Note: Price based on double, 3-star hostal 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 – A 4-hour train ride on one of the most impressive railways in the world will take us to Aguas Calientes (town nearest Machu Picchu) where we will stay the night. We will take the bus the next morning to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Day 11
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu – Today we will explore fully the city of Machu Picchu here you will have a guided tour around 2 hours and if you feel energetic you can climb the sacred Huayna Picchu Mountain. Then at 4 pm we will take the train back to the city of Cusco.
Day 12
Free day in Cusco
Cusco – A day to visit museums, shop or simply rest and get ready for the amazing jungle trip next day.
Day 13
Cusco – Rainforest Lodge (Manu National Park)
Cusco – Manu **Jungle Trip to Manu Reserve (4 days, 3 nights). Early in the morning we will pick you up and take a private bus ride will conduce us from the heights point passing colonial towns into the Cloud Forest where Eventually we will arrive at the home of the exotic Peruvian National Bird, the Cock of the Rocks” and different Amazonian birds. This night we will stay at Rainforest Lodge.
Day 14
Rainforest Lodge - Bonanza Ecological Reserve
This day we will continue for around 1 hour by bus and then we will arrive to Atalaya which is a small port from here we will take our motorcycle boat. We will go down river like 4 hours to arrive our Bonanza Lodge. We will have a night walk in the dark best time to see many anthropoids, tarantulas, scorpions and snakes.
Day 15
Exploring in Bonanza Ecological Reserve
This day we will leave early to walk into the Jungle we will explore the jungle in the primary and secondary forest having many opportunities to search wildlife such monkeys, peccaries, anteater this day we will do a lot of bird watching for to see macaw, toucans, woodpeckers, parrots, oropendolas and other. This day you will learn a lot about nature your guide will teach you about medicinal plants.
Day 16
Bonanza Ecological Reserve - Cusco
This day we will return from Bonanza Lodge we will have an early morning departure with direction to the Port of Atalaya, which was the entrance point that led us into the jungle in the first place. Our private bus will already be waiting for us there to take us back to the Magical City, Cusco. We will pass through the beautiful Cloud Forest on the way, arriving in Cusco around 19:30pm.
Day 15
Cusco – Flight to Lima
Cusco – Lima – A 1 hour 45 minute flight will bring us back to Lima, to wait your international flight or continue with your trip.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arequipa with its beautiful Monastery and Cathedral. It is known as the “White City” and was declared a World heritage site in 1992. Also in this region is the Colca Canyon, arguably the deepest in the world!
Puno with its Floating Uros islands.
Cusco and Machu Picchu – no explanation needed!!
The World’s Lungs – the jungle is one of the most diverse areas of the planet and visiting it is an unforgettable experience.
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)
- Torch for the Island trip and Jungle
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)