Discovery Peru.

TRIP CODE: DP-15

Travel by land throughout Peru's most amazing attractions. Visit the "Tambopata Reserve", a green world with gigantic trees, beautiful lagoons, winding rivers and wonderful wildlife. Hike the 4 days Inca Trail and discover the wonders of Machu Picchu. Enjoy the Ancient Inca Capital of Cusco, with its fabulous colonial architecture and wonderful nightlife. Visit the Sacred Valley and its magnificent temples. Visit the Peruvian Coast with its enigmatic Nazca Lines, the beautiful Marine Reserve of Paracas and the Oasis of Huacachina, where you can practice Sandboarding.

DESCRIPTION

Welcome to 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 your hotel at the residential zone of Miraflores. Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Pick up from the airport in Lima and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

NOTE: Since we are traveling to the jungle the following day, it is advisable not to carry all your stuff 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.

Flight to the Jungle - Travel by motorized canoe to the lodge.

Morning flight to the Jungle. You will be picked up from your hotel in Lima and then transferred to the airport to take 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 your arrival, a representative from Mystery Peru will meet you at the airport of Puerto Maldonado. Our representative will be waiting at the arrival gate, holding a board on which your names will be written. Once you had met our representative, you will be conducted to our office located ten minutes away from the airport. While enjoying your first taste of the forest in our gardens we will ask you to pack only the necessary gear for your next few days, and leave the rest at our safe deposit. This helps us keep the boats and cargo light. After packing the necessary stuff, we will board our jungle truck and then will drive on a bumpy dirt road for about 20 kilometers till the local port located at the Native Community of Infierno. Here we will have some free time to stretch our legs and later on we will board a motorized canoe. Our motorized canoe will navigate up river for about 50 minutes till the zone where our jungle lodge is situated. During this you will really catch your first glimpse of the Tambopata rainforest, observing lush vegetation, native houses, and with a little luck you may stumble upon some birds and animals. A box lunch will be provided on board. Upon your arrival at Posada Amazonas Lodge, the manager of the lodge will welcome you with a refreshing jungle drink and then will provide information about the lodge and the excursions that will take place during your stay. Our first excursion will take place at the CANOPY TOWER, located some 20 minutes away from the lodge. The canopy tower is 30 meters high and allows visitor to see a wonderful panorama of the vast rainforest. It is very common to see from the top of the tower parrots and macaws flying by, so keep your ayes wide open and don’t forget you camera. After some time we will descend and then will walk back to the lodge. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight at the Posada Amazonas Lodge.

What is included on this day?

• Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport.
• Flight tickets from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (Jungle).
• Pick up form the airport in Puerto Maldonado and transfers to the lodge by motorized canoe.
• Meals ( lunch & dinner buffet)
• Accommodation at the Posada Amazonas lodge ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Airport taxes. ($6.00 USD each).
• All entrance fees.
• Extras and gratuities.

Excursion to the Oxbow – Medicinal Garden.

We will have breakfast very early, and then we will head to the river where will take a 30 minutes boat ride. Later on we will leave the boat and start a 45 minutes walk into to the forest following a trail that leads to a nice oxbow known as TRES CHIMBADAS. Once there you will paddle around the lake in a catamaran, searching for the resident family of giant river otters (seen by 60% of our lake visitors). At the lake you can see also other wildlife such as caiman, hoatzin and horned screamers. After some time we will get back to mainland and start to walk back to the boat. On the way back our guide will show us some plants and tree species of interest. Once back at the lodge we will take a break, and later on we will go to visit a small clay lick. This clay lick is only a twenty minute walk from Posada Amazonas. From a blind or hide located about twenty meters away you will see dozens of parrots and parakeets. Species such as Mealy and Yellow-headed Amazon, Blue-headed Parrot and Dusky headed Parakeet are usually seen at this spot. The clay lick is mostly active at dawn, during the late mornings and mid-afternoons. After some time we will return to the lodge. Lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon we will head back to the river and will catch the boat one more time. This time we will visit an interesting medicinal garden, located just 20 minutes away from our lodge. On this visit we will meet a shaman or healer, the man who owns this medicinal center. This shaman will guide us through the forest, showing us his medicinal plants and also will explain about their curative properties. Later on we will return to the lodge, just before sunset. Dinner. Overnight at the Posada Amazonas Lodge.

What is included on this day?

• Jungle tours as mentioned above.
• All meals.
• Accommodation at the Posada Amazonas lodge ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Extras and gratuities.

Flight to the City of 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 Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet.
• Transportation back to Puerto Maldonado airport.
• Flight tickets from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco.
• Pick up from the airport in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Cusco City Tour. “Sacsayhuaman Ruins, Qenko, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay, Koricancha Temple & Cusco Cathedral”.

