Totally Peru Package
20 Days / 19 Nights

Itinerary

1. DAY 1. Welcome to Peru!

   Welcome to Peru! Our representative will be waiting for you at the airport in Lima, ready to take you to your hotel in Lima.

   No further services will be arranged on this day unless requested.

   Meals: None
   Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard or similar

2. DAY 2. Lima City Tour & Culinary Experience

   Today you will learn about the delicious and traditional dishes. At 9:30 am our guide will pick you from your hotel then take you to one of the local markets. There you will walk through the market, and the guide will explain all the different ingredients (vegetables, fruits, grains, grain, & meat ) . Most of these ingredients are farmed in the mountains or valleys close to Lima and are available in the Markets of Lima. After enjoying the walking tour you will be ready to participate in the cooking class, the chef will start with an explanation of the different dishes and drinks you will prepare. The most popular dishes are Ceviche, Lomo saltado, papa a la huancaína, Pisco sour, then you will enjoy these delicious dishes.
   Around 2- pm, you will continue with the City tour, visiting the center Of Lima where the famous Palacio del Gobierno or President House, Main Plaza, and most of the colonial buildings.
   We will visit the Main Plaza of Lima, which is nicely surrounded by impressive buildings, palaces, a castle, and the most important being the President’s house or Palacio de Gobierno of Peru. After a nice explanation from your guide and a chance to take lots of pictures, you will continue walking to the famous Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs.
   Other important places to see are the De la Union Pathway, the Archbishop’s Palace, the City Hall of Lima, the Cathedral, and San Martin Square, a place where normally people start important group meetings or protests.
   The Historic center is a World Heritage Site protected by Unesco. All of these important and beautiful Colonial buildings are looked after. Lima is one of the oldest Capital cities in South America founded by Spaniards in 1535 and became the City of Kings.
   You will enjoy every single place, with their unique characteristics. Your guide will stop often so you can take lots of great pictures and give a deep explanation of these historic places you will visit. Once your tour is over you will be driven back to your hotel.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel & lunch
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

3. DAY 3. Ballestas Islands & Sandboarding in Huacachina

   We will start from your hotel at 3:30 am, then it will be about 3 1/2 hours driving to Paracas which is South of Lima. In Paracas, you will have breakfast and after that you will visit the famous Islas Ballestas. This will be by boat, which fits around 30 people. Your tour guide will be with you the whole time explaining to you information about these historic places and be your photographer on this tour that is around 2-hours.

   The Ballestas Islands are small groups or rocky islands and are home to thousands of birds and animals like penguins, sea lions, pelicans, and dolphins. Another beautiful thing you will see is the Paracas Candelabro, also called Candelabro of the Andes. This is a well known prehistoric geoglyph located on the northern face of the Paracas Peninsula.

   After that, we will continue with a drive for about 1-hour and 20-minutes to Huacachina for lunch.
   Huacachina is a tiny desert village, with a nice lush oasis and surrounded by dunes. You will be able to enjoy the dunes and the unique beauty of the desert!

   After enjoying the dunes we will continue with a 2-hour drive to your hotel in Nazca.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Hotel or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

4. DAY 4. Nazca Lines & Bus to Arequipa

   After your breakfast, your guide will pick you up at 8:30 am from your hotel to take you to the airfield.

   You will fly over the Nazca lines for about 40-minutes as you see the large line drawings of animals and geometrical figures that are only possible to appreciate and enjoy from the air.

   Then it will be another 2-hour drive to Ica where you will stop for lunch. Ica is well known for its wine & factories that produce both wine and Pisco sour. It will take around 1-hour visiting this famous factory and tasting.

   Today´s tour will end after the visit to the winery from where you will board your bus to Arequipa. Once in Arequipa, we will drop you off directly at your hotel.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Select or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

5. DAY 5. Free Day in Arequipa

   Today will be a free day to be spent at your own leisure in the beautiful city of Arequipa. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the main plaza to appreciate the imposing white (sillar) constructions that are iconic to this city. Sweeten your walk by trying the famous ¨queso helado.¨

   No activities will be arranged on this day unless requested.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Select or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: None required

6. DAY 6. Journey to Colca Canyon

   We will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa between 7:30 to 8:00 AM and we will pass through the Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve in Pampas Cañahuas along a path bordering the Chachani snow-capped mountain. Once in the reserve we will be able to observe beautiful South American camelids. (vicuñas, llamas and alpacas) that graze in the area and in the wetlands of Tocra we will appreciate migratory birds (flamingos, Andean seagulls, wild ducks, etc.). Continuing with our tour we will pass through the craters of an extinct volcano, to reach the Mirador de Volcanes at (4,800 m.a.s.l.) three volcanoes Pampato, Hualca Hualca and Sabancaya can be seen, from where we can appreciate a large part of the Western Cordillera.

   After our tour we will go to Chivay to enjoy a comforting lunch, then we will go to the Colca lodge located 10 minutes from Chivay next to the Colca River, where you can spend the afternoon at leisure including the thermal baths overlooking the Canyon.

   Accommodation: Colca Lodge or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

7. DAY 7. Arequipa - Puno

   This day, we will visit the highest part of the canyon, after having breakfast we will depart early to the Natural Viewpoint: Cruz del Cóndor, We will pick you up at approximately 6:30 a.m., to leave for the Natural Viewpoint of Cruz del Cóndor, a strategic point to admire the flight of the condors in the extension of the canyon, the Colca River, the agricultural terraces of more than a thousand years of antiquity; In the place we will learn about the different indigenous groups that inhabited and still inhabit the Colca Valley.

   Then, we will return to Chivay, making stops in some typical towns such as: Maca and Yanque, which houses beautiful colonial churches such as the Romanesque-style church of Santa Ana; We will also make stops at the Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints, from there we will observe the impressive pre-Inca tombs and models. Finally, we will arrive in Chivay for the buffet lunch. After lunch, your guide will embark you on another transport to Puno. On the road, They will make 2 stops: in Patahuasi and the second stop in lagoons where they will observe a large number of flamingos, arriving at the hotel in Puno at approximately 7:30 pm.

   Once in Puno, we will drop you off directly at your hotel. You will have a free evening to spend at your own leisure.

   Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
   Meals: Breakfast at hotel
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

8. DAY 8. Lake Titicaca and Homestay in Amantani Island

   Pick-up will be between 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. You will be transferred to the lakes port where you will take a boat to the floating island of Uros, where you will have time to explore around.
   Following this, you will take a boat ride to the next island, Amanti Island, where you will stay with a local family. Tonight will be a basic accommodation, but a memorable one, as you will be surrounded by a nice family. This will allow for an opportunity to see how the indigenous people of the lake live. In the afternoon, you will climb the mountain up to the Temple of Pachatata to watch the sunset and party with the locals.

   Accommodation: Overnight with local family in Amantani Island
   Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

9. DAY 9. Taquile Island & Return to Puno

   You will have an early breakfast with the family and take a boat to the next island called Taquile. This island is known for its intricate and rich textile and weaving traditions and sustainable tourism practices. You will have the opportunity to walk around the island and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake.

   You will return to Puno around 3:30 p.m. and have a free evening to relax in Puno.

   Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno
   Meals: Breakfast
   Entrance Tickets: All Included

10. DAY 10. Puno - Cusco Bus

    After an early breakfast, we will pick you up between 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. to transfer you to the bus station, where you will take the tourist bus. This is a full-day ride to Cusco. You will enjoy stops along the way and visit some Inca and pre-Inca ruins. When you arrive at Cusco, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

    Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
    Meals: Breakfast & lunch
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

11. DAY 11. Free Day in Cusco

    No activities will be arranged on this day. We highly recommend spending your day walking around Cusco´s charming cobblestone streets and visiting the colourful market of San Pedro.

    Your briefing session for the Inca Trail hike will take place at 18:00 hrs at the Alpaca Expeditions headquarters. You will meet your guide and fellow hike members during your briefing session. We will use this time to check in as well.

    Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel
    Entrance Tickets: None required

12. DAY 12. Sacred Valley of the Incas

    Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby in Cusco, at 8 a.m. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. On the way, we will stop at a famous point known as El Mirador (Lookout Point). From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley and gain some insight into Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled. There is an unusual abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.

    Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about Inca culture. You will see amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we will drive back to the lower town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. After you spend some time walking around the market bargain hunting, we will meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant. This meal is not included in the tour, so if you prefer a different restaurant, just let your tour guide know.

