trip itinerary and details
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Custom tours and add-ons always available...let us create the perfect trip!
Custom tours and add-ons always available...let us create the perfect trip!
Custom tours and add-ons always available...let us create the perfect trip!
We specialize in custom vacation packages!...let us create the perfect trip!
21 days: US$4480 /
GB£2240
Daily Departures
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Peru has it all, from deserts to high mountains to pristine
Amazon rainforest,
along with the remains of some of the most fascinating and mysterious cultures anywhere
in the world. Our three week backpacking
adventure covers it all, as
we travel from Lima down the coast to fly over the Nazca lines, view
condors in the Colca |
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PERU EXPLORER TRIP ITINERARY
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Day |
Activity/Location |
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1 |
Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If
arriving during the day, you'll have a guided tour of the city. Otherwise you'll have a guide in Lima upon
your return. |
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2 |
Morning departure for
Nazca. On the way we'll visit a wine and pisco vinyard
and distillery and go sandboarding and dune-buggying at the
Sahara-like oasis of Huacachina! |
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3 |
Morning flight over the Nazca lines. We
have the afternoon free to visit the nearby Nazca cemetery and
aqueduct system before catching an overnight bus to Arequipa. |
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4 |
Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city at
the foot of El Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon, the world's
deepest, just a few hours away. Our day is free to shop, have a
coffee in one of the cafes overlooking the plaza, or visit the
immense and beautifully designed Santa Catalina monastery. |
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5 |
Early morning departure for the Colca
Canyon. Keep a lookout for condors as we skirt the side of the
canyon. This area also has some of the most extensive Inca and
pre-Inca terracing in all of Peru. Overnight in the village of
Chivay. |
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6 |
We'll spend the morning
in Chivay, soaking in the town's thermal baths before heading back
to Arequipa. We'll also get a chance to visit some pre-Inca
tombs. |
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7 |
A short flight this
morning brings us to the shores of Lake Titicaca, where
we'll transfer to our hotel in the city of Puno. We
can take a stroll down to the local market or
the lakeshore, or, time permitting, visit the Inca funeral towers of
Sillustani. |
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8 |
Boats are the transport theme today as we head out across the waters of Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the islands of Uros, completely constructed out of totora reeds and floating on the surface of the lake. We'll take a walk across the spongy surface of these unique islands and go for a ride in a reed boat before continuing on to the island of Taquile, where we'll spend the night with a local native family. A soccer game with the locals, an amazing sunset, and a music and dance fiesta in native garb are all on the agenda on the island today.
Please note: our
Lake Titicaca family stay is a truly authentic experience which includes
being cooked for by and dining with the local family and staying in a
room at their house. There is often just candlelight, no
electricity, and the bathroom is an outhouse. This is a great
experience which is the highlight of many people's trip, but which can
certainly be described as "basic" or "roughing it". |
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9 |
The
native culture of Taquile is the most intact in probably all
of the Andes, with its inhabitants maintaining the same
customs and dress as they have for over 1000 years. You will
truly feel as though you have gone back in time as you walk
the ancient stone paths of the island and observe it's
people. Afternoon boat back to Puno. |
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10 |
A beautiful bus ride brings us to Cuzco, capital
of the old Inca Empire. This afternoon we can explore Cuzco's markets or visit
the ruins above town and the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsaywaman. |
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11 |
Free day in Cuzco to
take in the city's many markets, cafes, churches, museums and old
Inca walls. Cuzco is one of the most beautiful colonial cities
on the planet, and you won't tire of spending time in it. |
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12 |
Today we head to the
Sacred Valley to visit the ruins and market of Pisac and
then Ollantaytambo. Besides the huge and fascinating ruins above the
town, Ollantaytambo is the only Inca village still inhabited today.
Walk its narrow streets and peer through huge Inca doorways into
courtyards where life has changed little in over 500 years. Early to
bed, as our trek along the Inca Trail begins tomorrow! (If
you're not into the Inca Trail, there is plenty to do around Cuzco,
walking the ancient streets, sampling the many cafes and
restaurants, shopping for Andean goods, or trying some other
activities such as horseback riding, biking or rafting. Our
Cuzco representative will be available during your stay and help you
plan these activities) |
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13 |
A short bus trip brings us to kilometer 82, start of the world-famous Inca Trail. Our first day is an easy one, as we gently climb through Andean valleys to the village of Huallabamba, making our first camp just above it. Along the entire trek we are well taken care of by our team of porters and cooks, freeing us up to fully enjoy the Inca sites and vistas unfolding before us. For those booking after Inca Trail spaces have been filled, Cuzco accommodation and two of the following options (your choice) or Cuzco accommodation and a shorter alternative trek will be included in the tour for the days you are not hiking the Inca Trail. Cuzco activities:
OR
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14 |
Up up up to Dead
Woman's Pass, near the top of the world at 4200 meters
(14,000 ft.). The air is thin, but the view is not to be
believed. Camping in the valley of Pacumayu. |
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15 |
Today we continue trekking past three of the
most beautiful Inca sites anywhere in Peru: Sayacmarka,
Phuyupatamarka, and Winyaywaina. Camping adjacent to the ruins of
Winyaywaina. |
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16 |
A pre-dawn departure
brings us to the Gate of the Sun to watch the first rays of
sunlight strike the sacred city of Machu Picchu. We'll
descend to the ruins and have a tour by our guide before
setting off for independent exploration. In the
evening we'll catch a train back to a hot shower and the
other comforts of Cuzco. Group members also have the
option to spend another night below Machu Picchu in Aguas
Calientes for more
exploration the next day and return to Cuzco the evening of
Day 17. |
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17 |
An extra day in Cuzco
to shop, visit more museums, churches and Inca sites,
participate in an optional activity such as horseback riding
or mountain biking, or just chill out with a coffee on a
plaza balcony. |
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18 |
We're off to the Amazon basin this morning! After a short flight, we arrive in the city of Puerto Maldonado and transfer to a motorized dugout canoe for the trip upriver to our jungle lodge. Our cabins at the lodge have modern bathrooms and comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and the food here is great. Take an afternoon walk through the rainforest with an experienced naturalist guide, come back for dinner, then set off again for a nocturnal jungle canoe ride to spot caiman!
