All Peru

Transfer to the airport and flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, where we will begin our journey into the Amazon jungle. We will first travel overland to the Community of Infierno, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride on the Tambopata River to reach the lodge. During the trip, we will enjoy lunch on board while keeping an eye out for birds, capybaras, caimans, and turtles. In the afternoon, we will explore the surroundings of the lodge, immersing ourselves in the dense vegetation among giant trees to observe squirrels, insects, tarantulas, and frogs up close. This will be our first direct encounter with the incredible biodiversity of the jungle before having dinner and spending the night at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

We will wake up at dawn to reach a nearby observation tower, where we will admire a “ccolpa” where parrots, macaws, and other birds gather to eat clay in the early morning light. Afterward, we will walk to Lake Tres Chimbadas, which we will explore aboard a silent catamaran—an ideal vantage point for spotting giant otters, *hoatzins* (shanshos), herons, kingfishers, reptiles, and mammals. After this deep dive into the local aquatic wildlife, we will return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the rainforest, where we will spend our second night.

After breakfast, we will walk for about two and a half hours through the jungle to reach Lake Cocococha. In the afternoon, we will head back toward the lodge to visit a *chakra*—a traditional agricultural plot where we will discover tropical fruit plants and medicinal species used by the locals, while also observing various bird species. At night, we will experience the thrill of a boat excursion on the Tambopata River: with the help of an expert guide and flashlights, we will look for the glowing eyes of caimans and try to spot capybaras or other nocturnal animals roaming along the riverbanks. It will be a memorable experience before wrapping up the day and spending our last night at the lodge.

In the morning, return by boat to the port and then overland to Puerto Maldonado in time for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet our local representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon will be free for rest to allow for a gradual acclimatization to the altitude. We recommend eating very light meals. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, together with our guide and aboard our private transport, we will go to the San Pedro market, where we will come into contact with the typical flavors, colors, and aromas of the Andes. Then, we will reach the Qoricancha, or Temple of the Sun, the most important place of worship of the Inca Empire. We will then visit the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the site of Qenqo, dedicated to the worship of the serpent god who, in the Andean worldview, gave origin to life. Along the route we will stop at a textile center that houses llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, before reaching Pisac, famous for its archaeological complex, a supreme example of Inca architecture with massive stone walls, palaces, and towers. Night at the hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Today, with our guide and private transport, we will set off to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop will be Chinchero, where we will visit the Temple of the Rainbow. We will continue towards Moray, an extraordinary example of Inca engineering and ancient agricultural laboratory, to then reach Maras, with its spectacular community-managed salt pans, still active today after over a thousand years and immersed in a breathtaking landscape. Finally, we will continue towards Ollantaytambo, the only Inca village still inhabited, an extraordinary example of urban planning. In the afternoon we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Night at the hotel.

Today we will realize the dream of a lifetime: from Aguas Calientes we will go up by bus to Machu Picchu, the legendary “lost city”. This archaeological site, famous for its ruins and the view over the Urubamba valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The private guided visit (about 2 and a half hours) will reveal to you the history of this unique place. The most adventurous will be able to climb independently Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or Huchuy Picchu. In the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (or Poroy) and transfer by bus with other tourists to Cusco. Night at the hotel.

Departure at dawn for the Rainbow Mountain of Palccoyo (100 km from Cusco), still little visited by mass tourism. With private vehicle and guide, after a 4-hour journey and a stop for breakfast, we will start the walk between 4,700 and 4,900 meters. The route takes about an hour and a half and offers spectacular views of the Rainbow Mountain. We will explore a evocative stone “forest” with a view over the “Red Valley”. Lunch and return to Cusco in the evening. Night at the hotel.

Note: as an alternative to Palccoyo, it is possible to opt for Vinicunca. However, we remind that the route to Vinicunca is more strenuous, reaching up to 5,100 meters and the site is often very crowded. For a more authentic, intimate, and relaxed experience, we suggest Palccoyo.

