Day 1: Peru : Lima

Arrive in Lima on an afternoon or evening flight as you begin your holiday in Peru ! You will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. If you arrive late afternoon you can relax and recover and perhaps wander around the San Miguel complex in the evening. If you arriving on an early morning flight today then we suggest our better option of connecting straight through to Arequipa in this case. (see recommendations)

Accommodation: Hotel Melodia or similar

Day 2: Lima-Arequipa

The White City of Arequipa - Flight Lima-Arequipa. After a lie-in to recover from your flight, we will take you back to the airport to catch a flight up to Arequipa - 'The White City'. This is probably the most beautiful city in Peru - a kind of Seville at the foot of a snow-capped volcano! We will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel and you will then have the rest of the day free to rest or to visit some of the fantastic sights in Arequipa such as the monastery of Santa Catalina.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Posada Castillo Hotel.

Day 3: City of Arequipa

Free day in the White City of Arequipa We'll given you a free day in Arequipa so you can relax and settle into your holiday. It's just such a lovely place to wander around so perhaps you might like to explore the colonial centre, with its churches and museums? For some hustle and bustle you could check out the local markets or, to get that perfect photo, maybe take a walk up to the Yanahuara mirador for a stunning view of the El Misti volcano?

Meals: B

Accommodation: Posada Castillo Hotel.

Day 4: Colca Canyon Chivay

Colca Canyon to see the Andean Condor. Today, you'll set out from Arequipa on a guided tour of Colca Canyon. The Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is home to a stunning array of wildlife and also some great natural hot springs! You will stay overnight in a hotel in Chivay, a small town right in the middle of the Canyon.

We will pick you up from your Hotel between 07:30 – 8:00 am to initiate our trip to the one of the deepest Canyons of the world, taking the highway from Yura, bordering the snow-covered Chachani mountain towards Cañahuas Pampas. We stop for coca leaf tea at the Aguada Blanca National Park, the habitat of the beautiful South American cameloidaes, the vicuñas, alpacas, waris and llamas. At Tocra lake we will be able to appreciate a variety of migratory birds, sometimes flamencos. We will pass the crater of an extinct volcano (Chucura) and then stop at the famous volcanos panoramic viewpoint, at a high 4.800 meters above sea leavel. From here we will appreciate a great part of the western mountain range, where you can truly appreciate the Pre-Inca farming Terraces / platforms know as "andenerias". Approximately 13:30, Arrival to Chivay and stop for Lunch (not included).
At 15:00 our private transport will transfer to us towards the colorful town "pueblito" of Coporaque, from where we will initiate a walk of approximately 2 hours, to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of this side of the valley; as well as a pre-Inca cemetery located in the skirts of a mountain. You will notice that this region was intensively populated by andean communities.
At 17:00 on return from the walk you have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal baths in the lime kiln whose thermo-medicinals waters oscillate between 35º to 38º degrees Celsius in the swimming pools. (US$ 3 entry).
At 20:00 Hrs Dinner (not included) accompanied by a folkloric show; be ready for the Peru andean dances.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Pozo De Cielo (Private room with bathroom and hot shower)

Approximate Walking Time: local payment Tourist Entry Ticket to the Colca Valley (US$26)

Day 5: Colca Canyon Chivay - Puno

Colca Canyon A very early start this morning, as your guide and driver take you to the 'Cruz del Condor', a natural viewpoint opposite the nesting-sites of the famous Andean Condors. We'll arrive in time to see these majestic birds launch themselves into the Canyon as they set out on their day's hunt. After spending more time in the Canyon, you will return to Chivay and from here take the 4 M Express tour bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Arrriving around 7pm and still time to explore as it is the perfect place to pick up those alpaca scarves and sweaters...

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Qalasaya

Day 6: Lake Titicaca Puno

Between 7.40am and 8am Transfer from the hotel to the port and by motor boat we take you to one of the legendary Uros Islands where you can observe the lives of the Uros people who live on floating reed islands, some only 20 metres in length. After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reach Amantani island where we will break into smaller groups to stay with the local families. You have the opportunity to trek to the top of the mountain (4150 mtrs) to see the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata and enjoy the traditional customs of the island people. Food and authentic music prepared and performed by your designated family.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: rustic accomdation with family

Maximum Altitude: 4150 mtrs

Day 7: Lake Titicaca Puno

After breakfast we take a short boat ride to the neighboring Taquile island, where we will tour around the ruins and visit these beautiful people, world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings, After lunch we take the return trip to Puno. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel approx 5-6 pm.

Meals: BL

Accommodation: Hotel Qalasaya

Day 8: Puno - Cusco

Along the Andes to Cusco We will pick you up in the morning to take you to the station to catch the touri bus to Cusco
the ancient Inca capital. This is one of the most spectacular road journeys in the world as you travel right along the spine of the Andes and is an amazing experience as you stop off at several sites of interest along the way. On arrival, we'll take you to your hotel, just off the main square at the heart of Cusco. Hotel Marqueses Cusco

Meals: BL

Accommodation: Hotel Marqueses

Approximate Walking Time: local payment Entries to Ruins on route Puno to Cusco $10 pp.

