Trails to Titicaca - 15 days

See the best of Peru with fascinating Inca ruins, colourful Indian markets, spectacular mountain scenery and the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest. End with a little taste of Bolivia and the dizzy heights of La Paz.

Day 1: Lima
Welcome to Peru and the start of your holiday. Upon arrivng to your hotel the afternoon ofers free time. This evening a group welocme meeting will be held. Overnight - Lima
A girl with a monkey in the Amazon rain forest
Days 2 - 4: Amazon Jungle
Lima – Amazon Jungle – Cuzco. 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. During our time in the rainforest we’ll visit Monkey Island, renowned for its great variety of monkey species, as well as birdlife. Trekking through dense jungle and marshland, our guide will point out the various species of bird and plant found in the forest. There will 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 enjoy the view of the lake and the canopy wildlife from a viewing platform. Spend an afternoon at the Gamitana River where you can try your hand at fishing or simply take a dip.

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)
Trails to Titicaca - 15 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
The incredible ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru
Days 5 - 9: Inca Trail & Machu Picchu
Cuzco – Inca Trail Trek (or free time in Cuzco) – Cuzco. A full day is spent visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the Pisac ruins, a traditional Indian market and 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, a short bus ride will take us to our starting point where we begin a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas.

Day 2 includes the highest point of the trail and reaches 4200m in height. This is physically the most demanding point but rewards you with spectacular views. Fascinating ruins and dramatic mountain scenery fill every day of the hike and on the final day of the trek you will have free time in Machu Picchu. Take the chance to relieve your tired body in the hot springs of 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) (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Brightly coloured good at the Puno markets in Peru
Day 10: Cuzco
Make the most of your free time here exploring amazing churches, colonial buildings and picturesque streets, many of which have Inca walls, arches and doorways. Optional excursions such as white water rafting, horse riding, mountain biking and canoeing are also on offer. Overnight - Cuzco (1)
A peruvian lady on a boat next to Uros Island on Lake Titicaca, where everything is made of Totara r
Days 11 - 13: Lake Titicaca and Taquile Island
Cuzco – Puno – Lake Titicaca – Puno - La Paz. Passing hot mineral pools, snow capped mountains and traditional Native Indian villages where locals sell their wares, we leave Cuzco and head to the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Arriving at the compact town of Puno we'll see its thriving markets filled with women donning the traditional costume of bowler hats and many layered skirts. We'll also learn about the culture of the Uros people with a boat visit to the floating reed islands. We continue by boat to the island of Amantani where we’ll enjoy the hospitality of native Aymara/Quechua families and stay in their homes. The next morning we visit Taquile Island where you can buy unique handicrafts at the local cooperative shops. Overnight - Puno (1), Lake Titicaca (1), Puno (1) (B:1, L:1, D:1)
Lake Titicaca in Peru
Day 14: Mountain passes to La Paz
Puno - La Paz. Heading to Bolivia’s capital La Paz, we travel around Lake Titicaca and across the scenic Altiplano (high plateau), experiencing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains along the way.

La Paz, the highest city in the world, is built in the basin of a canyon with the snow-capped Mount Illimani in the background. Wander through the vibrant Indian street markets or the fascinating Witches’ Market where you can find dead cats and llama foetuses to ward off evil spirits. Or why not set your sights further afield and visit the strange rock formations of Moon Valley or the incredible views from Mount Chacaltaya at the world’s highest ski resort. Spend the day in the emerald green region Coroico, the gateway to the Bolivian jungle. If you would like to end your holiday in Lima it is possible to do so with our 'Lima end option' This morning you wil be transferred to Juliaca airport (near Puno) for your flight to Lima. After hotel check-in in Lima there is free time. Tomorrow our tour will end. Overnight - La Paz
Day 15: La Paz
Our tour concludes today. Opt to spend the day further exploring the highest city in the world, before travelling home. You could also opt to extend your stay!

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.


End your tour in Lima

If you would like to end your tour in Lima, please book our 'Lima end option'. A supplement applies, see the pricing page for details.

 

Arrangements are as follows:

Day 14 - From Puno, transfer to Juliaca Airport for you flight to Lima. Free afternoon.
Overnight Lima.

Day 15 - Tour ends



Tour Details
  • Starts in: Lima / Ends in: La Paz or Lima
  • Departs: Saturday - year round
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:6, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 6
  • Hotel Rating: Simple hotels, hostels & guesthouses
  • Tour Guide: Yes - tour leader escorted
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