Arequipa – Puno – Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Lima 16 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Lima.

For the Best Peru Tour Package, we will be waiting for you at the airport exit in Arequipa (send your flight details), then you will be dropped off at your hotel.

• 4* Accomodatios: Casa Andina Premium, Costa del Sol Ramada, Novotel
• Meals: None

Day 2: Lima City Tour: Ancient, Colonial and Modern – Flight to Arequipa.

Breakfast. You are picked up at your hotel by your private guide and driver to begin your tour in Lima’s historic city center.

Visit the Main Square and the Cathedral, where Conquistador Francisco Pizarro is entombed. Tour the Convent and Church of San Francisco, which hold the oldest collection of colonial art in the Americas, with an exquisitely carved chorus, a library of ancient manuscripts, and the Sacristy with paintings by Zurbarán and Rivera.

The grand courtyard of the main cloister is decorated floor-to-ceiling in blue and white Sevillian tiles, depicting scenes from the bible that dates back to the 16th Century. Moroccan-style arches lead us to the Catacombs, a subterranean crypt from the colonial period, where the bones of 25 thousand colonial-era Lima residents are entombed.

Then tours of the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca adobe pyramid in the heart of the seaside district of Miraflores; Parque del Amor (Park of Love), and other attrations in the Miraflores district. Lunch.
Excursion to the Larco Museum, with its magnificent collection of Moche portrait vessels, erotic pottery and gold, silver and stone artifacts and textiles from Peru’s pre-Columbian civilizations. In the afternoon we will head to the Airport for our flight to Arequipa

• 4* Accomodatios: Casa Andina Premium, Costa del Sol Ramada, Novotel
• Meals: None

Day 3: Arequipa City Tour

your guide will pick up from your hotel. Arequipa is surrounded by spectacular mountains, including the volcano El Misti. A fascinating feature of the city is its many beautiful buildings made of a light-colored volcanic rock called sillar.

The City Tour is the best way to see the beauty of “Arequipa”. The tour includes sites such as the cathedral of Arequipa, the Convent of Santa Catalina, characterized by its narrow streets and different styles and famous since the 16th century and is at this time home of 450 nuns.”
Also, we’ll visit the Museum “Santuarios Andinos’ ‘ and the beautiful and famous “Ice maiden”

• 4* Accomodatios: Casa Andina Premium, Costa del Sol Wyndham Arequipa
• Meals: None

Day 4: Arequipa Chivay.

Our tour will start between 7:30am and 8:15am, and depart by bus towards the Colca Canyon. We’ll have stops in Pampa Cañahuas, Aguada Blanca National Reserve which is home to herds of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas, and migratory birds (flamingoes, seagulls Andean, wild ducks, etc.) So, you can stop to get that all-important selfie with an Alpaca! We also stop on The Viewpoint of the Andes, which is the highest part of the road, from where we appreciate much of the Western Cordillera. We will arrive to Chivay at 1:30 p.m. and after lunch, we will settle in our lodging in Chivay.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit to Hot Spring La Calera of Colca Canyon to relax at the nice pool outdoors surrounded of the huge mountains. Then, back to Chivay for diner in some restaurant of the town. Overnight at the hostel.

• 4* Accommodations: Aranwa, Casan Andina.
• Meals: None

Day 5: Chivay – Colca Canyon – Cruz Del Condor – Chivay – Puno.

At around 06:00 a.m. after breakfast, we’ll depart to the “Condor’s Cross”, or Natural Viewpoint: Cruz del Condor, where we’ll hopefully see the world famous Andean condor birds soar majestically above us as they rise up from the canyon. We will take you to different viewpoints of the canyon, to allow you to explore it and appreciate its sheer size: This incredible canyon is the second deepest in the world! and to make small walks in the surroundings.

Then we will return to Chivay, making stops in some typical villages such as: Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque that houses beautiful colonial churches. In Chivay we will make a last stop for the buffet lunch.

At 1pm, departing to Puno, Along the way stop Patapampa, and Lagunillas viewpoint Situated on the half way between Puno and Arequipa, there several of beautiful small lagoons called Lagunillas, where is possible to see Andean Flamingos, others Andean birds and trout farms fishing on their artisan boats. Here stop to enjoy our delicious snack include the spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere. Arrival to Puno about at 7pm, and the drop off point in your hotel.

