Peru Adventure Travel. Unbound. One word that describes freedom to explore; being unfettered from the usual; reaching beyond the routine on an imaginative, authentic experience offered exclusively by Peru Unbound.We invite you to discover a new way to adventure Peru on our signature "unbound" tours. In these artfully created itineraries we blend iconic Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba, the city of Cusco and deep-blue Lake Titicaca in a magical, enlightening journey through history and modern Peruvian culture. Your explorations are by foot, kayak, bicycle (if you want), train and vehicle. Highlights include the archeological, astronomical and religious wonders of the Sacred Valley, a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration during a traditional lunch, kayaking to Amantani and Taquile islands on Lake Titicaca, Peruvian culinary creations, and the majesty of Machu Picchu.Hidden within misty Andean clouds for hundreds of years, Machu Picchu was re-discovered by Hiram Bingham early in the 20th century. Few places in the world offer visitors the serene feeling of wonder and amazement mixed with cultural connection and history. Ever since Bingham’s revelation, Peru's Machu Picchu has immersed travelers in its mystery, and welcomed them to walk the ancient steps, touch her stones, breathe the thin mountain air and wonder at this green hillside fortress.Our guides are another differentiating aspect of our "unbound" tours. Each is hand-selected based on a commitment to our values, understanding Peru Unbound difference relative to operational and environmental expectations and providing the absolute best in guest service. They freely share their exceptional knowledge of Peru, their culture, their tribes and their food, enriching your travel experience through their adept communication and story-telling.As you consider your adventure tour options of Peru, we urge you to choose an experience that is meaningful and authentic. Rest assured that you’ll be in good hands with us, chosen by Travel + Leisure Magazine readers as the #1 Tour Operator in the World.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to an unforgettable, unbound Peru vacation! It's important to remember as you read this itinerary that our groups can be as small as 2 but limited to 12 guests, making our incredible Peruvian tours intimate in nature.
Upon arrival to Peru, we make the connections of the trip quite easy. Guests are greeted by one of our friendly airport officers and escorted to the night's hotel. Not all tour companies provide transfer service, but we aim to add superfluous service making the start to the vacation and being in a foreign country as smooth and relaxing as possible.
After a quick check in, guests are briefed on the fabulous adventure that awaits. They are given a handy "travel kit" which includes travel documents such as itineraries, transportation tickets and hotel information.
Day 2
Guest wake up rested and ready for an incredible journey!
After a delicious breakfast, guests return to the Lima Airport for a 90 minute flight over the beautiful Andes Mountains to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. After the short flight, guests again will be met by one of our representatives in order to make the transition to the next hotel stress-free. Our accommodations for today will be situated at a prime location within the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
En route to the hotel, we will stop to visit the picturesque town of Pisac, an Andean village esteemed for its traditional market. This is a great place to pick up those souvenirs that will make the memories of your South American trip last forever. The market's primary day is Sunday; however, you will still be able to shop for fabulous buys no matter what day your travel with us happens to fall on. Locals from all over the Peruvian region come to sell here, making it a shopper's delight.
We continue to Urubamba, a town whose name literally means "flat land of spiders". We'll get to enjoy a nice lunch and then a fun Peruvian Paso horse presentation. Prepared to be wowed by what these amazing animals can do!
After our lunch and horse show, we visit the fascinating city of Ollantatamb. Ollantatamb is unique with its distinct Inca urban planning, huge boulders and stone structures. There are many sights to be had here, including temples, terraces, storehouses, quarries and military defenses. All retain the ancient Inca artistry that makes this region so amazing.
With a full day of exploring the sensational Sacred Valley, we arrive back at our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3
Be sure to fuel up at breakfast for the Peruvian adventure that awaits today!
(Please note: alternatively, guests can use this day to further explore the Sacred Valley on their own rather than the bike ride.)
This morning, we are transferred to the point where we will begin our full day bike ride in Peru. We first pass the Huaypo Lagoon, a pretty area with a mix of terrains. Our ride here is easy on the eyes and also an easy ride with its small hills and simple corners.
We make a stop at the archaeological park of Moray, an interesting plateau area with terraces designed like corn mazes. Visitors marvel at the Incan ingenuity while also taking in the simple pleasures of the surrounding area.
After Moray, we continue to the nearby village of Maras. We'll partake in a tasty box lunch and then jump back on the bikes to the Inca salt terraces that this location is famous for. All of that white is quite a sight!
Later in the afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner filled with new memories of the amazing Sacred Valley.
Day 4
After a good sleep and a delicious breakfast, we say goodbye to the Sacred Valley and are transferred to the train station. It's a 90 minute journey with stunning views that arrives at the archaeological sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna.
A moderate hike of 4 miles (or about four hours) reward guests with the site of Wiñay Wayna. Guests soon see why its name means "forever young", with its gorgeous Incan agricultural centers and numerous terraces. All of these wonders are set on a hillside, making for a unique perspective.
