Great People. Amazing Expeditions. Beautiful Peru.
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14 DAYS
FROM $ 2,459
Expedition Type
Activity Level
Service Level
CASUAL
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Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Peru as we travel to the country’s renowned archaeological sites as well as lesser known wonders. Cruise the beautiful Ballestas Islands, spotting penguins, sea lions, and colonies of seabirds and ponder the mystery of the Nasca Lines. Sample pisco at one of South America’s oldest wineries, and help a chef prepare a spread of traditional dishes in Arequipa. Take a boat tour of lofty Lake Titicaca, and get to know the indigenous communities that have resided here for hundreds of years. Soak up the charms of vibrant Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and delight in views of the Sacred Valley from the train to Machu Picchu.
Welcome to the Capital of the New World – the launch pad to our effortlessly delivered encounter with the iconic and unexpected highlights of Cusco. On arrival in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the exclusive barrio of Miraflores where you’ll enjoy a Welcome Reception this evening to meet your Travel Director and travel companions. Note: Depending on your arrival, we can arrange some tour in the city.
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized boat to our comfortable lodge, situated near on the Sandoval Lake shores in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Tambopata River en route to the lodge, or Capybaras taking a bath, and, boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon with our naturalist expert. Stroll quietly as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians wondering close by.
Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our naturalist guides. Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland and learn how vegetation has adapted to the exotic species that are drawn here. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along Sandoval oxbow lake on canoe for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anaconda. In the afternoon, embark on a lake tour on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the banks and admire the beauty of an amazon sunset over the lake before heading back to our lodge for dinner.
Travel out of the rainforest by boat and catch a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, soaring above the Andes into Peru’s Inca heartland. This evening, visit the Cusco Planetarium for a presentation on the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about the vital role that astronomy played in the lives of the ancient Inca. Weather permitting, peer through the planetarium’s telescopes for a dazzling look at the stars.
Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with Natventure Expert. Tour the Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you’ll walk through the park to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also visit the fascinating Inca site of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, and enjoy a meal at Muña Restaurant in Urubamba.
Your adventure starts today. Set out on the iconic Inca Trail, departing Urubamba by van to km 84 in Ollantaytambo, the starting point of the trek. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Andean countryside, hiking along meandering streams and crossing remote mountain villages and ancient sites as we get warmed up for the more challenging days ahead.
Today, we ascend the long, steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman’s Pass—the highest point on the Inca Trail, at 4,198 meters (13,769 feet). Enjoy stunning views of the surronding valleys as you make your way up the rugged terrain full of native vegetation, and aim to reach our camp by early afternoon. Rest and relax at camp the remainder of the day, having an aromatic hot coffee or snacking a homemade popcorn.
Today we’ll cross two spectacular passes. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, one can catch a glimpse of the snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba. Continue through cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass, and arrive at the misty Inca site of Phuyupatamarca at 3,650 meters (11,972 feet), known as «the city above the clouds.” We will either camp here or settle at a further spot, near the beautiful terraces of the Wiñay Wayna site, at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet).
The final day of our hike begins before dawn. Reach the Sun Gate—the last checkpoint on the Inca Trail—in time to witness daybreak over Machu Picchu. This 15th-century Inca citadel was rediscovered by Agustín Lizárraga in 1902 and excavated by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Hike down for a guided tour through the ceremonial rooms and terraces of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site before catching a bus to the frontier town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have free time for lunch. Continue by train to Cusco.
Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city’s museums and ornate churches. This evening, we’ll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Head south on a scenic drive to Puno, perched on the western shore of Lake Titicaca and meet a Local Expert to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After an included lunch, explore Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
Set out to discover Lake Titicaca—one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and the second largest lake in South America. On a guided boat tour, visit the floating Uros Islands—built entirely of reeds—and step ashore Taquile Island, home to a thriving indigenous textile industry. For lunch, we’ll head to the small rural community of Luquina Chico. Enjoy a traditional meal in the home of a local family while taking in sweeping views of Lake Titicaca and its picturesque islands.
Transfer to the Juliaca airport to catch a flight back to Lima. Spend your last evening in Peru at leisure, opt to explore the streets of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center and enjoy mouthwatering Peruvian tapas and pisco sour—the country’s national drink. This evening we join our travel companions for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Our discovery of an ancient civilisation and amazon adventure has come to an end. We transfer to the airport for your onward flight or perhaps consider extending your holiday.
In keeping with the nature of an expedition, we keep our schedule flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, adapting our course to the conditions and opportunities that arise. Your Expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time and over uneven surfaces, and able to get in and out of unstable expedition landing craft. Daily activities may include easy hikes, walking tours, and visits to cultural or historic sites, with options for more physical activities such as longer hikes, dependant on conditions. All departures are family friendly.
Expedition Team
A Natventure expert will accompany this Expedition, and local guides join us along the way.
Our Natventure Journeys, line blends fun, hands-on exploration, meaningful encounters with people and cultures, and more free time and choices—with the structure and security of traveling in a small group.
MY OWN ROOM
During your expedition, sometimes it´s just more convenient and comfortable to have your own room. That´s why we offer the «My own room» option – a single room all to yourself.
My own room option: from $ 3,692
