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Peru

Peru boasts one of the most spectacular ruins in the world—Machu Picchu—reason enough to journey to this incredible country. But Peru offers so much more to the adventurous traveler. Our group departures visit Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and points in between. You can easily extend with time in Arequipa, Lima, and elsewhere.

Discover Peru

The Discover Peru trip is recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of its “50 Trips of a Lifetime Peru boasts one of the most spectacular ruins in the world — Machu Picchu — but Peru offers so much more to the adventurous traveler

After meeting in Lima, we travel to the continent's oldest continually inhabited city, Cusco, with its narrow, lively streets and foundations of original Inca stonework. From there we bike, hike, and journey by train through the Sacred Valley towards Machu Picchu, sampling largely unknown ruins, markets, and Andean life along the way. Several hiking options to and near Machu Picchu afford us incredible views of the ruins and nearby mountains and rivers before we spend a day touring the site. Next, we travel to the southern edge of the country. Here we'll kayak Lake Titicaca at just over 12,500 feet, to Isla Taquile—an island with no roads or cars, and electricity in only a few solar-powered buildings—to experience another side of this diverse country. Days 1-2, Lima and Cusco Meet in Lima and overnight in the vibrant Miraflores section of the city or near the airport for later arrivals • Short scenic flight over the Andes to the ancient Inca city of Cusco • Explore ruins near the city • Enjoy Cusco's cuisine, combining Andean specialties with modern tastes Days 3-6, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Hike to the off-the-beaten path and wonderful ruins of Pumamarca • Bike to the unique Inca site of Moray and visit the incredible salt pans of Maras • Tour the ruins of Ollantaytambo • Hike the Royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu or other equally spectacular trails • Half-day guided tour of Machu Picchu Days 7-10, Kayaking Lake Titicaca Travel over Abra La Raya Pass to Llachon on the shore of Lake Titicaca • Kayak across Lake Titicaca to Isla Taquile • Hike and explore the traditional culture of Isla Taquile • Kayak the shoreline of Isla Taquile before visiting the floating islands of Uros • Fly back to Lima and onward home • Note that because return flights to the United States are usually overnight flights, you will arrive back home on day 11 of the trip. Alternative option: Anyone who wishes to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, but without the time to include Lake Titicaca and Isla Taquile, may depart the trip with a flight back from Cusco to Lima on Day 7 and an international flight overnight or the next day....more

Trip Details

$3,298 USD +$525 single supplement about our prices

10 days/10 nights or shortened to 7 days/7 nights for $2,997

2012 Departures: May 26-June 4, June 9-18, June 30- July 9, July 14-23, August 4-13, August 25- September 3, September 8-17

biking, Machu Picchu, kayaking, hiking, scenic flight, city tour

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High Andes Trekking Peru

Trek for five incredible days in the shadow of the sacred Peruvian peak Apu Ausungate after hiking the Inca Trail, exploring Machu Picchu and biking in the Sacred Valley

There are so many great reasons to visit Peru—the world renowned Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, the magical Andes Mountains, the city of Cusco, the oldest continually inhabited city on the continent, the Peruvian culture and people, and the cuisine. The Aventouras’ High Andes Trekking Peru trip combines these incredible places and extraordinary experiences into a trip you’ll remember for a lifetime. You’ll hike to rarely visited Incan ruins, mountain bike in the Sacred Valley and hike the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Then you’ll embark on a five-day trek through the breathtaking Andes Mountains and stay at high mountain lodges that were built by and benefit the local communities. Days 1-2, Lima and Cusco Meet in Lima and overnight in the vibrant Miraflores section of the city or near the airport for later arrivals • Short scenic flight over the Andes to the ancient Inca city of Cusco • Explore ruins near the city • Enjoy Cusco's cuisine, combining Andean specialties with modern tastes Days 3-7, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Hike to the off-the-beaten path and wonderful ruins of Pumamarca • Bike to the unique Inca site of Moray and visit the incredible salt pans of Maras • Tour the ruins of Ollantaytambo • Hike the Royal Inca trail to Machu Picchu or other equally spectacular trails • Half-day guided tour of Machu Picchu • Free day to explore Cusco Days 8-13, Five-day trek in the High Andes Mountains Embark upon a spectacular five-day trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route called the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” (Road of the Sacred Peak Ausangate). The trek takes place in the shadow of towering Ausangate Mountain (20,945 feet), one of native Quechua people's most sacred mountains • At conclusion of five-day trek, return to Cusco for farewell dinner and overnight • Fly back to Lima and onward home • Note that because return flights to the United States are usually overnight flights, you will arrive back home on day 14 of the trip....more

Trip Details

$3,997 USD +$825 single supplement about our prices

13 days/ 13 nights

2012 Departures: June 1-13, June 29-July11, July 20-August 1, August 31-September 12

biking, Machu Picchu, hiking, scenic flight, city tour

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Pre-trip Lima extension

Lima is the gateway meeting and departure city for the Aventouras Discover Peru and High Andes Trekking Peru trips. Some guests like to arrive a day or two early to enjoy the restaurants, museums, and archaeological sites of Peru's largest city.

Known as the city of kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and is one of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past. During this 2 day/1 night Discover Peru or High Andes Trekking Peru pre-trip extension we tour colonial and modern Lima, Peru’s capital, and visit ruins in and around Lima. We will also have a chance to recuperate and recharge after the international flight to Lima before embarking on the active Discover Peru or High Andes Trekking Peru adventures. Day 1: Arrive in Lima—Most international flights arrive in the late evening. You will be transferred from the Lima airport to your hotel in Miraflores (a section of Lima) which has several shops, restaurants and cafes to explore. Overnight at hotel in Miraflores. Day 2: Full Day Pachacamac Ruins and Lima Modern and Colonial Day tour—After breakfast at the hotel you will be picked up to begin a full day exploring the Pachacamac Ruins and get a taste of Lima’s Modern and Colonial sides. At the conclusion of the tour you will be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon....more

Trip Details

$230 USD +$85 single supplement about our prices

2 days/1 night

A visit to Lima is usually part of a pre-trip extension that can be added to any of our Peru group departures, or become part of a custom itinerary for your Peru travel.

city tour, World Heritage Site

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