ARRIVAL TO LIMA

Lima - Upon arriving in Lima, a representative will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. If you arrive early, consider a stroll through Miraflores, from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to the LarcoMar entertainment complex. Alternatively, enjoy a walk to Parque Del Amor (Love Park) for stunning views of Lima’s beaches.

LIMA CITY TOUR

Lima - Known as “The City of Kings,” Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 during the viceroyalty. It was a pivotal city in South America, serving as a financial and political hub, and remains one of the continent’s most populous cities. The tour begins with a visit to Lima’s historical center, showcasing colonial monuments and buildings such as La Plaza de Armas, the town hall, and La Plaza San Martin, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1988. We will also explore the San Francisco convent, home to South America’s largest art collection and catacombs.

The tour continues through the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, passing La Huaca Pucllana (an Inca shrine), a ceremonial center made of mud. Modern attractions include Parque Kennedy, el Malecon Cisneros, El Parque del Amor, and the Larcomar shopping center.

ICA- VALLESTAS ISLAND AND PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE

Ica - The Paracas National Reserve, a state-protected natural area, is Peru’s only marine protected area. Located in Pisco province, the desert sand here maintains a unique balance between people and nature. Within the Reserve, you’ll find archaeological remnants of the ancient Paracas culture. Early in the morning, we travel to Paracas by local bus and then by boat to the National Nature Reserve, home to sea lions, penguins, seagulls, and more. We will also see the chandelier and a geoglyph on a hillside.

ICA CITY TOUR

Ica - Situated on Peru’s southern coast, Ica is renowned for its wineries. The city is charming, steeped in traditions, mysticism, and religion. In the morning, we travel by bus to Ica and then to the southern coast of Peru. In the afternoon, we will visit the main square, the ruins of the Luren temple, Lake Huacachina for a pedal boat ride, and enjoy sandboarding.

NASCA

Nasca Lines - The ancient Nazca people left behind significant geoglyphs, consisting of lines and drawings of animals and plants spanning 350 square kilometers. The sheer size of these geoglyphs is astonishing. The purpose of these lines remains a mystery, with theories suggesting they represent the ancient Nazca zodiac (500 BC), clan totems, or even a space airport. We will board a local bus in the morning to Nazca airport and fly over lines such as the whale, trapezium, astronaut, monkey, dog, hummingbird, condor, spider, parrot, hands, and tree. After lunch, we will take a bus to Arequipa.

AREQUIPA CITY TOUR

Arequipa Region - Known as the “White City” due to its buildings made from white volcanic rock called sillar, Arequipa was founded as “Villa Hermoza de Arequipa” and is Peru’s third-largest city. This economically vibrant region in southern Peru thrives on commerce and agriculture in its fertile valleys. We will visit the Santa Catalina monastery, a collection of religious structures in the historical center with four centuries of architecture. We will also visit the main square, one of the country’s most beautiful, and the Jesuit church of La Campania, with its mixed architectural style, cloister, cupola, and the Tristan house. The tour concludes with visits to the typical districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara.

AREQUIPA CITY

Arequipa Region - Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace.

COLCA CANYON- AREQUIPA REGION

Colca Canyon - Colca Canyon is a top tourist attraction in Arequipa, located in Caylloma province. The valley features over 8,000 hectares of farming terraces, primarily for potato and maize crops. The canyon is home to the Condor (Vulture Gryphus), where you can witness the majestic flight of the world’s second-largest flying bird.

Early in the morning, we will travel by bus to Colca Canyon, stopping for photos along the way, with opportunities to see llamas, alpacas, and vicunas. Colca Canyon is one of the world’s deepest, offering breathtaking scenic beauty. In the afternoon, you can relax in the local hot thermal baths at La Calera, dine on alpaca steak, or enjoy live Andean music at a peña (music hall).

CRUZ DEL CONDOR TOUR- COLCA CANYON AREQUIPA

Mirador Cruz del Condor - The natural viewpoint of Cruz de Condor is situated at 3,287 meters above sea level. It features a large cross and stone walls for visitor safety.

