Mon - Day 1 - depart to Peru - arrive Lima

Depart from the home city on Continental (*or any choice of carrier ) to Lima where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel located in Lima. Overnight at the Hotel.

Tues - Day 2 - Lima - Puerto Maldonado - Wasai Tambopata Lodge

You will be met and transferred to the Lima airport & the local airline flight departing to Puerto Maldonado. dfd Here the local staff will meet and transfer you by bus to the WASAI Maldonado Lodge where you will receive a welcoming tropical fruit beverage as well secure excess baggage. Continue to theTambopata river where you will embark for a 3 to 4½ hour motorboat trip up the Tambopata River to WASAI Tambopata Lodge & Research Center. (box lunch on route). During the trip you enter the primary rainforest where a variety of plant as well as wildlife can be observed You will have the opportunity to observe caiman, turtles and numerous amount of bird species that flourish on the rivers edge. Also the opportunity to see families of Ronsocos, the largest rodents in the world. Upon your arrival you will take a short rest in your accommodation at the lodge, then proceed for a introductory walk in the forest nearby to learn basic principles of ecology and hear some wildlife natural history. Return to the lodge for dinner. After a hearty dinner you will make your first visit to the forest to observe the nocturnal life of insects, frogs of various colors, and an occasional encounter with nocturnal mammals. Here you can enjoy the diverse sounds of the jungle which will accompany our first night in Amazonia. Overnight at the WASAI Tambopata Lodge. ( BB/L/D )

Wed - Day 3 - Wasai Lodge Tambopata

Early morning wake up early (4:00 am) to drink a coffee or hot drink and leave for the "Collpa". You will travel up the Tambopata river ("Bahuaja" in the local dialect )for an hour and a half, before arriving a safe distance for observation one of the greatest spectacles of wildlife. Known as one of the largest Macaw Licks in the world, almost everyday hundreds of parrots and macaws of various species, enjoying their diet of mineral salts on the clay wall. It is an experience that never will be forgotten. Afterwards you will make a stop on the river bank to have a fruit snack and we will return to the lodge to have breakfast and rest. After lunch you will enter the verdant jungle on a special trail to observe wild life. You will then enter the territory of peccaries, deer and others, with the possibility to hear or see the tracks of them, or discovering a troop of monkeys traveling through the forest in search of food. Time permitting, you can return to enjoy a relaxing swim in the cascade of the cat. After dinner we can make another trip through the jungle, search for caimans or relax in our lodge surrounded by exotic nocturnal sounds. Overnight at the WASAI Tambopata Lodge. ( B/L/D )

Thur - Day 4 - Wasai Lodge Tambopata - Wasai Lodge Maldonado

After breakfast, you will depart from the WASAI Lodge proceeding down river by a motorized boat to the WASAI Maldonado Lodge in Puerto Maldonado. Here, you will get to relax in our bungalows and enjoy lunch. After lunch, you will leave and travel for twenty minutes on the Madre de Dios River, to access the trail to Lake Sandoval, a beautiful typical rainforest lake. ( approx. 5 km hike to the banks of the lake.) There you will board a canoe to paddle around the lake to enjoy the beautiful landscape. You will also get to observe wildlife, such as kingfishers, herons, hoatzins (unique pre historic looking birds), monkeys, etc. With some luck, you may get the opportunity to see a local family of the endangered giant otters which live on the lake. You will as well have the opportunity to fish for piranhas and swim in the lake. Late afternoon, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset over Lake Sandoval. You will return back to your lodge by hiking to the Madre de Dios River, then take a boat to Puerto Maldonado. There you will stay in the modern and comfortable bungalows of WASAI Maldonado Lodge. After dinner, you are able to rest or go around the city on foot or on bicycle. You can also enjoy the pool and its cascade surrounded by verdant vegetation. Overnight at the WASAI Maldonado Lodge. ( B/L/D )

Fri - Day 5 - Wasai Lodge - Puerto Maldonado - Cuzco

You will be met and transferred to the Puerto Maldonado airport & the local airline flight departing to Cuzco. On your arrival our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel where you can use the remainder of the morning to acclimate to the 11,300 ft. altitude in the Inca capital of Cuzco. Over night at the Hotel. ( BB )

Sat - Day 6 - Cuzco - City Tour & Sacsayhauman Park - Cuzco

You will be met and transferred to the Lima airport & the local airline flight departing to Cuzco. On your arrival our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel where you can use the remainder of the morning to acclimate to the 11,300 ft. altitude in the Inca capital of Cuzco. In the afternoon (1:45 p.m.), our staff will meet and transfer you by bus for a City tour of Cuzco and the Colonial and Inca sites of La Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent, or Q’oricancha, Tambo Machay, Kenko, Pucapucara, and Sacsayhauman. Early evening return to Cuzco and the Hotel. ( 5:45 -6:15 p.m. ) Over night at the Hotel. ( BB )

Sun - Day 7 - Cuzco - Pisac Market - Ollantaytambo

Our staff will meet and transfer you in the morning ( 8:45 -9:00 a.m.) into the Sacred Valley of the Inca. This fertile region includes many Inca terraces and farm land. Travel to the town of Pisac and the Ancient Pisac Market for the annual show where many of the local Indians sell and barter their hand made textiles, fresh fruits, and vegetables. After an hour or so of mingling with the locals, you will proceed to eat lunch at a local hacienda restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, continue to Ollantaytambo which is the oldest continuously habituated town of the Inca that contains several important Inca structures. At the top of the sixteen massive terraces are the ever impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo Fortress. This is where the Inca fought some of their fiercest and strongest battles. It is unknown how the huge precisely carved stones were transported down one mountain range to the Ollantaytambo location, or how they were fitted perfectly to support a strategic fortress that has bared the test of time. Also found here are “silos” or grain mills that are directly adjacent to the fortress that could have maintained thousands of pounds of grain for the Inca and its people. Some of the grain was most likely produced in the surrounding agricultural terracing by the variety of crops that were grown. Afterwards, return to Cuzco ( 5:45 p.m. ) OR remain in the Sacred Valley. (3:45 p.m) Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB/L )

Mon - Day 8 - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

You will be assisted to the Ollanta train station for the morning train departing at( 8:00a.m.) Here you will transfer by auto wagon train winding into the Andean Mountains passing through several small villages where the local Indian farmers manage their farms and reside just as they have for hundreds of years. After a long but scenic ride (1½ hours) you arrive into the final stop at Aguas Calientes. Here the temperatures will have changed to that of tropical and a abundance of plants typical for this region of the Amazon basin can be appreciated. Here you will board the tourist bus & proceed up a incredible winding road that leads to the fabled site of Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival ( 10:15 a.m.) your guide will explain the history & the myths that surround this archaeological wonder. Thousands of people from around the world frequent thismagnificent ancient site to pay homage and grasp the spectacular views of Machu Picchu’s 7'800 ft. plateau that reaches into the clouds and heavens above. After your tour transfer to the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel or continue by bus to the base of Machu Picchu and the town of Aguas Calientes where a local Hotel will be the accomodations for the night.( 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.) Remainder of the day on your own. Overnight at the Hotel. ( B/L ) ( based on hotel you stay at some incl. lunch and dinner )

Tues - Day 9 - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

Full day on your own in Aguas Calientes where you can take a short hike to visit a local butterfly farm, the orchid trail or bird watch for the many variety of semi tropical birds that are habitants of this area. You may as well choose to re-enter Machu Picchu where you can watch the sunrise, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, visit the Inti Punku Pass (Gate of the Sun ) or explore and take more photographs of the area. In the late afternoon you will bid farewell to the lost city of Machu Picchu and proceed to the Aguas Calientes train station where you will board the ( 3:00 p.m. ) auto wagon train for your return to Cuzco. After your arrival into the Cuzco train station ( 6:45 -7:00 p.m.) our staff will meet and transfer you to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB) ( 2^nd day Machu Picchu entry fees $25.00 or bus transfers in / out of Machu Picchu $15.00 not incl.)

