Classic & Lima & Paracas & Nazca & Puerto Maldonado & Puno (Suasi Island)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Upon you arrival to Lima, you will be met and transported to your hotel in Lima, where you will spend a well-deserved overnight stay. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 2: Lima City Tour & Museum Visit (B, L)

Many tours tend to forget about Lima on the way to Cusco. In our opinion, the history and anthropology of Lima, with Cultures that pre-date the Incas by thousands of years, provides an excellent starting point to better understand and appreciate the Inca cultures you will see in Cusco. In the City Tour, we will see the Spanish city Square, get a snapshot of the most important city sites, and visit a world-class museum to learn about pre-Inca cultures. Sites to be visited: Main Square, The Cathedral, Government Palace, City Hall, San Francisco Monastery (including catacombs), old streets with colonial houses, and a great driving tour through beautiful San Isidro and Miraflores. You will have a delicious typical Peruvian lunch at one of the best restaurants in Lima. After lunch, you will visit the Museum of Anthropology, or Museum Larco, where we will share the Peruvian culture from the many thousands of years of pre-Inca societies up to colonial Peru. * An extra day in Lima can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 3: Bus from Lima to Paracas & Paracas National Reserve and Ballestas Islands Tour (B, S)

You will need to be up early as you will be picked up at your hotel in Lima, for your specially crafted, guided tour of Paracas and the Paracas National reserve and the Ballestas Islands tour. The tour begins by taking a specialty bus from the Lima bus station that will take you to Paracas Port. Once you arrive at the Port in Paracas, you will begin you Guided tour of Ballestas Islands. As early morning turns into mid-morning, the motor boat excursion to Ballestas Islands, in Paracas National Reserve, will take you to observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and other marine birds, among the many other species which converge there looking for shelter. On the boat trip over to the islands, the famous “Candelabro” can be seen; an enigmatic form that many people believe is related to the enigmatic Nazca lines. You will have plenty of time to take in the beautiful sites and marina, before continuing on to the second portion of your excursion: Nazca. Nazca is a district that lies in a fertile valley surrounded by some of the most inhospitable desert on Earth. In order to get to Nazca, you will embark on a 3-hour bus ride. Once you arrive in Nazca, will be met at the bus station by one of our representatives, who will then, accompany you and take you to your hotel in Nazca. Once you arrive at your hotel, you will be able to get some rest in order to prepare for your next day’s activities.

Day 4: Over flight Nazca lines & back to Lima (B, S)

After you finish breakfast at your hotel in Nazca, you will be picked up and taken to the Nazca airdome where you will then board your aircraft and have a chance to fly (roughly 30 minutes) over the mystical and enigmatic Nazca Lines. Although no theory can yet scientifically explain the meaning of the lines, they are thought to have formed a sort of gigantic astronomical calendar closely linked to the cult of water. The geoglyphs, which depict animals (several species of birds, a monkey, a spider, and fish, to name a few) and stylized plants, are set within an enormous labyrinth of straight lines, trapezoids, triangles, and spirals etched into the ground as shallow (20 cm deep) canals. At the conclusion of your flight, you will once again be taken back to your hotel in Nazca to prepare for your bus back to the city of Lima. This approximately 7 hour bus ride, will allow you time to rest and relax on a very eventful day. Once you arrive in Lima, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel in Lima to conclude your day.

Day 5: Flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado (B, L, D)

Today after you check out from your Lima Hotel, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. * You can always take this tour before Cusco. Please ask our agents to help you customize it!

After a short flight, we will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the lodge office, to store your extra luggage. From there, we will continue on our bus to the dock located in the native community “Infierno” from where we will board our canoe and start a one and a half hour journey to the lodge. During the trip, we will have lunch on board and you will have the opportunity to see caimans, turtles and capybaras.  Upon you arrival at the lodge, you will be received with a friendly welcome drink, to make you feel at home.  After a brief chance to rest, we take a short night-hike to see nocturnal rainforest animals. Upon your return to the lodge, we will have dinner with our guide and some of the Resident Naturalists who are more than available to answer any questions you may have, or brief us about the Amazon rainforest and the Tambopata National Reserve. * An extra night at the lodge can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities.

Day 6: Cocococha Oxbox Lake (B, L, D)

To see the giant otters, you will have to get up very early and walk with our guide approx. 5 ½ km to Cocococha oxbow lake.  On the way, you will have the opportunity to observe plants, exotic insects, colorful butterflies, birds, monkeys and, with a bit of luck, perhaps even see some of the large mammals. After arriving at the lake, we will hide in a strategic hiding place and will wait for the otters to appear to be observed. While waiting, we will take the chance to have refreshments. Afterwards, canoes will be available for us to go for a short ride around the lake, watching the wildlife on the shoreline. Back in the lodge, you will have lunch and have a free afternoon for relaxing or doing independent activities for those who wish to do them. Before the sun sets, you can hike to Sunset Point and watch the beautiful Amazon rainforest sunset. After the sunset, we will board the canoes once again, to look for, and watch caimans with torches. * An extra night at the lodge can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities.

Day 7: Flight to Cusco (B)

You will be woken up very early to have breakfast and board the canoe to return to Puerto Maldonado. On the way, we will watch the unforgettable jungle dawn on the Tambopata River. Once in Puerto Maldonado we will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in Cusco. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to rest and freshen up. It’s best to take it easy this morning to let your body adjust to the altitude. Some find enjoying a cup of hot coca tea a real help in adjusting to the high elevation and that is what the locals traditionally use coca for. Both lunch and dinner are on your own today as there are so many choices available at reasonable price either in or near your hotel. * Depending on which domestic flight you choose you will have more or less time to rest.

Day 8: Free morning & Afternoon City Tour (B)

After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, you will, once again, have the remainder of the morning to rest and freshen up. Again, it’s best to take it easy this morning to let your body adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you will set out on grand tour of Cusco, the former capital of the once vast Incan Empire. The city’s Spanish Colonial architecture both overlays and is interlaced with the earlier Incan architecture. We walk Cusco’s impressive Plaza de Armas and visit both the Spanish cathedral and Incan temple of the sun, Qoricancha. The Spanish conquistadores destroyed significant portions of the Inca civilization while leaving their mark on Cusco. Ornate cathedrals, adobe walls, carved balconies, hidden courtyards and cobblestone streets add to the historic richness of the ancient Incan capital.

Next we set out to visit the ruins above the city that were considered an essential part of the ancient capital. We start with one of the most impressive of them all, Sacsayhuaman. This is where Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is held during the Summer Solstice. Some of the stones used to build the site weigh up to 70 tons yet are fitted so precisely–without the use of mortar–that one cannot slide even the thinnest object between them. Some believe that the site forms the head of puma or jaguar and that the huge triangulated walls form its teeth, or symbolize lightening. Tambomachay, the Temple of the Sacred Waters, is another site we will visit and is a marvel of hydraulic engineering. Its waters still flow today. At Q´enqo we’ll see the remains of a ceremonial site used for fertility rites and for celebrations of the solstice and equinox. * An extra day in Cusco can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 9: Sacred Valley Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, we set out into the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be a visit to the the Pisac market. The Pisac market has a wide variety of artisan arts & crafts and you will have the chance to see the many different products that the sacred valley produces. This is a great opportunity to for you to do some unique shopping, and to purchase souvenirs for your family and friends. After the market, we head deeper into the Sacred Valley and visit the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, still inhabited by the locals in much the same way as it was during the time of the Incas. The lodging area is formed by complex structures known as “canchas” or apartments. The Inca built a temple on a terraced site above the town. The impressive, standing stones they erected, conjure up images of Atlantis. This is the site where Manco Inca and his warriors staged a temporary victory over the Spanish Conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro. During this victory, the Inca warriors flooded the fields, while raining down spears and arrows from above, making it difficult for the Spanish horses to maneuver, ultimately forcing a rare retreat on the part of the Conquistadors. We then return to Urubamba, where you will have a chance to break for lunch and recover energies to continue with our tour.

After lunch, we head out to the bustling market-town of Chinchero, our final visit today. The town of Chinchero is the the Birthplace of the Rainbow, situated at over 11,500 feet. Its extensive agricultural terraces made it, in Incan times, the breadbasket of Cusco city. The main sight to see at this location is a catholic church, with fine paintings from the Cusquenian School. Modern Chinchero has a very active community of women weavers who create textiles on backstrap looms using only natural dyes. The weavers make fine, high quality mantas, table runners, pillows, bags, belts, and scarves in soft natural colors. At the end of the day you will go back to Cusco. All of our suggested hotels are well situated, so that you can relax and enjoy more of both ancient and contemporary life this evening. * An overnight at the sacred valley can be added upon request. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals.

