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Adventure Peru Tour, Visits all the Top Peru Attractions in One Trip
Duration: 18 Days
4-12 Passengers: $3450/Person
2-3 Passengers: $3850/Person
Enjoy the ultimate Peru adventure trip! This Peru tour is a trekker's dream, encompassing all of the country's top attractions in one trip. Your ecotour will take you on an exploration of the world's largest rainforest, where you will stay the night in a rustic Amazon lodge. You'll visit the beautiful "White City" of Arequipa, famous for its many colonial buildings of ashen volcanic rock on the way to trek in Colca Canyon where the endangered Andean Condor soars overhead. You'll visit the Peruvian side of vast Lake Titicaca and travel to the center of the ancient Inca Empire, a highlight on any tour of Peru. Visit Cusco and the Sacred Valley before embarking on the celebrated Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. This exciting and comprehensive trip is the Peruvian ecotour of a lifetime.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
Itinerary for Adventure Peru Tour
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Day 1 (Sat) LIMA
View Lima accommodations picture gallery
Your Peru tour begins when you arrive in Lima, where you'll be met by a Southern Explorations' representative to take you to your hotel. If you arrive with time to spare, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museum visits and other sites of interest.
Begin Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Day 2 (Sun) LIMA - AREQUIPA
View Arequipa accommodations picture gallery
In the morning, your Peru travel continues when you return to the airport for a flight to Arequipa, known as the "White City," because of its many colonial buildings built of the area's white volcanic rock. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax or explore a bit on your own before an afternoon city tour, visiting Yanahuara, La Compania and the Convent of Santa Catalina, famous for its labyrinth of secluded rooms. (B)
Picture Gallery, Convent of Santa Catalina
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Day 3 (Mon) AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON
View Chivay accommodations picture gallery
Leaving the city behind in private van, our Peru tour ascends to the highland savannah, or puna, for an amazing view of Mt. El Misti and more distant snowcapped volcanoes. On this high-altitude desert, you'll see herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña. End this leg of your travels with a descent into the upper Colca Canyon at Cabanaconda where you'll stay overnight at the picturesque Kunturwasi Lodge. This afternoon you will have a chance to stroll this classic Peru town and also, stroll for a hike along the rim of the Colca Canyon. (B)
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Day 4 (Tue) COLCA CANYON - CRUZ DEL CONDOR
View Colca Lodge accommodations picture gallery
Today dawns with an early departure to Cruz del Condor. You’ll journey to a viewpoint over the canyon to watch condors as they leave their rocky sanctuary on the morning's warm air currents, slowly ascending over the horizon. If you like, enjoy a short hike along the rim of the Colca Canyon, for spectacular views! In the afternoon transfer to the Colca Lodge and enjoy the natural hot springs set in an impressive setting. (B)
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Day 5 (Wed) CHIVAY - AREQUIPA - LAKE TITICACA
View Puno accommodations picture gallery
In the morning transfer by private van over the Andean plains to the next destination on our Peru tour: Puno, an altiplano town near Lake Titicaca. Stopping on the way to you will visit the mysterious pre-Inca ruins called chullpas (funerary towers), the finest of which sit on a windswept peninsula in Lake Umayo at Sillustani. The Colla people, a warrior tribe that spoke Aymara, buried their elite in these giant cylindrical tombs, some up to 40-ft tall. Many archeologists consider this complex stonemasonry superior to Inca engineering, so this unique sight may well be a highlight of your trip. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Puno and if time remains, visit the historical Yavari, a historical boat museum. This historic ship was built in England in 1862. Then, the ship was delivered in pieces, by mule, over a period of six years through miles of countryside, to Lake Titicaca, then re-assembled. (B,L)
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Day 6 (Thu) LAKE TITICACA - UROS & TAQUILE ISLANDS
View Puno accommodations picture gallery
In the morning, take a short drive to the harbor to boat to the next two major sites on our Peru tour. First you'll visit the famous floating Uros Islands where the local population is sustained by reeds that not only serve as the island's land mass but also provide the raw materials for the products they sell. Your travels continue to placid Taquile Island, housing a weaving collective in a Mediterranean-like setting. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Puno, a superb place for purchasing alpaca items and other souvenirs to bring home from your Peru tour. Overnight at your Puno hotel. (B, L)
South America's largest fresh water lake, Lake Titicaca, spans the border between Peru and Bolivia and is of great cultural significance to both countries, as it is considered the cradle of Incan civilization. Its waves are testament to its monumental proportions. Though not attractive to swimmers, the cold Andean-fed lake is popular with photographers. A memorable sight in your Peru travel, the vivid blue waters of this ancient inland sea remnant contrast starkly with the parched altiplano.
