Peru Saddles & Paddles - 10 Days/$1595 pp

An amazing active, family vacation adventure that allows you travel back in time to the ancient Lost City of the Incas, "Machu Picchu", saddle up for horseback riding and then paddle a totora reed boat on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Includes an amazing night on an island in an “aboriginal B&B," and guided tour of Machu Picchu.

 

 

Itinerary Highlights:  Cusco/Horseback in the Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Puno/Lake Titicaca/Homestay

Day One - Arrive at the Lima Airport.

Most international flights from the U.S. arrive at night. We will transfer you to a hotel in Miraflores.

Day Two - Lima to Cusco.

After your complimentary continental breakfast, we will take you from the hotel to the airport for a mid-morning, hour-long flight to Cusco. Your English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to settle in. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will have an easy day to wander through the ancient streets of Cusco with stops at Koricancha, (the old temple of the Sun), the Cathedral in the main Plaza de las Armas and the markets and shops.

Day Three - Cusco.

Your hotel serves a magnificent Peruvian buffet, after which your guide will escort you to the outskirts of Cusco for a private, guided tour of the ancient archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Quenco and Tambomachay. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history and drama of the invading Spanish and indigenous Inca cultures and how they fused to become the modern Peruvian society we know today.

Day Four - Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Your guide will arrange your transport into the Sacred Valley, the agriculture heart of the Andes. You will visit Inca sites including Chincheros, famous for its textiles, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo, the oldest, inhabited Quechua city. After lunch, you will arrive at the trailhead where you will spend the afternoon exploring local paths from the saddle. The comfort of your hotel awaits in Ollantaytambo and your appetite will be sated at the restaurant of your choice.

Day Five - Travel to Machupicchu.

You will depart early from Ollantaytambo and travel by train to Aguas Calientes. Notice the transition from one climactic zone to another. From Aguas Calientes, the bus will be the final leg to the archaeological citadel, Machupicchu. Your knowledgeable guide will give you a private tour before you have a small rest to enjoy the sun set. Finally, you will return to Aguas Calientes for dinner and a night in a hotel.

Day Six - Machupicchu to Cusco.

The early bus will return you to the citadel to see the ruins in the first light of day. You can choose to explore the ruins on your own or climb the Huynapicchu Mountain, for an incredible view of the ruins. In the afternoon, you will return to Ollantaytambo and on to Cusco.

Day Seven - Overland to Puno.

Out of the city, you will start a relaxing day-long journey to Puno by bus. There are many stops in the countryside through small towns and villages. In one town, you will enjoy a Peruvian buffet luncheon. Visit and tour of an ancient church and the archaeological ruins & market at Raqchi.

Day Eight - Boating on Titicaca Lake/Homestay/Amantani Island

Your group will take a small boat to the man-made floating reed islands, Los Uros. These extraordinary islands are living examples of ancient resource-management techniques implemented and still used by local people. Test your paddling skills on the man-made reed boats in Titicaca Lake. Your boat captain will continue your trip by taking you to Amantani Island for an overnight with a local family, in what some describe as an “aboriginal B & B.”.

Day Nine - Takile Island/Return to Puno.

Your island hosts will treat you to a delicious, home-made breakfast before you board your boat for Taquile Island. The remote island residents offer another home-made meal featuring high-quality, local cuisine. You’ll hike up and over the top of the island for a striking view of the lake and down the other side to board your boat to Puno. Back to the hotel for your last overnight and your final dinner in the restaurant of your choice.

Day Ten - Return to Lima.

Your guide will make the arrangements to travel 45 minutes to the Juliaca airport where our service concludes and where you will board your 1 hour flight to Lima for your connection to your international flight & your next destination.

10 Days/$1595 pp US Dollars/minimum 2
Choose your dates, then contact us for availability.

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Includes:

•     All airport transfers and all land transportation (private vehicle, bus and train)
•     Boat service on Lake Titicaca/Hores and wranglers
•     3 * Hotel accommodations/private bathroom, including Peruvian breakfast buffet
•     Tourist bus service between Puno and Cusco
•     Entry fees to Machu Picchu National Park and the sites as described
•     Private, guided tour of the ruins with English-speaking guide
•     Full-time, private, English-speaking escort

Does not include:

•     International airfare to and from Lima, Peru
•     Domestic airfare
•     Lunches or dinners
•     Bottled water or other beverages
•     Tips
•     Travel insurance

Notes:

• Itinerary subject to change
• Single supplement available
• Ask about extending your trip to Amazon Jungle, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Ecuador or Galapagos Islands.