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 note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

Look for a Welcome Note posted in the hotel lobby. Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably.

Fly from Lima, the capital city, to Puerto Maldonado, deep in the peruvian jungle, the Amazon. Travel by motorized canoe through Madre de Dios river to our lodge settled deep in the jungle. On our journey to the lodge, you will have the chance to see bird species typical of the river or forest edge.

The jungle lodge combines native architecture and materials with low-impact, trying to preserve the environment and the ecology. The lodge rooms are simple but comfortable, with mosquito net for individual beds, flush toilets, showers, but no hot water, and kerosene lamps for lighting, there is no electricity. Local community members make up the majority the lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides.

Explore the amazon with local guides before flying to Cusco, located high in the andes.

Cuzco is considered the meca of Peru. This gorgeous colonial town offers nearby ruins, cobble-stoned streets, museums, churches and a lively atmosphere.

The city have several good museums, including the Coricancha and the Archaeological Museum, which also house a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

Our local guide will take us through the Sacred Valley for visit the majestic Pisac ruins and its local market. Continue to the picturesque town and Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo before preparing for the hike ahead, one of the highlight of the trip. 

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore the fascinating Imperial city of the Incas or visit the market, buy souvenirs, take optional activities, and get ready  for one last night in the city

Bus from Cusco to Puno, enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel. Puno is one of the most important cities on the edge of the Titicaca, the most navigable and highest lake of the world. The city of Puno is considered the Folk Capital of America because of its 300 typical dances. The Sikuri and the Diablada are typical dances performed during festivities such as that of the Virgen de la Candelaria, the city’s patron.

In the morning we will take a boat on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.  On Taquile island it´s very curious to see that not only women and children but men as well spin wool to make beautiful weavings and belts which is an ancient tradition on this island. Afterwards we will visit Amantani Island where we will be able to experience real life, as we will spend the night in the houses of the people living there, shaving dinner and experiencing a starship underneath the stars local party.

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore around to Puno, visit its market, you can buy souvenirs, take optional activities, and get ready for one last night in the city

In the morning we go to the station of Puno to take the bus to Arequipa, pick up at the bus station. Arequipa is known as “Ciudad Blanca” because to its white color of the stone “sillar” used on its colonial buildings.

Today a bus will take us to the deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon with a depth of 3,207 meters.  To reach this canyon we will have to arrive at the Collas ancient territory.  The morning begins by leaving Arequipa towards Cañahuas Pampas where we will find yaretas, plants specially adapted to the altitude.  From the volcano’s viewpoint (4,900 meters) we will descend to Chivay (3,500 meters) which is in an extensive valley and the entrance of the deepest canyon in the world.  Later we will take a three hour hike to Canocota and the thermal baths of Calera (hike rated: easy) and bathe in their sulfurous waters.

The canyon has fantastic agricultural terraces for crops (platforms) which were manmade and for a better use of nature’s space.  This is where the condor reins.  From the formidable observatory of Condor’s Cross (3,800 m.a.s.) we can observe these amazing birds.  Then we will return to Chivay while stopping at a few villages on the way.   We will cross the high plateau.  The trip is spectacular because we will see ponds, Andean summits, friendly people, and flocks of camelids, herons and flamencos.

We will have a free day to visit the city which is found at the foot of Misti Volcano.  You will have the option of visiting the Juanita Mummy Museum or Lady Amapato and the Santa Catalina Convent or souvenir shopping, remember that is the last day in town.

Fly back to the capital city, Lima, to enjoy our last night with the group.