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Day 1 Arrive Lima

Day 2 Pisco

Day 3 Islas Ballestas and Paracas National Reserve

Referred to as a Little Galapagos, this morning you'll depart by boat to the Ballestas Islands. Sea lion colonies lounge on the rocks and thousands of sea birds (such as Guanay Cormorants and Peruvian Boobies) circle overhead and strut along the rocky shoreline. After your island visit, it's off to the giant sand dunes of Paracas National Reserve for a bit of hiking. In the afternoon, bus to Nazca.

Day 4 Nazca Lines/ Arequipa

Since their discovery 70 years ago, these puzzling drawings in the earth have intrigued visitors and scientists. To get a bird's-eye view of the Nazca lines, take a short flight this morning. Afterwards, it's off to Chauchilla cemetery where thousand-year-old mummies lie in the open, and ancient bones and pottery shards litter the ground - an archeologists playground! This evening, a long bus ride to Arequipa, arriving around dawn.

Day 5 Free Day Arequipa

Days 6-7 Colca Canyon

As rich in history as the Cusco area, Colca's pre-Inca terraces rise straight up the canyon and ancient tombs can be found perched on vertical canyon walls. You'll leave Arequipa early this morning for the deepest canyon in the world. The drive takes you back in time, past herds of llamas and alpacas and through 400-year old colonial towns where residents raise potatoes and tend sheep according to the rising and setting of the sun. During your two nights in the canyon, relax in hot springs and enjoy a local peña (folkloric show)! One morning you'll head to the Cruz del Condor where you'll have your best chance to see the Andean condor. In the afternoon you'll walk along the canyon edge to the pueblo of Cabanaconde for a taste of village life in the Colca.

Days 8-10 Puno/ Lake Titicaca (B,D)

Day 11 Journey to Cusco

A spectacular bus ride to Cusco crosses the 14,403 foot La Raya pass. Your final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!

Day 12 Journey through the Sacred Valley

This morning you'll visit the ruins of Sacsayhuamán and Pisac. On your way to Ollantaytambo, you will either visit the colorful Pisac market or head into the campo on a two-hour walk past the tiny village of Moras and nearby Inca salt mines of Morays. Tonight, relax in front of a fire in the shadow of one of the great Inca citadels.

Day 13 Train to Machu Picchu

Ancient canals still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests, and as visitors you're welcomed to respectfully dip your hands in the cool water. After your tour of Machu Picchu, you'll return to Aguas Calientes to soak in the hot springs.

Day 14 Free Day at Machu Picchu

Today is your chance to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, and to listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants before the hikers from the Inca Trail arrive. The day is yours to enjoy these magnificent ruins. In the late afternoon you'll return to Cusco.

Day 15 Explore Cusco

Today is free to relax and explore with your guide or on your own. Travelers can go on a city tour of the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of SUVs). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged. The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife.

Day 16 Fly Lima and Return Home

US$ 3050
16 days starting and ending in Lima, Peru.
Tour Code: PP16
Single Supplement: US$450

Accommodations: 13 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay, 1 night bus

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: One local flight, buses, trains, and boats

Note: Flight Cusco-Lima is not included. Please add $155 US (flight cost subject to change).

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leaders, local guides

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$255 for meals not included, US$28 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$135 optional excursions (US$55/185 soles for return visit to Machu Picchu, $US55 Nazca fly-over).

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$45, Single US$90

Is it for Me? An exciting and active itinerary that offers the best of Peru's sights, culture, and history. Experience rural villages, colonial centers, exciting wildlife, and mysterious ruins. While relatively undemanding, the long travel days and high altitudes can be tiring for some travelers.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount