PERU
Machu Picchu Tour Packages | Machu Picchu Vacations

Lares Trek : 5 days the Lares Trek & Sacred Valley with Mountain Lodges

Visiting Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rain Forest

9 days/8 nights

Locally hosted-Private services

DAY 01 USA-LIMA
Depart USA for Lima, Peru. After going through customs and immigration, you will walk to the airport hotel WYNDHAM COSTA DEL SOL
Lima is the capital and the largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central coastal part of the country, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Together with the seaport of Callao, it forms a contiguous urban area known as the Lima Metropolitan Area. With a population of more than 10 million, Lima is the most populous metropolitan area of Peru, and the third largest city in the Americas, just behind Sao Paulo City and Mexico City.

DAY 02 LIMA-CUZCO
Walk to the domestic sector of Lima airport for flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco you will be taken to hotel SONESTA CUZCO or Costa del Sol for 1 night with taxes and breakfast. Balance of day to rest and get used to the high altitude.
In the afternoon enjoy a half day visit of the magical city of Cuzco as you drive through the main streets with their Inca walls. Visit the Qorikancha (Sun Temple) now referred to as Santo Domingo Church. The curved stonework of the temple is probably unequalled in the world. During the Inca period, the stones were covered with gold. The Cathedral, a real piece of art with hundreds of paintings. Then, visit the archaeological sites that surround Cusco: the Saqsayhuaman Fortress, an amazing site with huge stone constructions. The site has a great cosmic energy - that is why people think it was an astronomic observatory and an Inca oracle. Also visit Q’enqo, a place that was used for worship and ceremonial center and Tambomachay -the Inka Spa. (B)

DAY 03 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU
Full day excursion by bus & train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inka civilization.
Early morning transfer to the rail station to board the train to Machu Picchu. The train journey to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes. The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadome Trains with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort. The 3 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape, passing by lush, green fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.
On arrival in Machu Picchu your private guide will be waiting for you . You will be transfer by small buses to the entrance of the ruins to commence our touring. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. The construction was with general use of stone, and the roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with ichu straw. The walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes. Overnight in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at bottom of Machu Picchu.

Arrive in Lima and overnight by the airport. Hotel Wyndham Costa del Sol.

Depart Lima for Chiclayo, burgeoning commercial center and capital of the department of Lambayeque. Arrive and transfer to hotel Chiclayo. Afternoon visit the Bruning Museum to appreciate fascinating ceramics, metal objects and textiles from the Lambayeque region, then continue to visit the famous archaeological site of Sipan and Pampa Grande –according to National Geographic – Sipan is the greatest discovery of the last century. Return to your hotel for overnight. Hotel Chiclayo (B)

In the morning you will depart from Chiclayo by private car or bus with air conditioning. You will arrive in the late afternoon in Chachapoyas. Box lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo or similar. (L, D).

After breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to visit the colorful funeral buildings of Revash perched on a ledge up high on a cliff. Afternoon visit the museum of Leimebamba –full with well preserved pre-Inka mummies recently discovered in the Laguna de Los Condores. Overnight at Hostal El Chillo (B, L, D)

DAY 05  KUELAP

After breakfast you will visit Kuelap, a spectacular pre-Inka walled city hidden atop a precipitous mountain. Although Kuelap was discovered 60 years before Machu Picchu, it is not as well-known to the outside world. Nevertheless recent amazing discoveries in nearby areas that relate to Kuelap and to its history have captured the attention of archaeologists, international magazines and film companies. Here your tour guide will explain about The Pre-Columbian Chachapoyas culture, conquered in the 15th century by the Inkas. The mighty fortress of Kuelap, perched majestically atop mountain-top cliffs overlooking the verdant Andean landscape …….it is impressive. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Chachapoyas. (B, Box lunch, D).