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Day 7 (Fri) LAKE TITICACA - CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
You'll fly to Cusco in the morning where Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on the next highlight of your Peru travels, an introductory tour of the beautiful Plaza de Armas. Enjoy the tour, then go on to your hotel where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and adjusting to the 10,856-ft elevation of Cusco. (B)
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Day 8 (Sat) CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
Start this exciting day of our Peru travel with a guided walking tour of Cusco, seeing the city's unique blending of colonial and indigenous cultures. Your stops will include the markets, the cathedral, and the Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. In the afternoon, you'll tour prominent Inca sites in and around Cusco including temples, the megalithic Sacsayhuaman fortress; the carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars of Kenko; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the capital and the Tambo Machay water temple. An evening briefing session will orient you to the upcoming trek of the Sacred Valley, the next leg of our Peru tour. (B)
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Day 9 (Sun) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery
Today's portion of our Peru ecotour is a guided excursion in the Inca heartland. You'll travel through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley where you'll see Inca terracing on steep valley walls and the spires of ruined Pisac temples. You'll stop in the village of Pisac, where one of the best textile markets in the Andes is found, so pick up some souvenirs of your Peru travels here! After lunch, you'll travel on to Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small traditional town with a well-preserved Inca fortress. Hotel-stay in Ollantaytambo. (B)
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Day 10 (Mon) SACRED VALLEY - PAUCARCANCHA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
A bright and early bus ride kicks off the next day of our Peru tour. This portion of our Peru travel takes you to Km 82, where your Inca Trail trek begins. Accompanied by our porters, you'll cross the Urubamba River bridge and continue along the river in view of stunning the Vilcanota mountain range and Mt. Veronica (18,745 ft) and through narrow Cusichaca valley. Here slopes show the clear imprint of an ancient culture's agriculture practices. Later in the day, you'll pass the small indigenous village of Huayllabamba (9,025 ft) on the way to this evening's campsite in the archaeological zone of Paucarcancha. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
5.62 miles | 6 Hours
Altitude:
from 8,910 ft to 9600 ft.
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Day 11 (Tue) PAUCARCANCHA - LLULLUCHAPAMPA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Today's Peru ecotour passes through a narrow hanging valley and a cloud forest where one may see the rare Queñua tree. From here, the trail steeply ascends to a large area of pampas below the first pass. Tonight's campsite is Llulluchapampa (12,300 ft), where the next day will begin with a breathtaking view of Mt. Huayanay. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
4.37 miles | 5 Hours
Altitude:
from 9,600 ft. to 12,700 ft.
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Day 12 (Wed) LLULLUCHAPAMPA - PHUYUPATAMARCA
Camp - Life on the Inca Trail
Today is the most strenuous segment of the trek, as the trail climbs steeply toward Warmiwañusca pass (13,680 ft) before descending to the Pacaymayo River and then again ascending slowly past the Runkuraqay ruins. From a lower pass, you'll reach the Sayacmarca ruins (12,628 ft) before coming to the day's final destination and a sure highlight of your Peru travel, the beautiful ruins of Phuyupatamarca (12,000 ft.), where you camp for the night. (B,L,D)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.75 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 12,700 ft to the pass 13920 ft. and to over night at 11850 ft.
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Day 13 (Thu) PHUYUPATAMARCA - MACHU PICCHU
View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery
After passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, your Peru tour takes you along a flagstone trail, winding sharply down into the cloud forest and to the well-restored ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft). Continuing another two hours along the Inca Trail, you'll walk through a cloud forest before finally reaching Machu Picchu (7,800 ft) through Intipunku, the famous sun gate. After a short tour, you'll go into the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, ending this stretch of your Peru adventure with a comfortable night at a hotel. (B,L)
Inca Trail Hike Details:
8.12 miles | 8 Hours
Altitude:
from 11,850 ft to 8040 ft. (in Machupicchu)
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Day 14 (Fri) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS MARKET - CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
This peak day of your Peru travel is spent experiencing extraordinary Machu Picchu where your explorations may take you to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu or through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. After lunch in Aguas Calientes, take the early afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo and travel to the Chincheros Market, home to some of the best quality textiles in Peru. Here the local artisans will explain their ancient craft and methods for shearing, dyeing, spinning, and weaving alpaca wool into impressive works of art. Take advantage of this last minute shopping opportunity before returning to Cusco to your hotel for one last free evening here. (B)
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Day 15 (Sat) CUSCO - PTO MALDONADO - AMAZON JUNGLE LODGE
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Sandoval Lake Lodge depending on availability.
Our Peru travel continues as we transfer you to the airport for a morning flight to Puerto Maldonado. Today’s tour begins with a one-hour motorized canoe ride up the Tambopata River to the lodge. After taking some time to unwind, you'll receive a short welcome orientation and learn all about the lodge and its Ecotourism Project. The afternoon will be spent in the treetops, climbing the Canopy Tower. The 115-ft scaffolding of the Canopy Tower offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding forest. (B,L,D)
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Day 16 (Sun) PUERTO MALDONADO
Accommodations at Posada Amazonas OR Sandoval Lake Lodge depending on availability.
