The Route of the Sun 21 Days

Cod. Viaje: RDLL
  • Empieza: Lima (Peru)
  • Termina: Lima (Peru)
  • Nivel: Estandar
  • Servicios en: English
+51 84 245642
USA +1 773 3407412

Explore the country of the Incas on a 21 day journey. Begin this adventure in Lima, the City of the Kings, admire seal lions and penguins on the Ballestas Islands, taste the wines and pisco of the Ica vineyard, and fly over the ancestral Nazca Lines. Ascend towards the Andes in Arequipa in order to be able to witness the majestic flight of the Condors in Colca Canyon and while you cross the Peruvian-Bolivian Plateau you will be marveled by the blue skies over Lake Titicaca where you can experience the day to day life of an Andean Community on Amantani Island.

Discover the plazas and long streets of the Imperial City of Cuzco and the archeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas as you challenge your mind and body on the ancestral Inca Trail. Become enlightened by the sunrise at Machu Picchu and, finally, discover the wildlife of the Amazon Jungle in the National Reserve of Tambopata.

Trip Plan

Trip Information:

  • Tour Conductor: Trip Coordinator from Lima until the final day in Cuzco
  • Level of Difficulty: 4/6
  • Type of Trip: Classic + Trek
  • Service Class: Standard
  • Group Size: Minimum 4 pax, Maximum 16
  • Type of Service: Shared
  • Departures: According to Program
  • Language: English
  • Recomended Season: Year round (except in February because the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance and unkeep)

Trip Plan:

  • Day 01: Arrive in Lima
  • Day 02: Lima – Paracas National Reserve
  • Day 03: Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis – Wine and Pisco Distilleries – Nazca
  • Day 04: Nazca Lines – Pre-Inca Cemetary of Chauchilla – Journey in Night Bus to Arequipa
  • Day 05: Arequipa Free Day
  • Day 06: Excursion to the Colca Canyon – Hot Springs – Chivay
  • Day 07: Flight of the Condors  and Journey to Puno
  • Day 08: Lake Titicaca – Live-In Tourism on Amantani Island
  • Day 09: Taquile Island – Flocating Islands of Uros – Puno
  • Day 10: Journey to the City of Cuzco – Cuzco
  • Day 11: Cuzco Walking City Tour
  • Day 12: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Artisan Market of Pisac – Ollantaytambo
  • Day 13: Inca Trail: km 82 – Piskacucho – Wayllabamba
  • Day 14: Inca Trail: Warmiwañusca – Paqaymayu
  • Day 15: Inca Trail: Chaquicocha – Wiñaywayna
  • Day 16: Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes – Journey by Train to Cuzco
  • Day 17: Cuzco Free Day
  • Day 18: Flight to the National Reserve of Tambopata Amazon Jungle
  • Day 19: National Reserve of Tambopata AMaazon Jungle
  • Day 20: Flight to Colonial Lima
  • Day 21: Departure from Lima

Detailed Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1- Lima

Arrive in the city of Lima. There are no planned activities for today and into the evening our Tour Leader or Company Representative will organize a meeting in the lobby of the Hotel where you will be staying; here you will recieve all general information about your trip.

The city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizzaro on January 18, 1935, the same day of the Epiphany, or commemoration of the Three Kings, for which the city was baptized as the “city of the kings”. Downtown Lima has managed to conserve its style from the Colonial Period with its multiple plazas and grand, antique homes.

This city is bordered partially by the Pacific Ocean and is considered a mega metropolis with approximately 8.5 million inhabitants, one third of the overall population of Peru. Lima is the thir largest city in South America following only Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Within Lima one can find a large variety of museums with permanent expositions. One of the best is the Museum of the Nation where one can find a comprehensive summary of the History of Peru from its beginning until the era of the Republic. It is also recommended to visit the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art Larco Hererra, located inside one of the prior viceroy’s mansions, which has amongst its most famous collections fine gold and silver from ancient Peru, a collection of pre-Incan erotic art, and exhibits of over 45,000 archeologically classified objects.

One of Lima’s newest attractions it its incredible fountain park titled ” The Magic of Water”, which has a total of 13 fountains of all designs and sizes. This is the largest park of its type in South America and is open Wednessday to Sunday from 4pm-10pm.

