Discover The Ancient Cultures of South America – 16 Day

Itinerary

Day 1. Welcome to Peru

Welcome to Peru. The country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Arrive at the airport where a Wayna Trekkers agent will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 7 pm at your hotel. You can arrive earlier and take advantage of your time to see the historical center, the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. The night is free to experience one of the fine dining establishments that Lima has to offer.

•  Accommodation

Hotel

•  Meals

There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2. Lima – Puerto Maldonado

Enjoy a delicious before leaving your hotel early travel to the airport in Lima for your flight to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon.

Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s capital of biodiversity, you will be met at the airport. First, we will start by visiting the city on a bus, see the local people going about their daily life. A short journey to Puerto Capitanía, the port where our riverboat awaits. Travel down the Rio Bajo Madre de Dios until reaching the lodge.

On your journey down the river observe rural lands destined to agricultural and livestock activities. Upon arrival, be welcomed with delicious Amazon tropical fruit nectars and taken to your comfortable room (bungalow). Once you are settled in the room, a hearty lunch will be served for you in the rustically designed dining room.

Caiman Cocha

After lunch our specialized guide will take you on a trail, to Caiman Cocha, a lagoon where you will have the chance to observe the caiman, as well as the predators that live around the lake. They feed on a rich water fauna that inhabits lagoon. After the adventure walk back to the lodge where a delicious dinner awaits. Have free time to share unforgettable moments at the bar over a cocktail.  The night fauna will serenade you to sleep under the stars in your comfortable cabin.

• Accommodation

Jungle Lodge

•  Meals

Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3. Lake Apu Victor – Monkey Island

Today in the Peruvian jungle the adventure begins after breakfast with an early morning walk to Lake Apu Victor, a wonderfully peaceful lake that is surrounded by lush rainforest and towering palms. Along the way, we will see diverse species of medicinal plants and fruit trees supporting the animal and human populations in the Amazon forests. Some of the most important are the moriche palm, mahogany, chestnut, catahua, cedar, trumpet-wood, copaiba, and shihuahuaco, among others.

Explore the lake by canoe experiencing the tranquil waters and if you are lucky seeing wildlife such as giant river otters, macaws, capybara or even caiman basking in the sun on the shore of the lake. Experience the biodiversity of this incredible part of the jungle.

After a delicious lunch at the lodge the journey continues to Monkey Island, a reserve and home to playful monkeys such as capuchins and howler. See these curious creatures leaping from branches. They will sometimes come close in search of fruit. An experience not to be missed as you will feel the energy of the jungle. A full day experience that ends with a delicious dinner and a few drinks at the bar before settling into your cabin for the night.

• Accommodation

Jungle Lodge

•  Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4. Travel to Cusco, The Ancient Capital of Peru

Today we say goodbye to the wonderful Amazon and travel to Cusco. Return to Puerto Maldonado and then take a short flight. Once you’ve spent some time acclimatizing to the altitude of 3450 m, head out on an orientation walk with your leader. See the ancient, colonial and contemporary architecture styles, including the Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the San Pedro Market, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. This tour will also include the most significant temple in the ancient Inca empire – Qoricancha. Despite being covered with a Baroque facade in the 17th century by the Spanish, the original Inca masonry has been uncovered in some areas. In the evening you are free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some tasty local Peruvian favorites.

•  Accommodation

Hotel

•  Meals

Breakfast at the Lodge,

Day 5. Sacred Valley of the Inca’s

This morning’s adventure starts when we pick you up from your hotel lobby at 07:00 am in Cusco. Today we embark on the wonderful Sacred Valley tour. The road leads us to Pisac. Visit the 5 main sites of the Sacred Valley, Pisac Archeological site, Pisac Market, the Salt mines in Maras, and the Moray terraces. First, we visit the archaeological site of Pisac and lastly the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. In Pisac you will have a guided tour for around 1 hour, visit the most important sites, like the agriculture terraces, the cemetery of the Incas, the temple of the sun. After visiting Pisac ruins we will continue to the colorful Pisac Market, here is a great place to buy your souvenirs and take colorful photos. Our next stop is Urubamba around midday we will stop at a restaurant for lunch.

Continuing through the valley we arrive at the ancient site of Moray; a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that was once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops. Visit the salt mines at Maras, which have been in use since Pre-Inca times. Water from an underground stream is channeled through pools where it evaporates and leaves behind pure salt crystals. The views are amazing with thousands of stark white pools stretching down the valley. Our final destination is Ollantaytambo ruins where we will spend an hour exploring and enjoying the views. Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night.

