The Best of Peru On a Budget
Tour Introduction
Explore the highlights of Peru at an affordable price in this varied and well-priced tour. Begin with the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest’s Tambopata National Reserve, accompanied by a naturalist guide. Fly to Cusco, once the capital of the mighty Inca empire and now a lively city with a rich mix of Inca and colonial architecture. Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and explore that magnificent architectural testament to their culture. Travel through the magnificent Colca Canyon (reputedly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) home to the Andean condor, often seen rising on the morning thermals. Finish the tour and experience Peru’s rich pre-Inca culture during a visit to Lake Titicaca. You have here a complete Peru programme of great depth and remarkably good value.
Full Itinerary
Early morning arrival in Lima and connect with flight to Puerto Maldonado. Met on arrival and transfer by road and boat to your rainforest lodge.
Staying at Posada Amazonas. Includes All Meals.
Day of guided activities in the surrounding rainforest including visits to the macaw clay click, a canopy tower and excursions on the river and trails. Wildlife could include giant otters, numerous parrots and macaws and several species of primate such as saddleback tamarins and spider monkeys.
Staying at Posada Amazonas. Includes All Meals.
Transfer by boat and road to Puerto Maldonado and fly to Cusco. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Casa Andina Classic Cusco Plaza. Includes Breakfast.
Drive from Cusco to the start of the trailhead and begin walking the Inca Trail with your porters, admiring the views, Inca settlements and changing landscapes en route.
Staying at Camping. Includes All Meals.
Continue to hike the Inca Trail, including to the highest point at 4,200 metres.
Staying at Camping. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Continue to walk the Inca Trail, crossing high passes and visiting small Inca sites en route.
Staying at Camping. Includes All Meals.
Arise before dawn and hike to the Sun Gate for magnificent views as dawn breaks across the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided visit including the residential, religious and agricultural sectors. There is time afterwards to hike to the Inca Bridge, Watchman’s Hut or just wander through the ruins soaking up the atmosphere. Your guide will tell you the story of the rise and fall of the ancient civilisations of the Andes, the tragic end of the Incas, and the unresolved mystery that this ‘lost city’ still remains. Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
Staying at Casa Andina Classic Cusco Plaza. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Arequipa. Met on arrival and transfer across the puna to the Colca Canyon.
Staying at Classic Casa Andina Classic Colca. Includes Breakfast.
Full day of guided activities in the Colca Canyon. Watch the magnificent Andean condors leaving their roosts and taking to the thermals. The Andean condor has the second largest wingspan of any flying bird and a close encounter with this majesty of the skies will surely leave a lasting memory. While exploring the 4,160-meter deep canyon, include a visit to the 2,000-year-old ancient villages, Uyo Uyo ruins and the amphitheatre where pre-Incas stored their seeds.
Staying at Classic Casa Andina Classic Colca. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer overland to Puno.
Staying at Tierra Viva Puno Plaza. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Spend a full day exploring Lake Titicaca and visit some of the communities that make the the world’s highest navigable lake their home. Visit the floating islands of the Uros and see how the communities live. Visit Taquile Island, to marvel at past Inca settlements and interact with the communities that live here.
Staying at Tierra Viva Puno Plaza. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to Juliaca airport, and fly to Lima. Connect with your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Posada Amazonas
Overview
Posada Amazonas is owned by the indigenous Ese’Eja community of Infierno. This welcoming lodge, two hours 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Maldonado, is nestled in a patch of primary Amazonian rainforest close to the Tambopata River in the world famous Tambopata National Reserve.
The sensitively built lodge was constructed using locally sourced timber, palm fronds and clay. There are 2 Suites, 12 Comfort Rooms and 16 Superior Rooms with private bathrooms, hot water showers, hammocks (Suits and Comfort rooms), mosquito nets above the beds, umbrellas, and an open side facing the forest which helps with ventilation. WiFi is available in the Suites and Comfort Rooms, and in the common areas of the lodge.
The Suites have a king size bed, separate sitting area, minibar, and are the only rooms with a ceiling fan.