    After lunch, we will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will visit the ruins, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.

    We will spend the night at Ollantaytambo to start our Inca Trail early the next day.

    Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or similar
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

13. DAY 13.Short Inca Trail with Hotel

    Your short Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu starts with you being picked up from your hotel at 4 a.m. Next, we’ll go to the train station and leave on the 6:10 a.m. train from Ollantaytambo. The trail follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km 104, where we’ll begin our trek. Along the way you’ll see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River. The Urubamba River is one of the sources of the massive Amazon River so it’s very impressive to see. At 104 km (2,000 m), we’ll begin our breathtaking trek. Once you’re off the train and ready to go, we’ll provide you with snacks and take a group photo. Then we’ll set off to visit our first Inca site. We’ll give you a short orientation about this historical Inca site as well as a walking tour. Then we’ll begin hiking as we head for the Classic Inca Trail. We’ll have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River and other surrounding Inca Sites.

    After hiking for three hours we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Few people get the opportunity to see these elaborate water fountains, temples and agricultural terraces. These provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site is a dramatic cliff drop with beautiful mountains surrounding the area.

    A few minutes of walking from there and you’ll arrive at the Alpaca Expeditions campsite used by hikers who have chosen to do the Classic Inca Trail. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the hot homemade lunch that’s been freshly cooked by Alpaca Expeditions’ chefs. You’ll also get a chance to refill your water and get a little rest after you’ve eaten.

    From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Sun Gate. This is where we’ll see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we’ll begin our descent to Machu Picchu.

    One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time you reach Machu Picchu the day travelers will have left. This leaves you the whole area to explore with no interruptions. After taking photos and exploring the area, we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and head to your hotel. After that we’ll head to Indio Feliz for dinner (included). This restaurant is considered to have the best food in Aguas Calientes. After dinner we recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.

    Accommodation: la Cabaña Hotel or similar
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

14. DAY 14. Visit to Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

    We’ll wake up early so that we can catch one of the first busses so that we can catch the striking sunrise at Machu Picchu. You’ll have a two hour guided walking tour by your private English speaking Alpaca Expeditions guide. After that you’ll have time to explore Machu Picchu by yourself. Those who have tickets to Huayna Picchu will have time to climb the mountain, which takes approximately an hour and a half round-trip.

    After exploring you can either take a bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes for a free afternoon. You’ll need to remember to catch your train, which will depart that afternoon to Ollantaytambo. Once you arrive at the station in Ollantaytambo we will be there to meet you and drive you back to Cusco.

    Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel
    Entrance Tickets: All Included (except Huayna Picchu Mountain entry ticket)

15. DAY 15. Rainbow Mountain

    We will pick you up for the Rainbow Mountain hike at 4:00 – 4:30 am from any hotel, Airbnb, or hostel in Cusco. It will be a 2½ hour drive to the trailhead – we will arrive at around 7 am. Here at the trailhead, our chef will make a delicious breakfast, including coffee, hot chocolate, teas, bread, fruit salad, eggs, and hot drinks. Cusco’s elevation is 3300m / 11,300ft, and the trailhead called Phulawasipata is at 4200m/ 14,300ft.

    Cusco’s weather is usually quite cold, and the trailhead is even colder, so early in the morning. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves.

    After breakfast, we’ll hike about 2 hours uphill to the Rainbow Mountain range. At a slower pace, it could be 2¾ hours, or if you are really fit, quick and acclimatized well, some people can do it in 1½ hours. The hike up includes some short breaks where the guide will explain some important information about the mountains and the geography of the area. Perhaps you’ll have a chance to catch sight of some of the locals, including llamas and alpacas that frequent this area.

    The trail itself is quite wide and helpful for those with vertigo or fear of heights. The trek is best during the dry season as the trails are not paved. The trail can be a bit dusty, and in the rainy season, it can be slippery since it may be wet. However, with good waterproof hiking shoes and trekking poles, it will be just fine. This is your opportunity to see why Rainbow Mountain has become an Instagrammers delight according to CNBC!

