Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Meals

6 Dinner (D) 12 Breakfast (B) 4 Lunch (L)

Others

Lima: Get to know this magnificent clifftop city. It’s steeped in history and pretty architecture. But we’re all about the epic food. Lima: Cameras ready. It’s not every day you get a bird’s eye view of the Amazon rainforest Puerto Maldonado: Cusco: Feel those butterflies of excitement as you board a plane to the Peruvian city. It’s the former capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco: Your chance to pick up some mementos at San Pedro Markets and then see Cusco Cathedral, San Blas and Coricancha. Sacred Valley: See this former heartland of the Incan Empire and hike around the Pisac ruins. Cusco: These fluffy camelids are so much more than just the stars of comical memes. Get to know them better at this specialist farm. Sacred Valley: The sleepy town will give you a taste of local life in the Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to pick up some mementos at the market. Cusco: AKA ‘corn beer’. This ceremonial bevvy was the drink of choice for Incan nobility. Machu Picchu: Feel the goosebumps of excitement as you glide into Aguas Calientes and get ready to start this life-changing experience. Machu Picchu: It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Time to explore the Incan citadel with your new Contiki fam. #travelgoals Cusco: Jet into this mountaintop city and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views. La Paz: Swoop into this small Bolivian town – the gateway to visit the salt flats at Salar de Uyuni. Uyuni: This one’s pretty surreal! An array of abandoned steam engines that were left to rust are now a work of modern art. Uyuni: Visit the stretch of salt flats. They’re kind of like a giant beach made from salt. And it’s an epic backdrop for some quirky pics. Reserva Nacional de Fauna Andina Eduardo Avaroa: Wild llamas and alpacas. Flamingos. Salt flats. Volcanos. The list of amazing things you’ll see here is endless. La Paz: It’s high time we explored the world’s highest (administrative) capital! Joined by an expert local guide, we’ll check out the best sights in La Paz - get a slightly creepy gift for your BFF at the Witches Market, stand in Plaza Murillo and see the rainbow colors of Jaen Street and see the landmark St Francis Basilica. La Paz: See San Francisco Church and Metropolitan Cathedral – two impressive landmarks in this lively city

Flights

Internal flight included. *** All other flights are not included.

Transport

Coach, Mini-Van, Plane, Local Overnight Bus, 4x4s

Accommodation

11 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Overnight Bus

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Contiki through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. For guests travelling with Contiki from 1 January 2023, Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters are highly recommended, but no longer required. Please note that regardless of time of travel guests will need to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than above. It is guests’ responsibility to ensure that they comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if guests are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to their failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Lima

Welcome to Lima! Steeped in Spanish colonialism yet buzzing with modern metro vibes, this place is sure to ignite your love for Peru. Spend your morning marveling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bones or catacombs, then hit the Barranco district this afternoon to get a feel for its bohemian ambiance. A stroll over the Bridge of Sighs is also a must. And of course no trip to Lima is complete without devouring at least one portion of ceviche – it’s a pretty massive deal in the city. Round off the day watching the sun set over the Pacific, most likely with a pisco sour in hand…
Day 2 Day 2: Lima To Jungle Lodge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Lima To Jungle Lodge

We’ll catch a flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s southern jungle. We’ll have lunch on the river as we travel upstream by a traditional Peruvian boat to our Contiki Special Stay Rain forest Lodge in the mighty Amazon jungle, where we’ll try to spot toucans, macaws and capybaras along the way. A quick tour of the city will reveal colorful fruit stalls, open air markets, and locals going about their day. But now we're back underway and we just want to get to the jungle. Our lodge is a special experience in itself! Located in then luscious rainforest and made from wood and clay, its open walls leave you sleeping virtually amongst the rainforest! After you settle in, we’ll get a different take on the jungle as we take a hike to the canopy tower. After climbing the 100ft of stairs you will be provided with a birds-eye view of the rainforest! Home to monkeys, birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle. After dinner you can experience something really different, heading out to look for caiman, a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon. Scan the shores with flashlights and see if you can catch the red gleam of the light as it reflects off of the caiman’s eyes.
Day 3 Day 3: Jungle Lodge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Jungle Lodge

With another day at the jungle lodge, keep your eyes peeled for a wildlife like the giant otter, monkeys, tropical birds, bromeliads and other jungle life, this is the ultimate way to see the jungle.
Day 4 Day 4: Jungle Lodge To Cusco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Jungle Lodge To Cusco

Wave goodbye to your jungle home, and say hello to Cusco. Spend today exploring the beautiful city of Cusco - wander the main plaza, visit the Tread Right support weaving center or feed your sweet tooth with a visit to the chocolate museum.
Day 5 Day 5: Cusco To Sacred Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cusco To Sacred Valley

Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley on our private coach, this is where our journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, we’ll be stopping off at a llama farm to show some love to these furry favorites up close, and we’re talking the whole humpback family – llamas, vicuna and alpacas. #llamaselfie achieved, we’ll then stop off to witness the ancient Incan art of weaving in practise by a group of talented local artisans. Throughout the journey, pay close attention to your surrounds – there’s the chance to spot the Incan farming technique of terracing. Want to know what the Peruvians do for fun? You’ll get the chance to play the traditional game of “Sapo”, and exactly what that entails we’ll leave to the imagination… Our explorations of the Sacred Valley will begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. Our Local Guide will give you the d-l on both, visiting the circular terraced Pisac ruins first which date back to the 1400’s. Moving on to Ollantaytambo, base camp for those taking the trek tomorrow, we’ll appease dry mouths with some homemade Chicha de Jora brew. This tiny town may be small in geographical terms, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude, with artisan shops and cafes spilling out onto streets, and the roaring Urubamba river providing the perfect natural background noise. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials (socks, socks and more socks). For all others, spend your time soaking in the vibes, hanging with other travelers and just getting a feel for this iconic little town.
Day 6 Day 6: Sacred Valley To Aguas Calientes Or Inca Trail Trek
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sacred Valley To Aguas Calientes Or Inca Trail Trek

For those embarking on our epic 1 day trek, we’ll catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 6-kilometers to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site we’ll take in Huayna Picchu 'Little peak' – the iconic peak you’ll have seen in every picture ever – marvelling at the incredible handiwork of the ancient Incas. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high and with a big ol’ smile on your tired face, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes and a squishy hotel bed you couldn’t be more deserving of. For those not embarking on the Inca Trail, the morning is yours to enjoy the surrounding lush mountains of Aguas Calientes. Can you feel the excitement mounting? Yep – those are pretty much the feels when Machu Picchu is quite literally on the horizon. This afternoon we’ll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a cute town in its own right complete with roaring river, quaint bridges and local haunts, but most famously known as the gateway town to Machu Picchu. We’ll meet up with those who opted for the one day trek, and basically spend the evening hyping each other up for what’s to come tomorrow.
Day 7 Day 7: Aguas Calientes To Cusco Via Machu Picchu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Aguas Calientes To Cusco Via Machu Picchu

Excitement levels at an all-time high, the day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – it’s Machu Picchu time! This is one big old tick off the life goals list, so enjoy every single second of it. Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu (the peak you’ll of seen in every Machu Picchu image ever), and of course you’ll have some alone time to explore the area as only you can do. Back on the train we’ll de-brief on our once-in-a-lifetime experience as we head back to Cusco. Last time round was all about getting acquainted with the city, so now you’ve got you’re bearings you can really get lost amongst the market stalls and cobbled streets, maybe even going truly local by trying out a serving of cuy.
Day 8 Day 8: Cusco To La Paz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cusco To La Paz

Another day, another country. Welcome to Bolivia! If you're looking for vistas, La Paz is your gal. Sitting in the midst of a narrow canyon and dwarfed by the mighty ice capped peak of Mount Illimani to the South, this is a city of contrasts, where 19th century churches rub shoulders with towering office blocks and pretty, colorful markets. Take your time adjusting to the altitude, then make the most of your afternoon in this hustling, cosmopolitan city.
Day 9 Day 9: La Paz To Avaroa National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: La Paz To Avaroa National Reserve

Today we're headed to Uyuni, the official gateway to the Salar de Uyuni...more commonly known as the Bolivian Salt Flats. Excited much? You should be. To get the journey started, we'll be heading to the Great Train Graveyard, which is every bit as incredible as it sounds. Next up what you've been waiting for, the Salt Flats. Hope you've got your picture ideas ready, the possibilities are endless. We'll continue through the desert before parking up for the night. Expect some beautiful night skies out here.
Day 10 Day 10: Avaroa National Reserve
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Avaroa National Reserve

It's time to jump back in the 4x4 and continue through the Bolivian desert. We'll be starting a crossing through the Avaroa National Reserve. Hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, mountains, lakes and flocks of flamingos will have your head spinning 360 as you try to take it all on. Nature on steroids is probably the best description.
Day 11 Day 11: Avaroa National Night Bus To La Paz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Avaroa National Night Bus To La Paz

Today we start the journey back to Uyuni. So sit back and enjoy the views unlike anywhere else. You'll get a chance to have a look around the town and grab some dinner. Tonight we're getting on a night bus. Falling asleep in Uyuni and waking up in La Paz? There's no easier way to get across the country.
Day 12 Day 12: La Paz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: La Paz

Today's the day to soak up Bolivia one last time. See the city from above on La Paz's incredible cable car system, or use the your day to get a final taste of Bolivian delicacies - llama anyone?This afternoon, a nap may be calling your name, getting you nice and rested before your final night with your Contiki crew!
Day 13 Day 13: End La Paz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: End La Paz

This morning your trip ends. Not ready to say goodbye to South America? Why not join us on another Contiki tour with your new mates?

+10

13 days tour

Andean Crossing (Inca Trail Trek, 13 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Andean Crossing (Inca Trail Trek, 13 Days)

Day 1: Start Lima

Day 2: Lima To Jungle Lodge

Day 3: Jungle Lodge

Day 4: Jungle Lodge To Cusco

Day 5: Cusco To Sacred Valley

Day 6: Sacred Valley To Aguas Calientes Or Inca Trail Trek

Day 7: Aguas Calientes To Cusco Via Machu Picchu

Day 8: Cusco To La Paz

Day 9: La Paz To Avaroa National Reserve

Day 10: Avaroa National Reserve

Day 11: Avaroa National Night Bus To La Paz

Day 12: La Paz

Day 13: End La Paz

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