The Inca Trail trek can be quite challenging due to the high altitudes and you need to be in reasonably good shape but there is the option of taking the train. Typically each day on the trail involves a minimum of 6-8 hours of hiking over altitudes of up to 4200 meters (13776 ft). All levels of fitness are catered for on this type of tour. There will always be walking involved like you do every day. It's just a bit tougher with the altitude factor. It helps if you can do a bit or training before the tour. Accommodation is generally simple but comfortable. There may be some multi-share nights. You have the option of a tour for 15 days or 22. The tour of 15 days, returns to Lima from Puno.
Tour Highlights:
- Mysterious Nazca, home to ancient cultures and the Nazca Lines
- Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world and a chance to see condors
- An overnight excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca
- Experience the 4 day Inca Trail which leads us to the incredible site of Machu Picchu
- Travel to the depths of the incredibly diverse Amazon Rain Forest.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Lima, arrival day
You are free to arrive and check in at any time. There will be a briefing that night and a chance for you to meet your traveling companions and ask questions. The information will be awaiting you at the reception regarding that nights briefing. If arriving late in the evening, don't worry! You will be briefed in the morning and meet the group. Meals: (D).
Days 2-4: Inwuitos Jungle excursion
An early morning flight takes us from Lima deep into the Amazon to Iquitos. From here we go by motorized canoe to our jungle lodge deep in the Amazon Rainforest where our local guides will share with us there knowledge of the rich bird, animal and plant life that make the jungle an unforgettable place for all those who visit. We return to the city of Iquitos late on day 4, and spend the night in this vibrant jungle city. All meals are included.
Days 5-6: Cusco
An early morning flight takes us back to Lima, then onto the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco. Rich in history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums and markets, there is plenty for all to do and see. We will have 2 days to acclimatize and soak up Cuzco's special atmosphere. All meals are included.
Days 7-10: Inca Trail
A short ride in the morning brings us to km 82 where our hike begins on the ancient trail of the Incas. Our local guide, cook and porters ensure an enjoyable hike through spectacular scenery, taking in ancient Inca sites on the way. Our hike finishes with an early morning arrival to the sun gate of Machu Picchu and a guided tour of this incredible Inca site. We have most of the day to enjoy this special place, and later in the afternoon we descend to Aguas Calientes, where we catch a train back to Cusco for night 10. All meals are included.
Special Note: Due to new Inca Trail regulations and the restriction of the number of hikers allowed to be on the trail at any one time, an alternative Inca Trail may have to be used. These hikes are as spectacular as the Inca Trail with far, far less people, ending below the site of Machu Picchu. Sunrise can still be seen at Machu Picchu, with an early rise on day 10, and a hike up to the entrance of the site.
Day 11: Cusco
Free time to explore this beautiful city with great shopping, or just relax in one of the many cafes and soak up the special atmosphere, which makes Cusco truly unique place. Meals: (B).
Days 12-14: Puno, Lake Titikaka
Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Cuzco to Puno through the high Altiplano region, which brings us to the shores of the magnificent "Lake Titicaca". The following morning we board a boat bound for the floating islands of Uros and from there further along the lake to the islands of Amantani and Taquile, along the way learning of the legends and the ways of the lake and its people where life has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. An overnight home stay will allow us to live with a family on the islands. We return to Puno for the night 14. All meals are included.
Days 15-17: From Puno we travel to Chivay and then onto the Colca Canyon, home to the famous Andean Condor
Seldom anywhere else, will you be able to view these birds close up, as they sore above us while on the edge of the deepest canyon in the world. With 2 nights, we will have the option to hike down into the canyon, visit local villages, soak in thermal baths and sample the life, music and spectacular scenery. You will come away with a true appreciation of how life is, in this part of the Andes. We continue through to the city of Arequipa late on Day 17. All meals are included.
Day 18: Arequipa - Arguably Peru's most beautiful city
Arequipa exhibits delightful colonial past and traditional values through its architecture, and it's people. Situated under the volcano "El Misti", you will be able to stroll around the city enjoying the local museums, churches, convent and Arequipa main plaza. That evening we can sample some of the many traditional dishes from the province. Meals: (B).
Days 19-20: Nazca, Pisco
Today it's a long bus ride onto Nazca, the home to the mysterious Nazca lines and the ancient Paracas culture. A tour of the local area and an ancient cemetery will enlighten us to this fascinating place. You may also take an optional flight over the lines. Late on day 20, we travel onto Pisco for the night. Famous for Peru's national drink "Pisco Sour", we will be able to sample some fantastic seafood and local cuisine complimented by a Pisco Sour and life on the coast. All meals are included.
Day 21: Lima - An early rise will enable us to enjoy a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. Rich in marine life, our local guide will explain to us about the areas history, ecology and economy. Later in the day we return to Lima after a fantastic tour, for a night in the city of kings and of course, one last Pisco Sour. All meals are included.
Day 22: Lima - Departure Day. Hasta Luego y Gracias Amigos. Meals: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Guided tour of the Uros Islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca
- Guided boat trip to the Ballestas Islands
- Guide tour of Nazca and pre Inca burial site, and ceramic studio
- Optional 4-day Inca Trail or similar hike with local guide, cook, and porters
- Optional train to Machu Picchu if not walking the Inca trail
- The Colca Canyon
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Iquitos Amazon Excursion
- Bilingual guides
- All airline flights within Peru
- All land transport during the itinerary
- The cost of entry for all scheduled tours
- All meals as listed breakfast, lunch, dinner
- All hotel accommodations
- Transfers from your international flight to your hotel.
Price Excludes:
- Departure taxes
- Local payment to be made on day 1 of the tour as part of overall trip cost.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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