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Peru Explorer
21 days:
US$4950
with internal flights
included
(What's
Included)
 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. And our 21-day adventure covers it all. From
Lima we fly to Puerto Maldonado and take a dugout canoe to a
jungle lodge deep in the
tropical rainforest. Then we explore the imperial city
of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, trek the Inca trail
to Machu Picchu (or spend three more marvelous days
in and around the city of Cuzco), cruise across the world's
highest navigable lake, Titicaca, and view condors in
the Colca Canyon. Then after flying back to Lima, we
head down the coast to fly over the Nazca lines. And
as on all Southern Crossings tours, you're taken care of
from beginning to end:
airport transfers and internal flights are included!
Depart any day and customize your
tour at no extra charge!
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Day |
Location |
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1 |
Arrive Lima. City tour
today or upon your return |
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2-3 |
Flight to Amazon Lodge.
Excursions by boat and on foot to view flora and
fauna |
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4-5 |
Flight to Cuzco. City and ruins
tour, then free day or optional activity. |
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6 |
Sacred Valley tour - Pisac and
Ollantaytambo |
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7-10 |
Inca Trail/Machu Picchu |
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11 |
Free day in Cuzco |
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12 |
Journey
to Lake Titicaca |
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13-14 |
Lake Titicaca islands tour -
Amantani, Taquile and the floating islands |
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15 |
Travel to Arequipa |
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16-17 |
Colca Canyon tour |
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18 |
Flight to Lima. Free day or
city tour |
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19-20 |
Nazca overflight and south coast tour |
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21 |
Departure Day |
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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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2-3 |
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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4 |
Early rise to catch a canoe back to
Puerto Maldonado. We'll fly to Cuzco, capital of the old
Inca Empire. This afternoon on our included city
tour we can explore Cuzco's markets and visit the ruins
above town, the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsaywaman.
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5 |
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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6 |
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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7
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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.
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8 |
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 one
of the next valleys.
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9 |
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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10 |
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 the bus to a hot shower and the other
comforts of Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu. |
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11 |
This morning we catch the train back to
Cuzco. 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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12 |
This morning we travel to Puno, on
the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest
navigable lake at 12,500 feet above sea level. The
trip there is beautiful, as we pass by Andean
villages, herds of llama and alpaca, and high
snowcaps. And our journey today is also a
guided tour, stopping at the Inca site of Raqchi,
the old colonial church at Andahuaylillas and the
Pukara Culture Archaeological Museum. A buffet
lunch is also included. Late afternoon arrival
in Puno.
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13 |
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".
If you do not wish to spend the night on the islands,
Taquile and the floating Islands can be visited on a day
trip.
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14 |
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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15 |
A morning
journey by first-class bus to Arequipa.
Arequipa is a charming colonial city at the foot of El
Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon, one of the world's
deepest, just a few hours away. On our included city
tour, we'll visit the huge and beautiful Santa Catalina
Monastery as well as the Museum of Juanita, the Inca Ice
Mummy.
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16
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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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17 |
We'll spend the morning in Chivay, with a
chance to soak in the town's thermal baths, before
returning to the comforts of Arequipa in the early
afternoon.
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18 |
This
morning we
fly back to Lima and have the day there for sightseeing,
shopping or museum-hopping, or an included city tour if
you haven't already had one.
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19 |
Morning departure for Nazca. On the
way we'll visit a wine and pisco vineyard and distillery
and go sandboarding and dune-buggying at the Sahara-like
oasis of Huacachina!
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20 |
Morning flight over the Nazca lines. We
have the afternoon free to visit the nearby Nazca
cemetery and aqueduct system. You'll be transferred to
the bus station in Nazca for the return journey to Lima
and back to the hotel.
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21 |
Departure Day |
21 days:
US$4950
with internal flights
included
TRIP DETAILS
Is this
trip for me?
Peru Explorer:
is a 21-day tour which includes a four-day, moderate trek
(optional), some public transport and a basic family stay on Lake
Titicaca (also optional). 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 Lima 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 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
·
Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off
at end of the trip
·
Southern Crossings bilingual guide
·
Internal flights,
Lima-Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado-Cuzco, Arequipa-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).
