Highlights and Hidden Beauty of the Peruvian Andes

August 2019 (7 Days / 6 Nights) with 3 Day Optional Pre-Trip

Starting from the historic Inca Capital of Cusco, you soon will get off the beaten trail, visiting charming Andean towns and exploring several rarely visited archaeological sites. You will be among the first visitors traveling to Peru’s newest reserve, the Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area, a pristine area known for its stunning natural beauty. At the conclusion of the trip, you will have the chance to see the giant Andean Condors soaring over the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and the beautiful city of Arequipa. This tour offers the perfect balance between the places you must see, historical background about (the discovery of) Peru, the great works of the Incas, and off the beaten track exploration. Add the optional Pre-Trip extension and visit some of Peru’s most famous and beautiful sites like Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
This trip is available for $1895 per person, with a 12-traveler limit. The 3 Day Optional Pre-Trip is available for an additional $795 per person. We look forward to guiding you on this adventure!

Group Size: 12 Traveler Limit

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Interested in joining us for this expedition? Let us know here!

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the Inca Capital of Cusco by getting off the beaten trail, visiting charming Andean towns, exploring several rarely visited archaeological sites
  • Visit the newly established Tres Cañones Regional Conservation Area, a pristine area known for its stunning natural beauty.
  • At the conclusion of the trip, you will have the opportunity to see the giant Andean Condors soaring over the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and the beautiful city of Arequipa.
  • Optional Pre-Trip extension to visit Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
Download a Printable Itinerary

Full Itinerary

Download Printable Itinerary
Optional Pre-Trip Itinerary (Recommended to Help with Acclimatization)

August 1 – Arrival to Cusco

 

  • Arrive Cusco, Peru
  • Pick up and transfer to hotel

Accommodation: Casa Andina

Meals: None

August 2 – Arrival to the Sacred Valley

  • Arrive to the Sacred Valley
  • Full Day of touring

Accommodation: Casa Andina

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

August 3 – Arrival to the Macchu Picchu

  • Arrive to Macchu Picchu
  • Full Day of touring

Accommodation: Casa Andina

Meals: Breakfast

 

 

 

Day 1

August 4 – Group Arrives to Cusco

  • Arrive Cusco – pick up and transfer to hotel
  • City Tour and Sacsayhuaman tour
  • Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Casa Andina

Meals: None

Day 2

August 5 – Cusco to Espinar

  • Today we will drive from Cusco to the Andean town of Espinar (5hr drive) – En route visit the colonial bridge of Checacupe.

  • Continue drive with stops at Langui lagoon (12,989 ft) drive and visit to Kanamarca archeological site.

  • Late afternoon arrival to Espinar (12,860 ft)

Accommodation: Fortaleza Hotel

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3

August 6 – Arrival to Regional Conservation Area Tres Cañones

  • Early morning drive to Suykutambo and Tres Cañones Canyon dirt road (1h)
  • Enroute hike 1h to the Maukallacta archeological site colonial bridge Machu Puente.
  • Hike to Taqrachullu-Maria Fortaleza (2h)
  • Drive to Pusa Pusa dirt road, continue the trip to Sibayo (2 h)
  • Arrive late afternoon.

Accommodation: Overnight in Sibayo (12,533 ft) (homestay)

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 4

August 7 – Sibayo to Chivay

  • In the morning visit the stone village of Sibayo. Visit the hanging bridge, “the sleeping lizard and the mummy “Juanito” rock formations besides observing the beautiful landscapes that we will find on the way. (Walk on the banks of the Colca River). Continue to village of Chivay dirt road (45 minutes)
  • (Optional) trek. to Callalli 6km round trip flat, same altitude
  • In the afternoon you will be free to explore the village of Chivay on foot.
  • Optional) You may visit the thermal pools at Calera.

Accommodation: Overnight in Chivay (11,946 ft)

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 5

August 8 – Colca Canyon

  • We leave Chivay to travel to Cruz Del Condor dirt road (2h) to observe these giant Andean birds. The scenery at the canyon is truly breathtaking. Hundreds of Inca agricultural terraces are still used by local farmers, and life in the valley has changed very little over the centuries.
  • Later in the day, on our way back to Chivay, 60 km (2h) dirt road we will have a chance to visit the villages of Tapay, Pinchillo, Maca and Yanque.
  • Continue to Arequipa
  • The road climbs up to the Cañahuas plain, a wildlife reserve. During the journey we climb to the road’s highest point at 14,596 ft. where volcanoes can be seen on the horizon.
  • Late afternoon arrives to Arequipa. (7,708 ft)

Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Day 6

August 9 – Arequipa

  • Arequipa Tour – We will tour the main attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the church and cloisters of the Jesuit church, colonial mansions.
  • This tour will also include a trip to the Santa Catalina Convent, built in 1580, which once housed more than 450 nuns in a closed order completely isolated from the outside world until 1970. During the visit we will also see a fine collection of 17th and 18th century paintings and some gold work

Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

August 10 – Return to Lima

  • Transfer to airport for return to Lima

Meals: Breakfast

Reserve Your Expedition Today!

Deposit – $500

$1895 per person in double occupancy room

Single in a room adds $300.

Optional Pre-Trip Costs:

$795 per person in a double occupancy room

Single in a room adds $190

 

 

NOTES:

  • Itinerary subject to changes only if beyond our control
  • Reservation made with a deposit of $500 per person
  • Payment can be made by credit card on our PayPal site

Cancellation Policy: 50% of cost up to 120 days before departure. Purchase of travel and evacuation insurance is required.  https://buy.travelguard.com/TGI2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=51868&agentlinkasp=yes

This Trip Includes:

  • Daily breakfast and all meals listed during trekking program.

  • All transfers and daily excursions, as detailed in the itinerary

  • Services of Accompanying English speaking tour leader from arrival till departure

  • Local English speaking Andean guide

  • All entrance fees and taxes.

This Trip DOES NOT Include:

  • Airfare

  • Items of personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities as tips to guide, porters, drivers, etc.

  • Any meals not indicated on the itinerary

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

What Our Guests

Have to Say…

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!