From Lima to La Paz, explore the vast Amazon Jungle and meet the islanders on Lake Titicaca, learn to cook tasty Peruvian cuisine in Cuzco, discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley and enjoy an incredibly scenic train journey to the spectacular 'lost city' of Machu Picchu.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
The Amazon Jungle
Lima - Puerto Maldonado. Transferring to the airport this morning we board our flight to Puerto Maldonado. We’ll then travel by canoe to our wonderful jungle Eco lodge. After lunch we will embark on a walk along the property’s nature trails. Your guide will explain the importance of the rainforest and the vital role that this ecozystem plays in the equilibrium of the planet. As the sun begins to set we head back in the canoes, hopefully spotting some of the nocturnal animals that are found in this area as well as learning about the constellations.
Day 3 starts with an excursion on the lodge’s private cocha. You'll be able to try your hand at some native fishing, one of the main techniques being the 'catch and release' method. Disembarking the boat we'll visit the remains of the old Fitzcarrald steamboat to learn. After this take a boat trip to Rolin, this river Island has an an abundant and interesting ecozystem. Exploring the island you can admire the vibrant vegetation, also be sure to keep an eye out for the birds who will be making their way back to land.
Overnight: The Amazon | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Cusco
Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco. This morning travel back to Puerto Maldonado before flying onwards to Cuzco, after arriving into Cuzco you'll have the chance to relax and adjust to the altitude. On the morning of day 5 enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the beautiful city of Cuzco. Along the way we will see famous landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and Sacsayhuaman Fortress. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to do any independent exploring of Cuzco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast x 2
Sacred Valley
Cuzco - The Sacred Valley. Bidding farewell to Cuzco we travel on to the Sacred Valley today. Our first stop is the popular Pisac markets where we will have the chance
to see the variety of colorful handicrafts on offer. Then we travel on to the remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress which was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands.
Overnight: Sacred Valley | Breakfast
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cuzco. From Ollantaytambo we'll take a scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes early this morning, remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breathtaking. Upon arrival we board the bus up to Machu Picchu where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent lost city and have plenty of free time to explore and take photos.
For many visitors to Peru, Machu Picchu is the main highlight and rightly so, with it's incredible history and beautiful views it's a truly mystical part of the country. Macchu Picchu was built in the 15th, believed to be as an estate for the Inca Empror Pachacuti, it was abandoned only a century after completion during the Spanish conquest, however, it lay largely unknown until 1911 when the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to the worlds attention. Later this afternoon take the train back to Cuzco.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Cooking Class & Local Market
This morning enjoy a visit to the local San Pedro Market, where we have an introduction to the local produce and the diversity of ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine. Departing the market, we visit an Andean Kitchen and Chicheria, where, amongst other things, we learn about the process of making Chicha, a beverage the Incas believed to be sacred. From here we walk to a fully equipped cooking studio, where a Professional Peruvian Chef will show us how to prepare the most popular and tasty dishes of Peru. Today's culinary tour includes a refreshing drink, appetizer, main course, dessert and, of course, the famous Pisco Sour.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast, Lunch
Chinchero
This morning set off in the direction of the Sacred Valley to the town of Chinchero, an authentic Andean village with lots of character, where we will find the colonial church that houses a large collection of painting from the Cusqueñan School of Art. With breathtaking views across the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay to the west.
Chinchero is well known for its continuing tradition as a commercial town and on Sundays the townsfolk gather in the main square to trade their products in a bartering system.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Lake Titicaca
Cuzco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we’ll travel by bus to Puno, passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way we’ll make a couple of stops, the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see the Church of San Pedro, which has been given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Moving along, we pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until we get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile center. Here, we’ll be able to lay eyes on the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, we continue on to Puno, our base for the next two nights.
The following day we take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros. These unique islands are made of a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a civilization upon it. We’ll then move on to Taquile Island, where we can mingle with the Quechua-speaking locals and see the island's archaeological sites. Later this afternoon we return to Puno.
Overnight: Puno | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2
La Paz
Puno - La Paz. Bidding farewell to our Peruvian tour leader we travel by public bus around the shores of Lake Titicaca and across the border to La Paz in Bolivia, where we spend our final night.
At an altitude of 3660 meters, La Paz is one of the world’s highest cities. The imposing Mount Illimani looms in the background whilst below lies a valley full of sensational surprises. Buildings cling to the sides of the canyon that the city was built in and spill spectacularly downwards. Sprawling shanty towns give way to affluent high-rise apartments as the city’s central tree-lined thoroughfare runs through the downtown core. Here you’ll find grand government buildings, impressive museums, and vibrant markets, including the Witches’ Market where you can pick up anything from dried frogs to llama fetuses for Aymara rituals.
On day 14 our tour comes to an end with a transfer to the airport. Alternatively opt to extend your stay to explore La Paz and perhaps visit the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats - we can arrange a private tour for you upon request.
Breakfast x 2
End this tour in Lima
This tour ends in La Paz giving you the freedom to further explore Bolivia independently. Alternatively, opt for our Puno to Lima flight bolt-on to return to Lima on day 13 of your tour. Includes: one way flight from Puno to Lima, hotel accommodation in Lima on day 13 and airport transfers.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Jose Antonio Lima , Lima
The modern and well-designed Jose Antonio Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Lima's flourishing Miraflores district. The contemporary guestrooms feature classy neutral decorations and furnishings with an excellent selection of amenities. The hotel's Las Espuelas restaurant serves delicious Peruvian and international cuisine in an elegant setting whilst the La Jalca bar is a great place to unwind over a cocktail. The Jose Antonio Hotel is located in the residential district of Miraflores with many options for shopping and dining nearby. The international airport is 30 minutes away and it's only a 20 minute drive to the historic centre of Lima.
Inkaterra Haciencda Concepcion, Puerto Maldonado and the Amazon
Built in a former cacao and rubber plantation, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion is a rustic chic jungle lodge. Guests stay in rooms or cabanas, all with beautiful interiors, delightful en suites and comfortable beds. Meals are served in a buffet style, using only the best local ingredients and especially good homemade breads. The lodge also a friendly bar with free Pisco sours served between 5 and 7pm! Positioned within walking distance of the beautiful and secluded Lake Sandoval in the Peruvian Amazon.
Xima Cusco Hotel, Cusco
Boasting a fantastic location by Cusco’s largest craft market, Xima Cusco Hotel is just a short walk from the city’s main square, as well as plenty of local shops and restaurants. Its modern guestrooms provide free internet access and a flat-screen TV, with some also featuring a balcony with views over Parque Orellana. The hotel’s spa offers a range of massage treatments using techniques from the Inca culture, the perfect way to unwind after visiting the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet in the Atrium Café.
La Casona de Yucay, Sacred Valley
Located in the spectacular Sacred Valley, this Peruvian property exudes local charm and has a stunning mountainous backdrop to match. The hotel itself is situated in a colonial house dating back to the 1810, which has since been remodelled and now consists of 54 cosy guest rooms; a restaurant serving a variety of international and local dishes; and bar serving nibbles and traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. The courtyard with its chairs and tables is the perfect place to sit back and appreciate the view.
Hotel Jose Antonio, Puno
Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you cannot go wrong with the view from this hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts spacious and comfortable guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic has floor to ceiling windows serves up a delectable menu. When you return from a day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for the view.
El Rey Palace, La Paz
Located in the heart of La Paz, just 1km from Plaza Del Monticulo and 1.5km from Plaza Murillo, El Rey Palace is in a perfect location to explore the highlights of the city. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, with king size beds and modern amenities. A generous buffet breakfast is provided in the mornings and free Wifi is available throughout the hotel.
In Brief