If you wish to visit a typical neighborhood in the city, head to the district of Barranco with its beautifulmix of Arab and baroque architecture. This part of the city also has magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.

Lima is considered the gastronomical capital of Latin America and offers endless possibilities of Peruvian and Criolle food such as the traditional ceviche and “tiradito de pescado”. You will not be able to say no to trying the abundant variety of criolle food such as tacu tacu with beed tenderloin, crispy stuffed potatoes, and (as a sweet treat) indulge in picarones or suspiros.

Day 2 – Paracas-Puerto El Chaco

In the morning we will leave Lima heading South. From there, we will travel approximately 4 hours along the Pan American Highway until arriving in Puerto del Chaco in the National Reserve of Paracas. Here you will have free time to walk along and explore the beaches of the Bay of Paracas and possibly watch the sun set over the water.

The Paracas National Reserve is home to archeological sites from the ancient Paracas culture, whose civilization flourished aproximately 500 years ago. This civilization’s domains expanded from the Northern Cañete River to the Southern Yauca River. This culture is well known for heir medicinal advances and for having managed to perform surgeries having to do with the cranu, and skull deformations. The people of Paracas were also extremely skilled in textiles, having produced some of the finest fabrics and cloaks made out of cotton.

The Paracas National Reserve was created in the year 1975 in order to conserve part of the Pacific Ocean and Peruvian Dessert providing protection for the diverse species of wild flora and fauna that grows there. The Reserve is also a resting point with shelter for migrating species with an area of 2500 square kilometers. The main portion of the Reserve was dedicated to the protection of marine environment and is considered one of the most luscious parts of the Ocean on the planet.

Day 3- Nazca

Early in the morning we will board a small boat to visit the Ballestas Islands. The excursion begins with a visit to the geoglif knownb as the cadelabra or trident. This formation was drawn overtop of the stone and sand on the island.  No one knows exactly who created this formation or why. From here we will visit a small gathering of islands known as the Ballestas Islands, which is a place of refuge for thousands of bird species, seals, sea lions, humboldt penguins, dolphins, and sea lions. Some of these species are endangered and the Reserve helps to protect them. These islands are rock formations that are formed by the wind and waves creating interesting shapes such as arches and caves. After visiting the islands we will return to the main land in order to continue our journey on the Southern Pan American Highway.

One hour later we will arrive in the city of Ica where we will visit a distillery of Peru’s national liquor, Pisco. From there we will have the opportunity to try the famous Pisco Sour as well as some local wines. After lunch we will head towards the Haucachina Lake, located 5 kilometers west of Ica. Haucachina a natural oasis in the middle of the white sands of the desert. Here we have the chance to climb gingantic sand dunes to practice sand boarding, a derivitive of snow boarding.

In the afternoon we will have a sand excursion riding dune buggies, crossing the desert, and passing over sand dunes and by small oasis where it will be possible for us to practice the newly learned sand boarding. We will finish our adventure for this day relaxing on one of the tallest sand dunes in order to watch the sun set. From there we will begin our journey to the city of Nazca as our final stop for the day.

Day 4 – Night Bus

We begin another day of adventure with the Nazca Lines, taking a flight of approximately 25-30 minutes where one can see the principal geoglifs of the Nazca people such as the spider, hummingbird, condor, astronaut, tree, lizard, etc.

Later we will visit the pre-Incan cemetary of Chauchilla which is a necropolis of the ancient Nazca culture that had its height from 200 BCE until around 600 CE. In this necropolis we can see mummies more than 1500 years old inside their original tombs.

The Nazca culture grew along the Aja River. Their capital was the city of Cahuachi and their total territory extended from Pisco in the North to Arequipa in the South. They achieved greatness in polycrome pottery which included figures of both plants and animals. Nevertheless, the most impressive fact about this civilization are the lines they formed in the plains of Nazca and Palpa. These figures for simple designs that extend for humdreds of meters until forming geometric, fitomorphoc, and zoomorphine objects. Each figure can solely be seen from the air, mainly by flight, which has raised many questions as to why they were drawn.

Tonight we will board a comfortable omnibus and drive towardxs the city of Aequipa where we will arrive at approximately sunrise the next day.

Day 5 – Arequipa

The city of Arequipa is located about 2330 meters above sea level. It was founded August 15 of 1549 by Garcia Manuel de Carbajal with the name “Town of the Assumption of Our Lady of the Beautiful Valley of Arequipa”. This city has around 1 million inhabitants and is the second largest city in Peru. It is situated on the shores of the Chili River and below three inactive volcanoes, amongst which is “el Misti” (5821 masl). The historical center of Arequipa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, mainly due to its repulican-religious and viceroyal arquitecture.

Arequipa is known as the “white city” due to the fact that most of its constructions were made with blocks of white stone. There are over 500 antiquetous homes, churches, and monasteries made with this material, making Arequipa a highly unique city. Amonst its main manuments or stopping points are the Plaza de Armas (considered to be the most beautiful plaza in the country) and the Cathedral, with a neo-classical style and French influences. The most impressive building is the Monastary of Saint Catalina. The monastery is basically a small town which was constructed inside the historic center of Arequipa. It has an area of over 20,00 m2 and is a photographic paradise with narrow walkways, fountains, bright colors and many flowers.

The Museum of Andean SAnctuaries of the Cathic University of Saint Mary is where one can see the exhibit of the Mummy “Juanita”, a young girl found in the snow of Ampata more than 5000 masl. She was sacraficed and given as an offer by the Inca to the Apus ( or the Inca gods) approximately 600 years ao. It is impressive to see just how well she was preserved due to glacial freezing.

Arequipa’s culinary sector has reached fame as having some of the most varied and flavorful playes to choose from throughout all of Peru. It is extremely dicersive compared to that of other regions throughout the country due to the ample products produced in their surrounding farmlands, valleys, and along their coastline. The use of condiments and preparing tecniques is what also makes their plates special. For example, one cooking characteristic from Arequipa is the use of Aji and Rocoto peppers to make the food somewhat spicy. While in the city, do not miss out on going to a traditional Picanteria or local restaurnt, where some of the specialties you may find are: El Chupe de Camarones (a type of shrimp stew), Cuy Chactado (guinea pig), and Rocoto Relleno (stuffed pepper).

Day 6 – Colca Canyone-Chivay

We will ascend in the morning towards the Wester Andes crossing the National Reserve of Salinas and White Water, where one can see 3-4 types of the South American camel such as the llama, alpaca, and vicuna. Our journey continues with various stops in order to observe the beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna present in this zone. We will ascend up to 4900 masl to the look out point of the volcanoes, where it is possible to take in the magnificence of the inmensity of the Andes Mountains. Later in the afternoon we will descend towards Chivay where we will stay the night. In the evening/night we also have the option to submerge ourselves in the hot springs of the city.

Colca Canyon began to form approximately 10 million years ago and was rapidly carved by its River of the same name, which originates from the foot of Mount Mismi. According to the last measurements taken in 2005, Colca Canyon reaches its deepest point in Quilla Orco with a depth of 4160 m. on its nothern side and 3600m on its southern side. The landscape leading into the canyon was radically transformed by the Incas who constructed thousands of terraces for agricultural use.

Day 7 – Flight of the Condors – Puno

We will begin the day  early and will begin to head to the canyon where after an hour we will arrive to the looking out point foor the Flight of the Condors. Here we will have a one in a lifetime opportunity to watch the magnificence of the condors in their natural habitat as they slowly soar higher and higher in the canyone.

After watching the condors we will take a short walk along the canyon in order see the spectacular landscape of this natural marvel. Later we return to the small town of Chivay, making various stops in the main look out points of the canyon. After lunch we board the omnibus and cross the Andes and the Collao Plateau until arriving in the city of Puno, located along the shores of Lake Titicaca, at nightfall.

Day 8 – Lake Titicaca

This day begins with adventure boarding the “taxi cholos”, or large tricycles adapted specifically for carrying passengers. This is the most commonly used means of transportation for the local people of the community. We will then go to board motorboats that will carry us in a three hour journey to Amantani Island. When we arrive to the island’s port we will meet and be welcomed by our new families whom which we will be staying. In the afternoon after lunch we will climb to the top of the largest hill on the island, named Pachatata. Throughout the journey our guide will explain the customs, myths, and legends of the island inhabitants, as well as the geography, climate, morphology, etc. of the Lake.

At night we can attend a small party or get together organized by the host families in order to enjoy the mysic, deances, and costumes of the Andean people.

