CLASSIC PERU

OVERVIEW

This epic three week journey explores the best of Peru. From the coastal Ballestas Islands (known as, "Peru's Galapagos") and the mysterious Nazca Lines, to colonial Arequipa and the immense Colca Canyon, the adventure continues to Lake Titicaca and Cusco's Sacred Valley before the true highlight- hiking the Inca Trail to the sublime sunrise over Machu Picchu!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Services of English/Spanish speaking tour leader
• Transportation by private vehicle plus train & local flights
• 16 hotel nights, 1 night village home stay and 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail. No single supplements will be charged. Single travellers will be matched with a fellow passenger of the same sex.
• Internal Cusco - Lima flight
• Train from Machu Picchu back to Cusco
• 3 nights trekking and camping on Inca Trail

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Horseback riding US$5-10/hr
• Mountain biking US$5-10/hr
• Hot springs in Aguas Calientes US$8
• Nazca Lines overflight US$70
• River Rafting US$30

TRIP ITINERARY

Days: 1-3 Lima, Paracas & Huacachina

Beginning in Lima, travel south along Peru's Pacific desert coast to Paracas and then enjoy a scenic boat cruise to the Ballestas Island to see thousands of sea birds circling overhead along with sea lions basking in the sun.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels included

Days: 4-6 Nazca & Arequipa

Next, try sand boarding or take a flight over the baffling effigies known as the Nazca Lines and contemplate their arcane meaning as archaeologists have been doing for centuries. Continuing down the increasingly rugged coast, we climb to panoramas over the ocean and arrive to the colonial city of Arequipa, Peru's second-largest city. Choose to visit the Santa Catalina Convent and peruse museums and galleries in this handsome city.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels included

Days: 7-8 Colca Canyon

Then, a spectacular drive over a 5,000 metre pass and through a vicuña reserve brings us to the Colca Canyon, where we will walk to the rim of the upper canyon watching for condors, before soaking in local thermal springs.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels included

Days: 9-11 Puno & Lake Titicaca

Fully in the Andes now, we make our way to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Here we navigate the lake via the floating reed-islands of the Uros Indians and stay the night on tranquil Amantani Island in a rustic village home.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels & basic homestay included

Days: 12-14 Cusco & Sacred Valley

Next, we continue the journey to Cusco across the altiplano passing snow-capped peaks with breathtaking vistas. Cusco is alive itself, with a bustling nightlife, thriving indigenous population and aesthetic ruins and architecture, it is easily one of the most memorable and exciting cities in the Andes and the gateway to the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotels included

Days: 15-18 Inca Trail Hike & Machu Picchu

During our four day Inca Trail trek, we will pass through various micro-climates and experience spectacular sights before coming face-to-face with Machu Picchu. You will have ample time to explore this once-lost city and snap phenomenal photographs.
Meals: Included on Inca Trail | Accommodation: 3 nights camping on Inca Trail + 1 night Machu Picchu hotel included

Days: 19-21 Cusco & Lima

A dreamy train ride back to Cusco for one more day of cultural exploration is a great way to finish this tremendous Andean experience. After an included walking tour, shop in the eclectic markets and meet people from all over the Andes before flying back to Lima.
Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: 2 nights Cusco Hotel included

Tour ends in Lima on day 21.

Note: Due to new restrictions concerning the issue of trekking permits for the inca trail, we recommend you book at least 6 months in advance of your departure date. You must provide us with your passport details at time of booking so that we can secure a trekking permit for you.

CLASSIC PERU departing from LIMA

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