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Peru Highlights - 17 Days / 16 Nights

Peru Highlights - 17 Days / 16 Nights

This is well and truly what we consider the Trip of a Lifetime! Not only does it cover the iconic and world famous Peruvian landmarks and sites, but you also get to visit some hidden gems and immerse yourself in the vast history and tradition of this incredible country. There are numerous optional extras to really get the most of this extraordinary land, whether it be physical challenges such as horse riding or hiking, or masterclasses in cooking, weaving and ceramics to live like a local, we've got you covered.

  • Itinerary and Specifics

    Highlights:

     

    • Visit one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu
    • City Tour of Lima, including the historic centre and beautiful Miraflores district
    • Visit Cusco and the surrounding ruins, with a fascinating insight into the culture and rituals of the Incas
    • Take a cruise along the Amazon in Iquitos, followed by the Fundo Casual jungle trail which will be full of wildlife surprises!
    • Take a skiff ride and spot several bird species, including kingfishers, hawks, caracaras and terns
    • Visit a small community close to Nauta, learning about the traditions and way of life in the Amazon
    • Tour the salt mines at Maras followed by spectacular views of snowed mountains and valleys
    • Enjoy crafting classes such as ceramics, weaving and cookery
    • Take a tour of the beautiful city of Arequipa

     

    Included:

    • Comfortable accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis 
    • Meet and Greet at Airport
    • Tours and transfers as specified in the itinerary
    • Expert driver/guide
    • Meals specified in the itinerary
    • Comfortable touring vehicle
    • Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
    • Porterage at hotels
    • Refillable aluminium bottle for water per person 

     

    Not included

     

    • International Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of Lima
    • Gratuities minimum recommended $20 per person per day
    • Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
    • Personal expenses (laundry, beverages etc.)

     

    Day 1 - Arrival in Lima

     

     
    According to your flight itinerary, a driver will be waiting for you at the landing area with a sign in your name, to transfer you quickly and safely to your hotel in Lima.

     

     
    Day 2 - Lima - Iquitos

     

     
    Breakfast at the hotel.
    Check in to board the flight to Iquitos.
    Suggested flight: LA2234 LIM-IQT 10:20-12:10
    At arrival to the city of Iquitos, the crew will be expecting your arrival at the airport, then transfer all together in our comfortable private vehicle. We will start you off with a lunchbox as we begin the journey to Nauta. Once we reach Nauta, you will enjoy a VIP greeting at the private port along the shores of the Maranon River where the vessel awaits you. * NOTE: Itinerary may change due to weather conditions.
    Aboard the cruise, while the Delfin III begins its initial navigation, you will enjoy the most fantastic panoramic views from the elegantly outfitted observation area located on the third deck. Your naturalist guide will give you an overview of your journey’s schedule, activities, route, highlights, wildlife, and vegetation to keep your eye out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful details. The walk at Fundo Casual jungle trail will take you deep into the rainforest on terra firma (non-flooded forest) where your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon. Be sure to keep an attentive eye open for spotting surprises! It’s almost unbelieveable how with every step you find something along the way. Anaconda, Rainbow Boas, Tarantulas, Poison Frogs, and most recently porcupines have been spotted. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve Amazon Rainforest where you will spot the ever so elusive 2-toed sloth.

    At night, we will skim the riverbanks for small caimans and spiders, as well as insects of all colours, shapes, and sizes. We will return to the boat to enjoy a delicious dinner.

     
    Day 3 - Iquitos

     

     
    Today we recommend getting up early to appreciate one of the most important zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Never does nature seem more bountiful than in the tropics, and early rising is always rewarding since wildlife is most abundant and active with the rising of the sun. The early morning hours are the best time of day to watch birds, observe their special displays and listen to their songs. We will jump on the skiffs and head to this area with large trees and old palm trees as well, which favour the presence of several parrot species. This particular spot also has a great number of other birds of various species. We will look for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above water, and perhaps a sloth or two of the three toed kind.

    Exploring this portion of the YanaYacu-Pucate Area allows us to enjoy a marvelous skiff ride into one of the most awe-inspiring sections of the upper Amazon. Black collared hawks perching on trees, caped herons, lesser kiskadees, and great egrets, are the perfect decoration of nature. We aim to spot several bird species including yellow-billed terns, ringed kingfishers, Amazon kingfishers, and several birds of prey like black-collared hawks and yellow-headed caracaras. Return to the cruise for lunch. After lunch you will do some kayaking and piranha fishing.

    Yachay: The village of Yachay is a flyspeck that receives few outside visitors, and even fewer come to seek out the Shaman, Carola. Carola is known far and wide in the rainforest, leading a normal village life with her wood carver husband, while at the same time acting as spiritual caretaker and healer to literally hundreds of jungle dwellers spread over many roadless miles. Her prestige and position are beyond reproach. The role of shaman is often misunderstood in the west, associated with black magic, and spells. While these things all have their place, the actual practitioners are as varied as in any profession. Carola is known as a “White” shaman, a healer and spiritual guide. Return to the cruise. Dinner.
     

