South America Vacations

Peru Vacation Package 2

16 Days Southern Peru Unveiled Tour Package

Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $4,535 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Apr - Dec, Jan

 

 

We can assure your majesty that it is so beautiful and has such fine buildings that it would even be remarkable in Spain. --- Francisco Pizarro, describing Cuzco in a letter to King Charles V of Spain. Heir to ancient cultures and a rich colonial tradition, Peru is a magical spot which involves one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, and is a melting pot of different cultures who together are forging the promise of a better future.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

Day 2. 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))

Day 3. 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. (B/L/D)

Day 4. 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. (B/L/D)

Day 5. 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. (B/BL)

Day 6. 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. (B/L)

Day 7. 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. (B/L)

Day 8. 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. For those wishing to trek 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. (B / L / D)

For those NOT wishing to trek the Inca Trail
A free day to explore Cusco. From the Plaza de Armas, we suggest a visit to the sun temple, Qoricancha, a walk up to the San Blas district and for the energetic a visit to Sacsayhuaman fort overlooking the city. For those looking to relax there are countless excellent bars and cafes overlooking the Plaza de Armas and plenty of bargain hunting to do in the artisan markets. We meet in the evening for a briefing on the Inca Trail (B)

Day 10. For those trekking the 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 at Llulluchupampa (3680 m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. (B / L / D)

For those NOT trekking the Inca Trail
We pick you up early in the morning, driving out of Cusco, passing en route, the fascinating archaeological ruins of Sacsayhuaman where a decisive battle between Inca rebels and Spanish rebels was fought. We descend into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and stop for lunch en route to Ollantaytambo, sight of the last battle between Incas and Spanish before the remaining Incas rebels fled into the jungles of Vilcabamba. In this well-preserved village and ruins you can still feel the true magic of the Incas. We will overnight in the Sacred Valley. (L / D)

Day 11. For those trekking the INCA TRAIL

Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200 m). This is the highest point of the trail before we descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca ruins Runkuracay. Our second pass of the day (3850 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 before passing through a tunnel and a gentle climb which brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650 m) where we camp. (B / L / D)

For those NOT trekking the Inca Trail
We continue our journey down the Urubamba valley by early morning train to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas- Machu Picchu". A short bus ride takes you direct to the ruins. Once there your guide gives you an extensive walking tour of the ruin and explains the fascinating history of the Incas to you. If time permits you may wish to explore further to the Inca Bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. Some may prefer to just relax and take in the awesome location. (B)

Day 12.For those trekking the INCA TRAIL

Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on an Inca stairway to Winay Wayna (2,600 m), another interesting ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,400 m). After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to the train station at Aguas Calientes to board our train back to Cusco and celebrate our return to civilization. (B / L)

For those NOT trekking the Inca Trail
First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu where we will meet up with those who chose to trek the Inca Trail and have the ruins virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca Bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B/L)

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. (B / L / D)

Day 14. 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. (B / L / D)

Day 15. Another day to explore the Amazon Jungle. (B / L / D)

Day 16. We transfer back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima in time to connect with your international flights home. (B)

• Internal flights
• All airport transfers
• 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
• nca trail - all camping and cooking equipment including Thermarests, spacious two person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent
• Extensive First-aid kit including Oxygen
• A qualified Inca trail guide
• All porters
• Cook team
• 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 indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

• Sleeping bag (available for rent at $10 a night)
• 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

• White Water Rafting
• Amazon Jungle Extra days
• Mountain Biking

For groups or departures of 6 or less a surcharge applies

*For those who do not wish to trek, there is an option to visit Machu Picchu by train and to spend time exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

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