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.
13:30 hrs. 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 Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
• City tour of Cusco + all entrance fees.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas.” Ruins of Pisaq, Pisaq Indian Market & Ruins of Ollantaytambo”.

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. You will be picked up from your hotel at 08:30 hrs. 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 at the zone 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 Hotel Pakaritampu *** at the little village of Ollantaytambo.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
• Tourist transportation.
• Sacred Valley tour + entrance fees + Lunch buffet.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Pakaritampu ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Extras and gratuities.

Welcome to the Inca Trail - Wayllabamba Campsite.

07:00 hrs. 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. The bus ride takes about 1 hour. From here, we will start our trek. 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.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast Buffet at the hotel.
• Tourist transportation to the KM 82.
• Entrance to the Inca Trail national park + Meals ( 1 lunch & 1 dinner)
• Accommodation on camping tents. (tent with capacity for 2 people)

What is not included?

• Extras and gratuities.

Inca Trail - Warmihuañusca " The Dead Woman Pass " - Pacaymayo.

We will be woken up by our humble friends (the porters) at around 06:00 hrs, 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.

What is included on this day?

• All meals.
• Accommodation on camping tents. (tent with capacity for 2 people)

What is not included?

• Extras and gratuities.

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. Last camping night.

What is included on this day?

• All meals.
• Accommodation on camping tents. (tent with capacity for 2 people)

What is not included?

• Extras and gratuities.

Welcome to Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu - Return by train to Cusco.

On this fourth and last day we get up at 04:00 hrs, have breakfast at 04:30 hrs, and by 05:00 hrs, 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 Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast.
• Guided visit in Machu Picchu + entrance fees.
• Return to Cusco by train. VISTADOME train service.
• Pick up from the train station and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Cusco ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Flight back to Lima.

At the designated time, you will be picked up by our representative from your hotel in Cusco and the transferred to the airport to take the plane to Lima. 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 Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
• Pick up from the hotel in Cusco and transfer to the airport.
• Flight tickets from Cusco to Lima.
• Pick up from the airport in Lima and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Tourist Bus to the Paracas Bay.

12:30 hrs. You will be picked up from your hotel in the city of Lima, and then transferred to the bus station to take a tourist bus to the Paracas Bay. Upon your arrival in Paracas you will be met at the bus station by a representative from Mystery Peru and then transferred to the hostel at the little tourist village of Paracas. Rest of the day free to stroll around the beach or just relax at your hostel. Overnight at the Hotel La Posada del Emancipador *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Pick up from your hotel in Lima and transfer to the bus station.
• Tourist Bus tickets from Lima to Paracas - Cruzero Bus of Cruz del Sur – Standard Panoramic Service).
• Pick up from the station upon your arrival in Paracas and transfer to the hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Posada del Emancipador ***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Ballestas Islands - Paracas Reserve - Ica & Huacachina Lagoon - Nazca.

07:30 hrs. Our local guide will collect you from your hotel, and then you will be transferred to the Paracas harbor, which is located nearby. 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 learn about the most popular theories. Afterwards we will continue to the National Park of Paracas, where we will drive along the edge of the Peninsula visiting various beaches and stopping on route for photos. We continue afterwards with our private vehicle to the City of Ica, a 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 (2 hours drive). Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Nazca*** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• American breakfast.
• Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands + entrance fees.
• Land tour to the Paracas Reserve + entrance fees.
• Private car from Paracas to Nazca via Huacachina Oasis, Visit the vineyards of Pisco.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Nazca***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room).

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Flight over the Nazca Lines - Bus to Lima.

08:00 hrs. You will be picked up by our local guide in Nazca and then will be transferred to the Nazca airdrome to do the flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. We will fly over an enigmatic zone, where hundreds of years ago ancient Peruvians drew huge designs that can be seen only from the air. Among the figures we will see an enormous representation of a monkey, a hummingbird, a condor, and a strange creature known as the Spaceman.
14:30 h. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will be transferred to the bus station to take a bus to the city of Lima. You will arrive in Lima at around 21:00 h. Upon your arrival you will be picked up form the bus station and then transferred to your hotel in Miraflores. Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro *** or similar.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
• Transfer to the airdrome of Nazca.
• Classic Flight over the Nazca Lines (Cessna airplane) + Airport taxes.
• Transfer to the bus station.
• Tourist Bus tickets from Nazca to Lima - Cruzero Bus of Cruz del Sur – Standard Panoramic Service).
• Pick up from the station upon your arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.
• Accommodation at the Hotel Casa Andina Classic Miraflores Centro***. (1 Matrimonial or Double standard room)

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

Departure day.

At the designated time you will be picked up from your hotel in Lima and then transferred to the airport.
End of our service.

What is included on this day?

• Breakfast buffet.
• Transfer to the airport at the designated time.

What is not included?

• Meals, extras and gratuities.

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