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    Day 4 - Iquitos

    You will start cruising through the creeks of Yanayaquillo, peeking into different creeks and lagoons. This is one of the best preserved and protected zones of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Your guide will use their expert eye to pinpoint all the biodiversity of this region. This is also a popular dolphin feeding spot, so we won´t be the only one enjoying our meal here. We will also try piranha fishing. Lunch.

    Confluence: Better known as the “Unión de los Ríos” we will toast and witness the distinguished colors of the 3 rivers. It is known that the Ucayali River, which in turn confluences with the Maranon River upstream of Iquitos, Peru, to form what countries other than Brazil consider to be the main stem of the Amazon River. You will visit a village of 500 people, which although not very far from the bigger town of Nauta in miles, is still quite removed when you have to go by canoe from place to place. On your visit to this community, we will be welcomed by smiling faces and friendly people. Around the community, people who are happy to show you the process of peeling and grating cassava, while some others may invite you in for a look at the tools they use to process the rice (grown locally). A day in the life of a local ribereno is eye-opening to how far we have come in this day and age, and a reflection of how simple yet rewarding life is for others. Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight.

     

    Day 5: Iquitos - Cusco - Sacred Valley

     

    Disembarkation: With heavy hearts, the staff will wish you farewell as you begin your departure. At the port of Nauta, the crew will be waiting to take you by a private vehicle back to the city of Iquitos, about 95 kilometers journey by paved road.

    On your way from Nauta back to Iquitos airport, you will visit the Rescue & Rehabilitation Center of River Mammals (Amazon Forever) where you will have the chance to meet baby manatees and learn about these wonderful and docile creatures and why they are on the endangered species list. There are also some other animals cared for by the center that have been rescued from capture for the intention of being turned into pets and other threatening conditions. We welcome you to donate to this ambitious organization and education center as you wish. The land personnel will wait for you at the airport and give your boarding passes and help you check in.

    Flight from Iquitos to Cusco (via Lima)

    Suggested flights: LA2235 IQTLIM 13:00 14:45 LA2021 LIMCUZ 16:10 17:45 Arrival at Cusco airport. Private transfer with English-speaking assistance to the hotel at Sacred Valley.

     

    Day 6: Sacred Valley

     

    After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel to have a beautiful tour through the valleys full of impressive landscapes on route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Perolniyoc is one of the most impressive natural resources that can be seen near the Raqaypata Archaeological Site, in the community of Socma, Ollantaytambo district, from where on route you can observe part of the Inca Trail or Qapacñan. The waterfall has a height of more than 80 meters and is important to know that this waterfall is available with no restriction for entrance. You will enjoy taking in some of the magic and energy that exists in this place. These places are surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes that characterize the Sacred Valley of Cusco, where we'll have the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite luxury picnic lunch in an exclusive outdoor place, toasting with wine for our adventure of the day.

     

    Day 7: Machupicchu experience

     

    Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board The Vistadome train. Once in Machupicchu Pueblo train station, the guides will take the group to the buses that go up to the citadel (a 25 minute drive, approx.). The visit (about 2.5 hours) includes a guided tour to the different temples, places of worship, chambers and stairs that connect the city.

     

    Once in Machupicchu Pueblo, after enjoying lunch (on your own), depending on the train service selected, you will be able to visit the craft market before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Arrival at Ollantaytambo train station and private transfer with English-speaking assistance to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

     

    Day 8 - Sacred Valley - Cusco

     

    AM. You will be heading to the Sacred Valley South to visit The Andean Baroque Route that traverses four temples: one located in Cusco and three in the South Valley, the geographical space that connects the capital of the Inca Empire with the jungle of Madre de Dios and Lake Titicaca. This was a commercial axis, preceding the Incas, for the transport of gold, silver, coca leaves and animal fibres. Since then, archaeological sites can be found in its path, such as Tipon and Piquillacta, and ancient fabric factories as the one that can be found in Lucre. Andahuaylillas houses within its cultural legacy one of the most important Churches of the Cusquena School called "The Sistine of the Andes", is characterized by the masterful works of art of different painters and the frescoes that can still be appreciated by visitors. We finish the tour visiting Cunicunca and Huaro temples before returning to the hotel in Cusco.

     

    Day 9 - Cusco

     

    Choose from a number of 'a la carte' activities:

    - History & Nature (full day): Archaeological exploration and crossing paths with Andean people, adopting Inca traditions

    - Horse riding: Archaeological visits followed by a luxury picnic

    - Palcoyo (Amazing Andean Landscapes): Scenic tour of various peaks and landscapes (full day)

    - Bridges & Lagoons: Visit to the Quechua bridge (UNESCO site) followed by the famous 'four lagoons' circuit and a picnic.

