Peru’s Trails and Tails – President’s Picks

Discover parts of Peru beyond Machu Picchu

 

*An AI rendition of Ashish Sanghrajka, President of Big Five Tours and Expeditions*

 

 

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President’s Picks

COUNTRIES VISITED

Peru

STARTING AT..

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TOUR LENGTH

9

Tour Highlights/Full Description

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  • Explore the Cusco in depth with a day of discovery at the legendary Machu Picchu.
  • Cultural immersion in Sacred Valley: Visit Awamaki for Pre-Incan weaving insights and witness the richness of alpaca wool textile and marvel at the elegance.
  • Get an adrenaline experience at Sky Vertical Suites in the Sacred Valley.
  • Whale watching in Mancora is one of the most incredible activities to experience on the Northern coast of Peru.
  • Reach, by canoe, Manglares de Tumbes Mangroves, Peru’s largest mangrove forest and a protected national sanctuary.

Day 1: Arrive Lima/Cusco/Sacred Valley, Peru
Welcome to Peru!

Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, clearing Immigration and Customs and gathering your luggage, make your way to Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel, where a representative from Big Five will be waiting.  Once there you will be assisted to the domestic area to check-in for the flight to Cusco, followed by a comfortable transfer to Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley).

En route, take a moment to enjoy a brief stretch, while taking in the viewpoint sights.

Your day concludes with your arrival at Sol y Luna, where you will be hosted in captivating individually decorated cozy “casita” houses made of local stone.  Surrounded by gardens of flora native to the Sacred Valley, the forty-three private sanctuaries all face the Andes Mountains where the Incas believed their gods dwelled. Profits as well as the generosity of guests, friends, and benefactors, wholly finances the Sol y Luna Association which pursues inclusion and equality through education for the children of the Sacred Valley along with sustainable work opportunities for local families.

Indulge in the comfort of your “casita” with a delightful lunch, concluding your day with time to rest and fully recharge.
Sol y Luna Hotel – Casita

 

Day 2: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu/ Cusco 
Machu Picchu

The early morning adventure starts with a private land transfer to the beautiful and tranquil village of Ollantaytambo.  Marvel at the spectacularly extensive Inca ruins, mostly enclosed in an unfinished Temple Fortress, built by the Pachacuti, and holds some of the largest stones ever used by the builders.

Afterwards, continue to Ollanta Rail station to board the Voyager Premium Train to Aguas Calientes.

On this Andean expedition, soak in the picturesque scenery on this 1 ½ hour journey passing through vistas of the mountains and the majestic Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the Americas.

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, the tour commences aboard a chartered bus proceeding to the entrance of the ruins. Machu Picchu rises to an altitude of 7,900 ft. above sea level between the Huayna Picchu (young peak) and Machu Picchu (old peak). It lies within the spectacular framework provided by the exuberant vegetation of the nearby jungle and the rugged landscape. The ruins are situated on the eastern slope of Machu Picchu in two different areas: the agricultural and the urban. The latter includes the civil sector (dwellings, canalizations), and the sacred sector (temples, mausoleums, squares, royal houses). Although constructions show different levels of architecture, religious buildings exhibit a high degree of perfection. Stone was the general use in construction, roofs were built of tree trunks and thatched with Ichu straw and the walls were made with an inward inclination for protection against earthquakes.

After enjoying a delicious lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, board a chartered bus to Aguas Calientes where you will begin the journey back to Sacred Valley on the Voyager Premium train.

Upon arrival at Ollanta Train Station, a private transfer promises a relaxing return to your hotel, after a day of unforgettable adventures.

Sol y Luna Hotel – Casita (B,L)

 

Day 3: Sacred Valley / Mollepata
Awamaki Quarters & Sky Vertical

Set the morning in motion with an adrenaline experience at Sky Vertical Suites in the Sacred Valley.

Via Ferrata provides unforgettable experiences with their mountaintop activities, providing a highly rewarding experience for those who want to see the vistas of Sacred Valley and sport that provides many benefits for physical and mental health.

After the adrenaline settles, it is onward to Ollanta for an insightful and intimate visit at the Awamaki Quarters, a learning experience about Pre-Incan weaving traditions and Andean indigenous culture.  While visiting the cooperative’s weaving quarters,  receive a demonstration of the process, beginning with how alpaca or sheep wool is hand spun into yarn, how local plants are used as natural dyes, and finally how the yarn is woven into the final product.

Before the transfer back to Eco Camp Pincopata, indulge in a farm-setting, traditional Andean lunch.
Eco Camp Pincopata – Dome (B,BoxL,D)

 

Day 4: Mollepata / Sacred Valley / Mollepata

Early this morning head towards Mollepata to visit the archaeological remains of Quillarumiyoc, an important ceremonial center related to fertility and witness the lunar cycle carving in a natural rock.  Marvel at the views of the plateau of the Anta Pampa as the tour reaches Tarawuasi, the ceremonial center and administrative center of the Limatambo Valley.

The day continues in the small town of Chonta for a one-hour walk to the condor observation point for spectacular views of the native flora and fauna, as well as the Apurimac Canyon and River.  An early arrival guarantees a quiet space to observe the different species of birds that share the sky, such as falcons, eagles, and even seagulls.

A box lunch will be specially prepared for this vist.

End the day relaxing in private transportation en route to Ecocamp, Pincopata for dinner and your stay.

Distance: 133.5 km / 82.8 mi

Time in vehicle: 3.5 hrs

Chonta Altitude: 3,400 m

Pincopata Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,348 ft
Eco Camp Pincopata – Dome(B,BoxL,D)

 

Day 5: Mollepata / Cusco / Lima

Today you will be transferred to Cusco.

Cusco City with Cristian
Visit the highlights of the city knowing a different way of living in Cuzco; accompanied by Christian, learn how the current life of the locals is intertwined with the customs inherited from their ancestors, creating an authentic culture.

Before transferring to the airport for a flight to Lima, there will be time to refresh and energize.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to Hotel B in the artistic neighborhood of Barranco for a cocktail class and dinner.  From there it’s time to check-in at Country Club Lima Hotel.

Staying at the Country Club Lima Hotel means living part of the history of a city like Lima: cosmopolitan, historical, unique. It is a latent icon, which continues to transform, preserving in its corners legends, visits from celebrities and countless social gatherings experienced in one of the most exclusive areas of the capital.
Country Club Lima Hotel – Room (B,D)

 

Day 6: Lima / Tumbes / Mancora

Commence the day’s journey with a transfer to the Lima Airport for a flight to Tumbes.

After arriving in Tumbes, embark on a 2 hour drive to the beautiful town of Mancora, to check-in and unwind at the stunningly chic Kichic hotel, offering a range of amenities to truly immerse yourself in the coastal charm of this remarkable destination. The afternoon presents the opportunity to relax and indulge.
Kichic Hotel – Single room (B,D)

 

Day 7: Mancora
Art of crafting an ancestral fishing raft at Cabo Blanco & community culinary workshop at El Ñuro

 

Later this morning set out for a captivating journey along the tropical shores of the Peruvian Pacific Ocean, where history, culture, and tradition intertwine with the lives of artisanal fishermen communities. Venturing south on the Pan-American Highway, pass through the charming town of Los Órganos, until reaching the bustling fishing cove of El Ñuro, nestled along the coastline.

Here, you will meet the enterprising sisters, Luisa and Angeles Marcelo, founders of Yura Gastronomía Ñurense, who are revolutionizing local cuisine with their innovative techniques of drying hake. Prepare to indulge in a delectable northern Peruvian ceviche, accompanied by the seasonal delicacy, Chinguirito Ñurense, as you immerse yourself in their culinary expertise and warm hospitality.

The journey continues southward to the historic village of Cabo Blanco, where tradition and natural beauty converge. Awaited by the Sons of the Wind, a collective of artisanal fishermen, learn the ancient art of crafting traditional fishing rafts, reminiscent of those used by ancestors to brave the waves in pursuit of sustenance. Following this timeless practice,  board a traditional sailboat, a cultural heritage of Peru since 2018, for a captivating voyage across the waters of Cabo Blanco.

In the afternoon return to Mancora on time so that you can enjoy the hotel and enjoy a beautiful sunset while having a beer or a Pisco Sour!
Kichic Hotel (single room) (B,L)

 

Day 8: Mancora
Whalewatching tour & afternoon at leisure on the northern coast

 

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure as we rise at dawn to set sail which promises calm waters and optimal conditions for an extraordinary whale-watching experience.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you’re warmly welcomed aboard by an expert guide at the stunning pier of Los Organos. Navigating the pristine waters, become immersed in a world of marine marvels as the highlight of this excursion awaits for you to encounter the majestic humpback whales.  Those lucky few might witness their awe-inspiring displays of power and grace as they breach the surface, their mighty flukes breaking through the waves.

As part of this experience, a hydrophone aboard the yacht, gives the opportunity to listen to the enchanting songs of the whales.

And what better way to savor these magical moments than with delicious seafood snacks accompanied by a selection of cheese, wine, or cold beers? After returning to the mainland, the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy. Whether its unwinding on the beach, treating yourself to a massage, exploring the town of Mancora, or simply soaking in the Kichic Hotel, the choices are endless
Kichic Hotel (single room) (B,L)

 

Day 9: Mancora / Tumbes / Lima depart
Exploring the Mangroves of Tumbes

 

Begin the very early, yet captivating, morning adventure for the three-hour drive to the beautiful Manglares de Tumbes Mangroves, Peru’s largest mangrove forest and a protected national sanctuary.  An immersive day tour, such as this, will unveil a remarkable ecosystem’s ecological wonders and cultural significance.

The journey begins at the Puerto 25 entrance to the Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes.

Board a canoe and set out into the intricate network of waterways, looking for wildlife encounters, and be ready to spot endemic species and many migratory birds that find refuge in these mangrove forests. Forming the foundation of this unique ecosystem are the mangroves, with some reaching up to 15 meters in height.

The opportunity presents itself to observe the local villagers engaged in traditional extractive activities, such as using cast nets to fish for shrimp and other marine species. You can also watch them harvesting black conchas (clams) from the mangrove mud, gaining firsthand experience of this essential local livelihood. There will be the chance to converse with the local community, learning about their deep connection to the mangroves and the importance of this fragile environment.

Exploring Manglares de Tumbes will also include visiting some pristine beaches in the area, to enjoy the contrast of the white sands and the lush green mangroves.

 

As the adventures come to a close and we prepare to say Adios….enjoy a delicious lunch in the scenic outdoors of the Sanctuary before the trek to Tumbes Airport for your flight to Lima where you will connect for your flight back home. (B,L)

 

Cost: USD   Per person, per day, per diem,  land only double occupancy

*Due To Current Market Rates May Change – Please Contact Us For Current Quote*

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