Compare The Andean Explorer: Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca by Audley Travel vs Peru in 19 days - Ultimate Inca & Amazon Adventure - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 : Lima

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. Arriving in Lima, you're met by your private guide and assisted to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2 : Cuzco

You will make your way back to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be met at the airport by your driver and taken to your hotel by private transfer.This afternoon should be spent at your leisure as you acclimatize to the high altitude.

Day 3 : Cuzco

Enjoy a privately guided tour of the highlights of Cuzco and nearby ruins.

Day 4 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Make your way through the Sacred Valley on a private excursion with visits to a traditional Andean market, the agricultural terraces of Moray, and salt pans at Maras.

Day 5 : Machu Picchu

Start today with a privately guided tour of the ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking the one and a half hour train journey to Machu Picchu with your guide. The journey traces the edge of the white-water Urubamba River as it twists through the increasingly steep-sided valley. From your seat, youâll spot a series of Incan sites before arriving at Aguas Calientes.After disembarking from the train you will take a short bus journey up to Machu Picchu for your privately guided tour of the Inca citadel.

Day 6 : Cuzco

Take the morning to return to Machu Picchu on your own before returning to Cuzco.

Day 7 : Cuzco

Board the train in Cuzco and traverse the beautiful Peruvian countryside aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer train. As part of the all-inclusive service youâll enjoy tea time and dinner and the open bar when you aren't taking in the views from the observation car.You will spend the night on-board outside of Lake Titicaca.

Day 8 : Puno

Awake at Lake Titicaca and watch sunrise over this mythical lake then enjoy breakfast on-board. Afterwards, there is the option to include a small group excursion on to the lake before enjoying lunch on the lake.In the afternoon you will return to the train for tea time, cocktail hour, dinner, and continue your journey to Arequipa.

Day 9 : Arequipa

An early morning breakfast on-board is followed by a day of activities that include Lake Saracocha and the Sumbay Caves.You will then have the option to disembark and visit the Colca Canyon or continue on to the white city of Arequipa and enjoy a panoramic city tour with a small group.

Day 10 : International return flight

Today you will be met at your hotel by your driven and taken to the airport via private transfer for your domestic flight to Lima where you will connect for your international flight home.

Day 11 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1: US - Lima

Ready to discover Peru? Head to your departure airport to check-in for a flight to Lima*. Touch down in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. *If your inbound flight departs in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Center and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Finally, stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Paracas

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Paracas and enjoy a scenic journey heading south along the coast. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and get out and explore this small port town, which boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife. Overnight stay in Paracas.

Day 4: Paracas - Nazca

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see thousands of birds, sea lions and seals in their natural environment. From Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions to a multitude of marine birds, be in awe of the beauty of these tranquil islands. The famous Candelabra design, a figure of the Nazca culture engraved in the desert, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Nazca. Arrive in Nazca, famous for its mysterious lines, although the city is named after the civilization that flourished here between 100 BC and 800 AD. This region also has a strong heritage of viticulture, although today, it is one of the driest places on earth, with only 4 millimetres of rain, on average, a year. Overnight stay in Nazca.

Day 5: Nazca - Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the unmissable opportunity of taking an optional flight over the Nazca lines.* In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Arequipa, one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Peru. Arequipa's city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various religious monuments and historic buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The city sits at the foot of the Misti volcano which provides a beautiful skyline backdrop. Overnight transfer. * Optional Nazca Lines Flight: Experience the mystery of the Nazca lines from the sky, with a flight over the ancient lines, some measuring 30 metres in width, which depict strange images, shrouded in conspiracy and speculation. See the Astronaut, the Monkey and the Condor, among other depictions and decide for yourself the meaning of these ancient messages to the Gods. Minimum 3 pax. $180 approx per person to be paid at the destination. Please note: the transfer to Arequipa is through the night and you will arrive at the destination the following morning.

Day 6: Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional city tour of Arequipa.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, exploring this historic city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Arequipa. * Optional City Tour of Arequipa: Visit the sights of Arequipa such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The Monastery of St Catherine is the most important and impressive religious construction in Peru. Next, head to the beautiful Barrio del Solar to visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, a temple that constitutes the oldest and most important testimony of religious architecture made with ashlar volcanic stone.

Day 7: Arequipa - Colca

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel to the Colca Valley, an ancient area that boasts sweeping valleys and is home to the famous giant Andean Condor. On the way, pass through the town of Yura, the spectacular landscapes National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and stop in Patapampa. Pass through Chivay before arriving in Colca. Get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the facilities of your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Colca.

