Hola Peru Including Inca Trail - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

A free day in Lima.

We travel by bus along the Pan-American Highway to Pisco, then take a boat ride out to the Ballestas Islands, home to an abundance of birdlife, sea lions, penguins and pelicans. We also see the famous ‘candelabra’ figure etched onto the coastal hills. Later we continue to Nazca. Approx. 6 hours driving.

A full free day to explore Nazca and the surrounding area. There is the option to take a flight over the mysterious ‘Nazca Lines’, a series of huge geometric figures that were created at some distant point in history on the barren plain but which can only really be seen from the air. We take the overnight bus to Arequipa.

Arequipa is an attractive old colonial city, set against the stunning backdrop of El Misti volcano. We have a morning walking tour of the old town and the option to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery. Free afternoon.

A full free day to explore this beautiful colonial town.

Drive out through the mountains to Chivay, near the Colca Canyon. In the afternoon there is the option to bathe in the nearby hotsprings. The town is famous for its highly decorated traditional costumes.

An early start this morning as we head for the Colca Canyon, a dramatic gorge that is the second deepest inthe world. We hike through the gorge, searching for the condors that ride the air currents. Later we head to Puno where we spend the night.

We head out onto the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca and visit the floating reed islands that have been made by the local Uros people. We spend the night with local families on one of the islands. (D)

After saying farewell to our hosts we visit Taquile Island before returning by boat to Puno. (B)

We take the bus to the beautiful city of Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital.

Full day to explore Cuzco. There are a huge number of things to do - wander the cobbled streets, visit one of the many churches or hike, bike or ride horses to one of the archaeological sites outside the city.

A second full free day in Cuzco. There is the option to visit the Sacred Valley, home to a number of impressive Inca ruins, bustling markets and friendly villages.

We start our hike through the mountains to Machu Picchu. The going can be tough at times but the views are spectacular and there are a number of impressive Inca sites that we pass on the way. On day 17 we rise very early for the last part of the hike, arriving in time to see the sun rise over Machu Picchu. We spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient city before returning to Cuzco in the afternoon. (Day 14 - LD, Days 15-16 - BLD, Day 17 - B)

Fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado, in the heart of the Amazon. We transfer by boat to a remote jungle lodge where we spend two nights. (D)

A full day to explore the Amazon on foot and by canoe, accompanied by a local guide who will explain about the abundant flora and fauna. (BLD)

We fly back to Cuzco and on to Lima. (B)

Tour ends.