Trip Highlights
- Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley and other tour
- Trekking, hiking, biking, sand boarding and adventure activities
- Visit to Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve
- Colca Canyon and Condor\'s Cross
About The Package
If you are looking to experience the highlights of Peru actively with soft adventures, then this is the perfect tour package for you! During this 16 day journey you have much more on the platter – walk through Lima, practice sand board in the deserts of Huacachina, sail to the Ballestas Islands, explore the Paracas National Reserve, travel to the beautiful Colca Canyon, go on a kayaking journey to the best spots of the Lake Titicaca, hike in Cusco, bike to the stunning Maras salt mines & Moray Inca site and finally take an ancient trekking route to Machu Picchu following the path along awesome valleys, snowcapped mountains, Andean towns and different ecological zones. If you are an adventure lover, this is the tour you’re looking for!
Package Includes
- Accommodation as mentioned in itinerary.
- Meals as mentioned in itinerary.
- Transfers and tours on private and sharing basis as mentioned in itinerary.
- All applicable entrance fees.
- Professional English speaking tour guide.
- Tour equipment as mentioned in itinerary.
Day
1
Arrival at Lima
Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, our representative would welcome you and take you to your hotel in Miraflores. Check in at the hotel. Rest of time free is for leisure, in which you can relax and roam around at your own pace. You can also opt for optional activities, depending on your arrival time in Lima.
Day
2
Walking city tour of Lima
The entire day is to explore Lima’s City Center, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most graceful cities in South America during the Viceroyalty. You would be picked up from hotel and tour starts at the premises of the first university of the Americas: Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, which now is part of its cultural center called "La Casona de San Marcos". Continue to Plaza San Martin and walk through Jr. De la Union, a walking promenade where you will be able to observe several national heritage houses along the way. Visit Casa O´Higgins, where on occasions there are exhibitions on popular art are organized. Continue the tour by visiting "Teatro Municipal" and "Teatro Segura" two of the most important theatres in the city. Keep on walking to Lima’s Main Square called Plaza Mayor. From there, walk to “Casa Osambela”, a typical aristocratic 18th century manor. Just a few steps away from Osambela, visit the "Convento de Santo Domingo" and climb its tower and get a spectacular view of Lima. Continue the tour through the old mail office of Lima to Casa de Aliaga, located close to the Government Palace and owned by the same family since Viceroyalty. From there, head to “Bar Cordano”, one of the oldest traditional bars in Lima, where you will have lunch and try a “butifarra” (a traditional Peruvian ham sandwich) or other typical Peruvian meals. In the afternoon, visit the Convento de San Francisco, the “Parque de la Muralla” (a small park with remains of the old city wall that surrounded Lima in colonial times), the "Museo de la Inquisición", "Escuela de Bellas Artes", and "Convento de San Camilo" which keeps some of the Zurbaran paintings. Finally, visit the Chinatown, the biggest in South America where Chinese immigrants settled back around mid-1800s. You will be able to try some of the Peruvian-Chinese cuisine (amongst the most popular types of cuisine in Peru). After visiting Chinatown, back to the hotel. (B/L)
Day
3
Ica Wineries & Sandboarding at Huacachina
This morning, at the pre fixed time, transfer by coach to the valley of Ica surrounded by the unending sand dunes of the Ica desert. Ica is famous for its warm and dry climate which is perfect for growing vines. Upon arrival, you would be welcomed at the bus terminus. Later go for a short guided tour through an historical winery where wine and our famous Pisco liquor are made. In this visit, you would be able to taste the different products. Later leave for Huacachina, a natural lagoon, known as the Oasis of America. From this beautiful landscape, go into the desert aboard a powerful tubular vehicle. Practice sandboarding and try your skills in this sand sport. After observing the sunset from the vastness of the desert we back to Huacachina and relax in the hotel. (B)
Day
4
Ballestas Islands & Paracas National Reserve and overnight bus to Arequipa
Today wake up early and proceed to Paracas in 1 hour’s drive. Upon arrival, have a short drive to the peaceful private dock of Libertador Hotel. Board on motor boat heading towards the Ballestas Islands also known as the little Galapagos. En route boat stops to observe the hieroglyphic known as "The Chandelier" located on a steep hillside in the Paracas Peninsula. This puzzling figure that can only be seen from the sea holds many mysteries about its origin and function. Later in the Ballestas Islands, see a huge variety of marine animals in natural habitat like a huge cluster of sea wolves, Humboldt penguins and a variety of seabirds. Go through caves and rock formations that have been carved by the sea, wind and weather over several years. Later drive to Paracas National Reserve which is one of the most important marine reserves in the world. First visit the park visitor center and then walk on a trail to see the flamingos. Afterwards, drive on a dirt road to some cliff top lookouts. Enjoy your lunch in the tiny fishing village of "Lagunillas" and then return back to Ica. Board on comfortable night bus heading to the White City of Arequipa. (B/D)
Day
5
Explore Arequipa
On arrival to Arequipa, transfer to the hotel.
