Tour of Peru, including the Amazon

Today is departure day, where you will fly to Peru, with connecting flights along the way. You will land at Lima Airport, where you will be met by a representative of our partner in Peru, who will accompany you to your hotel. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes around 1 hour, and on the route your guide will answer any questions you may have regarding your trip. The rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish.

The day starts with a half-day tour of the Peruvian capital city, which was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. The itinerary will take you to the magnificent, bustling central square called Plaza Mayor, which is decorated with rose gardens, tall palm trees and a fountain capped with a representation of the city’s guardian angel. The square is lined with beautiful buildings in colonial style, including the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the city’s impressive cathedral which dates back to 1555 and contains the earthly remains of Pizarro himself. You will then have the chance to visit the San Francisco Monastery and its church from 1674 – which happens to be the most attractive Baroque church in the city. The monastery is decorated with delightful mosaic tiles from Seville and fresco paintings that were rediscovered when an earthquake destroyed parts of the outer wall. Particularly worthy of note are the monastery’s museum of religious art, the library of more than 25,000 books, and the catacombs beneath the church.

Next stop on the itinerary is the San Isidro district, with its attractive parks, and the modern Miraflores quarter, with its fine beaches, gardens and squares, as well as charming cafés and restaurants.

The guided tour rounds off with a visit to the Larco Museum, one of Lima’s best-known museums. Dedicated to pre-Columbian art, it houses an extensive collection of intriguing objects from various pre-Columbian cultures, including Moche, Nazca, Chimú and Inca.

The late afternoon and evening are yours to do with as you wish.

Arequipa is scenically situated in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of almost 2,400 metres, with the volcanoes Misti (5,822 m), Chachani (6,057 m) and Pichu-Pichu (5,669 m) as a beautiful backdrop. The city is known as “The White City” because most houses are built of volcanic rock.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Lima and driven to the airport, from which you will fly to the charming city. Drive: approx. 1.5 hours. On your arrival in Arequipa, you’ll be picked up from the airport and driven to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on a guided tour of the city and discover the many stately mansions and colonial buildings from the 18th century with their carved doors, French windows and cosy courtyards. You will also visit the central square, Plaza de Armas, with its palm trees, old gas lanterns, fountains and, of course, the city’s huge cathedral.

You’ll visit Arequipa’s biggest attraction, the Santa Catalina Monastery, which once housed more than 400 nuns. Santa Catalina was founded in 1580 by a rich widow named Maria de Guzmán. It was primarily aimed at the upper classes, for whom, during colonial times, it was customary for the family’s second child to serve the church. The girls were brought to the monastery at the age of three and never ventured outside the walls again.

The monastery has been hit several times by earthquakes but has been rebuilt in its original style, and the historic buildings still stand to this day. Although the monastery is open to the public today, there is still a small religious unit living at one end of the complex. Today, however, the nuns are free to receive visits and leave the Monastery of Santa Catalina whenever they want.

The last stop on the tour is Yanahuara Plaza, where you have every opportunity to take some beautiful pictures of the city’s breathtaking volcanic surroundings.

You have the evening to yourself in Arequipa.

It’s an early start this morning, as you’ll be heading to Colca Canyon, which is a 3,400-metre-deep canyon and actually one of the deepest canyons in the world. By comparison, it is around twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US.

Over the next few days, you’ll really get to experience the mighty Andes Mountains. You’ll cross the spectacular Altiplano plateau, which is characterised by its dry, barren landscape with vast open expanses where you can spot grazing llamas and alpacas. In several places, you will be driving at an altitude of over 4,000 metres. The highest pass and vantage point on the route is called Mirador de los volcanes, and on a clear day, you have a fantastic view from here of the surrounding volcanoes. The vantage point is located at an altitude of around 4,900 metres, and you’ll notice immediately that the thin air at this altitude affects your breathing. So, it will just be a brief stop to take photos before continuing down towards the town of Chivay, which serves as the entrance to Colca Canyon.

