Day 1: Lima

Welcome to Lima! Depending on your arrival time we will have a look at the modern Lima with its Kennedy Park and the Pizza Street after our transfer to our hotel.

 

Day 2: Lima City Tour – Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel we will take a close look at the capital of Peru, the modern and colonial Lima. Among other things, we will visit the Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral of Lima. Then we set off again to the airport to take the flight to Cusco.

 

Day 3: Cusco

The morning is free to go buy souveniers in the beautiful city of Cusco and get used to the height of this city. In the afternoon we attend a tour to learn about the cathedral, the Plaza de Armas and other famous attractions of Cusco.

 

Day 4: Cusco – Valle Sagrado

We start our tour in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through Calca, Yucay and Urubamba. After lunch we visit Ollantaytambo, a famous city in the area of Cusco. Then we stay in a hotel in the Sacred Valley.

 

Day 5: Valle Sagrado – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

From the Sacred Valley we travel to the village of Aguas Calientes, where we climb to the Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu is one of the seven world wonders and has been discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham and is visited since then by tourists from all around the world. To achieve the "Lost City", we come to an approximately 25-minute bus trip that leads up the mountain in a zigzag course . Once at the top we have about 3 hours, in which our guide gives us information about this attraction. We stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes

 

Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Today we have the opportunity to get up early to watch the sunrise. The day can be used to visit the city one last time before going back to Cusco.

 

Day 7: Cusco – Puno

After breakfast we take our bus to Puno. On the way we will see different places, such as Andahuayillas with its famous church (the Sistine Chapel of America) and other attractions before arriving in Puno.

 

Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Uros Islands (Tanquile)

Today we take a typical ferry (about 15 people) to go to the cold springs of Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world accessible. We visit one of the Uros Islands on which natives still live traditionally by old cultural practices. Then we get to the island of Taquile where we will have lunch and spend the day.

 

Day 9: Puno – Chivay

Early in the morning we start our journey lasting about 4 hours by bus towards the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3400m). We pass the National Park Aguada Blanca, home for countless vicunas and alpacas. We reach the highest point at 4900m altitude. The Colca canyon is known for its adventure sports. Overnight in Chivay.

 

Day 10: Chivay – Cruz del Condor - Arequipa

Today we visit the Cruz del Condor; a viewpoint from which you can see one of the largest carrion birds in the world. On the way to Arequipa in our coach, we will visit the towns of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. A unique opportunity to see the original life of the residents of these villages, which has not changed since Inca times. Furthermore, we will visit the Stone Forest Imata with flamingos and other birds.

 

Day 11: Arequipa

After breakfast at the hotel we areattending a city tour to learn about the "white city" Arequipa. Among other things, we will visit the Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral and the Santa Catalina monasterio.

 

Day 12: Arequipa – Arica

Today we will have a free morning in Arequipa. In the afternoon we will take a bus to Arica, a small coastal town in Chile, where we spend the night. In Arequipa we recommend you, for example, to visit the mummy Juanita or the Molino de Sabandia; or, who is on action-packed deals, to go rafting on the Rio Chili.

 

Day 13: Arica – Puerte Natales

Today we will start our trip up to the bottom of Chile to Puerto Natales early. After 8 hours of flight and a two hour bus ride we arrive at around 16:00 ‘o clock at our destination.

 

Day 14: Puerto Natales (possible just between April and Septembre) or other tour (glacier Balmaceda and Serrano)

In the morning we start our way to the beach of the Lago Grey (Grey Lake). There we will have an approximately two- hour hike up to a peninsula, where we can observe the many icebergs and glaciers.

Then we continue our journey along the river Paine, which is the main tributary of the entire surrounding sector. Among other things, we will visit the turquoise lake Pehoe and reach the large waterfall Salto Grande in Pudeto after a 30 minutes walk, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river Paine. A little later we reach Lake Sarmiento where we might see mammels, condors and foxes. Furthermore, we will visit another unique waterfall with the Laguna Amarga and the Cascada Paine sector, before we start returning to the hotel.

 

Day 15: Puerto Natales

Between 6:30 and 7:30 we leave the hotel to cross the border to Argentina. Later (about 50km) we see Tapi Aike, a typical Patagonian ranch. If we're lucky on a clear day, we can see the fabulous Torres del Paine. At about 11 pm we will stop at a lookout point to see the Lago Argentino , the Santa Cruz River and the peaks of Chalten and the Fitz Roy. In the city of Calafate, we make a short stop of about 15 minutes to change money or to drink a little coffee. Then we continue our journey to the Perito Moreno Glacier , located in the Glacier National Park. The glacier is about 12km long, about 8km wide and has 70m ice wall above the sea. Here we will spend about 2.5 hours to observe the glacier. In Calafate, we will spend the night.

 

Day 16: Trekking in Calafate (just possible between August and May, otherwise other tour)

The tour of this day starts at the "Bajo de las Sombras", a port about 6km before the viewpoint of the glacier, where we will begin to cross the lake Rico. After about 20 minutes we reach the southwestern coast of the south wall of the Perito Moreno glacier. Upon arrival groups for tours of about 20 people are formed, then we will go on a 20-minute walk along the lake to the glacier. The walk on the glacier itself lasts two hours. During the hike we can see a variety of ice formations, cracks, drains and small lagoons.

 

Day 17: Calafate – Bariloche

The morning today is at leisure. A good way to enjoy the scenery again. Everything around us is constantly changing. From high mountains to the Patagonian steppe we can see the snow-capped Andes southern chains, covered hills, the typical Southern Forests and two of the largest lakes on the continent.

In the evening we take the flight to Bariloche, where we will spend the night.

 

Day 18: San Carlos de Bariloche

After breakfast at the hotel, our tour starts in the morning hours. The walk starts from Lake Nahuel Huapi, past the "Playa Bonita" (beautiful beach), the island Huemul and Cerro Campanario. The ascent is possible, among other things by a chair lift (with passenger). At the top we can enjoy one of the best views from a bar and a terrace on the place. Later we will reach another viewpoint before heading back to the city. There is the free afternoon.

 

Day 19: Bariloche – Lago Puelo

Today we are having an excursion in the city; the afternoon is at leisure. We encourage you to look at the lake Nahuel and Victoria Island with the myrtle forest.

 

Day 20: Lago Puelo

After breakfast we will start our trek to the waterfall Rio Azul and arrive at a beautiful viewpoint over the lake Puelo. In the afternoon we take a walk in the National Park Lake Puelo. The lake water is of a magnificent blue green, stretches from north to south and empties in the same named river.

 

Day 21: National Park Alerces

Today we visit the National Park Alerces, which is one of the most interesting resorts of South America because it is unique in its natural beauty with its pristine forests lakes, waterfalls and rapids, mountain ranges and towering glaciers. After this trip we return to the Lake Puelo.

 

Day 22: Lake Puelo

Today is time to relax. At the foot of the river Azul we are assisted by an Argentine (who comes from Patagonia) having a barbecue.

 

Day 23: Lake Puelo – Bariloche – Buenos Aires

Today is the day of departure. First, we take our car to Bariloche and from there it goes by plane to Buenos Aires. From here we say goodbye for your home-/onward-journey!

 

 

Included in the tour price:

-All land transport between destinations and hotel transfers
-All tour programmes named in the itinerary. Local guides in each location
-An experienced, English-speaking tour guide
-All entrance fees to national parks, museums, and the Machu Picchu sanctuary
-3-star hotels with breakfast

 

Not included in the tour price:

-International flights

-Ticket for Colca Canyon and Hot Springs
-Food and drink for lunch and dinner except where indicated
-Snacks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, entry to discotheques

 

Information on food and drink:
In the major cities there is a wide range of Peruvian and international cuisine available. A meal with something to drink costs between $2-7 USD. Mineral water or soda costs $0.30-0.50 USD for a half-liter bottle. A large bottle of beer costs $1-2 USD.

What to bring:
Walking shoes with a strong sole (eg Vibram), flashlight or head lamp, hat or cap, swimming costume, day pack appropriate for walking, plenty of sun cream, layers of light and warm clothing for a range of climatic conditions including a wind and water resistant jacket, camera with lithium batteries, ear plugs (optional), sleeping bag (optional).

 

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.