Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

Welcome to Lima, Peru. On arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the well known coastal suburb of Miraflores. In the afternoon around 2 pm, there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel with your Peregrine tour guide. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We’ll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you’re going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Later in the day your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city’s historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the remains ofLima’s founder, Francisco Pizarro. Visit the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains.Continue onto the Central market where you’ll take a walking tour.The market has a huge variety of fresh produce on offer, including fruits, vegetables and even guinea pigs. You’ll also have the opportunity to try some local Peruvian fruits and street food. Next head away from the tourist trail and visit ‘Alameda de Chabuca Granda’ an area really only known to locals, it is a place where people go as a treat to enjoy a variety local street food and authentic Peruvian desserts such as ‘Mazamorra Morada’ a sweet porridge made from purple corn or ‘Picarones’ Peruvian donuts made from local squash called Macre and sweet potatoes served with a sweet syrup, these are a must try whilst in Peru! The tour will finish in Lima main square, with the option to go for an included dinner in Down Town or back to Miraflores.

Accommodation
Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Complimentary airport arrival transfer
Lima – Guided tour Down town, Cathedral of Lima and The Catacombs
Lima – Alameda de Chabuca Granda – Street food tasting

Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information
Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 8 days ago in Quito, Ecuador on South America in Depth (PSSIC).

Day 2: Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Jungle)

Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado today, which should take around two hours. You won’t be escorted during the flight, but you will be taken to the airport in Lima and met at the airport in Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town where you’ll leave the majority of your luggage in safe storage. You’ll continue travelling with a small pack with only the necessary items for your next two nights in the jungle. Shortly afterwards, leave civilisation behind and venture deep into the Amazon rainforest by motorised canoe, up river to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios region. Posada Amazonas is a rainforest lodge that’s just a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado. The lodge is owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno, and offers a 30-metre canopy tower that provides spectacular views of the vast expanses of forest, Tambopata River and endless opportunities to witness Amazonian wildlife. The lodge is eco-friendly and combines low-impact architecture with traditional native style. Rooms are simple, but comfortable with flush toilets (en suite), showers (cold water only). Use your evening for relaxing and getting to know the local community.

Notes: Numerous kerosene lamps and candles provide lighting. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas of the lodge.

Accommodation
Posada Amazonas lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3: Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Jungle)

This morning, head into the beating heart of the Amazon jungle with your local, multilingual guides, encountering magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. Spot monkeys leaping through the trees, see multi-coloured macaws gather at a clay lick, see thousands of swirling butterflies, and keep an eye out for a family of otters. The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants. After your hike finishes in the afternoon, it’s time to get back in the canoe and return to Puerto Maldonado. You’re then free to sit back and relax in the comfort of your lodge.

Accommodation
Posada Amazonas lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Cusco

Today, travel back to Puerto Maldonado before taking the short flight to Cuzco. This flight will be unescorted, however you will be taken to the airport in Puerto Maldonado and met at the airport in Cuzco. Your leader will take you on a orientation walk of Cuzco today. Visit the Coricancha Temple which was the empire’s richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its walls. You’ll take a tour with a specialist guide. Soon after head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take some colourful pictures. The tour will also stop at the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the city. Here you will see the main cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace and one of the city’s greatest repositories of art. There are several impressive Incan ruins within the city.

Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the ‘Is This Trip Right For You?’ and ‘Fitness’ sections in the trip notes for detailed information.

Accommodation
Hotel Eco Inn or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Coricancha Entrance Fee
Cuzco – Orientation Walk
Cuzco – Specialist Historian Guide

Optional Activities
Cusco Cathedral Entrance Fee – PEN25

Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 5: Cusco

During your time in Cuzco today or the Sacred Valley tomorrow, a specialist Historian guide will lead one of your included tours to an archaeological site in the area. The Historian will provide interesting insight and knowledge about Peru’s history, people and cultures that made these sights so important in the world today. Later you will have free time to further explore Cuzco. Perhaps start by visiting some of the surrounding archaeological sites including Q’enqo and Puka Pukara. For art and history, the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum can only be accessed with a Boleto Turistico (a ticket that covers archeological and cultural sites), which is included in the cost of your trip.

Accommodation
Hotel Eco Inn or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast

Day 6 Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo)

Travel by private bus for around two hours through the Sacred Valley, on the outskirts of Cuzco. Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, this valley was greatly treasured because of its climate, fertile land and the presence of the Urubamba (Sacred) River. Long the main source of food for the high Andes, maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. At the Sacred Valley you will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give you an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is the ultimate example of the Inca’s military strength. En route to Ollantaytambo you will visit a local community to gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle. Ollantaytambo was built over an ancient Inca town, the ruins of the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. It’s a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below. Today you’ll see lots of evidence of the Incas’ engineering skills – in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River, imposing sets of terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Accommodation
Tanupa Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Cuzco – Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cuzco (Transport & guides are not included)
Sacred Valley – Local community visit and lunch

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 7: Aguas Calientes

Nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, your destination today is Aguas Calientas. Travel by train for around 90 minutes through the winding Urubamba Valley to reach the town. From here take a 30-minute bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. Looking at Machu Picchu for the first time, as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains, is a truly breathtaking experience. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, it is hard to prepare for its awesome beauty. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. In fact, none were made in the first place, since the Incas had no written language. Some historians have argued it was a place of spiritual worship; others, a military stronghold, and some even think it was a prison. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of ‘he who shook the earth’, Emperor Pachacuti. You will have a guided visit (approximately 1.5-2 hours), then free time to wander around.

Notes: Due to Peregrine’s internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

Accommodation
Hotel Hatun Inti or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Machu Picchu – Entrance and Guided Tour

Optional Activities
1 Day Inca Trail – Add-on (Must pre-book) – USD350

Meals Included
Breakfast

Special Information
1-day Inca Trail

On this trip you can opt to hike the 1-day Inca Trail. It’s a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, but don’t want to do the full 4 days. This trek starts in from the train station known as “Km 104” and after a steep ascent, it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail.
Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the sungate in the afternoon where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and re-join the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability, must be pre booked and will incur a surcharge.

Day 8: Machu Piccu – Cusco

At 5:30 am this morning, take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu to take in the sunrise over this incredible sight. On your second visit to the ruins you’ll have free time to explore and take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters, where the mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant and the stones are so precisely cut that to this day not even a knife fits between them. In the afternoon, will return by bus and train to Cuzco, where you’ll spend the night. In the evening, perhaps head out for one last group dinner in the city.

Accommodation
Hotel Eco Inn or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Machu Picchu – Entrance and Guided Tour

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 9: Cusco

Today enjoy free time to relax, shop or explore more of Cuzco’s sights. Perhaps head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas, or for those seeking an active adventure, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cuzco.

Accommodation
Hotel Eco Inn or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 10: Puno

Travel by bus for around 6 hours to the tiny but unique town of Puno, which will be more or less a full day’s journey. This scheduled tourist service will take you on decent roads through spectacular mountain scenery, with the chance to stop at several sites along the way, including adobe Inca ruins. Along the way you’ll also make a short roadside stop at La Raya, which at 4,335 metres is the highest point of your journey. You will also drive through the large sprawling town of Juliaca on your way to Puno, which is a colourful and lively place renowned for its traditional street dancing, often performed in celebration of Catholic festive days in February each year. You will then arrive in Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture where traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. Many festivals are celebrated here, especially the Virgen de la Candelaria, so if you’re lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 11: Lake Titicaca Tour / Suasi Island

Be enchanted by the striking scenery and unique cultures on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. As Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Stop by the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Next call into Taquile Island for some woollen handicrafts. On the island, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. In the evening, retire to the private island of Suasi where you’ll spend the night.

