Epic Peru with Amazon Add-on

From £5,198.00
Duration 20 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2024
Book now
From £5,198.00
Duration 20 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2024
Tour Overview

On this extended version of our Epic Peru tour - you explore this intriguing country ending with a 3-night Amazon adventure - truly a trip of a lifetime. Starting in Lima, working your way down the Pan American Highway, cruising around the Ballestas Islands, taking a scenic drive via the immense Colca Canyon, then pausing on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Continue your travels to Cuzco for a four-night stay nearby ancient Inca sites, none more thrilling than the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu. Then fly to Puerto Maldonado for 3 nights full board in a lodge within the Amazon rainforest from where you can partake in light jungle treks introducing you to a huge variety of tropical plants and fascinating wildlife, evening walks to learn about the nocturnal creatures of the rainforest and river cruises to really relax and take in your surroundings, before you travel back to Lima for your journey home.

Your Holiday Includes

 
  • Return flights from London
  • 17 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
  • 29 meals: 18 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinner
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers and other transportation
  • Porterage
  • Audio Guide

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Tour of Lima
  • The Pachacamac Temple in the valley of Lurin
  • Cruise the Ballestas Islands
  • Visit the 'White City' of Arequipa
  • See the spectacular Colca Canyon
  • Guided tour of the Sillustani ruins
  • Lake Titicaca and the floating islands
  • Tour of Cuzco
  • Machu Picchu guided tour
  • Amazon boat trips, Tambopata National Reserve & Lake Sandocal
  • Visit to a local farm and taste local product
  • Botanical garden visit to discover a huge variety of medicinal plants
  • Local Flavours - Cookery class in Cuzco, sampling different Peruvian dishes

Itinerary

Day 1 UK/Lima

Depart on your flight to Lima. You'll arrive on the morning of day 2, when we'll transfer you to your overnight hotel.

Day 2 Lima

You'll get to see the highlights of Lima today on a tour of the city. While its colonial past is clearly evident in its beautiful squares, fine churches, palaces and mansions, you'll also see the architectural legacy of the Incans and Native Indians. Meals included: B

Day 3 Paracas

Start your day with a journey by road to Paracas along the Pan American Highway, which cuts through a barren desert landscape. We'll stop at the site of the ancient Pachacamac Temple where we'll be transported back to pre-Incan times as we explore. The ruins consist of adobe walls and pyramids and you'll also see the remains of early frescoes. Tonight we will stay in Paracas.

Meals included: B

Day 4 Nazca

We're taking to the water today for a fascinating cruise around the Ballestas Islands. This protected wildlife reserve provides shelter for many different species. On your cruise, keep a lookout for Humboldt penguins, sea lions and more. Later we'll travel to Nazca for an overnight stay. Meals included: B

Day 5 Arequipa

Sit back, relax and take in lovely coastal views as you journey to Arequipa, our base for the next two nights. Meals included: B

Day 6 Arequipa

You'll understand why Arequipa is known as the 'White City' after today's tour. It is loomed over by ice-capped volcanoes and as you explore, you'll see many buildings made from white volcanic rock. We'll also head inside the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to see archaeological finds from the Andes, and the Santa Catalina Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. You can choose to spend the afternoon just as you wish.

Meals included: B

Day 7 Arequipa - Colca

After setting off early this morning, a scenic drives takes us to the Colca Canyon, whose steep walls are deeper than the Grand Canyon. This is one of the best places in South America to spot the Andean condor, a magnificent bird of prey, so keep your eyes skyward. We'll stay in Colca overnight. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 Colca - Puno

Our next base is Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll drive here today and on the way stop off at the remote burial site at Sillustani, where the religious rituals of the pre-Inca Colla people will be explained. Meals included: B,L

Day 9 Puno

You're going to enjoy superb close-up views of sacred Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands this morning. The lake sits 12,500ft up in the Andes and covers a huge area of 3,500 miles. Spend the afternoon in Puno exploring at your own pace.

