PERU ENCOMPASSED ITENERARY. DAY 01: LIMA Welcome to Lima, Peru s capital city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 3 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel foyer or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time contact us, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book an additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform to us or to 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 prior to your welcome meeting and this have to be provide to your tour leader. Peru is one of the colonial era 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 you to arrive a few days early to see more of the sights. There s the famous suburb of Miraflores, Central Park and Lovers Park, and the 16th-century monastery of San Francisco with its catacombs of more than 70,000 human remains. There are also plenty of museums including the Museum of the Inquisition, the National Museum and the Gold Museum. Be sure to have a bite of time to try Peru's national dish of ceviche. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Señorial or Similar Lima, Gold Museum Lima, Museo de la Nación Lima, Museum of Inquisition DAY 02: LIMA to PARACAS Second day of your trip, you ll be introduced to downtown Lima s historical Centre with a professional tour guide. Here the streets are flanked with colonial mansions, palaces and churches with a lot of Andean and western influence. You ll also get to see the iconic Plaza Mayor surrounded by government palace and the imposing Cathedral. After the tour, take a local bus from Lima to Paracas for about four hours. The bus may about one or two times along the way until you reach to 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
Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Zarcilio or Similar Lima, Walking tour RTP, Moment Street Food Local Bus Lima - Paracas DAY 03: PARACAS to NAZACA This morning you will be transfer to the pier of Ballestas Islands, which are sometimes referred to, as the Galapagos of Peru. Weather permitting, take two-hours of boat tour of the islands to see pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos and even penguins. Later on you ll make your way towards Nazca during a three hour drive. Along the way, stop in the town of Ica one of the Peru s Department and be able to visit a vineyard to taste the Peruvian Wine and Pisco and also you can make a stop to visit an Oasis 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 and enormous geoglyphs representing animals drawn into the sand, since thousands of years ago. Climb to the viewing platform and see some of this drawings, or if you re feeling brave, take an optional flight over the lines for the best experience. Accommodation (1 Night) Hotel Alegria or similar Ballestas Island tour Entrance fee Transport Paracas Nazca Dune Buggies and Sand boarding DAY 04: NAZCA to AREQUIPA Today we visit the Chauchilla Cemetery, where you can see the tombs of the ancient Nazca civilization, dating from AD100 to AD700. 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 a free time for you to take an optional activities.
Early in the afternoon we travel from Nazca to Arequipa by local shared bus (approx 10hrs). You will arrive to Arequipa by midnight, Located at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive cities. Built out of white ashlar 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 spend the day. Accommodation (2 Nights) Hotel Su Majestad or similar Chauchilla Cemetery Local bus Nazca Arequipa Flight Over Nazca Lines Cahuachi Pyramid and Aqueduct tour DAY 05: AREQUIPA Spend the day free in the stunning Arequipa city. You will have an orientation walk leaded by your leader visiting the plaza the Armas, San Camilo s central marked and surroundings and then you can chilly out or 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 young girl who has been sacrificed arround 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. Arequipa Walking tour Arequipa, Santa Catalina Monastery Arequipa, Juanita Museum DAY 06: AREQUIPA to COLCA CANYON Today we you will start early morning travelling by minivan to the town of Chivay approx.5hr trip. Along the way, you ll pass one of the Peru s largest reserve of Salinas Aguada Blanca to 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 tea, known as Inca tea. The third stop takes you to the highest point on the tour at Patapama (4,910 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 to your hotel, in the afternoon you can go to enjoy La Calera thermal baths. From here you can either spend the evening soaking in the baths, dining on Alpaca steak at a nearby restaurant or seeing some live Andean music at a peña (local rest bar). Accommodation (1 Night) hotel Colca Inn or Similar Colca Canyon Guided tour Transport Entrance fee La Calera Hot Spring DAY 07: COLCA CANYON to CONDOR CROSS and LAKE TITICACA 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. Then drive back to Chivay and continue your trip to Puno fallowing the road until Patawasi were will chance the transport and say goodbye to your local Guide and Driver, You ll continue the trip approx. four-hours bus ride to Puno. Although it s 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 folkloric 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. Accommodation (1 Night) Hotel Casona Plaza or Similar Private Transport
