa Andina Classic
Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge
Puno: Casa Andina Classic
Cusco: Terra Andina
Sacred Valley: Terra Andina
Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Inn
Amazon Jungle: Posada Amazonas Lodge
Other hotel options available on request
DEPARTURE:
Departs daily minimum 2 people
PRICE INCLUDES:
- All airport transfers
- Internal flights and train/bus tickets
- All transport in private vehicle
- English speaking tour conductor trained in first-aid and C.P.R.
- Private local guides
- All Accommodation
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo ruins
- Bus transfers to and from the ruins
- Colca entrance, Tambopata entrance
- All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
NOT INCLUDED
- Visa fees (if required)
- Passport & Visa Costs
- Vaccination Costs
- Personal Spending Money
- Meals where not listed
- Drinks
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Airport departure taxes
- Border taxes or fees
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Lima City stop over
- Nazca Lines extension
- Northern Peru Amazon Cruise
Visas
At the time of booking we will advise you of any visas or other documentation that will be required prior to your arrival.
Costs relating to the issue of visas or related documentation are the responsibility of the traveler.
As visa requirements change it is your responsibility to ensure that the correct documentation and visas are obtained before traveling. Failure to do
so may result in your not being able to join the trip.
For the latest information on visas please visit:
US Citizens
Canadian Citizens
Australian Citizens
General
Travel Insurance:
It is a condition of booking that all clients have comprehensive travel insurance. AI can offer Travel Insurance for your trip. Please request a quote
when booking.
Disclaimer:
Prices based on per person, twin/double share, unless otherwise noted, and pre-set group minimum numbers. Prices & itineraries are correct at the
time of printing. Itineraries & prices may change due to currency fluctuations, local conditions or events outside the control of A.I and her local
operators. Please see our booking terms & conditions for full details.
