10 Days/09 Nights April - September Moderate
Peru is the country that can completely satisfy all human tastes, preferences and energy! The people there are extremely earthy, humble and kind - a mentality too close to the senses of much of humanity. It is unique to Peru - Nature, mysticism and unparalleled world cultural and historical heritage!
Lima is the capital: of Peru located on the arid Pacific coast of the country. Although its colonial center is preserved, it is an overflowing metropolis and one of the largest cities in South America. The Larco Museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museum of the Nation traces the history of the ancient civilizations of Peru. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th century cathedral are the core of the old center of Lima.
The highlights:
Day 1: LIMA
Day 2: LIMA/CHACHAPOYAS
Day 3: GOCTA FALLS
Day 4: KUELAP FORTRESS
Day 5: CHACHAPOYAS/CHICLAYO
Day 6: CHICLAYO
Day 7: CHICLAYO/TRUJILLO
Day 8: CHAN CHAN/LIMA
Day 9: LIMA
Day 10: LIMA/URUBAMBA
Day 11: URUBAMBA
Day 12: URUBAMBA/AGUAS CALIENTES
Day 13: AGUAS CALIENTES/CUSCO
Day 14: CUSCO
Day 10: CUSCO/LIMA
Day 10: LIMA
Day 10: LIMA/URUBAMBA
Day 10: LIMA/URUBAMBA
Day 10: LIMA/URUBAMBA
Day 1: LIMA
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Accommodations: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)
Day 2: LIMA/CHACHAPOYAS
Board an early flight to Jaen, then travel overland to Chachapoyas, gateway to the archaeological sites of northern Peru. "Chacha" as it's known locally, will be our base for exploring the natural, cultural, and archaeological highlights of the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Casa Hacienda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 3: GOCTA FALLS
Hike through the cloud forest to Gocta waterfall, one of the world's tallest cascades, 771 meters (2,156 feet) high. Ancient legends that discouraged local community members from talking about the falls, which did not begin receiving visitors until 2005 and are still relatively unknown. Take in Gocta’s mesmerizing spray; then opt for a longer hike to its base, or enjoy a free afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Casa Hacienda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 4: KUELAP FORTRESS
This morning, get immersed in the culture and history of the Chachapoyan people at Kuelap, a fortified city made up of more than 400 circular buildings and complexes. Ride a cable car up to the site, thought to have been an important cultural center for these pre-Inca "Cloud Warriors." Learn about coffee harvesting at a sustainable coffee farm before tasting coffee from the area. Later, try to spot some of the 130 bird species that live in the surrounding ecological reserve, including the spatula-tailed hummingbird.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations:Casa Hacienda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 5: CHACHAPOYAS/CHICLAYO
Today, drive to Chiclayo. This coastal town, founded in the 18th century, was once an important trade route between the coast and the jungle and is rich with archaeological sites and cultural history. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo (or similar)
Day 6: CHICLAYO
Enjoy a visit to one of the most archaeologically rich museums in Peru: the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. In the afternoon, explore the tombs of Huaca Rajada and Lord Sipán, a series of burial chambers used by the pre-Inca Moche culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo (or similar)
Day 7: CHICLAYO/TRUJILLO
Drive down the coast to colonial Trujillo, stopping along the way at the tomb of the Dama de Cao. Tour the site and hear about the mummy discovered here in 2006, thought to be the remains of the Lady of Cao, a high-ranking Moche ruler. In the afternoon, explore Trujillo to discover baroque churches and local markets.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Casa Andina Standart Trujillo (or similar)
Day 8: CHAN CHAN/LIMA
Visit the Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Later, enjoy a visit to Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest adobe city. The former capital of the Chimu people, Chan Chan covers 26 square kilometers (10 square miles) and was once home to about 50,000 people. Fly back to Lima this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)
Day 9: LIMA
Enjoy a free day to explore Lima's capital city.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities:Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos, Lima at Night and Water Circuit , Lima City Tour, Pachacamac - Lost Inca Citadel
Accommodations: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)
Day 10: LIMA/URUBAMBA
Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)
Day 11: URUBAMBA
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”). An exclusive experience for Journeys travellers and part of G Adventures for Good, you'll walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture. Also, explore the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)
Day 12: URUBAMBA/AGUAS CALIENTES
Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with the option to visit the market.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities: Hot Springs Visit, Machu Picchu Visit, Butterfly House Visit, Mandor Gardens Visit, 1-day Inca Trail Hike
Accommodations: Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar)
Day 13: AGUAS CALIENTES/CUSCO
Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Get free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Inca Bridge Visit
Day 14: CUSCO
Explore historic Cusco with options to visit museums or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking. This evening, take in a different view of the night sky at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Inca relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use their telescopes to admire the stars.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Optional Activities: Inka Museum, Whitewater Rafting Urubamba, Horseback Riding, Cusco City Tour
Accommodations: Taypikala Hotel Cusco (or similar)
Day 10: CUSCO/LIMA
Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Lima City Tour
Accommodations: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Comfort) (or similar)
Day 10: LIMA
Depart at any time.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Lima at Night and Water Circuit , Lima City Tour, Pachacamac - Lost Inca Citadel
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: April - September
Difficulty: Moderate
Climbing Nevado Pisco (Western 5752 m)
Climbing Nevados Urus (5495 m), Ishinca (5530 m) and Tocllaraju (6034 m)
Climbing Nevado Maparaju (5325 m), in the valley of Quilcayhuanca