In the Andes you will discover splendid mountain panoramas, astonishingly diverse wildlife, and a rich human canvas spanning thousands of years. Cruise to a timeless island in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Photograph exotic birdlife along the margins of an oxbow lake in the Amazon rain forest. Explore Cuzco’s wondrous palaces, streets and plazas. Experience Machu Picchu, the unforgettable Lost City of the Incas. If you want to extend your trip, fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Each day you enjoy unforgettable wonders.
While the program involves no overnight trekking or camping, you have ample opportunity to hike on each day of the trip. Stay in small, delightful hotels, and enjoy an unforgettable night in a native home on Taquile Island in 12,500-foot high Lake Titicaca. Our guides are talented English-speaking Peruvians who contribute enthusiasm and valuable personal insights into the past and present of this astonishing region. Join one of the most adventuresome programs you will find anywhere in South America as you explore our Andean world.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Saturday - Arrive La Paz
We meet you on your arrival in La Paz (3,636 m/11,926') and take you to a comfortable hotel ideally situated midway between the main plaza and the market quarter. After an orientation meeting, you have the morning free to rest. It's important to take it easy at first so that you gradually acclimate to the altitude. In a lengthy afternoon tour through the fascinating market district we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of La Paz's most interesting neighborhood
Day 2:
Sunday - La Paz
We visit the Murillo Museum featuring the incredibly rich folklore of this multi-ethnic country. Revisiting the Plaza Murillo, the Plaza San Francisco, and the market quarter, we continue to explore and enjoy the lively street scene. In the afternoon you have time for optional excursions. Two good choices are the Valley of the Moon, in the lower city, and the important pre-Inca site at Tiahuanaco, on the Altiplano about 2 hours from La Paz.
(B)
Day 3:
Monday - Copacabana
We travel across the 12,500' Altiplano, enjoying splendid views of Illimani (6,466 m/21,200') and its neighboring peaks in the Royal Cordillera: Huayna Potosi, Condoriri, and a succession of snowcapped peaks stretching north to Illampu (6,550m/21,500’). At Tiquina, we board a small motor launch to cross the narrow strait to the rugged Copacabana peninsula. The road winds through an astonishing landscape of small farms with expansive views to the lake and the mountains. We drive to Copacabana, an historic pilgrimage town overlooking the lake, After lunch, we cross the frontier into Peru. We travel along Titicaca's spectacular southern shore. In late afternoon we reach our hotel by Puno Bay.
(B)
Day 4:
Tuesday - Taquile Island
We board a launch for the 3½-hour cruise to Taquile Island. Taquile’s rocky, terraced slopes rise precipitously from the waters in the center of the lake. We spend a delightful afternoon hiking on the island. Overnight in native homes.
(B) (L)
Day 5:
Wednesday - Taquile Island/Puno
We have a second day to explore this entrancingly beautiful and peaceful island. Only four miles long and less than a mile wide, the island has hidden beaches, hilltop shrines, and a gentle and industrious population of Quechua peasants who welcome us wherever we go. We depart by boat in the afternoon, and visit the astonishing floating reed island communities of the Uros Indians. Return to the mainland, overnight in hotel.
(B)
Day 6:
Thursday - La Raya Pass
We follow a fascinating overland route across the northern Peruvian Altiplano, climbing to La Raya Pass at over 14,000 feet before descending the beautiful upper Vilcanota River valley into the narrow valley of Cuzco (3,310m/10,857').
(B) (L)
Day 7:
Friday - Amazon Lodge
We take a 30-minute flight east over the Andes to Puerto Maldonado, and travel by canoe up the Tambopata River to our rain forest lodge in the Tambopata-Candamo Reserve. After late lunch, we have a short walk on a nearby trail to introduce you to this habitat.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
Saturday - Amazon Lodge
We hike to nearby Lago Condenado, an oxbow lake where you may see a variety of birds along the margin of the lagoon. Our guides introduce to you the enormous natural energy and complexity of the world's largest tropical wilderness. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to swim in the clear waters of a stream near the lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
Sunday - Amazon Lodge
We take a short canoe ride down the Tambopata River, then hike to a nearby oxbow lake where you may see Giant otters and caimans. In our excursions you have an opportunity to experience a variety of rain forest habitats, each with a distinctive, complex community of insects, birds and animals. You also enjoy time to relax and explore the forest on your own along the network of nature trails near the lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 10:
Monday - Cuzco
We rise early and witness dawn on the river as we return to Puerto Maldonado and the flight to Cuzco. After checking into our hotel, we tour the city's fascinating streets, palaces and temples. Many of the streets retain the stone Incan walls of the former palaces which made up the heart of the city. Cuzco’s night life is also full of variety, with strolling musicians contributing traditional Andean music in most of the restaurants. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
(B)
Day 11:
Tuesday - Machu Picchu
We travel by train down the spectacular gorge of the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu. The famous Lost City of the Incas, one of the world's most memorable archeological sites, is one of the trip highlights. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, by the river near the base of the granite ridge on which the ruins perch.
(B)
Day 12:
Wednesday - Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley
A second day at Machu Picchu allows time for individual exploration of the dramatic site and contemplation of its manmade wonders. Ambitious hikers may follow an Inca Highway through vegetation called "Eyebrow of the Jungle" to nearby Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna. Late afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo, a traditional village in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
(B)
Day 13:
Thursday - Pisaq market and ruins
We travel to the village of Pisaq for the colorful market located in the town square. Quechua highland natives bring their produce here to barter for sugar, fruit and many other items supplied by traders from the city. There is a lively section specializing in weavings, pottery and handicrafts of all types. After picnic lunch in the magnificent terraced sun temple overlooking the site, we return to Cuzco. En route, we explore the important Inca sites in the hills around the town: Tambo Machay, Kenko, and the massive fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Overnight in our hotel.
(B) (L)
Day 14:
Friday - Lima
Fly to Lima, and transfer to our delightful small hotel in the quiet Miraflores district, a few blocks from the promenade overlooking Lima’s beaches. The afternoon is open: you may visit several excellent museums, take a quick visit to the colonial downtown area, or browse and shop for the best variety and quality of goods in all of Peru. Overnight in hotel.
(B)
Day 15:
Saturday - Home/ or Nazca Extension
Airport transfer is included for passengers on 15-day program who depart today.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Internal air: from $277
Single Supplement of $341 is only for guaranteed single accommodations. If you're willing to share, and no roommate is matched, no fee will be charged.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Bolivia
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Rainforest
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