21
DAYS

 Peru will be an unforgettable experience, exploring the Inca’s culture, archeology, the Andes, jungles, Lake Titicaca and Machupichu.  The program is full of adventure and fun.   Our exploration will start in Cusco City to observe the Inca’s archaeological sites and Spanish architecture.  Horse-back riding in Cusco Valley, visiting the archeological places like "X zone " or Area X, then the Tambomachay ritual baths, Puca-Pucara, Qenqo and Sacsayhuamán. White water rafting overnight in the Urubamba River's in the Sacred Valley. Later we continue along the dramatic "Andes" from which it is possible to observe the range of mountains from Urubamba.Then towards Maras, the famous" Inca Salt mines" constituted by about 3,000 small pools constructed along the slope of the mountain.  In the Sacred Valley of the Incas visit the colorful Pisaq Market, the ancient Inca town of Ollasntambo (the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in South America). 
From this point we start the Inca Trail trek. Exploring & adventures the ruins of Llactapata (2,512 m). Following the course of the Kusichaca River, where the waters come from the Snow Mountains, the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a typical Andean village and the last settlement on the Inca Trail route until Machupicchu.  Travel from tropical to semitropical habitat observing exotic animals and plants, including a large variety of orchids and luxuriant trees. You will appreciate a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks of Veronica (5,750 m) and Salkantay.  As soon you descend you can appreciate Wiñaywayna (2,591m) a fascinating Inca citadel and an agriculture laboratory at the time of the Incas.  Then reach Intipunku, the gate of the sun, and suddenly you see a fantastic view of the “Lost Inca City” of Machupicchu. It was here that the Incas succeeded in combining the wonders of civilization with those of nature. From Cusco, you will fly to Puerto Maldonado.  In Puerto Maldonado depart from the riverside dock in a dug-out canoe equipped with out-board motor to travel to the Cusco Amazonico Lodge, situated down the Madre de Dios river. You will spend 3 fascinating days in contact with nature, traveling to different rivers, lakes, observing wildlife with beautiful birds and other exotic animals, and visiting native farms.  From Puerto Maldonado travel to Puno, a journey that covers spectacular scenery over the high Altiplano, and you will see flocks of llama and Alpaca, grazing on the windswept land between adobe villages.  Full day excursion to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.  Visit the island of Taquile and Uros, with great ethnic-cultural value. On the way you will visit the Floating Islands of Uros. Tour to Sillustani, an important archaeological site, where is the small lake of Umayo is located. This place has been nominated the cemetery of the old Kollas culture.  Finally, a beautiful tour to the interesting colonial and modern environments of Lima, the Peruvian capital, including the palace of justice, the Peruvian Art Museum (designed by Eiffel), The "Plaza Mayor" (Main Square), and the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro the conqueror of Peru are buried.
On the way you will visit the Floating Islands of Uros. Tour to Sillustani, an important archaeological site, where is the small lake of Umayo is located. This place has been nominated the cemetery of the old Kollas culture.  Finally, a beautiful tour to the interesting colonial and modern environments of Lima, the Peruvian capital, including the palace of justice, the Peruvian Art Museum (designed by Eiffel), The "Plaza Mayor" (Main Square), and the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro the conqueror of Peru are buried.

 

ITINERARY

 

DAY 01 :  LIMA. Upon arrival at Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.

DAY  02 :  LIMA / CUSCO.  Transfer from the Hotel to the airport for flight to Cusco. Reception in Cusco at the Velasco Astete Airport, and transfer to your hotel. PM city and nearby archaeological sites tour: we will make it easy to enjoy this wonderful town where ancient, original Inca walls and cobblestone streets blend with colonial Spanish architecture (Visit to the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, the "enclosure of gold", its perfect architecture and stonework reflect the fact that it was the most important and most sacred temple in the entire Inca realm, the sacred hub of the mystical Incan empire. The Cathedral with its fabulous paintings and works in gold leaf, carved wood and silver. You will tour the inmense stone ruins of Saqsaywaman temple  (The Cyclopean stones of this temple fit so closely that one cannot wedge a knife between them.  Also visit the very powerful purifying baths of Tambomachay and Kenko Temple, dedicated to the Mother Earth and the four elements.

DAY 03:  HORSEBACK RIDING.  An unforgettable experience through the surroundings of the valley and the archeological sites of Cusco. During the itinerary we will be accompanied by a muleteer who will be in charge of selecting the paths during the trip. This is the best  and most attractive mode of travel to experience the field and  nature. We will visit  "X zone " or Area X, then to Tambomachay the bath ritual, Puca-Pucara, Qenqo and finally return to Sacsayhuamán.  The afternoon at leisure.

DAY 04 :  RIVER RAFTING  OVERNIGHT IN THE SACRED VALLEY.  For river lovers this is the opportunity of a half-day raft-trip down the river into the sacred valley of the Incas . This is an exciting way to see the valley and no previous rafting experience is necessary.  Instructors and safety equipment are provided. The Urubamba River's most exciting run includessizable rapids and fast white-water.  Picnic and overnight in Urubamba.

DAY 05 :  MARAS SALT MINES & MORAY.  Towards the west of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,300 mts. (10,824 feet), over a plain that in prehistoric times was a huge plateau, is located Moray, a very unique archaeological site in the region with enormous natural depressions or hollows in the ground. The Incas used this area as a prototype of a greenhouse or experimental biological station, very advanced for its time. We continue along the dramatic "Andes" from which it is possible to observe the range of mountains of Urubamba.  Towards the town of Maras the famous" Inca Salt mines" are located, consisting of about 3000 small pools with an average area of 5 m² (53.8 ft²), constructed on the slope of a  mountain.  People are still using this same traditional method as was done 500 years ago to extract the salt. Overnight in Urubamba.

DAY  06 : INCA TRAIL  5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS.  At a convenient time, pick up from your Hotel and transfer by bus to the Inca citadel of Ollantaytambo.  After a visit to this famous site, continue by bus to Chillca at Km 77, Where we meet the porters and cooks. From this point we start the Inca Trail trek.  Walk to the ruins of Llactapata (2,512 m) (10 Km, 5 Hours), we visit and explore these ruins.

DAY 07:  Following the course of the Kusichaca river, from whose white waters come from the snow mountains, the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a typical Andean village, and the last settlement on the Inca Trail route until Machupicchu. After Lunch we ascend up the Warmiwañuscca pass to the campsite at Llulluchapampa where our II campsite is located (3,600 m) (10 Km, 5 hours).

DAY 08 :  This day it´ll be the most comprehensive ...we continue up the Warmiwañuscca pass (4,145 m) to the valley of Pacaymayo river with the tropical forest.  We will go up to the Runkurakay Pass (3,993 m) where the semi-tropical forest becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. On the way we will visit the Inca site of Sayacmarka located on a rocky promontory, taking the spectacula, original narrow granite stairway to get there.  Our trail continues through high jungle with vines, exotic vegetation (a large variety of orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and across a ridge above the Urubamba River to the lovely Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,597 m).  From this point we can appreciate a spectacular view of the snow capped peaks of Veronica (5,750 m) and Salkantay.

DAY  09 :  We descend to Wiñaywayna (2,591m) a fascinating Inca citadel and an experimental laboratory for agricultural purposes in the time of the Incas.  We reach Intipunku the gate of the sun, in time for lunch and suddenly we have a fantastic view of the "lost City" itself Machupicchu. Set in a grandiose landscape that astounds and leave a deep impression with all spectators.  Overnight in a Hostal at the town of Aguas Calientes.  This evening you have the option of visiting the thermal springs.

DAY 10 :  This morning is at leisure.  You have the option to make a second visit to the Inca citadel to explore the temples, the stairways, palaces and gabled dwelling which are scattered everywhere testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders, or if you prefer, to rest or take a walk around Aguas Calientes.  In the afternoon we catch the train back to Cusco and transfer to your Hotel.

DAY 11: PIKILLACTA / ANDAHUAYLILLAS.  In the morning a tour  southeast down the Valley of Cusco to Pikillacta, the only ruins of a pre-Inca city near Cusco. It is attributed to the Wari culture, and probably marks the southern boundary of their territory before the rise of the Incas. It is a quiet place, good to compare their crude stonework with the striking Inca stone masonry. Then you will continue your journey toward Andahuaylillas, a typical Andean Village where you will visit what is known as the "Sistine Chapel of America", an old church from the 17th century with a nice and impressive monstrance, paintings, and carved wood-works gilded with gold leaves. In the afternoon, at leisure for personal  activities.

DAY 12 :  CUSCO / PUERTO MALDONADO.  Transfer from your Hotel to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.  Upon arrival, reception and transfer  to the small town of Puerto Maldonado. Short tour to the main street and "Plaza de Armas". Departure  from the riverside dock on a dug-out canoe equipped with out-board motor  to Cusco Amazon Lodge, situated down  the Madre de Dios river, about  12 miles (45  minutes approx.). Arrival al the Lodge.  In the afternoon, slow walk in the jungle with a native guide who will explain to you the exuberant fauna and flora, and will introduce you to life the Amazon basin. Return to the Lodge, typical dinner and night lodging.

DAY 13 :  PUERTO MALDONADO. Early breakfast, excursion in the dug-out canoe to other side of  the river, jungle walk towards  Sandoval lake.  This beautiful and solitary  lake offers extraordinary views of the huge trees reflected  in the quiet waters. Tour around the lake in a rowing boat to observe the interesting wildlife with beautiful  birds  and other animals.  With a little luck you will be able to see caimans sleeping on the sandy shores. Swimming in the lake if the weather allows.  Return to the lodge and lunch.  In the afternoon  visit a native farm. Typical dinner and night at the lodge.

DAY 14 :  PUERTO MALDONADO.  Early breakfast and departure  in a dug-out canoe to see gold-panning on the sandy  beaches (most of the Peruvian gold is found in the Madre de Dios area, called "Paititi" by the Incas and "El Dorado" by the Spaniards). Excursion to the Virgen Gamitana Island to observe the flora and fauna.  Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon excursion, in a dug-out canoe to see "Fitzcarrald",  a very famous old riverboat, now entangled in the vines in the middle of the jungle. Typical dinner and night at the lodge.

DAY 15 :  PUERTO MALDONADO / CUSCO. Early breakfast, cruise back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport.

DAY 16 :  CUSCO / PUNO.  Transfer from your Hotel to bus station for your trip to Puno, 08 hour aprox, this journey covers some spectacular scenery over the high Altiplano, and we expect to see flocks of llama and alpaca, grazing on the windswept land between  adobe villages. Reception in Puno and transfer to your Hotel .

DAY 17 : TITICACA LAKE.  Full day excursion to the Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.  We will begin visiting the island of Taquile of great ethnic-cultural value. The inhabitants are recognized as the best weavers in the region as they make the finest textiles in the industry.  They still preserve their traditional costumes, their typical clothing and kind treatment to the visitors. Overnight in Taquile (at typical houses fbelonging to the villages of Taquile).

DAY 18 : Taquile /PUNO.  At a convenient time, departure from Taquile to Puno. On the way you will continue visiting  the Floating Islands of the Uros, located to 7 kms. from the City of Puno. The islands are joined and built on a base of totora beads. Return to the hotel.

DAY 19 : Sillustani / LIMA.  Tour of the Sillustani important archaeological sites, located  34 Kms. from Puno (3,915 meters above sea level) where  the small lake of Umayo is located. This site is nominated  the cemetery of the old Kollas culture where  you can appreciate the huge circular burial towers or "Chullpas”. At a convenient time,  transfer to the airport of  JULIACA for your flight to Lima.   Reception at the airport in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 20 : LIMA / CITY TOUR.  Morning at leisure.  In the afternoon a city tour visiting the interesting colonial and modern environments of this Peruvian capital city, including the palace of justice, the Peruvian Art Museum (designed by Eiffel), the "Plaza Mayor" (Main Square), the Cathedral where lie the remains of Francisco Pizarro the conqueror of Peru. Also we will visit the exterior of the government Palace, the Municipalidad.  Later, we will drive you through the modern residential sections of the big city around San Isidro and Miraflores.

DAY 21 : Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your homeward flight.

It is advisable to bring the following as personal equipment: Canteen, flashlight, matches, knife, insect repellent, sun screen, trekking boots (preferably waterproof with ankle protectors), sun hat or cap, towel, toilet paper, raincoat (plastic poncho).  It is also recommended to bring light clothing for the sunny days as well as warm ones because in certain areas the nights may be cold with temperatures under 0° C (32° F).  Depending on your interest, also carry a camera and film, binoculars, sun glasses and compass. All this personal equipment should be of a light or moderate weight.

TERRESTRIAL TOUR ONLY: $3,395.00 (DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR TICKET)

Trip Date (Air Fare Included)

Code

Miami

Code

Puerto Rico/Dom. Rep.

May 27 to June  16

PU02

$3,995

PU01

$4,195

June 24 to July  14

PU04$3,995PU03$4,195
July 08 To July 28PU06$3,995PU05$4,195
July 15 to August 04PU08$3,995PU07$4,195
July 29 to August 18PU10$3,995PU09$4,195

Includes international flight from San Juan/Santo Domingo* or Miami*, private land transportation, bilingual tour guide, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, all the activities described in the program. Double and triple accommodation at all hotels and Camps.

 *Cost of international flights could change after March 15.