Active Peru

14 days - 13 nights

Lima, the Amazon jungle , Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lares, Machupicchu, Puno

Overview
Day by day
Included
Hotels
Prices

We were fortunate to come across a discussion containing high praise for a tour company called Chaska Tours (www.chaskatours.com). We worked with Pieter and Rocio Valcarcel. (Pieter is actually Dutch, but he speaks and e-mails in excellent English.) They put together an excellent itinerary (at the last minute and during high season in mid-August) with all private, selected guides during our entire trip.

Take a fantastic adventure-vacation from the Amazon jungle to the highlands of the Andes. We will take you away from your daily routine and immerse you in a diverse range of adventure, nature and cultural experiences. From the wildlife of the Amazon jungle, we fly to Cusco - a melting pot of Inca, Colonial and modern architecture. We will continue our adventure heading to the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas; mountain biking and taking the royal Inca trail to the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu. On the way we will go through incredibly breathtaking landscapes, arriving at Titicaca Lake for some kayaking fun and a stay on the floating-reed island of Amantani.

Spend some nights in a tree-house lodge in the heart of the Amazon jungle.
Enjoy and learn more about the jungle life in the tree-tops - Walk through the suspension bridges, 30 meters above the ground.
Have a great time with animal packed adventure in our jungle excursions.
Visit the colonial city of Cusco with its unique blend of antique inca and spanish architecture.
Speed downhill on a two day mountain-biking adventure through the beautiful Lares Valley.
Hike the Royal Inca trail in the beautiful scenery of Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Take in the stunning views of the lost city of Machu Picchu.
Follow our passionate guides through the incredible history of the the Inca civilization.
Take the famous train journey through the beautiful andean landscapes from Machu Picchu to Cusco.
Kayak across the highest navigable lake in the world, The Titicaca Lake, taking in incredible views.
Spend the night with a local Andean family on a floating reed island.

Arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer by motorized boat to your jungle lodge, Afternoon lunch and excursions, evening twilight river excursion.
Excursion to Sandoval lake in the Tambopata National Reserve and afternoon canopy walk.
Travel back by boat to Puerto Maldonado, excursion to the butterfly farm and flight to Cusco (35 min. flight). Afternoon (optional: ATV Quad bike ride or city tour)
Excursion to the Sacred Valley, Pisac archaeological site and its local market, in the afternoon, visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
Spectacular downhill adventure on mountainbike through the valley of Lares, overnight at the Thermal baths in tents.
A fantastic downhill adventure on mountainbike through the Lares pass to Calca (approximately four hours by bike).
Train to the starting point of the trail, One day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu. (approximately 6 hrs hike)
Sunrise excursion of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary with a private guide (3 hrs) free time to explore the site by yourself. Late afternoon return to Cusco
Morning free. to relax or to explore Cusco. Afternoon private guided tour of Cusco.
Tourist bus visiting four places of interest en route or Titicaca Train to Puno
Two day Kayak tour Llachon / Taquile at Titicaca Lake. Explore Taquile island. Overnight at rural home in Taquile.
Second day Kayak tour from Taquile to Llachon, overnight in Puno
Flight from Juliaca to Lima, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon city tour of Lima or optional paraglide tandem flight.

Departures:

Daily departures year round except February.

Destinations:

Lima, the Amazon jungle , Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lares, Machupicchu, Puno

Reservation code:

AP14

Day by day

Day 1 Arrival to Lima

Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your selected hotel, and your holiday hotel vouchers will be at the hotel for you.

Optionally you can make your own way over to the four stars airport hotel and check in. You will find that the hotel is just a short walk from the airport arrival lounge. Please pick up your Chaska Tours holiday hotel vouchers at the reception desk of the Hotel.

Overnight in Lima

Day 2 Amazon Rainforest - Inkaterra

Walk back to the airport from the Airport Hotel or transfer to the airport for your Flight to Puerto Maldonado.
We will be waiting for you on your arrival in Puerto Maldonado to start your Amazon tour. We will go by boat to the jungle lodge and after your check in, you will have free time to settle in. Your lunch is then served in the main dining room and in the afternoon, you will enjoy a guided walk along a special nature trail. In the evening you will have a twilight river excursion followed by cocktails and dinner on the lovely lodge grounds.

Overnight in an Amazon Lodge
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 3 Amazon Rainforest - Inkaterra

This morning you can stay in bed or if you prefer get up early for some explorations - breakfast begins at 5:30 a.m. to avoid the heat and enjoy nature at its fullest. You will start the excursion to Sandoval lake in the Tambopata National Reserve.Return to your lodge for lunch. After lunch we will take the Canopy Walk and you have the option to extend your excursion to appreciate the sunset from one of the high canopy towers. From this point you will return to the Amazon Lodge. Cocktails are served in the main dining room or during the evening nature presentation in the Eco-Media Center. Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m.