In the afternoon, it’s time for a spot of pampering in Chivay’s thermal baths, which are naturally heated by the area’s volcanic activity. Chivay is also surrounded by high volcanoes: Sabancaya at 5,976 metres and Ampato at 6,288 metres.

Distance: Approx. 167 km

Transport time: around 4 hours

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the magnificent vantage point, Mirador Cruz del Condor, which overlooks one of the deepest sections of Colca Canyon. Standing here, looking down and out over the vast canyon, is an amazing experience. At this point, you might even be lucky enough to see condors gliding silently above your head. The condor is the world’s largest bird of prey, with a wing span of up to 3 metres. It hovers on the warm air currents that rise from the canyon.

After this breathtaking nature experience, you’ll go for a short walk in the valley, where you’ll discover the ancient agricultural terraces that have been in use for centuries. There will also be ample opportunity to buy a colourful souvenir to take home with you. You then drive back to Chivay for lunch before boarding the bus to Puno.

Puno is located on Lake Titicaca, which is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. The city was of great historical significance to the Incas. It was here that the first Inca, Manco Capac, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca to start the Inca Empire, becoming the first king of Cusco. Today, Puno is an agricultural city specialising in the breeding of llamas and alpacas, so wool products can be bought here at a good price.

Distance: Chivay – Cruz del Condor return + Chivay – Puno: Approx. 385 km

Transport time: around 9 hours

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day excursion across Lake Titicaca, which is shared by Peru and Bolivia. Here, you can look forward to meeting two distinct highland communities, where age-old traditions are carefully preserved and continue to shape daily life.

You start by sailing out of the harbour to the floating reed islands, Islas Uros, which are still inhabited by the Uros people. The Uros use the lake’s free building materials – the strong totora reeds – to build islands, houses and boats. Despite the islands having become a little commercial, it’s still fascinating to learn about the culture and ancient traditions of the Uros people and not least to see their impressive craftsmanship.

You then sail on to the peaceful island of Taquile, which is known especially for its colourful crafts and its “knitting men”. Here on the island, it’s the men who knit – and they’re good at it! The pattern on a man’s hat, called a chullo, not only shows his creativity, but his civilian status, too. It’s women’s job to spin the yarn and weave. The women weave the beautiful belts for the men’s costumes.

You’ll enjoy lunch on the beautiful hilly island, and afterwards your guide will take you on a walk up to the highest point of the island, from which there are breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca, with the high mountains in the background.

Mid-afternoon, you’ll be sailed back to Puno and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

Today, you have a long but adventure-filled journey ahead of you. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the bus station, where a bus will be waiting to take you to Cusco, the formal capital of the Inca Empire and now an elegant, thriving multi-cultural city.

You’ll cross the Altiplano, where you’re in with a chance of seeing vicuñas, which are related to the camel, but resemble the llama and the alpaca. Several stops will be made on the way, and you’ll be given a guided tour of old ruins and monuments such as those found at the Pukara Museum. Pukara, the first regional town closest to Lake Titicaca, dates back to 500BC. The museum is part of an archaeological area where impressive stone sculptures, ceramic pieces and other archaeological excavations have been found, providing an exciting insight into the history of Andean civilisation.
You will then pass La Raya, which is the highest point on the route at 4,319 metres. From here, you’ll head down through a scenic valley brimming with crops such potatoes and maize. You’ll then come to Raqchi, where you’ll see the ruins of the temple Viracocha, one of the Inca’s most sacred sites. The last stop before Cusco is the famous colonial church, Andahuaylillas, better known as under the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its beautiful ceiling paintings and other lovely art.

On your arrival in Cusco, you’ll check in at your hotel, and in the evening, you can explore the city and its good restaurants.

Distance: Approx. 390 km

Transport time: Approx. 10 hours including stops

There is nothing scheduled for today until the afternoon, when a guided tour of Cusco and its surroundings has been arranged. You start at the city’s central square – the Plaza de Armas, which was known as Hucaypata or ‘The Warriors’ Square’ during the age of the Incas. It was here that many of the most important events in the history of Cusco took place.