Day 9: Cusco City Tour

Welcome to Cusco .
Free morning to get some washing done and then the afternoon is spent on a tour of the main sites in the city itself, and also in the surrounding hills. You will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the temple complex at Kenko, Tambomachay and many other unique and beautiful locations. You will have the evening free to relax and enjoy a meal overlooking the lively central square.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Marqueses

Day 10: Sacred Valley Cusco

The Sacred Valley A full day away from Cusco today as you journey into the Andes for a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba. As you wind your way along one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, you will be able to visit the village of Pisac (including its famous market and temple) and the temple-fortress of Ollantaytambo. You really begin to feel the spirit of the Incas as you visit these extraordinary locations. Buffet Lunch Included Hotel Marqueses Cusco.

Meals: BL

Accommodation: Hotel Marqueses Cusco

Day 11: Cusco

Free day in Cusco A holiday isn't a holiday if you don't have a chance to relax so today is all yours - you can have a wander around the local markets, stroll through the bohemian San Blas district and check out the art and jewellery, or just sit back with a few coca teas and get those postcards written before you set off on.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Marqueses Cusco

Day 12: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 1

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (If not available due to Permits; Lares or Salkantay Trek) A spectacular early morning drive back through the Sacred Valley takes us to our trailhead at Km. 82 of the Machu Picchu railroad. After getting acquainted with our porters you will set out, crossing a footbridge to hike a gentle two hours down the Urubamba canyon, and then visit imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca side river. We then climb a short way up the Cusichaca valley to Huayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail, where we camp.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: camping

Maximum Altitude: 3300m/10857ft

Minimum Altitude: 2680m/8817ft

Distance Travelled: 12 km approx

Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Day 13: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 2

The Inca Trail We climb the steep-sided Llullucha valley past a rushing stream and through enchanting subtropical woodland. Crossing the rim of a small plateau, we find ourselves in the puna, the treeless grasslands of the high Andes. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as we ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmiwa?usca (4,200m). Here we encounter spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass, and look back to the sweeping snowpeaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif. We then follow the trail to the floor of the Pacaymayo valley, where we camp for the night.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: camping

Maximum Altitude: 4200m/13,800ft

Minimum Altitude: 3000m/9870ft

Distance Travelled: 16 km approx

Approximate Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Day 14: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Day 3

The Inca Trail This morning, we pick up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range. We descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca ( Inaccessible Town), an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colorful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. At the third pass pinnacles topped with Inca viewing platforms overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca (Cloud-level Town).Pausing to explore the maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spills down the mountainside here, we begin a long descent through ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite leads us finally to our camp by the ruins of Wi?ay Wayna (Forever Young), the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: camping

Maximum Altitude: 3750m/12,337ft

Minimum Altitude: 2700m/8883ft

Distance Travelled: 10 Km approx.

Approximate Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 15: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes

The Inca Trail An early morning hike takes us across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. Suddenly we cross the stone threshold of Intipunku (Sun Gate) and encounter an unforgettable sweep of natural beauty and human artistry -a backdrop of twisting gorge and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu.We complete the final leg down the royal flagstone walkway, past outlying shrines and buildings and into the heart of Machu Picchu, where we spend the rest of the morning with a guided tour of the highlights and some individual exploring among Machu Picchu's multitude of hidden nooks and corners. In the early afternoon a bus takes us down to the foot of the mountain to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where you will be staying overnight.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: Hotel InkaTown or Quilla Inn.

Day 16: Aguas Calientes - Cusco

After Breakfast you are assisted to board the train that departs Aguas Calientes at 08.53 am and arrives at Ollantaytambo at 10.30 am. We will organise transport from here to Cusco which is about an 1.5hr drive. So hope to be back in Cusco for you to get some lunch and get all that washing done and packed for leaving Cusco tomorrow!

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hotel Marqueses

Day 17: Cusco- Puerto Maldonado Flight. Adventure in the Jungle.

Flight to Puerto Maldonado. Arrival to Puerto Maldonado.- Reception at the airport with transfer to our office, which is located in the center of Puerto Maldonado. Any luggage that you do not require during your stay in the rainforest can be safely kept in our storage room. This is to facilitate the transport by boat to the lodge. We will embark for our lodge traveling on the river-vessel “Puerto de Capitanía”. It is 40 minutes of navigation on the Madre de Dios River. After arrival at the facilities of the Lodge Corto Maltes Amazonía you will be received with refreshments made from seasonal fruits. Later, your guide will give you the necessary information for your stay and hand over the keys to your bungalow and security safe, followed by the lunch and some time to rest until the first excursion.
At 3:30 pm. Depart for your first contact with the jungle. You will be accompanied by your guide, who will show you the tropical trees, medicinal plants and other aspects of the exuberant nature among the 60 hectares of Brazil nut concession that Corto Maltés Amazonia stewards. Visit a shiringuero encampment, which is another one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region. This is a reproduction of a real camp, in which you can see the process of collecting rubber (better known as latex), and see how it is used for many products. The time for this trek is 2 hours.
Free time.- Back at the Lodge you can relax by the pool or in the hammocks on the terrace of your bungalow, savor an exotic cocktail at the bar, enjoy a relaxing massage by our qualified staff, visit our shop for a handcrafted souvenir of the rainforest or head to the riverside to view the breathtaking sunset.
Cayman spoting.- At 7:00 pm. Before dinner, we will leave for a nocturnal boat trip to observe caimans and, with a bit of luck, other animals which populate the riverbank at night.
8:00pm dinner in our riverside dining room.

