Museo de Arte Popular Madre de Dios ferry

Peru Encompassed

All content by Intrepid

21 days (ex Lima)

Destinations visited: Peru, Lima, Machu Picchu, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 26, 2012 and save 25% $2,925

from USD$3,900

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Description

Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cuzco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. Explore Peru's lush Amazon Jungle, the epic Lake Titicaca and the vast Colca Canyon. Enjoy local homestays, hike the famed Inca Trail and be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.

Highlights

Sip on a Pisco sour in Pisco.
Scale Huacachina's sand dunes.
Be amazed by the Nazca lines.
Discover desert mummies at Chauchilla Cemetery.
Nibble on guinea pig in Arequipa.
Search for condors in Colca Canyon.
Experience traditional Lake Titicaca life at a homestay.
Sample coca tea in Cuzco.
Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Explore the steamy Amazon Jungle.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos and welcome to Peru! Dive into the delights of Lima and let the Peruvian adventure begin.

Day 2 Pisco

Tour downtown Lima with a guide before heading to Pisco, the epicentre of the unmistakeable Pisco sour.

Days 3-4 Nazca

Wildlife-lovers can opt to visit the Paracas National Reserve, a haven for pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos and sea lions. Cameras poised to capture the dramatic sand dunes and lake of Huacachina, before heading to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites, the Nazca Lines. Explore the eerie desert cemetery of Chauchilla, where the arid conditions of the desert have naturally mummified the remains of the Nazca people buried here.

Day 5 Arequipa

Built at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa's colonial charm is enchanting. Marvel at the gleaming buildings made from pale volcanic rock.

Days 6-7 Chivay/Colca Canyon

Spot llamas, alpacas and their cousins - vicunas - on the way to Chivay. Be impressed by the depth of the canyon while keeping an eye out for the resident Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds. In the evening, relax in thermal baths, dine on a llama steak or listen to live Andean music at a pena. Experience traditional local life staying with a family on a homestay in the Colca Canyon.

Days 8-10 Puno/Lake Titicaca

Cross the Andes to explore the vast expanse of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the floating islands and learn about island culture during a homestay with a local family.

Days 11-12 Cuzco

Discover Inca ruins and baroque churches in the continent's oldest city. Then perhaps take a local bus to the Sacred Valley or have lunch at Aldea Yanapay Cafe - all profits go to supporting Cuzco's underprivileged kids.

Days 13-16 Inca Trail/Machu Picchu

Embark on the trek of a lifetime through dense forest and high plateaus, up the steps of the Sun Gate to the Machu Picchu ruins. Spend a day exploring and learning about the fascinating ancient ruins.

Day 17 Cuzco

Shop or rest those weary legs at a cafe around the Plaza de Armas.

Days 18-19 Amazon Jungle

Fly to Puerto Maldonado. Travel by canoe into the lush Amazon Jungle to stay in an eco-friendly lodge. Explore the jungle with local guides to spot unique flora and fauna and learn about the practical and medicinal uses of native plants.

Days 20-21 Lima

Soak up Lima's colourful history before bidding adios to wonderful Peru.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts), Hostel (3 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Jungle Lodge (2 nts), Overnight bus (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Van, Overnight bus, Boat, Plane, Canoe

Budget

Allow USD $420 for meals not included.

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Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,900

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