Peru Exotic & Traditional
Lima, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco & Iquitos
18 Days , 17 Nights
This tour combines not only the most attractive places on the south part of Peru but also its nature and amazing wildlife.
Visit Paracas National Reserve ,the oldest marine reserve in Peru, serves as a refuge for a wide variety of marine animals and birds such as sea lions, penguins, whales, dolphins and migratory seabirds.
Try to discover the mystery of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, enjoy the view of the Colca canyon with its colorful Andean valley with pre-Inca roots, and towns still inhabited by people of the Collagua and the Cabana cultures.
In Puno, relax and navegate through the Titicaca lake and meet the Uros and Taquile people with its typical clothing and customs. In Cusco, amaze yourself with all that this city has to offer, from their anciant streets , passing for the countryside of sacred valley to the unique Machupicchu , finalizing on the peruvian jungle , having contact with the wildlife , navegating the amazon river, considered the largest river of the world; certainly this tour will take you to meet not only to the traditions of our culture but the most exotic región of Peru: Iquitos.
Day 01 ARRIVAL – LIMA
Welcome and reception at the International Airport "Jorge Chavez", transfer to hotel. Overnight in Lima.
*Please note if you have a flight arriving in the morning, consider that your guest room might not be available until check in time. (Standard hotel check in time at 13:00 hrs.)
Day 02 LIMA – ICA , CITY TOUR IN ICA + HUACACHINA LAGOON
Picked up from Hotel to bus station. Departure to Ica by bus at 06:40 hrs. Arrival at 11:55 hrs. approx. Welcome & transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, we will have a City Tour visiting Ica's Archaeology Museum (museo regional de Ica), a small but exquisite museum that contains a wide range of beautiful ceramics, intricate fabrics, and fascinating mummies and skulls. Then we will visit an old well-known winery where the grape brandy is made, famously known as Pisco. Here we can learn the whole process of making Pisco, guided by an experienced winery worker. After visiting the winery, visitors will be invited to taste different types of Pisco and wines that the winery produces. Finally we go to Huacachina Oasis, which is located just 5 km from the center of the city of Ica. In these beautiful lake visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the place. Huge dunes surrounding the lagoon allow visitors to practice one of the most fascinating sports in the area, board on sand, popularly called Sandboarding (Additional cost : $20.00 per person, 2 hrs tour). Overnight in Ica.
Note: Regional Museum of Ica is closed on Mondays.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Snack on board (Bus)
Day 03 BALLESTAS ISLANDS & PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE , DEPARTURE TO NAZCA
06:45 hrs . Transfer to Paracas . Arrival & transfer to the dock to board a motorboat to the Ballestas Islands, on the way we will pass by The Chandelier, this is an enigmatic engraved in the sand in the shape of a candelabrum . Then we observe in their natural habitat : sea lions, Humboldt penguins , guano birds , guano exploitations area, stone shapes caused by wind erosion and waves . Then visit Paracas National Reserve, we will move to the bird observatory where we appreciate the diversity in Fauna that this region offered, also observe the remains of the Cathedral singular natural formation, due to wind and sea erosion in this place has modeled a huge domed structure with tower facing the ocean and finally conclude in Lagunillas Beach in which we will have an excellent view of this part of the reserve. 17:00 hrs. Departure to Nazca, the trip takes 02 hrs. Welcome & transfer to hotel. Overnight in Nazca.
Note: Julio C. Tello Museum closed on Mondays.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 04 NAZCA LINES AERIAL TOUR, AREQUIPA
Transfer to the aerodrome to fly over the enigmatic Nazca lines for about 35 minutes, the origin of these lines is completely unknown. These archaeological treasures are found in the desert of Nazca and show representations of men, animals and abstract symbols that have more than 300 meters long. At 15 hrs. Departure by bus (in sofa-bed seats) to Arequipa, the trip takes about 08 and half hours. Approximate arrival at 23:30 hrs. Welcome & transfer to hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 05 AREQUIPA - CITY TOUR + SANTA CATALINA CONVENT
Morning for rest and acclimatize. In the Afternoon, start the Colonial City Tour by the "White City", where we will visit the Cathedral, the Convent of Santa Catalina, beautiful convent built in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, domes and cloisters of Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus, colonial mansions, the Main Plaza, temple and plaza of San Francisco, Yanahuara viewpoint where we have a magnificent view of the volcanoes that surround the city. Return to Hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 06 CANYON COLCA TOUR – AREQUIPA.
After a filling breakfast, departure from Arequipa (2325 m.s.l.) towards our wonderful trip to the Colca Valley (estimated pick up time :08.00 hrs). In This scenery drive ,we will take the highway to Yura, first passing through Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Canahuas where we will see vicuñas (smaller cousins of the llama), alpacas, viscachas (small rodents that resemble rabbits) , llamas ( South American camelids ) and migratory birds along the way. We will continue to Vizcachani where we have a panoramic view of the white Mountains; then we arrive to Pampas de Tocra , here can be seen the variety of birds like black ibis, andean duck, "guayatas", "the pajaro bobo", Andean gulls, etc. Bordering the crater, we reach Patapampa Pass ( 4,900 m.s.l.) the highest point in our journey, also known as the Volcano viewpoint of the Andes. From here we’ll see a chain of volcanoes that include Hualcahualca, Sabancalla, and Ampato, the famous volcano where the Inca mummy Juanita (viewable in Arequipa) was sacrificed over 500 years ago.
From Patapampa Pass we will descend to the town of Chivay (3646 m.s.l.), the capital of the Colca Canyon región, where beautiful pre -Columbian terraces are still cultivated by native Indian Collaguas. Arrival to Chivay at about 13:30 hrs. Time for enjoy a energetic and delicious lunch, then Transfer to hotel in Chivay. In the Afternoon you have the option to visit the Calera Hot Springs for about 2 hours. The thermal bath’s medicinal waters reach temperatures of around 40ºC (104ºF) and are wonderful for helping sooth physical ailments. (Optional for passengers staying in Chivay Only – entrance fee: s,.15.00 ($ 6.00) per person, bring your swimsuit).
In the evening you will have dinner in Chivay with entertainment provided by a traditional folk group in a local restaurant ( dinner not included – optional). Overnight Chivay.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 07 CÓNDOR CROSS– DEPARTURE TO PUNO
Very early departure to the Condor cross Viewpoint (about a 2 hour drive) considered the best viewpoint to truly appreciate the vast expanse of Colca Canyon and also the prime location for condor viewing.
Afterwards we will head back, on the way you will admire the hanging tombs of Choquetico and Litomaquetas, the Mirador of Terrazas and finally the towns of Pinchollo, Maca y Yanque with their churches and typical squares. Arrival to Chivay, change of vehicles and continue our journey to the city of Puno. On route we will visit PATAHUASI from where we will observe rock formations caused by the erosion of time, then pass by the village of Imata, where we find the stone forest Pillones which is observed from this
Village. Along this paved road we will drive through small towns, as well as a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen and also Andean flamingos along with many other Andean birds feeding on the shores. We will continue the journey directly to Puno, arriving in the city at about 18:30 hrs. Welcome & transfer to hotel. Overnight in Puno.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 08 TITICACA LAKE –UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS – PUNO
Breakfast. At the appropriate time transfer to the port to take the boat that will lead us to the artificial Island of the Uros, island located in the Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable Lake of the world. Uros Island is constructed of "Totora" a local aquatic plant, also is used by the settlers to construct their houses and to elaborate their handcrafted works. Lunch. Then we will visit Taquile's Natural Island, Andean community that preserves its form of ancient life, customs and its typical clothes. Return to the city. Overnight in Puno
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 09 TOURISTIC BUS PUNO – CUSCO
After breakfast we will initiate our trip towards the city of Cusco in touristic Bus, we will stop at the village of Pukara, this is the most important and ancient ceremonial site of the Altiplano, Tiahuanaco , Characterized by a series of raised platforms, the ruins also reveal some litho-sculptures and tombstones, all proof of a pre-Inca civilization, possibly one at the origin of the Andean culture of the Altiplano. Pukara is famous for its pre-Inca ruins, local pottery, and it’s small but fascinating museum. Following with our trip we will visit the village of The Raya that is the limit between Cusco and Puno there we can appreciate beautiful landscapes, llamas and vicuñas. Lunch in Sicuani. Then we will move to Raqchi where we will be visit the Temple of the God Wiracocha. And finally we will appreciate Andahuaylillas's city, Referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because of its magnificent frescoes, we can visit the famous church of the same name considered as the Chapel, we will appreciate in its interior one of the most beautiful samples of the Colonial art with its golden, wall altars, pictures and polychrome roofs. Arrival at Cusco at 5:00 pm approximately. Reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 10 CUSCO: CITY TOUR + 04 RUINS