Note: The Amazon itinerary is from one of the different lodges we offer, itineraries change depending on the chosen lodge. The description of this Amazon tour is when you stay at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica or Hacienda Concepcion Lodge. The tour with Corto Maltes is similar but does not include the Butterfly farm and Canopy walk. Upgrading to the Hacienda Concepcion or Reserva Amazonica is possible at an additional cost depending on availability at the lodge. Please consult our travel consultants if you have further questions or need guidance in choosing your lodge. During the high season, booking in advance your preferred lodge may not be available, if this is the case we will offer you an alternative option which may have an additional cost.

USEFUL INFORMATION

For the Amazon Tour there are previous considerations:

-It is advised for children upon 5 years old.

- Most lodges will provide you rainboots for excursions.

- Vaccination are not mandatory but are highly recommended, you can take vaccination against Yellow Fever before your trip.

- If you take any medication, please be sure to take them as the Amazon Lodge is located far away from the City.

Overnight in Amazon Lodge.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 4 Amazon Rainforest to Cusco

After breakfast we say goodbye to the lodge (extra days can be arranged depending on availability at the lodge) to return to Puerto Maldonado, visiting the Butterfly farm on the way to the airport. You will take a flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco.

Upon your arrival to Cusco our representative will meet you to transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

NOTE: Itineraries in the Amazon may variate depending on the lodge you choose.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas

This will be a full day tour where you will enjoy the varied landscapes of the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as “Valle Sagrado de los Incas”, along the way we can see attractive colonial towns and isolated villages of indigenous communities that continue their tradition for weaving, pottery and agriculture. Main attractions will be the handicraft markets and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, it is definitely the perfect match between a cultural experience, the andean sunlight and delicious typical food.

We will visit first the famous Pisac Colorful Indian market to see the handicrafts and taste delicious empanadas baked in huge typical ovens. Afterwards, continue to the Pisac ruins above the town for a visit of the Sun Temple and admire the many surrounding terraces. We will continue to Urubamba to enjoy lunch, then off to one of the original Inca towns of Ollantaytambo to be amazed by the ruins that sit in front of the quaint town. After a wonderful day you will return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the night.

Overnight in Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 6: Two day Mountain-bike trip to Lares

This morning, get ready for a spectacular downhill adventure on mountain bikes through the valley of Lares. To join Lares Mountain Bike tour in Cusco you must possess good health condition.

We will pick you up from your hotel and then visit Calca village. After a brief stop we will continue with our vehicle to the highest point of the route at 13,000 ft -4470 masl: Lares pass. From this point we will start our biking adventure with the downhill to Lares valley.
On our way down, we will pass through some local communities that conserve their traditional way of living, clothing and economical activities such the lama and alpaca breeding. As we get deeper into the valley the landscape varies into a colourful scenery with spectacular views of the mountains chain. We will enjoy a box lunch in a calm and beautiful spot en route and then continue our adventure until the camp site in Lares hot springs.

At the end of this day you can take a relaxing dip in the Thermal baths of Lares and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our cook. 

Overnight in a campsite at the Lares hot springs.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7: Downhill Mountainbike - Lares Pass.

After breakfast transfer to the summit point of our journey, the Lares pass. Today you will have a fantastic downhill adventure on mountain bike through the Lares pass heading to Calca. Riding following a section of the ancient Inka Trail surrounded by panoramic views of the Vilcanota river banks. After 4 hours downhill ride passing by rivers and beautiful wooden bridges we will arrive to arrive Calca village. At the end of the tour, we will take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 8: Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu

This morning you will be taken to the train station of Ollantaytambo to board the train to the starting point of the trail. We disembark at Km 104 and begin the hike through the recently discovered ancient trail to Machu Picchu.

This trek will take about 6 hours and the trek grading is considerate “easy to moderate”, we will climb up from 2,200 m (7,218 feet) to 2,350-2,650 meter (7,710- 8,694 feet).

We cross the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River climbing up through abundant vegetation that is home to hundreds of bird and orchid species. We' will emerge from the cloud forest at Wiñaywayna which is a beautiful ceremonial site divided into two sectors and fashioned from finely-carved stones fitted together with great precision. We continue our hike to the Sun Gate where we' wil get our first views of Machu Picchu. Here, the final stretch of the royal Inca trail will take us to the citadel itself, hidden in undergrowth for four centuries and now laid out for our appreciation. From the Sanctuary we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in our hotel.

