Day 11

Today we catch the train back to Cusco. We have the remainder of the day in Cusco to visit artisan markets, visit more museums, churches and Inca sites, participate in an optional activity such as horseback riding or mountain biking or just relax with a coffee on a plaza balcony. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 12

This morning we head South to Puno on a guided bus tour. The trip there is beautiful, as we pass by Andean villages, herds of llama and alpaca, and high snowcaps. We stop at the Inca site of Raqchi, the old colonial church at Andahuaylillas and the Pukara Culture Archaeological Museum. We arrive on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,500 feet above sea level and get to relax before the tour of the lake the following day.

Day 13

Boats are the transport theme today as we head out across the waters of Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the islands of Uros, completely constructed out of totora reeds and floating on the surface of the lake. We’ll take a walk across the spongy surface of these unique islands and go for a ride in a reed boat before continuing on to the island of Amantani, where we’ll spend the night with a local native family. A soccer game with the locals, an amazing sunset, and a music and dance fiesta in native garb are all on the agenda on the island today. Please note: our Lake Titicaca family stay is a truly authentic experience which includes being cooked for by and dining with the local family and staying in a room at their house. There is often just candlelight, no electricity, and the bathroom is an outhouse. This is a great experience which is the highlight of many people’s trip, but which can certainly be described as “basic” or “roughing it”. If you do not wish to spend the night on the islands, Taquile and the floating Islands can be visited on a day trip instead.

Day 14

The native culture of Taquile is the most intact in probably all of the Andes, with its inhabitants maintaining the same customs and dress as they have for over 1000 years. Taquile Island is famous for its textile art that has been declared a UNESCO masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity. You will truly feel as though you have gone back in time as you walk the ancient stone paths of the island and observe its people. Afternoon boat back to Puno.

Day 15

A morning journey by private transport to Colca Canyon gives us a great opportunity for sightseeing and visiting some nice places on the way. Then we head to our hotel to spend the night and relax.

Day 16

Early morning departure for the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest. Keep a lookout for condors as we skirt the side of the canyon. This area also has some of the most extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing in all of Peru. In the afternoon there is a chance to soak in the town’s thermal baths before heading to your hotel in the village of Chivay.

Day 17

A morning journey by private transport to Arequipa. Arequipa is a charming colonial city at the foot of El Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon just a few hours away. On our included city tour, we’ll visit the huge and beautiful Santa Catalina Monastery as well as the Museum of Juanita, the Inca Ice Mummy.

Day 18

This morning we fly back to Lima and have the day there for sightseeing, walking along the ocean, taste tasting Peruvian cuisine or museum-hopping, or an included city tour if you haven’t already had one.

Day 19

Morning departure for Nazca. On the way we’ll visit a wine and pisco vineyard and distillery and go sandboarding and dune-buggying at the Sahara-like oasis of Huacachina!

Day 20

Morning flight over the mysterious Nazca lines. Buckle up and get ready to be amazed as the splendor and magnificent art of the Nazca Lines unfold beneath you. Hundreds of animals, trapezoids and ruler-straight lines lie across the rocky Nazca plateau, clearly seen only from the air. Some say it is an ancient calendar. Others suggest a beacon and runways for alien spacecraft. Still others believe it was just an ancient culture’s way of saying hello to their gods. Perhaps, while soaring over them, you’ll develop a theory of your own. After your flight, we’ll visit an ancient pre-Inca aqueduct as well as workshops for the making of pottery and the processing of gold. You’ll be transferred to the bus station in Nazca for the return journey to Lima and back to the hotel.

Day 21

Departure day. Your international flight may depart anytime today. Private transfer to the international airport included.

Extra Accommodation/Extra Activities

We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip. Add extra activities such as river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, zip lining, surfing and free days to your custom itinerary. If you have any special requests or interests like birding, cooking or crafting that you would like to explore please let us know. Ask about these options and we’d be happy to add them to your quote and itinerary.

Accommodation Upgrades

This tour includes 3-star hotels. We would be happy to give you an upgrade to four- or five-star. If you would like to select a specific hotel let us know your preference. We can then work it into your custom itinerary.

Joining the tour

On all Southern Crossings tours you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard) who will accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being swindled by airport taxis.

Single Person Supplement

A single person supplement will be added to your quote if you plan to travel alone.

Is this trip for me?

Peru Explorer: is a 21-day tour which includes a four-day moderate trek (optional), no trekking experience is required, but one should be in average physical shape and not suffer from any heart or respiratory conditions. The trip also includes visit to a rain forest lodge, a small plane flight over the Nazca Lines, high-altitude walks of up to 45 minutes and a basic family stay on Lake Titicaca. The rooms with the family are twin-share and very clean, but also very basic, often with no electricity and always with the bathroom outside the house. It is possible to visit the Titicaca Islands on a day trip if you would prefer. The trip also includes some public transport, walking around ruins and during city tours. As always, a certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and occasional delays of developing-world travel as you explore Peru.

Pre-trip planner

Required documents

Please note: We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat and of course a tent. While hiking the Inca Trail, porters will accompany us to carry most of our things, including all the camping gear. Each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items which will also be carried by the porters. Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, music or other entertainment, etc. During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear and a layer or two for changing weather conditions. Most people also carry a camera.

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate. An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency or a bank statement from the bank or printed off the internet are sufficient for proof of funds.

Required immunizations

Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations. The rainforest area of Peru (approx. 3500 ft. and below, east of the Andes) is a malaria and yellow fever zone. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended and travelers may wish to take malaria prophylaxis. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows: Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Arequipa: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy. Nights are cold in Cusco. Machu Picchu: similar to Cusco, but warmer and with more chance of rain. Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain. Nazca: dry and warm desert climate which can be cold at night. Lake Titicaca: similar to Cusco with stronger sun and colder nights. Amazon basin: hot and humid year-round. We recommend light clothing (in weight and in color) that fully covers arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites.

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler’s checks are difficult to cash (American Express is best, but you may be charged 5-8% to cash) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options. Do not bring Money Grams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco. For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged. Please note that cash must be untorn. It can be older looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it unchangeable. Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country. Expect to spend about US$5-12 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru. Artisan market prices are usually lower than people expect. Alpaca sweaters for example can cost between $5 and $30. Currency Converter