Early morning light trek to visit Gocta considered as the world's third tallest waterfall. This remote wonder and the diverse forest and wildlife will amaze you. There is a chance to admire the Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru's national bird. Late afternoon return to Chachapoyas hotel for overnight and dinner (B,L,D)

NOTE: People intersted in more Archeology can change Gocta trek for half day tour to Karajia site.

After breakfast, morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lima.

Arrive in Lima and connect with your international flight or take an optional to Trujillo and the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon (See at the end of this itinerary)  (B).

Deposit: 15% per person.

Final Payment: 60 days before departure.

Miami to Lima RT US$550-750; New York $750-900; Los Angeles $900-1000 

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN CUZCO
Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to hotel Andenes de Saphi.
Balance of day at leisure to get used to the high altitude.

DAY 2 CUZCO
Meeting with the local guides for a briefing on the next day adventures.

Highly recommended to stay 2 nights in Cuzco to adjust to the high altitude and be able to enjoy the Inka trail the next days.
MEALS TODAY: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 3: CUZCO TO KM. 82 / LLACTAPATA
We pick you up at your Cuzco hotel and transfer by van to our trailhead at Piscacucho, on the Vilcanota River (km. 82 on the train route to Machu Picchu), a 3-hour drive from Cuzco. After clearing the trailhead control point, we hike along the left bank of the powerful Vilcanota River, beneath the impressive snowcapped Nevado Veronica.
An easy introductory day of no more than a 4 hours walk. Arriving at camp with in view of Llactapata, an ancient Inca citadel that protected the entry to two valleys, one of them leading to the inka trail toMachuPicchu. You will enjoy this less visited camp away from the crowds.

MEALS TODAY: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch and Dinner while camping

DAY 4 : LLACTAPATA / LLULLUCHA
After a healthy breakfast, we walk past the Inca Hamlet of Huayabamba, where most of the other trekkers camp. In the afternoon you will be going through a unique Andean cloud forest, afterwards arriving at our camp, at Llulluchapampa 3,600 meters altitude.

 MEALS TODAY: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while camping

DAY 5 : LLULLUCHA / PHUYUPATAMARCA
Today, the first part of the trek takes us to the Warmiwañuska Pass at 4,200 meters. Walking on a remarkably preserved Inca trail, we pass ancient archaeological sites half covered by dense jungle overgrowth. A most rewarding day, with dream like landscapes of the Inca Trail to Machupichu, orchids, ferns multi colored birds and humming birds provide the ideal backstage. We make our camp at Phuyupatamarca (¨City Above the Clouds¨), a set of ancient ritual baths, where ancient travelers on the Inca trail to MachuPicchu will stop to bathe and purify themselves before arriving to the sacred Sanctuary .You can do the same and transport yourself to the past. In the camp you will enjoy spectacular views of snow- covered Andean ranges, such as the Salcantay 6,200 meters and Veronica 6100 meters.

MEALS TODAY: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while camping

DAY 6 : PHUYUPATAMARCA / MACHU PICCHU
After about three and a half-hours walking, you will arrive to the Inti punku, (Gates of the Sun), where a magnificent view will be printed in you mind; the Sanctuary of Machupicchu, the ¨Lost City of the Incas. Then you will have a guided visit of Machupicchu. Here your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Incas. . Overnight at Hotel selected in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu.

MEALS TODAY: Breakfast and Lunch included today.

DAY 7 MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO
Day at leisure to explore the area on your own or visit the Huayna PIcchu on your own (re-entry fees not included)
Afternoon take train back to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel Andenes de Saphi or similar

MEALS TODAY: Breakfast

DAY 8 CUZCO -DEPART
Morning at leisure and noof transfer to the airport for flight  to Lima and connections.

Optionals to Rainbow Mountain, river rafting and more activities available upon request.

MEALS TODAY: Breakfast

See optional extension to the Amazon

International or Domestic airfare is not included. (Sample airfare Lima-Cuzco-Lima about US$180-250)

Single Supplement is $448.00 (Single occupancy for this program is very limited).

RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. We highly recommend to make reservations 4-6 months in advance. Due to new regulations -space is very limited by the Peruvian Government and local authorities.  

SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES: From Miami $750-950, Atlanta $700-900, Los Angeles & San Francisco $900-1100; New York $800-950; Seattle $800-990....Call your travel agent or Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080.

DEPOSITS: 

US$500.00 per person at the time of booking. (For permits and deposit for hotels)

FINAL PAYMENT: 

90 days before departure. 

CANCELLATIONS: 

Prior to departure (per person): -at any time- $200 it is not refundable; 60 to 45 days US$400.00 penalty plus any fees from airlines or hotels ; 44 or less no refunds.

INSURANCE: Tara Tours Inc. strongly recommends that you purchased travel insurance.

15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS
 
Daily departures - Locally hosted-private tours
 
Day 01 U.S.A-LIMA :
Depart for Lima, Peru. Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected. (see hotel selection at the end of itinerary)
 
Day 02 LIMA-PARACAS-ICA :
Leave Lima by private car to Paracas Bay. Arrive at the local pier and It takes about 30 minutes to reach the islands. On the way, we will pass the famous El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph built by the Paracas culture around 200BC. While its exact purpose is unknown, some theories suggest it represents the trident or lightning rod of the god Viracocha, and might have served as a sign to sailors, who could easily see it from the sea. When we reach the islands, we will have about an hour to explore by boat. There, you can see a magnificent view of the islands and the various residents that live there. The guide will point out many of the animals in the area such as the Humboldt penguins, and an incredible number of seabirds, including gulls, terns, pelicans, guanay cormorants and blue footed boobies. We will also be able to spot hundreds of fur seals, sea lions, and maybe marine otters if you are lucky. Once we finish, we will transfer to the hotel in Ica, Las Dunas. Overnight in Ica.

 
DAY 03 ICA-NAZCA-ICA-LIMA :
Transfer to the local Ica airport. Then -on smaller plane flight to Nazca and for about 45 minutes, fly over the enigmatic plains of the pre-inka civilization called Nazca. The fabulous pre-Inka lines, huge birds that resemble a landing field, geometrical lines, spirals, etc. Return to Ica for return to Lima via private car. Arrive in Lima and  to your hotel. (B,L)
 
Day 04 LIMA-AREQUIPA:
Transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa also known as "The White City" because of the many buildings constructed of white volcanic rock. Providing a beautiful backdrop - the Volcano "El Misti" stands at 19,200 feet . Upon arrival you will be taken to hotel selected . In the afternoon tour of the city -whose restored colonial architecture gilded churches vividly illustrate Peru in the days of the Viceroys, then your tour guide will take you to visit the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina which was closed to the public for more than 300 years. (B).
 
Day 05 AREQUIPA-THE COLCA CANYON-CHIVAY:  
Full day excursion to see the deepest canyon in the world "Colca" and with good luck you will see one of the biggest birds on earth "The Condors". The canyon Is reached via new paved roads that both leave from Arequipa city and lead to the small town of Chivay. The shortest road is 92 miles it takes about 2 1/2 hours approx. It travels northwest from Arequipa towards Yura and then climbs to the "puna" or high plateau and desolate plains of Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra. This is the area inhabited by Vicuñas, Huanacos and Chinchillas. This rewarding area is also rich in native flora of the Andean Paramo with spectacular views of the Andean mountains and volcanos. Overnight in Chivay at hotel selected. (B,L)
 
Day 06 CHIVAY-PUNO: 
Board the tour bus that will take you from Chivay to Puno going thru Patapampa pass at 15,600 feet high. You will have great views of the Chanchani Volcano. Continue and see Vicunas on the way belonging to the Salinas and Aguada Blanca reserve. Then to Lagunillas (small lake) where you will see Andean Flamingos and others birds and finally you will get to the high pass called “Cruce Alto” at 14,500 feet high, then down to Juliaca and Puno. Overnight in Puno at hotel selected. (B)
 
