Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Nasca, Ica & Paracas

Overview

17 Days/16 Nigths
Altitud: 5,200m / 17,060 ft
Route: Cusco - Puno - Arequipa - Nazca - Ica - Paracas
Availability: April - November
Difficulty: Moderate
People per Guide: 5

Inca Trail Peru Inca trails on the mountains, in a scenic road Andean indescribable beauty that runs along the days of this adventure, archaeological sites which can only be reached by it, that's the Inca Trail.
Rainbow Mountain is becoming the main attraction to see after or before Machu Picchu. As you could guess, the mountain is famed for its natural, multi-colored beauty at a staggering 5,200 m.

Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is a colorful sedimentary mountain in Peru with a peak of just over 5,200 m (17,060 ft) today is very visited.

The Uros Islands are floating islands made of reed, situated in Lake Titicaca. The people of the Uros Islands who predate the Incas speak the Aymara.

The Colca Canyon is one of the most impressive and deepest in the world, has many attractions that go beyond the purely geographical. view point of the Condors.

The Nazca Lines are gigantic geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that stretches 53 miles between the towns of Nazca.

Huacachina is a natural oasis in the Peruvian desert and it is the place for adrenaline seekers, especially if you want to go sandboarding or dune buggy.

The Ballestas Islands is a vibrant and colorful wildlife sanctuary that is filled with wild birds and mammals, including sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins.

Lima city tour, view of the Huaca Pucllana, built in the IV century A.D. Vistit the central reserve bank of Peru Museum, where you can appreciate a showroom of the ancient cultures of Peru.

Travel Program

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival to Lima
Private pick-up at the Lima Airport. Transfer to hotel in Lima for a nice meal & a good night’s sleep. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)

Day 02: Arrival to Cusco
Private pick-up at the Cusco Airport. Transfer to hotel Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 03: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Cusco area
Explore Cusco city, quite walk around to Cusco – City tours. Lunch in Cusco is not included. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 04: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Salinas de Maras
This day we will visit Andenes Moray, Salineras de Maras and we go to visit Chincheros (Artesanal visit) / This tours it will take from 8am until to 3pm. Lunch in Cusco is not Included. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 05: Sacred Valley of Incas – continued to visit Pisac
We will visit Pisac, Urubamba where we will take the lunch, Visit Archaeology Ollantaytambo and Chinchero (We will visit colonial all church, Architecture, paint) / This tours it will take all day. Lunch in Urubamba is not Included. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-).

Day 06: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - km 82 - Llactapata - Huayllabamba
You will be picked up from your Cusco Hotel early in the morning in private transport. You should have breaksfast in your hotel or bring some snack. We will stop in Ollantaytambo for last minute purchases, or a quick breakfast if youmissed it in Cusco! We will continue to Piscacucho (Also known as kilometer 82) where the clasic inca trail starts. On arrival at kilometer 82, it´s necessary to show entrance tickets, original passports and student card (if applicable). Crossing the Urubamba river, we begin our trek through typical dry forest growing prichly pear and other cactus, and the tara tree. We will walk around 3 hours (6kms) to Llactapata the first archaeological site on our journey. From there, another 4 km of gentle uphill through farmland takes us to Huayllabamba and our campsite for the night. Total, walking distance - 12 kms, walking time - 5 hs, Minimum altitude 2700m / 8,858 ft - Maximum 3000m /9,842ft Approx. Night Temperature 7°c. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 07: Huayllabamba - Llulluchapampa - Dead Woman´s Pass - Pacaymayo
After a good night rest, we will get started on what is generally considered the most challenging day of the classic inca trail trek. We wake early in order to get a good start, then, leaving pastoral villages and farmland behind, we enter the subtropical forest, stopping for lunch around Llulluchapampa. From here we will start a steep ascenttowards the highest pass: The abra de Warmihuañusca or "Dead Woman´s Pass" coming in at and impressive 4215m (13,828ft). You´ll feel and amazing sense of achievement upon reaching the top! After a short rest, we continue downwards 600m (1,968ft) over 3 kms(1.8m) Through very humid forest to the evening campsite of Pacaymayo. Total, walking distance - 10 kms, walking time - 6hs, Minimum altitude - 3000m / 9,842ft/ Maximum - 4215m /13,828ft Approx. Night Temperature 7°c Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 08: Pacaymayo - Sayakmarka - Phuyupatamarca / Wiñaywayna
After another early breakfast, we walk to the beautiful inca site of Runkurakay, one of the check points and the beginning of the original Royal inca trail to Machupicch, known as Qhapaq Ñan. We continue on to Sayakmarka, one of hte most beautiful Inca remains incredible scenery filled with orchids and hummingbirds. After another hour, we arrive at Phuyupatamarca (Town in th clouds), the third higihest point on the trail (3680m / 12,073ft) where we will have breathtaking views of salkantay mountain. After feasting our eyes for a oment, we continue downhill through the forest for about 3 hours until we reach Wiñay Wayna (forever young), our campsite for the evening.

