Peru - Full of Adventures

In the morning, we take you to the Lima´s airport for your flight to the Cusco City. Our Representative awaits you in front of the Cusco´s arrival airport hall holding a sheet with your name. After he/she welcomes you in Cusco, he/she takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore around this fascinating city as well as to acclimatize to its high altitude. 

Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city of this continent as well as a hub of the South American travel network! The city attracts people from all around the world, who arrive not only to visit a unique destination, but also to experience an antique culture that differs a lot from the occidental 21st century´s way of life. One could easily spend a week just in and around this site. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and it is not necessary to go far to see other major Incan ruins! This is a city steeped in history, traditions and legends!

Every year, Cusco is visited by thousands of travelers, who come to delve into its noble, but tragic past. It is a perfect base for optional explorations around the city´s surroundings as well as for a range of outdoor activities.

The most important monument of the Cusco City is without any doubt Qorikancha - the Golden Temple and the main temple of the Incan empire - Tawantinsuyo, where the Sun god was worshipped! 

Cusco also has got numerous colonial churches. The most important of them is the Cathedral on the main square. Its construction started in 1559 and it took 100 years to finish!! The Cathedral can pride on the biggest depository of Colonial art of the city! A vault containing remains of the famous Incan historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just past the entrance. Other churches that are worth seeing are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

Early morning, we start out our rafting adventure by a 4 hour ride northwest of Cusco (3,400 masl) across the Andes down to the Apurimac River Canyon - a 3,000 metre deep canyon, twice as deep as the U.S. Grand Canyon.  The 690 km long Apurimac River is the most direct source of the Amazon River making it the world´s longest river! In the native language of Quechua, its name consists of two words: "apu" meaning divinity or a god and "rimaq" meaning oracle. So that the Apurimac´s name means the "oracle of the gods". 

When we reach the Huallpachaca Village (2,000 masl), we prepare our equipment (self-bailing rafts, paddles, oars, helmets, coolers, life-jackets, wet-suits and others) which takes about 2 hours. Then, we are given a talk on safety and rafting techniques such as know-how on getting back into a raft, a flip of a raft, swimming rapids, etc. Then, we have lunch to afterward start floating for about 2 hours doing rapids of class II and III. We reach our first campsite situated in an impressive narrow gorge. There, we have dinner and overnight.

Next day, we start rafting Apurimac at around 9 am after a healthy breakfast. Today, we enjoy being in the white water for approx. 6 hours doing mostly class III and IV rapids.  During that, we stop to have lunch and then we continue rafting down the river towards our second campsite. On the way, we get to a really narow canyon with a very difficult rapid that cannot be overcome so we have to carry our rafts for a while (approx. 7 minutes). At about 4 pm, we reach the campsite. Tonight, we enjoy dinner and campfire on a sandy beach under the sky of the southern hemisphere!

The last day of this amazing rafting tour, we raft through a few of V class rapids! Excect this adrenaline sport, we can also observe some river otters, foxes, torrent ducks, condors and cormorants in this remote and isolated canyon.  This makes the tour one of the best wildlife adventures of the whole Peruvian holiday! After 3-4 hours in water, we have to finish and pack the
equipment. Then, we return to Cusco in our private transport reaching it at about 5 pm. You are taken to your hotel where you can continue dreaming about the wildlife adventure while another adventure is already waiting for you.

Early morning of the first day, we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you by private vehicle passing Sacred Valley of the Incas to a starting point of this Machu Picchu trail at Abra Malaga (4,350 m.a.s.l.) which is the highest place of the trek. There we sit on a bicycle and start this Machu Picchu biking and hiking adventures! We ride down for about 4 hours towards the small town of Santa Maria. On the route, you can appreciate an Incan site, cloud forest´s birds, medicinal plants, butterflies, snakes and tropical fruits. We also can visit local families to find about their daily routine. When in Santa Maria, we accommodate ourselves in a familial basic hostel where we can have a shower. After dinner, we spend the night there.

Optional tour: Rafting in the afternoon in Santa Maria, level 3-5. The price of the rafting is extra USD 30.