Overnight in Machu Picchu town

Breakfast and box lunch included

Day 9 Machupicchu

After breakfast your guide will accompany you for an early bus for the sunrise at Machu Picchu. The first buses start leaving at 5.30am and take 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu. The doors to Machu Picchu open at 6am.You will have about 4 hours for your visit in the Citadel when you will be able to enjoy this magnificent place before the crowds arrive later in the morning. Our professional guide will slowly show you around the main areas recounting myths and legends passed down over the centuries and explaining about some of the advanced building techniques the Incas used. After the tour will be time to head back down to the town by bus. Here you can find many restaurants offering lunch and afterwards you will board the return train through the Sacred Valley to Poroy town with a transfer back to Cusco arriving at approximately 8.30pm.

Note: Our preferred train departures are subject to availability
          You can extend the Inca Trail and opt for the 4-day Inca trail, which is a 3-day
          hike starting at KM 82 and visit of Machu Picchu of the 4th day.
          Since 2019 the new visiting regulations of Machu Picchu applies.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included.

Day 10 Cusco

This morning will be free to relax or explore the city of Cusco on your own.

In the afternoon we will pick you up for your City Tour. First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco on the Plaza de Armas and continuously the temple of Qoricancha, also known as the temple of the Sun. After these visits, we will continue to the upper part of Cusco to visit several archaeological sites. The first stop will be at Sacsayhuaman, a ceremonial complex of the Incas. We will also visit Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. At the end, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Note: In private service you will first have a tour by foot through the city, visiting Qoricancha the Inca Sun Temple, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, enjoying the atmosphere of the city by observing the well-preserved colonial architecture that conserves Incas original stone walls, evidence of a rich and complex history. We will continue our way until we get to San Pedro Central Market where the locals shop for Andean grains, fruits, natural medicine plants and more. Afterwards, drive up above Cusco for a visit of the spectacular Sacsayhuaman Inca complex with stupendous stonework, Qenko a place of rituals and then we will visit the house of Sulca to see the lovely textiles made by hand.Return to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Day 11 Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno or Optional Titicaca Lake

Transfer to the bus station for your tourist bus to Puno in which you will visit 4 archeological sites along the way. This will be a very active and interesting 9 hours journey.

This day long bus ride takes you through snow-covered peaks, high and wide Andean valleys where llamas graze on spiky grass. As you pass by villages with cobblestone streets and you will see people making adobe bricks by hand.

On our way to Cusco we will visit the litho-sculptures of Pukara, La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno (14234 feet / 3800 meters), Raqchi, the temple of the God Wiracocha and Andahuaylillas. The church of Andahuaylillas is known as the "Sistine Chapel of America". It is known as one of the best- preserved examples of Andean religious art. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to hotel.

Alternative option: Upgrade to Lake Titicaca train to Cusco available at an additional cost. Train operates Puno to Cusco: Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Travel in style on the Lake Titicaca train to Cusco. Morning transfer to the local train station of Puno where the train operated by Peru Rail is waiting for your spectacular rail journey to Cusco, which runs on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The glass-walled observation coach provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route.  First class lunch is served aboard the train in style.  A music and fashion show and a bar-tending lesson will also be part of your experience aboard.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch Included.

Day 12 Puno-Uros-Llachon-Ticonata Islands (Lake Titicaca 2 Days)

Transfer to the bus station for your tourist bus to Puno in which you will visit 4 archeological sites along the way. This will be a very active and interesting 9 hours journey.
This day long bus ride takes you through snow-covered peaks, high and wide Andean valleys where llamas graze on spiky grass. As you pass by villages with cobblestone streets and you will see people making adobe bricks by hand.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch Included.

Day 13 Two day Tconata /Amantani / Puno

After an early breakfast of regional cereals, we set sail for Amantani island with experienced Taft fishermen at the helm. With the west winds behind us, we will arrive at our destination about 2 or 3 hours later depending on the season. You may need to paddle the last bit if necessary, but at any rate our private escort motorboat is ready to assist us if need be. On Amantani Island visit the main village and take a pleasant gentle walk to observe the locals farming and herding. We will have lunch in a local house (this lunch is not included ) and some time to learn about the culture and people of Amantani. Later we return to return to Puno city by motorboat, arriving at approximately 4.30pm.

Important Note: It is possible to change the visit of Amantani Island for Taquile Island.

