NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY, FROM THE CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES TO THE AMAZON.
22D/21N

The Peruvian riquezas are worth the pena to be recognized as soon as possible.

Menu Home Tours Nature and biodiversity, from the Cordillera de los Andes to the Amazon.

A complete guide that will allow you to discover the biodiversity of Peru and share it with its inhabitants.

The itinerary includes the very main regions of the country: the Costa, the Andes and the Amazon. In addition to discovering the natural rice of Peru, you can also buy it.

Trip information

Tour title

Nature and biodiversity, from the Cordillera de los Andes to the Amazon.

Duration

22D/21N

Country visited

Peru

Regions crossed

Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Madre de Dios, Peru

Highlights

nature,biodiversity,condor,amazonia

Best time to come

April to November

Flights number

2 flights

Accomodation

6 nights in 3 *

Meals included

Total meals included : 21 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 6 dinners

Altitude max

3925 m a.s.l. / 12877 ft a.s.l.

Distance covered

3243.4 km / 2015.4 mi (* as the crow flies)

Difficulty

Intermediary

Recommended age

+12

Itinerary

1: Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores
2: Miraflores - Paracas - Ballestas Island - Ica - Nasca
3: Nasca - Arequipa
4: Arequipa
5: Arequipa - Valle del Colca - Chivay
6: Chivay - Valle del Colca - Chivay - Puno
7: Puno - Uros Titino - Taquile
8: Taquile - Amantaní - Llachón
9: Llachón - Puno
10: Puno - Cusco
11: Cusco - Tambomachay - Puka Pukara - Q'enqo Grande - Saysaywaman - Cusco
12: Cusco - Huayopata
13: Huayopata - Santa María - Huacayupana
14: Huacayupana - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo
15: Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo
16: Ollantaytambo - Pisac - Cusco
17: Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Salineras de Maras - Cusco
18: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Reserva Nacional Tambopata
19: Reserva Nacional Tambopata
20: Reserva Nacional Tambopata
21: Reserva Nacional Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado - Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores
22: Miraflores

Program details

Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores

Arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

Arrival in Lima, reception at the airport, and transfer to your hotel in the beautiful Miraflores district.

Meals not included.

Meals included : None

Accommodation :

Hotel Tambo - 3* - Avenida La Paz 1276 - Miraflores
https://www.amaru.com

Altitudes

Altitude min : 21 m a.s.l. / 69 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 93 m a.s.l. / 305 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores : 14.3 km /8.9 mi (road)

Total distance : 14.3 km / 8.9 mi

Miraflores - Paracas - Ballestas Island - Ica - Nasca

Early in the morning, depart by private transport to Paracas.

Stop at the Paracas Candelabra and sail to the Ballestas Islands, a protected area and breeding ground for thousands of sea lions and seabirds.

After visiting the islands, enjoy lunch at a restaurant and sample typical Peruvian dishes.

Return to the vehicle and travel to Nazca. Visits are scheduled en route: a winery and the Huacachina Oasis.

Arrive in Nazca in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Hotel Hotel oro Viejo - 3* - Jiron Callao - Nasca
https://www.amaru.com

Altitudes

Altitude min : 7 m a.s.l. / 23 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 593 m a.s.l. / 1946 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Miraflores - Cañete : 127.2 km /79 mi (road)
Cañete - Paracas : 85.5 km /53.1 mi (road)
Paracas - Ballestas Island : 19.1 km /11.9 mi (boat)
Ballestas Island - Paracas : 19.1 km /11.9 mi (boat)
Paracas - Ica : 61.7 km /38.3 mi (road)
Ica - Nasca : 120.3 km /74.8 mi (road)

Total distance : 433 km / 269.1 mi

Nasca - Arequipa

After breakfast, take a guided tour of the city, including a visit to the aqueducts, a pottery workshop, and the Antonini Museum.

Fly over the famous lines.

Discovered by Paul Kosok in 1939, they constitute one of the greatest mysteries of world archaeology.

Departure for Arequipa by private transport in the afternoon.

Arrival in Arequipa at night. Check-in at the hotel.

Flight time depends on the weather.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Hotel Conde de Lemos Arequipa - 3* - Calle Simón Bolívar, San Lázaro, Arequipa - Arequipa
http://www.condelemosinn.com

Altitudes

Altitude min : 593 m a.s.l. / 1946 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2350 m a.s.l. / 7710 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Nasca - Arequipa : 403.8 km /250.9 mi (road)

Total distance : 403.8 km / 250.9 mi

Arequipa

City tour in Arequipa, Peru's white city.

