Summary
- Day 1 : Arrive Lima
- Days 2-4 : Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands
- Day 5 : Journey to Cusco
- Day 6 : Explore Cusco
- Day 7 : Journey to Ollantaytambo
- Days 8-11 : Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail
- Day 12 : Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Day 13 : Amazon Lodge
- Day 14 : Amazon Lodge
- Day 15 : Amazon Lodge
- Day 16 : Fly Lima and Return Home
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
- Lake Titicaca
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley
- Inca Trail
- Machu Picchu
- Amazon
- Puerto Maldonado
- Ollantaytambo
- Puno
Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
ActiveOur most active trips for travelers who are fit and looking for vigorous adventures. Tours include multisport activities and multi-day treks.
CampingDeluxe camping or accommodations in mountain lodges.
Community StayHomestay with local families or overnight in community-supported campground for unique cultural immersion.
Details
Days 2-4 Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands 
(B,D)
An early morning flight takes you to the shores of mystical Lake Titicaca. Legend has it that the first Inca rose out of its azure waters. On Day 3 you'll visit the floating islands of the Uros people and stop for the night on Amantaní Island. Here you'll split into small groups and overnight with local families. A night on Amantaní is a journey 500 years into the past. Residents till the dry soil by hand and weave all their clothing on small wooden looms. Share in the hospitality of the Aymara Indians and experience a short day in their lives. After breakfast with your families, you'll make your way back to Puno for night 4.
Day 5 Journey to Cusco
A spectacular bus ride to Cusco crosses the 14,403 feet La Raya pass. Grab a window seat and enjoy Peru's altiplano. On the way you'll stop to explore a small Inca site and walk among a herd of llamas and alpacas. Your final destination is the Navel of the World--Cusco, Peru!
Day 6 Explore Cusco
Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua speaking descendents of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas. The morning is yours to wander Cusco's narrow streets. In the afternoon your tour leader takes you through Cusco's local market and explains a bit about what you'll find in the adjacent Witches Market. You will visit the Center for Traditional Textiles in Cusco, a local organization committed to preserving the region's weaving traditions. (If visiting the Sacred Valley on Sunday, you will visit their center in Chinchero instead). Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and processes of Peru's most well-known art form. This evening enjoy a folkloric show at one of Cusco's typical restaurants.
Day 7 Journey to Ollantaytambo
(L) This morning you'll visit the ruins of Sacsayhuamán. On your way to Ollantaytambo, you will either visit the colorful market or ruins at Pisac, or head into the campo on a two-hour walk past the tiny village of Moras and nearby Inca salt mines. Tonight, relax in front of the fire in the shadow of one of the great Inca citadels.
Days 8-11 Pilgrimage on the Inca Trail 
(3B,3L,3D)
(Click here for details about the Inca Trail)
Imagine the great Inca civilization as you walk in their footsteps on the Inca Trail to the sacred city of Machu Picchu. You will be well cared for by your friendly crew of guides and porters. Each day you'll pass by larger and larger ruins. Scenery changes from snow-capped mountains to lush green cloudforest. On Day 11 you'll descend 3,000 feet from your campsite at Phuyapatamarca to reach spectacular Machu Picchu in the afternoon. Like the Incas who once journeyed to the sacred city, you too are pilgrims on this inspiring exploration. After a morning tour of the ruins, bus or walk down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (town formerly called Aguas Calientes) to rest sore muscles in the local hot springs
Day 12 Machu Picchu - Cusco
Explore the great city at your own pace today. Climb the pinnacle mountain of Huayna Picchu for one of the most spectacular views of Machu Picchu or wander through the cloudforest on a recently discovered Inca pathway trail to the seldom visited Temple of the Moon. In the afternoon, you'll travel by train bypassing the Inca Trail as you return to Cusco. At night, travelers from all over the world fill Cusco's restaurants, pubs and dance clubs, providing the most vibrant and unique nightlife on the continent. Dance with Chileans, Germans, Finns, Americans, Colombians, French, English...the list goes on! Then toast to your Cusqueño hosts!