Wed - Day 10 - Cuzco - Free day

Today you will have time to view Cuzco on your own. You might choose to visit a local Museum, go shopping, rafting, horsback riding or even arrange a private picnic style excursion. Overnight at the Hotel. ( BB )

Thur - Day 11 - Cuzco - Puno
Early morning you will be met & transferred by tour bus from Cuzco to Puno. ( 8 hrs.) with stops and guided tours of Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas, Rachi & Sicuani. Later continue on to Puno with a late a afternoon arrival where you will be met & transferred to the Posada del Inca Hotel. The remainder of the evening on your own. Overnight at the Posada del Inca. ( BB )

Fri - Day 12 - Puno - Uros - Amantani ( homestay )

Early morning departure to Lake Titicaca where you will go by boat to the floating Uros Islands. Here time will be allowed for mingling, shopping or even to barter for a large selection of local hand made items with the descendants of Uros Indians. After a short time here you will proceed again by boat to the Island of Amantani where many archaeological sites will be visited with your guide. There are several temples and a Royal throne "Inkatiana" carved of stone on the shore of the lake. You as well will visit the impressive points of either Pacha Tata or Pacha Mama for a magnificent view of Lake Titicaca from the highest point of the island. Later a cultural excursion to visit up to six different villages that exist on the largest island. Here these humble and simple Amara Indians descendants have lived on this some what secluded island from the mainland unchanged in their traditions for hundreds of years. Afterwards you will proceed to a local family home that is your accommodations for the night. Overnight at a local Indian family home. ( CB/D )

Sat - Day 13 - Amantani - Taquile - Puno

Morning after breakfast and a last visit in the area proceed to the Island of Taquile where you can view pre Inca & Inca archaeological ruins & terracing. Mid day depart by boat from Taquille with a late afternoon arrival into Puno. Here you will be met and transferred to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. CB )

Sun - Day 14 - Puno - Juliaca - Arequipa

After breakfast you will be met and transfer to the Juliaca airport for the departing flight to Arequipa. On your arrival into the "White City"you will be met and transferred to the Hotel. Afternoon tours of the Museo de Altura where the noted Inca Ice Princess ( Momia Juanita) is preserved for the public view.

In 1995, American archaeologist Johan Rienhards is credited for discovering this child mummy of the Inca civilization high above Colca Canyons Mt Ambato ( 20,70 ft. ) Afterwards continue to the Santa Catalina Convent. Opened to the public in 1970 after four centuries of mysterious isolation this site is by far the most interesting. At one point there were over 450 nuns that lived in seclusion from the outside. Contrary to what you would expect from the nuns who take vows of living in poverty. The convent has been beautifully remodeled with Colonial furniture & paintings from the Cuzco & Arequipa Schools of Art. The convent itself literaly is a city in it self. With the traditional painted homes, cobblestone streets & plazas spread throughout, its massivness will amaze. Afterwards return to your hotel. Over night at the Hotel. ( BB )

Mon - Day 15 - Arequipa - Colca Canyon
After breakfast depart at 8:00 a.m. by tour bus to the north part of Arequipa passing the town of Yura and around the Mountain of Chachani. Today you have a chance to see Pampa Cañahuas, the National Vicuña Reserve. Mid day ( 12:00 p.m. ) arrival into Chivay and the Colca Lodge for lunch. ( lunch on own ) Afterwards you will visit the Hot Springs of"La Calera"then return to the Casa Andina Colca Lodge. Overnight at the Lodge. ( CB )

