ITINERARY:
Day 1,
Flight to South America
In the evening, flight with Iberia to Madrid, with a stopover of approximately two hours, and onward flight to Lima (flight duration: 11.5 hours). Alternatively, overnight flight with LATAM Airlines from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo (flight duration: 11.5 hours).
Day 2, Lima
Welcome to Peru!
Iberia travelers land early in Lima, while LATAM Airlines travelers will arrive in Sao Paulo in the morning, where they will take their connecting flight to Lima after a three-hour wait (flight duration: 5 hours). Upon arrival in the morning, our guide will greet us with great enthusiasm. Then, we will take a tour of the modern city of Lima, starting with the exclusive neighborhood of Miraflores, with its avenues full of boutiques and cafes. On the coast, the first surfers are already enjoying the waves of the Pacific. During lunch, we will enjoy the rich and varied Peruvian gastronomy, an experience not to be missed! (M)
Day 3, Lima – Ica
Encounter with the penguins
We travel south along the Panamericana, making a stop in Pisco, the city famous for its national liquor, the Pisco Sour, which of course, we will not hesitate to try. We continue to Paracas, on the Pacific coast, where we can take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, home to thousands of birds, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. We return to the mainland and continue to Ica. In the middle of the desert, we find the Huacachina oasis, a perfect place for those who wish to practice sandboarding. (F)
Day 4, Ica – Puerto Inca
Desert views
We continue our journey south, crossing desert landscapes. From a lookout point, we will have an impressive view of the Nazca Lines, enigmatic geoglyphs in the desert. Then, we head towards the coast until we reach Puerto Inca (F).
Day 5, Puerto Inca – Arequipa
Climbing the mountains
Today we leave the sea behind and begin an ascent to the city of Arequipa, located at 2,350 meters above sea level. After a tour of the city, we will enjoy a delicious local meal, including a succulent alpaca steak, exquisite and with very little fat content! (F)
Day 6, Arequipa
Monasteries and more
In the morning, we explore Arequipa, visiting the Plaza de Armas, La Compañía church and the Santa Catalina monastery, famous for its luxurious cells of the ancient nuns. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or go shopping. (F)
Day 7, Arequipa – Colca-Canyon
Surprising heights and landscapes
During the journey, we will see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The road turns into a track, and we ascend until we reach the Patapampa pass, at 4,870 meters above sea level. To combat altitude sickness, we will drink coca tea. Then, we head to the imposing Colca Canyon, where we can relax in the hot springs of La Calera. Overnight in Chivay, at 3,420 meters altitude (F/M).
Day 8, Colca-Canyon – Puno
Meeting with the condors
In the morning, we descend to the Cruz del Condor in the Colca Canyon, a place where it is very likely to see condors soaring through the sky. Then, we hike for two hours to the village of Cabanacondo, where the bus awaits us to take us to Lake Titicaca. We arrive in Puno (3,850 m) in the evening (F).
Day 9, Puno – Ticonata Island
Exploring Titicaca
Our boat slowly advances on Lake Titicaca. We first visit the floating villages of the Uros, then we head to Taquile Island, known for its weaving men, and finally, we arrive at Ticonata Island, where we will spend the night with the local inhabitants. (F/M/R/H)
Day 10, Ticonata Island – Sacred Valley
Journey to the Sacred Valley
After breakfast, we return to the mainland and begin our long journey into the Andes, crossing the La Raya pass (4,350 m), until we reach the Sacred Valley of the Incas (F).
Day 11, Sacred Valley
Free option or excursion in Ollantaytambo.
Free day to relax or, if you prefer, join Juan on an optional excursion to Ollantaytambo (79 ¤). We climb the Inca fortress and then visit the salt mines of Maras, where we learn about the salt harvesting process. In the afternoon, we enjoy a traditional meal, the “Huatia”, prepared in an earth oven (F/M).
Day 12, Machu Picchu
Discovering Machu Picchu
We take the train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to Machu Picchu. After the guided tour of this incredible Inca citadel, we will have free time to explore Aguas Calientes. (F)
Day 13, Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Exploring the Mandor Valley
In the morning, we hike to the Mandor Valley, a place full of lush vegetation. Then, we return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. We arrive in the evening (F)
Day 14, Cusco
The heart of the Inca Empire
In Cusco, we visit the main historical sites, such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Free afternoon to discover the city at your own pace. (F)
Day 15, Cusco
Free day or Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Free day or, if you prefer, join the trek to Rainbow Mountain (55 €, includes picnic). We leave early in the morning and ascend to 5,050 meters to see the impressive multicolored landscape. We return in the afternoon to Cusco, exhausted but happy (F).
Day 16, Cusco – Puerto Maldonado
From the Andes to the Amazon
We fly from Cusco (3,400 m) to the Amazon, landing in Puerto Maldonado. From here, we take a boat to our jungle lodge. At night, we go out in search of caimans with the help of a ranger (F/A).
Day 17, Amazon
Jungle adventure
In the morning, we follow a ranger to explore the local fauna at Sandoval Lake. Then, we visit a lookout point to observe the green roof of the Amazon (F/M/A).
Day 18, Puerto Maldonado – Lima
Return to Lima
In the afternoon, flight to Lima (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for our last night in the city (F).
Day 19, Return flight
Return flight from Lima
Transfer to the airport for our return flight. Iberia travelers fly overnight to Madrid. LATAM Airlines fly to Sao Paulo at noon, with a stopover before returning to Frankfurt (F).
Day 20, Arrival in Europe
Return home
Iberia travelers arrive in Madrid in the afternoon and take the flight to their final destination. LATAM Airlines passengers arrive in Frankfurt in the afternoon.
