Urubamba river | Peru

Discovering Peru Treasures - Tour

Day by day

Day 1: Lima city tour

You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by a free morning in the city. At 2 p.m. we will begin your city tour in Lima, known as “The City of Kings”. This excursion offers a great combination of the attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-hispanic, colonial and contemporary. Lima was part of the Inca Empire until it was founded by the Spaniard, Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. During our guided tour we will travel along Lima’s millinery history.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
Day 2: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Refugio Amazonas

Today you will begin your journey into the Amazon Rainforest.

Upon arrival from Lima, 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.

From Puerto Maldonado, we will head to the Tambopata River Port located at approximately 20 KM by car. Once at the port,we will board our boat to Refugio Amazonas. Lunch will be enjoyed during the boat ride.

Once at the lodge, you will be welcomed by our staff and will be directed to the activity you chose for the remaining of the day.

Our Amazon Experience is customized based on your interests. You will choose from a wide range of stand-out Amazon excursions, including options for family, adventure, wildlife, and being at active participant in on-going scientific studies at our lodges.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
Day 3: Amazon rainforest: Oxbow Lake

Today, you will enjoy of the various activities you have chosen from the wide selection available. Whether it is a visit to Oxbow Lake or a stop at the famous Chuncho claylick, you will be sure to enjoy a full day in the rainforest.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 
Day 4: Amazon rainforest: Tambopata river

Another full day in the Amazon Rainforest so you may explore some more of the beauty and animals in the region. Choose to climb up to a canopy tower to obtain an eagle’s view of the forest and complete the day with a sunset cruise along the Tambopata River. No matter your activity, you will be mesmerized by the biodiversity of the rainforest.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 
Day 5: Puerto Maldonado – Cusco

On your last day in the Amazon Rainforest, you will catch a last glimpse of the wildlife while making your way back to Puerto Maldonado. The time to return to the city of Puerto Maldonado is scheduled according to flight times of the group. In Puerto Maldonado, you will be transfered to the airport for your flight to Cusco.

Once in Cusco, we will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to explore Cusco.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST
Day 6: Sacred Valley tour
City Tour Cusco

This day will have you visit Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara. At 1 p.m., we will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your tour. From here, you will head to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous cathedral. Following, you will continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At the Q’oricancha you will be able to compare and contrast the building methods of the Incan culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, which leads to all four quarters of the Inca Empire. There is also a bronze, high altar to be seen.

From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will take your bus 25 minutes outside of the city. You will be taken to the majestic Inca site, Sacsayhuaman, with its enigmatic, 200 ton monoliths, You will be able to hear from your guide and then, explore on your own.

From Sacsayhuaman, you will take a five minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following, you will take another five minute drive to Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on our tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains, thought to be used by the Inca for bathing. We’ll then drive back down to Cusco where we will return you to your hotel.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL 
Day 7: The inca trail classic: Ayapata
Sacred Valley

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby at 8 a.m. You will be taken on a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco. On the way, we will stop at a famous point known as El Mirador (Lookout Point). From there, we will be able to see the Sacred Valley and gain some insight into the Inca history. The Sacred Valley was one of the main areas the Incas settled. There is an unusual abundance of fertile plains in this high area of the Andes. You will also witness vast contour terracing and irrigation channels left behind by the Incas.

Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. Here, you will witness and learn about Inca culture. You will see amazing works of stone art and impressive agricultural terraces. After exploring, we will drive back to the lower town of Pisac to stop at a bustling handicraft market. After you spend some time walking around the market bargain hunting, we will meet for lunch at a local Andean restaurant.

After lunch, we will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will visit the ruins, an important area of Incan construction, built during the Inca’s heydays. This is an extraordinary Inca site because you can find rock formations representing the Inca god, Wiracocha.

After your tour, we will return drop you off at your accomodation in the Sacred Valley for the night.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
Day 8: The Inca trail classic: Patallacta
Patallacta

Today you will begin your Inca Trail trek. Alpaca Expeditions will pick you up from where ever you are staying in Cusco, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. Pickup times will be between 06:00 hrs to 06:30 hrs. 

