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Peru Explorer

Peru Explorer

10 DAYS

FROM $ 2,250

Expedition Type

Activity Level

Service Level

CASUAL

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EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

In Peru, adventure awaits at every turn, from the verdant valleys and jagged peaks of the Andes to the narrow cobblestone streets of Cusco. Experience the country’s most iconic sights on this action-packed journey. Delve into the Amazon rainforest, seeking out its diverse wildlife on naturalist–guided walks and canoeing excursions and venture to the Sacred Valley to discover enchanting Inca sites and timeless indigenous traditions. Embark on one of the world’s most memorable hikes—the Inca Trail—or experience the spectacular train ride to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY

Francisco Pizzaro’s ‘City of Kings’ is your launch pad to an epic encounter with the Amazon’s extraordinary biodiversity. On arrival in Lima, you’ll be escorted to your hotel and enjoy the day to explore the sights of this colonial capital on your terms.

Accommodations: Antigua Miraflores Hotel

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge, situated near the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon rainforest. Spot local bird species along the lush shores of the Madre de dios river en route to the lodge, and set off on an evening walk with a naturalist guide before dinner, keeping an eye out for some of the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sandoval Lake Lodge

Spend the day exploring the thriving ecosystems of the rainforest with our Naturalist Guides. A short boat ride takes us into the Reserve where we’ll hike through the thick forest, admiring towering green walls of vegetation, the cacophony of birdcalls and the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. Scan the treetops for toucans, howler monkeys, and sloths, and glide along oxbow lakes on canoes for a chance to glimpse river otters, turtles, and, if we’re lucky, anacondas. After dinner, embark on a river tour by motorized canoe on the lookout for caimans, the smaller cousins of alligators, which are often found hiding near the muddy banks.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Sandoval Lake Lodge

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel

Drive to the scenic Sacred Valley for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Experience the Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive expedition, 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 sites of Ollantaytambo and Pisaq, and enjoy a meal at Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Sacred Valley Hotel

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Trek Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
Difficulty: Moderate

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Trek Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Difficulty: Challenging

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).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Camping
Trek Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
Difficulty: Moderate

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. This evening we join our travel companions for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Tierra Viva Cusco Hotel
Trek Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi)
Difficulty: Moderate

After breakfast, transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and connect with your flight home or consider extending your holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY ABOUT US

I spent six days hiking through the Andes with Vigner as my guide. His knowledge, sunny personality, and amazing photography skills made my week extra memorable.
I have known Natventure for some time now, and upon a return to the region, organized a private trip into Manu Biosphere Reserve. We could not have asked for
When you go on a vacation, most of the time you are looking to disconnect from the world, relax, recoup, and just enjoy your time. This tour provided all of the above

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