The mythical Lake Titicaca is the second largest lake in South America and is the highest navegable lake in the world. It is located between the Peruvian-Bolivian Plateau at 3800masl. It is 204 km long and 65 km wide with a surface area of 8570 km2 and an impressive depth of 360m in its deepest point. Lake Titicaca is considered the birthplace of the Inca Empire. As legend has it, the first Inca ( a child of the sun) came out of the water of this sacred lake in order to populate the world. From there he walked to the Valley of Cusco in order to form the Imperial City.

Day 9 – Taquile Island-Floating Islands of Urus-Puno

After bidding farewell to the locals we will sail towards TTaquile Island (3900 masl). In about one hour we will arrive to the Southern part of the island where we will begin a one hour hike until arriving to the main town. On our hike you will be able to picturesque landscapes, cobble-stone streets, fileds full of agricultural products, typical houses made out of stone and adobe, and intense colors of blue water that contrast the snowy peaks of the Real Mountain Range in the foreground.

Taquile Island was not inhabited for thousands of years and has a population of 2000 individuals. The dress and way of life on the island is very different. Most of the inhabitants speak the native languages of Quechua and Aymara and maintain strong links to their cultural identity a well to the beliefs of their ancestors. One of the customs of the island people is that the men sew and knit instead of the women. The garments they wear also maintain remnents of pre-Colombian times.

The women dress in a red blouse with many multicolored skirts topped with a large black skirt. The waist is cinched with a belt dyed from morello cherry. Their heads and faces are protected from the sun by a large, black cloak. The men use woven black pants and a white shirt which is covered by a short vest.  The form and color of their clothes determines their function in the community. Each member also has a woven sash which, depending to the woven pattern, symbolically describes the important events that have marked the lives of each couple. The hat, finely woven, shows the difference between married and single men. The way in which one weas their hat states whther or not they are currently looking for a partner.

Continuing with our tour, we will return to the Bay of Puno in order to go to the Floating Islands of Uros. We will visit a few of the islands and will have the opportunity to sail on traditional rafts made from reeds. These artificial islands were constructed on top of bundles of reeds (which is abundant floating material found on the shors of the lake). The reeds need to be readjusted and replaced various times throughout the year due to decomposition. The homes, roofs, and mattresses on the island are also made with this material. On each island lives of four families. There are 50 islands in total and they are unique in the world. The people from the islands call themselves “children of the sunrise”. They also consider themselves as “Urus” – the first race of the Americas. The Urus have a darker skin tone than the Aymaras an is different from them and the Quechuas. Their origins come from epocs prior to the Incas and Colla.

Day 10 – Cuzco

Our journey continues north and you will board a comfortable, local omnibus where you have the opportunity to interact with local people. The trip lasts around 7 hours and we will cross the Peruvian-Bolivian Plateau. We will make some stops, one of them being at the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno, better known as “la Raya”, or, the line. This is where the Vilcanota River (Sacred River) begins, which is also considered to be the origin of the Amazon River. Later we will be amongst the inter-Andean Valleys which are principally characterized by their colorful fields full of agraicultural products such as potatoes, Andean grains, barly, etc. We will also be able to observe cattle, members of the llama/alpaca family, and sheep grazing in the valleys.

The omnibus journey finishes around 3pm in the city of Cuzco.

The city of Cuzco is located of the valley of the same name at 3311 masl. The average temperature is 18º celcius and the region has two very distant seasons: dry season from April-September (sunny,dry, and cold at night), and rainy season from October-March (frequent rain, warm climate).  The city of Cuzco was priorly the capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities to of the viceroy of Peru.

As stated, the Imperial City of Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire and has an impressive historic center with monuments, palaces, churches, grand homes, cobble-stoned streets from both the Inca and Colonial periods. The world has recognized Cusco’s  legacy and value and has honorred it with titles such as: Cultural Heritage Site of Humanity (UNESCO), Historical Capital of Peru, Archeological Capital of the Americas, Navel of the World, etc. In the city you can also find thousands of Quechua speaking descendents as well as travelers from all different corners of the world.

One of the most important places in the city is the Cathedral, which was founded in 1559 and took nearly 100 years to construct. The Cathedral has alrge Colonial Art exhibit. Another place to visit is the Inca Museum which displays the story of the Andean inhabitants from cave men to pre-Inca and Inca times to colonialism and then the Republic of Peru.

Many archeological sites and Inca ruins are found outside the city, some of which are worth visiting on your own in a tour. These ruins are those of Sacsayhuaman and its megalithic stones, Tambomachay and its aquaducts, and Qenqo with Inca temples and ceremonial centers.

Day 11 – Cuzco

We will begin the day with a walking city tour exploring the historical center of the city, its narrow streets, and its plazas. One of our tour guides will explain the history, customs, and traditions of this ancient city. Then we will visit Qoricancha or the “Temple of the Sun”. This archeological monument was one of the main works constructed by the Incas. It is considered to be the main temple dedicated to worship of the Inca deities such as the gods of the sun, moon, rainbow, lightning bolt, etc. It structure is made with perfectly carved stones that, at the time of the Incas, were covered in silver and gold. From there we will then visit the Central Market to see the functions of daily life for some of Cuzco’s inhabitants.The market is divided into different sections such as: fruit and juices, vegetables, fish and meat, clothing items and accessories, and a sector that sells other types of packaged foods.

In the afternoon you will have free time to rest or continue exploring and making memories of the city of Cuzco.

Day 12 – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Ollantaytambo

Our journey continues to the North-East towrds the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will cross the mountains of the eastern slope  heading down into the valley.

We will stop at the Corao look-out point to see the valley of the same name which has a large variety of agricultural products such as potatoes, beans, maize, and Andean grains such as quinoa and kiwicha. We will then head towards the Andean Community of Ccaccaccollo where we have a reforestation project to and support the primary school of the community. Here we can also learn the ancestral weaving techniques with the females from the community.

Later we will explore the archeological site of Pisac, located in the heights of the town by the same name. Here exist large terraces that are still used for agriculturalal products today. There is also a section of the site that has religious and ceremonial areas with several temples dedicated to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. The temple of the sun has an “intihuatana”, or sun dial, that was a worked piece of stone which features four angles pointing to the four cardinal points, and was used to decipher the seasons of the year. Later we will visit the Pisac Market where it is possible to witness local individuals selling products such as maize, barley, wheat, potatoes, etc. he market also sells artisan products, typical textiles from the zone, and excelent watercolo and oil paintings.

In the afternoon we will head towards the town of Ollantaytambo, known as the only “living Inca city” that, without interruption, has been inhabited since the 13th century and that still conserves its Incan urbanism. To the North of the town there is a spectacular archeological site and fort. The site has a grand ceremonial center located on top of impressive terraces that ascend across the moutain slopes. Studies indicate that the complex had the shape of a llama and was not finished due to the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century.

Day 13 – Camino Inca . Piscacucho- Huallyabamba

Our adventure takes us to the small town of Piscacucho (located at km. 82 of the railway from Cuzco) where we will make our way to the web of Inca Trails in order begin our exciting adventure. We will cross the Inca Bridge (2650 masl) and will begin our hike towards the archeological of Llactapata (2607 masl). This hike is smooth with few slopes. The ruins of Llactapata are from an ancient Inca town that had civic buildings and agricultural terraces along the shores of the Urubamba River. From there we will hike to Hatunchaca where our personel will prepare us a delicious lunch. After a brief rest we will begin our hike again and in approximately two hours we will arrive to the Andean Community of Huayllabamba, which will be our first campsite. The average amount of time the hike will take is 5-6 hours covering approximately 11 kilometers.

Day 14 – Inca Trail – Huayllabamba – Warmiwañusca Highpass – Paqaymayu

Early in the morning we will begin our hike towards the highest pint of the Inca Trail. On this part of the hike we will be able to note different climates and micrpclimates passing while through the rainforest of Yuncachimpa and the polylepis forrests of Llulluchapanpa until arriving at the highlands of Warmiwañusca. We will then ascend slowly to 4200 masl, which is the highest part of the trail. Here we will have the opportunity to take in the Andes Mountains in all of their magnificence. After a brief break we will begin our descent in order to eat a nice and warm lunch. In the afternon we will begin to hike again towards Paqaymayu, or Sunrise River, where our camping equipment and snack will be waiting for us. The average time it takes to complete this hike is 7-8 hours covering about 12 km.