After an early wake up we will then drive to Km 82, better known as the trailhead of the Inca Trail. After a delicious breakfast prepared by your cook, we’ll go through the first Inca Trail checkpoint to begin our trek (please make sure you have your original passport with you to enter the Inca Trail). The first 2 hours of the trek are relatively easy as we make our way to our first Inca site, Patallacta which is an ancient Inca checkpoint for the approach to Machu Picchu. From Patallacta it’s another 2 hour hike to our lunch stop. After lunch we will hike for another 2½ hours until we reach the first night’s campsite at Ayapata (3300 meters). On this last stretch we pass through 2 small communities. If you want to buy any energy drinks or snacks you can do so here, you can also buy any essential items such as batteries that you may have forgotten. We’ll arrive to our campsite by 5:00PM and after settling in for a bit you can relax and have a hot drink and snack with your team of porters, chef and guide. By 7:30PM your dinner will be ready, and afterwards you can get some well-deserved rest. You will see views of Inca ruins, valleys, waterfalls and of course, snow capped peaks. The walking distance is 14 km, or around 8 miles.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 
Day 9: The inca trail classic: Dead woman’s pass
Inca Trail

Dead Woman’s Pass: The Inca Trail

Today, we will survive the two highest peaks on the Inca Trail and witness views from the tops of the mountains. We will also visit some spectacular ruins along the way. Total walking distance will be 16 km or around 9 miles. Your porters will wake you up early with a hot cup of coca tea to get you ready for the day. Today is our longest day and we will start early. We’ll hike for roughly 4 hours to the highest pass of the trek, Dead Woman’s Pass (4215 meters/13829 feet). On reaching the pass we’ll stop for a short break to enjoy the views before setting off again to descend to the next valley (Pacaymayu Valley – Hidden River). It’s another hour and a half down the side of the valley to our lunch spot and a chance to refill our water bottles. After lunch we begin ascending again to the second pass of the trek. It’s 2 hours to the pass and along the way we’ll stop at a small Inca site (Runcu Raccay) and see two huge waterfalls cascading down the opposite side of the valley. After the second pass, it’s another hour downhill hike to reach the magnificent Inca site, Sayacmarca (an otherwise inaccessible village).
We’ll stop here for a rest and have a quick tour of the site and then watch the sunset over the Vilcabamba mountain range. It’s then just another 20 minutes until we stop for the night at our second campsite Chaquicocha (Dry Lake, 3600 meters). After dinner, if you’re not too exhausted, we can do some star gazing and we’ll point out the fascinating Inca constellations. In the magnificent Southern Hemisphere sky, away from all the artificial lighting, this sky is something to behold!

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
Day 10: The inca trail classic: Wiñay Wayna
Inca Trail

Wiñay Wayna: The Inca Trail

While, today is the shortest day of hiking, it is the most beautiful one. Completing Day 2 and beginning Day 3 certainly deserves a pat on the back! We will hike in the morning and then lunch will be at the final campsite. In the afternoon, we will visit the most famous ruins, called Wiñay Wayna. There will be plenty of time to explore. Throughout the day, you will walk around 3,000 steps down. In the evening, you will say goodbye to your porters. We begin early again, waking up at 6:30am to begin what is commonly felt to be the most beautiful day of the whole Inca Trail. We hike for 2 hours along what we like to call “Inca flat” (gradual inclines) and begin to enter the jungle, known as the Cloud Forest. As we walk we will have the opportunity to see the majesty of Salkantay, the second highest snow-capped mountain in the Sacred Valley, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Towards the end of the Inca flats we begin to make our way up to the last peak at Phuyupatamarka (3600 meters) from where we’ll have great views overlooking the Urubamba River. Down the valley we get our first views of Machu Picchu Mountain but the site itself is still hidden from view. From Phuyupatamarka it´s a 3 hour walk down a flight of steps to our last campsite, close to Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). Wiñay Wayna is the most spectacular Inca site on the trail after Machu Picchu and the most popular campsite because of its proximity to Machu Picchu.

