HIGHLIGHTS OF PERU

Program: 22 days / 21 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.

Day 2º: City Tour in Lima / Bus ride to the City of Pisco

9:00 am. City tour of Lima. This tour offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima, with its historical periods: pre-Columbian, colonial and modern.
We start off by visiting the great Convent of San Francisco, which was built in colonial times and still today keeps all the treasures from the Spanish era. Later on we will explore the ruins of La Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca temple built in the IV century. Afterwards we will drive around colonial streets, decorated with Moorish-style balconies, passing the most traditional areas in the capital, such as the Olive grove of San Isidro, Miraflores and the great shopping center of Larco Mar, which was built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Late in the afternoon, you will be transferred to the bus station to take a local bus to the city of Pisco. Overnight in Pisco.

Day 3º: Ballestas Islands/ Paracas Reserve / Ica & Huacachina Lagoon / Nazca

Early in the morning, around 7:00 am, our local guide will collect you from your hotel, and then you will be transferred to the Paracas harbor, which is located few kilometers away from the City of Pisco. Upon arrival you will board a speed-boat to go to the Ballestas Islands a natural reserve that shelters an array of marine birds, such as Peruvian Bobbies, Pelicans, Inca Terns, Humboldt Penguins, vultures and hundreds of sea lions, which are usually seen swimming around the Islands.(it is windy on the boat, so we suggest to bring along a fleece or a warm jacket). Along the way, we will stop our speed boat to see the famous figure known as The Candelabro, an enigmatic design etched on the desert floor hundreds of years ago. The Candelabra is overlooking the Ocean, so here you will have the chance to take pictures, as well as to listen the most popular theories.
Afterwards we will continue to the National Park of Paracas, where we will see the famous rock formation known as The Cathedral, located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. We continue afterwards with our private vehicle to the City of Ica, a nice city, famous for its gorgeous sand dunes and its Pisco Sour. In Ica we will visit an old winery, where you will be able to learn the old method of making wine and Pisco (a grape brandy). After touring around its installations, customers are invited to taste different types of wine and Pisco. Later on we will head towards the Oasis known as Huacachina, a natural lagoon surrounded by palm trees and huge sand dunes, ideal to practice one the most popular sports of the southern coast " Sandboarding".
Finally we will continue to the town of Nazca, where we will spend the night in a cozy hotel.

Day 4º: Flight over the Nazca Lines / Overnight bus to Arequipa

Soon after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, where you will take a small plane to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Our aircraft will fly over a bizarre desert, where hundreds of years ago ancient Peruvians drew huge designs, which can be seen only from the air. Among the figures you will see an enormous representation of a monkey, a hummingbird, a condor, and a strange creature known as the Spaceman. Afterwards, we will visit a pre-Inca graveyard known as Chauchilla. For many years this pre Inca cemetery was looted by treasure hunters, who destroyed the place completely, taking away all the treasures the mummies kept in their tombs for centuries. Grave robbers just left behind the corpses, which can be seen today all over the ground. In addition to skulls and bones, you also will see several tombs centuries old, as well as long human hairs, ceramic fragments and others remains scattered on the desert surface. Late, in the afternoon, our guide will take you to visit the ancient Channels of Cantalloc, a marvelous archaeological site where around 2000 years ago, pre-Inca people built magnificent subterranean channels, which are still in use today by the local community of Nazca. After visiting all these archaeological wonders we will return to the hotel to pick up our backpacks and take an overnight bus towards the White City of Arequipa.

Day 5º: Free day in Arequipa

Upon arrival in Arequipa, you will be collected from the bus station by a representative of Mystery Peru, and then transferred to the hotel. This day is free for you to explore this beautiful Andean city. Arequipa is a delightful Colonial City, situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 metres. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teemed with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape. At the heart of the City, you may visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, the most remarkable sight in Arequipa, with numerous passageways and intricate architecture dating back to the XVI century. At the Museum of Santuarios Andinos you may meet Juanita "The Ice Girl", a well preserve Inca mummy, found high into the Andean glaciers some years ago. Its Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful of Peru, beautifully laid-out with palm trees and gardens, surrounded by arcaded buildings in colonial style, including the gorgeous Cathedral. Overnight at the designated hotel in Arequipa.

Day 6º: Colca Canyon.

At around 8:00 am you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide/representative. Afterwards we will drive northwest following a paved road towards the "Colca Canyon". Before leaving Arequipa, we will stop first at a small shop where our clients can buy some chocolates, candies and coca leaves, this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness. Later on we will continue till Pampas Cañahuas (3500 masl ), a National Reserve where visitors may spot some Vicuñas & Alpacas. Unlike the Alpacas, Vicuñas are wild animals, and still can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. We will stop at this national park and our local guide will provide information about these shy Andean camels.
Then we continue our journey to the Colca Canyon, little further up we will stop again at the little restaurant of Viscachani, where you can enjoy a stunning scenery and also drink a typical coca tea. Afterwards we will continue ascending a dirt road till we reach the highest point of our trip, " The Lookout Point of the Andes ( 4800 masl ). At the very top, we will get off of the bus some minutes to see the landscape, having in the background the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya ( active ) and Ampato, all around 6000 metres high.
Later on we will drive down hill to the main village of the Colca Canyon, the Village of Chivay (3600 m). In this town we will have lunch in one typical Andean restaurant, where visitors may enjoy their meals accompanied by Andean musicians. After lunch our clients will be transferred to our lodge located in a little village at edge of the Canyon.
Late, in the afternoon, you may walk around the village and get to know better the rural life in this corner of Peru. By the afternoon we will go to swim and relax to the Hot Springs of the Colca Valley (35°), a nice pool outdoors surrounded by huge mountains. Overnight at our lodge at the "village of Yanque" or at the "village of Coporaque".
Note: The visit to the Hot Springs is optional, those who wish to go will have to pay their entrance fees ($ 3.00 per person). We will provide the rest (towels, round trip transportation, guide etc)

Day 7º: Cruz del Condor

In order to see the mighty Condor, you will be woken up at 5:00 am, breakfast will be served at 5:30 am, and by 6:00 am we get on the bus to head towards the "Cruz del Condor", a natural lookout point where you can see the flight of the Condors (we won't return to the hotel, which means you must bring all your staff along with you on the bus). On the road we will have the best view of the Colca Valley, as we drive along the edge of the Canyon, seeing on route ancient terraces still in use by the local farmers, who grow mainly varieties of corn and potato. we will make some stops for photos, and our local guide will give us a good insight into the Colca Canyon history. Here you will stumble upon a great rock, where ancient architectures carved the terraces, testing (perhaps) which parts of the Canyon were suitable for cultivation. This is a good place also to see the "Colca River" and hanging pre-Inca tombs. Eventually we will reach Cruz del Condor, where we will spend an hour or so, observing the beautiful flight of the Condors as well as the depth of the Canyon. (be careful and only walk on signed trails if you intent to go for a walk on your own).
After approximately one hour and a half, we will return to Chivay, passing typical towns along the way. Later on we will have lunch at the community of Chivay and eventually will return to Arequipa. We will be back in Arequipa at around 5:00 pm. Overnight at the designated hotel in Arequipa.

Day 8º: Bus ride to Puno

After breakfast transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the "City of Puno". The bus ride to Puno offers a great natural scenery. Along this paved road we will drive throughout small towns, as well as a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen, and if you are lucky you might also see Andean Flamingoes and many others Andean birds.
Puno is one of Peru's most tourist destinations and one of the most interesting spots in South America, due to their religious feasts and wonderful history. This Andean city lies at the shore of the Lake Titicaca (3,855 m), the world's highest navigable lake. According to legend, from its waters emerged Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the mythical founders of the Inca Culture. Puno is a major folklore center and a great place to buy handicrafts, particularly those amazingly fine Alpaca jumpers, hats and gloves. It also boast a rich tradition of music and dance and it is a good place to enjoy a number of Andean festivals, some wild, some solemn.
Upon arrival in Puno, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free for you to explore Puno. Overnight at the designated hotel in Puno.