Day 15 – Inca Trail – Paqaymayu – Choquecoche – Wiñaywayna

After breakfast we will begin our hike with an ascent toward the archeological site of Runkunakay where we will have the opportunity to more fully explore the “tambos” or checkpoints from the Inca era. We will then pass by two Andean Lakes that serve as stopping points for migratory birds. We will then arrive at the second highpass located at 3850 masl. This highpass has the same name as the archeological site priorly visited on this day (Runkunakay). From here, we have one hour until arriving to Sayacmarca, or “dominant town”, which is where one can take in an impressive view of the Aobamba Valley.From there, the path ascends slightly into the cloud forrest until arriving in Phuyupalamarca, or “town above the clouds”. This archeological site has beautiful fountains used for ceremonies and rituals, lush vegetation, and a spectacular view of the Urubamba River Valley. After a quick moment to rest we will begin to descend through the cloud forrest by climbing down a long set of stairs that will lead us to the archeological site of Wiñawayna (2600 masl), or “forever young”. It has this name due to the orchids which flourish in this region year round. Our third campsite is also in this region and we will have free time here to visit and explore the surrounding area. The average time for this hike is 7-8 hours covering about 14 km.

Day 16 – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Cuzco

Very early in the m,orning we will begin an approximately three hour hike until arriving at IntiPunku, or the “Sun Gate” where we will have thr oppoortunity to watch the sun rise over the magestic citadel of Machu Picchu. From here we will begin to descend towards the citadel where we will register our arrival in the Control Center in order to later begin our guided two and a half hour guided tour. You will also have time on your own to explore and discover the marvels that this enigmatic city holds. Later we will take the bus down from Machu Picchu to the town of Aguas Calientes in order to board the train to Ollantaytambo where, finally a bus will be waiting to take you to our Hotel in Cuzco.

Declared a “”World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1983, Machu Picchu (literally, in Quechua, “Old Mountain”)  was one of the principal cities constructed by the Incas in their process of attempting to conquer the jungle and lowlands which were rich in food, medicinal plants, and coca. It is also onsidered a religious and astronomical Inca sanctuary and one of the greatest archeological and engineered works of all time. All of this helped create the mysticism that surrounds Machu Picchu today. Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons, was forgotten in time, and was quickly covered in lush vegetation for centuries until 1911 when American Historian Hiram Bingham made the scientific discovery of this “Lost City of the Incas”.

Note: The campsites are subject to the authorization of the Management Unit of Machu Picchu and the availability of spaces is determined by INC. Therefore, the above campsites are for reference. Passengers Huayna Picchu should alert their guide as soon as possible before arriving to Machu Picchu as the number of passengers permitted each day on Huayna Picchu is 400 and one can only enter until around 11AM.

Day 17 – Cuzco

Today our trip will include an entire day without planned activites. Today is a good day to rest and refill the energy used on our Inca Trail adventure. For the more active members of the group we also have optional activities in the city available.

Day 18 – National Reserve of Tambopata Amazon Jungle

It is now time to leave the Andes and fly to the city of Puerto Maldonado. Our flight will only last a half-hour and upon arrival we will go to the port to board speed boats that will take us down the Tambopata River towards the National Reserve of Tambopata- Cadamo. The lodge where we will be staying is located on the banks of the Tambopata River near the entrance of the Tambopata-Cadamo Reserve. During the trip ou can see wild animals such as birds (tabirus, herons, and possibly Macaws or toucans), mammals (capybara and tapir) and some reptiles, such as the white alligator or turtles that may be resting on the River banks. After lunch we will take a brief moment to rest. After this we will take a hike in order to observe the luscious flora and fauna around us with trees (chiguaguacos, almendrillos, and kapoks) that are nearly 1000 years old and house birds of multiple species. From time to time, our hike may be interrupted by the site of colorful iguanas or butterflies. At night after dinner we will take a night hike with our guide to see the forrest life of insects, frogs, bats, and occasionally other animals such as nocturnal monkeys.

The Reserve was formed in 1990 and is one of the few places in the Amazon where one can still see large mammals (up to 200 species) such as the jaguar, giant otter, tapir, peccary, various species of monkey. This has converted this region into one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. There are approximately 1300 species of birds including the harpy eagle, parrots, migratory birds, etc. There is also an incomparable insect variety in the Reserve. In just butterflies, there are over 1200 species. There are also over 10,00 tree species. Animal and plant watching is the not the only activity however. For example, the locals take place in harvesting chestnuts and many other agricultural products.

Day 19 – Amazon

After eating breakfast we will travel two hours up the River and we will then begin a hike towards the creek “El Gato” located in the Reserve, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and bathe in waterfalls. There will also be a hike in the high jungle of the zone which is full of epiphytes, bromeliads, and ancient chestnuts. This afternoon we will return to Inotawa and in the evening head out, with our guide, in search of alligators in the vicinity of the Tambopata River.

Day 20 – Lima

In the morning we will leave the lodge heading to Puerto Maldonado to take a flight that will return us to Lima. In Lima we will have free time to continue to discover the enchantment of this capital city. At night we will celebrate with a goodbye dinner with all of the members of the group and perhaps explore this city’s terrific nightlife.

Day 21 – Lima

Today there are no planned activites. It is the end of the Route of the Sun journey. Have a great return trip to your home or to whatever other adventure may be awaiting you on our beautiful planet.

Includes

INCLUDES:

  • Personnel:
    • Trip Coordinator from Lima until the final day in Cuzco
    • Professional Guides in English in: Ballestas Islands, Pre-Incan Cemetery of Chauchila, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Walking City Tour of Cuzco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Inca Trail, Machupicchu, National Reserve of Tambopata Amazon Jungle
    • Chauffer/Guide in the sands of Huacachina, Pilot/Guide in the flight over the Nazca Lines
    • Personnel on the Inca Trail: Cook in charge of all meal preparation and an assistant cook for groups with more than 9 passengers
    • Porters: Carry camping equipment, food, and kitchen/cooking equipment
    • Personal Porter: Carry duffle bags, sleeping bags, and passenger mattresses (07 kilos per passenger)
  • Entrance Fees: Colca Canyon, Taquile Island, Qoricancha, Tourist Ticket Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machupicchu, Tambopata-Candamo Reserve
  • Airport Taxes: Flight over the Nazca , Flight Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Lima
  • Meals: Breakfast (19), Lunch (06), Dinner (06), Morning Snack (04), Afternoon Snack (03)
  • Transfer:
    • Transfer in from Lima airport to Hotel with previous coordination of arrival flight/time
  • Lodging:
    • Hotel/Hostel with private bathroom (13 nights)
    • Lodge (2 nights)
    • Camping (3 nights)
    • Night Bus (1 night)
    • Homestay (1 night)
  • Transport:
    • Bus: Road Transport public service from Lima to: Paracas, Huacachina, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cuzco.
    • Train: Backpacker  Train Machupicchu – Ollantaytambo
    • Flight: Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado and Puerto Maldonado to Lima

NOT INCLUDED:

  • International Flights
  • Local Flights Cuzco/Lima
  • International Airport Taxes
  • Visa Preparations
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Transfers for “free time” activities
  • Tips
  • Articles of personal use
  • Lodging before and after the tour in case it applies
  • Transfer out/departure
  • Suggested amount for meals not included:
    • Around USD $290.00

RECOMMENDED TO BRING

  • Original passport
  • Rain coat/poncho
  • Shorts
  • T-Shirts
  • Sandals
  • Sun Block
  • Insect Repellent
  • Hat
  • Money in Soles
  • Mineral Water for the first day
  • Walking Sticks

Optional Extras:

  • Travel Insurance

  • Lima
    • San Francisco Church and Catacombs: $4.00
    • Tours of Pachacamac: $30.00
    • Parasailing: $25.00
    • Entrance to the Gold Museum: $12.00
    • Entrance to the National Museum: $14.00
    • Entrance to Museum Larco: $10.00
    • Arequipa
      • Entrance to the Saint Catalina Convent: $5.00
      • Entrance to the Museum of Juanita: $4.00
      • Cuzco
        • Entrance to the Cathedral: $9.00
        • River Rafting: $35.00 – $45.00
        • Motorcyle Tours: $50.00
        • ATV Tours: $80.00
        • Biking Tours: $35.00
        • Horseback Riding: $25-30.00
        • Bungee Jumping: $60.00
        • Massages: $18.00
        • Transfer: $10.00 Puno
          • Sillustani: $25.00

Galery