Day 8: Colca - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head into the valley for an unforgettable visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best viewpoint for watching the iconic giant Condors take flight across the sky. With an average wingspan of 9 foot, the Andean Condor is the unmissable attraction of this part of the world and is shrouded in much mystery and legend. After watching the birdlife, transfer from Colca to Puno, past stunning Andean landscapes. Arrive in Puno, home of the world-renowned Lake Titicaca. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure, soaking up the views of Lake Titicaca or simply enjoying the facilities of your hotel. We recommend an optional excursion to the Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.* Overnight stay in Puno. * Optional Taquile & Uros Islands Excursion: Depart by boat to Taquile Island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture, to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the floating islands of Uros, situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10: Puno - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puno station to take a bus to Cuzco. Leave the station and start your journey to Puno, enjoying the marvelous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Visit Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 11: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional half-day tour of Cuzco.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Half-Day Tour of Cuzco: Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighborhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine.

Day 12: Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the Sacred Valley today. Begin in Chinchero, where you can visit the PARWA Center, dedicated to beautiful Andean textiles. Explore Chinchero Church and the fascinating nearby Inca ruins before continuing to Raqchi Viewpoint, for an unforgettable panoramic view across the Sacred Valley. Stop for lunch* and continue to Ollantaytambo, famous for its ancient Incan streets and the traditional dress of the locals. Explore the town and visit the local market for a taste of traditional Andean culture. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley. *Lunch included.

Day 13: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day at Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Voyager or Expedition Train* to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu**, a true wonder of the world and the ultimate bucket-list destination. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces as you enjoy a tour of the different sections of the site. Soak up the special atmosphere and make sure to take some photos! Finally, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. * You can choose to upgrade to a different train for this journey in the next step of the booking process. Note: The baggage policy on board the train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. ** Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 14: Aguas Calientes - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning at your leisure with the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a second time, (additional cost at the destination) to contemplate the unforgettable views and take some beautiful snapshots. You will board the return train to Cuzco at the appointed time. The city comes to life as the sun goes down, so be sure to experience the atmosphere of the city's lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 15: Cuzco - Iquitos - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iquitos, a port city and gateway to the Northern Amazon. After meeting your guide and receiving some advice on exploring the jungle, transfer to the port to enjoy a boat trip on the Amazon River, headed for your lodge in the heart of the Amazon. Look out for local wildlife along the way before arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on a jungle hike into the Yanamono rainforest reserve with an expert guide to introduce you to the many flora species and point out the different bird and wildlife along the way. If you are lucky you might spot small families of monkeys, such as marmosets or even Squirrel monkeys. Return to the lodge for a magical sunset boat trip on the Amazon river. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 16: Amazon

Rise early for an early morning bird-watching excursion by boat, and spot a number of unique species such as the Ringed Kingfisher and the Black-Collared Hawk. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a short rest. Later, head out on a Native Fishing Expedition, along one of the tributaries of the Amazon River. Learn local fishing techniques and even try and catch an elusive Piranha. Keep an eye out for the weird and wonderful Pink River Dolphins, unique to the Amazon. Return to the lodge for lunch, where anything you caught can be cooked for you. In the afternoon, board a boat for an excursion to Yanamono Island, the best place to see the beautiful Giant Water Lillies, which can grow to an amazing 40cm in diameter. As night falls, enjoy a night-time nature hike around the periphery of the lodge to witness the transformation of day to night in the Amazon. This is the best time of day to spot tree frogs, snakes and other nocturnal animals, such as night owls. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 17: Amazon

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, visit a local riverside town to meet an indigenous tribe of the Yaguas community. Learn about their way of life on the Amazon River and see their community buildings. The locals will share their fishing and farming techniques with you as you enjoy a fascinating insight into life on the Amazon. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 18: Amazon - Iquitos - Lima

Breakfast at the lodge. This morning, take a short boat ride on the Amazon River to visit a traditional family-run Sugar Cane Distillery. Learn the local techniques for processing sugar cane and enjoy a tasting session of the varied exotic beverages made from the sugar cane liquor. Return to the lodge for lunch before leaving the Amazon behind as you transfer by boat to Iquitos and continue your journey by road back to Lima. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the final evening in Peru at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 19: Lima - US

Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Peru to an end! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the US. Night on board.

Day 20: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.