During the descent we visit 2 Inca ruins, Phuyupatamarka (Town in the Clouds) and Intipata (Terraces of the Sun). We arrive at our campsite around 1:00PM to have lunch and then relax for the entire afternoon so that you’re relaxed and ready for your final day at Machu Picchu. At around 4:30PM your guide will give you a short orientation and you will visit the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna, spending about an hour and a half there. We will explain the significance of the site and combine all the information given during the trek so you’re fully prepared for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
We like to spoil our guests as we enjoy our last feast with the porters and chefs. It’s an Inca Trail tradition to organize a ceremony in the evening to introduce the team to the tourists once again and to thank them for the great job done (if you wish to provide tips for them then you can do so at this time). It is advisable to go to bed at a reasonable time in order to get up in the early hours of the morning to arrive to Machu Picchu at the crack of dawn in the hopes that the weather will give us a beautiful sunrise over the ruins at Machu Picchu.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 

Day 11: The inca trail classic
Machu Picchu

Wake up time is at 3:30AM. We’ll eat breakfast at 4:00AM and wait at the checkpoint to be one of the first to start trekking when they open the gates at 5:30AM. We’ll wave goodbye to our team of porters and chef and then it’s “Forward On” to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here we have spectacular views of the mountains and Machu Picchu in all its glory. We reach the Sun Gate by 6:30am and then it’s just an hour trek downstairs to reach the Lost City of the Incas. As we approach Machu Picchu the views of the city just get better and better! At about 7:40AM we’ll reach the final checkpoint and enter Machu Picchu to begin our 2 hour private guided tour.

After your guided tour of the Machu Picchu Citadel, you will return to the town of Aguas Calientes for lunch. After lunch, you will make your way to the train station to board your return train to Cusco.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST
Day 12: Cusco – Puno

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Puno. When you arrive at Puno, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

Considered to be Peru’s “folkloric capital,” owing to its traditional festivals featuring vibrant music and dancing, Puno is the melting pot of the Aymara and Quechua cultures.

Enjoy the rest of the day by walking around the main plaza in Puno and perhaps browsing though the numerous souvenir shops nearby.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
Day 13: Titicaca lake: The floating island

Enjoy a relaxed boat ride in the world’s highest navigable body of water, Lake Titicaca, and mingle with the local inhabitants of the islands with your homestay. The homestay will will allow for an opportunity to see how the indigenous people of the lake live. In the afternoon, you will climb to the mountain to watch the sunset and party with the locals.

MEALS

  • LUNCH & DINNER
Day 14: Titicaca lake: Taquile island

Visit the island of Taquile and learn more about the local weaving and textile traditions. Return to Puno for a free afternoon to relax.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Day 15: Puno – Arequipa city tour

We will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and transfer you to the airport in Juliaca. You will take a flight to Arequipa and we will transfer you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit the most iconic sites of the “White City” of Peru including the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the main Plaza and the Cathedral.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL
Day 16: Colca Canyon
After a panoramic ride from Arequipa to Colca, you will arrive at one of the World’s deepest canyon. Relax in the warmth of natural hot springs and catch sight of the flight of the famous condor.
Day 17: Goodbye Peru

This unforgettable journey to some of the most iconic Peruvian gems has come to an end. Today, we will part ways with nothing but life-time memories.

Our representatives will come to your hotel in Arequipa to pick you up and take you to the airport for your departure flight.

MEALS

  • BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL

Includes

  • All tours and excursions specified with licensed bilingual guide & transportation.
  • Transfers to/from Airport and others where detailed.
  • Accommodation on selected hotel (category) with Breakfast.
  • Entrance fees to visited sites.
  • 24/ assistance when on tour.

Does not Include

  • International and domestic flights in Peru.
  • Lunch and Dinner where not specified.
  • Additional entrance fee, tours & sightseeing besides mentioned.
  • Personal expenses, extras, tips and drinks.
  • Other services not specified in the program.
  • Travel, medical and cancelation insurance.

Highlights

  • Unveil the mysteries of the largest Inca Ruins.
  • Enjoy fantastic Peruvian cuisine.
  • A cultural journey within the Sacred Valley.

Meals Included

  • Breakfast Served Daily
  • 16 Dinners
  • 17 Lunches
Urubamba river | Peru
Colca Canyon | Peru
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Lima | Peru
Discovering Peru Treasures
17 Days
From $3,699.00 per person


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