peru express

Program: 12 days / 11 nights

Day 1º: Arrive Lima

Upon your arrival in Lima, a representative from our Travel Agency will meet you at Lima's airport. Afterwards you will be transferred to the designated hotel at the residential zone of Miraflores. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 2º: Flight to the Jungle - Tambopata Rainforest

Early in the morning transfer to the airport in Lima and then flight to Puerto Maldonado.Upon arrival from Lima, you will be met at the by our local guide and then you will be transferred for about 10 minutes to our office in Puerto Maldonado. At our office you will be asked to leave you large suitecases at our luggage deposit and only pack in your day backpack what is necessary for this 3 days / 2 nights adventure in the jungle. This will help us to keep the boats and cargo light. Afterwards we will be aboard our jungle truck and then will travel for about 45 minutes to the harbour in the Tambopata River. Afterwards we will take a motorized canoe to our lodge, which is located upstream on the Tambopata River. Depending on flight arrival times, you can have either lunch on board (box lunch), or eat upon arrival at the lodge (vegetarian food is also available, please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian)
On the way to the lodge, you will have the chance to spot some wild life, as it is very common to see birds and some mammals on the river banks. In addition, you will enjoy also a great natural scenery of the Tambopata natural reserve, which is a tributary of the mighty Amazon River.
After some time we will arrive at our lodge, where a native staff will welcome us with a refreshing jungle drink. In the late afternoon we will go for an introductory walk into the rainforest nearby the lodge, we visit an area dominated by giant Brazilian-nut and other kind of extraordinary trees. On this trail, mammals and bird species are frequently seen, such as Dusky-titi Monkeys, Brown Capuchins, Agoutis, toucans, parrots, herons among others. After dinner we will do a night walk in search of nocturnal animals and insects. Overnight in the Posada Amazonas Lodge.

Day 3º: Excursion to the Oxbow - Canopy Tower

After an early breakfast you and your nature guide will board the motorized canoe once again for the short journey to the trail head to begin a morning's exploration by foot and paddle canoe of the lake system of Condenado, rich in bird and aquatic life. A family of Giant Otters live in the vicinity of the lake and are often observed. Birds abound especially Tiger-herons, Great Egrets, Wattle Jacanas, Hoatzin, the noisy Donacobius and many others. Remember to bring your hat and sun cream for there is no shade out on the water. You will return to the lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is for exploring the forest close to the lodge, relaxing and bathing in the Gallucunca, a cool clear stream beside the lodge or visit our tree platforms, going up with ropes and harnesses for a bird's eye view of the forest and for close-ups of arboreal orchids and the many other species of plants and animals that are never seen near the ground. After dark you will go searching for caiman (alligators), the biggest rodent of the world the "Capybara" and other nocturnal animals by motorized canoe along the Tambopata River. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4º: Flight to Cusco

Soon after breakfast, we will say good bye to our native friends from the lodge, and head down to the river to catch the boat to travel back to the civilization. You will have memorable views of the sunrise over the river, as we return to Puerto Maldonado. Look out for the early morning wildlife, which is particularly active at this time. Howler monkeys are frequently heard, as they mark their territories. Your guide will take care of you on arrival in Puerto Maldonado and will deal with all the necessities at the airport prior to your departure.
Upon your arrival in Cusco you will be met by a representative from our agency, and then you will be transferred to your hotel in cusco. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at the designated hotel in Cusco.

Day 5º: City Tour of Cusco

The morning is free for you to explore the great Inca Capital of "Cusco". This gorgeous city lies at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of the Andes. In Inca times Cusco was a Holy City, a place of pilgrimage, a sacred place the Incas themselves believed was "The Navel of World", thus its real name "Qosqo". Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture; colonial churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner, many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework's, which served as foundation for most Spanish constructions.
In the afternoon we will do a City Tour, visiting the City's Highlights located in and around Cusco. We start off by visiting the huge "Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman". This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took 20,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of Sacsayhuaman is uncertain. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec (in the Inca language Pachacutec means Cataclysm or He who transforms the world), the man essentially credited with founding the Inca Empire.
Later on we will visit another important Inca site known as "Qenqo". This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards we will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of "Tambomachay", a temple dedicated to the God of Water.
After these visits, we will return to Cusco, where we will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, "The Temple of Koricancha". Koricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire. According to archaeologists it housed over 2000 priests and attendants. Here religious ceremonies were constant and offerings to the Gods and the Inca's ancestors were made each day. Finally we will visit the beautiful "Cathedral" of Cusco. This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI. It contained nearly 400 colonial paintings, including many from the Cusco School, which was prominent in the 17th century. Among them a painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata, showing Christ and the apostles about to dine on guinea pig (Guinea-pig was the main course at sacred feasts in Inca times). After our city tour our local guide will drop you off at your hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the designated hotel in Cusco.