    Upon your arrival at the top of Rainbow Mountain, around 9-10:00 am, you will have about 1 hour to explore the spectacular views of the surrounding areas – valleys, mountains and to view the highest glacial mountain in Cusco – Ausangate, whose summit is at an elevation of 6,384m / 20,944ft, making it one of the tallest mountains in Peru.

    After giving you a bit of time to take some treasured photos, your guide will tell you some intriguing facts about this fascinating place – like why the colors?! – and he will also share some detail about the Inkan history. A few last photos of this spectacular mountain and we will begin our descent. We do this a little differently than other groups. Instead of hiking the same route as they do, we hike to a lookout point to see the Red Valley and continue with our hike.

    This valley is the icing on the cake, and many of our hikers say that it is even nicer than Rainbow Mountain! It is about 2½ hours mostly downhill from Rainbow Mountain, to the end of the trail, which is near where we started the hike. Here you will enjoy a fresh meal prepared by your chef, which includes cold drinks, appetizers, soup, and the main course.
    After lunch, it will be another 2½ hour drive to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel at around 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

    Your guide will double-check with you about the next day’s activities.

    Accommodation: Tierra Viva Centro or similar
    Meals: Breakfast & lunch
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

16. DAY 16. Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

    Today, our representative will come to your hotel in Cusco ready to take you to the airport for your departure flight to Puerto Maldonado. This flight should be arranged in the morning hours, as your arrival to Puerto Maldonado should be by no later than 12:00 hrs.

    Upon arrival to Puerto Maldonado, you will be met at the airport by your naturalist guide and transferred to a dugout canoe for the trip up the Tambopata River to the lodge. On the journey, the vegetation changes from colonized deforested areas to virgin rainforest. A box lunch is provided on board. Once you arrive, you’ll be offered a welcome drink and meet the rest of the staff. In the late afternoon, you set off for an introductory walk into the “terra firme ” forest behind the lodge (trail two), dominated by giant Brazil-nut and Dipteryx trees. Frequently seen mammals on this trail are Saddle-back Tamarins, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, Pacas, Blue-Morpho butterflies, Trogons, Toucans and many other species of birds. After dinner, there will be a night walk to find nocturnal animals or insects by the eye-shine, a specialization for increasing the light and to see better. About 50 percent of the animals in the rain forest are nocturnal.

    Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

17. DAY 17. Amazon Jungle

    After an early breakfast, you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe, once again. You will partake in a short journey to the trailhead to begin a morning’s exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, which is rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters lives in the vicinity of the lake and is often observed. Birds to look forward to are: Rufescent Tiger-herons, Great Egrets, Wattled Jacanas, Hoatzin, and the noisy Donacobius, among many others. Remember to bring your hat and sunscreen, for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge (with or without your guide) or relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca (a cool clear stream beside the lodge). After dark, you will go searching for caiman (alligators) and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River.

    Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

18. DAY 18. Amazon Jungle

    After an early breakfast, you will take a short boat ride down river to the trail head. Here, you will embark on a longer trail which leads to a spectacular hidden lake, requiring the crossing of streams and swampy ground, past the giant Lupuna trees (Kings of the Jungle), which abound in this part of the forest. On the walk you are introduced to more aspects of the forest and its animals. At the lake itself, it is possible to spot the elusive Black Caiman and Giant Otters. We will return for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxation and bathing.

    Accommodation: Tambopata Ecolodge
    Meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch & dinner
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

19. DAY 19. Amazon Jungle & Return to Lima

    Your morning activities will be based on when your flight is leaving Puerto Maldonado. Try to schedule your flight departing around noon. If time allows, you will enjoy the morning watching the wildlife that is particularly active at this time, often the sounds of howler monkeys surround you. When you are ready, you will make your way back to the airport for your next adventure.

    Once in Lima, our representative will be waiting for you ready to take you to your hotel in Lima.

    No further activities will be arranged on this day.

    Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Miraflores or similar
    Meals: Breakfast
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

20. DAY 20. Goodbye!

    We hate to see you leave but hope you enjoyed your adventure exploring the gems of south Peru!

    Our transfer will come to pick you up from your hotel in Lima ready to take you to the airport for your departure flight.

    No further services will be arranged for this day.

    Accommodation: None required
    Meals: Breakfast at hotel
    Entrance Tickets: All Included

    All fees are based on double room occupancy. Single rooms can be booked for an additional fee.

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