While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us, (remember we are in south america). Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit traveling, with Tierras Vivas can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Please contact us for more information if needed.

info@tierrasvivas.com

Arrival to the city of Lima, transfer to the hotel. Note that the first and the last day, there are no planned activities, so you can take the rest of day free.

Transfer to the bus station to take a local bs to the city of Paracas. Once we arrive there, optional activities such as Paraca’s reserve, museums or just explore the city.

Transfer to the pier of Paracas, to take the hovercraft. It will take us around the bay of Paracas, the port of San Martin and the foothill of the mysterious “Candelabro” hill (giant figure in the sand). We continue the tour to the Ballestas Islands, one of the most beautiful sceneries of the Peruvian coast. There one can appreciate the guano birds (birds that produce manure) and sea lion colonies in their natural habitat. In the afternoon a bus takes us from Pisco to the city of Nasca. Transfer to hotel.

After breakfast, we will take a flight of the Nazca Lines.

More than 2000 years ago, and advances pre-incan culture left us one of the most biggest mysteries of our time: figures laid out in the desert so gigantic that you can only appreciate them from a plane overhead composing of what some experts call “The biggest calendar in the world’. Still no one can assure what they really mean. Out tour begins at the Nazca airport, where we board a small plane to carry us over the mysterious Nazca Lines, where we can appreciate the famous figures. In the afternoon we take an overnight bus local to take us to the city of Arequipa.

In the morning, the tourist bus and guide will pick us up from the hotel to take us to Colca. During the trip we go through the immense landscape on the high plateau. passing an altitude of 4900 meters, and making frequent stops to closely observe the local fauna (alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, guanacos, vizcachas, etc.). We arrive finally to the Colca Valley and the town of Chivay where you settle into your hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to bathe in Chivay’s hot, where the water is more than 40ºC. 

The following day we get up early and have breakfast in the hotel. We leave in the same bus to continue the route in the valley during which we see the cultivated terracing and the little towns  that are more open and fertile in the Colca Valley. Further along, the valley closes to form and narrow canyon and most deep. Finally we arrive to the lookout Cruz del Cóndor,, where we enjoy and incredable view above the river more that 1000 meters below. On the other side of the river some cliffs. In this site, we can see the flight of the condors that nest in the cliffs of the canyon and leave in the morning to make the most of the hot air currents. The performance of these enormous birds. Later, we return in the minibus making various stops in the towns along the valley, before lunching in Chivay and our return to Arequipa.

Free day to rest, to visit the surrounds of the city or go shopping. In the afternoon, the local bus will take us to the city of Puno, where the largest Peruvian lake is located and in all the world, Lake Titikaka. Transfer to the hotel in Puno.

After catching the bus from the Hotel and then to the Port of Puno, we visit two different Uros Floating Islands.  After the trip we arrive to Amantani Island, where we have a warm reception from the habitants. In the afternoon we make a trip to the Pachatata Temple or Pachamama with the guide. In the evening, the families give a welcome reception to the visitors playing folkloric music. 

In the morning we continue our trip to Takile Island, another community where the women are working and the men are in charge of the duties of the house. After some hours we leave to Puno.

In the morning we take a local bus to the imperial city of the Inkas, also called the center of the world.

Once we get there, we will have some free time to explore the city and get ready for our next adventure.

Early in the morning a bus will pick us up to go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It starts out in Pisac, a picturesque town with colonial and racially mixed features. In the archaeological centre of Pisac there is a hill called Intihuatana with an impressive view of the valley. We continue our trip to Ollantaytambo that was at the times of the Tahuantinsuyo a giant centre for agriculture, administration, social, religious and military activities.

Free day to rest, visit the surrounds of the city or do an optional tour. Cusco offers many places to visit, such as horseback riding to two archeological sites, do a city tour to the surrounding areas of the city, or something with more adrenaline like rafting, motor biking or climbing.

Pick up at your hotel, we then leave for the train station in the morning towards the majestic city of Machupicchu, apreciating a diverse natural route, We descend to the Anta Valley passing Ollantaytambo, arriving to the Aguas Calientes train station located in the heart of the town. Pick up and transfer to hotel. 

Early in the morning we take the bus to go up to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Starting out our visit observing the great scenery that surrounds us, the beauty of its Temples, worshipping places, enclosures and steps that connect the different levels on which the constructions rest. All of Machu Picchu is an exaltation to stone, after that we descend to the village of Aguas Calientes where you can have lunch and then return to Cusco. 

Early in the morning we leave to the airport, to take the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Transfer to the port of the Tambopata river, where a motor boat will take us to the lodge in the jungle. Here we will enjoy a guided tour to appreciate the abundant flora and fauna, will watch monkeys, aligators, capivaras(a big rodent), spiders, etc, wil take a boat trip in a hiden lake and try to fish piranas and if we are lucky, we can see the “Giant Otter River” in its natural habitat.

Today , after breakfats, transfer to the airport of Puerto Maldonado to take a flight back to the capital city for a last farewell dinner with the group.