     

    Day 10: Cusco

     

    In the morning, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a culinary experience and learn more about Peruvian cuisine. Your culinary experience begins with a visit to the “Mercado San Pedro” (the local market), where you will have an introduction to a large and diverse number of ingredients from the 8 Natural Regions of Peru that make up an important part of the local diet. Then, we will take you to a beautiful cooking studio, located in the center of Cusco, where you will have a hands-on class where you will learn how to prepare nutritious and healthy dishes using our most representative ingredients guided by a professional Peruvian chef. You will enjoy a refreshing drink, a four-course tasting menu and, of course, our famous Pisco Sour.

    PM City Tour. This  includes the following religious and archeological sites:

    -The Cathedral: Religious colonial monument of extraordinary artistic value.

    -Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun: Religious center which shows the advanced engineering they utilized in its construction.

    -Sacsayhuaman: Located 2.5 miles outside the city of Cusco, an impressive fortress.

    -Qenqo: Ceremonial center with an amphitheater where sacrifices were offered to the gods. PucaPucara: Ancient tambo, it was a stop on the road used for surveillance along the Inca Trails.

    -Tambomachay: About 5.5 miles from the city of Cusco. Used to be a ceremonial center where they adore the god of water. It was known as the water place.

     

    Day 11: Cusco - Arequipa - Colca

     

    Private transfer to Cusco airport to board your flight to Arequipa. Suggested flight: LA2325 LIM-AQP 09:50-10:55

    Arrive in Arequipa and transfer to Colca (3 hrs. drive, approx.) and check-in to the hotel.

    You will visit the relaxing hot springs and fountains “La Calera”

     

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    Day 12: Colca

     

    AM. The tour starts on the left bank of the Colca river and head towards the Mirador of “La Cruz del Condor”. Here you will be able to see how deep the canyon is (approximately 1,200 meters) and, if we get lucky, we will observe the majestic flight of the Condor. The tour continues through traditional towns like Yanque and Maca. Here you will see the Piedra Maqueta (Stone Model), where the ancient people carved the city plan in stone.

    PM. Visit to the embroiderer workshop of the community of the village of Yanque, or a typical embroidered workshop in Chivay village. This visit lasts approximately one hour and can be done as an addition to any Colca tour. Prior coordination with the community workshop.

    Here you can see how men and women make the beautiful embroideries "by machine", with impressive drawings that are reflected in their beautiful dresses, shirts, ties, and over all on the spectacular hats. We can appreciate that the embroideries are not previously drawn on the dress but are directly “taken from their imagination and imprint on the fabric” through the needle and the threads of their “machines”. In their embroidery, the artisans capture scenes of nature such as Birds, plants, etc., with remarkably interesting colors.

     

    Day 13: Colca - Arequipa

     

    After breakfast, private transfer to the selected hotel in Arequipa.

    PM. City tour + Santa Catalina Convent

    The tour will visit the old Grau Bridge (designed by Eiffel), Alameda, Bolognesi Ave., overlooking the beautiful houses of the 50’s, the Colonial Church and Yanahuara neighborhood viewpoint, where most of the city is observed, Carmen district viewpoint, for a beautiful view of the Chilina valley, and the Chili River with Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, typical Pre-Inca terraces still cultivated.

     

    Return to the city, exterior view of the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas (Main Square), colonial downtown area, Church and Cloisters of the Church of the Society of Jesus and its polychromed dome. Visit the famous monastery of Santa Catalina, built in the sixteenth century, and opened to the public after 400 years in 1970.

     

    Day 14: Arequipa - Lima

     

    AM. Private transfer to Arequipa airport to board your flight to Lima. Suggested flight: LA2100 AQP-LIM 07:40-09:15 (to be confirmed) Arrival in Lima, private transfer to the selected hotel.

    Choose from a list of 'A la Carte Experiences'

    - City tour + lunch (6 hours)

    - Lima modern (3 hours): Visit San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco districts

    - Larco Museum + meal at museum cafe (4 hours)

    - Magic fountains of water at night (2 hours): Largest water fountain park in the world

    - Visit local market and cookery class 

    - Swimming with sea lions (2.5 hours): Transfer to El Callao

    - Surf and bike tour: Lessons with an instructor followed by bike hire for the day to explore the city

     

    Day 15: Lima - Mancora

     

    At appropriated time, transfer to Lima airport to board the flight to Talara. Suggested flight: LA2253 LIM TYL 11:30 13:23 At arrival to Talara, private transfer to your selected hotel in Mancora.

    Rest of the day at leisure

     

    Day 16: Mancora

     

    Day of leisure at your spa hotel

     

    Day 17: Mancora - Lima

    Transfer to Talara´s airport to board the flight to Lima for your international connection.

     

     

£8,400.00Price
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