Note: Price based on double, 3-star hostel accommodation (this can be upgraded at an increased price, if desired) and an unescorted tour.
Discover Southern Peru
17D/16N
- Departure
Cusco
- when
From April to November
- Difficulty
Moderate
- type
Private
overview
Amazon Wildlife Peru has created this tour program to showcase the most beautiful destinations in southern Peru. The journey begins with a visit to Arequipa, known as the ‘White City’ due to its buildings made of volcanic white ashlar. We will then continue with a hike to the Colca Canyon, a natural wonder that stretches across the Andes mountains and is considered one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Next, we will head to Puno and Lake Titicaca, located at an elevation of 3,827 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in Peru. You will explore the renowned navigable Lake Titicaca (3,812 meters above sea level), situated in the Altiplano region, and discover the cultures of the Aymara people and their islands.
The tour connects with a visit to the historic capital of Peru, Cusco, which connects to Machu Picchu, the cradle of Inca culture. This ancient stone city dazzles visitors with its majesty, and its vibrant culture continues to thrive.
The journey then continues into the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll explore various ecological zones, including the enchanting Cloud Forest. Wildlife activities are a key focus during this exploration of the Amazon lowlands, featuring visits to the Tapir Clay Lick. The tour also offers opportunities for birdwatching from specially designed towers, forest exploration walks, and night hikes, all designed to enhance your unique experience.
daily summary
Day 1
Arrival to Lima
Lima – We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You may spend the rest of the day at your leisure, or you can choose to explore the City of Lima.
Day 2
Lima - Flight to Arequipa
2 DIA Lima – Flight to Arequipa: The flight departs for Arequipa, which is situated at an elevation of 2,335 meters above sea level, with a duration of approximately one hour. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free for exploration. Popular options include visiting the Cathedral, the 17th-century Santa Catalina Monastery, and the Ice Maiden Tomb. Other notable attractions are the specialized museums, Plaza de Armas, Volcán Misti, Museo Santuarios Andinos, or the Historic Center of Arequipa.
Day 3
Arequipa – Colca Cañon
Arequipa – Colca Canyon –
We will embark on an early bus journey to Chivay, taking in the stunning views of the Andes along the way. Travelers may spot wild vicuñas, renowned for their exceptionally fine wool. The journey to Chivay will take approximately five hours. During our trip, we will also see the source of the mighty Amazon River and a chain of several active volcanoes. Upon arrival in Chivay, we will visit the medicinal hot springs, where we can relax for a while, before spending the night in a local family hostal.
Day 4
Colca Cañon - AREQUIPA
Colca Canyon – Arequipa, On this day, we will rise early and take a bus to Mirador Cruz del Condor, a scenic viewpoint where we can marvel at one of the deepest sections of the Colca Canyon. We hope to see the majestic Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) gliding overhead. The scenery begins to unfold as warm thermals rise from the canyon floor, providing an essential source of lift for the Andean condors. These magnificent birds rely on these wind currents to soar effortlessly to the mountaintops. They also approach when a carcass is detected, allowing them to feed. After our visit, we will return to Arequipa, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 5
Arequipa - bus to Puno
Arequipa – Puno, On this day, we will embark on a five-hour bus journey to Puno, taking in the stunning views of the Altiplano region. Along the way, you will encounter a variety of beautiful landscapes, including rivers, wetlands, and agricultural fields, as we approach the folkloric capital of Peru, situated at 3,827 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the city, visit local markets, and enjoy the harbor of Lake Titicaca. This time will also allow you to acclimate to the high altitude.
Day 6
Puno – Titicaca Lake
Puno – Islands, We will embark on a boat trip to the remarkable floating islands of Uros, surrounded by lush reed grass vegetation. There, you will have the opportunity to interact with the Aymara people and observe their traditional ways of life and handicrafts. After our visit, we will continue our journey by boat for two hours to Amantani Island, where we will spend the night with a local Aymara family.
Day 7
Titicaca Lake
Islands – Puno – Taquile Island (at 3,820 meters) offers a unique day to explore the lake, particularly the community of Taquile, known for its distinctive weaving techniques. The typical lifestyle is based on agriculture, and Taquile Island is home to some of the best Quechua-speaking weavers in the world. There are many places to visit, and you can engage in experiential tourism, including visits to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples, swimming at the beaches, and enjoying the breathtaking sunset over Lake Titicaca. We will return to Puno City for the night.
Day 8
Puno – Bus ride to Cusco
Puno-Cusco, Travel on an exclusive panoramic bus from Cusco to Puno along the Route of the Sun, traversing the Altiplano region in southern Peru. This journey features guided visits to ancient Inca archaeological sites, including the Lithic Museum of Pukara, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas Sistine Chapel of America, and includes a delicious and varied buffet lunch in a scenic mountain setting, with continuous assistance from a professional guide.
We will make six stops to appreciate the breathtaking Andes mountain like la Raya Pass 4,313 meters range and explore both Pre-Inca and Inca archaeological sites. There will be time to leisurely stroll around the charming Main Square in Cusco.
Day 9
Cusco – City Tour
Cusco – City Tour, We have a free morning to explore the city of Cusco, and in the afternoon, we will embark on a captivating City Tour. This tour will include visits to Cusco Cathedral, Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán Fortress, Q’enqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay. You will be deeply impressed by the rich Inca culture, which embodies the history and heritage that make Cusco the historic capital of Peru.