Early in the morning, you can opt for a walk into the canyon to observe the Andean condor’s morning routine. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the world’s largest flying bird in action. A short walk around the area (approximately 45 minutes) follows before returning to Chivay. We will stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, which boast beautiful colonial churches and viewpoints in Choquetico and Antahuilque. From these viewpoints, you can admire the valley’s impressive terraces, pre-Incan tombs, and scale models. After lunch, we will travel by bus to Arequipa.

PUNO – UROS FLOATING ISLANDS & AMANTANI ISLAND

Islas Flotantes - Puno serves as the gateway to Lake Titicaca and its unique islands, the region’s main attraction. These islands are perfect for exploring the area’s flora and fauna. Most economic activities occur around the lake. Puno is comparable to the Himalayas for its unique agricultural practices at high altitudes.

Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. We will tour the lake by slow motorboat, stopping to visit the Uros floating islands, 6 km from Puno’s port. The Uros people built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. The islands are entirely constructed from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the lake’s shallows.

In the evening, upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a host family who will provide accommodation, food, and company, allowing you to enjoy a homestay in a local community on Amantani, one of the lake’s non-floating islands. Your homestay is in a mud-brick house with shared drop-toilets but no shower. It can get quite cold here. The homestay will provide plenty of blankets, but remember to pack thermals and plenty of layers. Help your host family with their daily activities or perhaps play a game of soccer in the village with the local kids.

TAQUILE ISLAND- PUNO

Taquile Island - After breakfast, we take a motorboat for an hour to Taquile Island to visit its inhabitants, who engage in agriculture, fishing, and primarily textiles, with men responsible for spinning and weaving. The island is recognized by UNESCO. Here, you can enjoy a delicious typical lunch from the area before returning to Puno.

CUSCO

Cusco Region - We travel to Cusco by bus. This journey offers spectacular views along the “Ruta del Sol,” with stops at strategic locations to explore the diversity of Andean landscapes, towns, and Incan archaeological sites.

CUSCO CITY TOUR

Cusco - Cusco is the historical and archaeological capital of South America, a title awarded by UNESCO to preserve its archaeological monuments and maintain the customs from the Inca era. The city’s grand archaeological monuments defy time, with vast complexes that amaze all visitors.

This half-day tour begins with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, renowned for being built on the Incan sun temple structures, the main religious building of the Incas dedicated to sun worship. When the first Spaniards arrived, they were astonished to see the temple’s walls covered with gold plates. Following this, we will visit the Cathedral, a colonial religious monument of extraordinary artistic value, featuring fabulous paintings with carved wooden frames and the beautiful Church of the Company.

Continuing the tour, we visit the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, where you will admire large terraces in a zigzag formation surrounded by enormous stone walls, with stone blocks exceeding 6 meters in height and weighing over 120 tons. This is a magnificent example of Incan architecture. You will also visit Q’enqo, meaning “Labyrinth,” a stone shrine used for ritual purposes. Additionally, Pukapukara, meaning “red fortress,” is built with calcareous stones that have acquired the reddish color of the ground. Finally, Tambomachay, known as the Incan Baths, was a sacred center for water worship.

Sacred Valley Tour

Sacred Valley of the Incas - The Sacred Valley runs along the Vilcanota River basin, showcasing incredible archaeological towns built by the Incas. This valley was highly valued by the Incas for its unique geographical and climatic qualities, becoming a key area for agricultural production and holding spiritual significance for the local inhabitants.

The tour begins with a visit to the archaeological complex of Pisaq, known for its harmonious, time-resistant buildings on rugged terrain. It is primarily represented by its impressive system of agricultural terraces and the traditional market in Pisaq village, located on the main square and surrounding streets. This colorful place is highlighted by the diversity of handcrafted products. Afterward, we head to Urubamba for lunch.

We then continue to the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, an Incan site strategically built as a military center to protect Cusco from potential invasions. It is also considered a religious and agricultural center, with enclosures for sun and water worship and an impressive system of agricultural terraces. Finally, we will proceed to Ollantaytambo station to board the train to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) for an overnight stay.

MACHU PICCHU

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - Known as “The Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 wonders of the modern world. It is a masterpiece of Incan architecture and engineering, featuring unique architectural and landscape elements. Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting this site reveals the greatest historical legacy of the Incas. We start early by boarding the bus to the citadel. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a walking tour through impressive buildings that seamlessly blend with the natural landscape. The site has three main construction sectors: the agricultural sector, characterized by imposing terraces rising from the mountain base; the religious sector, filled with finely crafted temples and shrines; and the urban sector, where ancient Peruvians lived. After the guided tour, you can explore the citadel independently. Finally, you will take the bus down from Machu Picchu to board the train back to Cusco.

CUSCO

Cusco - Today is free for relaxation and enjoying Cusco’s many attractions. You may choose to visit San Blas church, the religious art museum, and San Pedro market (sites not visited the previous day).

CUSCO - TAMBOPATA

Tambopata National Reserve - Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Tambopata River port, with a brief stop at Puerto Maldonado Headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in the gardens, you will be asked to pack only the necessary gear for the next few days, leaving the rest in our storage room to keep the boats light.

Skirting Puerto Maldonado, we drive 20 kilometers to the Tambopata River Port, entering the Native Community of Infierno. The port is a communal business. You will then be transferred by boat from Tambopata River Port to Refugio Amazonas. This two-and-a-half-hour boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Refugio Amazonas takes us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve’s checkpoint, entering the buffer zone of this 1.3 million-hectare conservation unit. During Caiman searches, you will be at the Tambopata River’s edge at night, scanning the shores with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes.

TAMBOPATA

Tambopata National Reserve - Today, you’ll visit Oxbow Lake, where you’ll canoe or catamaran around the lake, spotting wildlife like hoatzin, caiman, horned screamers, and possibly otters. Keep an eye out for macaws flying overhead. A 30-minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the Canopy Tower, offering stunning views of the forest and opportunities to see toucans, macaws, and raptors.

Next, visit Don Manuel’s farm, where he grows a variety of Amazon crops, followed by an Ethnobotanical Garden tour to learn about plants used by locals for medicinal and other purposes, like Ajo-Sacha and Uña de Gato.

After dinner, enjoy a lecture on conservation threats and projects in the Tambopata National Reserve. You’ll stay overnight at Refugio Amazonas Lodge.

TAMBOPATA

Iquitos Amazon Region - After breakfast, a fifteen-minute boat ride and a sixty-minute walk from Refugio Amazonas lead to a clay lick used by parrots and parakeets. From a blind, you will see parrots and parakeets descend on most clear days to ingest the clay on a bank. Species such as Dusky-headed and Cobalt-winged Parakeet descend to this clay lick. With luck, you may also see some or all of the following species in the early morning rush: Mealy and Yellow-crowned Amazons, Blue-headed Pionus, Severe macaw, and Orange-cheeked (Barraband’s) Parrot. You visit the clay lick at dawn, when parrots are most active, or in mid-morning or early afternoon, when they are also active.

A short hike from the lodge leads to a beautiful old-growth patch of Brazil Nut forest that has been harvested for decades (if not centuries), where the precarious remains of a camp used two months a year by Brazil Nut gatherers can still be experienced. Your guide will demonstrate the entire process of the rainforest’s only sustainably harvested product, from collection through transportation to drying. You will spend the night at Refugio Amazonas Lodge.

Twenty minutes walking from Refugio Amazonas is a peccary clay lick. These wild rainforest pigs appear in herds of five to twenty individuals to eat clay in the late morning. Chances of spotting them are around 15%, but the short hike is well worth it. Other wildlife, including deer and guan, may also appear.

After dinner, you will have the option of hiking out at night, when most mammals are active but difficult to see. Easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories.

TAMBOPATA - LIMA

Lima - We will depart from Refugio Amazonas Lodge, taking a boat back to Tambopata River Port and then to Puerto Maldonado. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.