Day 9º: Lake Titicaca / Homestay on Amantani Island

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transferred to the harbor. We start 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 "Amantani Island", where we will spend the rest of the day and the night.
Upon arrival, a group of native families will welcomed you at the harbor, and afterwards the guide will introduce you the family that will provide you lodging in their house. The group is split in couples, so each couple goes with one family.
In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the Islands to explore ancient ruins on a mountain called by locals Pachamama. There are stunning views of the Lake from this lookout point and an amazing sunset. Soon after nightfall, we descend to the main plaza and meet our local families, then we go to their houses for dinner. At dinner you will be invited to go to the little kitchen (mind the head when entering, their doorways are very small), a warm place where they cook with a primitive stove made of clay.
By night, visitors are invited to a particular party. Our local families will provide traditional clothing to attend this nice Andean party. At the house, men are given ponchos and wooly hats, the hats are hand-made by the families, with unique styles, so that they can recognize you in the hall. Women are given colorful skirts, blouses and veils. The party takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local orchestras. Overnight at a family house.

Day 10º: Taquile Island

After breakfast, we will have to say goodbye to our local family and go down to the harbor to meet the rest of the group. Afterwards we will sail towards "Taquile Island" (1 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 visitors reach the island, they 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, you will have free time to explore the Island on your own and afterwards you will have to 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 getting there by 5:00 pm approximately. Overnight at the designated hotel in Puno.

Day 11º: Bus ride to Cusco

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 Cusco, instead of taking the local bus and travel for 7 hours, without a chance of stretching our 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 Pukara, where you will visit with a local guide the Pukara Museum, an interesting place that houses ancient monolith and human remains from the Pukara culture. Afterwards we will continue our journey throughout the Andean plateau till we reach the highest point on this route, a freezing place called "La Raya" , surrounded by huge snow-capped mountains at 4335 meters high. At this point we will get off the bus for pictures and also, if you wish, to purchase some hand-made products of Alpaca or Vicuña wool, in one of the little shops nearby.
Afterwards we will descend 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).
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.
Our trip continues in the traditional town of "Andahuaylillas", where we will visit a impressive Cathedral built on the colonial era.
Eventually we will arrive in Cusco and at the bus station we will be picked up by a representative of Mystery Peru. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at the designated hotel in Cusco.

Day 12º: Cusco City Tour

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 13º: The Sacred Valley of the Incas

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 go to our hotel. Overnight at the little village of Ollantaytambo.

Day 14º: Inca Trail / Wayllabamba Campsite

7:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and afterwards we will take a dirt road till Piskacuchu (2700 m) a community located on the kilometer 82 of the Cusco -Machu Picchu railroad. From here, we will start our trek.
8:00 am. At this point all hikers must show their original passport so that they may enter the National Park towards Machu Picchu. Starting at this point, we cross the bridge and walk along the left shore of the Urubamba River, which flows north-west along the Sacred Valley
Following the trail along a flat terrain, we reach the little community of Miskay (2800 masl), where we make a little break and try some local Chicha (a maiz beer) from the Andean ladies sitting along the way, and then ascend a steep path that will lead us to a high plateau, from where, all hikers will be rewarded with a spectacular view of an Inca construction called Patallacta (2750 masl). After a good explanation of our tour guide, we carry on along a gorgeous valley created long ago by the copious Kusichaca River. We will gradually climb for about two hours, till we reach a nice natural spot where our cook and porters await for us to have lunch. Later on, we will walk up hill ( not very difficult) for about 2 hours till we reach our first campsite in the village of Wayllabamba ("Place of Good Pasture"), (3000 masl). This day is usually hot in the dry season (May - Sept), so it is advisable to wear light clothing, as well as a hut and sunscreen. Hikers will enjoy along the route spectacular views of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, and might also spot the impressive Veronica Mountain(5832 meters above sea level). Overnight in Wayllabamba Campsite.

Day 15º: Inca Trail - Warmihuañusca " The Dead Woman Pass " / Pacaymayo Campsite

We will be woken up by our humble friends (the porters) at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we start to climb up along a narrow valley full of vegetation and beautiful streams. On this section visitors will experience a hard path, full of steps, so we advise you to take it easy and stop to rest along the way at any time you wish. Later on we will reach Lluluchapampa Village, a spot frequently used by some other hikers to camp. At this point we will be starting the climbing to the highest and most famous mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass 4200 m.). It will take about 2 hours to get to the top, so my recommendation is just to do it slowly, without pushing yourself too much. Usually our tour guide will be with us till the end, so even if you got delayed, don't worry, the group usually waits for you at the top of the Pass. It is a great idea to carry on this day some chocolates, candies and coca leaves on your day backpack, this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness.
After you have conquered the highest pass, we will descend an endless winding pass of steps, that cross a narrow valley, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds, like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We will have lunch along the way, and afterwards continue till our campsite at Pacaymayo Valley (3600), where we will take a deep rest after such a hard day. This is also an official campsite, so here you for sure will be able to find good showers (very cold) and proper flash toilettes.

