Absorb Peru’s majestic spirit completely with this all-encompassing tour of Peru. Starting and ending in the fascinating capital of Lima we journey through the lush Amazon Jungle, marvel at the magnificent Lake Titicaca, witness the barren Altiplano deserts, walk the trails of the Incas and meet the colourful locals.
Day 1: Lima
Welcome to the capital of Peru and the start of your adventure! Make your way to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure in Lima. Overnight - Lima
Days 2 - 4: The Amazon
A short flight takes us to the jungle community of Puerto Maldonado, the starting point for our journey into the Amazon. From here a bus, followed by a motorised canoe ride downriver brings us to our jungle lodge. After lunch we take a short boat ride across the Madre de Dios River to Monkey Island with the possibility of spotting caiman from the boat. Monkey Island is renowned for its great variety of monkey species, as well as birdlife. Enjoy a wonderful sunset before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
After an early breakfast we set out on a guided walk of the rainforest. We’ll trek through dense jungle and marshland whilst our guide points out the various species of bird and plant found in the forest. We’ll learn about the delicate ecosystems of the Amazon and how plants are used in local medicine. There will also be the chance to take a canoe ride along one of the small lakes hidden away in the jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for caiman and, if you’re lucky, the rare giant otter. Later we enjoy the view of the lake and the canopy wildlife from a viewing platform. Here you’ll be able to see parrots, toucans, and herons as well as turtles and caiman. After lunch back at our jungle lodge we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon at the Gamitana River where you can try your hand at fishing or simply take a dip.
On our final day waking to the sounds of the jungle we head back to Puerto Maldonado for our return flight to Cuzco where the rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating ancient capital. For those who choose not to visit the Amazon Jungle, you will have more free time in Cuzco and a portion of your tour price will be deducted.
Overnight - Amazon Jungle (2), Cuzco (1) (B:2, L:1, D:2)
Lima Llama Land - 21 Days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Days 5 - 10: The Inca Trail
A full day is spent visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the Pisac ruins and the famous traditional Indian market of the same name. We also visit the temple fortress of Ollantaytambo with its enormous Inca terracing constructed on the side of a steep mountain. For those who have chosen to hike the Inca Trail Trek, we begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas. During your hike you will cross spectacular passes and visit more Inca ruins en-route to Machu Picchu. A relatively easy 13km walk on day 1 will get you limbered up for the highest pass at Warmiwanusca (4200m) which we reach before lunch time on day 2. After the pass it is all downhill as the trail winds its way along ancient Inca stairs. On our last morning we rise early for the final walk to the Lost City of Machu Picchu and greet daybreak over the famous ‘Sun Gate’. Enjoy free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Later you will have the chance to soak your tired muscles in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes before returning to Cuzco by train. If you are not participating in the trek then you will visit Machu Picchu by train and have plenty of free time to enjoy the activities available in and around Cuzco. Overnight - Cuzco (1), Inca Trail Trek (3), Cuzco (2) (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Days 11 - 13: Puno – Lake Titicaca
Departing Cuzco we head to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. On the way we’ll pass hot mineral pools, snow capped mountains and traditional Native Indian villages where locals sell their wares. In Puno we will learn about the way of life and culture of the Uros people with a boat visit to the floating reed islands. You’ll also get a chance to practice your bartering skills at the colourful market, arguably the best place to pick up an alpaca sweater. We continue by boat to the island of Amantani where we’ll stay with native Aymara/Quechua families enjoy the hospitality. The next morning we visit Taquile Island where you can buy unique handicrafts at the local cooperative shops. After lunch we head back to Puno by boat. Overnight - Puno (1), Lake Titicaca (1), Puno (1) (B:1, L:1, D:1)
Days 14 - 17: Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Explore the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa with its stunning architecture, cobbled streets and inviting local cafes. Enjoy the many Peruvian delicacies on offer in the fantastic restaurants and lose yourself in Santa Catalina Convent with its maze of cloisters and decorative buildings. Next we visit the nearby Colca Canyon, considered to be one of the deepest canyons in the world. En-route we travel into the high, barren Andean landscape, passing through ghost towns destroyed by earthquakes while learning about the local fauna and flora of the region. At the canyon we’ll walk along the edge catching sight of soaring giant condors and, if possible, enjoy a relaxing soak in the neighbouring hot springs before taking an overnight bus to Nazca. Overnight - Arequipa (1), Colca Canyon (1), Arequipa (1), overnight bus (1)
Days 18 - 19: Nazca – Pisco
We next travel to Nazca, an oasis town famous for the strange lines and geometrical figures etched into the desert floor. These designs, including a monkey, spider and hummingbird are best viewed from the air on an optional flight though there is a viewing tower to enable all visitors to see the distinctive lines and shapes. Later in the day you have time to visit the underground aqueducts, gold mines and ceramic shops, and the extraordinary Chauchilla Cemetery where you can see the ancient mummies which still have skin and hair intact. We then travel deep into the Huacachina oasis where you’ll have the chance to try sand boarding down the enormous dunes. Or for the brave amongst you, take a dip in the murky waters of the lagoon, said to contain therapeutic properties. Travelling down the Atlantic coast we reach the town of Pisco. By boat we head out to the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of sea lions and teeming with over 150 species of bird life. From the boat you may spot dolphins and seals playing in the waters and our cruise will also take us past the mysterious Candelabra figure engraved on the side of a mountain, believed to be linked with the lines of Nazca. Overnight - Nazca (1), Pisco (1)
Days 20 - 21: Lima
We arrive at our final destination, Lima, where you can spend a day visiting the city’s fine museums, the vibrant markets or the catacombs of San Francisco Church. On day 21 our tour concludes. Happy Travels! Lima (1)
Inca Trail , Lares Trek or Machhu Pichhu by Train
If you have always dreamed of trekking the Inca Trail you will need to book your trip in advance (4 months is ideal) as the number of Inca Trail permits is limited to 500 per day. Booking early gives us the best opportunity for securing one of these permits.