Today departure day, but also a good time to check out our website at the tailor Made section to extend your holidays!

1) Shorter/longer stays, hotel upgrades and extra trips all possible. Please contact our sales department for more information or check out our Taylor Made section.

sales@tierrasvivas.com

2) Visas: You may be required to obtain a travel visa, also all countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Accommodation:  Simple hotels, family stay,  Lodge.

Joining Hotel:

The following hotel will be used in Lima. Please refer to your travel vouchers for your hotel details.

Address: Av Garcilazo de la Vega # 981-Lima

Tel: +51 1 4249 438

Joining Instructions: 

Lima’s international, called Jorge Chavez in Callao, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. After customs and immigration area, you will find a few official taxi stands. You can pay for the car approximately USD20 and won’t need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities. There are exchange facilities and ATM’s in the Arrivals area open 24 hours. If you are arriving from abroad and have booked an arrival transfer with us, a Tierras Vivas representative will meet you at the airport. Upon leaving the customs area, follow the gates and turn right to exit the airport. Just before exiting there is a small area on the left hand side where the official transfers are waiting with signs. Look for an Tierras Vivas sign board with your name on it.

If no one is there and you have not made contact with our local operatos/representative within 15 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point Hotel. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

If your taxi driver does not speak English and you do not speak Spanish, simply show driver the hotel address to simplify communications.

Arrival Complications: 

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you can not commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader/local operator or to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier. If you are unable to get in touch with your leader/local operator, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our local operatos/representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point Hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Local Emergency Contact:

If you need emergency assistance, you can contact us locally at the following phone numbers: 

Cell. + 51 84  984 702020

Should you need to contact Tierras Vivas during a situation of extremely serious need, someone from our Operations staff will answer a mobile line at any time. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as posible.

Checklist of what to take:

      * Passport (with photocopies)

      * Travel insurance (with photocopies)

      * Airline tickets (with photocopies)

      * USD cash

      * Credit and debit cards

      * Vouchers and dossier

      * Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

      * Camera and film

      * CD/MP3 player

      * Reading/writing material

      * Binoculars

      * Cover for backpacks

      * Fair sized daypack

      * Wool hat, mitts or gloves (preferably water proof)

      * Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry

      * Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen)

      * Fleece top

      * Windproof/waterproof jacket

      * 5 shirts/t-shirts

      * Sun hat

      * 2 pair of shorts

      * 2 pairs of long trousers

      * 2 pair hiking pants/track pants

      * Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes

      * Sport sandals

      * Sun block

      * Sunglasses

      * Toiletries (biodegradable)

      * Watch or alarm clock

      * Water bottle

      * Pocket knife

      * Small flashlight

      * First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids,     

         anti-histamine, tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-

         hydration powder, and extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Meal Budget:   

Daily allowance USD25 for meals not included. For additional expenses, please contact our sales department for more information.

Emergency Fund: 

Please, make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) need a change to our planned tour. This is a rare occurrence! But you never know…

Departure Tax: 

USD18 International flights

USD7 Domestic flights

Optional activities:

Lima

Colonial Tour USD 25

City tour + Museos: USD 30

Pachacamac o Puruchuco: USD 35

Cusco

City Tour USD 10 

Valle Sur USD 75 

Minimo 2 paxs

Sin Guia USD 10

Con Guia USD 25

Maras & Moray USD 75

Minimo 2 paxs

Rafting USD 30

Arequipa 

City Tour USD 17

Country Side-Bike USD 14

Yura USD 30 

Chiguata USD 30 

Misti down hill mountain biking USD 22

Toro Muerto Tour USD 30 

Salinas Tour USD 40

Rafting Chili river USD 30

Rafting Majes river USD 35

Rafting Colca River USD 35

Puno

Sillustani USD 10

Ruta Aymara USD 27

Min 05 paxs

All prices are in USD.

A Couple of Rules:   

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts you  at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Tierras Vivas travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The explotation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader/local operators has the right to expel any member of the group/tour if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance:   

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a trip with us, you will not be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader or local operator, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Tierras Vivas is a Travel Assurance provider, and in case you are interested in get our proposal, please contact us to the following email: sales@tierrasvivas.com

Responsible Travel:   

Tierras Vivas has been responsible to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Keeping in Touch: 

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Ciber cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact.

AVAILABILITY & PRICES

NOTE: For the inka trail, we suggest to make the booking with 6 month in advance do to the new regulations and the few space there are nowadays. If yo make the booking and there are no space for the inka trail, we will offer you an alternative trekk, such as Lares Trek or Salkantay Trek.

Departures twice a month all year round, except in February when the Inca Trail is closed. Instead of, we offer you Lares Trek.

Please contact us for more information.

sales@tierrasvivas.com

Cost per pax USD1680 

+

Local Payment USD 350

Local payment:

Most of our adventure trips involve a local payment. 

This amount is the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour,  allowing us to keep our tours at a competitive price, passing our costs savings on to you.