| Starts | Lima, Peru |
|---|---|
| Ends | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Region | Peru |
| Duration | 27 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. If you arrive early, we recommend you take a walk around Miraflores. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively go to Parque del Amor (Love's Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches. Other great things to see and do include a tour to Pachacamac (around 30 km from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion and the Gold Museum. Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood speciality. Notes: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information on this.
Day 2 - Starting: Amazon Jungle & Finishing: Amazon Jungle
When you arrive, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Here you can leave most of your luggage in safe storage and continue travelling with a small pack with just the necessary items for your next two nights in the jungle. Then you'll take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios area. Once you arrive at the lodge there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing on the lodge. Enjoy dinner at the lodge tonight before heading out on an optional night jungle walk.
Day 3 - Starting: Amazon Jungle & Finishing: Amazon Jungle
Head into the jungle with your local multilingual guides. Along the way, you'll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. We may spot everything from macaws and monkeys to peccaries, jabirus, otters and thousands of butterflies. The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants. Your lodge is eco-friendly and combines low-impact architecture with traditional native style. Rooms are simple but comfortable, with flush toilets (ensuite), showers (cold water only), mosquito nets, and kerosene lamps for light.
Day 4 - Starting: Cuzco & Finishing: Cuzco
Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cuzco, the true heart and soul of Peru (approximately 35 minutes). Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,450-metre altitude and enjoy a walking tour with your local leader. You'll visit the Coca Museum, where you can learn more about the infamous plant that has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries. You'll also visit the local San Pedro market. You'll see that the grandiose cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas. There are several impressive Inca ruins within the city, but the most easily accessible is Coricancha, which was the Inca empire's richest temple. For lunch, perhaps head to Yanapay restaurant on Ruinas Street, which not only offers delicious food but is an excellent cause supporting underprivileged children. Notes: The Boleto Turistico (Tourism Ticket) is a good option if you want to visit the museums. This ticket also includes the archaeological sites around Cuzco such as Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Some museums in town, like the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum can only be accessed by purchasing the Boleto Turistico.
Day 5 - Starting: Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo & Finishing: Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo
Head to Ollantaytambo, visiting a local community en route. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo you'll see it's a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It's one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below. Visit Hearts Cafe for a bite to eat – it's part of a project supported by the Intrepid Foundation and the coffee there is excellent.
Day 6 - Starting: Inca Trail, Quarry trail or Train option & Finishing: Inca Trail, Quarry trail or Train option
During the next four days, you'll do one of the following, depending on what you've arranged: Route 1: Hike the Classic Inca Trail; Route 2: Hike the Inca Quarry Trail; Route 3: Take the train to Aguas Calientes, after staying in Cuzco for two extra days. While away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cuzco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cuzco and only travel with the necessary items during the excursion by train. Route 1: Classic Inca Trail Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite (located 3,100 m above sea level). On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, and catch incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal. Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of 7 hours of walking (uphill and downhill) with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 2: Quarry Trail Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite (3,700 m above sea level). You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Notes: The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and on the third night you'll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 3: Train After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, leave around 9.30 am and take a short drive to the town of Pisac, which is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local Empanadas. Arrive back in Cuzco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to the San Pedro Market in order to buy some things for a picnic tomorrow. In the late afternoon, you’ll have an option to visit the Choco Museum and try some exquisite artisanal chocolate that's prepared in-house from cacao beans. Be sure to sample some of the delicious hot chocolate. Notes: The included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 7 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry trail / Train & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry trail / Train
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 metres above sea level, giving amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres. Route 2: Quarry Trail This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A three-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 m high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 meters. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo. Route 3: Train Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cuzco. From here you’ll take a short downhill walk (1–3 hours) back to Cuzco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites including Puka Pukara, Qinqu Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cuzco in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to go shopping, or perhaps visit Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops. Your tour leader will be able to give you some suggestions. Notes: The included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 8 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry trail / Train & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry trail / Train
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 m). Enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (approximately 2–3 hours). Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 m), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site (approximately 2 hours). Route 2: Quarry Trail Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, your trek comes to an end. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a recommended way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3: Train After a drive to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1.5 hours), catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (also approximately 1.5 hours). The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. For those who want a sneak peak, there is time to visit Machu Picchu independently before a guided tour the following day (dependent on ticket availability). Otherwise, you can while away the afternoon in the natural hot springs at Aguas Calientes. Notes: The included lunch on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 9 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Train (Machu Picchu) & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Train (Machu Picchu)
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. Walk to Intipunku, aka the Sun Gate (approximately 2.5 hours). Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu, ‘Lost City of the Incas’, as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with visitors). Route 2: Quarry Trail Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5.30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If the skies are clear, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate before going on a guided walk around the ruins. Route 3: Train Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters, and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Cuzco. For all routes: After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cuzco for a well-deserved shower and a Pisco sour. Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure. Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Day 10 - Starting: Cuzco & Finishing: Cuzco
Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cuzco's sights. Perhaps rest you weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can't get enough active adventure, why not try mountain biking in the hills that surround Cuzco?