When booking your tour with us we'll need your full name as it appears in your passport, date of birth, nationality and passport number. With this information we can then apply for a permit.
If the Inca Trail is unavailable, you can opt to hike the Lares Trek. With its breathtaking passes, glacial lakes and hot springs, this less crowded option, which also ends with a full day’s visit to Machu Picchu, is thought to be equally if not more spectacular than the Inca Trail. Alternatively you could also choose to spend your time in Cuzco and take a day trip to Machu Pichhu by train.
FROM USD $3,159
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies to travellers who would like the comfort of their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price (please note that single rooms may not be available at every overnight stop, refer to the Go Guide to see which nights this is applicable to). If travelling solo and you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.
When booking a trip that includes the Inca Trail, this section of the holiday can not be confirmed until an Inca Trail Permit is obtained. It is essential at time of booking that you provide us with your full name as it appears in your passport, date of birth, nationality and passport number. We will then reply to you within 72 hours as to whether the Inca Trail Permit has been obtained. Once the permit has been obtained we cannot make any changes to it what so ever. If amendments are required you would need to pay for the cost of a new permit.
Booking your holiday more than 3 months in advance greatly increases your chances of obtaining one on the 500 Inca Travel permits allocated per day!
If the Inca Trail is not available you will then be given options of hiking the Lares trek or visiting Machu Picchu by train.
Deposit - If trekking the Inca Trail or Lares Trek please note that you will need to pay our standard tour deposit plus a non-refundable Inca Trail/Lares Trek deposit. This is not an extra payment and will be deducted from your final tour payment. Please contact us for further details.
We offer a range of opportunities for you to get to know the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle whilst travelling. The best way to learn about any culture is to live in the homes of the people, and participate in day to day activities. Whether its through community visits, accompanying Berbers in Morocco on their bi-annual migration or using homestay accommodation where you can experience real local warmth and hospitality.
The beautiful Amazon rainforest covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America, the majority of which is contained with in Brazil, then Peru and smaller amounts in Ecuador and Bolivia and other South American countries.
Mysterious Machu Picchu, often called “The lost City of the Incas” is a stunning sight that will amaze and astound any visitor, and since it was not plundered by the Spanish when they conquered the Incas, it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place. It was recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Lima - free time to explore the capital's vibrant markets and spanish colonial museums
UNESCO-listed Arequipa
Lake Titicaca and Altiplano with mineral pools and snow capped mountains
The Sacred Valley and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo
Exploration of the Amazon Rainforest with local guides
Pisco & Nazca with an optional flight over Nazca Lines
The Colca Canyon with plenty of stops at Miradors to catch sight of Condors
Cuzco - UNESCO listed and historical capital of the Inca Empire
Inca Trail, Sun Gate and Machu Picchu ruins
What's Included
6 Breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Guided tour of the Amazon
4 day Inca Trail Hike with local guide
Touring of the Nazca Lines
Relevant transport by public bus, local flight, train, boat and hiking
Entrance fees to Amazon Jungle, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
15 nights simple hotels, 3 nights camping, 1 night homestay, bus 1 night
Guided tour of Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu - awesome!
Guided tour of Lake Titicaca, Amantani and Taquile Islands
Escorted by a tour leader, Local guides whilst on Lake Titicaca, hiking the Inca Trail and whilst in the jungle
Economy class flights: Lima - Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco
What's Not Included
International flights to/from our tour start/end points and visas
Items of a personal nature and additional meals
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Lima Llama Land - 21 Days
The tour was very well organised and everything ran to schedule. The days were well planned so that there was a mixture of things to do and relaxation. All staff and tour leaders were excellent and always showed passion when talking about the country and enjoyed sharing their experiences. Accomodation was good and always offered comfort.
John Maund,
Lima Llama Land - 21 Days
The tour was very good and covered so much ground.
We were only a small group of eight people, but we all felt this was just the right mix as we all got on so well together.
Paul Oldman,
Lima Llama Land - 21 Days
Great tour, very well organised and showed a great variety of
activities and areas of Peru.