This is also where you will find Cusco Cathedral, built of stone from the Sacsayhuamán Inca complex on top of the Inca Viracocha Palace during the colonial era. The cathedral is therefore a wonderful mix of Spanish Renaissance architecture and the Incas’ masterful stone masonry. The street next to the cathedral leads to Santo Domingo Church, which is built on top of what was once one of the most important temples of the Inca empire, Koricancha. The magnificent earlier sun temple forms the foundation of the church and is built without the aid of mortar, with each stone fitting perfectly instead.

Next on the itinerary is Kenko, another sacred Inca site marked with a 5-metre-high stone block which is said to resemble a puma. This site is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth and features water channels carved in solid rock and a subterranean room. Farther along the road stands a small fortress called Puka Pukara, which is believed to have been used to guard the road and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you will see terraces carved into the side of the mountain, as well as steps, tunnels and towers. Continuing north, you will come to Tambomachay, a sacred bathing site for the Inca conquerors and women of the royal household The system is a masterpiece of construction, and is still able to deliver water to this day.

The last stop on the tour is the military complex of Sacsayhuaman, which enjoys a magnificent location with a wonderful view out over Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is a fascinating example of the architectural skill of the Incas. It is an impressive construction, with double walls of carved granite, where the heaviest block weighs more than 125 tonnes. After the tour, you will return to Cusco where the evening is yours to do with as you wish.

Today, you'll set off on an excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is Pisac, which is especially famous for its vibrant markets. Here, you’ll find everything from Peruvian wool jumpers and musical instruments to paintings, woven goods, and jewellery. Pisac is also known for its remarkable ruins, located above the town. These are constructed using smaller stones than those at Sacsayhuaman, but the precision in their carving and assembly is truly astonishing – as is the breathtaking view.

After lunch, you will continue on your way to Ollantaytambo, another charming village in the heart of the valley, which is considered to be an open air museum, in that all residents observe the old traditions and laws that can be traced back to the their earliest forefathers. The town is probably best known for the complex of the same name, which comprises temples, baths and impressive military installations.

You will then return to Cusco, where the rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish.

Distance: Approx. 160 km

Transport time: Approx. 10 hours incl. stops

This morning, the journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes begins. The transfer consists of a combination of bus and train, which varies depending on the season. Aguas Calientes is a lively town full of visitors who come to experience the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be met and accompanied to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at your free leisure, where you can explore Aguas Calientes on your own. You can enjoy a lovely lunch and perhaps visit the thermal baths, also called hot springs, where you can relax in the naturally heated water. Remember to bring swimwear. These hot springs have given the town its name, Aguas Calientes, which means hot water.

Distance: Approx. 125 km

Transport time: Cusco – Aguas Calientes (bus + train): around 4 hours

Today takes you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World — and the highlight of your tour — the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, perched on a steep green ridge in the Urubamba Valley, surrounded by cloud forest, verdant peaks, and, on the distant horizon, snow-capped mountains. A guided tour awaits, where you will see narrow terraces clinging to the mountainsides and areas once used as burial grounds, prisons, small dwellings, and temples.

It is said that Machu Picchu was rediscovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham on 24 July 1911. This is not strictly true, but he is certainly responsible for spreading the news of this truly remarkable place to all corners of the globe. The Inca city was built in around 1462 – i.e. during the Golden Age of the Inca Empire – but was abandoned less than a century later, probably on account of a smallpox epidemic. As Machu Picchu was never discovered and plundered by the Spanish invaders, it retains major cultural significance and is considered a sacred site. Machu Picchu was home to priests, highly ranked civil servants, craftsmen, servants and virgins selected to devote their lives to the Sun God. It was a city with streets, aqueducts – which still carry water to this day – fountains and walkways, and it fulfilled a variety of religious functions.

As an add-on, you can also purchase a hike to the top of one of the surrounding Andes Mountains and experience fantastic panoramic views down over the Inca Empire. Choose from three different mountains: The Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the lowest and easiest to climb; the Huayna Picchu Mountain, which is steep and more challenging; and, finally, the Machu Picchu Mountain, which is regarded as the most demanding hike of the three.