In the morning or afternoon, visit the city: the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Church and Convent of La Compañia, and the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a small village in the heart of the city.

The city tour concludes with a visit to the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints for magnificent views of the Andean terraces of the Arequipa countryside.

The tour lasts half a day.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Hotel Conde de Lemos Arequipa - 3* - Calle Simón Bolívar, San Lázaro, Arequipa - Arequipa
http://www.condelemosinn.com

Altitude

Altitude min : 2350 m a.s.l. / 7710 ft a.s.l.

Arequipa - Valle del Colca - Chivay

Early morning, departure from the hotel and heading to the Colca Canyon, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, dotted with peaks and volcanoes.

e will cross the Pampa Cañahuas area, a nature reserve for vicuñas and other Andean camelids (Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve).

We will stop in Patapampa, located at 4,900 m altitude, to admire the Ampato, Sacanbaya, and Hualca-Hualca volcanoes.

Arrival in Chivay and transfer to the hotel.

Possibility to soak in the La Calera hot springs (optional).

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Hotel Casa Andina Standard Colca - 3* - Huayna Capac s/n, Chivay - Chivay
https://www.casa-andina.com

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1997 m a.s.l. / 6552 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3637 m a.s.l. / 11932 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Arequipa - Valle del Colca : 104.8 km /65.1 mi (road)
Valle del Colca - Chivay : 48.1 km /29.9 mi (road)

Total distance : 152.9 km / 95 mi

Chivay - Valle del Colca - Chivay - Puno

Breakfast and departure to the Cruz del Cóndor Lookout to appreciate the depths of the Colca Canyon and admire the flight of condors.

Afterward, return to Chivay, passing the viewpoints of Antahuilque, the pre-Inca cemetery with hanging tombs in Choquetico, and the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque. Free lunch in Chivay.

After lunch, depart for Puno by private transportation with a guide.

Check-in at the hotel.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

Hotel Conde de Lemos Puno - 3* - Carmen Alto, San Blas - Puno
https://www.condelemosinn.com/puno/?lang=fr

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1997 m a.s.l. / 6552 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3848 m a.s.l. / 12625 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Chivay - Valle del Colca : 48.1 km /29.9 mi (road)
Valle del Colca - Chivay : 48.1 km /29.9 mi (road)
Chivay - Puno : 170 km /105.6 mi (road)

Total distance : 266.1 km / 165.3 mi

Puno - Uros Titino - Taquile

In the morning, transfer to the port of Puno. Sail to the Uros Islands to discover these floating islands.

Continue your journey across Lake Titicaca to Taquile Island. This is a privileged location thanks to its archaeological remains, places of worship, festivals, and rituals. Taquile Island is also known for its textile art, present in the daily lives of men and women of all ages.

Welcome to the island's inhabitants and enjoy a delicious meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In the afternoon, explore the island and the daily lives of its inhabitants, accompanied by your guide.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3818 m a.s.l. / 12526 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3925 m a.s.l. / 12877 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Puno - Uros Titino : 8.5 km /5.3 mi (boat)
Uros Titino - Taquile : 29.2 km /18.1 mi (boat)

Total distance : 37.6 km / 23.4 mi

Taquile - Amantaní - Llachón

After a hearty traditional breakfast with your host family, depart by boat to the island of Amantaní.

Arrival on the island and a short hike through the Pachapapa and Pachamama hills, accompanied by your guide.

Lunch at a local home and cruise to the Llachón peninsula.

Welcome and check-in.

Free afternoon for a short hike and sunset viewing.

Dinner and overnight stay with your host family.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3874 m a.s.l. / 12710 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3925 m a.s.l. / 12877 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Taquile - Amantaní : 13.5 km /8.4 mi (boat)
Amantaní - Llachón : 10.1 km /6.3 mi (boat)

Total distance : 23.7 km / 14.7 mi

Llachón - Puno

After breakfast, experience the daily life of the island's inhabitants and participate in activities such as fishing.

These activities give you the opportunity to discover this unique way of life. Lunch with your hosts.

Departure by boat to Puno.

Arrival in Puno and transfer to your hotel.

Lunch included, dinner at leisure.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3848 m a.s.l. / 12625 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3874 m a.s.l. / 12710 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Llachón - Puno : 29.2 km /18.1 mi (boat)

Total distance : 29.2 km / 18.1 mi

Puno - Cusco

In the morning, depart by private transport to Cusco.

The journey crosses the Altiplano to the Col de la Raya.

Arrive in Sicuani, where you will meet your guide and have lunch. Several visits are planned along the way: Raqchi and the Church of Andahuaylillas, the Sistine Chapel of Latin America.

Arrive in Cusco at the end of the day, welcome, and transfer to your hotel.

Lunch is included, and dinner is free.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3848 m a.s.l. / 12625 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Puno - Cusco : 332.8 km /206.8 mi (road)

Total distance : 332.8 km / 206.8 mi

Cusco - Tambomachay - Puka Pukara - Q'enqo Grande - Saysaywaman - Cusco

Departure in the morning by private vehicle to the heights of Cusco.

Visit the archaeological site of Tambomachay and walk towards Cusco, crossing a small valley. Along the way, visit the archaeological sites of Puka Pukara, Q'enqo and Saqsaywaman, an imposing megalithic stone construction that was once the main temple of HananQosqo (the Cusco of the Heights).

On return to Cusco, visit the city: the typical neighborhood of San Blas, passing by the Stone of the Twelve Corners and the Plaza de Armas.

Visit the Qorikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral.

Free time.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3778 m a.s.l. / 12395 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Tambomachay : 4.3 km /2.7 mi (road)
Tambomachay - Puka Pukara : 0.6 km /0.4 mi (road)
Puka Pukara - Q'enqo Grande : 3 km /1.9 mi (road)
Q'enqo Grande - Saysaywaman : 1.2 km /0.7 mi (road)
Saysaywaman - Cusco : 1.1 km /0.7 mi (road)

Total distance : 10.2 km / 6.3 mi

Cusco - Huayopata

Transfer to the bus station and transfer by public minibus to Wayupata.

Arrive at Julia and her family's home in the late morning for a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, discover the different crops grown by Julia and her husband José.

In the afternoon, learn about the coffee extraction process: harvesting, sorting, roasting, and grinding.

Finally, enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Free time and dinner with your hosts.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1388 m a.s.l. / 4554 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Huayopata : 87.6 km /54.4 mi (road)

Total distance : 87.6 km / 54.4 mi

Huayopata - Santa María - Huacayupana

Wake up to a warm tropical atmosphere.

Depart by private transport to the village of Wakayupana.

Arrive in Santa Rosa in about thirty minutes and meet with Alejandro, who also grows organic coffee, among other activities. A short two-hour hike, with some vertiginous sections along an Inca trail, leads to his plantation in Wakayupana.

Lunch is followed by an observation of the surroundings and a tour of the organic coffee plantation. In the afternoon, a short hike to the lookout point, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley and the Villcanota River.

Return to Alejandro's home and dinner with the family.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1174 m a.s.l. / 3852 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 1650 m a.s.l. / 5413 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Huayopata - Santa María : 4.5 km /2.8 mi (road)
Santa María - Huacayupana : 5.8 km /3.6 mi (road)

Total distance : 10.3 km / 6.4 mi

Huacayupana - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo

Continuation of the tour by private transport.

Arrival at Urpipata, just above the excellent and highly recommended hot springs.

The trip continues to the Machupicchu Hydroelectric Power Plant, at km 122 of the railway. From there, take the train to Machupicchu Pueblo. The tour can also be done on foot.

Arrival at Machupicchu Pueblo and check-in at the hotel.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 1650 m a.s.l. / 5413 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Huacayupana - Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu : 15.1 km /9.4 mi (road)
Hidroeléctrica Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo : 4.3 km /2.7 mi (train)

Total distance : 19.4 km / 12.1 mi

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo

Private transportation to the archaeological site, which overlooks the valley from a height of 400 m, and a guided tour.

After the tour, you will have free time to wander the narrow streets.

Spend the entire day exploring the site. Descend to Machu Picchu Pueblo on foot or by bus, at your own pace. In the afternoon or early evening, take the train to Ollantaytambo.

Arrive in Ollantaytambo and stay at your hotel.

Option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 2844 m a.s.l. / 9331 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (none)
Machupicchu Pueblo - Ollantaytambo : 30.6 km /19 mi (train)

Total distance : 35.2 km / 21.9 mi

Ollantaytambo - Pisac - Cusco

Visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, home to some of the most beautiful Inca structures.

A morning visit is ideal, as the light is perfect and there are few people.

After the visit, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Arrive in Pisaq, visit the archaeological site and the artisan market.

Return to Cusco in the late afternoon.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2844 m a.s.l. / 9331 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Ollantaytambo - Pisac : 48.2 km /30 mi (road)
Pisac - Cusco : 17.5 km /10.9 mi (road)

Total distance : 65.7 km / 40.8 mi

Cusco - Chinchero - Moray - Salineras de Maras - Cusco

Departure by private transport to the village of Chinchero, a predominantly indigenous community.

The tour continues to Moray, likely an agricultural laboratory once used for acclimatizing crops.

We then head to the Maras Salt Flats. This unique spectacle brilliantly demonstrates human ingenuity, having successfully established an open-pit salt mine at over 3,000 m above sea level.

Return to Cusco at the end of the day.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 2955 m a.s.l. / 9695 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3714 m a.s.l. / 12185 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Chinchero : 16 km /9.9 mi (road)
Chinchero - Moray : 17.4 km /10.8 mi (road)
Moray - Salineras de Maras : 5.4 km /3.4 mi (road)
Salineras de Maras - Cusco : 30.8 km /19.1 mi (road)

Total distance : 69.7 km / 43.3 mi

Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Reserva Nacional Tambopata

Transfer to Cusco airport and flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado.

Reception at Puerto Maldonado airport and boat ride from the port to the Native Community of Infierno. Visit the Canopy Tower, which offers spectacular views of the Tambopata River and the treetops, and offers birdwatching.

Overnight at the Posada Amazonas lodge in a standard room.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 204 m a.s.l. / 669 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Cusco - Puerto Maldonado : 319.4 km /198.5 mi (flight)
Puerto Maldonado - Reserva Nacional Tambopata : 27.2 km /16.9 mi (boat)

Total distance : 346.6 km / 215.4 mi

Reserva Nacional Tambopata

After breakfast, depart to visit Lake Tres Chimbadas by canoe or catamaran.

After a thirty-minute boat ride and a forty-five-minute hike, you will reach the shores of the meandering lake. From there, you will take a tour of the lake, where you can observe caimans, birds, and a family of giant river otters. Lunch will be served, followed by a visit to the Ñape Center.

This center is a community organization that produces medicines using local medicinal plants.

While the plants are used medicinally, they are also used for other purposes, such as construction and transportation.

A night walk will allow you to observe most of the mammals that are rarely seen during the day.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitude

Altitude min : 237 m a.s.l. / 778 ft a.s.l.

Reserva Nacional Tambopata

Breakfast and departure to the Parrot Farm, just twenty minutes from the lodge.

The farms are clay cliffs where colorful parrots and macaws gather to obtain the minerals they need for their diet. Next, a hike to observe the ceiba trees, a tree species found in tropical regions.

Lunch and navigation to the most comprehensive farm in the Infierno community.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitude

Altitude min : 237 m a.s.l. / 778 ft a.s.l.

Reserva Nacional Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado - Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores

It is time to leave this dense and mysterious jungle behind.

Breakfast and departure according to your flight time.

Return by boat to the port and transfer to the Rainforest Central Office to collect your luggage.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Reception and transfer to your hotel.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitudes

Altitude min : 21 m a.s.l. / 69 ft a.s.l.
Altitude max : 237 m a.s.l. / 778 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

Reserva Nacional Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado : 27.2 km /16.9 mi (boat)
Puerto Maldonado - Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez : 864 km /536.9 mi (flight)
Lima - Aeropuerto Jorge Chavez - Miraflores : 14.3 km /8.9 mi (road)

Total distance : 905.4 km / 562.6 mi

Miraflores

Free day in Lima to enjoy more of Peru and its magic.

Transfer to the airport 4 hours before your international flight departure.

Meals included : Breakfast

Accommodation :

No accomodation proposed

Altitude

Altitude min : 93 m a.s.l. / 305 ft a.s.l.

Included

All domestic transportation: domestic flights, transfers, boats, local or private buses, and the listed trains, unless otherwise specified.
Hotels according to the category indicated by the small stars at the end of each day. The hotels suggested in the day-by-day program are subject to availability. In case of unavailability, an equivalent hotel may be offered.
All site entrance fees, unless otherwise noted.
English-speaking guide service for tours, unless specified otherwise.
Meals indicated as included.
All breakfasts.