Rise at dawn for the next natural wonder on your Peru tour: a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. After an early breakfast, you'll go from Posada Amazonas part way by boat and part way on foot to reach the lake shore. From here, our travel continues with a long, easy canoe ride, exploring the lake and looking for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Later in the day, you'll return to the lodge's trails for a colorful photo opportunity, a visit to a small parakeet clay lick where you're likely to see dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of parakeets that come here on clear days to ingest clay. Next, our Peru tour continues with a visit to the community's ethno-botanical center, where you'll have the opportunity to hike with a resident who will explain the everyday uses of the area's forest resources, then return to the lodge for the evening. (B,L,D)
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Day 17 (Mon) PTO MALDONADO - LIMA - HOME
Early in the morning, head downriver to Pto. Maldonado where you'll be transferred to the airport for a quick return flight to Lima. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital on your own, before your return flight home or if you wish, we can arrange tours of Lima and vicinity. (B)
Begin Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
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Inca Trail Trip Notes
Inca Trail regulations limit to 500 the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail each day. Since Inca Trail permits are issued on a "first-come, first-served" basis only, booking early is essential. In order to make the necessary arrangements, those considering an Inca Trail tour between May and October should provide Southern Explorations with their full name, date of birth, nationality and passport number immediately.
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Details about hiking the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail Hike consists of five to six hours of hiking per day. Plenty of time is allowed for you to set your own pace. You are expected to carry only a small daypack with your camera, spare film, water bottle, and rain gear. Porters carry additional clothing, personal effects, and the camping equipment. All trekkers are provided with a North Face tent and air mattress sleeping pad. Free from the weight of a large pack, you have more time for photography, observation, and exciting discovery on this Inca Trail Peru tour.
You will awake early in the morning to a fresh cup of tea brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for washing. Expert trail cooks, with years of experience, will prepare your meals using fresh vegetables, beef, and chicken. Vegetarian offerings are also available.
Trekking begins around 8am and most of the day's distances are covered before lunchtime. We aim to arrive at the campsite by mid - afternoon, giving you plenty of time to unpack for the night and to enjoy your surroundings. You have ample time to walk at your own pace and take in the fascinating surroundings. This hike is a trekker's dream.
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
TOURS AND TRAVEL
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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
August
Contact Us!
September
Contact Us!
October
9/27-14
November
15-12/2
December
13-30
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Notice - Adventure Peru will start on Tuesday’s of 2009
2 person minimum / 12 maximum
January
13-29
February
Trail closed
March
10-26
April
14-30
May
5-21
June
2-18
July
14-30
August
11-27
September
8-24
October
09/29-10/15
November
3-19
December
13-29
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Professional, english-speaking local guides and camp staff
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- Meals as indicated
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- Plentiful, nutritious meals and snacks while on the trek (Vegetarian option available)
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- All hotel and camping accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All transfers in private Van
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- Entrance fees for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- Porters to carry camping equipment and any excess gear
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- North Face tents - three person
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- Air mattresses
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- Kitchen, dining and latrine tent
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- Hot water in the morning for washing
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- Drinking water through out the trek
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- 2 tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
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- Train Ticket back to Cusco - Vista Dome train
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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- First Aid and Oxygen Bottle
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- Satellite Phone Communication
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $650
(Lima / Pto. Maldonado / Lima / Arequipa / Juliaca / Cusco / Lima) (Subject to Change)
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Sleeping bags, hiking boots, and other personal gear
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Difficult - Strenuous
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Adventure Peru Accommodation:
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12 nights hotels
2 nights Amazon Lodge
3 nights camping
(North face 3 person tents for 2)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $665
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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Duration: 18 Days)
In the morning, take a short drive to the harbor to boat to the next two major sites on our Peru tour. First you'll visit the famous floating Uros Islands where the local population is sustained by reeds that not only serve as the island's land mass but also provide the raw materials for the products they sell. Your travels continue to placid Taquile Island, housing a weaving collective in a Mediterranean-like setting. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Puno, a superb place for purchasing alpaca items and other souvenirs to bring home from your Peru tour. Overnight at your Puno hotel. (B, L)
)
After passing the Phuyupatamarca ruins, your Peru tour takes you along a flagstone trail, winding sharply down into the cloud forest and to the well-restored ruins of Wiñay Wayna (8,855 ft). Continuing another two hours along the Inca Trail, you'll walk through a cloud forest before finally reaching Machu Picchu (7,800 ft) through Intipunku, the famous sun gate. After a short tour, you'll go into the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, ending this stretch of your Peru adventure with a comfortable night at a hotel. (B,L)