Your train back to Cusco leaves late in the afternoon. Your guide will let you know the exact time after the Machu Picchu tour.

On your arrival in Cusco, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Distance: Approx. 125 km

Transport time: Aguas Calientes – Cusco (train + bus): around 4 hours

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, from which you will fly to Puerto Maldonado. It is a stunning flight, offering views of the snow-capped Andes and the green Amazon rainforest. Upon your arrival, you will be picked up by a representative of Corto Malta’s Amazonia Lodge, who will escort you to your lodge via the Madre de Dios River – a boat trip of around 40 minutes.

Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed with refreshments and given an introduction to the lodge and the exciting jungle itinerary of the next couple of days.

After a delicious lunch, the first trip into jungle awaits you, when you will learn about the tropical trees and plants of the rainforest and their medical uses. You will also visit a Shiringuero camp, which is a camp where you can witness how the locals harvest natural rubber – also called latex – and use it for various products. Natural rubber is one of the Madre de Dios region’s main sources of income.

Back at the lodge, you can relax in a hammock, go for a dip in the pool, enjoy a cocktail in the bar or sit by the river and enjoy the magical sunset over the rainforest.

Later this evening, you will go on a guided boat trip down the river to spot the caimans that live on the banks of the river. When the caimans are dazzled by the light of the guide’s torch, their eyes turn red, making it easier for you to spot them.

After all the experiences of the day, you will sail back to the lodge and eat dinner in the lodge’s restaurant next to the river.

NB: You should bring no more than 10 kilos of luggage with you to the lodge. Remaining luggage can be given to the driver and stored at Corto Maltes Lodge’s office in Puerto Maldonado.

Please note: The Amazon jungle itinerary is subject to change. This may be due to changing weather conditions or the behaviour of the animals, necessitating a slight change for safety reasons. Please follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

An early morning start today as you head to Lake Sandoval. After a 20-minute boat trip on the Madre de Dios River, you will be going on 3 km hike in the Tambopata Nature Reserve. In the Nature Reserve’s tropical rainforest, you will discover giant trees, snakes, common squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and various species of birds, including the hoatzin, which is also known as the “skunk bird” because of its smell.

On your arrival at the scenic Lake Sandoval, you will board a small rowing boat and sail out onto the lake in search of Brazilian giant otters. You will also be in with a good chance of spotting caimans, piranhas and kingfishers on the boat trip. When the guide finds a good place to stop, you can enjoy the nature around you while eating the breakfast you have with you.

Back at the lodge, there’s time to relax and have lunch before the next excursion of the day.

In the afternoon, you will be going to one of the lodge’s 20- or 42-metre-high observation towers, built for birdwatching and looking for other animals that live up high. From here, you will also enjoy a formidable view of the rainforest, and you can look forward to a beautiful sunset. If you don’t wish to climb up into the observation towers, the itinerary can be adapted at the lodge.

On the way back to the lodge, you will visit a camp inhabited by Brazil nut harvesters. Like natural rubber, Brazil nuts are one of the region’s most important sources of income.

Before dinner, you can enjoy a swim in the lodge’s pool under the clear night sky or relax in the hammock on the terrace while listening to all the sounds of the rainforest.

Early this morning, you will be going on a 20-minute hike to the Parrot Clay Lick clay wall, where several parrot species live. The parrots generally feed on fruit, seeds, nuts, flowers and leaves, but some of these contain poison and corrosive substances, and it is said that the parrots eat the clay to neutralise this.

After the visit to Parrot Clay Lick, it’s breakfast time back at the lodge, after which you will be saying goodbye to the Amazon rainforest. You will return to Puerto Maldonado, where you will make a brief visit to the local market before heading to the airport and flying to Lima. You will spend your last night here before heading back home. You can spend the time enjoying Miraflores, doing that last bit of shopping or just relaxing at a café and enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean.

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport to catch your flight home, which will feature connecting flights along the way.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after a wonderfully eventful holiday.