On this Peru tour we hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We'll share dinner, smiles and laughs with our hosts on Amantaní Island; bargain at Cusco's colorful markets and with a few extra days, explore the Amazon jungle. Trekking on the Inca Trail, staying with families on Lake Titicaca, and exploring Andean markets make for an unforgettable journey. Combine this tour with an Amazon Extension to discover the great variety Peru has to offer.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Lima. Overnight.
Days 2-4: Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands (B,D)
A late morning flight takes you to the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca. Legend has it that the first Inca rose out of its azure waters. On Day 3 you'll visit the floating islands of the Uros people and stop for the night on Amantaní Island. Here you'll split into small groups and overnight with local families. Share in the hospitality of the Aymara Indians and experience a short day in their lives. Residents till the dry soil by hand and weave all their clothing on small wooden looms. After breakfast with your families, you'll make your way back to Puno for night 4.
Day 5: Journey to Cusco
Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru’s altiplano during your bus ride to Cusco. Your'll cross the spectacular 14,403 foot La Raya pass. On the way you'll stop to explore a small Inca site and walk among a herd of llamas and alpacas. Your final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!
Day 6: Explore Cusco
Andean history comes alive in Cusco. The morning is yours to wander Cusco’s narrow streets. In the afternoon your tour leader takes you through Cusco's local market and explains a bit about what you'll find in the adjacent witches' market. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. This evening enjoy a folklore show at one of Cusco's typical restaurants.
Day 7: Journey to Sacred Valley
This morning you'll journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. You can hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, or take a short walk through the countryside near the seldom-visited town of Moras and the pre-columbian salt mines of Moray. Or test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. Eventually, you will make your way to the living city of Ollantaytambo where you can relax for the night.
Days 8-11: Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail (3B,3L,3D)
Imagine the great Inca civilization as you walk in their footsteps to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. You will be well cared for by your friendly crew of guides and porters. Each day you’ll pass by larger and larger ruins. Scenery changes from snowcapped mountains to lush green cloudforest. On Day 11 you'll awake early for a short walk to the Sun Gate to watch the sunrise over magnificent Machu Picchu. Like the Incas that once journeyed to the sacred city, you too are pilgrims on this inspiring exploration. After a morning tour of the ruins, bus or walk down to Aguas Calientes to rest sore muscles in the local hot springs.
Day 12: Machu Picchu
Explore the great city at your own pace today. Wander through the cloudforest on a recently discovered Inca pathyway to the Temple of the Moon, or climb the pinnacle mountain of Huayna Picchu for one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you'll return to Cusco by train.
Day 13: Cusco
Today is yours to relax with your guide or on your own. The travel Mecca of South America bursts with all sorts of activity. For the adventuresome, rafting, biking, and horseback riding can be arranged. You can shop or people watch from the bustling cafes that line the Plaza de Armas, or you can explore the enormous Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán, the "Puma's Head" of the city. At night, travelers from all over the world fill Cusco's restaurants, pubs and dance clubs, providing the most vibrant and unique nightlife on the continent. Toast to your Cusqueño hosts!
Day 14: Fly Lima and Return Home
Accommodations: 9 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay, 3 nights camping.
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: 2 local flights, tour buses, train... and your own two feet on the Inca Trail!
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient cities, rural towns and a vibrant colonial city. Experience the lives of the local people of Lake Titicaca. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult four-day hike so travelers should be fit. There's a train option for those not wanting to hike (please let us know at the time of booking your trip so we can make the appropriate arrangements).
Start Dates 2008: May 9, Jun 6, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 5, Oct 3, Oct 31, Nov 28, Dec 26
Start Dates 2009: Jan 16, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8, Jun 5, Jul 10, Aug 7, Sep 4, Oct 2, Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 25
Custom dates are available!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$420
Note: Flights Lima-Juliaca and Cusco-Lima are not included. Please add US$310 (flight cost subject to change).
Tour cost assumes the Inca Trail Entrance is $80. Travelers are responsible for any increase by the national park service.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$175 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions ($55 return visit to Machu Picchu, must be paid in soles - 185 soles = $US 55).
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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