•  Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

•  Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6, Short Inca Trail, Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Sun Gate/ Inti Punku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

Your journey begins early in the morning from your hotel in Ollantaytambo, after breakfast you will walk to the train station, pick-up will be around 5:30 a.m. We will board the train and travel along the Urubamba River until we arrive at Km 104—Chachabamba (located in the cloud forest).

Note: For the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is recommended that you stay the day before somewhere closer to the train station in Ollantaytambo; this way, you can save 1.5 hours of travel from Cusco. If you participate in a tour like Sacred Valley the day before, you can request the drop-off in Ollantaytambo and spend the night in a hotel. Our team will pick you up from any location near Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

On arrival at Km 104, we have time to organize our packs and ready ourselves for the start of the hike. We will head straight to the checkpoint at Chachabamba to start our Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Please note that you will need the original passports to pass the checkpoint.

Our first stop is the beautiful Inca archaeological site of Chachabamba, where our expert tour guide will introduce you to Inca history and Machu Picchu. After exploring the site, we will hike along an ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for about 6 hours.

The first section of the Short Inca Trail is a gradual uphill hike for 3 hours, passing lush cloud forest, surrounded by orchids and birdlife. Pass a stunning waterfall before arriving at Wiñay Wayna, translated means Forever Young, this is one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the Inca Trail. This ancient Inca site is perched on the Mountainside. Take some time to explore this stunning archaeological site while enjoying spectacular views of the Andes. Partake in a packed lunch and refreshments that will be provided. Once fed and energized, we will continue our hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) to catch our first glimpse of Machu Picchu Citadel – a truly unforgettable sight. We will arrive at Sun Gate around 3 to 4 p.m. when the crowds from Machu Picchu thinned out, allowing us to enjoy Machu Picchu with fewer people.

After we have enjoyed the view and taken many pictures, hike for another one hour downhill from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu viewpoints, which have breathtaking views. Classic group photos can be taken from this point. Later, we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, have dinner in a local restaurant, and spend the night in a 3-star hotel.

Dinner will be served in top-rated restaurants in the town, and our hotel is in the center of town. It has a private bathroom, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and beautiful views.

• Accommodation

Hotel

• Meals

Breakfast, Box Lunch and dinner.

Day 7. Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

Wake up before sunrise and prepare for the highlight of the tour: visiting Machu Picchu—the Lost City of the Incas. Breakfast will be served in the hotel, and we will board the first buses to Machu Picchu. Arriving in time to witness the citadel emerge through the misty morning light. On a clear day, we can watch the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.

With your guide take a 2-to-3-hour comprehensive tour of the city, you will explore the highlights of the ancient wonder. With our private tour guide, visit the temples, palaces, farming terraces, and learn about the city’s history. Take photos at the viewpoints, feel the presence of the Ancient Inca as the surrounding mountains wrap you in their magnificence.

Take an extra (optional) hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked well in advance).

After the tour of Machu Picchu, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. You will have time to explore the town, choose a restaurant of your preference, and buy souvenirs in the local market. Later in the afternoon, you will board the Expedition Train at 2:55 pm, 3:20 or 4:43 pm and bus back to Cusco. While on the train take the time to reflect on the unforgettable journey along the Inca Trail. A Wayna Trekkers representative will meet you off the train in Ollantaytambo and return you safely to our hotel. Our arrival time to Cusco is around 7:30 p.m. or 8:30 pm, depending on your train schedule. Transfer to your hotel.

• Accommodation

Hotel

• Meals 

Breakfast at the hotel

Special Note

• The Short Inca Trail includes CIRCUIT #2, but it depends on availability.
• Earlier trains can be organized at the booking time.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain Hike depends on availability, confirm at the booking time.

Day 8. Cusco Free Day

Enjoy free time to relax, go shop and explore more of Cusco’s beautiful sites. Maybe rest at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or walk to the famous San Pedro Market, here you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many interesting local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs for your family and photographs. Relax and enjoy Cusco ready for the next leg of your adventure.

•  Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

•  Meals

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9. Puno, On the shores of Lake Titicaca

This morning after breakfast, travel through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno, stopping at some attractions along the way (The 16th-century church in Andahuaylillas, The famous for Raqchi’s Wiracocha temple, and the border of Puno and Cusco “La raya” .) – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca Puno is at an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the known as the world’s highest navigable lake. Puno is a mix of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner. Settle into your hotel for a good night’s rest after a long day on the road.