We continue onto Intipunku or "Gateway of the Sun", a breathtaking ancient Incan metropolis. Guests have about an hour to explore this ruin-laden area (a tour of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will be provided the next day).
Finally our small group takes a shuttle bus down the rolling hills to the village of Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night.
Day 5
Today is all about Machu Picchu, one of Peru's most famous gems. A short 20 minute shuttle ride puts guests up close and personal with this incredible testament to ancient architectural greatness. The stone city was first found by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and has been amazing visitors ever since.
Machu Picchu is unique in that it was built on a spot ripe with vegetation and between two mountains. It even got its name after one of them (Machu Picchu, or "Old Mountain"). The neighboring mountain is fittingly called Huayna Picchu, or "Young Mountain". Below Machu Picchu is a jungle that is just exploding with flora and fauna.
Included today are tours of Machu Picchu's Sanctuary, but there will also be plenty of free time on your own to take in the delights of this wondrous monument. A hearty lunch will be provided within the lodge after touring the Sanctuary.
ROW guests are pampered in our first class train (depending on Hotel Class selected) as we travel back to Ollantaytambo Station (about two hours) where we dine and overnight in Cusco.
Day 6
After a delicious breakfast, we visit some of the fascinating attractions that the city of Cusco has to offer. Cusco's Spanish colonial monuments (including the Main Square) and cathedral are toured, both rich in historical importance and visually striking.
Guests then continue onto the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a Spanish building with a stoned exterior that was built right on top of previously existing Inca foundations. It is the site of a temple (Koricancha) where the ancient Incas used to worship the sun, and this temple is fabled to have had walls originally made out of pure gold.
After this "golden" visit we explore the surrounding ruins of Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán. Sacsayhuamán puts Stonehenge to shame with its three overlapping platforms of boulders, each over 360m long. It is thought to be designed as a fortress of sorts. Even if that wasn't its original purpose, there's no denying that Sacsayhuamán was yet another great accomplishment among a long list of others for the Incans.
We transfer to the local airport and board a flight to Juliaca then travel on to Puno where we will check into our hotel and have lunch. The reast of the afternoon is free to acclimatize and explore.
Day 7
We have an early start today so guests don't miss a moment!
We visit the floating island of Uros by motorboat. These islands were actually handmade using natural reed material by the local Uros people! (see what they look like in the slideshow above) The islands are still inhabited and maintained by these people today.
After checking out the islands, we continue onto Llachon - Santa Maria and prepare for our kayak experience. After a safety briefing, guests are sure to be dazzled as they receive a unique (unbound!) opportunity to paddle alongside Amantani Island and take in the pristine beauty of Lake Titicaca.
Amantani Island is a welcome paradise from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We enjoy a lunch typical of the region and later travel by hike to a temple on the far end of Amantani. Our guests witness a richly hued, stunning sunset; then have a scrumptious dinner and celebrate with new friends with our home stay family. Overnight on Amantani Island.
- See more at: http://www.rowadventures.com/machu-picchu-tours.html#sthash.f8qMsBo8.dpuf
We have an early start today so guests don't miss a moment!
We visit the floating island of Uros by motorboat. These islands were actually handmade using natural reed material by the local Uros people! (see what they look like in the slideshow above) The islands are still inhabited and maintained by these people today.
After checking out the islands, we continue onto Llachon - Santa Maria and prepare for our kayak experience. After a safety briefing, guests are sure to be dazzled as they receive a unique (unbound!) opportunity to paddle alongside Amantani Island and take in the pristine beauty of Lake Titicaca.
Amantani Island is a welcome paradise from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We enjoy a lunch typical of the region and later travel by hike to a temple on the far end of Amantani. Our guests witness a richly hued, stunning sunset; then have a scrumptious dinner and celebrate with new friends with our home stay family. Overnight on Amantani Island.
Day 8
After a refreshing breakfast, guests jump back in kayaks and paddle from Amantani Island to Taquile Island. The journey is nothing short of magnificent with views of snow-capped mountains, all the while taking in the simple serenity Lake Titicaca provides.
On the Island of Taquile, we visit a friendly village where natives have kept their culture and ancestral roots unblemished for centuries. They even provide us with a fun weaving demonstration along with lunch!
Dinner is served at the hotel later in the day.
Day 9
The last order of business on the fabulous Peru unbound tour is a visit to Chulpass Sillustani. These fortified towers were the burial grounds for the Collas and Incas. They were once referred to as "houses of the soul", and the dry conditions often resulted in the bodies being mummified, although this was not done with intention.
After a flight to Lima Airport check in for your International flight or spend a few days exploring Lima.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
2020 Tiered Pricing (In Tourist Class Hotels):
2 travelers - $3870 per person
4 travelers - $3050 per person
6 travelers - $2865 per person
Lima - Cusco - Juliaca - Lima - from $570 per person
We can quote for Superior or Deluxe hotels by request
2019 - Tiered Pricing (In Tourist Class Hotels)
2 travelers - $3780 per person
4 travelers - $2980 per person
6 travelers - $2695 per person
We can quote for Superior or Deluxe hotels by request
Lima - Cusco - Juliaca - Lima - from $570 per person
Departures: Daily departures, contact us for availability.
Included:
• All Accommodations as outlined on the itinerary
• All meals as outlined on the itinerary
• Service of a bilingual guide (Spanish/English
• All ground transportation while on tour
• Full service of our Adventure Consultants
Not Included:
• Internal Flights in Peru (allow $570)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Items of a personal nature
FAQ & More
When should I go on a Peruvian tour?
Difficult to answer, this is really a question of personal preference. The busy season is June to August and it's also the driest part of the year in Machu Picchu. If you don't mind being a little wet while avoiding a heavy flow of visitors, Machu Picchu in December and January is absolutely perfect for you. It's important to remember that tours to Machu Picchu happen all year round but the Inca Trail is closed in February each year.
Are there any special events or festivals to look foward to?
Like most in South America, Peruvians love any excuse for a celebration and the country enjoys a huge number of religious ceremonies, festivals and local events. Carnival time (generally late Feb.) is especially lively almost everywhere in the country, with fiestas held every Sunday. Tours to Machu Picchu during these requires a bit more planning in advance for airfare prices calendar of major public holidays & festivals:
February Carnival - Celebrated most of the month prior to Lent throughout the whole country.
March/April Easter (Holy Week) - Fantastic parades all over Peru. ROW Adventures like the one in Cusco!
The 3rd week in June each year sees the Inti Raymi - Cusco's main Inca Festival of the Sun. A great time to tour the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
Mid August - Arequipa Week - Parades, firework displays, plenty of folklore, dancing, and craft markets.
September End of the month Festival of Spring - Involves dancing, particularly the local Marinera dance.
October - Lord of Miracles - Festival featuring large and solemn processions.
Do I need a Visa?
Most travelers do not need visas; travelers of most nationalities are granted a 90 day tourist visa. All nationalities, however, need a tourist or embarkation card (tarjeta de embarque) to enter Peru, issued at the customs or on the plane before landing in Lima.
What are the Health Risks?
Altitude sickness is common in the highlands when visiting Machu Picchu, but can easily be treated by taking it slow and resting, staying hydrated, and there is medication available over the counter for pills altitude sickness. Most Hotels will offer oxygen in your room whne you first check in and you can request that your guide carries a spare tank (at an extra charge). A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas east of the Andes Mountains, but not needed for Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, or other places along the coast or in the mountains. It's advisable to consult with Peru's official website before leaving for any questions.
What time is it in Peru?
UTC (universal time) minus 5 hours
Electricity and outlets?
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz (cycles per second). If you want to use a 110-volt appliance in Peru, you’ll need to buy a power adapter. Most outlets in Peru accept US standard two flat blade plugs. Someof the bigger hotel groups have US sockets in the rooms.
What currency is used?
The current Peruvian currency, the Nuevo Sol - whose symbol is S/. Simply called a "Sol" . In Lima and Cuzco (and most other cities), Euros are as acceptable as US dollars for changing into soles.
What are the accommodations like?
Peru offers a wide spetrum of accommodations from small family run B&B's to very high end hotels. Depending on your preference and budget we can reserve this trip in Tourist, Superior or Luxury hotels. All will have private bathrooms and showers.
Are meals included?
We have included meals on days when we are travelling off the beaten path, Lake Titicaca for example. When we are in towns or cities we generally do not include meals as there are an abundance of choices and we like to allow guests to discover the amazing food of Peru. Our guides, will of course, be happy to recommend their favorites or make suggestions. All hotels offer a wonderful, continental style breakfast.
What are the Trip Leaders like?
All of our guides are fluent in English and Spanish. They are all local to the areas they guide in so are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and passion for their part of Peru. Don't be afraid to ask them any questions or if you have a special request they will go out of their way to make it happen if they can.
What is the transportation like?
We utilise a variety of methods of transportation including private vans, tour buses, kayaks, boats depending on the location. All modes of transportation are in excellent condition and regularly maintained.
What is the food like in Peru?
Peru is one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world and the food choices everywhere you go are wonderful. Staples include meat, potatoes, corn and rice and of course quinoa. Lots of fresh fruit and vegatables are always on hand. Any dietary requirements can be accommodated so please let your guide know if you need something special.
Are flights included in the price?
No flights are included in the trip price and avisit to Peru will typically require at least 2 internal flights. While we are happy to arrange these flights for you they will be an extra charge.
Are airport transfers included?
All transfers on your trip are included in the trip price.
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water in Peru is not safe to drink - all hotels, vehicles and retaurants will have drinking water available.
Will my cell phone work in Peru?
Cell service is available in most areas but check with your personal provider for the most up to date information.