ITINERARY
DAY 1: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT AND ARRIVAL IN LIMA
International arrival to Lima Assistance on your arrival to Lima "Jorge Chavez" Airport and transfer to the selected hotel.
Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
DAY 2: LIMA: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR - BUS LIMA /PARACAS
Breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings".
Our tour will take you through Lima in its 3 historical periods: Pre-hispanic, Colonial and Modern. We will first show you a panoramic view of “La Huaca Pucllana”, and then you will visit the impressive Historical Downtown of Lima: Its palaces, mansions, churches and squares, ending with a visit to the residential district of San Isidro and an unforgettable view of the Pacific Ocean from the district of Miraflores.
This tour includes the admission to the BCR Museum and the Complejo Monumental San Francisco and its Catacombs.
*The BCR Museum is closed to the public on Saturdays and Sundays afternoon. It is closed all day and Mondays.
DAY 3: PARACAS BALLESTAS ISLAND - BUS PARACAS/ NAZCA
Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, in the Paracas National Reserve, where we can observe sea lions, bobo bird, pelicans, penguins and marine birds. On the way back, from the water, we can also see the "Candelabro" (Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines. In the afternoon travel by bus to the city of Nazca for overnight.
DÍA 4: OVERFLIGHT OF THE NAZCA LINES - BUS NAZCA/AREQUIPA
Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Nazca airport for a 45-minute overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Discover monkeys, spiders, and hummingbirds among other large figures, which you will observe from the sky in your plane.
At night, travel to the city of Arequipa (about 8n hours).
DAY 5: AREQUIPA: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR AND SANTA CATALINA MONASTERY
Arrival to Arequipa City and transfer to your Selected Hotel.
Afternoon city tour of Arequipa, including Santa Catalina monastery, the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIX century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compania Church, and ancient Jesuit temple, one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.
DAY 6: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY COLCA CANYON 02 DAYS 01 NIGHT
Early in the morning, after breakfast, start your trip to the Colca Canyon, visiting on the way Pampas Cañahuas, the Mirador of the Andes, the crater of Chucura, the Mirador of Chivay, where pre-inca andens may be appreciated. Arrival to the town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. Approx. Transfer to your selected lodge. Box lunch (light meals in the altitude).
In the afternoon, you will have free time to visit thermal and medical baths.
DAY 7: COLCA CANYON- CRUZ DEL CONDOR + TOURIST BUS TO PUNO
After breakfast, very early in the morning, drive to the Condor's Cross, natural observation point from where the magnitude of the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the majestic condor is appreciated. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the town of Yanque with Coporaque. At the town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the town of Maca. After Lunch depart from Chivay (Colca canyon) to the Lake Titicaca (Puno), the bus departure at 1:30pm and arrive at 19:00 pm approximately. Overnight at selected Hotel.
DAY 8: PUNO TITICACA LAKE, FLOATING ISLAND OF THE UROS AND ISLAND OF TAQUILE
Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. l. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island. After lunch in a local Taquile inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at the hotel. Free night.
DAY 9: ROUTE OF THE SUN - TOURIST BUS - PUNO/CUSCO
Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High Plateau of the Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasasaya, remnants of the ancient Pucara Culture. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through the La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.
We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.
Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own.
DÍA 10: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. Pisac's typical Indian market, In the afternoon pass through Calca and Urubamba towns to arrive to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo. On our way back to Cusco we will visit the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero where the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui lies. Admire its well preserved Inca Wall at the Main Square, visit the beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes on the portico. Back to Cusco in the afternoon.
DAY 11: CUSCO GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR & NEARBY RUINS (KENKO-PUCA-PUCARA, TAMBOMACHAY, SACSAYHUAMAN)
In the afternoon, guided sightseeing tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha.Then, drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco; famous for its enormous carved stones joined with astounding precision to form the outer walls. Some of these stones stand over 9m / 30ft tall and weight over 350 tons. Overnight al selected hotel in Cusco.
DAY 12: VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU- “THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS” + OVERNIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco train station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machupicchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible Machupicchu. Upon arrival, we´ll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel. After the tour you will have time to stroll around the archaeological site at your leisure. Lunch in a restaurant at Aguas Calientes town. Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 13: TRAIN AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO + OVERNIGHT
Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll around the Town of Aguas
Calientes and visit its Hot Spring Thermal waters. Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities: (not included in the overall price):
1. Visit the Citadel of Machupicchu for a second time.
2. For active or more adventurous people, we suggest climbing up the Huayna Picchu (depending on weather conditions) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machupicchu, even more amazing being high and distant. Arriving at the top takes about two hours and a half and it is recommendable before 13:00 hours. It is necessary to register at the checking point at the beginning of the trail. An exciting adventure for the travelers who want to see from the top, the nature and the carved stone emerging from the ground as if a geological miracle.
In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.
Evening free.
DAY 14: FLIGHT CUSCO/PUERTO MALDONADO -CORTO MALTES LODGE
Transfer to the Airport and departure to Puerto Maldonado.
Reception at the airport with transfer to our office, which is located in the center of Puerto Maldonado. Any luggage that you do not require during your stay in the rainforest can be safely kept in our storage room. This is to facilitate the transport by boat to the lodge.
We will embark for our lodge traveling on the river-vessel “Puerto de Capitanía”. It is 40 minutes of navigation on the Madre de Dios River.
After arrival at the facilities of the Lodge Corto Maltes Amazonía you will be received with refreshments made from seasonal fruits. Later, your guide will give you the necessary information for your stay and hand over the keys to your bungalow and security safe, followed by the lunch and some time to rest until the first excursion.
TREK AND VISIT THE SHIRINGUERO CAMP.
3:30 pm. Depart for your first contact with the jungle. You will be accompanied by your guide, who will show you the tropical trees, medicinal plants and other aspects of the exuberant nature among the 60 hectares of Brazil nut concession that Corto Maltés Amazonia stewards.
Visit a shiringuero encampment, which is another one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region. This is a reproduction of a real camp, in which you can see the process of collecting rubber (better known as latex), and see how it is used for many products. The time for this trek is 2 hours.
FREE TIME. Back at the Lodge you can relax by the pool or in the hammocks on the terrace of your bungalow, savor an exotic cocktail at the bar, enjoy a relaxing massage by our qualified staff, visit our shop for a handcrafted souvenir of the rainforest or head to the riverside to view the breathtaking sunset.
CAIMAN SAFARI.
7:00 pm. Before dinner, we will leave for a nocturnal boat trip to observe caimans and, with a bit of luck, other animals which populate the riverbank at night. 8:00pm dinner in our riverside dining room.
DAY 15: PUERTO MALDONADO- CORTO MALTES LODGE
Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for Lake Sandoval. Your guide will hand out a bagged breakfast and snack for the excursion.
LAKE SANDOVAL
6:00 am: After roughly 20 minutes of travel on the river Madre de Dios, we arrive at the landing stage of Lake Sandoval. During a 3 km hike through the wild vegetation, we will enter the territory of Tambopata National Reserve, where you will have the chance to admire giant trees, different snakes, monkeys (squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys) and various birds (notably the Hoatzin – also known as the stink bird-, kingfishers and snakebirds).
Once on Lake Sandoval, we will embark in small rowboats in search of giant river otters. We will also have the possibility to spot a good number of other reptiles, mammals and birds in their natural habitat. When the guide finds an opportune spot where you can continue to observe the nature, we will eat breakfast. For the return trip, make sure you have gathered your belongings and we will row back to the pier.
OPTIONAL: MONKEY ISLAND This activity depends on the season and the discretion of your guide. There are times that due to flooding it is nearly impossible to disembark and walk around the island. There are also times in the year for mating and reproduction, and it is important to leave the wild monkeys alone, without human interruption. The animals are accustomed to visitors and can come very close. Therefore it is very important to always follow the instructions of your guide.
1:30pm. Return to the Lodge for lunch.
3:30 pm. We will visit of one of the two lookout towers of Corto Maltès Amazonía, with a height of 20 and 42 meters and designed for bird watching and the viewing of other types of animals living at this altitude in the canopy. In addition, you will enjoy an incredible view of the sunset. (The guide will consult with the guests on their preferences and adapt this excursion accordingly.)
There will also be a visit to a Brazil nut camp, where harvesters stay for the duration of the season. The Brazil nut (also known as castaña, as it is known locally) is one of the most important economic activities in the Madre de Dios region.
FREE TIME. You will then have some free time to enjoy the pool or a massage, get refreshed at the bar or visit our souvenir shop.
8:00pm: Dinner
DAY 16: PUERTO MALDONADO- CORTO MALTES LODGE
8:00am: Breakfast
CHACRA
9:00am. After a 20-minute boat trip down-river, we will arrive at a chacra, which is a farm owned by a local family. Here we will recognize and even taste different seasonal tropical fruits as well as other native products (cacao, banana, cocona, bread-fruit, noni, yucca, lime…) This place belongs to a typical rural family who maintain with care and without chemicals some native plants that grow naturally. They sell their products in the main markets of Puerto Maldonado for consumption. Once finished the visit we will return to take the boat, and after about 20 minutes we will arrive at the land of a native Machiguenga family.
NATIVE FAMILY
12:00pm. The Machiguenga are one of the many ethnic groups that exist in the Peruvian Amazon. A family of native Machiguenga will receive us for a visit. They will show us the cultural value of their ancestors, as well as language and customs, including traditional clothes, hunting gear, handicrafts and the music they play during ayahuasca ceremonies. They will teach us how to take advantage of natural products to make tools, and what they use to make their houses, dresses and ornaments, each important for their daily life.
1:00pm. We will share lunch with the Machiguenga family in a typical construction and enjoy an indigenous dish from the jungle.
FREE TIME. 2:00pm. Return to the lodge to relax and have free time to visit the boutique, refresh in the pool, have a cocktail in the bar or have a relaxing massage.
8:00pm: Dinner
DAY 17: PUERTO MALDONADO- FLIGHT PUERTO MALDONADO/LIMA
Wake up at 5:30 am for some coffee or tea before leaving for a 20-minute walk to the clay lick, where you will have the possibility to observe 3 to 5 types of parrots.
The parrots come to the clay lick to ingest a particular kind of clay, only found in certain areas of this region. The clay is vital for the metabolic regulation of the birds, and therefore is host to a colorful and veritably delightful and exciting event.
8:00am: Breakfast and free time
After breakfast, we will return to the city of Puerto Maldonado by boat.
One of our vehicles will receive you at the port. After a short stop at our office, we will drive to the local market where the local population supplies itself with foods and other products. During a short visit of around 20-minutes, you will be able to appreciate the different typical products of the area.
We will then head to the airport to check-in for your respective flights.
Arrival to Lima and transfer to your selected Hotel.
DAY 18: LIMA: INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Transfer to the Airport to take your international flight.