Peru Expedition: 19-Day Adventure of a Lifetime

The tour takes you on a journey through the history of Lima, Peru. Despite its official foundation in 1535, Lima had been inhabited for many years prior. Your first stop showcases remnants of the ancient civilization, including the 2000-year-old pyramids in Miraflores.

Passing by a prehispanic monument, you reach the Larco Museum. The museum exhibits a collection of opulent gold, silver, and ceramics from ancient Peru, providing an insightful introduction to the country’s ancient history. Next, you explore Lima’s City Center, admiring its grand architecture. The 16th-century Santo Domingo Convent and Lima’s main square are notable sites you will visit.

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s colonial and prehispanic eras.

You will leave the city of Lima for a day.
You start early this morning, head to Pisco airport, and board our aircraft to fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

During the flight, we’ll observe the mysterious figures of animals, humanoids, and geometric shapes perfectly crafted in the desert after having some free lunch in Lagunillas, small villages at Paracas National Reserve.

Here, you can admire the immensity of the ocean and beautiful beaches from some cliff-top lookouts. Finally, you begin your return journey to Lima, arriving at 6 pm approx.

Begin your journey by private bus from the hotel to the airport where you will fly to Padre Aldamiz Airport in Puerto Maldonado. After registration, pack only the essentials and head to the port.
Board the motorboat and cruise down the Madre de Dios river, surrounded by stunning flora, fauna, and captivating scenery, until you reach Amazon Planet Lodge (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).
Upon arrival, settle into your private bungalow while the staff takes care of your bags.
Meet your guide at the main house for a video presentation about Taricaya Eco Reserve and its projects. Embark on a night walk with your guide to witness the jungle’s nocturnal animals.

Energy is from solar panels, so please, save energy and turn off lights and fans when not in the room.

Embark on today’s activities as you stroll along the reserve’s trails, enveloped by 300+-year-old trees. 

Your knowledgeable guide acquaints you with the history and biology of the surrounding flora and fauna, enhancing the experience with captivating sights and sounds. Arrive at the first platform, situated 15 meters above the ground within the canopy of an old Kapok tree. 

Access it via a suspension bridge, allowing for a unique perspective. Continue your walk deeper into the Taricaya Reserve until you reach the Canopy platform, the highest in South America. Perched 45 meters high, it’s an unforgettable experience.

5:30h – Start your 3 km trek to Lake Sandoval. An early wake before sunrise, a cup of coffee, and a to-go breakfast before heading upriver to the entrance of the Tambopata National Reserve.

On the way, enjoy the diverse ecosystem, spotting wildlife like squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, blue and yellow macaws,s and more.
Arrive at the mouth of the lake and hop on a rowboat; your guide will paddle your group around the pristine mirror-like lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery with the opportunity to encounter the impressive giant black caiman.

Continue searching for the family of the endangered giant river otter that calls this lake home (Approx. 5 hours). Take your snack by the water’s edge.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to our Amazonian friends. This morning, we board our boats to return to Puerto Maldonado, where we’ll pass by our office to collect any baggage you might have left and then continue to the local airport to board your flight Cusco.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day for yourself.

Prepare for a pleasant morning hike as we explore the Historical Centre of Cusco and its picturesque surroundings. Our journey commences with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress that offers breathtaking city views. 

From there, we embark on a leisurely one-hour descent along a well-preserved section of the ancient Inca road, leading us to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas. 

As we continue our walking city tour, we’ll pass by iconic landmarks like the Main Square, Cathedral, and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), immersing ourselves in the charm of Cusco through its ancient streets, local markets, and historic neighborhoods. This hike provides an authentic experience of this marvelous city and its people. The afternoon is yours to explore and savor the city at your own pace.

Start your adventure with a morning pick-up from your hotel, followed by a 1-hour 30-minute drive to Cruz Pata village at 3550 meters above sea level.

Upon arrival, you’ll be equipped with biking gear and receive safety instructions before riding. The initial part of the journey includes uphill stretches, downhill sections, and optional single tracks for those seeking a more technical experience, with stunning views of the Veronica mountain range.

The first major stop is the Incan agricultural site of Moray at 3575 meters above sea level, where you can take a break and explore. Continuing the ride, you’ll reach Maras for another break before concluding at the crystal-white terraces of the pre-Incan salt mines located on the banks of the Urubamba River at 2875 meters above sea level.

Get ready for an exciting day, starting with an early pick-up from your Cusco accommodation. After a satisfying breakfast in Mollepata, we’ll briefly stop in Challacancha before commencing our hike towards Soraypampa, where the picturesque Sky Camp is nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Salkantay and Humantay mountains.