Morning at leisure. This is a good time to explore some of Cusco’s less-visited attractions including the San Pedro Market, the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, or one of many museums, such as the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art, Casa Concha, or the Choco Museum, where you can make your own chocolate from scratch. In the Afternoon we will enjoy a visit around the city and surrounding archeological sites, the visit includes the Main Square, the cathedral, Koricancha Temple, which was a military and religious center of Incas Empire dedicated to its principal god, the sun. The nearby archaeological remains of Tambomachay, Inca Baths, Puca Pucara, center of military control; Kenko Amphitheatre, evidence of mystic character from that time, and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Return to hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 11 SACRED VALLEY TOUR WITH OVERNIGHT
We will begin our day exploring the beautiful countryside with a full day tour to the Sacred Valley. We visit the town of Pisac, famous for its bustling market and beautiful Incan ruins that loom over the city.
Market days in Pisac: Every day, but a little more local on a Sunday, with fruits and food stands.
Our Sacred Valley tour runs every day, but if clients have a particular interest in visiting on market days, they should organize their itinerary.
Time for Lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Ollantaytambo Inca huge complex where realized administrative, agricultural and religious functions. Here you can see great rock walls, temples and palaces. Afternoon free to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 OLLANTAYTAMBO , DEPARTURE TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Transfer to the train station to continue trip to Aguas Calientes, the trip takes about 2 hours. Welcome & transfer to hotel. Free afternoon, we recommend visiting the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes which is just 5 minutes walk. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 MACHUPICCHU
Very early (05.00 hrs) you can ascend to Machu Picchu to enjoy the beautiful sunrise or if you wish and you are in good physical condition, you can climb to Huayna Picchu "Young Mountain" from where you have a spectacular view of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. At 11:00 hrs meet your guide to take the guided tour of Machu Picchu, this citadel remained unknown for centuries until by accident in 1911 was discovered by Hiram Bingham. This Inka Center is the greatest wonders of the world. The guided archaeological site of Machu Picchu tour includes the visit through the urban area which houses the major architectural elements of the Inca city, also we will explore other important areas of this impressive citadel such as the Sun Temple, Intiwatana, group of sacred rock, temple of the three windows, the mausoleum, etc. Buffet Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge (the only hotel in the citadel) to have more time to enjoy the ruins of Machu Picchu , by the afternoon shuttle bus back to town. Board train back to Cusco. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
*** The program includes entry to the citadel of Machu Picchu, if you want to climb Huayna Picchu, you must consider an additional $ 16.00 dollars per person to issue a compound ticket Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu ( To climb this mountain, you have to be in good physical condition, in case you would like a smooth walk intead, consider climbing Machu Picchu mountain that has an additional cost of $16.00 dollars to issue a compound ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain, from this point you can also observe a beautiful view of the Inca citadel. ***
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 14 CUSCO , LIMA – CITY TOUR COLONIAL & MODERN (LIMA)
At the schedule time, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to Lima. Reception and transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon, we begin our tour with a panoramic view of the "Pucllana Pyramid", a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century AD. and considered "sacred town" by the Incas.
We visit the Historic Center of Lima, where you will appreciate more than fifty monuments and colonial buildings, highlighting the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral Basilica, the Municipal Palace among others.
We visit the MUSEUM OF THE CENTRAL RESERVE BANK*, where you will appreciate the "Treasures of Peru Collection", a select exhibition of gold objects, ceramics and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures. Also appreciate the MONUMENTAL COMPLEX OF SAN FRANCISCO, which is the largest sample of colonial religious art in America. The visit to its underground crypts known as "Catacombs" stands out. Overnight in Lima.
Note: Museum of the Central Reserve Bank closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Included Meals: Breakfast.