Meals included: B

Day 10 Puno - Sacred Valley

Today we will fly to Cuzco, from there we will transfer to Sacred Valley. The rest of the day is at leisure. Meals included: B

Day 11 Machu Picchu

You've seen many of Peru's incredible sights so far on your tour, but today offers something really special. You're going to get the chance to explore the ruined 'lost city' of Machu Picchu, perched high above a steep valley and swathed in jungle. Your journey here is by narrow gauge railway, with the last part by bus. A walk with a Local Guide on the mountain top and time to go your own way will help you to uncover its splendour. You'll be able to wander through the temples and terraces and enjoy spectacular views of the lush green Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.

Meals included: B,L

Day 12 Cuzco - at Leisure

Today is free for you to make your own discoveries in Cuzco.
Meals included: B,L

Day 13 Cuzco

There's plenty to see in Cuzco, so let's head off to explore. We're going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the weaving co-operative, supported by Travelsphere Cares, has impacted the village. Very few communities benefit from tourism and this centre helps maintain a traditional way of life, helping bring back weaving traditions whilst supporting small local communities. Today, more than 55 women are part of the association, constantly learning new methods, whilst also maintaining traditional ones. Women involved in the project report that all of their children are now able to study at university, and they are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Learn all about weaving and dyeing techniques used to create traditional garments, and afterwards have the opportunity to purchase them.

Next, you will visit a local market where you will get a little taste of local life, before heading to a restaurant for a cookery class, sampling different Peruvian dishes for lunch.

We will then head to the Koricancha Temple. This ancient Inca palace was the centre of worship of the Sun God. In Cuzco's main square you'll step inside the cathedral, and your tour ends with a visit to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.

Meals included: B,L

Day 14 Cuzco to Lima

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima, where the rest of the day will be free.


Meals included: B

Day 15 Lima - Puerto Maldonado

Today you'll take the short flight to Puerto Maldonaldo where you will meet your guide and transfer by boat to your Amazonian lodge for a 3 night stay. After lunch you'll have some free time to get comfortable in your lodge. In the afternoon it's time for your first trek into the jungle. On this trek you will see a large variety of tropical trees, medicinal plants, insects, butterflies and other animals. You will also discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human being, and its relevance for the world. Before dinner enjoy a nocturnal boat excursion along the Madre de Dios River where you will learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks and nocturnal animals' behaviour. Why not enjoy an exotic cocktail before dinner this evening. Please note: On arrival in Puerto Maldonaldo your main baggage will be left at the local office of the tour operator where it will be locked away for safe keeping. Please remember to bring a smaller bag with you to transfer over your required clothing and essentials for the duration of your stay in the Amazon. You will be unable to take your main baggage with you due to travelling constraints.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 16 Puerto Maldonado

New experiences are ahead and after breakfast get ready for a trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval.  You will navigate by small wooden boat across this mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman and one of the world's biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche.We head back to the lodge for lunch before taking the 20 minute boat ride to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway where you will learn about its construction and various conservation projects.  Ascend one of the 98-foot towers and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops to enjoy breath-taking views.  Watch out for white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. Before dinner get ready for an adventure where you will explore the Amazon rainforest at night.  Listen to nocturnal living nature sounds and penetrate this hidden world.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 17 Puerto Maldonado

Today we will journey to a native farm where you will be able to learn local techniques of cultivation and taste some of the products during the visit.  You will also visit the Botanical garden to discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the "natural pharmacy" used by the habitants of the Amazon region. After lunch at the lodge get ready for the Cocha water excursion where you can enjoy the scenery. We will return to the lodge this afternoon for some relaxation and then our included dinner at the lodge.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 18 Puerto Maldonado

After breakfast its time to say goodbye to the Amazon. Your guide will accompany you on your way back to the city where you will collect your luggage before your flight to Lima where you will spend the night.

Meals included: B

Day 19 Lima to UK

Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Meals included: B

Day 20 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note: During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 12,000ft where altitude sickness can occur. This should not be a problem, although everyone should take it easy at first. Our tour has been designed to allow a more gradual increase in altitude, giving you more time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Other simple measures, such as eating light meals and drinking lots of fluids can also help to alleviate the symptoms. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.

