Tour Itinerary
DAY 01: International arrival in Lima
Assistance on your arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your trip around this unusual city and magical country.
Meals Included: None
DAY 02: Sightseeing Tour & Paracas
After breakfast, guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, The Main Plaza, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo, with the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras, and Lima's Colonial Balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the Monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs. We will also visit El Olivar Park with olive trees brought from Spain in the XVth Century, the Central Park of Miraflores and Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima and a tourist and entertainment centre as well as a privileged site to enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. 13.30 P.M. Lima / Paracas 250 kms = 04 hrs We leave by bus to the Paracas Peninsula, where we can find the most important Wildlife Sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 03: Ballestas Island & Nasca Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where we can observe Sea lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other Sea birds. On the way back, from the boat, we can also see the "Candelabro"( Candelabrum ), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines.
In the afternoon continue by Bus transportation to the City of Nazca 230 kms = 03 hrs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 04: Nazca: Nazca Lines / Arequipa After an early breakfast, transfer to Nazca Airport for a 30 - minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures remain etched in the desert and they can only be appreciated from the air.
At 13.30, travel by bus transportation to the City of Arequipa ( About 8 hours 640 kms) along the Desert and Coastal valleys. Arrival at the White City of Arequipa. It receives this name due to its white rock buildings, a white rock that flows out of the Misti Volcano. Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet and transfer to the selected hotel. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 05: Arequipa: Sightseeing tour
Morning sightseeing tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIXth Century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compañia Church, an ancient Jesuit temple, maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "Small Town" built in the XVIIth Century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years as a Cloister. Perfectly preserved for four Centuries, you go back in time as you enter the Cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this Convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of the Convent.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 06: Arequipa: Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of Vicuñas and Alpacas (South American cameloids). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by the native Collaguas. Box lunch. On your arrival at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected lodge.
In the afternoon, we recommend you to rest and get used to the altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to stroll around the lodge surroundings or you could take a repairing bath at the hot springs nearby the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at selected lodge at the Colca Valley. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 07: Colca: Condor Cross / Chivay Valley Overnight We leave early in the morning to the " Condor's Cross ", where the biggest bird in the world can be usually seen flying. On the way back we visit the Colonial Towns and Churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
One more night Overnight in Chivay Valley Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 08: Chivay Valley - Juliaca & Capachica Llachon ( Puno ) : Chullpas of Sillustani on route
Early morning transfer by private car ( 06 hrs = 258 kms ) to ( Puno ) After breakfast you will board our private car and will drive to the "City of Capachica LLachon Puno". LLachon offers great natural sceneries. Along this paved road we will drive throughout small towns, as well as a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen, and if you are lucky you might also see Andean flamingos and many others Andean birds. The highlights of this road are without doubt the burial towers of Sillustani, enormous cylindrical constructions built long before the Incas. The Sillustani towers are perhaps the finest and the most perfect cylindrical constructions of ancient Peru, as such perfection can be found no where else in South America. A tour to Sillustani will give you a better view into the life of pre-Inca civilizations, and exploring the area you can marvel with the great beauty of the Umayo Lagoon, which is located at the foot of Sillustani natural platform. After visiting Sillustani we will continue to the city of Puno. Upon your arrival in Puno, you will be off at your hostel in Capachica Llachon Puno Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 09: Llachon Puno: Titicaca Lake, Floating Islands of the Uros and Taquile Island / Puno by private Boat Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "Islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called "Totora" ( Scirpus Totora ), vegetable fibre of the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island, inhabited by Quechua - Speaking Natives who have developed, down through generations, an efficient and unique social system, as well as fine hand weaving techniques.
It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 steps - steps of stone that wind their way among green platforms - to arrive at the Town of Taquile where we will have a break to eat. After lunch in a local Taquile Inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at your hotel. Evening free. Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 10: Puno / Cusco ( 389 kms = 08 hrs )
Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High Plateau of Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through the La Raya Ranch where we can see troops of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.
We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.
Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the Region.
Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own. Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 11: Cusco: Sightseeing tour and Nearby Ruins Breakfast. Morning at leisure. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we will have a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha Then, we drive out of the City to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft high and weighing over 350 tons. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 12: Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas / Aguas Calientes ( Machupicchu ) Early morning excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit to the picturesque indian Pisac Market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the shopping paradise of the Andes where barter is still practiced. Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch. In the afternoon, passing through the Towns of Calca and Urubamba, we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. You can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby Town, and get a good idea of what this strategic Mlitary, Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire.