Step away from camp is the inca site of the same name, the most impressive on the trail. ¡No matter how tired you are, talk to your guide and don´t miss out on seeing this wonder!
Please note: Campsote are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and we cannot guarantee that Wiñay wayna will be available. If not, the alternative campsite is located at Phuyupatamarca, located farther away from Machupicchu but generally lles crowded.
Total, walking distance - 12 kms (to Phuyupatamarca), 16km (to Wiñay wayna), Minimum altitude - 2670m / 8,760ft/ Maximum - 3680m /12,073ft Approx. Night Temperature 9°c. Overnight Camp (B/L/D)

Day 09: Wiñay Wayna - Inti Punku - Machupicchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco
We will rise aerly on this day in order to arrive at Inti Punku (The Sun gate) (2730m / 8,956ft) in the early morning. This early morning hike is the final part of the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. If you are lucky, we may be able to spot the sun rising over Machu Picchu from where we stand.
After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic shot of this ancient city. From Inti Punku we descend into Machu Picchu through the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks and then we enter this famous city. Finally, we isit Machu Picchu itself! your 4h visit to Machu Picchu can be spent exploring some of the alternative routes, like the Inca bridge, after which your guide will give you a 2-3h walking tour of the historic citadel.

If you are feeling adventurous you may wish to hike Huayna picchu or Machupicchu Mountain, but take note: ¡this requires and extra permit, and they can sell our well in advance! be sure to tell us booking if you would like to add one of these hikes. For more tips on what to see, check out our visiting Machu picchu page. Then we will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the train back (train times will vary according to the season). The trains terminate in Ollantaytambo from where there will be a bus transfer to Cusco. Total, walking distance - 6 kms, Minimum altitude - 2670m / 8,760ft/ Maximum - 2730m /8,956ft Overnight Camp (B/L/-)

Day 10: Tours to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
We start from Cusco at 2:00 am, we head south (Urcos) asphalted to pitumarca (2:00 hours) following the route we will pass many communities until arriving at hanchipata-Quesuno approximately 1 hour and a half, the place ideal to begin the hike, on the route we will appreciate mountains like Ausangate, puca puncho, lagoons and camelids. The hike lasts approximately 3 hours until Vinicunca (rainbow-colored mountain) the return is easier since it is more descent as 2 and a half hours until Quesunoyi then to Cusco arriving 3.00 pm. Overnight Bus(B/L/-)

Day 11: Titicaca Lake and Home stay
This Trip begins at 08:00 am with a transfer from your hotel to the port. We then depart to Uros floating Ilands. We check out 2 of the 60 islands, see inside the houses, and rides on traditional reed boats can also be arranged. Later, after a 3-hour motorboat journey, we arrive to the Amantani Island. On arrival, you will probably see local families running down the hill to welcome you. There you will meet your designated host family. With them you will have a typical lunch made from natural products. Throughout the day, you will be able to participate in intercultural activities until dinner time. After dinner, you will watch a typical show. Overnight village Amantani (B/L/D)

Day 12: Amantani Island - Taquile Island - Puno
The day we will start at 07:00 am with breakfast with your host family, and then depart to Taquile Island. Once in Taquile, we will walk to the village where we will enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. When finished, we walk down to the port to return to Puno at approximately 16:00pm and on arrival we will transfer you to the bus station and travel to Arequipa.Overnight bus (B/L/-)

