Purely Peru - 16 days Lima to Cusco

Our Peru Tour explores this country of contrasts and allows ample time for unhurried acclimatization. Visit local communities we support and see the real side of life in this amazing country.

TRIP SUMMARY:

• Duration: 16 days starting in Lima and ending in Cusco
• Trip focus: Active sightseeing and cultural insights.
• Small Group journey date for 2017 to be advised but tour can also be booked for independent travellers.
• Accommodation: 14 nights hotels, 1 night home stay on Lake Titicaca
• Transport: flight, bus, launch
• Minimum 2 persons if travelling independantly. Group Size: Max 12, Min 6, plus tour leader for small group journey.
• Local payment of USD300

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• All accommodation
• Meals daily as specified in tour
• Airport transfers to and from accommodation if arriving on Day 1
• Airfare Lima-Arequipa
• All land and lake transport
• Entry and guided visit to all Inca sites on the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED:

• Alcoholic / Soft drinks /Gratuities
• Meals not specified in itinerary
• Laundry, souvenirs or optional excursions
• Optional Amazon Rainforest addon 3 nights/4days

PAYING LOCALLY 

Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is pad to your tour leader in USD cash at the start of your tour. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash. All prices are approximates and subject to currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 LIMA, ARRIVAL DAY – You are free to arrive and check in at any time. 

DAY 2 LIMA – Morning trip briefing. Join our insightful Lima reality city tour where take you to the historical center for half a day and then visit a local community  project in a colourful shanty in the afternoon. These culturally sensitive tours let you see the real life of locals and gives back to the communities visited. (D)

DAYS 3 & 4 AREQUIPA – A morning flight to arguably Peru’s most beautiful city. Arequipa exhibits delightful colonial past and a visit to the colourful Santa Catalina Convent is a must.  Situated under the volcano “El Misti”, stroll around the city enjoying the local museums, churches and sample some of the many superb regional dishes. (2B)

DAYS 5 & 6 COLCA CANYON – Colca Canyon, home to the famous Andean Condor. View these birds close up, as they soar above us while on the edge of the canyon. Visit local villages, soak in thermal baths and sample the life, music and spectacular scenery.  (2B)

DAYS 7 to 9 PUNO, LAKE TITICACA – We continue through to the city of Puno on Day 7. From the shores of magnificent “Lake Titicaca”, we board a boat bound for the floating islands of Uros and a local homestay in a less touristed community, along the way learning of the legends and the ways of the lake and its people where life has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. An overnight home stay will allow us to live with a family on the islands. (2B, 1D)

DAYS 10 & 11 SACRED VALLEY INCA RUINS & LOCAL FAMILIES -Today we depart Puno and travel by road across the Altiplano to Cuzco and then we head out to the beautiful Urubamba Valley (Sacred alley of the Inca’s). Explore the ancient township of Ollantaytambo Inca site, drive through rural villages to Pisac. Here we’re very privileged to visit a local farming community, where we’re welcomed with a ceremony to Pacha Mama (earth mother). Spend time learning the ancient and traditional ways of life, from medicinal herbs and wool dying to helping with farm projects.  Later explore the  Inca site  and vibrant Pisac market. (2B, 1L)

***Inca Trail Option: If you still prefer to do the trail, we can book it for you as an independent tour. You will be with another group and have to advise us early, so that trail permits can be obtained. You would then stay in Cusco on day 10 and meet the group back in Cusco on day 14. Inca trail supplement will be approximately USD380 on a twin share basis.

DAY 12 MACHU PICCHU – Take an early train to Aguas Calientes (now known as Machu Picchu village) where we’ll check in to our hotel and make our way to Machu Picchu. You’ll have free time until mid afternoon to wander around this amazing site, then join our guided tour once the crowds have subsided. Relax at your own pace for the rest of the day in Machu Picchu, head down to the village or soak in the hot springs. (B)

DAYS 13 & 14 CUSCO – An early morning train and bus takes us to the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco, visiting some interesting sites on the way. Rich in history and surrounded by ancient Inca sites, churches and museums and markets, there is plenty for all to do and see. Enjoy a half day city tour on day 14, then free time to enjoy the city, before taking part in a unique cooking class overlooking the city. (B,D)

DAY 15 CUSCO – Free time to explore this beautiful city with great shopping, fascinating markets, or just relax in one of the many cafes and soak up the special atmosphere, which makes Cusco a truly unique place. Farewell dinner. (B D)

DAY 16 DEPARTURE – Say farewell to Peru, or add on an Amazon Lodge stay for a serene wilderness experience.