• 3* Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic Puno or Tierra Viva Puno
• 4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Puno
• Meals: None

Day 6: Puno – Uros Islands – Taquile Island – Puno

After having breakfast in your hotel, the tour leader will pick you up to take you to the port of Puno. There, you will embark on a 30-minute boat ride until arriving at the floating islands. You will be welcomed by the locals, who will show you the island and the products they weave. Then, we will have a two-hour boat ride to arrive at Taquile Island. The inhabitants still live according to their ancestral traditions and dress with gorgeous colored traditional ropes. They are also famous for the magnificent weavings which are traditionally made by men, not women. You will have some time to learn about ancestral farming techniques and try to use a few Inca tools. We will have lunch in a traditional restaurant, where you can try local dishes. Then, we take the boat back to Puno and your hotel for the end of the tour.

• Meals included: Breakfast – Lunch
• 3* Accommodations: Casa Andina Classic Puno or Tierra Viva Puno
• 4* Accommodations: Casa Andina Private Collection or Sonesta Puno

Day 7: Puno – Tour To Cusco.

We pick you up at your hotel at 6:30am to take you to the bus station. We will first visit La Raya, the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno, where the most traditional animals of Peru can be seen, llamas and alpacas. In Pucara, we will visit a museum where it is possible to see some pre-Inca remains. Then, we stop at the Racchi Inca ruins, which used to be a religious and resting place for Inca travelers. During the trip, you will stop to visit some Inca ruins, museums and the Andahuaylillas Church, which is considered to be the Sistine Chapel of South America because of its amazing frescos. Finally, by 5:30 pm we arrive in Cusco.

• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals included: Lunch.

Day 8: Cusco City Tour – Sacsayhuaman – Nearby Ruins – Cathedral

In the morning at 10am, we will pick you up at your hotel and we will start our visit of the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, we continue our journey visiting the Santo Domingo Convent built over the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main worship center of the Sun God. You will have time to enjoy these beautiful sights; The we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco. After we proceed to visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman with its military Inca architecture, which dominates the city.

Finally, we go to the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay, located in the north east of the city. Afterwards, we take you back to your hotel.

• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals: None

Day 9: Sacred Valley Tour + Atv

We start this beautiful day at 7:00am, when your guide picks you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van. Our route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas leads us towards Pisac. We stop first at the Mirador of Taray to enjoy an expansive view of the Urubamba valley and its traditional farming villages. You will see how the agriculture in the Sacred Valley has changed little in the past five hundred years.

Onward, we drive to the archeological site of Pisac, where you visit an impressive Inca cemetery with more than 2,000 tombs. There, we admire the carefully engineered farming terraces carved into the mountain, explore the Inca tunnel and the religious area of this important citadel. Then, we head down to the colorful market of Pisac, spend about 20 minutes visiting it and then drive to Urubamba for lunch.
On our way to ATV camp, the guide covers the correct use of the ATVs so we are ready to get going on our way to the Salt Mines first. There we explore the incredible salt mines of Maras with our guide. A natural spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of water heavily laden with salt, which is diverted into saltpans and evaporated to produce a pink salt that is of very high quality just as the Incas have done for centuries.

Back to our ATVs, we are on our way to the archaeological site of Moray which is an agricultural laboratory from the Inca time, where they created various micro-climates for growing food. After our guided tour of this incredibly unique site, we are on our ATVs on our way through the Maras Moray area back to the ATV camp. There we leave them behind and are on our way to Ollantaytambo, our last stop.
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo by van leaving the ATV´s behind. There we take time to explore the Inca village that has remained intact since Inca times and the massive Inca Ruins with our tour guide and the massive architecture of the Sun Temple at the top of the formidable terraces. Our guide explains the importance of this site for the Incas during the beginning of the Spanish conquest.

After our tour ends in Ollantaytambo, we drive you back to Cusco arriving around 6:30pm.

• 3* Accommodation: Pakaritampu Hotel or El Alberge
• There are no 4* hotels in Ollantaytambo
• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel – Lunch

Day 10: Ollantaytambo – Km104 – WiÑAy Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu

We start this exciting day early; your guide will leave the hotel with you at 5:30am. When you arrive at the train station, your guide will give you your lunch to add to your daypack. Your train departs Ollantaytambo at 6:10am and you will have just over an hour on the train to enjoy the scenery before arriving to your trek start point.  Your hotel can provide you a box breakfast to take with you or you can pack your own breakfast.

Your guide will get off the train with you at the famous Km104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will be required to show your passport at the checkpoint and get to visit your first Inca archeological site nearby. The first hour and a half are a gentle trek upward, with several shelters along the way to pause for a bit, to get out of the sun, or rain, depending on the season. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You will also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forest, so be ready for damp or even rain at any season of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper uphill trek with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end of the trail!

As you walk below the waterfall, be sure to gaze up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna as you pass! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. Your guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this microclimate and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.

You will have lunch at the Wiñay Wayna campground, which is the last campground for those hiking the
Classic Inca Trail. Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, you will have a mostly flat hike to the Sun Gate except for a set of steep stairs just before you arrive to the Sun Gate.  As you walk through the Sun Gate and turn the corner, you will experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu Citadel, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. The last hour down from the Sun Gate provide many opportunities to take more photos of Machu Picchu from this unique vantage point. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time walking in the footsteps of the Inca on the Inca Trail and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last bit of your hike to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, the “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu.  You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to check into your hotel. Your will have a delicious dinner, then have time to walk around this picturesque little town, visit the hot springs or just go to your hotel to rest after such an exciting day.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel, picnic lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
• 4* Accommodation:  El Mapi or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (superior room)
• Difficulty: Moderate.

You will leave an overnight bag at the Ollantaytambo train station to be sent by train directly to Aguas Calientes.

Day 11: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.

• Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel
• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels

***IMPORTANT:

• On the 2 day Inca Trail, we will be doing the circuit #3 and there is no way to do another circuit unless you buy an additional entrance to Machu Picchu.
• You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
• Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Day 12: Rainbow Mountain.

Your amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek Adventure begins with pick up from your hotel at 4am! We set out on our drive for 3 hours through the South Valley, on our way to the trailhead at Llacto (4,638m/15,216 ft). Along the way, there are amazing views of farming Inca terraces, traditional villages, valleys and high Andean peaks.

The herds of alpacas and llamas near your breakfast place will entertain you in the early morning. Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast, then get back in the van for the last 5 minute drive to the trailhead. We start on our hike following a lovely stream, with views of the Ausangate Mountain and glaciers. This is a great place to interact with the local people, who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive. Learn about their traditional clothes and the significance of the different hats worn by the men. Ask your guide to teach you a few words of Quechua!

After hiking up for about 1.5 hours, we finally reach our destination: the Rainbow Mountain! (5,020m /16,466ft). After admiring the unique beauty of this colorful landscape, you will have time to explore the area. You can take pictures or just soak up the view. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top. Afterwards, we hike across tothe Red Valley for 45m, enjoy the red colorfull Valley and Mountains and Fanally we walk back to the trail head.

We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel, arriving around 5:00pm.

**** There is an option to rent a horse from local people right at the starting point of the trek!

• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada, Casa Andina Private Collection or Novotel Hotels
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch.

Day 13: Cusco – Flight To Puerto Maldonado

Arrive in Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios, then have the rest of the day to walk around the town at your leisure.

• 3* Accommodation: 
• Meals: None

Day 14: Sandoval Lake Full Day Tour

We will pick you up from your hotel. Then we will head Capitania Port in Puerto Maldonado. There, we board a motorboat again and navigate down the Madre de Dios River watching animals such as turtles, caimans, lizards and others around its shores. After about half an hour, we get to a checkpoint of the Sandoval Lake Reserve.

We pass a check and start walking for 5 km to reach Sandoval Lake where we take a canoe bringing us to the Sandoval Lake , There, we accommodate ourselves and after lunch we return sailing the lake to see its typical inhabitants – giant river otters, black caimans, a prehistoric bird shansho, herons, cormorants, kingfisher, etc. For dinner, we return to the lodge to later get back to the lake again, this time to undertake an evening caiman observation because caimans are nocturnal animals. Our professional naturalist Tour Guide shows and explains us about these animals.Afterwards, we get ready for a return way boarding a canoe again to sail over the Sandoval Lake followed by a walk to the checkpoint and from there sailing the Madre de Dios River by a motorboat towards Puerto Maldonado. Here we spend the night.

• 3* Accommodation: 
• Meals: Lunch

Day 15: Thank you – Departure from Puerto Maldonado

It is time to say goodbye. You will take the journey back to the city to the airport for your national flight to Lima.

• 4* Accommodation: Costa del Sol Ramada or Casa Andina Private Collection
• Meals: None