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: CORTO MALTES LODGE.

Day 18: Lake Sandoval, Monkey Island,Visit to the lookout tower and a Brasil nut harvesting camp.-

Early Breakfast. Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for Lake Sandoval. Your guide will hand out a bagged breakfast and snack for the excursion.
Lake Sandoval hike.- Departs at 6:00 am: After roughly 20 minutes of travel on the river Madre de Dios, we arrive at the landing stage of Lake Sandoval. During a 3 km hike through the wild vegetation, we will enter the territory of Tambopata National Reserve, where you will have the chance to admire giant trees, different snakes, monkeys (squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys) and various birds (notably the Hoatzin – also known as the stink bird-, kingfishers and snakebirds). Once on Lake Sandoval, we will embark in small rowboats in search of giant river otters. We will also have the possibility to spot a good number of other reptiles, mammals and birds in their natural habitat. When the guide finds an opportune spot where you can continue to observe the nature, we will eat breakfast. For the return trip, make sure you have gathered your belongings and we will row back to the pier.
Monkey Island.- This activity depends on the season and the discretion of your guide. There are times that due to flooding it is nearly impossible to disembark and walk around the island. There are also times in the year for mating and reproduction, and it is important to leave the wild monkeys alone, without human interruption. The animals are accustomed to visitors and can come very close. Therefore it is very important to always follow the instructions of your guide.
Visit to the lookout tower and a Brasil nut harvesting camp.- At 3:30 pm. We will visit of one of the two lookout towers of Corto Maltès Amazonía, with a height of 20 and 42 meters and designed for bird watching and the viewing of other types of animals living at this altitude in the canopy. In addition, you will enjoy an incredible view of the sunset. (The guide will consult with the guests on their preferences and adapt this excursion accordingly.) There will also be a visit to a Brazil nut camp, where harvesters stay for the duration of the season. The Brazil nut (also known as castaña, as it is known locally) is one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region.
Free time.- You will then have some free time to enjoy the pool or a massage, get refreshed at the bar or visit our souvenir shop.
Dinner 8:pm

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: CORTO MALTES LODGE

Day 19: The world of Machiguengas. “Rescue protect of cultural values”

8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am. After a 20-minute boat trip down-river, we will arrive at a chacra, which is a farm owned by a local family. Here we will recognize and even taste different seasonal tropical fruits as well as other native products (cacao, banana, cocona, bread-fruit, noni, yucca, lime…) This place belongs to a typical rural family who maintain with care and without chemicals some native plants that grow naturally. They sell their products in the main markets of Puerto Maldonado for consumption. Once finished the visit we will return to take the boat, and after about 20 minutes we will arrive at the land of a native Machiguenga family.
12:00pm. The Machiguenga are one of the many ethnic groups that exist in the Peruvian Amazon. A family of native Machiguenga will receive us for a visit. They will show us the cultural value of their ancestors, as well as language and customs, including traditional clothes, hunting gear, handicrafts and the music they play during ayahuasca ceremonies. They will teach us how to take advantage of natural products to make tools, and what they use to make their houses, dresses and ornaments, each important for their daily life.
Lunch 1:00pm. We will share lunch with the Machiguenga family in a typical construction and enjoy an indigenous dish from the jungle.
2:00pm. Return to the lodge to relax and have free time to visit the boutique, refresh in the pool, have a cocktail in the bar or have a relaxing massage.
Dinner 8:pm

Meals: BLD

Accommodation: CORTO MALTES LODGE

Day 20: Morning of parrots and colors, Transfer to PM, visit the market. Flight from Puerto Maldonado - Lima

Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for a 20-minute walk to the clay lick, where you will have the possibility to observe 3 to 5 types of parrots. The parrots come to the clay lick to ingest a particular kind of clay, only found in certain areas of this region. The clay is vital for the metabolic regulation of the birds, and therefore is host to a colorful and veritably delightful and exciting event.
8:00am: Breakfast and free time After breakfast, we will return to the city of Puerto Maldonado by boat.
One of our vehicles will receive you at the port. After a short stop at our office, we will drive to the local market where the local population supplies itself with foods and other products. During a short visit of around 20-minutes, you will be able to appreciate the different typical products of the area. We will then head to the airport to check-in for your respective flights.
* The order and schedules of the excursions can be modified according to your guide, and as seen fit through coordination with the management by considering the physical condition of the passengers, and the climate of the moment.Transfer into your hotel in Lima in Miraflores.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Leon de Oro or similar

Day 21: Lima

Adios Peru. Last day in Peru
Sadly, today is the last day of your Peru holiday. You have a pretty much full day to explore the capital and enjoy its museums (or its shops!) before we pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your international flight

Meals: B