Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Airport transfer to hotel. The hotel we recommend is located in the Miraflores district. This district is the new cultural and social hub of Lima. Miraflores boasts many culinary restaurants, local shops, cafes and theatres, making the district popular with travellers and brings a cosmopolitan atmosphere to your Peruvian adventure. The Miraflores district is also easily accessible to the historical city centre. The distance from Miraflores to the airport is approximately between 30 to 45minutes. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Sightseeing Lima

Credit: Carlos Ibarra – PromPeru

After breakfast there is a half day tour to explore Lima’s ancient history through its historical sites and museums. Peru’s capital is a rich kaleidoscope of colonial architectural jewels, revered pre- Columbian sites, charming residential areas, and vibrant shopping districts perched over the blue Pacific. Explore these many facets, including the 16th century Plaza Mayor (Main Square) – still graced by the Government Palace and the City Hall. You will also visit the Cathedral and the San Francisco Convent, built in the 17th century, and its “Catacombs” ancient underground cemetery of Lima. The tour continues along the city’s lovely Pacific coast through the enchanting neighborhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar.

For the evening there is time at leisure to relax or enjoy one of the many fabulous restaurants in the Miraflores district.

Day 3: Lima to Iquitos

Credit Talia Vargas PromPeru

After breakfast you will be met in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to the airport for your flight from Lima to Iquitos. (Lima-Iquitos flight is not included in package price). Upon your arrival into Iquitos you will be met by a representative of Ceiba Tops and given a brief orientation of the city and then transferred to the Explorama dock for your transfer on a 25mile journey down the Amazon to Ceiba Tops Lodge. Located on the banks of the Amazon River, experience the exotic magic of the Amazon with the comforts of home! Ceiba Tops lodge is one of the most luxurious properties in the Iquitos area and your 2 night stay will allow you to enjoy the Amazon in comfort as all rooms come with air conditioning and private bathrooms. With gardens, hammocks, the rainforest reserve, the rest of the day is yours to explore this unique lodge and surroundings.

This afternoon once you are all settled into your room your guide will take you on a hike in the beautiful primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge which includes many huge trees festooned with epiphytes. After dinner there may be local flute or guitar music at the El Toucan Bar or the guides are always ready to relate some of the many legends of the Amazon forest.

Lunch, Dinner. Overnight Ceiba Tops

Day 4: Sightseeing Ceiba Tops

Todays exploration into the Amazon starts with a morning boat ride, spotting pink dolphins and visiting a small village of Yagua Indians. With approximately 3000 – 4000 surviving Yagua Indians scattered throughout the Amazon basin, it is a unique experience. Your guide can explain the local Yagua Indian culture and how they were affected by the arrival of Europeans and the passing of time. You will have the opportunity to see some of the local crafts and if permitted a demonstration of the hunting blowgun still used by some of the Yagua elders. The local Indians speak the Yagua language, as a result of geographic dispersion of the Yagua Indians combined with outside influences, the use of the Yagua language while still used, is in decline. It will be unique as nowhere else in the world do you hear the Yagua language anymore.

The afternoon is a little more relaxing with a walking excursion to the neighbouring local town of Indiana. This town was originally a Canadian Franciscan Mission. Indiana has now grown into a large river community with its own market, school and hospital.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight Ceiba Tops

Day 5: Depart Ceiba tops/Iquitos

This morning you will have the choice of a morning walk or boating excursion to further enjoy the rainforest and Amazon River. In the afternoon there is a transfer waiting for you for your journey back to Iquitos and to the airport for your flight back to Lima. (Flight Lima-Iquitos is not included). When you arrive into Lima you will have 1 night before continuing on to the next section of your journey.
Breakfast, Lunch (if departure flight permits)

*Due to the ever-changing nature of the rain forest, day-by-day activities are subject to change due to weather, trail or river conditions.

Day 6: Lima – Cusco

This morning after breakfast you will board your flight from Lima to Cusco (flight not included in package price). When you arrive into Cusco you will be met on arrival and transferred to your Cusco hotel. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and has an elevation of 3400m above sea level. We recommend you spend the rest of first day in Cusco at leisure to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. We suggest also drinking lots of water and cups of coca tea which should be available in the hotel as this will ease the affect altitude can have on some people.

Cusco is also the archaeological capital of America and for good reason. It is one of the most important destinations in Peru and the gateway to one of the world’s most sacred ruins of an amazing ancient culture. With a mix of Spanish and Ancient Incan cultures, there are cobble-stoned streets, interwoven stone walls, Incan buildings, Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral. You can stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas or dine in one of the many modern cafes, bars and restaurants.

Day 7: Sightseeing Cusco

Credit PROMPERU Heinz Plenge Pardo

It’s an early start to the day with a half day sightseeing tour of Cusco. The tour today takes you to visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and then continuing onto the nearby archaeological sites of of Tambomachay (Inca Fountains), Puca-Pukara (the red fortress), Qenko (Scared site) and finally the famous gigantic Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The many restaurants in your hotel vicinity will let you sample the delicious Peruvian Cuisine. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 8: Journey from Cusco to Sacred Valley

Today you will have a full day sightseeing to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Sacred Valley is home to some breathtaking towns and sites including Maras, Moray, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Seeing these ruins and visiting the towns will enlighten your knowledge of just how sophisticated the Incas were and an insight into their ancient way of life. Enjoy the sights at your leisure and perhaps visit the colourful market of Pisa. Tonight you will stay in the Sacred Valley.

Day 9: Journey from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Credit: Gihan Tubbeh

Machu Picchu is one of the main attractions when visiting Peru. You have seen postcards, read about it in magazines, seen documentaries and have had it on your list as a “must do” in your life. Today is the day you will not only see Machu Picchu but you will breathe the magic and the beauty of Machu Picchu!
Your full day Machu Picchu tour starts off with a transfer and train to Aquas Calientes for your bus ride up to Machu Picchu. This is an excellent option of those who do not have time to hike the Inca Trail or wish not to. On arrival in Machu Picchu your sightseeing tour of the ruins and entrance fee have been included so you can enjoy Machu Picchu from the moment you arrive at the gates. Soak up the significance of your visit, enjoy the beautiful location and marvel in the intellect and architectural ability of the ancient Incan culture. It is amazing and spectacular just how appropriately located Machu Picchu is in its complimenting surroundings. The Inca Trail Walk can also be arranged for those wishing to experience the beautiful hike to Machu Picchu.
Due to Machu Picchu’s popularity with all travellers, we suggest that you go back for a second visit early the following morning before the trains arrive with the day tours. Spending time in the lost city of the Incas, soaking up the atmosphere without the crowds is a real spiritual experience. Hotels are located in Aguas Calientes and there is the also an option to stay at the Orient Express Hotel at the entrance gate into Machu Picchu. Please advise if you would like us to quote for this.
Also to consider is the climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain, tickets are limited and pre-booking is required. Please let us know if you wish to add it to your itinerary. After a full day at Machu Picchu, you will be taken to your hotel in Aguas Calientes in the Machu Picchu region to spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 10: Journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco

After a relaxing morning in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, we will take you back by train back to your Cusco hotel. On arrival into Cusco you have the remainder of the day to relax, dine, wander through the colourful markets or get last minute souvenirs to remember your time here.

Day 11: Cusco to Puno

This morning after breakfast you guide will transfer you to the coach terminal for your coach to Puno. For an additional cost you can upgrade this to a train ticket from Cuzco to Puno. When you arrive into Puno you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel where you have the remainder of the day at leisure. This city is located on the shore of Lake Titicaca and has been named as the ‘Capital Forklorica del Peru’ (Folklore capital of Peru) from its wealth of artistic and cultural expressions particularly dancing. The hotel we have selected offers some views of Lake Titicaca

Day 12 :Puno to La Paz

Overland transfer to Copacabana and visit the Sanctuary and the local market. Hydrofoil cruise to Moon Island, visit the Sun Virgins Temple Iñak Uyu. Continue to Sun Island, visit the Inca Staircase, the sacred fountain and taste the sacred water believed to give eternal youth & happiness. Lunch at “Uma Kollu” archaeological restaurant and visit a picturesque handicraft market. Hydrofoil cruise to Huatajata. In Huatajata experience the “Andean Roots Eco Village”: Visit the Altiplano Museum, where a state of audio system will explain in your own language the cultural heritage of the Aymaras and the Incas, the colonial time and Jacques Cousteau Expedition to Lake Titicaca. In addition to handicrafts and fisherman villages, the Mud Igloos of the Urus Chipayas; meet the Limachi brothers, builders of the RA II and Tigris for Thor Heyerdhal epic expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean and much more.

Bus transfer to La Paz, the road is running parallel with the Royal Range of the Andes. Arrival at your hotel is estimated at approximately 19:30 (Bolivian time)

Day 13: Day tour of La Paz

This morning your guide will meet you at the front of your hotel for your day tour of La Paz; taking in the attractions and cultural aspect of this city. Your guide will first show you the Indian markets which also include a spooky witch market, the San Francisco Basilica, Murillo square, the Government Palace and national congress, the Metropolitan cathedral, and the Gold, Local customs, murillo and Litoral museums.

Then after lunch, your guide will take you to the south of the city, where you can see the difference between the old and new central city; with the new cities 30 floor sky scrapers and modern shopping centers where traditional Indians and office personal in Armani suites are making this city really colorful. Coming further down to the south the climate also changes in more warm and green areas. The difference between central La Paz and the South can be sometimes 1000 meters! That’s the reason that the rich live in this part and the poor people in the colder, higher suburbs known as ”El Alto”.

La Paz is the Government’s home town and often named by mistake “highest capital of the world”, because the official capital city is Sucre. Here, we leave the city a few kilometers and we will visit the Moon Valley. Beautiful, by erosion formed landscapes in a little park where the Big Andes honey bird flies over your head (if you’re lucky).

Day 14: La Paz – Santa Cruz

After breakfast you will need to make your own way from your hotel to the airport to board your flight from La Paz to Santa Cruz (flight not included in package price)

When you arrive into Santa Cruz you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. As you are driven to your hotel by our local representative you will be amazed how different this city is compared to the likes of La Paz. Even though Santa Cruz is the business capital of Bolivia its still has traditional aspects such as afternoon siestas, low rise buildings, a diverse culture and many alleyways full of crafts and local fresh produce.

When you arrive into Santa Cruz we recommend spending the afternoon having a stroll around the city and taste is many cuisines.

Day 15: Santa Cruz – Concepcion

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel in Santa Cruz with private transport to take you to San Javier (225 km/140miles).

The first and oldest Jesuit Mission (1691) was founded with the name ¨San Francisco Xavier¨. After visiting the church and its museum we continue our travel towards the second Mission called ¨Concepción de La Virgen Maria¨ (Concepción), founded in 1709. On the way we will see palm tree savannahs and we will stop at the Parador Las Piedras, a nice picture spot with big granite rock formations. In Concepción we will visit the museum and the church. Check-in at the hotel in Concepción where we will spend the night.

Day 16: Concepcion to San Ignacio

Today we will drive to San Ignacio (171 km from Concepción). Of the 12 originally founded Jesuit Missions, San Ignacio represents the 7th Mission, founded in 1748 (476 km/296miles from Santa Cruz). San Ignacio has the highest number of inhabitants of all the Missions. We will spend the night in San Ignacio.

Day 17: San Ignacio

After breakfast we will take off to the Missions of San Miguel (1721), San Rafael (1695) and Santa Ana (1755). Santa Ana is the penultimate Mission founded before the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767. It is the most native in its art expression. In all these villages (where it seems time stood still for 300 years) you will be able to enjoy the typical scenery of the Chiquitania, the museums and the handicrafts workshop galleries where native artisans still carve the wood using the same techniques they learned from the Jesuits and enriched with their own expressions of art. They create religious images and beautiful music instruments. We will spend the night in San Ignacio.

Day 18: San Ignacio to Santa Cruz

Return to Santa Cruz (approximately 8 to 9 hours). We will have lunch in Concepción or San Javier. When you return to Santa Cruz you will spend the night in the same hotel as your first night.

Day 19: Depart Santa Cruz

This morning after breakfast your journey through the ‘Peru and Bolivia in Depth’ conclude.

Inclusions

• Arrival & Departure transfers in Lima
• 2 nights Lima in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 1 night Lima airport hotel
• Half day Lima tour
• Half day Lima Museum tour
• Arrival & Departure transfers in Iquitos
• 2 nights Iquitos in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 2 breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners at Iquitos
• Iquitos entrance fee
• Arrival & Departure transfers in Cusco
• 3 nights Cusco in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 1 night Sacred Valley in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 1 night Machu Picchu in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• Half day Cusco tour
• Full day Sacred Valley tour
• Full day Machu Picchu tour
• Transfer Cusco to Puno
• 1 night Puno in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• Transfer Puno to La Paz
• Arrival & Departure transfer La Paz
• 2 nights La Paz in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• Arrival & Departure transfers in Santa Cruz
• 2 nights Santa Cruz in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 1 night Concepcion in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• 2 nights San Ignacio in the hotel standard of your choice 3 to 4*
• Transfer Santa Cruz – Concepcion – San Ignacio – Santa Cruz
• Breakfast daily

Not included

• Flights Lima – Iquitos – Lima
• Flight Lima – Cusco
• Flight La Paz – Santa Cruz
• Items of personal nature
• Drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic
• Tips to drivers, guides and porters

Airfares

Travel Just 4U has competitive South America Flights to get you to the starting point of your chosen Holiday. Contact one of our Travel Consultants for a full quotation including airfares, stopovers and any additional travel you wish to organize.