Day 10: Machu Picchu (B, S)

The day you have been waiting for! After breakfast we catch the train to the town of Aquas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. Continue by bus for the short ride up switch backs to the Machu Picchu citadel overhead. We enter the ruins for a breathtaking view of the city in the sky. You will enjoy a full tour of the lost city and have lunch on your own after the tour. In the afternoon we say farewell to Machu Picchu as we set out by train heading to the station at Poroy and then on to Cusco Hotel by car arriving at night. * An overnight in Machu Picchu can be added upon request. Also, we can add bus and entrance tickets for a second day at the citadel. Please let us know if you like us to add additional activities and meals

Day 11: Tourist Bus to Puno (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, you will be picked up, and taken from your hotel to the Bus station in Cusco, in order to commence your journey to Puno. Your bus from Cusco to Puno, will take you through many interesting stops:

Andahuaylillas: A beautiful and charming town. The unique Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas is the most popular tourist attraction for visitors. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, the church walls are decorated with beautiful murals that depict the roads to glory and to hell. Raqchi: This town is located following in route to Puno. The Raqchi town has a unique church that dates back to the Colonial period church. The local craftsmen produce beautiful pieces of clay pottery to sell during the town fair. Four kilometers past this town, you will arrive at the archaeological site of Raqchi, an Inca sanctuary built by Pachacutec after his victory over the Chancas Nation. This is a gigantic construction. The most outstanding features of the construction are two rows of round columns, unique in Inca architecture, and a large longitudinal wall that runs parallel to the buildings. In this site, there is also a small museum managed by local residents as part of the complex. La Raya: Is a community dedicated to sheep farming. There are hot springs in the area. This is the highest point on the route of Puno and the doorway to this Department. Pucara: This is a quaint village in the Vilcanota Valley. The potters of Pucara are famous for the small ceramic toritos or bulls they make. Traditionally, Cuzquenian people build their houses with the help of the community.  When the house is finish, the padrino (godfather) puts one of these toritos on top of each house.  You can see examples of this all over Cuzco.  The area is also well-know for the pre-Inca Pucara culture. Architectural ruins and stone monuments of this important culture period, the intermediate formative (between the 3rd and 8th centuries A.D), are situated close to the San Cayetano precipice. Lunch today will be at the town of Sucuani. At the conclusion of the bus tour, you will be met at the bus station by one of our representatives, where they will escort you to your hotel in Puno. * Optional train or flight to Puno could be arranged

Day 12: Uros, Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca & Suasi Island (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will pick you up for your guided tour of Uros Island. The residents of Uros islands are Aymaras who have inherited the way of life of the long-gone Uros. Their livelihood is based on the benefits of a unique plant: the totora reed. They use it to build their homes, boats and even the floating islands they live on, periodically adding new layers of reeds. While in Uros you will be adapted to the customs by a local family, who has a unique experience of sharing their culture and customs. After lunch you’ll set out on a grand tour of Taquile Island. Its inhabitants speak only Quechua. Farmers, fishermen and weavers, they wear distinctive outfits. Heirs of the ancient, commune-like system called ayllu, the people of Taquile offer room and board to visitors in their own homes, ensuring an opportunity to share in their customs and way of life. Taquile has several hills and many archeological ruins. After Taquile, you will proceed to the picturesque Suasi Island, just 43 hectares – is a singularly beautiful, natural paradise, with extraordinary sunlight, a self-sufficient, solar-powered lodge and a diversity of birds and marine life (all catalogued by experts), it is a place to unwind and experience, leaving the world behind. While it’s a perfect place to kick back with a book and just relax and enjoy the remoteness and splendid views of the pristine of Titicaca, it’s also a place to explore the National Reserve of Titicaca, from its way of life – Andean beliefs, customs and cultural traditions – to its natural habitat and indigenous altiplano flora and fauna. Upon arrival, in Suasi Island, you will be welcomed by a delicious barbeque lunch. The remainder of the afternoon will be left up to your leisure, in order for you to relax and enjoy the hotel and take part in the activities available to you. Dinner will be included tonight. * An extra day or two in Puno can be added upon request. There are tours to Amantani, the unique Suasi Island and other places in Puno. Please ask our team.

