Latin American Journey

Peru Extraordinary #4

13 Days / 12 Nights Lima, Amazon Adventure near Puerto Maldonado, Cusco,
Maras Salt Pools and Authentic Quechua Village, Pisac Indian Market
and Ollantaytambo Fortress, Machu Picchu

  • Arrival in Lima.

Day 1 – Monday - Lima - Arrival

Arrival in Lima, the "City of Kings" famous for its Spanish Colonial architecture, extraordinary museums and cuisine. Lima is internationally recognized as the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas", and its cuisine is considered among the most diverse and exquisite in the world on par with French cuisine. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.

  • Visit Colonial Lima, Casa Aliaga, Modern Lima and Larco Museum. (B)

Day 2 – Tuesday - Colonial Lima, Casa Aliaga, Modern Lima and Larco Museum (B)

This full-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The "Casa de Aliaga" is the oldest Colonial mansion in Lima. Due to its historic value this house was declared a Historical Monument and the owners have decided to share their heritage with visitors. The visit is an amazing experience!

Modern Lima and Larco Museum

Afternoon tour of modern Lima, among the largest in the Americas. Drive along the fashionable districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, El Parque del Amor (The Park of Love) and the striking beaches of Costa Verde. Continues to the world famous Larco Museum, founded in 1926, the museum displays remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Larco Museum also features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions.

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Motorized canoe ride to Refugio Amazonas, the river trip is a good opportunity to observe caiman, turtles, and riverside bird life. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Wednesday - Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata Research Center 4 Nights (B,L,D)

1st Day in the rainforest. Upon arrival from Lima or Cusco, we will welcome you at the airport and drive you ten minutes to our Puerto Maldonado headquarters. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light. Transfer to Tambopata River Port,

Transfer by boat to Refugio Amazonas

The two and a half hour boat ride from the Tambopata Port to Refugio Amazonas will take us past the Community of Infierno and the Tambopata National Reserve´s checkpoint and into the buffer zone of this 1.3 million hectare conservation unit. Upon arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you and brief you with important navigation and security tips. Caiman Search - We will be out at the river’s edge at night, scanning the shores with headlamps and flashlights to catch the red gleams of reflection from caiman eyes. Overnight at Refugio Amazonas.

  • Amazon excursions. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Thursday – Refugio Amazonas / Tambopata Research Center (B,L,D)

2nd Day in the rainforest. Canopy Tower - A thirty minute walk from Refugio Amazonas leads to the 25 meter scaffolding canopy tower. A banister staircase running through the middle provides safe access to the platforms above. From here views of mixed species canopy flocks as well as toucans, macaws and raptors are likely. Oxbow Lake Visit - We will paddle around the lake on a canoe or a catamaran, looking for lakeside wildlife such as hoatzin, caiman and hornerd screamers, hoping to see the otters which are infrequently seen here. You will also be rewarded with overhead sightings of macaws.

Boat transfer to the Tambopata Research Center. Overlook Trail - A three to five kilometer hike will lead us to overlooks commanding magnificent views of the Tambopata winding its way into the lowlands. The forest on this trail, regenerating on old bamboo forest, is good for Howler Monkey and Dusky Titi Monkey. Macaw Project Lectures - After dinner scientists will provide an in depth look at the biology of macaws, their feeding habits, the theories for clay lick use, their breeding and feeding ecology, population fluctuations and the threats to their conservation. Overnight at Tambopata Research Center

  • Amazon excursions. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Friday – Tambopata Research Center (B,L,D)

3rd Day in the rainforest. Macaw Clay Lick - On most clear mornings of the year dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on this large river bank in a raucous and colorful spectacle which inspired a National Geographic cover story. Discretely located fifty meters from the cliff, we will observe Green-winged, Scarlet and Blue-and-gold Macaws and several species of smaller parrots descend to ingest clay. Outings are at dawn when the lick is most active. Floodplain Trail - The trail covers the prototypical rain forest with immense trees criss-crossed by creeks and ponds. We will look for Squirrel, Brown Capuchin, and Spider Monkeys as well as peccaries.

Pond Platform

Ten minutes upriver from the lodge is a tiny pond with a platform in the middle. It is a great place to spot waterfowl such as Muscovy duck, sunbittern and hoatzin along with the woodpeckers, oropendolas, flycatchers and parakeets that call this pond their home. Night Walk - You will have the option of hiking out at night, when most of the mammals are active but rarely seen. Much easier to find are frogs with shapes and sounds as bizarre as their natural histories. Overnight at Tambopata Research Center.

  • Amazon excursions. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Saturday – Tambopata Research Center (B,L,D)

4th Day In the rainforest. You are welcome to return to the clay lick before breakfast. Terra Firme Trail - An entirely different habitat characterized by smaller, thinner trees atop hills and slopes is covered by this five kilometer trail. Saddleback tamarins are frequently found here. As we walk near the limits of the swamp we will also keep our eyes open for rare tapir tracks. Palm Swamp Trail - Growing on the remains of an oxbow lake and providing both arboreal as well as terrestrial mammals with fruits throughout the year, the aguaje palms are one of the most important food sources in the rainforest. Overnight at Tambopata Research Center.

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco and then transfer to Sacred Valley.
    Visit to Awana Kancha. Overnight in Sacred Valley. (B,L)

Day 7 – Sunday – Tambopata Research Center / Puerto Maldonado/ Cusco (B,L)

We say farewell to the rainforest. We retrace our river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado to the and on to the airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snowcapped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel and in registering.

Visit to Awana Kancha

This Living Museum of the Andes showcase the South American Camelidos such as llamas, vicuñas, guanacos and alpacas in their native environment. You will also enjoy a spinning and weaving demonstration of ancient techniques on how to make clothing from the wool fibers of these animals. You can also see native flowers and some agricultural terraces from the Inca times.

Lunch is served at Hacienda Huayoccari

The most noticeable aspect of the house is its sensational setting, dominating the Urubamba valley in the midst of the highland crags and vegetation through which the river flows. Above it, on the very mountain top within sight of heaven are two lakes, which seem to seethe on a rainy night. With magnificent views of the Urubamba River, the Casa-Hacienda has the magical ability to make us forget the reality of life. Today’s lunch will be a remarkable event.

  • Full Day excursion to Moray, Maras and Authentic Quechua Village. Overnight in Sacred Valley. (B,L)

Day 8 – Monday - Moray, Maras and Ancient Quechua Village (B,L)

Moray, Maras Salt Pools and Ancient Quechua Village – Pass through unspoiled and picturesque Andean communities on your way to the Incan agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to fade away into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes.

Continue to the impressive Maras salt pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba Valley. An amazing view of evaporating ponds for the extraction of salt. Learn about ancestral techniques, which are still used, in agricultural, irrigation and salt-recollection tasks, as well as in Andean festivals and rites.

Lunch at Wayra with Peruvian Paso Horse Show

“Caballo de Paso” known worldwide for their smooth gaited movements and unusual spirit. No other horse combines strength, intelligence and beauty so perfectly as the Peruvian Paso Horse. The particular characteristic of the Paso Horse is precisely the reason for its name: the sublime charm of its typical step. As it walks, its front legs step very high and forward while the hooves sway to the sides in a graceful and synchronized movement. Enjoy a delightful demonstration of the skills of this unique member of the horse kingdom. Lunch at the celebrated Wayra at “Sol y Luna” in the Sacred Valley.

Authentic Quechua Village

Visit an authentic Quechua Village to feel the way of life of the Inca's ancestors. An Andean society with ancestral identity. The Inca himself was a noble Quechua. They have a deep sense of belonging to the land they farm, a deep sense of community they consider necessary to survive, they have little tolerance for individuality. See the Quechua way of life, children scamper about wearing their colorful ponchos while woman are weaving their family's clothes. A meaningful experience!

  • Full Day excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress. Overnight in Sacred Valley. (B,L)

Day 9 – Tuesday - Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex (B,L)

Full Day Excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a unique Indian Market takes place daily. The variety of products offered is overwhelming, from pottery with reproductions of archaeological pieces, to all kinds of textiles, jewelry and Peruvian handicrafts. During your visit to this bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders. Grab the items you like, you will hardly see the same one again.

Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River. (B,L)

  • Excursion to Machu Picchu with overnight stay. (B,L)

Day 10 – Wednesday - Machu Picchu with overnight stay (B,L)

Morning train ride through the sacred valley of Urubamba to the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca "Virgins of the Sun" took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Lunch is at the Orient Express’ Sanctuary Lodge located just a few steps from the Inca citadel.

  • Return to Cusco. (B)

Day 11 – Thursday - Machu Picchu Free Day. Return train ride (B)

Free morning to enjoy one of the most incredible sights on earth, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Take as much time as you need to study these magnificent ruins, hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu, the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site, or stroll to the Inca Bridge a secret entrance used by the Inca's army or walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku or Sun Gate. Afternoon return train ride.