Day 11 - Starting: Puno & Finishing: Puno
Travel by local bus through the dramatic scenery of the high altiplano to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 6 hours). You'll be at an altitude of 3,820 metres. There will be a couple of stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. Take in glorious views of the seemingly endless water stretching into the horizon. This place is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here.
Day 12 - Starting: Lake Titicaca Homestay & Finishing: Lake Titicaca Homestay
Embark on a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. To get a closer look at daily life in the Lake Titicaca region, you'll be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay with the community. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or trying to chat in the local language, Quechua. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends. Notes: Your homestay tonight is a mud brick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, and there are shared drop-toilets but no showers.
Day 13 - Starting: Puno & Finishing: Puno
This morning after breakfast you'll board the boat again and head to Taquile Island (approximately 1 hour). Here, the tradition of 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. An uphill trek (approximately 1 hour) brings you to the main area of the island. After the visit, you will descend about 500 steps back to our boat. Then travel back to Puno by boat (approximately 3 hours). Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well. Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project: https://vimeo.com/154422813 Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can donate to this project and your donation will be match dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group. Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo/
Day 14 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Kamisaki! Welcome to Bolivia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. At around 3,600 m, La Paz feels like the top of the world. It's not far from it! Â Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of commerce, finance and industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. La Paz is renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse through the weird and wonderful stalls which sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs, seeds and unidentified bits and pieces to cure any ailment. If this is all too much for you, try the more conventional markets where you'll find ponchos, gloves, hats and many other products made of alpaca wool, leather and other traditional materials. ALTITUDE SICKNESS: Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor. During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience: http://d3oxn90f3yphmd.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/file_attach/52735_product_altitude-sickness.pdf DEATH ROAD BIKING TO COROICO: Please note that our leaders are not able to organize this activity for you due to safety concerns. Injuries are very common and there have been a number of fatal accidents.
Day 15 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Perhaps hop on a local bus out to the Moon Valley to experience this extraordinary natural landscape on the outskirts of La Paz or visit the Coca Museum and learn about this infamous plant that has for centuries been an essential part of life in the Andes. If you want to discover more about the region’s fascinating history, enjoy a half-day tour to the Tiwanaku ruins outside of La Paz. Another great optional activity is a full-day tour to the coffee and coca plantations of Coroico, situated in the rainforest below the city. Please note this trip is part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip in Lima, 15 days ago on the Peru and Bolivia Uncovered (GGSUC)
Day 16 - Starting: Uyuni Town & Finishing: Uyuni Town
Today we travel to Uyuni by private transport (approx. 9 hours), with stops along the way to stretch legs and enjoy the scenery. Arriving in Uyuni feels a bit like you've reached the end of the road, which in many ways is true. This remote small town sits on the edge of the high altiplano, a wilderness that extends for hundreds of kilometres towards the border with Argentina and Chile. So it's hardly surprising that the town has a bit of a wild west feel about it. Uyuni is best known for its proximity to the Bolivian salt flats known locally as the Salar de Uyuni. Tonight we stay at a hotel in Uyuni Town. The hotel is basic however it’s clean comfortable and has hot water (make the most of this as you may not have a shot shower for the next couple of days)
Day 17 - Starting: Salar de Uyuni & Finishing: Salar de Uyuni