Day 07 PUNO: 
In the morning, depart for Lake Titicaca " the highest navigable lake in the world", at 12,000 feet high- to visit one of the oldest races of man -The Uros- You will see them standing on their floating islands made of reeds. Afternoon free(B)
 
Day 08 PUNO-CUZCO: 
Early in the morning board the tour bus for picturesque ride thru the Andean mountains. Stops will be made at Pucara where you'll find an interesting small museum with some statues from the Pucaras - a Pre-Inka civilization. Continue to "La Raya Pass" at 14,500 feet high with spectacular views of the white snow peaks. Time to take some pictures. Then, buffet lunch at typical restaurant. Next stop at Raqchi, where a 6 mile Inka wall surrounds the Temple of the Inka God Wiracocha. Final stop at pretty town Andean town of Andahuaylillas, noted for its colonial chapel with beautiful Creole frescoes –also call the Sixtine Chapel of South America. Arrive in Cuzco by 4-5pm and transfer to your hotel. (B)
 
Day 09 CUZCO
In the morning, sightseeing tour of Cuzco -the center of the universe for the Inka civilization- visiting the Temple of Koricancha or Sun God, the Cathedral the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay. (B)
 
Day 10 PISAC-OLLANTAYTAMBO:
Full day excursion to visit the colorful indigenous market of Pisac -where hundreds of natives come to town wearing their unique customs, to exchange or buy products. After lunch, visit Ollantaytambo a typical town of Inca origin. Its design and the foundations of the majority of its buildings date from the Inca era, when it was a strategic military, religious and agricultural center.
Above it stands a fortress as a defense against the primitive inhabitants of the hot valleys of the “Antis” or jungle indians. The fortress consist of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stone accessed by long staircases. The upper terrace contains large, admirably worked stone.
It was here that Manco Inca fought the troops of Hernando Pizarro in 1537, leading a fierce resistance against the Spanish at command of a “General” Ollantay who continued for many years from Inca hideouts in the jungles of Vilcabamba. Return to Cuzco and to your hotel late afternoon. (B,L)
 
Day 11 CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU:
Full day excursion by train to the most mysterious and energetic place of the Inca civilization. Early morning your tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to the train station for your 1 1/2 hour trip with spectacular views of the Urubamba River and the Andean mountain range to Machu Picchu. Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here your tour guide will take you from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Incas. Overnight in Machu Picchu at hotel selected. Lunch included. (B,L)
 
Day 12 MACHU PICCHU-CUZCO: 
At leisure to explore the Lost City on your own. Mid-afternoon return by train to Cuzco and your hotel. (B)
 
Day 13 CUZCO-IQUITOS - EXPLORAMA LODGE
Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima where you will connect with flight to Iquitos. Reception at the airport, brief city orientation and transfer to the Explorama dock. Fifty mile journey down the Amazon River to Yanamono Stream where Explorama Lodge is located. Afternoon hike along the "Lake trail" through lowland rainforest which is seasonally flooded. During the high water season, this excursion is done by canoe! Night walk or canoe ride to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and stars of the Southern sky. (B,L,D)
Note: You will have a choice of staying at Explorama Lodge or La Ceiba Lodge.
 
ABOUT EXPLORAMA: Established in 1965, 80 km. (50 mi.) down the MAIN AMAZON RIVER, the Lodge is deep in primary jungle and offers two days or longer excursions. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses with 10 to 17 sleeping rooms. Covering connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the Dining Room, the Sun Porch and two Hammock Houses. Showers and toilet facilities adjoin each house. A variety of treks are offered, including the Seven Bridges Trail.
 
Day 14 EXPLORAMA LODGE
Morning walk along the "Bushmaster Trail", where scientific studies by the Missouri Botanical Gardens have found the world's highest biodiversity of trees per square hectare. Your guide will point out many plants used in medicine today and many that we may use in the future. Afternoon canoe trip along the Amazon in search of either of the two species of freshwater dolphin found in the river and a chance for an afternoon swim. (B,L,D)
 
Day 15 - EXPLORAMA LODGE - IQUITOS - LIMA - USA
Morning walk along a local Amazon River trail with stops along the way to visit the local "ribereños" or river people, visit a river school, see the local sugar cane rum factory and visit our resident American medical doctor in her clinic sponsored by the Rotary Club. Transfer back to Iquitos for your departure flight to Lima where you will be connecting with your international flight back to USA. (B)
See optional extension to Trujillo & the Pyramids


INCLUDED:
Hotel accommodations for 14 nights including room taxes and service charges.· Transfers to/from airport, hotels and train station (most transfers are private). · Tours as mentioned including entrance fees and English speaking tour guide. · Tips to airport porters. · Meals as noted in itinerary B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner. Local airfare Lima-Arequipa-Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima.
 
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare • Meals, unless specified in itinerary.• Travel & Health Insurance.• Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • USA departure tax/security/fuel surcharges of $88 (changes daily...please call) • Lima and Cuzco $5.00 each and upon leaving Peru $28.00. • Re-entry fee to Machu Picchu $115.00

LAND TOUR RATES PER PERSON  Includes local airfare Lima-Arequipa....Cuzco-Lima-Iquitos-Lima

International airfare not included. Approximate cost from Miami US$500-750 plus taxes.

3* Hotels:

LIMA:Ibis Miraflores; CUZCO:Boutique Mistico San Blas; AGUAS CALIENTES:Andina; PUNO: Casa Andina Classic; AREQUIPA: Casa Andina Classic; CHIVAY=Casa Andina Classic; ICA: Las Dunas

4* Hotels:

LIMA: Radisson Miraflores; CUZCO: Costa del Sol; AGUAS CALIENTES: El Mapi (deluxe room) ; PUNO: Casa Andina Private Collection; AREQUIPA: Casa Andina Private Collection; CHIVAY= Colca Lodge; ICA=Las Dunas

5*HOTELS:

LIMA: Marriot or Westin ; CUZCO: JW Marriot or Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection; M.PICCHU: Inkaterra or Sumaq (deluxe room); PUNO: Esteves; AREQUIPA: Libertador (Suite); Chivay=Casitas del Colca; ICA=Paracas Luxury Collection (Upgrade available in Machu Picchu at the Sanctuary for additional US$500 more pp)

SAMPLE AIRFARE: Sample air cost from Miami to Lima RT US$550-750; New York $750-900; Los Angeles $900-1000   (More cities available upon request).

Explore the Amazon Rain Forest aboard the beautiful M/V Delfin III

Visiting Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Iquitos and cruising 

the mighty Amazon River aboard the Delfin I

7 days/ 6 nights

Locally hosted-Private services

• Hotel accommodations for  2 nights including room taxes and service charges and 4 night cruise aboard the M/V Delfin III-Suite accommodations with all shore, boat excursions and all meals . • Daily breakfast.• PRIVATE Transfers to/from airport . • Tours as mentioned including entrance fees (During the cruise all tours are in small groups of 12 people)  • English speaking tour guide. • Tips to airport and hotel porters. • . Assistance of our local representatives 24/7

NOT INCLUDED:

 • INTERNATIONAL OR DOMESTIC AIRFARE • Meals, unless specified in itinerary. • Travel & Health Insurance. • Tips to tour guide or bus driver. • Any other service not mentioned in itinerary. • Airport departure taxes when leaving USA departure tax $88-120 (Inc. USA airport tax/security/fuel surcharges....Subject to change) • Lima and Iquitos $5.00

EXTENSION TO THE AMAZON RIVER CRUISE