Accommodation
Suasi Island Eco Lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12: Suasi Island

This morning you will visit the cultural museum on the island. Here you will find maps, pictures of the Lake, and books about history of the lake and its communities. There are handicrafts and fabrics from the different groups that developed around the Lake, types of Andean grains like quinoa, and a chance to learn about the painting process of wool. Then you will navigate across the island in Canadian canoes, passing through totora reeds and observing lake birds such as Titicaca flightless grebe, Andean geese, black skimmer, Peruvian booby and many species of gulls. On 106-hectare Suasi Island, you may see mammals such as all four species of camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos) and viscachas. An easy late-afternoon walk (approximately 1-2 hours) will take you to the highest point of the island – the perfect place to witness an unforgettable sunset over the waters of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a private picnic with drinks; a unique moment to soak in the beautiful landscape, appreciate the serenity, and if the clouds behave, watch the sun go down.

Accommodation
Suasi Island Eco Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
Suasi Island – Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
Suasi Island – Lake Titicaca Canoe Excursion
Suasi Island – Cultural Museum Visit

Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 13: Puno

Travel back across the lake to Puno today. Enjoy a free night in Puno to explore, eat dinner at a local restaurant or relax in the hotel. Puno is famous for its festivals. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.

Notes: 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 donate to this project and your donation will be match dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group. Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo

Accommodation
Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 14: La Paz

Travel by minivan this morning to Desaguadero, where you’ll cross the border into Bolivia (approximately 2.5 hours). The first stop is the Peruvian migration office where you’ll be asked to leave the bus and proceed through Peruvian migration. Then walk via a bridge to the Bolivian side, submit your passport at the Bolivian migration office and reboard the bus, which will continue to La Paz. About 30 minutes after crossing the border there’s another stop where the army will again check your documents. Remember to reset your watch, as Bolivia is one to two hours ahead of Peru. On your way to La Paz, stop at Tiwanaku for a guided visit (approximately 45 minutes). The archaeological site of Tiwanaku was the base of a great civilisation that began around 500 BC before mysteriously ‘disappearing’ around 1200 AD. It is believed that the ceremonial complex dates back to the 8th century AD and was once at the centre of a powerful and self-sustaining empire based in the southern Central Andes. It is also where the Incas learned about building systems and agricultural practices. The sprawling ruins comprise of temples, courtyards, terraced pyramids, monolithic stone statues and gateways. The most famous structure is the Puerta del Sol (Gateway of the Sun). From the ruins it’s a two-hour drive to La Paz, where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy spectacular views of the city on your approach, due to its unique location in the middle of a vast volcanic crater.

Included Activities
Tiawanaku archaeological site and museum tour

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 15: La Paz

At around 3,600 metres, La Paz feels like the top of the world and vies with Tibet for the title of highest capital in the world. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz’s indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. Today you’ll embark on a city tour. Begin with a dramatic ride on the world’s highest ‘urban’ cable car, up at 13,000ft connecting La Paz with its twin city EL Alto, a challenging urban environment that is a mix of shacks, half finished buildings and church spires. Here you will visit some craft markets, selling goods made of alpaca wool, leather and other traditional materials, before visiting the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches’ Market. Browse the weird and wonderful stalls that sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs. This witches market is rarely seen by tourists and is much more authentic than the smaller witches market in La Paz. Just outside the market is a street with dozens of types of doctors or shamans that, for a price, can tell of your future health, love, or career. Reboard the cable car to the south of the city and take a walking tour of the extraordinary landscape of Moon Valley. This isn’t a valley, but a maze of canyons and colossal clay spires. These rugged oddities, caused by erosion, make for staggering views. Stop at Mirador Killi Killi for one of La Paz’s most impressive viewing points, then National Museum of Ethnography back down at ground level. After lunch, the rest of the day is free. When the sun sets and the temperature drops, join the locals in seeking warmth in a bar or restaurant.

Notes: Please be aware that the order of your tour may change slightly according to weather, however you will still visit everything mentioned in the itinerary.

Accommodation
Rosario Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities
La Paz – Moon Valley tour
La Paz – Guided City tour

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 16: La Paz

Your Amazon and Inca Adventure ends after breakfast this morning. Flights can be booked to depart at any time, as there are no more activities planned.

Optional Activities
La Paz – To 3,600 Metres, and Beyond – Urban Adventures – USD41
La Paz – Food with Altitude – Urban Adventure – USD57

Meals Included
Breakfast