Cross the Andes to the Amazon

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Cross the Andes to the Amazon

Peru tour package to Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Cusco & Machu Picchu, Amazon
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This ultimate Peru vacation package contains everything from flat arid deserts, to high mountain peaks, to tropical rain forests - and everything in between. On this Peru trip, you will start by exploring Arequipa before you venture into the depths of the Colca Canyon where you can witness condors gliding through the blue skies, explore the small traditional villages and markets, and take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs.

You will then head to the heart of the former Inca Empire, Cusco. The lushness of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, coupled with the impressive remains of pre-Columbian cultures, will leave you in awe of this Andean city. But the tour only gets better as you leave Cusco for one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. You will be guided through the ruins of this mystical and spiritual center situated in cloud forests, where the Amazon meets the Andes.

Last but not least, prepare for a descent into Peru’s Amazon. You will travel into the gorgeous rainforest and discover the intricate balance of life in this lush ecosystem. Here you'll marvel at the thousands of species of flora and fauna that live in the jungle.

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour
Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour
Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Return to Arequipa
Day 4 : Arrival to Cusco
Day 5 : Cusco Tour
Day 6 : Sacred Valley Tour
Day 7 : Machu Picchu Tour
Day 8 : Arrival to Puerto Maldonado
Day 9 : Amazon Tour
Day 10 : Amazon Tour
Day 11 : Departure from Puerto Maldonado

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour

Upon arrival in Arequipa, you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who will take you to your confirmed Arequipa hotel where you can relax and take some time to acclimatize to the altitude. The city’s unique cultural and architectural integration of both European and native features is what placed this city center on the World Heritage map in 2000.
Meet your guide at your hotel for your Arequipa tour. The tour begins at the bustling Camilo Central Market where you can to mingle with locals as they do their daily shopping. Next, you will visit Cupula de San Ignacio de Loyola, as well as the beautiful main square, the Plaza de Armas, which is bounded on one side by the neo-classical Cathedral. Your tour will end at one of two famous miradores (lookout points), Mirador de Yanahuara or Carmen Alto.
After your tour, we highly recommend a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery. If you climb the stairs to the roof deck of the monastery, you will find an incredible panorama of the cityscape with the backdrop of El Misti, the snow-capped volcano that overlooks the city.
Spend the evening at your leisure, and make sure to try the delicious Arequipeña cuisine, the pride of the region. Check out our Arequipa Travel Guide for great restaurant ideas.

Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour

Start the day early with a filling breakfast at your Arequipa hotel before setting off on a scenic drive to the Colca Canyon, by way of Chivay. This ride takes you through spectacular highland landscapes and is one of the highlights of your journey to the canyon. As the road climbs up to Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, keep your eyes open for wild vicuñas and visachas, small rodents similar to rabbits.
As you descend from the Patapampa, the highest pass on this journey situated at 15,300 feet (4,820 meters) above sea level, you’ll begin to see pre-Inca agricultural terraces as well as the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Mismi volcanoes.
In Chivay, you will visit the main square and stop for lunch (not included) at the lodge, La Casa de Mamayachi.
After lunch, ride to the Calera hot springs, where you can take a dip in the natural thermal baths.
You’ll be taken to your Colca Canyon hotel and have the afternoon to relax amidst the pastoral beauty of this unique Andean landscape.

Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Return to Arequipa

Meet your guide for the journey to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, one of the best viewpoints of this deep canyon, which is home to the famed condors that gracefully soar on the wind currents. The road leads past picturesque villages and pre-Inca ruins dominated by the glaciers Ampato and Hualca visible in the distance. Once you reach Cruz del Condor, you can stand at the viewpoint and gaze into the canyon’s depths, stretching nearly 4,000 feet below.
After you have had your fill of the scenery, you will head to Chivay where you can enjoy lunch and browse the local market before continuing on to Arequipa where you will be taken to your hotel.
Browse our range of additional services in Arequipa or explore the city on your own before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Day 4 : Arrival to Cusco

After breakfast at your Arequipa hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. You will be picked up at the Cusco airport upon arrival and taken to your confirmed Cusco hotel, where you are advised to rest to acclimatize to the altitude. You will have the evening to enjoy the Cusco nightlife at your leisure.

Day 5 : Cusco Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco that takes you to visit some of the many amazing archeological sites and wonders in and around the city. Your exploration of this remarkable city starts in the early afternoon with an expert-guided Cusco tour. You will visit many of the amazing archeological sites and wonders in and around the city, including the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing evening. Check out our Cusco Travel Guide for suggestions of great Cusco restaurants.

Day 6 : Sacred Valley Tour

Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside during a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First you will visit the town of Pisac, which is known for its lively market. Here you will have the opportunity to browse the beautiful Andean handicrafts, garments, and jewelry displayed for sale.
Next you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a tiny Sacred Valley village, and one of the most picturesque. If you climb to the top of its magnificent ancient ruins, you will be rewarded with an incredible view. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire, it later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Incas’ final rebellion against the Spanish.
On the way back to Cusco, you will stop in the town of Chinchero. In Inca times, Chinchero was the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the Spanish later built a church here, and today the town is recognized for its Sunday market as well as the production of fine textiles.
In the evening, you will return to your comfortable Cusco hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 7 : Machu Picchu Tour

After breakfast at your Cusco hotel you will take a train to the hidden temple of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The train ride is an attraction in itself, as much of the path winds along the river and mountain face, offering passengers dramatic views of the Andes as the train passes through abundant cloud forests.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu, you will head to the bus station for a 20-minute ride up to the secluded citadel.
Meet your expert English-speaking guide for a 2-hour tour of the most important sites in Machu Picchu, including the Intihuatana (Sun Stone), the Sun Temple, and the Room of 3 Windows. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework of this amazing site. The giant stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain.
After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site on your own and capture some final photos.
In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Check out our Machu Picchu Travel Guide for more information on what to see and do, as well as Machu Picchu restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining.

Day 8 : Arrival to Puerto Maldonado

Meet your transfer to the airport for an early flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon. Upon arrival you will be transferred by boat to your jungle lodge. It is located in the territory of the Ese'eja native community and is built with the same materials and architectural techniques as those used by the native communities throughout the Amazon. As you leave the city of Puerto Maldonado behind, sailing in a dugout canoe on the Tambopata River, the tranquility of the rainforest will absorb you.
That evening you will enjoy a delicious dinner before tucking in early to get ready for your jungle tour at the break of dawn.

Day 9 : Amazon Tour

At dawn you will venture out on a short hike to the parrot clay lick a few minutes down-river from the lodge to witness as the jungle comes to life. Later, after breakfast, you will have time to try to spot giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin, and wading birds as you explore the surrounding jungle.
In the afternoon you will be taken on a guided walk through the forest where your expert guide will point out hiding animals and indigenous plants.
After dinner, enthusiasts can go on a night walk to enjoy the nocturnal creatures that come to life or you can simply relax to the sounds of the jungle.

Day 10 : Amazon Tour

At dawn you can go for another visit to the clay lick. After breakfast, you will go for a hike accompanied by an Ese'eja native who will explain how the forest is used in their everyday life for food, medicine, construction materials, etc. You will enjoy a delicious local meal for lunch before heading off in the afternoon for another hike down a trail that crosses a floodplain and a bamboo forest. This trail will offer yet a different variety of flora and fauna for you to enjoy.
You will return before dark to the jungle lodge for your last evening in the Peruvian rainforest.

Day 11 : Departure from Puerto Maldonado

After an early breakfast at the lodge you will be transferred to Puerto Maldonado for your journey home or on to your next destination. Browse our full range of Peru travel destinations and continue your exiting trip to Peru!

Included

2 nights in Arequipa, 1 night in Colca Canyon, 4 nights in Cusco and 3 nights in the Amazon in Peru hotels based on US standards
All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
All transfers and entrance fees
All breakfasts
All meals in Amazon lodge
Train Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco (Vistadome Train for 5-star and 4-star packages / Expedition Train for 3-star packages)

What to Bring
Tips
Asked questions
Terms and Conditions
Reservations

What to Bring

Personal documents (passport).
Walking stick.
Walking shoes.
Sleeping bag.
Flashlight.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Toilet paper.
Bottle and tablets to purify water.
Waterproof clothing.
long pants.
Short pants.
Rain clothing.
Slippers or sandals to relax the feet in the camp.
A cap or hat.
Personal medications

Tips

The most probable thing is that you suffer the altitude sickness when you arrive to the city of the Cusco, we suggest to be in the city of the Cusco at least two days before the tour, not to drink alcohol, to smoke nor to take sedatives.
Drink a lot of water and coca tea before and during the tour, drink at least two liters of water a day.
In the height it is breathed rapidly and slightly deeply.
If you have some medical condition as allergies or special needs for food, please describe it clearly in advance before starting the tour.

