Peru Premium Adventure Tour 15 Days

We begin the day in Miraflores after breakfast and we walk along the Malecon, and pass the Parque del Amor where the Pacific is breathtaking. The shore exudes coldness immediately. 

The next site is the adobe pyramid Huaca Pucllana that is an unbelievable pre-Inca structure in the heart of town. We shall be taken on a guided tour to discover the way the Lima people created intricate ritual and administration complexes long before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Next, we go to San Isidro to walk through Parque de los Olivos, a calm olive grove that dates back to the 16 th century.The narrow streets provide a relaxing retreat before the entrance to the Historic Center with the still trees of the colonial era.

During the afternoon, we’ll reach Plaza Mayor de Lima where the city was born. We’ll visit the Government Palace, the Lima Cathedral and the Archbishop Palace on the outside and chat about the colonial nature of Peru. Then we leap into Convento de Santo Domingo, and push through narrow cloisters, ancient libraries and religious art, which show centuries of tradition.

And to conclude the day, we sample out a variety of pisco in a vintage bar and then off to your hotel in Miraflores. Another night in Lima.

Maximum height: 154 m / 505 ft

Minimum height: 0 m / 0 ft

Climate: Mild coastal

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 hrs

RECOMMENDATION
It is important to wear light, comfortable clothing for walking, appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a water bottle, as the tour includes several outdoor walks and cultural visits. Also, since you will be newly arrived, it's best to take it easy, stay well hydrated, and have your ID or passport handy, as you will be visiting historical sites and museums that require admission.

We will reach the road to Jorge Chavez International Airport this morning, and are heading to Puerto Maldonado, in the Madre de Dios region, in a flying stay. The thick Amazon forest dwarfs the desert landscape of the coast as we go by.

Our jungles receive us when we arrive and take you to the river port. Then we crossed the river Madre de Dios on a motorized canoe and plunged into the atmosphere of the rainforest. There will be capybaras, turtles, and herons on the waypoint.

When we get to the Amazon lodge and you get settled in your bungalow, you will be able to take a meal with forest sounds. In the late afternoon, we will walk on a local trail where the guide discusses medicinal plants, giant ceiba trees and the intricate jungle environment. 

Once the dinner is finished, we go out at night to have a river run in search of caimans along the banks. The light in their eyes seen in the flashlight is quite an exhilarating and captivating beginning to Amazon wildlife. Overnight at the lodge.

Maximum height: 200 m / 656 ft

Minimum height: 183 m / 600 ft

Climate: Humid

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 hrs

Our morning is kicked off by howler monkeys and the flock of tropical birds. In the morning we take a breakfast walk in the woods on our guided hiking trip after breakfast at the lodge. Cracking trees and littered roads take us across the streams and through the flooded areas further into the jungle. 

In midday, we reached Lake Apu Victor, which was an undisturbed place bordered by giant trees and wetlands. This is observed at a deck above the canopy where we are able to see the forest and water. Hopefully, we will see macaws and toucans, herons, turtles, caimans--and perhaps a giant river otter. 

The afternoon adventure begins after a lunch and a short relaxation at the lodge. The Madre de Dios river takes us on a brief boat ride to Monkey Island where we are safe to all types of primates. 

The island will also have capuchins, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and little marmosets in its woods. The river sets the sun making the scene appear to be all gold. We go then to the lodge where we dine in the evening and spend the night in Puerto Maldonado.

Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Maximum height: 200 m / 656 ft

Minimum height: 183 m / 600 ft

Climate: Tropical rainforest

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 hr

After breakfast, we navigate back along the Madre de Dios River to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco.

The contrast is immediate. Upon landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, you are welcomed at 3,399 meters above sea level. The air is thinner and colder and Andean peaks completely enclose the city.

Then we will walk in San Blas, the artistic quarter of Cusco. The narrow cobblestones, the white walls and the small craft shops provide you with a warm welcome.

At the end of the day, we arrive at Plaza de Armas with colonial churches built on the Inca premises. The melting point of cultures comes out immediately. Sleep over in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Minimum height: 183 m/600 ft

Climate: Dray mountain climate

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 hrs

We will begin with Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the original sacred place of the empire. Indoors you will find the exact Inca stonework which hides the Spanish Convent of Santo Domingo--evidence that the strata of Cusco were intermingled.

Then there is Sacsayhuaman, the huge stone citadel with those huge blocks that fit perfectly. It is a panoramic view of Cusco down there.

Then we came to Qenqo, a ritual place hewn out of limestone and Puka Puka pukara, an ancient military checkpoint and Tambomachay Tambomachay aka Temple of Water. At every place, there is a new face of Inca engineering and spirituality.

On completion of all the digs in a day, we go back to the hotel to have some quality time.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,800 m / 12,467ft

Minimum height: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hr

In the morning after our breakfast, we will drive to the Sacred Valley, then down to the fertile valley of the Urubamba. The Taray Viewpoint is the first to be visited and here you will have the sight of countless terraces, dotted with villages, and the river winding its way down.

Next we’ve got the Pisac ruins. We are going to examine its ritual aspects, the terraces and the smooth rock up in the air. The location and accuracy of the spot demonstrate that Incas were not in a hurry to go. Then we will stroll in the Pisac town market, selling textile, ceramics, and silver jewels by the locals.