·
Small plane over flight
over 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 excursion,
including bilingual guide, round trip train fare, transportation
to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and two-day entrance to the Machu
Picchu sanctuary
Cuzco city tour
Lima city tour
Arequipa city tour
·
Southern Crossings T-shirt or cap
What's
not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport
taxes (approx. US$56), 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. Medical 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: $120 double/$100 single
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
A
yellow fever vaccination and certificate is required to travel to
the Amazon.
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. The yellow fever vaccination
with the official certificate is required, and travelers may wish to
take malarial prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or
local health department for more information.
Things to bring
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.
Please note:
We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent. While
hiking the Inca Trail, 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. 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
(15-30% 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 and Arequipa:
days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are
cold in Cuzco.
Machu Picchu: similar to Cuzco, but warmer and with more chance
of rain.
Lima:
warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Often
overcast.
South coast: same as Lima
Lake Titicaca:
similar to Cuzco with stronger sun and colder nights
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.
Baggage
For your international flights, please check with
your airline. Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs)
of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small,
purse-like item. The carry-on size regulations are the same as
international carry-on size regulations.
Money guide
The
unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency
conversion
Currency Converter
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 in markets, for example, run between
$5 and $30. |
info@southerncrossings.com
Consultants and
participants in the
Kids TV Series
Are We There
Yet?
Read More...
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"You did a fabulous job arranging quality guides and accommodations.
Highly recommend you for families that like activities and have
teens. Hard to find a company that gets that. The guides
were very flexible and so we saw and did what we wanted and not a
canned tour. It was perfect!"
-Lori Solari, USA,
Peru Custom Tour, April 2008
Read More
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"The trip was wonderful! Everything went so smoothly from start to
finish with you guys... the Amazon is something everyone should try
as soon as they get a chance!
My mom and I were amazed at how great the resort and the whole
jungle experience was. Also, the staff, food and living conditions
were great too (no bathrooms in the middle of the jungle that we had
to walk to with the help of our flashlights)!!!
Anyway, I just wanted to thank you from our end for making the trip
so relaxed but exciting at the same time! We had a blast and hope to
make it to the rest of Latin America some time in the future.
-Samar Farah, Poland,
Amazon Adventure, May 2006
Read More
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"This is the first
package tour we have taken. Karen made our trip personal, packed in
all we asked for, and kept us worry-free. Competant friendly guides
met us at every stage, with tickets and any other time savers and we
were whisked off to the next stage of our trip. Without Southern
Crossings we would never have been able to fit in all we did, and
time is our most precious commodity! It is the first time we have
had a hassle free holiday - any issues were not our concern and were
resolved by Karen before they effected us - THANK YOU!"
- Julie and Greg
Rapley, UK, Amazon Adventure, August 2007
Read More |
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"Southern Crossings
did an amazing job in organizing every detail of our trip. We had a
very good time in Peru without any problems. They work with
excellent guides. We saw so many things in three weeks. Our time
was very well optimized but we did not feel rushed at
anytime. Thanks to Karen and Doug. We had a blast."
- Benoit Brazeau and
Annick Feraud, Quebec, Peru Explorer, September 2007
Read More |
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"The whole trip was a
fantastic experience and I'd like to thank Doug and Juan
especially, for making the Cuzco/Machu Picchu part of the trip so
memorable. We were very well taken care of and felt in safe hands
throughout. We managed to pack in a great deal in a short time
thanks to the fine schedule. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your
company to my friends. Thanks once again and remember you are
welcome to drop by any time you find yourself in England!
- Edna and Michael
Crone, UK, Nazca Express, April 2007
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"We loved being in our family group with (at various times) Doug,
Joselyn and Karen from Southern Crossings rather than being part of
big tour.
The trip was designed to meet our requirements and took into account
the fact we had two teenage boys with us (and met their needs!).
The trip had the right balance of tours, shopping, relaxation and
activity.
Sunset over Lake Titicaca from Amantani Island, the Inca Trail,
dozens of monkeys in the Amazon Rainforest are the things we will
remember forever.
We would recommend (and have done) Southern Crossings to our
friends."
-The Whieldon Family, UK, Peru Explorer, August 2007
Read More |
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info@southerncrossings.com
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