Uyuni is the starting point of our 3-day 4WD excursion into Salar de Uyuni and the Andean desert. This morning we have an included visit to the train cemetery. The Train Cemetery is located 3 km outside of Uyuni Town and is connected to it by the old train tracks. The town served in the past as a distribution hub for the trains carrying minerals on their way to the Pacific Ocean ports. In the 1940s however the mining industry collapsed, partly due to the mineral depletion. Many trains were abandoned thereby producing the train cemetery. The remainder of the day is spent mostly on the salt lake itself. We will also visit Isla Inca Wasi, a hilly and rocky outcrop of land and former island in Bolivia situated in the middle of Salar de Uyuni. The island is filled with Cactus's and large coral like structures. We will spend time time walking around admiring the unusual yet beautiful landscapes. The massive salt plains of Bolivia are an incredible sight and offer plenty of opportunities for bizarre, perspective-defying photos. Endless blue skies meet endless white salt on what was once a prehistoric lake. From December to March there is a risk of the salt lake being flooded and the itinerary will be adapted to accommodate this. Please make the most of your time on the salt flats, take lots of photos as the following day we will be leaving the salt flats for the Andean Desert. Accommodation in Salar de Uyuni: (Basic Dormitory)
Day 18 - Starting: Andean Desert & Finishing: Andean Desert
Today is spent driving through amazing landscapes. This is the beginning of the Andean dessert with many volcanoes & lakes. During this drive we reach an altitude of approximately 4900mtrs above sea level. We stop by Laguna Colorada (red lake), a rich red lake vividly colored by algae and rich minerals. One of the strangest sights in such arid and inhospitable land is be the abundant wildlife. Spot llamas, flamingos, vizcachas and foxes. Accommodation in the desert is basic. There are showers however it’s likely the water will be cold. During the winter months or in the morning when cold it’s also possible for the pipes to freeze, meaning it will not be possible to take a shower. Electricity is generated by solar panel so not enough to charge electronic devices. The Desert is at high altitude and can experience extremely cold weather, particularly at night. In the rainy season, the itinerary may be altered depending on the accessibility of roads. Be aware, this trip can be tough going. There will be long travel days in 4WDs on dusty washboard tracks, freezing temperatures, basic toilet facilities and multishare accommodation. However, without a doubt, this amazing journey will be one of the main highlights of your trip to South America. Accommodation in Andean Desert: (Very basic Dormitory)
Day 19 - Starting: Uyuni Town & Finishing: Uyuni Town
Apart from providing geysers and snow-capped volcanoes, the volcanic landscape also gives us the chance to relax in the region's thermal baths. This morning before returning to Uyuni we stop at the thermal baths for a soak.
Day 20 - Starting: Potosi & Finishing: Potosi
A journey by local bus takes us to Potosi (approx 3-4 hrs). The highest city of its kind in the world, Potosi has had a turbulent past, centred mostly around its mining successes and failures. During the Spanish colonial days, the extensive mining of Potosi's silver rich Cerro Rico was said to have kept Spain running for 300 years. During this time, Potosi briefly celebrated life as one of the richest cities in the world. In the 1800s, the supply of silver declined as did the market price and the city started to suffer. Working conditions in the mines were appalling and huge numbers of indigenous people died. African slaves were brought in to replace them and it's said that as many as 8 million people died in the mines during the Spanish era. POTOSI MINE TOURS: We strongly recommend against doing a tour that enters the mine and should you do so anyway it will be at your own risk. Please note that our leaders are not able to organize this activity for you due to the safety concerns.
Day 21 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre
A journey by local bus takes us to Sucre (approx 3-4 hrs). Bolivia's official capital, Sucre was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1991. Most of the town's colonial buildings have been whitewashed, earning its nickname - the 'White City'. For great views of the city head up to Recoleta, an old convent on top of the hill.
Day 22-23 - Starting: Sucre & Finishing: Sucre
The next two days are free to explore the town or partake in some of the optional activities available. Please speak to your leader for more information. Head to the Plaza 25 de Mayo to mingle with Sucre's well-heeled residents and have a look at the beautiful interior of the Iglesia de la Merced. For something completely different, compare shoe sizes with a dinosaur at Cal Orcko, where 60 million-year-old footprints have been discovered.
Day 24 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
Take a short flight to La Paz (approx 40 mins). Your afternoon is free to rest or explore more of the city.
Day 25 - Starting: La Paz & Finishing: La Paz
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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