Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cuzco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Amazon Rainforest. Our most in-depth 3 week exploration of Peru, featuring mountain vistas, jungle adventures, colonial cities and the once-in-a-lifetime Inca Trail. Day 1 Lima: Flight to Lima and transfer to the Hotel in the exclusive zone of Lima Day 4 Pisco - Nazca: After breakfast Back on land, catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way we pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica. Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year-round and is known for its huge sand dunes. In the nearby oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect subjects for photography and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area. Flight tour over the enigmatic Nazca Lines; The Nazca lines are geoglyphs and geometric line clearings in the Peruvian desert. They were made by the Nazca people, who flourished between 200 BCE and 600 CE along rivers and streams that flow from the Andes. The desert itself runs for over 1,400 miles along the Pacific Ocean. The area of the Nazca art is called the Pampa Colorada (Red Plain). It is 15 miles wide and runs some 37 miles parallel to the Andes and the sea. Dark red surface stones and soil have been cleared away, exposing the lighter-colored subsoil, creating the "lines". There is no sand in this desert. From the air, the "lines" include not only lines and geometric shapes, but also depictions of animals and plants in stylized forms. Some of the forms, including images of humans, grace the steep hillsides at the edge of the desert. Transfer to the bus station for the Royal Class Bus to Arequipa. Arrival late night transfer from the terminal to the Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch) Day 6 Colca Valley: Departure from Arequipa, passing near the thermal baths of Yura and climbing up towards the National Reserve of Pampa de Canahuas which is situated at 3,800m. The colors and scenery are spectacular as we pass endangered grazing Vicunas and ponds with Andean Geese. We can see many snow peaks and volcanoes from here. Winding down into the Colca, we stay at the comfortable Colca Lodge. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) Day 7 Colca Valley - Puno: After breakfast, early departure to reach the Cruz Del Condor viewpoint, a few kilometers before Cabanaconde, where the Colca Canyon starts. Here Andean Condors and other Birds of Prey, roost on inaccessible ledges and once hot air thermals have developed, produced by the burning Andean Sun, they circle out gaining height and provide stunning photographic opportunities. The Condors are big and one cannot help but be amazed by these creatures. Here we will see a fine view of the flight of the condors as well as of the depth of the mighty canyon. In the afternoon, journey from the colca Valley to Puno and to the hotel (Breakfast/Lunch) Day 9 Puno - Cusco: The trip from Puno to Cuzco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. A long the way we will have stops and guided tours to the Incas sites of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pikillaqta. We have lunch at the restaurant in Sicuani. After our arrival into Cusco our staff will meet and transfer to the Hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch) Day 17-18 - 19: Amazon Jungle. Fly from Cuzco, high in the Andes, to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle. Travel by motorized canoe to our lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area, which holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one area. Explore the jungle with local guides before flying to Lima for a final night out. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Prices start from $2,499.00 per person in double occupancy from Lima, Peru. This includes. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). accommodations as stated in the itinerary, domestic airfare, Tourist Class Train, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services provided by our guide. It does not include airfare from your home to Lima and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations.
Day 2 Pachacamac: Today our staff will transfer you to the pre-Inca archaeological ruins of Pachacamac outside the city of Lima. Afterwards continue to the Larco Museum showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview of 3,000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. The museum features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru. It also houses the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. For an unforgettable experience, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Columbian art, after being exhibited in the world's leading museums. Afterwards we will return to the hotel and you will transferred to the bus station and travel the route of the locals as we start our Andean adventure on the road from Lima to Huancayo in the central Andes. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Lima - Pisco: After breakfast, transfer to the Bus terminal for the Royal Class Bus to Paracas, some three hours south of Lima.An important port town, Pisco gives its name to the white grape brandy produced in the region. If you haven't tried the national drink, don't pass up this chance to sip on a tasty and frothy Pisco Sour in the heart of Pisco country. transfer to the port for the boat to the Ballestas islands. These spectacular islands, 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 bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies 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. After the boat tour, return to the mainland for an excursion to the Paracas National Reserve. Here we will visit several museums showing the natural history of Paracas and also the ancient Paracas culture in addition to the beautiful "cathedral", a natural rock formation. (Breakfast/Lunch)
Day 5 Arequipa: Peru's second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Sitting at 2325 m (7626 ft) above sea level and surrounded by the Andes mountains, this delightful colonial town is well worth a visit. Arequipa was built from a very light coloured volcanic rock called sillar, so older buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname, "the White City." The main plaza with its cafés and nearby cathedral is a top draw for visitors.