Indulge in a delicious lunch upon arrival. Take some leisure time to unwind in your cozy igloo or explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, embark on a beautiful hike to the stunning Humantay Lake at an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters.

Marvel at the glimmering lake set against the snowy landscape. Return to Sky Camp for a delectable dinner and a mesmerizing stargazing session. Drift off to sleep in your igloo, gazing at the constellations above.

Today is momentous as we embark on a journey to the highest point of our trip, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. After a nourishing breakfast, we begin our gradual ascent through Salkantay Pampa, followed by a challenging path known as “The Trail of the 7 Snakes,” leading us to the remarkable Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters.

Marvel at the snowy mountains and experience the power of nature. Descending through unique stony terrain, we reach Soyrococha for lunch. Continuing the descent towards Soraypampa, you’ll catch a distant view of the magnificent snow-covered stone forest. Upon reaching Sky Camp, take a final rest before a 30-minute journey back to Cusco by transport.

From Ollantaytambo train station, you board the train to Km 104, the trail’s starting point. Here, you disembark and proceed to the main checkpoint for registration at an elevation of 2,150 meters.

After a short walk, you reach the first Inca site, Chachabamba, featuring temples and sacred rocks. Our knowledgeable guide provides insightful information about the area. Continuing our hike, you gradually ascend, relishing the breathtaking scenery, until you arrive at the Wiñaywayna Incan temple, known as “forever young.” After exploring the temple, you have snacks or lunch at the Wiñaywayna Checkpoint.

You then hike for another two hours to reach Machu Picchu, entering through the Gate of the Sun for our first glimpse of the ancient city. You capture memorable shots before taking a bus to Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes), where you relax at a comfortable hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Waking up early, you’ll take one of the first buses to back up to Machu Picchu to enter the site as soon as it opens (06:00 am). You’ll have a 2-hour guided tour of the place, where you’ll learn about the Incas and visit all the most critical areas of the citadel.

After your tour, you’ll have free time to explore the site yourself.

Embark on a thrilling Rainbow Mountain 1-day Hike as you traverse a lush green valley, treated to magnificent views of snow-capped mountains.

Along the way, encounter llamas, alpacas, and the towering Ausangate Glacier in the distance. As you near the end of the hike, prepare to be amazed by the stunning red valley reminiscent of a Martian landscape.

Unlike the crowds that flock to Rainbow Mountain simultaneously, this tour ensures a more intimate experience. Departing from Cusco at 4:00 am, you’ll arrive before the masses, allowing you to capture the perfect picture without the hustle. With your guide equipped with oxygen tanks, reaching the impressive altitude of 5040 meters is made easier and safer. Enjoy the hike at your own pace, without pressure and time constraints.

“The Route of the Sun” is a day-long trip throughout the Andean countryside with five stops to see various Incan ruins, tourist attractions, and history. 

Traveling from Cusco to Puno by bus is the most comfortable and fun way.

The distance between Cusco and Puno is 387 km, so the best way to visit “The Route of the Sun” must be done by tourists and comfortable transportation.

This is a day-long trip, and it lasts approximately 10 hours.

Places to visit during the trip, such as:

Andahuaylillas (Church)
Raqchi (Incan ruins)
La Raya (Vista overlook, 4,338 meters/14,232 feet high)
Lithic Museum of Pucará (Museum)

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Puno at 7:00 am and head to the port to board the boat. Our first stop is the fascinating Uros floating islands, where you’ll learn about the unique lifestyle of the people there and spend some time interacting with them.

Next, you’ll sail to Amantani Island, where locals will warmly welcome us into their homes for lunch. You’ll participate in their daily activities, explore the island, and witness a beautiful sunset at Pachatata, a pre-Incan temple. You’ll enjoy dinner and join a local celebration with Andean music in the evening before retiring around 10:30 pm.

***Note on family houses: The houses are elementary, and the services are essential, but all clean. There is no running water in many places. There are no showers as they get energy from the solar panels. For many people, this homestay experience and the encounter with the host family is a revelation of the reality of Andean people at such altitude and remoteness.

You will have breakfast, which the local family makes, and right after that, you will embark on the boat to Taquile Island; the trip is about 1 hour.

Upon our arrival on this island, you will take a short hike to get amazing views as you make our way to the small village of Taquile, where you will have lunch (this lunch is not included)

Next, you will explore this small town and walk back to the dock to take the boat back to Puno; you will get to the hotel at about 4:00 pm or after this time.

Departure Sillustani is a great burial site of large cylindrical tombs called Chullpas from before the Incas. However, after the Incas conquered the Pukaras in the XVth century, they took over this site and continued building more chullpas.

After the tour, we continue to the airport in Puno. Fly to Lima

Transfer Out – International Flight.

You must arrive and depart from Lima City to participate in this tour.

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