Tue - Day 16 - Colca Canyon - Arequipa
Morning departure (7:00 a.m.) to "El Mirador de la Cruz del Condor" where the best possibilities of viewing the fabled Andean condor are available. Later return to Chivay, where you will visit some pre-Inca tombs as well as several small traditional villages like Pichollo, Maca and Yanque before returning to Chivay for lunch. Afternoon depart by tour bus from Chivay and return to Arequipa ( 8:00 p.m. ) and transfer to the Hotel Casa Andina. Over night at the Hotel. ( CB )

Wed - Day 17- Arequipa - Lima - Chiclayo
Mid day you will be met and transferred to the Arequipa airport for the departing flight to Lima. Connect to the departing flight to Chiclayo. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( CB ) ( time permitting you can visit Pimentel Bay for the fishermans sunset )

Thurs - Day 18 - Chiclayo - Tucume - Sipan Museum
Morning guided tour with Julio Rodriguez to the Royal Tombs of the Lord of Sipan Museum where numerous artifacts from the Moche civilization including the Lord of Sipan tomb are secure for public viewing. Continue for tours to the sites of Pampa Grande, Lord of Sipans Tomb & Tucume. These areas are the most important regions that are least to be explored by the western tourist and the importance as well as accessibility is far better than that of ANY other tourist region in Peru. Archaeologically wise this region is the richest in history & financially wise to have been discovered intact in the last 100 years. New and unknown sites are being excavated every day / year. This is the cutting edge of the past history from Thor Heyderdahl's discovery of Tucume to Walter Alvas credits to the Lord of Sipan's site, and is the best of the best. It is noted that the site of Pampa Grande is the most significant archaeological discovery in the western hemisphere. Late afternoon return to Chiclayo and the Gran Hotel. Later visit to seaside town at Pimentel Bay where the local fisherman build typical reed boats & you can watch the sunset Afterwards return to the Grand Hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( CB )

Fri - Day 19 - Chiclayo - Trujillo
Morning you will depart by private car to Trujillo over the with visits to the Sun & Moon temples of the Chimu civilization. Mid afternoon arrival into Trujillo where you will transfer to the Hotel. Later to the El Brujo site and afternoon return to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. ( B )

Sat - Day 20 - Trujillo to Lima
Full day of tours to El Dragon Ruins & Chan Chan. Built by the Chimu Empire approximately 1200 AD, the citadel of Chan Chan consisted of nine major sub-cities.Each built by a previous leader and at their height, housed more than 50,000 people. With a span of more than 45 square miles it was the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas and the largest mud city in the world. Late afternoon return to the Libertador Hotel and then transferred to the Trujillo airport for the departing flight to Lima. Here you can transfer to the international flight home. OR ... remain in Lima for tours of the City the following day.

Sun - Day 21 - Lima - arrive into your home city

Class	Rating	Hotels	sng	dbl.	tpl
Tourist	3 star	LM - Colon, CZ - Los Andes, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, LT - Eco, AQ - Casa Andina, CQ - Colca Lodge, TJ - Libertador, CL - Gran Hotel, PC - Paracas, NZ - Nazca Lines	0000	0000	0000
First	4 star	LM - Colon, CZ - Novotel (CR), SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Hatuchay, LT - Posada, AQ - Posada, CQ - Colca Lodge, TJ - Libertador, CL - Gran Hotel, PC - Paracas, NZ - Casa Andina	0000	0000	0000
First	5 star	LM - Swissotel, CZ - Libertador, SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Pueblo, LT - Libertador, AQ - Libertador, CQ - Colca Lodge, TJ - Libertador, CL - Gran Hotel, PC - Paracas, IC - Las Dunas	0000	0000	0000
First	5 star	LM - Swissotel, CZ - Monasterio,SV - Pakaritampu, MP - Sanctuary, LT - Libertador, AQ - Libertador, CQ - Colca Lodge, TJ - Libertador, CL - Gran Hotel, PC - Paracas, IC - Las Dunas	0000	0000	0000