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Best of Peru Tour, Explore All of the Favorite Peru Travel Destinations
Duration: 14 days
Cost: $3510/Person
If you can't decide where to travel in Peru and have some time to explore, than take a look at our Best of Peru tour. Designed for those wishing to explore the best that Peru travel can offer, this trip has it all. This unique Peru tour takes you on an exploration of the Amazon Rainforest, spending the night at an authentic jungle lodge in a wildlife reserve teeming with tropical species. Visit Arequipa, the architectural treasure called the "White City," and neighboring Colca Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world, home to the majestic Andean condor. Travel to the placid waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where our Peru tour takes you to an indigenous community that lives and depends for its livelihood on unique floating reed islets. Your Peru travel culminates in the Inca heartland, starting at the ancient capital of Cusco, traveling through the Sacred Valley, and ending at the world-renowned hidden citadel of Machu Picchu. In just over two weeks, this stimulating trip combines the best locations that Peru offers.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
Itinerary details for Best of Peru Tour
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Day 1 (Sat) LIMA
View Lima accommodations picture gallery
Our Peru tour begins when you are met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Lima. If you arrive early, we can arrange one or more optional Lima day-tours to explore the city, visit museums and see 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, your Peru tour begins with a drive to Puno harbor for an 8 AM departure to spend the day exploring renowned Lake Titicaca. The first stop is the floating Uros Islands comprised of reed vegetation. Next stop is the serene Taquile Island, where a group of male weavers and spinners live and work in a Mediterranean-like setting. Return to Puno in the late afternoon with time to shop for the quality alpaca wear for which the town is noted, and pick up a few souvenirs to bring home from your tour.
Considered the birthplace of the Incan people, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake, spanning the border between Peru and Bolivia. These frigid vividly blue waters are the remnant of an ancient inland sea that stands in stark contrast to the parched altiplano, a gorgeous natural gem and highlight of any Peru tour. Another night at your hotel in Puno. (B, L)
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Day 7 (Fri) LAKE TITICACA - CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
Your Peru travel continues with a short morning flight to Cusco, where Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the airport and take you on a quick tour of the beautiful Plaza de Armas and on to your hotel. You will be free for the remainder of the day to relax and acclimatize to the elevation (10,856 ft). (B)
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Day 8 (Sat) CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
Your next stop is an Incan adventure! Begin with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of tasty local dishes, you'll stop at several prominent Inca sights, including: the megalithic stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and an Incan water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you'll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or explore further on your own. (B)
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Day 9 (Sun) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery
Today's stretch of our exotic Peru tour begins with a guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you'll see the civilization's agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls as well as the temple ruins of Pisac and panoramic views of jagged granite peaks. Pisac is the site of one of the best Andean textile markets, so it's a great place to pick up some souvenirs. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a delicious lunch, you'll depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
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Day 10 (Mon) SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU
View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery
After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and surrounding area, before embarking on the train to Machu Picchu. A short leisurely walk from the hotel gets you to the train station at Ollantaytambo for today's magical next stop on our Peru tour. Travel along the Urubamba River and through a lush cloud forest before reaching Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch in town and continue by bus the rest of the way to the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu (7,800 ft). Explore the ruins for the rest of the day before returning to Aguas Calientes for a late afternoon soak in the hot springs and a memorable dinner of Peruvian cuisine. Spend the night at a local hotel. (B)
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Day 11 (Tue) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS ARTISAN MARKET - CUSCO
View Cusco accommodations picture gallery
Today’s stop brings to life a breathtaking sight you’ve seen countless times in magazines. This day of our Peru tour begins with an unforgettable Machu Picchu sunrise before the daily bustle gets going. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the vast ruins on your own which might include a climb to the sacred peak of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, or walking through the lush cloud forest to the Temple of the Moon. After lunch, take the midday train back to Ollantaytambo where a private van will pick you up to drive you to the remarkable textile market of Chincheros. Here you will learn how local wool and alpaca is shorn, spun, dyed, woven, and transformed into some of the most quality textile pieces in all of Peru. After exploring this perfect place for last minute shopping, you'll be return to Cusco to your hotel. (B)
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Day 12 (Wed) 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 13 (Thu) 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 14 (Fri) 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
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
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2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
August
9-22
5 spaces left!
September
6-19
October
9/27-10
November
15-28
December
13-26
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
2009 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
January
3-16
February
02/21-03/06
March
14-27
April
4-17
May
16-29
June
13-26
July
4-17
August
1-14
September
12-25
October
10-23
November
14-27
December
12-25
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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- Meals as indicated
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All airport/hotel transfers
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- English speaking certified guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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- Airfare $495
(Lima / Arequipa / Juliaca / Cusco / Pto. Maldonado / Lima)
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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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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Moderate
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Best of Peru Accommodation:
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12 nights hotels
2 nights Amazon Lodge
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
)
Duration: 14 days)
In the morning, your Peru tour begins with a drive to Puno harbor for an 8 AM departure to spend the day exploring renowned Lake Titicaca. The first stop is the floating Uros Islands comprised of reed vegetation. Next stop is the serene Taquile Island, where a group of male weavers and spinners live and work in a Mediterranean-like setting. Return to Puno in the late afternoon with time to shop for the quality alpaca wear for which the town is noted, and pick up a few souvenirs to bring home from your tour.
)
Your next stop is an Incan adventure! Begin with a guided walking tour through Cusco to see the colorful markets, the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a lunch of tasty local dishes, you'll stop at several prominent Inca sights, including: the megalithic stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small Puka Pukara fortress that protected the royal capital from attacks; and an Incan water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, you'll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax or explore further on your own. (B)
)
Today's stretch of our exotic Peru tour begins with a guided excursion through snowcapped mountains to the legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you'll see the civilization's agricultural terracing along the steep valley walls as well as the temple ruins of Pisac and panoramic views of jagged granite peaks. Pisac is the site of one of the best Andean textile markets, so it's a great place to pick up some souvenirs. After taking in some of the local culture and enjoying a delicious lunch, you'll depart for Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Stay overnight at a hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B)
)
Day 10 (Mon) SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU
View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery
After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins and surrounding area, before embarking on the train to Machu Picchu. A short leisurely walk from the hotel gets you to the train station at Ollantaytambo for today's magical next stop on our Peru tour. Travel along the Urubamba River and through a lush cloud forest before reaching Aguas Calientes. Enjoy lunch in town and continue by bus the rest of the way to the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu (7,800 ft). Explore the ruins for the rest of the day before returning to Aguas Calientes for a late afternoon soak in the hot springs and a memorable dinner of Peruvian cuisine. Spend the night at a local hotel. (B)