Those with an interest in history and architecture may take an optional visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a by-gone way of life. Spectacular mountains surround Arequipa, the most famous of which is El Misti Volcano, at 5822 m (19096 ft) with its beautiful snow-capped peak. Also looming nearby are the volcanoes Chachani and Pichu Pichu. (Breakfast)
Day 8 Titikaka Lake: After breakfast, a tour by boat to the islands of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca. Our first stop are the floating reed islands of the Uros indigenous group who maintain houses and evens schools on these floating reed islands continuing to Taquile, where members of this self-supporting island will welcome you and offer a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. Box Lunch on the island and an opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. Returm to our Hotel(Breakfast/Lunch
Day 10 Cusco City Tour: Free morning. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, Colonial sites such as the Cathedral, Qoricancha, temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites. Later you will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to the hotel (Breakfast)
Day 11 Trek Briefing:
Prior to departing for the trek, we meet for an orientation briefing by our guide. (B)
Day 12: Commence Trek / Wayllabamba
Early in the morning our guide picks you up at your hotel in Cusco for the 2 hour ride by bus to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho at km 82. Here you will meet the team that will join you during the trek, such as the porters, camp assistants and cooks. You will begin the walk, the first day is quite easy and during the first kilometers, you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain, walking alongside the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta, where you will have lunch and gain energy to reach Wayllabamba, the name in Quechua means 'grassy plain. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Pacaymayu
Today we climb up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1? hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuanusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail. The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Wiñayhuayna
Today you will continue to climbing a series of Inca steps, it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (12,172ft). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Winay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive. A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu. (B/L/D).
Day 15: Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, in the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every steps and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Our guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder (7'800ft.) Afterward transfer by bus to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and after that you will board the train for your returning to Cusco. After your arrival to the Cusco train station our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 16: Free day at Cusco
Free day to enjoy the most importants sites of the City.(B/D)
About half of Peru is located within the Amazon Basin, however, due to its isolation, not a lot of it is available to the casual traveller. Puerto Maldonado is the region's principal city and is serviced by air from the capital and from Cuzco. The town is situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers, and is a bustling, booming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are gold mining, Brazil nut collecting, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism. After a brief stop in the town we depart on an afternoon boat trip by motorized canoe to our jungle lodge. Depending on flight arrival times we have either a boxed lunch aboard the boat or lunch upon arrival at the lodge. During our voyage you will have the chance to see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as Black Skimmers, Pied Lapwings, Capped Herons, Jabiru Storks, Roadside Hawks and several species of kingfishers, swallows, and flycatchers. The Tambopata area includes habitats ranging from the Andean highlands around the rivers' headwaters through some of the last remaining intact cloud forests to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin. The area is renowned for its diverse plant and animal populations and include over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world's total), 200 mammal species including 4 species of primates, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants-all protected within the reserve. Some of the more famous residents are the Harpy Eagle, the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, tapir, peccary, jaguar, ocelot and playful river otters who live in the area's oxbow lakes.
The lodge itself combines native architectural style and materials with low-impact eco-friendly technology. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito netting for individual beds, flush toilets, showers (no hot water), and kerosene lamps for lighting (no electricity). Local community members make up the majority the lodge staff, including multilingual Naturalist Guides. Here you have the opportunity to learn from them not only about the area's rich flora and fauna, but also about their extensive practical uses for medicinal plants and other forest plant resources, through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.
After exploring the jungle with local guides, fly to Lima for the final night and one last Pisco Sour before you take your flight back home.
TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the Tour registration form and return it with a deposit of 50% per person. If registering by phone, the deposit must be received within 10 days or the space will be released. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 days prior to the tour departure date.
AIR INFORMATION: Sun God Expeditions Tours E.I.R.L is a full-service travel agency and we will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to contact us to confirm your air arrangements.
CURRENCY: Nuevo Sol; as of February, 2006, $1 USD = 3.42 Nuevo Sol. Local currency and USD are available from ATM's at Lima airport and major cities
DOCUMENTS: For U.S. citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure is required. Non-United States citizens should check with their local Peruvian consulate or embassy. A visa is not required; a tourist card will be issued by the airline
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
What to Bring
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine.
General
Trekking
Personal gear
Note: Upgrades and Hiram Bingham train and private tours, please contact us for details
Before booking, it is important to have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. Please bear in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups
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OUR TOURS
LUXURY TOURS ESCORTED GROUP TOURS SELECTED TOURS AROUND PERU INCA TRAIL AFFORDABLE PERU TOURS AMAZON JUNGLE TOURS ADVENTURE TOURS SOUTH AMERICA COMBINED ECUADOR GALAPAGOS ISLAND CRUICES DISCOUNTED STUDENT PERU TOUR EXPLORE PERU / FAM TRIP FOR TRAVEL AGENTS HONEYMOON PERU TOURS PERU FAMILY TOURS |
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PERU HIGHLANDS 19 Days
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