Late afternoon ride by train to Aguas Calientes 2 hrs ( Hot Spring Machupicchu )
Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the many pubs around the Square of Hot Sprin Aguas Calientes Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 13: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes / Ollantaytambo / Cusco
The day starts with an early morning rise to Bus Station for a 20' journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as " The Lost City of the Incas ". bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we'll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, The Sacred Sun Dial the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have free time to stroll around the Archaeological Site on your own. Lunch at a local restaurant
p.m. Rest of the day free, Excellent opportunity to enjoy a beautiful around the Town of Aguas Calientes and visit its Hot Springs Thermal waters. Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities: (Not included in the overall price):
1. MANDOR WATERFALLS. Visiting Mandor Waterfall is an unforgettable adventure. It is an area of lush forest surrounding the town of Machu Picchu. You just have to follow the railway line from Machu Picchu Pueblo for a 45 minute-hike. You will reach a railway crossing, from which you will see a small group of houses whose dwellers will tell you how to reach Mandor Waterfall
2. For active or more adventurous people, we suggest to climb up the Huayna Picchu or Putukusi ( Depending on weather conditions ) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being so high and distant. Arriving at the top takes about two hours and a half and it is recommendable before 13:00 hours. It is necessary to register at the checking point at the beginning of the trail. An exciting adventure for the travellers who want to see from the top, the nature and the carved rock emerging from the ground as if by a geological miracle.
In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, first train leave at 14.45 p.m last one 19.00 p.m 4 hrs trip upon arrivel transfer to your selected hotel for overnight. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 14: Cusco balance of the day free Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 15: Cusco / Puerto Maldonado
Arrival & Reception by Guide
Our guides are biologists, tourism professionals, or community members. Unless noted otherwise, our guides speak English. We assign guides at 10:1 ratio in Refugio Amazonas. This means groups smaller than 10 people will be merged with other groups under one guide. If you would like a private guide or a guide in a language other than English please let us know.
Transfer Airport to Puerto Maldonado Headquarters
Upon arrival from Lima or Cusco, we will welcome you at the airport and drive you ten minutes to our Puerto Maldonado headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light. Transfer Pto Maldonado Headquarters to Tambopata River Port
Skirting Puerto Maldonado, we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The port is a communal business.
Transfer Boat - Tambopata River Port to Refugio Amazonas The two and a half hour boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Refugio Amazonas will take us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve´s checkpoint and into the buffer zone of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit. Boxed Lunch
Orientation
Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips.
Dinner
Caiman Search
We will be out at the river's edge at night, scanning the shores with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes.
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
Meals. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 16: Canopy Tower
A thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A bannistered staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. The tower has been built upon high ground, therefore increasing your horizon of the continuous primary forest extending out towards the Tambopata National Reserve. From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely.
Farm Visit
Five minutes downriver from the lodge lies a farm owned and managed by charismatic Don Manuel from the neighbouring community of Condenado. He grows a variety of popular and unknown Amazon crops - just about every plant and tree you see serves a purpose.
Ethnobotanical Tour
Along this trail we will find a variety of plants and trees that are used by the local population with at least the same variety of purposes. We will learn about the medicinal (and other) uses of Ajo-Sacha, Yuca de Venado, Uña de Gato, Charcot-Sacha, Para-Para, among several others.
Oxbow Lake Visit
We will paddle around the lake on a canoe or a catamaran, looking for lakeside wildlife such as hoatzin, caiman and hornerd screamers, hoping to see the otters which are infrequently seen here. You will also be rewarded with overhead sightings of macaws.
Tambopata National Reserve Lectures
Nightly lectures prepared by the staff of Refugio Amazonas cover conservation threats, opportunities and projects in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Overnight at Refugio Amazonas
Meals. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 17: Puerto / Maldonado / Lima / Home
Transfer Boat - Refugio Amazonas to Tambopata River Port
Transfer Tambopata River Port to Pto Maldonado Headquarters
Transfer Puerto Maldonado Headquarters to Airport
We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado, our office and the airport. Depending on airline schedules, this may require dawn departures.
Price are person in hostal 3* in double Occupancy
