Handy Andes
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Overview
Some popular poses to choose from at Sun Gate include: toasting the view with a beer, picking your girlfriend up Superman style, the Karate Kid crane move and the selfie.
(Was Andean Adventure)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Lima
Ceviche. It's raw fish marinated in lime juice. Say it like, "seh-vee-chay". Don't let mispronunciation get in the way of an awesome meal.
Day 1
- Arrive in Lima
Day 2
- Morning tour briefing
- Spend free time exploring Peru's capital
- Follow the Pan American highway to the seaside village of Paracas
BreakfastDay 3 - Ballestas Islands - Nazca
Some people think birds are boring. But there's 150 different species here and one of them is called a boobie (think seagulls with blue feet). So there's always a silver lining.
- Travel by boat to the Ballestas Islands
- Gain good views of wildlife and natural rock formations
- Travel by bus to Nazca later in the day
BreakfastDay 4 - Nazca
The flight over the Nazca lines is optional, but they're 1200 years old and possibly built by aliens, so probably worth seeing.
- Free day to explore the mysterious Nazca Lines
- Board an overnight bus to Arequipa
BreakfastDay 5-7 - Arequipa
Most of the buildings are made out of volcanic rock from El Misti, which last erupted in '85. So while the rest of us were wearing acid wash jeans and dancing to our walkmans, these guys were busy building a city. Go trekking, rafting, cycling or horse riding.
- Free time to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Peru, Arequipa
- Take an optional trip to the Colca Canyon
- Perhaps spend time trekking in the surrounding mountains, white-water rafting, mountain biking or horse riding
BreakfastDay 8-9 - Cusco
We love the Pisac Markets, where you can see heaps of cute and cuddly guinea pigs running around. Pick your favourite and they'll cook him up for you. Wash him down with an Inca Kola.
Day 8
- Acclimatise in Cusco in preparation for the Inca trek
Day 9
- Take a walking tour of central Cusco
- Explore Cusco and see the local sights during free time
BreakfastDay 10-13 - Inca Trek
Get a decent photo of yourself with Machu Picchu in the background. You'll thank us later.
Day 10
- Gaze upon massive Inca fortifications in Ollantaytambo
- Begin the Inca trek
- Hike past the ancient hilltop fort of Huillca Raccay and the archaeological site of Llactapata
- Stunning views of snow-capped Veronica Peak
- Camp near the village of Wayllabamba
Day 11
- The most difficult part of the trek - Dead Woman’s Pass
- Panoramas of the Vilcanota and Vilcabama mountain ranges, and ruins in the valley below
- Camp with a view over the cloud forest
Day 12
- Climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay
- Continue up the Inca staircase
- Spectacular views of Pumasillo and the entire Vilcabamba range
- Enter the beautiful cloud forest
Day 13
- The final, and most spectacular, leg of the trek to Machu Picchu
- Arrive at Inti Punku, the Gateway of the Sun
- Experience a panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise
- Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour
- Return to Cusco by train
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14-15 - Cusco - Puno
Free time. Woo. Buy an alpaca jumper and force your little brother to wear it. Or get an Andean pan pipe and try playing Waltzing Matilda.
Day 14
- Relax and unwind or spend free time exploring Cusco's many markets, museums, eateries and local sights
Day 15
- Catch a bus to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca
BreakfastDay 16-17 - Lake Titicaca - Puno
The Uros Indians live on floating reed islands. Stay overnight with a local family who will feed you, get you drunk, then dress you up in their clothes.
Day 16
- Take a boat across Lake Titicaca to the Uros' floating reed islands
- Enjoy a homestay on Amantani Island
Day 17
- Indulge in a breakfast with your host family
- Take time to explore the island
- Board an afternoon boat back to Puno
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 18 - Puno - Copacabana
Barry Manilow was actually singing about a New York nightclub. But you can still belt out a few bars while you're checking out the 17th century cathedral or the woolen handicrafts on the main street.
Travel along the shores of Lake Titicaca to Copacabana
BreakfastDay 19-21 - La Paz
La Paz faces the Sea of Cortez, and if you're lucky the locals will put on a show. Look out for dolphins, sea lions and whales while manta rays and turtles swim around your feet. Embrace the circle of life with a fresh seafood dinner on your last night.
Day 19
- Spend an afternoon getting to know Bolivia's capital, La Paz
Day 20
- During free time, choose to relax or explore to many local markets, alleyways, eateries and sights
Day 21
- The trip ends today after breakfast
Breakfast -
What to Know
What's Included
An experienced Peruvian leader, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated.
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
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Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 07 Jul 2013 - 27 Jul 2013 3 Request US $2,650 Book Now 01 Sep 2013 - 21 Sep 2013 6 Available US $2,650On Sale Sale: US $1,988 Book Now 13 Oct 2013 - 02 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $2,650On Sale Sale: US $1,988 Book Now 15 Dec 2013 - 04 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 05 Jan 2014 - 25 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 26 Jan 2014 - 15 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 16 Feb 2014 - 08 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $2,335 Book Now 09 Mar 2014 - 29 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $2,335 Book Now 30 Mar 2014 - 19 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $2,335 Book Now 20 Apr 2014 - 10 May 2014 7+ Available US $2,335 Book Now 04 May 2014 - 24 May 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 29 Jun 2014 - 19 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 20 Jul 2014 - 09 Aug 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 10 Aug 2014 - 30 Aug 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 31 Aug 2014 - 20 Sep 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 21 Sep 2014 - 11 Oct 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 12 Oct 2014 - 01 Nov 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 02 Nov 2014 - 22 Nov 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 23 Nov 2014 - 13 Dec 2014 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 14 Dec 2014 - 03 Jan 2015 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now 04 Jan 2015 - 24 Jan 2015 7+ Available US $2,650 Book Now -
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What to know
A good level of fitness and pre-trip training is essential. You will trek on hilly terrain or mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 4200 metres, for up to 7 hours per day.