  • Free morning. Afternoon Tour of Cusco and its Ruins. (B)

Day 12 – Friday - Cusco – Free morning and afternoon city tour(B)

Wandering through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town will be your unforgettable experience. You will find something astounding at every turn. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, etc. Because there are such a variety of products, we strongly suggest that when you like any particular item, you should buy it - you may not find the same item in other store. Many visitors to Cusco return home wishing they had some free time in Cusco to discover this imperial city on their own, a free morning in Cusco is a MUST!

Tour of Cusco and Nearby Ruins

Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha “The Temple of the Sun”. This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture.

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Visit the Magic Water Circuit.
    Transfer to the airport for your flight to home. (B)

Day 13 - Saturday – Cusco – Lima (B)

Transfer to the airport for your departure to Lima Upon arrival a host will meet and assist you.

Magic Water Circuit ( From Wednesday to Sunday )

Late afternoon visit the Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva. This recently remodeled park boasts 12 beautiful water fountains that literally “dance” under an awesome choreography of music, lights and laser beams. This park is the pride of Lima and has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain park in the world. The 80-meter high water fountain is an impressive view.

Lima – Home

Transfer to the airport for your connecting international flight. Arrive home full of great memories of the rich tradition of Colonial Lima and the mystical Land of the Incas.

Tourist Class Hotel SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $3556 $3799 $3358 $3156 $2899 $2838 $2782 $2732 $2723
Triple Room $3527 $3328 $3127 $2870 $2808 $2752 $2703 $2694
Single Room $5547 $4182 $6066 $4424 $3983 $3782 $3524 $3463 $3407 $3358 $3348
Tourist Superior Hotels SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $3692 $3935 $3494 $3292 $3035 $2974 $2918 $2868 $2859
Triple Room $3740 $3542 $3340 $3083 $3022 $2966 $2916 $2907
Single Room $5871 $4506 $6390 $4748 $4307 $4106 $3848 $3787 $3731 $3682 $3672
First Class Hotels SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $3799 $4042 $3600 $3399 $3142 $3080 $3024 $2975 $2966
Triple Room $3780 $3582 $3380 $3123 $3062 $3006 $2956 $2947
Single Room $6084 $4719 $6603 $4962 $4520 $4319 $4062 $4000 $3944 $3895 $3886
First Class Superior Hotels SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $3966 $4208 $3767 $3566 $3308 $3247 $3191 $3142 $3132
Triple Room $4058 $3859 $3658 $3400 $3339 $3283 $3234 $3224
Single Room $6358 $4992 $6876 $5235 $4794 $4592 $4335 $4274 $4218 $4168 $4159
Deluxe Hotels SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $4427 $4670 $4228 $4027 $3770 $3708 $3652 $3603 $3594
Triple Room $4402 $4203 $4002 $3744 $3683 $3627 $3578 $3568
Single Room $7219 $5854 $7738 $6096 $5655 $5454 $5196 $5135 $5079 $5030 $5020
Luxury Hotels SIB Premium Private Services
Min 1 Min 2 1 2 3 / 4 5 / 9 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29 30 up
Double Room $5643 $5886 $5444 $5243 $4986 $4924 $4868 $4819 $4810
Triple Room $5948 0 $5750 $5548 $5291 $5230 $5174 $5124 $5115
Single Room $9595 $8230 $10114 $8472 $8031 $7830 $7572 $7511 $7455 $7406 $7396
  • Tour includes:
  • All airport transfers listed in the itinerary
  • Baggage handling at airports and at hotels
  • All tours and excursions indicated in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees and transfers needed to operate tours and excursions
  • All train tickets, bus tickets and boat services needed to operate tours and excursions
  • Service of a bilingual licensed tour guide for all tours and excursions
  • All meals indicated in the itinerary. B for breakfast, L for lunch. D for dinner
  • Hotel accommodation and hotel service charge
  • Hotel taxes are exempt for foreigners visiting Peru
  • When domestic airfare within Peru is specified as included: Airfare includes all queues, security fee, fuel surcharges and 18% Peruvian sales tax.
  • Not included:
  • Extra expenses in case of modifying the itinerary due to flight cancelation, strikes or blocking of roads and train tracks by demonstrators or political activists. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
  • When staying overnight in Machu Picchu, the entrance fee for the 2nd day in Machu Picchu is not included. This can be added to the itinerary upon request
  • Expenses such us beverages on meals, tips, laundry, phone calls and other personal expenses are not included
  • When a cruise to the Galapagos Islands is part of the itinerary, the Galapagos National Park Tax is not included. It is payable upon arrival at the Galapagos Islands
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