One of the main benefits of this lovely city is that everything is pretty close to its colonial city center, which means you can easily explore its main sites at your own pace. We recommend to spend this day walking around this beautiful city. Since all the cities’ landmarks are close by and most sites already include guides, it’s not necessary to take a private guided tour through the city. All the necessary information and maps so you can enjoy the city at your own pace. (B)
Day
6
Colca Canyon
Today drive through the Colca Valley stopping in little towns and natural areas such as Pampa Cañahuas and Salinas National Reserve. Due to vegetation in inter Andean Valleys you would be able to observe some of the most common Andean wildlife such as wild vicuñas, lamas, alpacas, deer, wild rabbits, foxes and different species of birds, sometimes even flamingos. Another halt is at the highest point of the route at 4,800 meters above sea level, where it is possible to see the famous volcanoes and pre Inca farming terraces still in use, called “Andenes”.
Arrive at Chivay and after a short visit continue to the town of Coporaque where you will have some free time for lunch. Check in at the hotel. In the afternoon you can join our guide for a short hike to the San Antonio Archaeological Site. Here you will visit the old cemetery and enjoy views of the terraces along the spectacular Colca Valley. The entire hike takes about an hour.
Upon returning to Coporaque our transportation will take you on a short drive to Chivay to spend the rest of the afternoon at the local hot springs overlooking the Colca Canyon (entrance to the hot springs and towels are not included - entrance is paid directly at the site and costs appx. USD 2). (B)
Day
7
The Condor’s Cross & Puno
On this day, explore the Colca Canyon. Starts the journey to the "Cruz del Condor" (Condors Cross), a viewpoint, a perfect spot to observe the majestic flight of the condors and the depth of the canyon.
On the way back to Chivay, stop at the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint where wonderful 1,500 year-old terraces constructed by the pre Inca Collaguas culture can be observed. Continue to Choquetico, the Andean community of Maca and Yanque; home to the most beautiful colonial church of the Valley.
After lunch (not included, at an additional cost), head towards Puno on a scenic 6-hour drive with views of huge lagoons, stone forests and small Andean farmhouses. En route stop at the Patapampa lookout to observe the surrounding volcanoes and snowcapped mountains. Pampa Cañahuas, a national reserve whose main function is to protect the South American camelids. Upon arrival at Puno, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Day
8
Kayaking & Hiking at the Lake Titicaca
Today embark on the first of a two day adventure activities, exploring Lake Titicaca in an authentic way! In the morning leave from the hotel and head to the little town of Ichu located 35 minutes away from the city of Puno. Upon arrival, get the kayaking equipment, safety gear and a security briefing. Head out on 12 km paddling adventure along the lakes beautiful coastline towards the village of Luquina Grande in the Chucuito Peninsula. Kayaking is an excellent way to enjoy and cherish the lake’s breathtaking views and wildlife from a different perspective. Enjoy a box lunch at the shores of the lake before continuing journey towards Luquina Chico guided by a local villager. First, hike for 30 minutes to a local viewpoint on a small mountain above Luquina. From here you can get panoramic views of the Lake and an ancient ritual site at the top of the hill that is still used nowadays. Continue the tour way down to Luquina Chico to meet the host family who will welcome you to their charming house (Luquinas Homestay facilities are one of the best in the Lake’s communities). Rest of the day is free to relax. You can also explore the farming community of Luquina, or ask your host family about the different short trails you can walk around in the peninsula like a walk to the lighthouse or Karina Beach. You can also enjoy traditional sailing, biking or more kayaking activities this afternoon (at an additional cost). (B/L/D)
Day
9
Sailing & Hiking at Lake Titicaca / Puno
This morning leave from Luquina and the Chucuito Peninsula to head across lakes strait towards the tiny Island of Ticonacta located just off the Capachica Peninsula on the other side of the strait. This two hour motor boat journey provides great views of the well-known Taquile and Amantani Islands. Once in Ticonata, meet the locals and share with them a delicious Andean breakfast including “Totoche”, a traditional bread. Ticonata’s small population lives in unique circular shape homes with thatched roofs. After a short visit of the community, continue for a 10 minutes’ walk to the top of the mountain. From this point, have stunning views of the lake and observe the place where local villagers still practice ancient ceremonies. Continue bordering the island until arriving to the site museum where you can see some pre Inca mummies and archaeological remains found in the island.