Free day, ideal for walking around and getting to know beautiful Cusco. Not to be missed: the archaeological park near Cusco (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay), the San Pedro market, the stunning MAP (Pre-Columbian Art Museum), the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, and the charming San Blas neighborhood. In the evening, we will take a guided walking tour through the historic center of Cusco, discovering its most hidden and fascinating side filled with legends, myths, ghosts, and mysterious tales. Night at the hotel.

Today we will travel, accompanied by other tourists, to Puno (about a 10-hour journey). The tourist bus (equipped with heating, air conditioning, chemical toilet, and with a Spanish/English guide) will make a few stops: the 17th-century church of Andahuaylillas, the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, and the Museum of Pukara. Buffet lunch included in Sicuani. Upon arrival in Puno, meeting at the bus station with our local representative and transfer to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we head to the port and embark on a boat to Uros floating islands, located north of Puno’s bay. Then we reach Amantani island where we have lunch and spend the afternoon discovering the island. Dinner and night with a local family.

After breakfast we go towards Taquile, the biggest island of the Lake Titicaca. We disembark on the northern side and walk untill the main part of the island. Lunch in Taquile. We get back to Puno in the afternoon. Night in Puno.

At dawn, departure by minibus with other tourists from Puno towards Chivay. Along the route we will admire the landscapes of the plateau and some lakes in the Lagunillas area, rich in Andean fauna such as alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and birds. We will make a stop at Patapampa, the highest point at 4910 meters, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding volcanoes. We will then arrive in Chivay, gateway to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. In the afternoon, we can relax at the thermal springs of La Calera, immersing ourselves in natural pools with medicinal waters between 35°C and 38°C. Night at the hotel.

Departure at dawn to reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, from where we will be able to observe up close the majestic flight of the Andean condor. On the way back to Chivay we will stop in the unique villages of Maca and Yanque and at various viewpoints from which we will be able to admire the spectacular terraces of the Colca and the breathtaking landscapes of the valley. We will then continue the journey by minibus and arrive in Arequipa in the afternoon, crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca natural reserve. Night at the hotel.

Free day in Arequipa, the “white city”. We recommend not missing: the Santa Catalina Monastery with its evocative narrow streets and colorful courtyards, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries where the Juanita Mummy is preserved, the lively and colorful San Camilo market, and the delicious typical dishes of the local cuisine. In the evening transfer to the bus station, where we will take a high-quality bus (heating, air conditioning, chemical toilet, DVD, onboard assistance) direct to Nasca, with expected arrival at dawn the following day.

Note: for those who are not interested in the flyover of the Nasca Lines, it is possible to go directly to the Huacachina Oasis, an ideal place to practice sandboarding on the dunes or explore the desert aboard a “dune buggy” admiring the sunset.

Upon arrival in Nasca, meeting at the bus station with our local representative. Free time available to have breakfast (not included) and transfer to the airport for the flyover of the Nasca Lines, lasting about 45 minutes. At the end of the flyover, return to the bus station in time to continue the journey to Ica. Upon arrival in Ica, self-arranged transfer to the Huacachina Oasis (15 minutes by taxi). Night at the hotel.

Free day to enjoy our hotel pool in the middle of this oasis surrounded by towering dunes. Those who wish can go sandboarding on the dunes or head into the desert on a dune buggy to watch the sunset. Night at the hotel.

Early morning departure from the Huacachina Oasis by private transport to head to the port of Paracas for a group excursion to the Ballestas Islands. During the navigation we will observe up close Humboldt penguins, sea lions, seals, and an extraordinary variety of aquatic birds. At the end of the excursion we will visit, with our private guide, the Museum of Paracas and the National Reserve, famous for its spectacular desert landscapes and local fauna. In the afternoon, journey by scheduled bus towards Lima. Upon arrival, meeting with our representative and transfer to the hotel. Night at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. Intercontinental flight.

Note: if the intercontinental flight departs in the evening, it is possible to add a City Tour of Lima to discover the city in its most authentic and special aspects.