•  Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

•  Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10. Puno, Lake Titicaca

Today is a full day tour on Lake Titicaca. Take a motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Later cruise to Taquile Island – known for the intricate, hand-knitted textiles the locals produce. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. It’s a great place to pick up some high-quality, locally knitted goods, with the added bonus of supporting the local community. Then, take an hour uphill trek to the main area of the island, where you can shop for handicrafts. After, descend about 500 steps to the boat. After lunch return to Puno, where later in the evening you can enjoy a drink or two – try a chilcano or indulge in a pisco sour.

•  Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

•  Meals

Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch

Day 11. Travel to La Paz

This morning, we will travel to the bustling city of La Paz in Bolivia. After border formalities at the Peruvian migration office and document checks as you cross the border, travel across the high Andean plain to La Paz. Once settled into your hotel you’ll discover the colonial architecture of La Paz. Browse the markets on a walking tour, taking in the vibrant expressions of culture. Over the last decade, the city has become a tourist hub offering many different attractions.  After the walking tour, why not head to the Witches’ Market in search of folkloric remedies, potions and totems? It’s a great place to pick up a last-minute souvenir! Your hotel will be located in the center of the city great for exploring and discovering the largest city in Bolivia.

• Accommodation

Hotel

• Meals

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 12. La Paz, Free Day

Today is a free day to explore La Paz at your own pace. Why not take the cable car up to El Alto or take an optional tour to the Valle de la Luna. If you are feeling adventurous take a tour to the Death Road for some spectacular scenery. In the afternoon head out into the city, situated in the middle of a vast volcanic crater. Breathe the ‘thin’ air, marvel at the vistas of buildings clinging to the canyon sides, and explore the lively streets like Calle Jaen. At night find a wonderful restaurant to eat and have a drink before settling in for the night at your hotel.

• Accommodation

Hotel

• Meals

Breakfast at the hotel

Day 13. Travel to Uyuni

Leave La Paz this morning and travel by private vehicle to Uyuni – the gateway to Bolivia’s acclaimed salt flats. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, so be sure to have some entertainment and some food for the journey. This remote town sits on the edge of the high altiplano – a wilderness extending hundreds of kilometers towards the border with Argentina and Chile. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to relax. Although basic, the rooms are clean and comfortable – take the opportunity to relax as the next few days will be full on.

• Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

• Meals

Breakfast

Day 14. Uyuni Salt Flats Tour

Set off this morning on an adventurous day like no other. Uyuni is the starting point of your 4WD adventure to Salar de Uyuni in the Andean Desert. The first stop will be the Train Cemetery where abandoned locomotives rust in the sun. Our next stop will be Colchani before heading into the salt flats. With endless skies that meet endless white plains, great for the photographers. A short stop at the intriguing salt hotel before and driving to an island of cacti that rise in the desert. Known as Isla Inca Wasi, or Fish Island, this fossil-strewn outcrop was once the top of an ancient volcano – you’ll have the chance to go on an optional hike here. Continue south to your homestay-style accommodation in a small village and refuel with an included dinner.

• Accommodation

Mixed Dormitory (1 night) (Basic Accommodation)                  

• Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15. Desierto Siloli, Laguna Colorado

After breakfast, by 4WD vehicles hit the road through the incredible wilderness of the Andean Desert. Pass by Chiguana Salt Lake, the active Ollague Volcano and other small lakes of various colors. Continue to the Sicoli Desert – known for its seven-colored mountain and Arbol de Piedra (Stone Tree) rock formation. You’ll also visit an Andean wildlife reserve (Reserve de Eduardo Avaroa) and hike around the Laguna Colorada (Red Lake) – keep an eye out for llamas, vicunas and foxes along the way. After a big day, head to your accommodation in a local community (either Huayllajara or Polques) for a well-earned rest and an included dinner.

• Accommodation

Basic Hotel (1 night)

• Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16. Laguna Colorado to Uyuni

This morning, we rise early to try to catch the sunrise over the surrounding geysers. These bubbling fumaroles are especially active in the morning thanks to the cold air. There may also be an opportunity to visit a hot spring for an optional morning dip. After, drive through more barren landscapes – some of which are frequently compared to Salvador Dali’s paintings. See the strikingly green Laguna Verde, Valle de Rocas (Rock Valley) and the San Cristobal mining town. You’ll return to Uyuni around 5 pm to spend the night at your leisure. After a few days in the desert, you may want to check out a local restaurant with your group for an optional dinner and drinks.

• Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

• Meals

Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch