Peru - Peru Encompassed, 21 days Lima to Lima
Adventure Details
Unearth the secrets of the Nazca lines. See the condors of Colca Canyon. Try the local delicacy guinea pig in Arequipa. Be welcomed into the family at a home stay on lake Titicaca. Marvel at the dazzling ‘white city’. Experience life in the Amazon jungle. See the fascinating ruins around Cuzco and trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Departs selected Monday and Saturdays throughout the year.
*Important - Full passport details will be needed to secure the Inca trail pass (the one you will be travelling on). You also need to budget seperately for approx USD$280 (depending on departure date) for meals not included.
Day 1: Lima
Get a taste of Lima's Peruvian-Spanish flavour in the Plaza de Armas. Flanked by ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, it's an ideal place to start.
Day 2: Pisco
The Paracas National Reserve is a haven for pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins, it's a great optional day-trip. Back in town, unwind with a pisco sour.
Day 3-4: Nazca
Perhaps head to the incredible Ballestas Islands - sometimes referred to as the 'Galapagos of Peru'. See the dramatic sand dunes of Huacachina before heading to one of the world’s most mysterious archaeological sites, the Nazca Lines. Discover the desert cemetery of Chauchilla; the arid conditions of the desert have naturally mummified the remains of the people buried here some 1,500 years ago.
Day 5: Arequipa
Built at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa's colonial charm is enchanting. Marvel at the gleaming buildings made from pale volcanic rock, lending the city its moniker, White City.
Day 6-7: Chivay/ Colca Canyon
Spot llamas, alpacas and their cousins, vicunas, on the way to Chivay. Be impressed by the depth of the canyon while keeping an eye out for the resident Andean condors, the world's largest flying bird. In the evening, relax in thermal baths, dine on a llama steak or listen to live Andean music at a pena. Experience traditional local life taying with a family in Colca.
Day 8-10: Puno/ Lake Titicaca
Cross the Andes to explore the vast waters of Lake Titicaca. Learn about local lakeside culture during a homestay with an island-dwelling family.
Day 11-12: Cuzco
Discover Inca ruins and baroque churches, then perhaps have lunch at Aldea Yanapay Cafe - all profits go to supporting Cuzco's kids.
Day 13-16: Inca Trail/ Machu Picchu
Embark on the trek of a lifetime through dense forest and high plateaus, over several passes and up the steps of the Sun Gate to the fabled Machu Picchu ruins.
Day 17: Cuzco
Rest those weary legs at a cafe along Plaza de Armas.
Day 18-19: Amazon Jungle
Take a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Travel by motorised canoe into the Amazon Jungle to stay in an eco-friendly lodge. Explore the jungle with local guides to spot the Amazon's magnificent flora and fauna in their natural habitat, and learn about the practical and medicinal uses for native plants.
Day 20-21
LimaSoak up Lima's colourful history before bidding adios to wonderful Peru.
