Essential Peru

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.

Today, transfer to airport, flight from Lima to Cusco, reception in Cusco, transfer to hotel, rest of the day free, you can visit the around of the imperial city of the Incas, or do some low key activity. Take time to acclimatize to Cusco's altitude.

Early in the morning the bus will pick us up from the hotel and go to the Sacred Valley, starting in Pisac, a picturesque village of Incan,mestizo and colonial characteristics. The archaeological site of Pisac is located on the hill called Intihuatana, with a set of platforms and an impressive view of the valley, continuing the journey; arrive at Ollantaytambo, an architectural whole that was once the Tahuantinsuyo, a giant joint agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military.

Early morning, transfer by bus to the trailhead at km82, (2350 m) with local porters, chef and bi-ligual guide. Start our trek through the Inca Trail, in the course of the walk, we will see various archaeological sites and scenic beauty that offered by the Inca. On the last day to get Intipunku, the 'Sun gate" to watch the sunrise over the lost city of the Incas, "Machu Picchu." and the surrounding mountain peaks. In the afternoon return by train to Cusco.

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

Transfer to bus station, drive to Puno, on the way we will visit, Andahuaylillas, R'aqchi (Temple of God Wiracocha), La Raya, Pukara and finally Puno, which sits on Lake Titicaca.

Today, very early, transfer to boat, excursion boat across Lake Titicaca; on the trip we will visit two different islands. Firstly we'll visit Uros, floating islands, where people Andean live or Aymara, and then we'll visit the Amantani Island where we will have a warm reception of the local people. In the afternoon we do a trip to the Temple of Pachamama Pachatata or with the Guide. In the evening the family will make a welcome reception for new visitors with folk music. The next day we continue our excursion by boat unto to Taquile Island; here appreciate the traditional life for the local people.

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

Transfer to bus station of Puno, drive to Ciudad Blanca, Arequipa is known as “Ciudad Blanca” because to its white color of the stone “sillar” used on its colonial buildings, is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and lies in the shadow of El Misti Volcano. The next two days are dedicated to the Colca Canyon. With walls towering (3280ft) over the valley floor, it is home to nesting condors and is one of the best locales to spot these majestic birds. We spend one night in the Colca area, where we may also enjoy a relaxing dip in the Calera thermal pools. Return to Arequipa on 15 day.

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore Arequipa, visit its market, and buy souvenirs. You may visit the peaceful Santa Catalina Monastery or watch the local activities, get ready for one last night in the city.

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

Transfer from hotel to Lima airport for your flight home.

• Airport arrival and departure transfer.
• Accommodation: Hotel 3 star (13 nights), Camping (03 nights) and Homestay (01 night).
• All entrance fee according to itinerary.
• Meals: 17 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners and 03 afternoon hot drinks.
• Local guide throughout as per itinerary.
• Porter for carry back packs, food, tents and cooking stuff.
• One cook for the Inca Trail.
• Camping equipment: Double tent, sleeping roll mat on the Inca Trail.
• Communal dinner tent, cooking tent, toilet tent on the Inca Trail.
• All eating and cooking stuff, stools and tables on the Inca Trail.
• Sleeping bag (-5 grade) on the Inca Trail.
• Domestic flight Lima - Cuzco.
• All land transport along the route.
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo town.
• Motorboat on Titicaca Lake.

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• Last flight from Arequipa - Lima,
• 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 150-200 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 Essential Peru Tour.

Local flights: One local flight is 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!

Highlights by Archaeological Sites

Best moment of the Trek

Encampment Equipment

Additionals