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 general, 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 are visiting, travelling with Tierras Vivas is inherently 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 are free the rest of the day.

In the morning, the bus picks us up from the hotel to take us to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Here, we will visit the archeological centre at Pisac, and we will have a brief visit to the Pisac crafts market (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). During the trip, you will be taken through the impressive Valley of the Incas, and later, you will visit the archeological centre of Ollantaytambo, ruins from the time of Tahuantisuyo, who was one of the last Incas to fall to the Spanish invasion.

Transfer by bus to Lares. Here we visit the Lares medicinal hot springs. After beginning the trek and enjoying the beautiful landscapes, we will see the lakes that are very close to the settlement of Patacancha, and we will meet the inhabitants. Then we will continue the walk to campsite

We continue our walk to Pumamarka, where we appreciate stone constructions. In the afternoon, we will arrive to Ollantaytambo an important place for the Inca Empire. We  then go down to the train station and board the train heading towards the town of Aguas Calientes.

Early in the morning, we will walk up to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will begin out our visit by 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. As you will see, all of Machu Picchu is an exaltation to stone. After our visit to the ruins, we will descend to the village of Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch and then return to Cusco.

Today is a relaxing day, with free time to explore the fascinating imperial city of the Incas, visit its market, buy souvenirs, sign up for optional activities, and get ready  for one last night in the city

1) Shorter/longer stays, hotel upgrades and extra trips all possible.

2) Visas: You may be required to obtain a travel visa. Also all countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 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:  Hotel, tents.

Joining Hotel:

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

LIMA

Nirvana Hotel***

Address: 6315 Paseo de la Republica - Miraflores

Phone: 00 51 01 444 5909

Joining Instructions: 

Lima’s international airport, 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 ATMs in the Arrivals area that are 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 a Tierras Vivas sign board with your name on it.

If no one is there and you have not made contact with our local operators/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 the 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 cannot 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 operators/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: 00 51 084 984 7020 20

Phone: 00 51 084 235 211 Local Office

 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 waterproof)

      * Sleeping bag (this can also be hired locally for approximately USD 3 per day: these are high quality and warm)

      * Strong plastic bags to help keep gear dry

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

      * Fleece top

      * Windproof/waterproof jacket

      * Shirts/t-shirts

      * Sun hat

      * Shorts

      * Long trousers

      * Hiking pants/track pants

      * Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes

      * Sport sandals

      * 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: 

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

Cusco

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 travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular, towards the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader/local operator has the right to expel any member of the group/tour if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance: