Peru Encompassed

  • Days 20
  • Style Original
  • Travellers rating

    based on 476 reviews

  • machu-picchu-peru

    86°F

    86°F

  • From HKD 4435 +

Start

8 Dec 2016

Finish

14 Dec 2016

OR
HKD 4435 +
Tour Code:901611

Visit Peru and explore this incredible country from Lima to Cuzco

Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cuzco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. Explore Peru's lush Amazon Jungle, the epic Lake Titicaca and the vast Colca Canyon. Enjoy local homestays, hike the famed Inca Trail and be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.

Schedule & Pricing Details

  • Date
  • Start

    8 Dec 2016

    Finish

    14 Dec 2016

    OR
  • Options
  • Total
  • HKD 0
    Book

Attention

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights)
Homestay (2 nights)
Hotel (13 nights)
Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

  • Highlights

    Location

    City:machu-picchu-peru

    Name:Visit Peru and explore this incredible country from Lima to Cuzco

    Address:machu-picchu-peru

    Tel: 00852-31158515

    Itinerary

    Day

    1

    Welcome
    adventure
    welcome

    Welcome to Lima, Peru. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. One of the most beautiful cities in South America, there's plenty to do and see in Lima. You’ll get to see downtown Lima and the historical centre on your walking tour tomorrow, but we also recommend arriving a few days early to see more of th...

    Day

    2

    you’ll
    introduced
    downtown

    On the second day of your trip, you’ll be introduced to downtown Lima’s historical centre with a guided tour. Here the streets are flanked with colonial mansions, palaces and churches. You’ll also get to see the iconic Plaza Mayor with its imposing Cathedral. After the tour, take a local bus from Lima to Pisco for about four hours. The bus will stop about three or four times along the way until you reach your destination. Once you’ve arrived, you might like to have a drink of Peru’s national drink – the Pisco sour, made from Local Brandy of the same name.

    Day

    3

    Ballestas
    sometimes
    referred

    This morning, head to the nearby Ballestas Islands, which are sometimes referred to as the ‘Galapagos of Peru’. Weather permitting, take a one-and-a-half to two-hour boat tour of the islands to see pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos and even penguins. After the ride, you’ll make your way towards Nazca during a three hour drive. Along the way, stop in the town of Huacachina. This little settlement sits beside a small lake with dramatic sand dunes. Perhaps go sand-boarding or simply enjoy the photo opportunities. Arrive in Nazca, the city famous for its mysterious pre-Inca civilization. You’ll visit the Nazca lines, enormous geoglyphs representing animals drawn into the sand thousands of years ago. Climb to the viewing platform, or if you’re feeling brave, take an optional flight over the lines for the best experience....

    Day

    4

    Chauchilla
    ancient
    something

    Today we visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, where you can see the tombs of people of the ancient Nazca civilisation, dating from 100AD to 700AD. It is something of an eerie sight to see the skulls, bones and even hair of the dead, preserved in a remarkable state thanks to the dry desert air. There will be free time for you to take an optional flight over the Nazca lines. Early in the afternoon we travel from Nazca to Arequipa by local bus (approx 9hrs). Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cuzco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname - the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the ...

    Day

    5

    stunning
    Perhaps
    Juanita

    Spend the day in stunning Arequipa. Perhaps wander the main plaza with its lovely cathedral, many cafes and eateries. You may like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’, the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. There’s also the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a 16th century monastery which only accepted women from well-to-do Spanish families. These nuns grew infamous for their luxurious lifestyles, each one having her own servant, splurging on fine products and enjoying frequent parties.

    Day

    6

    minivan
    you’ll
    alpacas

    Today we travel by minivan to the town of Chivay - approx.5hr trip. Along the way, you’ll see llamas, alpacas and vicunas and learn a little about the differences between them. You’ll also stop for breaks and photo opportunities near these adorable creatures. At the second stop you’ll get to try some local coca tea. The third stop takes you to the highest point on the tour at Patapama (4,800 metres above sea level) before descending to your destination of Chivay. The town will be your base for exploring the Colca Canyon in the coming days. Break for lunch in town and then go on a short trek in the area which will take you to the local thermal baths. From here you can either spend the evening soaking in the baths, dining on llama steak at a nearby restaurant or seeing some live Andean music at a pena (local bar). Notes: W...

    Day

    7

    breathtaking
    you’ll
    terraced

    Wake up early to visit the Colca Canyon. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca has some breathtaking views. Here you’ll see terraced crops that have been cultivated since pre-Incan times by local villages. Perhaps the stars of the show are the Andean condors. See the world’s largest flying birds from a viewing point above the canyon and watch them soaring above and below you. In the afternoon, visit a Colca Canyon community and meet your host family for a homestay. You might like to offer to help your host family with their daily activities such as planting, collecting water, peeling potatoes or preparing the family meal. Notes: While the homestay has very basic facilities, it’s a great opportunity to meet the locals. You’ll be sharing a toilet with the family and have no access to a shower. There is ho...

    Day

    8

    goodbye
    five-hour
    Although

    Say goodbye to your host family take an approx. five-hour bus ride to Puno. Although it’s a long day of driving, you’ll enjoy dramatic views of the Altiplano (Peru’s highlands). Your destination of Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, which you’ll be exploring in the coming days. The town is also known as Peru’s folklore capital for its thriving Indian cultures, including the Aymara and Quechua. If you’re lucky enough to arrive during a festival, you’ll be treated to an elaborate parade of costumes and dances.

    Day

    9

    Titicaca
    world’s
    highest

    Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca (3,820 metres above sea level), the world’s highest navigable lake. You’ll take a motorboat across the lake and learn about its spiritual significance for the ancient and modern-day Indians. During your tour, you’ll stop off at the Uros Islands, floating manmade islands made entirely from reeds and home to several families. Later, you’ll be taken to another homestay in the Lake Titicaca region to take a closer look at daily life here. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or try chatting in the local language, Quechua. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends. You’ll be staying in a mud brick house for the night. Notes: The homestay at Lake Titicaca will be very basic accommodation, but a rewarding experience noneth...

    Day

    10

    Taquile
    livelihood
    spinning

    After breakfast, take the boat again to Taquile Island for about an hour. The locals here make their livelihood out of textiles, with the women doing the spinning and men doing the knitting. Browse the handmade goods sold here including warm, high quality items. Next, take an uphill trek for about an hour to visit the main area of the island. After a brief stay, the boat will take you back to Puno (about three hours). Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well. Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project: https://vimeo.com/154422813 Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can dona...

    Day

    11

    Altiplano
    towards
    continent’s

    Take a long and scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cuzco, which should take about six hours. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and here, colonial buildings are built upon foundations remaining from Incan times. The evening is yours to spend as you choose. Perhaps take a little time to acclimatise to the city’s high altitude (3,450 m) and then wander around the magical streets, viewing the many Baroque churches and ancient temples of the city.

    Day

    12

    city’s
    museums
    archaeological

    Enjoy a free day in Cuzco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with a boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The most easily accessible among these sites is Coricancha, which was once the Incan empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.

    Day

    13

    Depending
    arrangements
    you’ll

    Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be doing one of the following: hiking the Classic Inca Trail, hiking the Inca Quarry Trail or staying in Cuzco for another two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. While away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cuzco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be...

    Day

    14

    Classic
    challenging
    (approximately

    Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 meters above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres. Route 2 Quarry Trail: This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A three-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 meters high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 meters. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas ca...

    Day

    15

    Classic
    through
    Pacaymayo

    Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around two to three hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 metres), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the two-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up ...

    Day

    16

    Trail: This
    spectacular
    breakfast

    Route 1 Inca Trail: This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around two-and-a-half hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Pichu ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with tourists). Route 2 Quarry Trail: Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5:30 am this morning along the winding road to Machu Picchu. The journey takes around 30 minutes. At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If skies are clear, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided ...

    Day

    17

    regenerate
    exploring
    you’ve

    Enjoy your last free day in Cuzco. You may like to use this time to rest up and regenerate after your hike or go exploring in and around Cuzco. If you’ve got any energy left, perhaps go on a bike ride through the hills that surround Cuzco.

    Day

    18

    Maldonado
    staying
    luggage

    Take a flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights. Upon your arrival, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Here you can leave most of your luggage in safe storage and continue travelling with a small pack with just the necessary items for your next two nights in the jungle. You’ll then take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios area. There will be time to unpack and unwind once you get there. The next two days are packed with activities. Your full day in the jungle includes a trek which lasts approximately half a day. At times the paths can get quite muddy and some people can find the trek a little exhausting. Along the way there will be regular stops, and you'll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. You might...

    Day

    19

    Maldonado
    beginning
    perhaps

    Travel back to Puerto Maldonado today and then take a short flight of about three hours to Lima. On arrival, spend your time seeing any of the sights that you missed at the beginning of the trip. In the evening, perhaps go for dinner with the group and reflect on your Peruvian adventure.

    Day

    20

    reached
    activities
    planned

    You've reached the end of your adventure. There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you feel like you didn’t have much time in Lima at the start of your trip, perhaps stay on for a few extra days to see more of the city. We’ll be happy to assist with booking accommodation (subject to availability).

    Inclusions

    Included activities
    • Meals

      20 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

    • Transport

      Plane, Taxi, Public bus, Private vehicle, Canoe, Boat, Train

    • Accommodation

      Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (2 nights), Hotel (13 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

    • Insurance

      This day tour excludes fee of insurance.

    Important notes

    Q&A

    Supplier may change time and services due to a special circumstances,so all reply following are for reference only.Please note the relevant information on Web in case of change.

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