Day 13: Free Day at Suasi Island (B, L, D)

After breakfast at your Suasi Island hotel, you will have a plethora of options for you to choose from. Since the entire day is left up to your leisure, you will be able to pick and choose your activities based on your energy levels, and sense of adventure.

Activities/Explorations (included with Stay):

• Nature walks-Follow a series of gentle island trails to observe native plants & animals with a specialized guide. Spot native bird species, including black cormorants and cinnamon teals; camelids, including rare wild vicuñas; and vizcachas, small, rabbit-like creatures.
• Canoeing Lake Titicaca-Take advantage of the lodge’s fleet of light Canadian fiberglass canoes, to paddle the placid lake waters and the 6-km (3.5-mi) circumference of the island (90 minutes), spotting birds and wildlife in caves, inlets and crevices.
• Boating on Titicaca-Hop aboard a motorized Zodiac dinghy (capacity: 16) and circle the island, spotting birds and other wildlife, or embark on a wooden boat to the community of Cambría (50% of fees go toward community projects).
• Sunset on Cerro Itapilluni-In late-afternoon, you will trek up to Suasi’s high point, Itapilluni Hill, for sunset, when surreal colors streak the high-altitude sky. For some visitors, it’s a near-mystical experience.
• Cultural Hut-Take a guided visit to a small museum & library — housed in the original eco-refuge established by the former owner of the Island — and learn about the topography of Lake Titicaca, its languages and culture, textiles, history and religion.
• Stargazing & Nightly Bonfires-The expansive sky over Titicaca, with so little artificial light in any direction, is superb to observe Southern Hemisphere constellations. An astronomy-trained guide leads guests in viewing stars and planets with a Bushnell telescope and explains Inca cosmology. Then relax with a nightcap at a blazing bonfire in the fire pit near the lodge.

Explorations with an additional cost:

• Andean spirituality-Explore on Isla Suasi the ancient belief systems of the Andean people with an Aymara shaman from the community of Cambría. You’ll be part of the tradition of making offerings to Pacha Mama, or Mother Earth; chew coca leaves like locals; and observe “Yaitiri” spiritual offerings, a ritual with ancient roots that in colonial times became fused with Christianity. Half the cost of the activity goes directly to the local Cambría community.
• Bird watching-Lake Titicaca’s National Reserve is recognized internationally by conservationist organizations and naturalists for its important aquatic bird populations, many of them unique in the world. In and around Isla Suasi you can observe many of these 60-plus species, including black cormorants, cinnamon and speckled teals, Andean flickers, eagles, hummingbirds, and several additional species of ducks and water fowl. Resident guides, who provide binoculars and guide books, lead you on nature walks and boating expeditions to spot and identify the fascinating creatures they have spent years cataloguing
• Trek to Mulluni Hill-For active guests in excellent physical condition this taxing 5-hour trek on the mainland climbs to the peak of Mount Mulluni (4,300 m./14,100 ft) and affords spectacular views of Lake Titicaca, including its islands and even Bolivia’s distant Cordillera Real mountain range. En route, visit the local Aymara communities of Cambria and trek along ancient pathways used for centuries by the Aymara people to travel among villages.
• Sauna & Massage Spa-The inviting Suasi spa – which offers stunning views of Lake Titicaca – is very much in keeping with the rusticity of the island. Massages by a professional masseuse make use of creams, oils and aromatherapy based on regional Andean plants, while a laid-back steam sauna uses eucalyptus leaves. The sauna is offered free of charge to guests, while massages are available for durations of 30 or 60 minutes.

Day 14: Transfer back to Puno & Flight back to Lima (B)

After breakfast, you will have the entire morning at your leisure, to further enjoy the hotel and activities at your own pace if you so desire. In the afternoon, you will begin your journey back to Puno, and be taken to the airport, where you will take your flight back to the capital city of Lima.

Day 15: Back home (B)

After your final breakfast in Lima, you will be met at your hotel and taken to the airport in order to catch your flight back home.