Day 15 LIMA , IQUITOS- AMAZON SINCHICUY LODGE
Transfer to airport for flight to Iquitos. Transferred to the river dock where you will begin the trip to the lodge. Along the way you will briefly sightseeing Iquitos, looking at the most important tourist sites of this representative Peru’s orient city founded in the XIX Century. Navigate on the greatest world river, the Amazon, aboard comfortable and safe motorboats. The trip will allow you to see a marvelous panorama in which the magnificence of the Amazon makes its way through the exuberance of the jungle, where picturesque villages with their particular color and joy appear on the shores of the river.
Arrival in the Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge. Lodge built in the native-style is surrounded by trees, plants and flowers, a true tropical garden where birds and butterflies are abundant. While your guide explains about the Lodge facilities and the activities to come, you will be served with a refreshing “welcome drink” made with some exotic fruit. Lunch.
We start the tour with a short walk or canoe ride –according to the rain season- to a Yagua tribe community, one of the oldest ethnic groups in the Amazon. Whose ancestors were discovered by Francisco de Orellana in his first exploration of the Amazon in 1541. Visiting these friendly people will let you know their customs see their unique apparel made of palm fibers and even try their “pucuna” or blowgun. Lunch. Food speciality products in the Amazonas Sinchicuy include fruits from the river and the field. Filets of Dorado (Brachyplatystoma flavicans) garnished with Cocona Sauce (Sissiliflorum), fresh palm hearts, beans, fried cassava and banana are a treat. Do not doubt in asking the chef for the recipe!
In the afternoon you will proceed with ethno botanic tour around the lodge, you will be able to distinguish certain species of the plant kingdom. Visit to the local naturist who will explain about the particularities of the regional flora and its applications.
Tour the Santa María del Ojeal farmlands where you will see the artisanal sugar cane squeeze. You will also visit a fishfarm to observe native ichthyological species and walk around a typical village on the shores of the Amazon. You may interact with villagers as you pass by their typical houses, schools, churches and shops; you will also see the community’s sustained development projects that are possible by ecotourism support.
At indicated time, evening canoe ride or walk to sense the jungle after dark. Return to the Lodge. After enjoying a delightful meal, the guide will amuse you with tales and legends from the rich Amazon myths.
Overnight in Lodge.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16 SINCHICUY LODGE / FULL DAY YANAYACU / KINGDOM OF GIANT TREES
After breakfast you will board the boat that will take you to the opposite side of the Amazon River or “huashalado” as it is locally known.
Full day exploring the primary jungle reserve in the Yanayacu River ecosystem. Navigation in open boats on the Amazon River to spot pink dolphins, main characters of fantastic tales and legends told by the river people.
Arrival in the Huashalado Village from where you will make a short walk to the Yanayacu River, where another boat will be waiting to take you in this excursion.
You will enter the “Kingdom of the Giant Trees”, which has been given this name because of the size reached by some specimens amongst them the “lupuna” or ceiba. This is a favorite site for birds since it is in the river they find the fish and fruit that grows on its edges; even more, the thick forest offers ideal possibilities for nestling. With a bit of luck, you could also, spot monkeys moving on the tree tops or maybe a sloth hanging from a branch and thus mimetizing and making it almost impossible to be seen.
Boxed lunch in the boat or on the edge of the river.
Primary jungle hike by trail or canoe ride –according to the season- in which you will observe particularities of plants and trees from this ecosystem like the Victoria Regia, which reaches 1.80 m. diameter.
Return to the Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge. On the way you will have the chance to do native-style fishing of piranhas and other species.
Arrival in the Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge. If you wish, there will be an evening canoe ride or if you decide not to you could comfortably sway on a hammock or enjoy an exotic drink at the “Clavohuasca Bar”.
Supper. Overnight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17 AMAZONAS SINCHICUY LODGE / IQUITOS – BACK TO LIMA
Breakfast. Visit the Wildlife Project, recently called as Custody Centre to observe some of the varieties of wild animals such as sloth bears, monkeys, achunis, macaws, toucans, boas and lizards. It will be an interesting way to learn to appreciate and respect wildlife typical of our Amazonia.
After our educational tour, we went to the Amazonas Sinchicuy Lodge for lunch. A proper time we will take our boat to head to Iquitos, transfer to airport to take your flight back to Lima. Reception and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Lima.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18 LIMA - COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Breakfast. At the appropriate time transfer to the airport to take your international flight towards your country of origin.