Day 13 Amazon Lodge
(B,L,D)
Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to the river port on the Madre de Dios River. A 25 minute journey down the Madre de Dios River by motor canoe brings you to the end of the trail into Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here the trail takes you on a 2-mile walk or rickshaw ride through secondary forest, until you reach a small canal where you'll board canoes and are paddled 220 yards through a flooded forest of 100-foot tall Mauritia palms. As the canal opens onto the shimmering surface of the lake, you'll transfer to a catamaran and are leisurely paddled halfway across the lake to the lodge. After lunch and a brief rest to avoid the early afternoon heat, you'll once again board the catamaran and set off to explore the entire west end of the lake. Here, in the flooded palm forest you'll drift to the sounds of hundreds of Red-Bellied Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. You'll return to the lodge around nightfall for dinner. After dinner you will return to the canoes to look for the large and extremely rare Black Caimans. If it's a clear starlit night, you'll take advantage of the stupendous stargazing as you float in the middle of the lake.
Day 14 Amazon Lodge
(B,L,D) A pre-dawn wake-up call will enable you to be on the lake for sunrise, when the resident wildlife is most active. With luck you'll encounter the family of Giant Otters which frequent the lake. Most of the fish-eating water birds around the lake actively fish in the early morning as well, and this outing should provide excellent views - and photographs - of the prehistoric-looking Hoatzins. After returning for a late breakfast, you'll set off into the cool understory of the tall virgin forest around the lake. You'll pass through towering wild Brazil Nut trees, and see a demonstration of how your hosts collect, open and commercialize this important natural product. Once you've eaten lunch and had an hour or so to relax, you'll once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern part of the lake. You'll hope to see one or more of the five species of monkeys, like the Brown Capuchin Monkey, which live in the forest near the lake. There is an opportunity again after dinner to try and spot some Black Caimans on the lake, or to go on a short night walk through the primary forest.
Day 15 Amazon Lodge
(B,L,D)
Rising once again at dawn, you'll have a quick snack before boarding the catamarans to explore the western end of the lake in the hope of an encounter with Giant Otters. After a late breakfast you'll explore some of the rainforest trails with your knowledgeable resident naturalist guide. As you walk, the forest will be brought to life as your guide explains the ecology of the rainforest and its diverse flora and fauna. You return for lunch, and then have an optional rest for those wanting to escape the early afternoon heat. For those still full of energy, there is an option to independently explore some of the forest trails. In the cooler late afternoon you will once again board the catamaran to explore the eastern end of the lake, and hopefully experience a spectacular sunset over the lake before returning to the lodge for dinner. After dinner, there is a final chance to look for Black Caiman on the lake, or to go on a short night hike through the forest.
Accommodations:
9 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay, 3 nights camping, 3 nights jungle lodge (click bed icons to view sample lodging - comparable lodges may be used depending on availability)
Single Supplement:
$660
Meals Included:
All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation:
2 local flights, tour buses, train, motorized canoe!and your own feet on the Inca Trail!
Notes:
Flights Lima-Juliaca, Cusco-Puerto Maldonado-Lima are not included. Please add US$525 (specific flight cost is based on travel dates and availability).
Group & Staff:
Min 2, Max 12; Adventure Life Tour Leader; local guides; porters for camping gear and packs.
Personal Budgeting:
Allow US$180 for meals not included and drinks, US$33 international departure tax, US$10 local departure taxes, US$80 optional excursions (US$55/185 soles for return visit to Machu Picchu, whitewater rafting, etc.).
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:
Share US$65, Single US$115
Is it for Me?
An active itinerary of snowcapped mountains, ancient cities, rural towns, a jungle lodge, and a vibrant Colonial city. Added to this, experience the lives of the local people of Lake Titicaca. The Inca Trail is a moderate to difficult four-day hike so travelers should be fit. There's a train option for those not wanting to hike, but please let us know if you would like this option at the time of booking.
Arrival / Departure Transfers:
1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Set Departures
Custom dates available. Contact a trip planner for details.
2009 Nov 27, Dec 25
2010 Jan 18, Feb 22, Mar 22, Apr 19, May 17, Jun 12*, Jun 18*, Jun 30, Jul 12, Aug 9, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Nov 29, Dec 20