Day 10
Cusco – Aguas Calientes
Cusco – Aguas Calientes -The journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes approximately four hours by train, traveling along one of the most impressive railways in the world. This route passes through intermontane valleys and the tropical Cloud Forest, leading you to Aguas Calientes, a town located near the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. The Vilcanota River, which flows nearby, is known for its strong currents. Upon arrival, we will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel. The following morning, we will take a bus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Day 11
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Finally, the dream comes true. Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 meters above sea level, is situated in the tropical cloud forest region, where you can expect to see clouds, fog, or mist enveloping the Inca site. There may be times when we must wait for the weather to clear, photogenic llamas grazing nearby enhance this wonderful experience. Later, we will carefully explore the Machupicchu Sanctuary. You will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, and if you feel physically energized, you can climb the sacred Huayna Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to the city of Cusco.
Day 12
Free day in Cusco
Cusco – Free Day in Cusco
You can explore the city of Cusco, visiting its museums, cathedrals, and Inca sites. Alternatively, consider the Sacred Valley Tour, which includes Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, and Salineras, or choose any other destination of your preference. Enjoy the local cuisine, shop, or simply relax. You can also walk through the Main Square and visit local markets.
Day 13
Cusco – Rainforest Lodge (Manu National Park)
Cusco – Manu Biosphere Reserved Zone (6 days, 5 nights). Early in the morning, we will pick you up for a private bus ride that will take us from the high elevations, passing through colonial towns and into the Cloud Forest. Eventually, we will arrive at the habitat of the exotic Peruvian national bird, the Andean Cock of the Rocks (Rupicola peruviana). Here, we will explore various Amazonian birds and other wildlife, including the Golden-Headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) and various species of hummingbirds. In the evening, we will stay at the Rainforest Lodge.
Day 14
Rainforest Lodge - Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Today, we will continue our adventure with a two-hour bus ride to Atalaya Port. Along the way, we will visit the hummingbird garden. There, the Madre de Dios River widens, and we will board our motorized boat for a four-hour journey downstream, arriving at Bonanza Lodge. In the afternoon, we will take a walk to our Tapir Clay Lick, where large animals such as tapirs, deer, porcupines, and pacas often appear at night to lick minerals. After dark, we will embark on a night walk—this is the best time to observe a variety of nocturnal creatures, including frogs, tarantulas, snakes, and other arthropods.
Day 15
Exploring in Bonanza Ecological Reserve
Bonanza.- On this day, we will depart early to explore the jungle, focusing on both transitional and primary forest ecosystems. There will be numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, including monkeys, peccaries, and anteaters. We will engage in extensive birdwatching from the canopy tower, where we may see macaws, toucans, woodpeckers, parrots, oropendolas, and more. Throughout the day, you will gain valuable insights into nature and its ecological interactions. Your guide will provide information on the benefits of medicinal plants and local practices.
Day 16
Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Cusco
Bonanza Ecological Reserve – Cusco We will depart from Bonanza Lodge by boat early in the morning, heading to Port Atalaya. From there, we will take a van to Cusco, passing through the Cloud Forest and the Andes Mountains, and arriving in Cusco in the early evening.
Day 15
Cusco – Flight to Lima
A flight from Cusco to Lima takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Depending on your schedule, you can connect to your international flight or continue with another planned trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Titicaca Lake, The highest navigable lake in the world is an extraordinary spectacle wherever one looks. The lake is surrounded by reed beds and dotted with many islands and Aymaras Culture.
- Cusco, is recognized as the Historic Capital of Peru
- Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- The Amazon Rainforest is considered a natural wonder, often referred to as the “World’s Lungs.” The jungle in Manu National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and visiting it offers an unforgettable experience.
- Arequipa and the Colca Canyon are recognized for their natural beauty, biodiversity, cultural history, and tourism value. Arequipa is known as the “White City” and is a major tourist destination.
- The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world, a UNESCO Global Geopark, a sustainable destination, and an important tourist attraction.
Tour Includes:
- All hostal accommodation (1 home-stay on the island trip and 3 nights jungle lodge accommodation on jungle trip)
- Pick-ups from airports/bus stations to hotels and vice versa
- Breakfast is included in all accommodation (lunch and dinner are included only where stated)
- 2 flights: Lima – Arequipa, Cusco – – Lima
- Tour of the Colca Canyon in Arequipa Tourist Ticket in Colca
- Comfortable coach to Puno from Arequipa
- Island Trip. Includes boat transport, Guide, basic family accommodation and food.
- First Class Coach to Cusco from Puno. Includes Guide, lunch and 6 stops along the way in order to see pre-Inca, Inca and Spanish sites
- City Tour and Tourist Ticket in Cusco
- Machu Picchu Trip. Includes entrance fee to Machu Picchu, return train journey, hostal (one night in Aguas Calientes) breakfast and tour Guide.
- Jungle Trip. Transport , food, accommodation and guide
What you need to take:
- Warm and waterproof jackets, gloves and hats. (Traditional gloves and hats can be bought in Puno, Arequipa and Cusco)
- Flashlights is needed for the trip in the Titicaca Islands and Jungle
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)