Day 16º: Inca Trail - Wiñaywayna Campsite

For many visitors, this day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting day, due to the number of archaeological sites that hikers can see along the way. We get up at 6:00 am, again, and after breakfast, start off following a steep path that will lead us to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way up, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay. This site, located at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure (Runkurakay means in quechua language "egg" hence it name)it is very likely that this Inca building served as a watchtower. Some meters before the Runkurakay Pass, we will pass a small billabong, where sometimes Andean dears can be seen drinking water. After going over the pass, we descend to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and arrive at Sayacmarca (erected building 3624 masl). This is an interesting Inca building in which you can find semicircular constructions, water fountains, as well as irrigation channels. After visiting this ruins, we enter the cloud-forest, walking up and down, and then comes the last climb, that will lead us to the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). From now on, the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. We will descend some steps, then will stumble upon one of the best Inca ruins on the Inca Trail Phuyupatamarca. (Phuyupatamarca, means ¨town over the clouds¨). From above, trekkers can observe a sophisticated complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River.
The end of day lead us to Wiñaywayna, second only to Machu Picchu in beauty. This fantastic site is a perfect example of Inca terrace farming, and is located on a steep edge overlooking the Río Urubamba. The name Wiñaywayna comes from the name given to a beautiful orchid typical in the zone, and it means FOREVER YOUNG. We will spend the night in the camping zone, close to a big restaurant where trekkers usually may enjoy a hot shower after these long days, as well as cold beers and party in the evening. This will be the night in which we will say good bye to our porters and cooks, as the next day they will departure very early to catch the local train that will take them back to their town, so at dinner we will have a nice meeting with them.

Day 17º: Welcome to Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu - Return by train to Cusco

On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am, have breakfast at 4:30 am, and by 5:00 am, we must be on the trail towards Inti Punko (Sun Gate). This will take about an hour of hiking along a narrow trail of cloud forest. At the Sun Gate visitors will be able to see the Sunrise over the Sacred Machupicchu Mountain. After having shot some photos we will descend to "Machu Picchu" . 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 still got some strength, 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 to Aguas Calientes (20 minutes), where we will have lunch and also where we catch the train back to Cusco (your guide will tell you how to get there). 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 of Aguas Calientes, 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 18º: 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.
Note: Since we are traveling to the jungle the following day, it is advisable not to carry all your staff with you to the jungle lodge. Just pack up what you think it will be necessary for 3 days & 2 nights at the lodge (long sleeve T-shirts, hut, a good mosquito repellent, rain poncho, sun block, sun glasses and other essential stuff), and leave the rest of your stuff well packed at our office in Puerto Maldonado. It is advisable to organize all your backpacks on this evening, to avoid inconveniences on the way to the jungle.

Day 19º: Flight to the Jungle / Travel by motorized canoe to the lodge.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch the airplane to Puerto Maldonado, a city located in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle, a gate to the Tambopata National Reserve. The city of Puerto Maldonado, it situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios River and is a blooming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are Brazil nut collecting, gold mining, timber extraction, agriculture and eco-tourism.
Tambopata Reserve is located on southeastern Peru, and is considered to be home to the world's greatest lowland concentration of birds and butterflies.
Upon arrival at the Puerto Maldonado airport you will be met by a representative from our agency, then you will be transferred to our office in Puerto Maldonado to leave your large suitcases. 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 lunch aboard (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 lodge at the edge of the Tambopata River.

Day 20º: 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 21º: Flight to Lima

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 Lima you will be met by a representative from our agency, and then you will be transferred to your hotel in the residential district of Miraflores. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at the designated hotel in Miraflores.

Day 22º: Departure day

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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