Asked questions

How do i know more details about the tour?
A night before the tour, our guide will go to the hotel to give you all the necessary details of our trek, he will confirm when pick up from hotel and some other recommendations.
Where will I be able to leave my baggage while my walk lasts?
You only must carry what you are going to use during your walk, you can leave the rest of luggage in the warehouse of the hotel where is staying.
Can I rent trek equipment in Cusco?
Of course, you can rent trek the equipment (sleeping bags, sticks of hiking, and other implements) that we have, during your session information.
How many people are going in each group of walk?
For a group of walk aperture, we need at least six people. In our web page we have a table where we have listed the dates of future exits to this walk, there you can register and be part of the any group.
Will I have to share the tent sleeping with someone more in the camps?
If the tents that we carry for the camps are for two people, you will have to share this tent with someone of the same sex. If you prefer you can pay an extra for a single tent just for you.
Is it possible to have an extra (additional) porter for the walk?
If you want to enjoy this trip and does not have a lot of experience, you can pay for one extra(additional) porter, who take your walk equipment and other personal implements.
Is it necessary to bring extra money for the walk?
Yes, if you want to buy more water bottles, buy some souvenirs, or leave tip for porters, cooks, etc.
We recommend to carry an average of 200 soles for any extra expense that may arise.
Are the walking sticks very important?
yes, the sticks are very useful at the time of ascending and down the mountain, walking sticks help, especially passengers who have problems with the knees.
How much water I have to wear during the walk?
We suggest you to bring 2 liters of water during each day of the walk. Every night in every camp we will provide you the amount of water you need to perform the walk the next day. During the journey we will pass through some streams and waterfalls that are descended from the snowy peaks, and you can take water of it but before you have to purify them.
Is it safe to travel in the rainy season?
During the rainy season the path becomes somewhat difficult, requires a good team of rains as boots to test water and others, but no doubt the landscape that shows this route is very colorful. The rainy season is during the months of December and part of April.
Is it possible to change the date of reservation chosen at the beginning?
of course, you can make the change of date on your tour with a minimum time in advance of 30 days.
Can I pay the whole trip in advance?
Usually we receive a deposit of 50% of the tour cost, and the other 50% is performed in the city of Cusco before your departure to the tour, but you can pay the whole trip if you want to.

Terms and Conditions

The trek to Choquequirao for 4 days and 3 nights will be carried out with a minimum of 6 people.
If you suffer any medical problems or allergies you have to communicate to Lonely Travel
You have to be with a good physical condition to perform the walk, and if you have any doubts in this regard will have to consult with a doctor. If you have more than 60 years of age, you will have to submit a medical certificate that guarantees its physical state.
If you want to leave the group, the camp and make tourism on its own account, it is important to report this to the guide. If you have problems please advise the guide to resolve it immediately.
You have to pay the total of the remaining tour two days before it starts.
you are responsible for carry your backpack staff and sleeping bag during the walk, unless you had paid for an extra porters.
The walk to Choquequirao is long, but satisfactory.
If there are not a minimum of 6 people, the tour could be canceled.
About the cancellation of the tour:
- Cancel the tour two months before, lose $100
- Cancel the tour one month before, lose 40% of the total cost of the tour
- Cancel the tour one week before, lose 60% of the total cost of the tour
- Cancel the tour 48 h. before, lose 75% of the total cost of the tour
- Cancel the tour one day before, lose 85% of the total cost of the tour.
Lonely Travel will take all reasonable precautions in the provision of service to our customers to avoid an accident, illness, loss of personal property, etc. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Lonely Travel, however, is not responsible for the additional costs that may result due to events unexpected and unavoidable as unfavorable weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal belongings, etc. It is the responsibility of customer to have an insurance to cover such events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the before mentioned conditions.
In the booking of any of our adventure tours (Camino Inca, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Inca Jungle, Lares, etc.) You know the risks that this implies by which you fully assume the risks that are required to carry out such travel, Lonely Travel does not accept any responsibility with regard to events that can be passed during the journey by the negligence of the tourist or events that are outside our control
I have read and accept the trip conditions.

Reservations

Review and choose one of the confirmed dates of exits on this trek.
(If you do not agree with dates we have, contact us for starting another date for you.)
Make your tour reservation providing asking information.
Fill correctly all the boxes of our pattern of reservations.
Your reservation will be confirmed after you make the deposit of 50% of the total cost of the tour.