DAY 08: LAKE TITICACA to HOMESTAY Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca (3,810 meters above sea level), the world s highest navigable lake since 1866. You ll take a motorboat across the lake and learn about its spiritual significance for the ancient and modern-day Quechuas. During your tour, you ll stop off at the Urus Islands, floating manmade islands made entirely from reeds and home to several families. Later, you ll be taken for the homestay in the Lake Titicaca region to take a closer look at daily life here. Make the real experience of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or try chatting in the local language, Quechua. A games of soccer or volleyball 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 nonetheless. Be prepared to use shared drop toilets and have no access to a shower for the night. There will be plenty of blankets to keep you warm and hot water bottles. Accommodation (1 night) Homestay Lunch Dinner Lake Titicaca Boat tour and Homestay DAY 09: LAKE TITICACA HOMESTAY to PUNO Today 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. And then take an uphill trek for about an hour to visit the main area of the island were you can visit the community gallery shop. After a brief stay, the boat will take you back to Puno (about three hours) and some free time. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Casona Plaza or similar Taquile Island tour Entrance fee DAY 10: PUNO to CUSCO Take a long and scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco, which should take about seven hours. Cusco is the continent s oldest continuously inhabited city and here, colonial
buildings are built upon foundations remaining from Incan times. Spend a little time to relax at (3,400 m) which is Cusco s altitude and then head out on an orientation walk with your tour leader. You ll visit the facade of Qoricancha Inca sun temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Finally you ll visit the Chocolate museum where there will be an opportunity to sample a hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs. There s a small store where you ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products. Tonight is free, perhaps head out for dinner your fellow travelers. Your leader will be able to recommend some good eater and drinking places. Accommodation (2 nights) Hotel Warary or Similar Local Bus from Puno to Cusco Cusco, Orientation Walk Cusco, Chocolate Museum and Hot Chocolate taste Cusco, Koricancha Sun Temple DAY 11: CUSCO Enjoy a free day in Cusco, 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, Puca 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, later in the afternoon (6pm) meet to your treking expert guide for the trek briefing. Cusco, City Tour Cusco, Day Tours See RTP day tours for more information Via Ferrata and Zip line
DAY 12: INCA TRAIL, QUARRY TREK and TRAIN OPTION 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 Cusco for another two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. While away from Cusco, 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 Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your belongings in, for the next four days (6 kg maximum). Your team of Inca Trail angel s (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 able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and only travel with the necessary items during the excursion by train. Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: Today travel early morning by bus to 82 km (Piscacucho) very beginning of the Inca Trail and meet your crew of local porters and the chef. The first of your trek starts at 2750 m. and includes uphill trekking to wayllabamba campsite, which is at 3,100 metres above sea level the trek length will be 10 km. On the way you ll see the Inca sites of Ccanabamba, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal. Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 42 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 2 Inca Quarry Trail: Make an early start today and drive to Choq equilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horse wranglers who join us on the hike. After an hour walk reach the small community of Socma, Carry on to the magnificent waterfall of Perolniyoc, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is at 3,700 meters above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a control point of socma valley and the surrounding mountains in the Incas time. Notes: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people.
The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The horse wrangles will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 3 Train Option: For those travelers disinterested in hiking the trail or who are unable to, you will spend the day exploring the fourth Archeological sites beyond Cusco valley such as Sacsayhuaman, Q enco, Pucapucara and Tambo Machay. Afternoon free. Please note: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Inca Quarry Trail only. accommodation (Camping with basic facilities) 1 night breakfast lunch Dinner Snacks Personal Support Entrance fees Cusco, Full Boleto Toristico pass, which gives you access to 16 Archaeological sites in around Cusco Cusco, Half tourist ticket pass, which gives you access to selected archeological sites DAY 13: INCA TRAIL, QUARRY TREK and TRAIN OPTION Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend 1,100 meters along steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of entire trail. Locally known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,215 meters above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,600 meters total trail distance 10 km. Route 2 Inca Quarry Trail: This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. Three hours walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Pukaccsa 4,365 meters about sea level.