At noon, we go to Urubamba, where we have lunch that has Andean scenery. We’ll go to the fortress of Ollantaytambo in the afternoon--up the terraces, and an examination of the large carved stones. In the evening we will arrive in Cusco again.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,762 m / 12,343 ft

Minimum height: 2,792 m / 9,160 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 hr

We will be leaving early, so we are going to go to Ollantaytambo and the Train Station to get on the train to Aguas Calientes. Our ride will get us across the Urubamba River, enclosed by mountainous steep terrain and cloud forests. 

Once there, we will be taking the shuttle to Machu Picchu. The Temple of the Sun, Three windows, Main plaza and the inner terraces will be hit during our walk.

The architectural genius and the spiritual aura of this wonderful site will be revealed during the tour. We will then walk back down to Aguas Calientes where we will lunch at a place of your choice.

In the afternoon we will ride Ollantaytambo where we will take the train back, and then ride privately back to Cusco. Sleep over in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Minimum height: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft

Climate: Midle mountain climate

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 hrs

This morning we’ll climb up on the high plains over the Sacred valley. Our brief safety brief will be followed by an all-terrain vehicle tour across the open plains of the Andes to Moray.

We will roll over fields and rounded hillocks till we reach the circle terraces at Moray. Next, we will explore the location and find out how Incas created microclimates to experiment.

Then we proceed to the Maras Salt Mines where more than 3,000 salt pools rush down the cliff. We will take the steps and observe how people continue to collect salt by the handful.

In the afternoon we will swing to the mountain view Lodge to cool and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains. Night in Mountain View Lodge.

Overnight stay in Mountain View.

Maximum height: 3,765 m / 12,352 ft

Minimum height: 3,399 m/12,139 f

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 hr

We will depart before dawn, and go south to Cusipata and blaze a traditional Andean breakfast. Then we’ll continue to the starting point at about 4,600m, which is near Vinicunca.

Then we will take a scenic high-altitude tour in an off-road vehicle. The background consists of snow-covered mountain-tops and broad valleys. Towards the end, we would have a little hiking to the summit of 5,020m.

We will have a drink at the summit of Rainbow mountain, take photos of the layers of colorful minerals and enjoy the Andean panorama. We will go back down by ATV then back to Cusipata to have some lunch.

Towards late afternoon we will be at Cusco to sleep over.

Overnight in Cusco

Maximum height: 5,020 m/16,469 ft

Minimum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Climate: Cold high-altitude

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

We will lift off of Cusco in the morning and go on a horseback expedition in the countryside. We will take a short safety brief and pick the horses after which we will ride the easy tracks surrounded by eucalyptus groves and open fields.

During our ride, we are going to have panoramic views of Cusco and its neighboring mountains. The action is slow, and therefore we will be able to take pictures and rest before the next segment.

We are going to the Temple of the Moon which is a carved-in-rock shrine. You will find us over there just checking out the cave-like place and find out what it is like in Andean cosmology.

Once we have enjoyed the sightseeing and taking of photos, we will then ride back on horseback to Cusco on the same picturesque route. Sleep over in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Minimum height: 3,121 m / 10,240 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 - 2 hrs

After finishing breakfast we will go to the train station and board the Belmond Andean Explorer and begin our journey through the Andean highlands to Puno. The big windows will provide us with killer views of all the mountains, plains and alpacas having all around grazing.

We will pass La Raya Pass, (4,335 m), which is the highest point of the line. The train will linger a little, and we can get out to take pictures of the unbelievable high mountain views.

In the train we will have a gourmet lunch, experiencing the best of service, and listening to music live as we view little Andean villages dotted across the Altiplano. The atmosphere is relaxed with a touch of culture.

At the end of the afternoon we will reach Puno, there on the banks of Lake Titicaca, and we will get ourselves a ride to your night-time hotel.

Overnight in Puno

Maximum height: 3,827 m / 12,555 ft

Minimum height: 3,121 m / 10,240 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 - 2 hrs

The following morning we will go to the port of Puno and take out a motorboat which is going to travel across the highest lake in the world that can be navigated. We’ll begin with Uros floating Islands, all made of totora reeds.

We will see how the Uros people make their houses, boats and rafts of this plant. The locals will demonstrate their conventional practices and how they preserve their culture.

Then we will head to Amantani Island (3,663 m). It will be known there for welcoming local families, who prepare up a local lunch. We will also explore the lake during an afternoon hike up Pachatata Hill with sweeping views and a sunset over the lake.

The next day will be a dinner with the host family and a warm cultural party with music and traditional costumery. We will sleep on Amantani Island.

Overnight stay on Uros Island.

Maximum height: 3,812 m / 12,507 ft

Minimum height: 3,663 m / 12,018 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

We will go to Taquile Island (3,950 m) by boat after breakfast with the family. As soon as we get here, we will begin with a picturesque walk along paved paths, and have a long view of Lake Titicaca and its blue waters.

During our exploration, we will observe how the islanders preserve the ancient traditions by means of community work and respect. We will also know about the textile art of Taquile, which carries deeper culture and a thorough symbolism.

Noon It will be a classic lunch of local food and getting blissed out by the impressive view of the Altiplano. The relaxed atmosphere actually reflects the relaxed rhythm of the island.

Later in the afternoon we will be returning in the boat to the port of Puno and transfer to your night hotel.

Maximum height: 3,950 m / 12,959 ft

Minimum height: 3,827 m / 12,556 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

At the scheduled time, we will take you out of the hotel of Puno and drive through the high plateau one more time to Juliaca Airport. We will ensure that you get there just in time and complete an incredible experience around the coast, rainforests, mountains, and lakes of large elevation in Peru.