Once we have this part of the Machu Picchu biking behind us, we continue trekking to Machu Picchu early the next morning getting progressively steeper until we get to a restaurant where we have lunch. Then, we can relax in hammocks admiring surrouning coca plantations. Later, we continue hiking to reach an authentical Inca path - "Qhapaq Ñan"!! The path winds around steep hillsides and sheer gorges for approximately half a mile. Please note: This part of the Machu Picchu trail is not for people suffering from vertigo!
Later on, we descend to the famous hot springs of Cocalmayo and refresh ourselves in its healing water!! After that, we hike to Santa Teresa, a town located by the Santa Teresa River. There, we accommodate ourselves in another familial simple hostel.

On the third day of the tour, we have early breakfast before taking a private transport to Llucmabamba Town. There, we observe a stunning sunrise above a lovely landscape with Machu Picchu in its centre.  Later, we descend to bamboo groves and a cloud forest with increasingly thick vegetation and tall trees offering us some excellent birdwatching opportunities.  Later in the afternoon, we get to Hidroelectrica (a hydroelectric plant) Railway Station and there we start following trails leading us to the Aguas Calientes Town. We spend the last night in a more comfortable hostel there with private rooms and bathrooms offering us a hot shower.

Optional tour: ZIP Line in the morning in Santa Teresa. The price of the ZIP Line is extra USD 30. 

After an early breakfast on the last day, we hike for only 2 hours up to the mysterious city of Machu Picchu that we enter for the early morning best photos opportunities! Then, our Tour Guide shows us around the  Incan city and explains us about its history and organization. After the guided tour, we have an opportunity to either climb up for about 45 minutes to Huayna Picchu or to Machu Picchu Mountain (1 and half an hour up), both are peaks above Machu Picchu serving to take some panoramic pictures of the Incan city! Then, we are given time off to spend and explore Machu Picchu on our own. In the afternoon, we return by train to Ollantaytambo (alternatively to Poroy), from where we are taken by van back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu is both, the best and the least known site of the Incas as it is not mentioned in any Spanish conquistador´s chronicle so that contemporary archaeologists cannot do anything more than just speculate on its functions. Local Quechuan farmers had known about Machu Picchu for centuries before an 11-year-old boy showed the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in a search of Vilcabamba) this site on the 24th of July 1911. At that time, all the rest of the world became aware of its existence! However, the site was covered with thick vegetation so Hiram Bingham along with his team returned and within the years of 1912 and 1915 cleared its surface. Over the years, plenty of work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.

After having the Machu Picchu trail done, you enjoy a relaxing day, during which you can just laze around the former capital of the Incas, visit its markets, buy some souvenirs, do some optional activities and enjoy its night life as well!

You can explore some of many very good museums such as the Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which also houses a small art exhibition), the Regional Historic Museum and the Religious Art Museum.

Cusco has got numerous colonial churches too. The most important of them is the Cathedral on the main square. Its construction started in 1559 and it took 100 years to finish!! The Cathedral can pride on the biggest depository of Colonial art of the city! A vault containing remains of the famous Incan historian - Garcilaso de la Vega is just past the entrance. Other churches that are worth seeing are La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco.

The city is also a perfect base for those more adventurous as it offers a range of optional outdoor activities such as white river rafting on Urubamba River, horseback riding around nearby archaeological sites (Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara) or mountain biking down to Maras, Moray and Salineras and perhaps visiting some Incan sites on the way.

Today, we take a tourist bus that takes us to each important site of the Cusco-Puno route.

First, we need to pass through Southern Valley (also called the Sun Route), where we stop in the village of Andahuaylillas to visit the famous San Pedro Church, which is called the "Sixtine Chapel of Americas" to observe the quality of its works of art! The church was constructed by Jesuits in the edge of the 16th and the 17th centuries. Its architectural structure is typical for small town´s churches while its wide walls are characteristic of colonial buildings. It is made of adobe and its facade is decorated with white painting. Two stoned columns are projected towards its main entrance. Although its architecture is relatively modest, its interior is richly decorated with amazing wall paintings!

After seeing the church, we continue towards the pre-Incan city of Pikillaqta beeing once one of the most impressive regional centers of the culture Wari!! The culture was seated in Ayacucho and its centres were occupied by Incas for many years. Today, Pikillaqta is a national archaeological park of great importance!! The word Pikillaqta is made up of Quechuan words "piki" = flea and "llaqta" = town, so that  the meaning of the city´s name was the “City of the Fleas”. It does not want to say that fleas lived in the city nor that its inhabitants were lousy. The name was derived from the fact that each inhabitant lived in cramped conditions, in a  very small room. Constructions of Pikillaqta consists of over 200 kanchas (apartments), 504 golgas (storages) and other constructions. The city accommodated a population of approximately 10 thousands of inhabitants!! Some investigators supposed that Pikillacta turned into a city of “mitimaes” during Incan times ("Mitimae"  comes from the Quechuan word "mitma" meaning "resettlement". So mitimaes were originally groups of families taken by Incas from their native place to loyal or conquered towns to perform political, cultural, social, and economic functions.).

After this guided tour, we continue to Raqchi where we observe the Temple of Wiracocha (Incan god - creator).

Then, we go to La Raya representing the border between Cusco´s region and Puno´s region. This place is well-known for its viewpoint offering splendid views of the surrounding Andes.

Our last stop is in the village of Pucara where we visit the Lithic Museum exhibiting artefacts of an pre-Incan culture.

Finally, we reach the city of Puno, where we accommodate ourselves in a hotel.

Llachon is a small village located in the peninsula of Capachica, 74 km (1 hour and 20 minute) far away from the city of Puno. The village has got 1,300 inhabitants spread out the peninsula. The inhabitants belong to the ethnic group of Quechuas. Since Llachon villagers have got commerce with the population of Amantani and Taquile islands, they have realized that tourism could be an important activity to promote and develop their village. Except of that, major economic activities of Llachon are farming, livestock and fishing.

In the morning, we start out this stunning Special Titicaca Lake Tour.  First off, we get on our private vehicle and ride for about 1.5 hour to the village of Llachon. There, we start another adrenaline adventure: kayaking for about 2 hours around the peninsula.  During the tour, we visit and explore the Ticonata Island too. After that, we return to the village of Llachon to have a look around as well as to accommodate us in local houses and enjoy a family homestay enabling us to get to know this culture and share traditions with the local people.       

In the morning of the next day, we say good-bye to our hosts and board a motorboat with a direciton to Uros Floating Islands that are situated on the Titicaca Lake (3,830 masl), only 1.5 hour far away from Llachon. We stop at the islands to view the magic of the lake's scenery and to meet friendly people of its communities.

Titicaca Lake is the largest lake in the world above 2,000 metres and the highest placed navigable lake in the world (3.830 m)! The floating islands are inhabitated by the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from militant Colla´s and Incan tribes. Unfortunately, Uros´ language got extincted, so nowadays´ Uros people speak Aymara due to intermarriages with Aymara´s speakers. There are about 300 families living on the islands, however, their number has been slowly declining.

The islands are made of layers upon layers of totora reeds that grew in the shallow of the lake. When layers, which are the nearest to water, start to rot, they are replaced with fresh totora layers on the top. Totora is basically used to make everything on the islands, including real houses, boats and small model boats serving as souvenirs. A construction of a real totora boat takes up to 6 months!

After a visit of the spectacular islands and enjoying the amazing Titicaca Lake, we continue our boat-ride to Puno (approx. 40 minutes) arriving there at afternoon. There, we transfer you from the Puno´s port to your hotel

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore around the city, visit its markets, buy some souvenirs, take some optional activities (for example, a visit of the Chullpas de Sillustani) and enjoy the last night in the city.

The city of Puno is located on the shores of the Titicaca Lake at 3,830 metres above sea level resulting in extreme wheather conditions with very cold nights and strong sunshine during days. Puno is well-known for the wealth of its traditional dances, there are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in street processions celebrating of Catholic feast´s days. Another highlight and a popular optional activity of Puno is a visit of its nearby spectacular Chullpas of Sillustani, tower-like tombs of pre-Incan culture Colla.

Today, we take a tourist bus to get to the so called "White City" - Arequipa, which is the second most important and biggest city of Peru! The city is placed at 2,325 m (7,626 ft.) above sea level and is surrounded by Andean mountain range. This magnificet colonial city is absolutely worth of a visit! Arequipa´s city centre is built from a white volcanic stone called sillar. For this reason, buildings in its centre dazzle on the Sun that result in the nickname - the White City. The highlight of the city is its Cathedral with its main square that can be viewed from one of many surrounding coffee shops. Those, who are interested in history and architecture, may take an optional visit to the Santa Catalina Convent offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into bygone times and a way of life. We can also view the Misti Volcano (5,822 m/19,096 ft.) from the city with its beautiful snowcapped peak. The historic Arequipa´s centre was declared by UNESCO as a "World Cultural Heritage".
 

We can also offer you some from optional Arequipa tours, for example, an Arequipa City Tour or an Arequipa Rural Tour (not included in the package).

This is a biking tour that begins at the foot of the Misti Volcano (3,400 m). There, you can get excellent views of the mountains surrounding the Arequipa City! You start biking there and enjoy beautiful nature offering you untouched and breathtaking Andean sceneries. You continue biking until you get back to the city and to your hotel.

If you like to enjoy more hiking adventures, the Colca Canyon Trek possesses plenty to offer.

Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons!! It is a canyon of Colca River located in the southern Peru. It covers an area of about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. Colca Valley is a colourful Andean valley with pre-Incan roots and towns founded in Spanish colonial times. These towns are still inhabited by people of Collagua´s and Cabana´s cultures! Local people keep traditions of their ancestors as well as keep cultivating pre-Incan stepped terraces for agricultural purposes.

The canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), a specie that has been in focus of worldwide conservation efforts. Condors can be seen in range as they fly along the canyon´s walls. A popular tourist stop is a viewpoint named "Cruz del Condor" (Condor´s Cross) where people watch condors soaring on warm air waves. This point is situated at 1,200 metres (3,960 ft) below the rims of the canyon.

We pick you up very early in the morning, it means at 3 am to take you by bus to the village of Cabanaconde (close to the town of Chivay). When we reach to Cabanaconde (at around 9 am), we have breakfast and a small rest there. Afterwards, we get ready to our trek and start descending to the Colca Canyon. After a 3 hour descend, we get to a beautiful place called San Juan de Chucchom where we have lunch. After that, we continue hiking for about other 3 hours towards the amazing San Galle Oasis located in a subtropical area. Before we reach this place, we view some traditional villages such as Coshñirhua and Malata. When in San Galle Oasis, our Tour Guide prepares us dinner and afterwards, we overnight in rustic and simple but comfortable shacks. 

On the second day, we also wake up very early, it means at around 4 am to start ascending towards Cabanaconde. There we have breakfast and after that, we continue by bus to Cruz del Condor (Condor´s Cross) – a famous viewpoint to observe flying condors. Later on, we continue on bus to Chivay where we can visit local hot springs (optional; entrance is 10 Soles) and/or a local market during a 2 hour time off. Afterwards, we set off to Arequipa arriving there at about 5 pm.

We take a flight back to Lima today. Then, we transfer you from the Lima´s airport to your hotel to be later given time off to explore the city on your own and to buy some souvenirs. You can also do some optional activities. Overnight in your hotel.

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

End of service.

• 2x domestic flights: Lima-Cusco and Arequipa-Lima;
• All airport arrival and departure transfers;
• Accommodation: 3* hotels (12 nights), hostels (3 nights), campsites (2 nights), a shack (1 night), a local family homestay at the native community of Llachon during the Special Titicaca Lake Tour (1 night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary;
• Bilingual local Tour Guides as per itinerary;
• Meals: 17x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner and 3x afternoon tea during the Inca Jungle Trek;
• Mountain biking equipment such as a bicycle, a helmet and gloves for the Inca Jungle Trek and the Colca Canyon Trek;
• Rafting equipment, i.e. a raft and paddles, a helmet, a life jacket, a spray jacket and a wet-suit during the Apurimac River Rafting Tour as well as the Inca Jungle Trek;
• All zip line equipment for the Inca Jungle Trek;
• Kayaking equipment, i.e. a kayak, a paddle, a life jacket, a wetsuit, a helmet and sprayskirt for the Special Titicaca Lake Tour; 
• Transport by a private van during the tours and local transfers;
• A return tourist train (Expedition Class) from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo;
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes;
• Sightseeing tourist bus: Cusco - Puno;
• Motorboat transportation on the Special Titicaca Lake Tour.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• International flights and airport departure taxes,
• Travel insurance,
• Meals not mentioned,
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),
• Optional tours,
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please allow USD 200-250 for meals not included in the package.

Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single Room" option for this tour, you receive your own single room for all overnights including the Inca Jungle Trek and a single tent for the Apurimac River Rafting Tour.

Local flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless noted otherwise. It is very important that we have got your passport details at the time of your booking in order to process all air tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and they will be given to you prior to each flight departure!