There is a large dining room/bar/lounge, reading area, and reception with hammocks and a small gift shop. Rubber boots are available for guests to use free of charge. Muddy boots and shoes are not permitted to be worn around the lodge.
Electricity is provided in the early morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening.
Despite its relatively close proximity to Puerto Maldonado, the forest here is full of wildlife and a range of activities are on offer. These include a 30-metre canopy tower, Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake with a resident family of giant otters, ethno-botanical trail and working farm and rainforest hikes.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
30 rooms in five wings connected by raised boardwalks with private bathrooms and hot water showers, dining and lounge area, internet access, and a wellness and holistic centre offering massages and aromatherapy.
Local Wildlife
Giant otters and caiman on the nearby lake; flocks of parrots and sometimes macaws feeding at a clay lick; howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, and saddleback tamarins feeding in the forest.
Optional Activities
Community visits, mountain biking, and visits to the Wellness Centre.
Casa Andina Classic Cusco Plaza
Overview
Just one block from Cusco’s main square, the 38-room Casa Andina Classic Cusco Plaza is conveniently located to explore the restaurants, bars and shops of central Cusco, as well as the principal tourist sites including Koricancha and the Cathedral.
The comfortable rooms have a queen or two twin beds, heating, cable TV, direct dial phone and a safety deposit box. There are lovely views to the Plaza de Armas from the small restaurant (breakfast only, but lunch and dinner can be served on request) and some rooms have views over the Regocijo Square.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Breakfast room (lunch and dinner on request), extra oxygen is available in reception, free high speed Wi-Fi throughout hotel, small business centre, lounge with fireplace, lift, ATM, laundry service.
Optional Activities
The central position in Cusco is ideal for tours of the city or for visiting Inca ruin sites and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the city.
Tierra Viva Puno Plaza
Overview
The Tierra Viva Puno Plaza is located in a central part of Puno, close to Lima Street with its restaurants, popular art stores, bars and peñas . The hotel is also close to Puno attractions such as the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral and Dreyer Museum, and has a modern design with spacious rooms decorated in the typical style of the Andean puna.
All 30 en suite rooms feature closets, king or queen orthopedic mattresses, LCD TV with cable service, national and international telephone service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The rooms are comfortable and there are large soundproof windows to reduce the noise of this central location. All have heating, desks, alpaca blankets and a safety deposit box.
There are 6 Individual Rooms, 6 Double Rooms, 12 King Size Bed Rooms, 3 Double Superior Rooms, and 3 Suites that include a minibar and a private living room.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Breakfast buffet room, delivery service, medical assistance, laundry service, currency exchange and free oxygen supply.
Casa Andina Classic Colca Canyon
Overview
The Casa Andina Classic Colca Canyon hotel is located in the small town of Chivay in the breathtaking Colca Canyon. The region holds some fascinating and important historical sites including the San Antonio Pre-Inca Ruins, Yanque Church and the Cruz del Condor – the best location in Peru to see the magnificent Andean condor.
There are 52 stone cottage-style rooms with thatched roofs, tiled floors and rustic decor. Each room has double or single beds, private bathrooms, heating lamps and safety deposit box.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, garden, patio, internet centre, planetarium and laundry service. Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas. A massage service is available on request.
Optional Activities
Tours of Colca Canyon including visits to 2,000-year-old ancient villages, the Uyo Uyo ruins and the amphitheatre where pre-Incas stored their seeds before exploring the 4,160-metre deep canyon. From Cruz del Condor, watch majestic Andean condors taking to the thermals at the start of the day.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Lima on Iberia via Madrid, Air France via Paris, or KLM via Amsterdam. Flights are also available via the USA.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
All in all a fantastic trip, exceeding expectations. Hotels, transfers and guides all incredibly well organised…. The trip was without doubt the most interesting, fascinating and well organised that we have been on in over 30 years of travelling. … Simply faultless. A completely trouble free trip from beginning to end. Well done and thank you to all the team.