Meals included: Breakfast.
PRICE PER PERSON IN AMERICAN DOLLAR
CAT |
LODGEMENT, CITIES |
CAT |
ROOM Twin or Double Room |
LUXURY | HOTEL CASA ANDINA PREMIUM (Lima) HOTEL CASA ANDINA PREMIUM (Arequipa) HOTEL COLCA LODGE (Chivay) HOTEL CASA ANDINA PREMIUM (Cusco) HOTEL SUMAQ (Aguas Calientes) HOTEL CASA ANDINA PREMIUM (Valle Sagrado) HOTEL CASA ANDINA PREMIUM (Puno) CEIBA TOPS LODGE (Iquitos - Lodge) HOTEL NAZCA LINES (Nazca) HOTEL LAS DUNAS - Hab. Superior (Ica) |
5* 5* 5* 4* SUP 5* 4* SUP 4* SUP ----- 3* SUP 3* SUP |
U$3170.00 |
FIRST CLASS |
HOTEL LA HACIENDA MIRAFLORES (Lima) HOTEL SONESTA POSADA (Arequipa) HOTEL REFUGIO (Chivay) HOTEL COSTA DEL SOL RAMADA (Cusco) HOTEL TAYPIKALA (Aguas Calientes) HOTEL SONESTA YUCAY (Valle Sagrado) HOTEL SONESTA LAGO (Puno) HELICONIA LODGE (Iquitos - Lodge) HOTEL NAZCA LINES (Nazca) HOTEL LAS DUNAS - Hab. Superior (Ica) |
4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* 4* ------ 3* SUP 3* SUP |
U$2636.00 |
SUPERIOR | HOTEL FARAONA o HOTEL EL TAMBO II (Lima) HOTEL CASA ANDINA JERUSALEN (Arequipa) HOTEL CASA ANDINA COLCA (Chivay) HOTEL TIERRA VIVA CENTRO (Cusco) HOTEL WAMAN (Aguas Calientes) HOTEL HACIENDA VALLE (Valle Sagrado) HOTEL INTIQA o HOTEL CASONA PLAZA (Puno) MUYUNA LODGE (Iquitos - Lodge) HOTEL CASA ANDINA (Nazca) HOTEL LAS DUNAS (Ica) |
3* SUP 3* SUP 3* SUP 3* SUP 3* SUP 3* SUP 3* SUP ----- 3* SUP 3* SUP |
U$2242.00 |
STANDARD | HOTEL MIRAMAR o HOTEL DUCADO (Lima) HOTEL CORREGIDOR (Arequipa) HOTEL COLCA INN (Chivay) HOTEL PRISMA (Cusco) HOTEL HATUN SAMAY (Aguas Calientes) OLLANTAYTAMBO LODGE (Valle Sagrado) HOTEL BALSA INN (Puno) SINCHICUY LODGE (Iquitos - Lodge) HOTEL ORO VIEJO (Nazca) HOTEL MOSSONE (Ica) |
3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* ------ 3* 3* |
U$1899.00 |
In Lima:
In Paracas - Ica & Nazca:
In Arequipa:
In Puno:
In Cusco:
In Iquitos:
The program does not include: (price per person)
AIR TICKETS TOTAL PER PERSON(TO BE ADDED TO TOUR PACKAGE): $ 219.00 VÍA LATAM AIRLINES
*** Airfares are subject to airline’s availability ***
TYPES OF TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU:
Expeditions
It is a service created just for those adventurous travelers seeking comfort and safety. The carriage feature additional space for backpacks and equipment typically require travelers for your walks. For this period 2014 these carriages also have panoramic windows.
Vistadome
These spectacular carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and a number of photo opportunities. Completely surrounded by glass, passengers feel they are part of the impressive landscape of Peru. Vistadome also offer to passengers more comfort with leather seats and extensive leg room. ADDITIONAL TO TRAVEL WITH THIS TRAIN: $ 29.00 PER PERSON
***Hotels are regulated by the International Arrival Time criteria (check in) from 13h00 and departure (check out) until 10h00. This time varies depending on the city to visit***