Later take a traditional sailboat to Ccotos. At this point, the deep blue sky and crystal clear waters of the lake might tempt you to go for a refreshing swim (lake Titicaca’s waters aren’t as cold as some people think!). Once you are back to the mainland, begin an easy 2 hour hike along the Siali Gulf to Paramis, a great opportunity to observe local villagers performing their daily activities like working in the fields with cattle. From Paramis continue to hike up a medium size mountain for around 2 hours until reaching Llachon. Halfway through the hike will reach probably the best viewpoint on the lake at the top of this mountain. Upon arriving to Llachon, you would be welcomed by our host family. Enjoy a delicious lunch with them. After lunch the family will offer a short textile exhibition for us. You can see their weaving techniques that go back to preInca times. Walk down to the dock of Llachon to take motor boat to reach back to Puno. En route visit the floating Islands of Uros Titino. These are the only two islands of the Uros Community that have remained in their original location outside of Puno bay. The islands provide a much more authentic experience than the rest of the Uros floating Islands. (B/L)
Day
10
Scenic bus journey from Puno to Cusco
Board a bus departing from the highlands of Puno and head towards Cusco. Bus passes through little Andean towns, populated with herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas and with breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains in the background. En route bus halts to visit different attractions such as Pukara, La Raya, Racchi and the famous Andahuaylillas Church baptized as the "Sisteen Chapel" of America. Enjoy a buffet lunch en route which includes Andean and international cuisines. In the afternoon we arrive in Cusco and check in at the hotel. (B/L)
Day
11
Cusco Guided Hike & Saqsayhuaman
Strap on your walking shoes and get prepared for a soft hike around Cusco’s Historical City Centre and surrounding countryside! Begin the tour in the outskirts of Cusco with a visit to Sacsayhuaman a huge Inca fortress overlooking the city. Later start an easy one hour descent walk, part of it through an old Inca road, one of the best preserved in the region until arriving to the Bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. Afterwards, this walking city tour will take you through the most touristic sites in Cusco such as the Main Square, Cathedral and Koricancha “Temple of the Sun”, along ancient streets, local markets, and old neighborhoods. Discover the the magic of Cusco. This hike is the best way to get an authentic feel of this amazing city and its people. Rest of the day is free to roam around and enjoy the city and surroundings. (B)
Day
12
Biking in the Sacred Valley (Maras & Moray)
Pick up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Cruzpata, starting point of your mountain bike adventure. This tour is perfect to enjoy the Sacred Valley actively. During the mountain trail, get delighted with the views of Andean peaks and inhabitants of the region working on their daily activities. Visit the Inca experimental agricultural terraces of Moray and proceed on a downhill dirt road to Maras. This adventure ends in Pichingoto and then have a short drive to the peaceful hotel located at the Sacred Valley of the Incas. (B)
Day
13
Ferrata Route at the Sacred Valley
Today get transferred to Pachar in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Meet the tour guides and have a safety briefing before receiving the equipment. The Ferrata Route adventure consists on climbing mountain cliffs with the help of iron ladders and fixed cables. This activity can be practiced by anyone (more than 11 years old) who is in good physical conditions. There is no previous experience required. For safety reasons the climber is permanently tied to a steel cable “life line” that runs along the entire route. During the route, get the breathtaking views of the Valley. At the end of the adventure, go back to Cusco. (B/L)
Day
14
Discovering Machu Picchu
It is big day today! Early in the morning, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Machu Picchu Town at around 7 am. This is a spectacular journey. See the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle travelling besides the meandering Urubamba River. Upon arrival, take a 15 minute bus up the steep zigzag road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain. Once you arrive at the site, take a private guided tour to explore every corner of the "Lost City of the Incas". Afterwards you have free time to walk around Machu Picchu through the temples, palaces and living quarters. In the afternoon, return by train to Cusco. (B)
Day
15
Day at Leisure in Cusco
Cusco is one of the most interesting cities in Peru and South America. The entire day is free to explore the streets and plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage City at our own pace. (B)
Day
16
Departure day
Today, you will get some free time to take a last minute walk around Cusco’s shops and markets and then, transfer to Cusco airport to board your flight to Lima, connecting your international flight back to your hometown. (B)
Food
Accommodation
Transfers
