Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the airport in Puno, you will be greeted by your private guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel. On arrival at the hotel check in, get settled and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Lake Titicaca & Puno

Puno is a sprawling city of humble buildings, known best as the primary transit point en route to Lake Titicaca. Rich in history, tradition, craft and skill, there is no where else in the world like Lake Titicaca. The infinite skies are mirrored in the deep blue shades of the lake, and the horizon seems to bend, as if it’s the edge of the Earth. The lovely local people descend from ancient Andean ethnic groups, the Aymara and Quechua. The floating islands of the Uros Indians feature one of the area's most fascinating treasures, built by layers of tortora reeds, a prolific plant that grows in the shallows of the lake. Mysterious Inca burial tombs that circle the lake also entice travelers, as well as the impressive variety of high altitude bird species that can be identified in the National Reserve.

Uros & Taquile Exploration

Early this morning, you will depart on an interactive and cultural experience. First, you will embark on a boat excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros Indians. These local inhabitants built their homes on “floating islands” of totora reeds and are well recognized for their boats made of the same material.

Afterwards, you will continue to the Island of Taquile for further exploration of the region. The members of this self-supporting and welcoming Aymara community will be eager to show you their costumes, as well as their daily life routines around the island. Taquile is renowned for its fine decorative weaving's and you will have the opportunity to learn more about this first hand. Lunch at a local restaurant will also be included in this full day adventure. (This service is on a group basis.)

Bus Journey to Cusco

After an early breakfast this morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the local bus station in good time to board the comfortable tourist bus to Cusco. This eight hour transfer will take you traveling across the high plain of the 'altiplano', which is notably one of the most spectacular bus journeys in the world. Throughout the entire ride you can look out the window and marvel at the splendid views of Andean peaks.

In order to break up the journey and make it worth your while, you will stop off at a number of fascinating sites along the way. From archaeological sites and the impressive Inca ruins of Rachi and Pucara, to the church at Andahuaylillas with its amazing 17th century paintings, you won't miss out on a thing! There are also fantastic geographical highlights, such as the high pass of La Raya, where you can admire panoramic views of the lovely snow-capped Andean peaks. The high grassland at this pass is home to all the camel-like creatures of Latin America - namely llamas, alpacas and vicunas. En route, you will also stop to visit an inn, where you will enjoy a filling buffet lunch that is included in the journey.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the bus station and transferred directly to your hotel. This evening you are free to explore the city and relax at your leisure. (This service is on a group basis.)

Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history. The city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst. The city is surrounded by a number of ruins, the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro's men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca. Nowadays, Cusco is known for its indigenous population--often seen on the streets in traditional clothing--and its substantial tourist-fueled night life.

Enjoy this morning free to spend as you wish, before your afternoon excursion.

Half Day City Tour & Nearby Ruins

Today, you will be taken on a half day group guided tour of the city, including some of the nearby Inca ruin sites. Cusco is a city with a wealth of history and splendor. As you wander through the streets, you will be guided through centuries of traditional culture and unique architecture. There is something to be admired in every direction you look, and a story to be told at every street corner. During your exploration, you will have the opportunity to discover the many highlights and hidden gems of Cusco. Although the modern travelers and vibrant night life can now be recognized in the city, Cusco is still known for its indigenous population--often seen on the streets in traditional clothing, maintaining it's colonial charm.

Your tour will then head out of Cusco, to visit the main Inca ruins in the Cusco valley, visiting Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Kenko, Sacsayhuaman, as well as some lesser known ruins. These impressive sites serve as a great introduction to Inca history, and by walking around them, you will continue to acclimate to the high altitude. (This service is on a group basis.)

Maras & Moray Mountain Biking Tour

This morning, you will be met by your cycling guide for your private Maras and Moray mountain biking tour! You will be transferred from your hotel in Cusco to the community of Chequerec (Chinchero), where you will begin your adventure on bicycles! Kicking off, you will make your way around Huaypo lake, towards the archaeological group of Moray.

You will continue the tour by a bridle path that leads you to the village of Maras, where you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. From there, the road will be an easy downhill glide. After lunch, you will continue riding to the Salineras of Maras (salt mines). After visiting the salt mines, continue the descent towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, ending your excursion in Tarabamba, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your overnight accommodations in Ollantaytambo. (This service is on a private basis.)

