Trip at a Glance
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Trip Code: EBACHMP11 -
Trip Duration: 11 Days -
Trip difficulty Easy -
Trip Starts at: Lima -
Trip Ends at: Lima -
Best time to travel: April-November -
Accommodations: 10 nights 3-Star Hotel, 1 Night Lodge -
Highlights: Sipan, Machu Picchu, Kuelap, cloud rainforest, Chachapoyas, Cusco
Overview
Northern Peru is rich in archeology, history and offers quite a geographical contrast to the southern region of Peru. From the 1st to the 15th Century AD, this region was home to some of South America’s most prominent cultures – Moche, Lambayeque, Chimu and Chachapaoyas – who were exquisite craftsmen and excelled in the skills of ceramics, agriculture, architecture, metallurgy and warfare. In the second part we will visit the Capital city of the Inca Cusco, visit the Sacred valley and embark on an amazing train ride passing Indian towns and villages to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary
Lima
Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel.
Lima-Chiclayo
Free morning to explore the museums, restaurants and sites of Lima. In the afternoon, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Chiclayo. Transfer to our hotel. (B)
Tucume and the Lord of Sipan
This morning you will travel toward Lambayeque to visit the Tucume Pyramids. Tucume is believed to be an important regional center for the Sican in 1000-1350 AD, followed by the Chimu, and finally the Inca in 1450-1532 AD. An impressive site, Tucume is made up of over 540 acres and has 26 major pyramids and platforms. You will then visit the world famous Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum. An actual Moche pyramid at Huaca Rajada inspired the design of the museum. The museum displays all the archaeological material found in Sipan, including one of the most important finds in pre-Inca history; the Lord of Sipan tomb. There are impressive collections of gold, masks, jewelry, scepters and hundreds of ceramic pieces. The tomb, discovered in 1987, was the richest ever found in the western hemisphere. Its importance is commonly compared with Egypt’s Tomb of Tutankamo. (B, L)
Chiclayo-Chachapoya
We begin our ten-hour drive northward from Chiclayo across Peru’s coastal plains, following the Pan-American Highway, ascending gently through regions of dry forest interspersed with irrigated farmland. We head towards the lowest pass of the Peruvian Andes, at 2,135m/7,000 ft, where we cross the continental divide and enter the Upper Amazon basin. We stay the night in beautiful Colonial Mansion, 3 star hostel. (B, L)
Karajia–Choctamal
We will go to the sarcophagus of Karajia perched on a cliff. From there we will see more sarcophagus higher on a sheer cliff than any building you have ever seen. We stay overnight above the clouds in our village co-op Choctamal Marvelous Spatuletail Lodge where you can observe hummingbirds. The lodge is located in the road to Kuelap at only 35 minutes from the fortress, with excellent panoramic views of Kuelap and the Abra Yumal Pass. (B, L, D)
Choctamal - Kuelap - Chachapoyas
We will spend the day at Fortress Kuelap known as “the Machu Picchu of the North”. Kuelap has over 400 buildings inside 3 levels of walls, and is the largest stone structure in all South America. Orchids and bromeliads cover the walls and trees inside this fortress. On the way to Chachapoyas we will observe the platforms of Macro located on a cliff overlooking the Utcubamba River. Stay overnight in beautiful Colonial Mansion, 3 star hostel. (B, L, D)
Chachapoyas – Chiclayo – Lima
Early departure to Chiclayo and transfer to airport for your evening flight to Lima. (B, L)
Lima – Cusco
Arrive in Cusco, transfer to hotel, half day city tour. (B)
Cusco – Sacred Valley
Drive into the beautiful Sacred Valley and settle into your hotel, set on the grounds of a Spanish colonial monastery. Tour to Moray: Explore these ancient Incan agricultural terraces; The Salt Pools of Maras: Learn about centuries-old salt extraction as you hike along the salt pools; Agricultural Terraces of the Incas: A walking tour through ancient Incan agricultural terraces. (B, L)
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
1.5 hr train ride from Ollatatambo to Aguas Calientes and ascending to Machu Picchu by bus. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the world. The stunning ruins of the ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the Andes, are perhaps the greatest surviving testament to Inca civilization. Enjoy a private tour of this superb archaeological site, overlooking the meandering Urubamba River and surrounded by rugged, green Andean hillsides. Machu Picchu stands as more than just the jewel of Inca architecture. It represents the perfect union of human engineering and the natural environment, a city in harmony with its surroundings. Never reached by the Spanish, this magical place was brought to the world’s attention in 1911 by the Yale historian, Hiram Bingham. Our explorations of The Lost City of the Incas include all of the various sectors of the ruins; the industrial area, the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb, the ceremonial water fountains and baths, and the Sacred Plazas. Afternoon train to Cusco. (B, L)
Cusco - Lima - Home
Fly to Lima. We will have a day room at the hotel. Enjoy a 2-hour tour of the city and have time for shopping. Transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B)
Cost Includes
- All hotel and lodge accommodations as in itinerary
- Transfers to and from the airport, Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu, bus to and
- from Machu Picchu
- Entrance fees to all sites
- All guided tours as in itinerary
- Guides
- Travel insurance
- Meal as in Itinerary: 10 – Breakfasts, 7 – Lunches, 2 – Dinners
Cost Excluded
- International airfare
- Domestic airfare in Peru
- International and domestic airport departure taxes or visa fees
- Drinks of any kind
- Gratuities
Gallery
Featured Hotels
We at Earthbound Adventures carefully choose hotels that are safe, clean and ideally located, we stay in charming locally owned 3 stars hotels with great and friendly service. We go to great length to make sure the hotel are up to our high standard, we personally visited each and every hotel on our list and we are constantly evaluating the hotels we stay in.
We are listing 4 and 5 stars hotels, if you choose to upgrade your hotel an additional fee will apply to the tours according to the hotels you choose.
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Casa Andina San Blas Hotel
Five blocks from Cusco’s Main Square and tucked away in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas, the colonial Casa Andina San Blas hotel features a charming courtyard and a view of the Inca city from almost all its rooms as well as its central lobby. The bar and chimney complement the hotel’s Cusqueñan colonial architecture and make Casa Andina San Blas one of the most cozy and inviting hotels in town. Delicious Novoandino cuisine is served in the hotel’s excellent rustic restaurant. All rooms are comfortable, tastefully decorated with warm colors, and equipped with all modern amenities. Here, visitors will find friendly staff providing an excellent and personalized service.
http://www.casa-andina.com -
Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco
The Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco is the most recent addition to the renowned Casa Andina Hotels. Built in a large colonial house dating back to the 18th century, the hotel is ideally located in the center of Cusco, just a few blocks from the main square in the direction of Koricancha. Relax in the beautiful courtyard with its gurgling stone fountain, one of Cusco’s emblematic colonial sights, and get lost in the intriguing maze of corridors that lead you to the various patios. Casa Andina’s first upscale hotel in Cusco features 94 heated rooms with private bathrooms, cable television, telephones, hairdryers, and in-room safes. The hotel is equipped with a gourmet restaurant, a bar, 3 courtyards, and offers room service as well as many other excellent amenities. Discover the magic of this beautiful city while staying at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco, where you will enjoy the warm atmosphere and the outstanding service from the very hospitable and highly qualified staff.
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Aranwa Boutique Hotel
The brand new Aranwa Boutique Hotel, opened in October 2010, is operated by Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas, one of the most luxurious hotel chains in Peru, known for their careful attention to their clients’ well-being. Probably the best value luxury accommodation in Cusco, this elegant 5-star hotel is housed in a converted 16th century mansion and is decorated with colonial era furniture, impressive paintings from the Cusco school, and colonial gold-leaf plated carvings and sculptures. This boutique hotel is conveniently located right behind Plaza San Francisco, a new upscale neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of Cusco’s main square. With each room boasting an oxygen system and a variety of soothing spa treatments available, this just may be the best place to acclimatize to the high altitude in Cusco in a most comfortable setting.
http://www.aranwahotels.com/ -
Allpa Hotel & Suites
Opened in July 2010, is located in the heart of the popular Miraflores neighborhood and close to many of the main attractions in Lima. Comfortable, chic, and convenient, this smart hotel is an excellent option for savvy travelers who want a great value hotel with all the modern amenities. Crisp white walls, cleanliness, and a contemporary touch characterize this modern and minimalist hotel. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, creating a comfortable resting area for guests. Try the excellent Italian restaurant located in the hotel’s lobby.
http://allpahotel.com/ -
Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel
The new Casa Andina Select Miraflores hotel boasts one of the best locations in Lima, only a couple blocks from the vibrant Parque Kennedy and minutes from the ocean front. It’s also right next to the Metropolitano, Lima’s express bus system, allowing easy access to all the most interesting neighborhoods in the city. Thanks to its excellent and modern amenities, the hotel is a great option for both business and leisure travel. Guests will delight in the health center including a gym, spa, and sun terrace with a Jacuzzi. There is also a fully equipped business center with meeting rooms, secretarial support, 4 computers, and high speed wireless Internet. Finally, the bar and restaurants on the rooftop are great places where guests can unwind while tasting some delicious local and international specialties after a long day of sightseeing.
https://www.casa-andina.com/ -
Casa Andina Private Collection
The Casa Andina Private Collection is ideally located in the heart of the modern Miraflores district, only 2 blocks from Kennedy Park. This luxury hotel boasts an elegant interior decorated in the classic Andean theme, with modern furnishings and rooms offering panoramic views of the bustling commercial and leisure district. Here you will find 148 rooms all fully equipped with modern and comfortable amenities, as well as a gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, heated open-air swimming pool, spa, upscale bar in the lobby, and much more to make your stay in Lima a truly luxurious and unique experience.
https://www.casa-andina.com/ -
The Country Club Lima Hotel
Nestled in Lima’s prestigious San Isidro district, surrounded by elegant embassies, The Country Club Lima Hotel is a five-star landmark boutique that epitomizes sophistication; and one of the only hotels recognized as a Peruvian national monument. Every detail has been conceived with luxury in mind; ornate chandeliers complement lofty, wood-beam ceilings, and 300 pieces of original artwork – on loan from the Pedro de Osma Museum – adorn the walls. Each of our 83 private luxury rooms and suites are opulent and welcoming, with many featuring exquisite marble bathrooms and deep-soaking Jacuzzis. Enjoy world-class amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and guest privileges at the exclusive Lima Golf Club, all in a setting of warmth and intimacy. The Country Club Lima Hotel invites you – the traveler of discerning taste – to experience the finest that Lima has to offer.
http://www.hotelcountry.com -
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is split into a main building and bungalows, emulating a small Andean town. The architecture is Spanish colonial in style with stone archways and red tiled roofs. White walls, red tiles, high windows flanked by exposed beams, and a private veranda, all contribute to make this the perfect place to enjoy your stay at Machu Picchu. Guests can sit on their verandas or walk leisurely along garden paths. The Pueblo is home to 372 species of orchids, 100 species of birds, and 250 species of butterflies. Even if you don’t stay at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel it is well worth a visit. Spend some time wandering the paths or take one of their orchid or bird tours. The hotel offers a wide range of ecotourism activities that promote contact with nature and the local culture. It is also involved in a project to rehabilitate spectacled bears and eventually to release them into the wild.
https://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra/inkaterra-machu-picchu-pueblo-hotel/the-experience/ -
Hotel Santuario
This excellent value hotel is located near the Urubamba River in a peaceful and stunning setting. Its collection of benches perched near the riverbanks allows guests to relax while enjoying the spectacular landscape. Each of the 30 rooms comes with cable TV, a safety deposit box, telephone, and private bathroom. This cozy hotel also features comfortable and inviting salon, restaurants, and a bar/pub serving drinks in the evenings to help stave off the Andean chill.
http://www.santuariohotel.com/ -
Casa Andina Classic Nazca Hotel
Situated right in the heart of downtown Nazca, this 3-star Casa Andina Classic Nazca Hotel offers friendly service, tastefully decorated guestrooms, delicious breakfasts, and a fabulous patio and swimming pool. Consistently rated as one of the top hotels in Nazca based on customer reports, guests rave about the convenience and comfort of this chic hotel.
http://www.casa-andina.com -
Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort
Conveniently situated near the ancient Cantalloc Aqueduct, mysterious Nazca Lines, and breathtaking Cerro Blanco, the Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort is truly a desert oasis. With breathtaking mountain views, a large swimming pool, luxurious spa, widespread gardens, and spacious rooms featuring Balinese and Tibetan décor, the resort provides a tranquil atmosphere with a rustic style. A special treat, the hotel’s restaurant is the finest in Nazca and serves many indigenous and organic fruits cultivated on the lovely grounds: table grapes, mangoes, avocados, black figs, pomegranates, apples, pears, guanabanas, bananas, cherimoya, and lucuma.
http://www.hotelnuevocantalloc.com/ -
Taypikala Hotel & Spa
Taypikala Hotel & Spa is located on the outskirts of Puno, in the picturesque town of Chucuito right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The hotel is an attraction in itself, overlooking the countryside of the altiplano and examples of Aymara agriculture. Its original construction blends in with the local architecture and natural environment. You will notice the relaxed tranquil ambience, and with the world’s highest navigable lake on your doorstep, this is the ideal place to relax.
http://www.peruforless.com/resources/hotels-puno.php -
Casa Andina Private Collection Puno
Boasting magnificent views of Lake Titicaca, this upscale hotel in Puno, featuring an amazing gourmet restaurant, bar and terrace, will guarantee you a memorable stay. The traditional Andean architectural theme of Casa Andina Private Collection Puno can best be described as understated elegance, where obvious care has been taken to allow the spectacular surroundings to speak for themselves, rather than detract from them. Rooms are sophisticatedly furnished in a classic but elegant style, and most of them feature attractive wooden balconies from which to admire the spectacular views of Lake Titicaca. With its private dock, this hotel is the perfect launching point for the spectacular Suasi Island where the exceptional sister hotel, Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi, is located.
https://www.casa-andina.com/ -
The Recoleta Hotel
Urubamba is located to 76 km from Cusco, it is a stunning valley with an incredible scenic beauty, and historical heritage, thanks to its excellent location, it becomes the best starting point to visit Machu Picchu (just an hour and a half by train). The Recoleta Hotel is a historical religious monument built up in the XVII century. This charming Boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas was and is the mixed races purest example of the colonial art. The Recoleta Hotel, cautiously remodeled in 2007, has all ascetic, monastic, and magical tradition of an ancient monastery, together with the comfort and technology will make you feel part of the spiritual mysticism of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Monasterio de la Recoleta Hotel is nearby the most important ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Maras Moray. Its convenient location attracts travelers because it is ideal for acclimatization to the Cusco altitude, and for its pleasant climate and low altitude (2.700 m.a.s.l.), 700 m.a.s.l. less than Cuzco.
http://www.hotelessanagustin.com.pe -
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel
Built on a seventeenth century colonial hacienda, along the tranquil banks of the Vilcanota River, the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is the picture-perfect place for a countryside retreat. The hotel showcases a fusion of minimalist and colonial style rooms and buildings, all surrounded by sweeping views of the breathtakingly beautiful Sacred Valley.
http://www.aranwahotels.com -
Casona de Yucay Hotel
Casona de Yucay Hotel, is an old Colonial Home Hacienda built in 1810. Situated in the picturesque village of Yucay, in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is a family owned and run hotel which strives at all time to provide top class service in a homely and friendly atmosphere
http://www.hotelcasonayucay.com
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