Day 13: Arequipa – Cruz del Condor – Colca Canyon - Arequipa
We will pick you up from the Arequipa hotels at 4:00 a.m. to follow the Yura route directly to Pampa Cañahuas. We’ll see the National Reserve of Salinas, Vizcachani, and Chucura 4,800 meters above sea level, passing by the volcanic crater and arriving in town of Chivay, 43 km away. At almost 1:00 pm., we’ll see Cruz del Condor, where we will enjoy our box lunch. Then we’ll return along the same route, visiting the lookout point of Antahuilque, Maca and Yanque. We will arrive in Chivay and return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at your hotel around 5:00 p.m.Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)

Day 14: City tours Arequipa - Flight to Lima
We will visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a remarkable sight in Arequipa. Meet Juanita “the Ice Girl,” a well-preserved body found on the Andean glaciers. We also visit its central plaza, beautifully laid-out with palm trees and gardens. Additionally, we also visit the magnificent Cathedral of Arequipa and flight to Lima in the afternoon.Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)

Day 15: Ballestas Islands, Tacama vineyards and Huacachina Oasis
Today, we will be looking to depart the earliest possible from Lima to take advantage of the day and to visit the Ballestas islands in the first turn.
Once the tour to Ballestas is done you will continue to Huacachina oasis that is located in Ica about 45 minutes from Paracas , At the oasis you will have the chance to ride over the dunes on board of a buggy and practice sand boarding while enjoying the view of the desert and sunset.

Around 6.30 pm we will continue 2 more hours driving until Nazca or spend the night at Ica this is flexible and upon request. Night in Nazca or Ica Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)

Day 16: Nazca lines Chauchilla cemetery and Cahuachi Pyramids
Today you will be visiting the Nazca lines the tour can be done by plane or by stopping at the 3 lookouts, we have these choice thinking on people that are not sure if they want to fly over the lines.

And at the agreed time we will take you to visit the Chauchilla cemetery, please notice that you could ex-change this tour for Cahuachi pyramids or Aqueducts. and tranfer to Lima. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)

Day 17: Fligh your country
Fligh your country Overnight --- (B/-/-)

What’s included

Included:

Transfers from airport Lima and Transfer Lima to hotel
Hotel in Lima 3* ,according to the program nights. Double room with breakfast included
Hotel in Huaraz 3*, according to the program nights. Double room with breakfast included
Hotel in Arequipa 3*, according to the program nights. Double room with breakfast included
Hotel in Puno 3*, according to the program nights. Double room with breakfast included
Hotel in Cusco 3*, according to the program nights. Double room with breakfast included
Tickets bus Lima - huaraz - Arequipa - Puno - Cusco
Flight tickets, Lima - Arequipa / Lima - Cusco
All meals during the all trip
Tours to rainbow mountains
Tours to island in Titicaca lake
Tours to colca canyon
Camping equipment including tents, kitchen tent, dining tent,toilet tent,etc
Donkeys and donky driver for santa cruz trek
Profesional guide during all visit
Porters (carry tent and cooking equipemt)
cooks
All entrance fee, Huaraz, Arequipa, and Puno.
Entrance fees to Machu picchu
Bus tickets Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Train ticket (Expedition service) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
Tours Island Ballestas
Entrances fees
Private transfer Lima-Nazca-Lima
Overflight Nazca Lines
Tours by dune duggy and sandboarding
Land tour to choose: Cahuachi / Chauchilla or Cantalloc Aqueducts
New and air conditioned Tourist Mobility
Professional bilingual guide English / Spanish other language according to availability
Tickets and Taxes

Not Included:

International Flights
International Flights
Travel accident and health insurance
City touring Lima
Breakfast on the first morning
Dinner on the last night
Entrance to the hot springs in Chivay
Available for the if you don´t have one with you
Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Pichu Mountain
Toilet tents is not included on Inca trail routes because we use facilities provided by the Ministry of Culture
Horse (in case of emergency, for trekking parts)
Travel luggage and Travel cancellation insurance
Not mentioned food and beverages
Personal Spending
Personal Equipment
Tipping