This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps, often with no hand rails to offer assistance.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Innside by Melia Lima Miraflores Hotel

Located in Miraflores downtown, this modern hotel is a perfect base from which to discover a vibrant city such as Lima. Close to restaurants, bars, theatres and touristic attractions, you will find modern and stylish facilities. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, 49” Smart TV, minibar, safe, air conditioning, telephone, hair dryer and radio clock. The 352 Gastrobar offers an international menu with peruvian flavors and the Rooftop Bar presents a varied signature cocktails that you can taste while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a warm reading area with internet access, electric bicycles, a climatized outdoor pool on the top floor and a fitness center open 24 hours a day.

Aranwa Paracas

Paracas Bay is located in the province of Pisco. This modern hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your surroundings, with spacious facilities, great cuisine and excellent service.

Casa Andina Standard - Nazca

The 3-star Hotel Casa Andina is located just a short walk from the main square in Nazca.

Hotel facilities include a buffet breakfast and a swimming pool. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, safe and a TV.

San Agustin Posada del Monasterio

Directly across the road from the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina, this hotel is ideally located so guests can explore everything Arequipa has to offer. Its historic external aesthetic is complemented beautifully by a relaxing and lush garden courtyard. Those staying here can also enjoy both local and international cuisine at the in-house restaurant. There is free WiFi available at the property and rooms are furnished a TV.

Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca

Located on the banks of the Colca River in the Andes, this private, beautiful hotel features wooden flooring in the rooms, rooms have safes and minibar. There's also a bar and a modern restaurant which uses local organic ingredients. Other amenities include a spa and an outdoor pool.

Hotel Jose Antonio Puno

The Jose Antonio Puno is positioned in front of the incredible Lake Titicaca, 10 minutes from the centre of Puno. The restaurant's bar overlooks the lake – an ideal spot for a Pisco sour!

Casa Andina Premium Valle

A mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 landscaped acres, it breathes an air of tranquility and relaxation. It contains a domed Planetarium-&-Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern-Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar.

Hotel Jose Antonio Cusco

The Jose Antonio Cuzco is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main square. The hotel is fitted with modern amenities but also features stunning colonial details. Rooms are spacious with features including hair dryers, Wi-Fi and cable TV. The hotel also has two great restaurants serving both Peruvian specialties as well as international options.

Innside by Melia Lima Miraflores Hotel

Located in Miraflores downtown, this modern hotel is a perfect base from which to discover a vibrant city such as Lima. Close to restaurants, bars, theatres and touristic attractions, you will find modern and stylish facilities. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, 49” Smart TV, minibar, safe, air conditioning, telephone, hair dryer and radio clock. The 352 Gastrobar offers an international menu with peruvian flavors and the Rooftop Bar presents a varied signature cocktails that you can taste while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a warm reading area with internet access, electric bicycles, a climatized outdoor pool on the top floor and a fitness center open 24 hours a day.

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion

Located in the Amazon rainforest of Southern Peru, near Puerto Maldonado-Tambopata, the lodge itself sits by a natural “cocha” or lake, home to rich ecosystems, tropical plants and beautiful wildlife. This lodge seeks to cater for nature loving enthusiasts who come to the region in search of a memorable ‘full-immersion’ experience in the Amazon jungle one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Facilities include spa, laundry service, gift shop and restaurant.

Innside by Melia Lima Miraflores Hotel

Located in Miraflores downtown, this modern hotel is a perfect base from which to discover a vibrant city such as Lima. Close to restaurants, bars, theatres and touristic attractions, you will find modern and stylish facilities. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, 49” Smart TV, minibar, safe, air conditioning, telephone, hair dryer and radio clock. The 352 Gastrobar offers an international menu with peruvian flavors and the Rooftop Bar presents a varied signature cocktails that you can taste while enjoying panoramic views of the city. The hotel also features a warm reading area with internet access, electric bicycles, a climatized outdoor pool on the top floor and a fitness center open 24 hours a day.
  1. Travelsphere Cares

    When you book this holiday, you are helping us support the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op. The Co-op supports a community close to the Inca Trail, funding training programmes to help bring back weaving traditions that have been lost over generations, and helping communities benefit from the tourism industry. 

Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

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