The next day's
activities will include a visit to an oxbow lake to look for giant
river otters, monkeys, macaws and other wildlife as well as jungle
walks led by an experienced, English speaking guide. You'll
witness an array of medicinal and otherwise interesting flora and
fauna, as well as gain some insight into native Amazonian peoples
and traditions. |
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20 |
Early rise to catch a canoe back to Puerto
Maldonado. We'll fly back to Lima and have the day there for
sightseeing, shopping or museum-hopping. |
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21 |
Departure Day |
TRIP
DETAILS
21 days: US$4480 /
GB£2240
Daily departures
Is this trip for me?
Peru Explorer is
a 21 day adventure tour which includes a four-day, moderate trek
(optional) and some public transport. No trekking
experience is required, but one should be in average physical shape and
not suffer from any heart or respiratory conditions. As always, a certain patience is required for the
inconsistencies and delays of developing-world travel.
Joining the tour
You will be given the name, address and phone number of our joining hotel
before departing, but that won't be necessary. On all
Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our
representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will
accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped
off by airport taxis!
Trip briefing
Upon purchase of this trip, we will send you via email, fax, or regular
mail (your choice) a trip briefing, which includes joining instructions
with a map to the hotel in Lima, a list of things to bring, and a
climate/currency/visa guide.
What's included in the trip
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Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip
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Southern Crossings bilingual guide
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Internal flights, Arequipa-Lake Titicaca, Cuzco-Puerto Maldonado, and Puerto Maldonado-Lima
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Fourteen nights of hotel accommodation, three nights of camping (on the Inca Trail), two nights comfortable jungle lodge accommodation, one night simple lodging on Taquile Island (Lake Titicaca).
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Small plane over flight of the Nazca Lines.
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Three-day Amazon rainforest excursion
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Two-day guided excursion to the Colca Canyon
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Four day Inca Trail excursion, including bilingual guide, cooks, porters, tent, sleeping bag and mat.
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Two-day Lake Titicaca excursion
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All meals while on Inca Trail and at rainforest lodge
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The Cuzco Visitor's Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco
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Machu Picchu costs, including bilingual guide, return train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and two-day entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary
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Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap
What's not included
International flight to/from Lima,
international airport departure taxes (US$25 from the Lima airport), pre-
& post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance,
meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while
on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature.
Travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though
we do require that you have a policy. Check
www.travelguard.com to
purchase a policy for your trip.
Extra Accommodation
We
will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you
before or after your trip:
In Lima: $110 double/$90 single
In Cuzco: $95 double/$70 single
Single Person Supplement: $770
Please add this to your total
payment if you will be travelling alone or wish to have private
accomodation
Pre-Trip Planner
Required documents
All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.
Required immunizations
No immunizations are required of travelers to Peru. Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malarial and yellow fever zone, and travelers may wish to receive a yellow fever vaccination and take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.
Things to bring
Our trip will be a backpacker-style adventure. One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. A list of things to bring would include:
Please note: During our trek, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD player, or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions. Of course most people also carry a camera.
· Passport and, if necessary, visa
· Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
· Airline ticket
· Photocopies of airline ticket and documents
· Wearable pouch for documents and money
· Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase
· Smaller, comfortable day pack
· Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in
· Sandals or flip-flops
· Rain poncho or jacket
· Waterproof pants
· Sun hat
· Hat for cold weather
· Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)
· Scarf and gloves
· T-shirts
· Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments
· Towel and swimsuit for hot springs
· Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)
· Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)
· Sunscreen
· Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)
· Lip balm
· Earplugs
· Alarm clock or watch
· Sanitizing hand wipes or gel
· Camera and film/digital memory cards
· Camera batteries
· Playing cards, games, reading material
· Prescription medications
·
Toiletries
Note that
common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as
toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene
items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear
and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera
batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be
downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.
Climate
Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:
Cuzco: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are cold in Cuzco.
Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often overcast.
Coastal area: dry and warm desert climate which gets very cold at night.
Lake Titicaca: similar to Cuzco with stronger sun and colder nights, especially on the islands where there's no electric heat!
Amazon basin: hot and humid year-round. We recommend light clothing (in weight and in color) that fully cover arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites.
Money guide
The unit of
currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion
1 U.S. dollar = 2.8 nuevos soles
1 GB pound =
6.16 nuevos soles
Automatic cash
points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and
Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks
(American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances
are also options. Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money
Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange
houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are
recommended and most easily exchanged. Please
note that cash must be untorn. It can be older-looking, but even the
slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable. Acceptable bills
come out of the ATMs in country.
Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30.