Day 6º: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes

Today we will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the traditional "Andean Market of Pisac", as well as the "Inca ruins of Pisac" and "Ollantaytambo". Our tour starts early in the morning. Customers are picked up from their hotels around 8:30 am. Afterwards we will take a road that winds over the mountains north of Cusco. On the way we will stop at a point known as El Mirador, from where you will be able to make out the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history.
The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas; its combination of agreeable climate and fertile plains bestow an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation works. Our driver and guide will suggest you the best points for pictures.
Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. At the ruins you will see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see a great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over the place. After touring around we will get back to the car and will drive back to the modern town of Pisac, where there is a peculiar market that deserve to be visited.
At the market you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping. Afterwards we will meet for lunch in a nice local restaurant to enjoy good Andean food.
After lunch we will continue our tour. We will drive along the Urubamba river towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we get there we will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
This is an extraordinary Inca place where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. After touring around Ollantaytambo we will transfer you to the train station to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by a representative from our agency and then transferred to the designated hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 7º: Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco in the afternoon.

At around 7:00 am, soon after breakfast we will take the local bus that will take us up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In a matter of 20 minutes, we will have arrived in Machu Picchu. (It is a good idea to come to the ruins early, as there are no many people, only a few groups, the ruins get very busy at around 11:00 am, when the local train arrives with more visitors).
Once in Machu Picchu, our guide will show us the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others.
Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it remains. But while the walls and chambers have been extensively studied in the years since, the purpose of this ancient site remains unclear.
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own, and if you wish, you might climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, the huge mountain that appears on the background in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about one hour or so to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. Later on, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will have lunch and also where we catch the train back to Cusco. At Aguas Calientes, if you wish, you can go to relax in the thermal baths. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village, visitors may ask their local guide how to get there. Finally, at around 4:00 pm, we take the train to the city of Cusco, arriving there after nightfall. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 8º: Free day in Cusco

After days of full activities, a free day in Cusco is the best gift the Gods of the Andes may grant you. So, on this day you may go out just to relax, drink a cold beer somewhere and have lunch in one cozy restaurant around the main square. There are plenty of video bars and discos in which to relax too. The day is yours. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 9º: Bus ride to Puno.

After breakfast, transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the City of Puno. On this occasion Mystery Peru offers you a pleasant journey to Puno, instead of taking the local bus and travel for 7 hours, without a chance of stretching your legs and enjoy this part of Peru, we offer our customers a especial bus service that stops along the way, showing you the highlights of this road with a English speaking guide on board. We will stop first at the Community of Andahuaylillas where we will visit an impressive Church built on the colonial era. Later on, we will continue our tour at the famous “Inca Temple of Racchi”, here our local guide will show us the most important sectors of Racchi and will explain about the Inca Empire. Racchi is the only Inca place where visitors can see circular constructions, and walls of mud bricks, something you won’t see anywhere else on your trip.
Afterwards we will keep ascending towards the picturesque “village of Sicuani”, where we will enjoy a nice Buffet, which is served with native products of this region. Here you for sure will enjoy a real Andean lunch. (Buffet included). After lunch we will continue our journey throughout the Andean plateau till we reach the highest point on this route, a freezing place called “La Raya” (4335 masl). Here we will get off the bus and can take some pictures of the surrounded snow-capped mountains.
Later on we will arrive at the community of Pukara, where you will visit the Pukara Museum, an interesting place that houses ancient monolith and human remains from the Pukara culture.
Eventually we will arrive in Puno. Upon your arrival at the bus station you will be picked up by a representative of Mystery Peru, and then you will be transferred to the Hotel Plaza Mayor. Overnight in Puno.

Day 10º: Lake Titicaca

7:00 AM. Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transferred to the harbor. We start off our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting “The Uros Floating Islands”, a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world.
After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards “Taquile Island” (2 hour aprox.), a traditional Quechua speaking community, full of ancient agricultural terraces and some ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times. The Taquile population was relatively isolated from the mainland until 1950s, and the notion of the community and family is still very strong among them. The weaving tradition of the Taquile Island goes back to early civilizations, thus keeps elements from pre-Inca Andean cultures alive in the present. All weaving is done on pre-Inca fixed and pedal looms. The most characteristic garments are the so-called “Chullo”, a knitted hat with an earflap, and “The Calendar Waistband”, depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities.
When we reach the shores of Taquile Island, we will have to walk up along a narrow path, enjoying on the way impressive views of the Lake Titicaca and also see gorgeous little houses inhabited by the direct decedents of the Inca Culture.
At the top of the Island, you will have free time to explore this place on your own and afterwards you will meet the group for lunch at one local restaurant.
After lunch, we will descent to the harbor to take our boat back to Puno. We will be back in Puno by 5:00 pm approximately.

Day 11º: Flight to Lima

Soon after breakfast, at 8:00 am, transfer to the airport to take the plane to Lima. Upon you arrival in Lima you will be met by a representative from Mystery Peru, and then transferred to the selected hotel in Lima. Afternoon free to enjoy Lima's attractions. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 12º: Departure Day

Transfer to the airport at the desiganted time.

End of our service.

Additional information:

• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.

Travel voucher:

• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.
• You will be required to print a voucher for presentation at our office in Lima.

Local Operator Information:

• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

How to book this tour...

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