After enjoying picturesque views of the valley and snow caped mountain of veronica, then walk in a soft and relaxing path, along the way you will stop for lunch. Afterwards make some more extra hike to the second pass of Kuychiccsa, the highest pass of entire trek at 4,450 meters. From here, descend to the sacred site of Incan doorway called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of Veronica snow caped mountain. Head to the campsite of canteras (Quarry) Route 3 Train Option: You will head out of the city to explore the area of Chinchero visiting Archaeological sites of Maras, Moray, Salineras (salt mine) and Chinchero site, then will drive back to Cusco. Your leader might also suggest an optional local meal or an Andean picnic with the locals. Afternoon free Please note: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Inca Quarry Trail only. Accommodation (Camping with basic facilities) 1 night Lunch Dinner DAY 14: INCA TRAIL, QUARRY TREK and TRAIN OPTION Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: Start the day with a climb through the Runkuracay pass (3,960 meters) on the way stop at Runkuracay Inca site, Reach to the top and enjoy the views of the Vilcabamba mountain range before descending for around one hour to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,700 metres), also known as (Town above the Clouds) Start the tree-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite Wiñaywayna located near of the archeological site of Wiñaywayna. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Today you will explore the magnificent Inca Quarry of Ollantaytambo, then hike all downhill to the first stop were you will see some funeral towers of the Inca civilization and overviewing Ollantaytambo where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish, around midday come to an 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 with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a soothing way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train Option: Travel by bus to Ollantaytambo train station afterwards tren through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (approx 3 hours). Sitting at the base of Machu Picchu in a picturesque valley, of Aguas Calientes takes its name from the numerous hot springs that are dotted throughout the area. Notes: Included lunch on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only. Accommodation (Camping with basic facilities) 1 night Lunch Dinner Machu Picchu site Museum Hot Springs DAY 15: INCA TRAIL, QUARRY TREK and TRAIN OPTION (MACHU PICCHU) OLLANTAYTAMBO Route 1 Inca Trail: This is the final and most spectacular length 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 one-and-a-half hours and then 45 minutes to the site of Machupicchu. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu 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 spectacular views over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins. Route 3 Train Option: Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there s evidence that the
land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters, and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Ollantaytambo For all Options - After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Ollantaytambo for a well-deserved shower and a Pisco sour. Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure. Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Inca Trail trekkers: Due to safety reasons the final checkpoint for all trekkers does not open until 5:30 am therefore the estimated arrival time to Machu Picchu Sun gate is approximately 7:00 am. Quarry trekkers and Train travellers: The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30am. The estimated arrival time is between 6-6.30 am the sunrises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Tunupa Lodge or Similar T-shirt from Rolo s Travel Peru (souvenir) Train Ticket DAY 16: OLLANTAYTAMBO to CUSCO You will enjoy the time in Ollantaytambo exploring the ancient Inca town witch has been built after Pachacutec order, the town itself shows magnificent example of Incan urban planning. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Then continue the trip to the sacred valley stopping in a local community for lunch and learn local lifestyle and activities, and if our visit coincides with marked day, you can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practicing a little bit of the local language, Quechua, afterwards drive back to Cusco. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Warary or Similar Lunch Local Community Visit Private Transport Entrance Fee to Ollantay Tambo Inca site
DAY 17: CUSCO Enjoy your last free day in Cusco. You may like to use this time to rest and regenerate after your hike or go explore the magical city of Cusco. If you ve got any energy left do some Cusco day Tours with RTP. See more info in Cusco day tours. Cusco, City Tour Cusco, Rainbow Mountain Cusco, Humantay Lagoon Cusco, Chonta - Condor Lookout For all of this Options see Rolo s Travel Peru day tours. DAY 18: CUSCO to PUERTO MALDONADO Take a short 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 motorized canoe upriver to your jungle lodge in the Tambopata National Reserve. There will be time to unpack and unwind once you get there. The next two days are packed with activities, On the way to the lodge you may spot some wild life such as world giant guinea pig (capybara), white Cayman, Monkeys, birds and others. You will begins with the activity of the night walk and experience the atmosphere of the tropical forest. Accommodation (1 night) Explorer s Inn Lodge or Similar Lunch Dinner Mineral water Flight Cusco to Puerto Maldonado All Transfers Tour Guide Jungle tour
DAY 19: PUERTO MALDONADO Your full day in the jungle includes boat tour and trekking 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 spot everything from macaws, monkeys, a family of river otters, thousands of butterflies and if you ll be very lucky you may see Anaconda, Jaguar, understanding that the jungle is unpredictable. The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants. For lunch you will return to the lodge and in the afternoon you go again in to the forest and do the 42 meters up of Canopy Tower to realize amazing jungle. The Amazon accommodation is simple but comfortable, flush toilets and mosquito nets. There is no power here but they have solar panel and a generator to generate electricity to charge electronic device, the shower runs cold. Accommodation (1 night) Explorer s Inn or Similar Snack Lunch Dinner Oxbow Lake Visit DAY 20: PUERTO MALDONADO to LIMA Travel back to Puerto Maldonado office do the packing 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 your leader will organize to go for the last group dinner and reflect on your Peruvian adventure. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Señorial or Similar All transfer Inn Flight Puerto Maldonado Lima Lima, Museum of the Inquisition visit free Lima, Larco Museum Lima, Pre-Incan Temple of Huaca Pucllana
DAY 21: LIMA END Your trip comes to an end. 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 Meals 20 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners Transport Plane, Taxi, Public bus, Private Vehicle, Canoe, Boat, Train Accommodation Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 nights), Hotel (14 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights) Included activities Lima Centre Walking tour Ballestas Island tour Chauchilla cemetery Colca Canyon Tour 2d/1n Colca Canyon -Guided tour Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay Cusco - Orientation Walk Ollantay Tambo Inca site Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate Amazon Jungle - Activities as mentioned in trip note