NOTE: Some people prefer to go directly to the sacred valley upon arrival to the Cusco Airport. Please let us know if you prefer that to send you an updated itinerary

Not exactly what you want?

Remember that Magical focuses on providing the best available options and can work with you on customizing your tour to better fit your interests and budget, without compromising the quality of your tour. Just contact us with your questions and preferences and we can modify this tour based on your expectations and requests.

Important Notes:

About MachuPicchu Entrance Tickets

As the popularity of MachuPicchu has increased in the last few years, and in order to preserve the ancient paths of MachuPicchu, the Peruvian Cultural Institute (INC) has restricted the number of people that could enter MachuPicchu to 2,500 people per day. This means that, once the 2,500 tickets are sold out, no further entrance tickets will available. Also, please note that to avoid a secondary market for these tickets, all tickets are issued with the name of the passenger, his/her passport number, nationality and date of birth. Therefore, tickets are non refundable and non transferable.

About Huaynapichu Tickets

Entrance tickets to Huaynapichu are not longer free, entrance tickets are now US$12.00 per person. There are two scheduled visits per day, with a limit of 200 people per visit (Total of 400 per day). If you are interested in hiking the Huaynapichu, we will need you to let us know at the same time you book your trip since the Huaynapichu tickets need to be purchased in conjunction to the MachuPicchu tickets.

Price

This tour (*) is available from:

USD$2144.90 per person – Pool Tours & Private Transfers

For single supplement and prices in a private service, please contact us!

* Based on double occupancy, 4 people, Budget Accommodations

IMPORTANT: As price depends on each passenger choices, please contact us to send you an updated price based on your specific request. Please send us the following information and we will respond within 24 hours with your updated price.

• Number of people in your party
• Level of accommodation (3, 4, 5*). Please see options
• Choosing a Private or Group Tour?
• Train choice. Please see options
• Adding options: if you like to add day tours, extra days, meals, etc
• Need domestic or international flights?
• Have a special request (e.g.: special diet, wheelchair, children, senior, etc)

What’s Included?

• Expedition train Roundtrip. Upgrade to other trains: Vistadome train, Hiram Bingham Train upon request.
• Bus to Machu Picchu roundtrip.
• Expert leadership, guides & support personnel for all listed tours
• Accommodations: 4 nights in Lima, 1 night in Nazca, 3 nights at the lodge, 4 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in Puno, 2 nights in Suasi Island.
• Meals as noted (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, S = Snack). We can add any meals upon request
• Land excursions as noted including entrance fees: (Lima Cathedral, San Francisco Catacombs, Lima Museum, Ballestas Island boarding fee and tax to SERNANP, Jungle Reservation, BTG, Cathedral, Qoricancha and MachuPicchu, Uros & Taquile Island).
• Private Transportation: Lima Airport/Lima Hotel, Lima Hotel/Lima Bus Station, Paracas Bus Station/Paracas Port, Paracas Port/Paracas Bus Station, Nazca Bus Station/Nazca Hotel, Nazca Hotel/Nazca Bus Station, Lima Bus Station/Lima Airport, Puerto Maldonado Airport/Lodge, Lodge/Puerto Maldonado Airport, Cusco Airport/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Train Station, Train Station/Cusco Hotel, Cusco Hotel/Cusco Bus Station, Puno Bus Station/Puno Hotel, Puno Hotel/Suasi Hotel Private Port Puno, Suasi Hotel Private Port Puno/Juliaca Airport.

What’s Not Included?

• Airport taxes: Local ($5-6) and International ($31) departure tax of payable in local currency by each passenger at Lima International Airport upon departure (if applicable)
• International and domestic airfares, usually quoted separately
• Excess baggage charges
• Medical immunizations
• Insurance of any kind: mandatory evacuation insurance; suggested cancellation insurance, interruption, baggage loss, damage and delay
• Tipping & Gratuities (Guides $4 per person per day / Drivers $1 per person per day)
• Items of a personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snacks, laundry, etc.)
• Visas. Please be advised that some citizens other than Canadians and US may need visa to travel to Peru. Please advise us of your nationality to help you or check with the Peruvian Consulate

Domestic Tickets

Lima/Cusco/Lima: From US $190 per person. This is an example price. Prices depend on the airline, date and time of booking.