Sacred Valley

Tucked in between the impressive Andes of Peru, you will find the Sacred Valley. This developing area, once strictly colonial towns and secluded villages, is now recognized as a destination in it's own right. Explore the bustling local markets, discover the history behind archaeological attractions and get to know the lovely local people. The Sacred Valley offers an escape from cosmopolitan city life, with an idyllic nature retreat and cultural experience.

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour

Today you will board the train to Machu Picchu. On arrival, enjoy a morning visit to the fabled ruins, spending the day in both guided and individual exploration. Following your tour, you may wish to investigate Machu Picchu’s multitude of hidden nooks and corners on your own, getting lost in years of history and wonder. A delicious lunch will be served today at the famed Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

In the late afternoon, following your exploration, you will take the shuttle bus back town to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you will check into your overnight accommodations. (This service is on a private basis.)

Second Visit to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu

Return to Machu Picchu today and spend the day in individual exploration (guide service not included), visiting features of the ruins that you may have missed yesterday. You will be provided with shuttle transfers to and from the ruins, as well entrance fees to Machu Picchu for this excursion. You will also have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain. This two hour round trip trek is not an easy feat, so come prepared for a steep and quite demanding route. However, as you reach the top and catch the first glimpse of the breathtaking aerial views from above the ruins, it will quickly make every grueling step of the journey beyond worth it. Entrance tickets for this climb have been included with your tour.

After your exploration, you will board the Vistadome train onward to Cusco.

Upon arrival at the Poroy Station in Cusco, you will be met by your private driver and transferred the rest of the way to your overnight accommodations. Check in, get settled and enjoy a well deserved night's rest.(This service is on a private basis.)

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Cusco after checkout and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado, for your exotic Amazon experience! (This service is on a private basis.)

Amazon Arrival & Twilight River Excursion

Upon arrival at the Puerto Maldonado Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative and transferred to La Hacienda Concepcion Lodge, visiting the Inkaterra Butterfly House in Tambopata en route. Soak up the enchantment of the rainforest, as you board a 25 minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River. Upon arrival at the lodge, settle into your beautiful cabana and enjoy a fresh lunch served in the dining room.

After lunch, your Amazon adventure truly begins! Choose between a variety of activities to get started. You can take a walk along the Concepcion Nature Trail on property, where you will learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, and its relevance for the world. Later this afternoon, we recommend the Twilight River excursion. On this guided boat ride, you will witness the captivating transformation, as the rainforest converts into a thriving nocturnal environment. Keep your eyes out for nightjars, owls, capybara and caiman, learn about their habits and share the surrounding paradise. On a clear night, the stars of the southern hemisphere seem to stretch on endlessly, against the deep black sky.

This evening, you will return to the lodge for a nice dinner in the Casa Grande's dining room. Afterwards, you may be ready to head back to your own cabana, or join the lodge staff to talk about the experience of life in the rainforest, as you listen to the intriguing sounds of the jungle at night. (This service is on a group basis.)

Lake Sandoval, Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Hidden Rainforest

New experiences are ahead, and after enjoying a nutritious breakfast, get ready for a long trek into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. Here, you will understand why Madre de Dios is called the biodiversity capital of Peru, while learning about the Reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. Navigate by dugout canoe, across this mirror-like oxbow lake, that is home to the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman, and one of the world’s biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche.

You will return back to the lodge for lunch in the midday. Afterwards, head back out to enjoy the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway & Anaconda. Take a 20 minute ride by outboard motorized canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center, where you will learn about it's construction and the conservation projects of ITA-Inkaterra Asociación (NGO). Ascend one of the two 98-foot towers and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops at 91 feet high! Enjoy the breathtaking views and embrace the chance to watch white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. After descending, continue to savor the energy of the incredible primary rainforest, going along the 200 meter wooden bridge over the swamps. You will learn about the fauna and flora of this flooded ecosystem, as you go.

This evening, get ready for an adventure during the Hidden Rainforest excursion! You will have the chance to explore the Amazon rainforest, an environment that gives way to nocturnal animals with intriguing behavioral patterns, and enhanced senses of adaptation mechanisms. Listen to the nocturnal living nature sounds, and discover this hidden world. End your day with a pleasant dinner back at the lodge. (This service is on a group basis.)

Amazon Departure

After breakfast this morning, it will be time to leave behind your incredible Amazon Jungle adventure. You will be returned to the Puerto Maldonado Airport in good time to board your ongoing departure flight to Lima. (This service is on a group basis.)