Overnight in Puno
Breaksfast included

Day 14:Flight Juliaca/Lima. Lima City tour

In the morning you will be transferred from your hotel to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. This day dependenin on your international flight schedule we can offer you a Lima City Tour.

Optional:

On your arrival in Lima you will be met by our representative at the exit gate; please remember to go straight to leave your luggage at the airport storage.

Then you will be transferred to the drop off/pick up point in Miraflores in front of the Marriott Hotel. You will have free time for lunch.

After lunch we will meet you in front of the Marriott hotel for your guided Lima city tour in group service.

We first visit Lima’s Historical Center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, and a Cultural Patrimony in 1991.

We will visit the colonial sites of the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archibishop’s Palace. Right after we visit the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs. We continue to modern section and visit the suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores. On our way we will pass by the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid shaped temple.

We continue to the Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) and enjoy refreshing views of the Pacific Ocean as we drive down to the Miraflores Malecon, a road overlooking the ocean. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back to Marriott Hotel where you have free time until your evening scheduled transfer to return to the airport for your international flight.

Breakfast included

Included

Entrance tickets:

All entrance tickets for the places to visit included in the program.

Excursions:

All excursions as mentioned in the program.

Guide:

English speaking guides during excursions.

Machupicchu:

Round trip bus tickets and entrance tickets to the Sanctuary on the first day.

Meals:

Meals as mentioned in program

Train:

Train to Machu Picchu (roundtrip)

Train Andean Explorer:

First class bus Cusco - Puno

Not included:

International flights and Domestic flights
Tips: Tips at airports, hotels and tips for guides, drivers or other personal involved in your services.
Travel insurance.
Entrance: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak

Transport Cusco - Puno or vv:

First class bus Cusco - Puno

Hotels

Cusco

3
Category: Economic
Encantada

Hotel Encantada is far from the noisy streets, but still located in the centre and close to the Sacsayhuaman ruins. The Encantada Boutique Hotel is a marvellous place located in the higher part of Cusco's city centre.

All 15 rooms are divided among three floors in this modern styled hotel; on the upper floor there is a rooftop terracce and a spa. From both places you'll have an excellent view over the city, the surrounding mountains and the rooftops of San Blas while listening to the sound of the birds in the trees close by. The services of the Spa are exclusive guests of the hotel and must be reserved in advance.

The lobby is decorated in a very modern way with leather furniture, dark brown colours and offers a tranquil atmosphere, especially with the fire burning. The Internet, fruits and hot water for drinks are free to use and can be found in the hotel's lobby.

Plenty of natural light enters the spacious rooms because of the large windows.

Machu Picchu Pueblo

3
Category: Economic
Andina Luxury

Rooms at the Hotel Andina are spacious and the riverside rooms have spectacular views of the mountains and river. All rooms have a bathtub and the six luxury rooms of the hotel include a Jacuzzi. All rooms have flat screen 32'' plasma TVs with cable. Hotel Andina Luxury has a sauna, a hot whirlpool, a massage centre and a restaurant in the basement; these new facilities are available to enjoy since a few monts.

Hotel Andina is the perfect choice when looking for a modern, new hotel at a reasonable price.

The hotel also has a conference room, which can be used by groups for free.

Lima

3
Category: Economic
Runcu

Hotel Runcu is a modern hotel set on a relatively quiet street in a safe area of Miraflores.
The hotel is only 2 blocks away from the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful waterfront parks of Miraflores and it is 10 minute walk to the busy area of Parque Kennedy, where you find many restaurants and shops.
Rooms are clean and comfortable, the staff is helpful and friendly. Hotel Runcu received a certicate of excellence from Tripadvisor in 2011.

The hotel serves a personalized breakfast on the 8th floor of the hotel from where you have a nice view of the surroundings.
3
Category: Tourist, Economic
Manhattan airport hotel

Manhattan airport hotel is convenientely located near the airport of Lima in a quiet neighbourhood. It is a 10 minute ride to the hotel.
Hotel Manhattan is a good economic option when your arrival is late in the evening and if you have a morning flight the next day.

Puno

3
Category: Economic
Eco Inn Puno

Hotel Eco Inn Puno is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, about a 10 minute ride from the centre of Puno.
The rooms are large and from most of them you have a nice overview of the bay and Lake Titicaca. The staff is frindely and helpfull.
From the breakfast room you have a view of the little alpaca corral outside.

Prices

	Occupancy	Economic 3*	Comfort 4*	Luxury 5*
Prices in USD	Double room	US $	US $	US $
Prices in USD	Single room supplement	US $	US $	US $

Note: Prices are per person.
Price is based in 4 participants

* Prices for 2022 ( we are working on it)