E-mail us at: info@ExplorationsInc.com
Explorations Inc. offers a range of custom tours in Peru, including Amazon Jungle Safaris with rainforest lodges for excellent birding and wildlife viewing and the worlds longest Rainforest Canopy Walkway, Amazon River cruises on small river boats from Iquitos, Peru, and the Andes in Peru for Machu Picchu and Cuzco. We also offer trip extensions to other great destinations in Peru such as Lake Titikaka, Nazca (Nasca) Lines and Paracas and can customize stays in Lima, Trujillo, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, etc.
Explorations Inc.
is proud to offer Amazon tour programs that provide an exceptional, fun
and educational travel experience! You may travel and learn about South
American native cultures and Amazonia, the world's largest rainforest and
river system! 
These trips are designed for people with a love of nature and foreign
cultures, who are looking for a premier rainforest adventure! Some departures
are escorted by an USA scholar in addition to resident guide. Our Andean Inca Exploration
that explores Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Inca can
be combined with any Amazon program. Custom itineraries for individuals
and groups are also arranged.
This educational adventure tour includes stays in 4 different jungle lodges, located deep in forest reserves, (including ACEER or ACT, the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research), where great wildlife viewing just comes naturally! Surrounded by the rainforest's "sea of green", the accommodations at the lodges are rustic, comfortable and very scenic. Go to sleep, to a symphony of jungle sounds and awake to morning bird calls! You will be overnighting, in areas that may contain the highest diversity of bird and tree species in the world! You will also experience the rainforest from over 118 feet up on the Treetop Canopy Walkway! By boat, you will travel more than 300 miles on the Amazon River and its tributaries. You will witness subtle and grand spectacles as you observe and participate in the flow of life in Amazonia.
Walk amongst the treetops and get a birds-eye view of the forest! Situated on a ridge top amidst a nature reserve, the Canopy Walkway offers spectacular views over the top of the rainforest. You will overnight in the nearby lodge and research station, allowing time for personal exploration of this little known world. Over a third of a mile long and with a maximum height of 118 feet, the walkway is an engineering marvel. Without the need for specialized climbing equipment and skills, the canopy walkway introduces you to a seldom seen part of this world. From its conception the walkway was designed and built not only with safe access in mind, but also to be unobtrusive and not destructive to the surrounding forest. The suspended walkway is bordered by cable handrails and strong safety netting, which provide the security to enjoy the refreshing tropical breezes and a myriad of beautiful plants and wildlife. The safe design and gradual, "go at your own pace" has allowed many, who thought it impossible due to fear of heights, to experience the upper reaches of the rainforest and share in the thrill of discovery! By virtue of overnighting near the canopy walkway, you even have the options of witnessing a jungle sunset, the nighttime sky and/or sunrise over the expansive rainforest!
The canopy of the rainforest is truly one of the great biological frontiers of the world! More than half the species of life on earth are found in the tropical rainforests, and of those, more than half are found in the forest's canopy. As an example, twice as many species of insects are found in the canopy as are found on the ground. Some estimates of the number of insect species found in the rainforest canopy range as high as 20 million, with as many as 80% of these species still unknown to science. With this incredible diversity of life and 90% of the forest's photosynthesis taking place there, the canopy is clearly the place to be in order to understand how rainforests work.
For many people, the word Amazon evokes images of colorful birds amidst a green carpet of ferns under towering trees covered with orchids and bromeliads. Such Amazon rainforest scenes provide memories that last a lifetime. The statistics of Amazonia's wildlife and plant diversity are incredible, but not as incredible as seeing a colorful macaw close-up or watching pink dolphins frolic in the brown waters of the Amazon River.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: (Saturday) Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, you are met at the airport and the local staff personnel will assist with your luggage and then transfer you into town to the colonial-style Hotel Antigua Miraflores for the overnight.
DAY 2: After breakfast, a morning flight to Iquitos takes you from the urban jungle to the rainforest jungle and your first look at the world's largest river, the Amazon! After a short city tour of Iquitos you board a boat to begin your rainforest adventure. After a two hour journey down river to the first of the four jungle lodges, you enjoy a welcome drink and orientation session upon arrival. The first lodge is about 50 miles Northeast of Iquitos and is located off the Amazon River on a small tributary, called the Yanamono. After two nights, you will travel about 50 miles further to the other two overnight locations including the ACT Field Station where the Canopy Walkway is located. These lodges are located up the Napo River on the Sucusari tributary. Your accommodations the last night is at the new Ceiba Tops Resort, complete with swimming pool and air-conditioned bungalows that have private baths and hot water.
DAYS 2 - 7: In these 6 days you will experience some of nature's greatest wonders! By collectivos (long, passenger boats) you will navigate on three different river systems and stay in three different nature reserves! A great variety of activities are planned for your enjoyment and education on the culture and nature of Amazonia. You can take advantage of it all or just enjoy some simple pleasures. Even a lazy afternoon in a hammock immersed in the rainforest's "sea of green" can be memorable. Just as nature is in a constant state of change, the prearranged, daily schedule will be responsive to the current weather, water levels, plant and animal cycles, and cultural events. You can choose an active or leisurely personal schedule. A typical day's schedule is likely to include: a daybreak trail walk from the lodge for birding and other wildlife viewing, breakfast at 7 AM and after breakfast is the morning's main activity (nature walks, boating excursions, village visits or a combination). A few hours midday are allotted for a refreshing shower before lunch and siesta, the late afternoon provides a cooler time for another main activity with return to the lodge around sunset. After the 7 PM dinner, (and weather permitting), a variety of night excursions provide excitement and wonderment. (B/L/D) [The following page highlights just some of the daily activities and adventures.]
DAY 8: (Saturday) After breakfast and arrival in Iquitos (for those connecting through Lima with night flights for the return home and not overnighting extra days in Iquitos), you have free time to explore, relax or shop in this unique town of the rubber boom era. The local staff personnel will assist with the late afternoon transfer to the airport and check-in for the flight to Lima and independent Lima airport connections to night USA return flights, arriving back into the USA early Sunday morning. (Notes: Lunch is not included this day. For an additional $75/pp/dbl, you may overnight in Lima on this Saturday night and fly out to the USA either the next morning or next night - hotel and transfers included. For those continuing on our Andean Inca Exploration, other options for this day include overnighting in Iquitos and flying to Cuzco the next morning, or flying back to Lima in the morning to have time to explore before night flights out, or flying to Cuzco for the overnight and time to acclimate to the altitude before the tour extension. (B)
Walk through the treetops
on the longest canopy walkway in the world. Truly, an unforgettable life
experience! An incredible place to witness a sunrise / sunset over the rainforest
or to experience the jungle at night!
Great birding excursions!
Explore orchid and bromeliad
filled, primary (virgin) rainforests.
Observe the enchanting
freshwater (pink & grey species) dolphins at home in their watery kingdom.
Experience nighttime excursions
on foot and by canoe to look for nocturnal birds, insects and mammals, spot
caiman, enjoy the sounds of the rainforest at night, and witness the star-filled
sky of the southern hemisphere.
Visit nearby Indian villages
to learn of their native cultures and maybe a little bartering for trade
items.
Examine exotic plants and
flowers and learn about the ecosystem in which they live.
Try your skill with a blow
gun.
Test your fishing skills
with the piranha. If you succeed, you can have your catch for dinner; they
are delicious!
Hike to a black-water lake
to see the unusual hoatzin. They are the only flying birds which feed almost
exclusively on leaves and must be seen to believe.
Examine the giant Victoria
Regia water lilies.
Paddle a dugout canoe on
a jungle tributary, if desired.
Hike along the "Medicine
Trail" used specifically to show the local rainforest plants used in
modern medicine today. Also learn of plants used in native remedies and
which scientists may use in the future.
Tour and learn about a
unique ethnobotanical garden, directed by the shaman Antonio Montero Pisco.
This impressive collection of wild medicinal Amazon plants is an experiment
in propagation and identification with currently over a 161 species represented.
Take boat rides on narrow
waterways among a labyrinth of lush vegetation where orchids and bromeliads
abound.
Visit with the local ribereños,
the name for the local people who live along the river, and gain insight
into their daily lives. While most are "westernized" to some degree,
many still hold to tribal affiliations and have a life-style that has changed
little over the last few thousand years. Native tribes you may encounter
include the Boras, Yaguas, Orejone and Yanamono.
Although you are staying in some very remote areas, miles from "civilization", you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality and comfort that is provided. The nights will be spent close to nature in several different jungle lodges. Except for the last night, you will sleep and eat in "native style" structures. This trip is not about survival camping; but, neither is it about isolating yourself from the world of nature!
The architecture of the lodges is pure Amazonian, built with the native materials of fine woods, vines and palm leaves. The large, thatch-roofed buildings are raised on posts above ground level with wood flooring. Covered walkways connect the main buildings, such as the dining and recreation "hall", sleeping quarters and bath facilities. The sleeping rooms at the lodges have 2 twin beds, table with wash basin and kerosene lamp. Each bed has its own individual mosquito netting. Fresh sheets, changed daily, provide comfortable bedding. All locations have well maintained shower and toilet facilities. (No hot water, but it is not exactly cold either!) Clean towels are provided daily. There is no electricity at the lodges (except at Ceiba Tops which has private A/C cabins and even a swimming pool), therefore no noisy generator motors to disturb the sounds of nature and the serenity of the forest!
Even deep in the jungle, meals are a real pleasure. The outstanding chefs prepare healthy regional and international dishes. Meals are cooked over an open-hearth fire and served buffet style. Most people consider the food very good and the multi-course meals provide excellent opportunities to try new and delicious local fruits and vegetables. In lieu of a dinner bell or loudspeaker, the beating of a drum signals mealtime. Three nutritious meals a day are served and coffee, tea and purified water are always available in the dining areas.
Nightfall is always an enchanting time in the jungle! The birds and insects provide a symphony of sound. The soft lighting of kerosene lanterns at the lodges add to the peaceful atmosphere. And best of all, it will not be early morning phone calls or traffic sounds that awaken you!
Your riverboat, the M/V Rio Amazonas, takes you 325 miles down river from Iquitos, Peru, stopping along the way for shore excursions, and ultimately reaching Tres Fronteras, where the borders of Peru, Colombia and Brazil meet. There you will have the opportunity to explore the frontier river towns of Leticia, Columbia and Tabatinga, Brazil. From there, the M/V Rio Amazonas heads back up river and different shore excursions and activities are made on the return trip back to Iquitos. Since the ship travels at night and during lunches, you will witness new sights and wonders daily!
Jungle nature walks take you deep into the rainforest where knowledgeable, naturalist guides will explain native uses for the various plants, identify wildlife, and reveal fascinating secrets of Amazon lore. You will also visit villages of the Yagua, Bora and Huitoto tribes and learn of their indigenous cultures. Visits with the various peoples along the river will give you insight into man's relationship to the greatest ecosystem on earth and the fate of the Amazon rainforest.
The experience of cruising on the Amazon River is unique in the world of travel. Cruise tour itineraries (see sample itinerary inside) take advantage of changing conditions along the river; no two cruises will be exactly alike, but each cruise promises moments which will be forever etched in your memory. You will voyage by night up uncharted tributaries, deep into the jungle to listen to the mysterious sounds of the rainforest and perhaps spot the eyes of a caiman glowing in the dark. You will travel to remote backwater lakes to fish for the legendary piranha and stroll the streets of Pevas, the oldest town on the Peruvian Amazon, and much more!
DAY 1, Saturday: Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, you are met at the airport by local staff personnel who will assist with your luggage and then transfer you into town to a nice hotel in the upscale suburb of Miraflores for the overnight stay.
DAY 2, Sunday: After breakfast, a morning flight to Iquitos takes you from the urban jungle to the rainforest jungle and your first look at the world's largest river, the Amazon! After the airport reception in Iquitos you have a quick look at this unique rainforest city as you are transferred downtown to the local office and dock for the midday boarding of the M/V Rio Amazonas in time for lunch. After checking your luggage and cabin assignments, as the ship departs downriver, you can absorb the dramatic scenery of the town's waterfront as vestiges of industrialization quickly give way to native thatched houses along the shore. During the buffet lunch, the local guide provides an orientation about the ship. Before sunset, lectures and discussions about the Amazon ecosystem and native cultures help prepare you for the week's upcoming activities. The evening is free so you may relax and absorb the beauty of the world's largest rainforest. Sunsets are a special time in Amazonia as they can provide an unbelievable myriad of colors. Later, the dark Amazon sky becomes nature's own planetarium with its open expanse of brilliant stars, providing hours of delight, as you look for the Southern Cross, shooting stars, and the band of the Milky Way as the ship continues down the Amazon River. (B/L/D)
DAY 3, Monday: A morning excursion in an open air motor-launch for birdwatching and nature viewing introduces you to the sights, sounds and smells of the Amazon rainforest. Later in the morning is a visit to local Bora and Huitoto Indian villages to learn of their indigenous cultures, including native dance demonstrations and a bit of bartering for handicrafts. You can even try your skill with a blowgun! After lunch (and time for siesta) is a walking excursion in the Shishita River area on jungle trails through the dense forest. After dinner, a nighttime boating expedition up a small tributary into the jungle for exploration and the opportunity to hear the mysterious sounds of the rainforest after dark. (B/L/D)
DAY 4, Tuesday: The morning begins with a combination of boating and a short jungle walk to see the giant Victoria Regia water lilies, followed by a piranha fishing expedition on a small backwater lake. Cane fishing poles are provided and, if successful, you may have your catch for dinner! (Keep in mind that more people eat piranha than piranha eat people, and even if you are not successful catching them, you will not go hungry!) After lunch, the afternoon activity is a visit to the missionary village at Lake Caballococha to see how people along the river live and have adapted to this unique environment. After sunset, a boat trip across the lake to look for Amazon caiman in the reedy shallows along the shore. Their eyes glow red when spotted by the guide's flashlight! (B/L/D)
DAY 5, Wednesday: Early arrival in Tres Fronteras opposite Leticia, Colombia, and Tabatinga, Brazil, and a transfer by launch to these neighboring towns. The morning is free for personal exploration of these isolated frontier towns, wither it be visiting the local ethnography museum, markets, shopping, or just relaxing in a street-side cantina/restaurant. (An option upon arrival is a city tour including the local zoo which is small but recommended.) After lunch, the M/V Rio Amazonas begins its journey back up river. A late afternoon rainforest excursion is planned in the Cayaru area to look for pink dolphins and wildlife viewing. (B/L/D)
DAY 6, Thursday: The morning begins with a excursion up the Ataquari River for nature viewing and fishing. An afternoon stop at the remote leper hospital of San Pablo, will give you time to learn of this unique jungle clinic, famous throughout South America in years of old and also browse in the primitive "gift shop" which sells handicrafts made by the patients and . After dinner is a nighttime cruise on the Mayaruna River to look for caiman and listen to the nocturnal wildlife as you drift quietly along the banks. (B/L/D)
DAY 7, Friday: After a short stop at Pijuayal, a Peruvian checkpoint, the M/V Rio Amazonas continues up river to Pevas, the oldest Peruvian town on the Amazon River. A visit with a nearby group of Yagua natives allows for trading of manufactured goods for their handicrafts made from local materials. Once only a small Yagua Indian village, Pevas is now a small town with 2,000 inhabitants, a plaza, church, school and a 6-team soccer league. Founded in 1735, Pevas is also home to Francisco Grippa, a famous Peruvian artist, who welcomes visitors to his home and studio. His gallery of unique paintings provides another chance to take home a colorful memory of the Amazon rainforest. (B/L/D)
DAY 8, Saturday:
After breakfast and arrival in Iquitos (for those connecting through Lima
with night flights for the return home and not overnighting extra days in
Iquitos), you have free time to explore, relax or shop in this unique town
of the rubber boom era. Iquitos and its markets are full of activity and
interesting sights. Motorized rickshaws are the principal means of transportation
in town and a ride on one is well worth the inexpensive price! The local
staff personnel will assist with the late afternoon transfer to the airport
and check-in for the flight to Lima and independent Lima airport connections
to night USA return flights, arriving back into the USA early Sunday morning.
(Notes: Lunch is not included this day. For an additional $75/pp/dbl, you
may overnight in Lima on this Saturday night and fly out to the USA either
the next morning or next night - hotel and transfers included. For those
continuing on our Andean Inca Exploration, other options for this day include
overnighting in Iquitos and flying to Cuzco the next morning, or flying
back to Lima in the morning to have time to explore before night flights
out, or flying to Cuzco for the overnight and time to acclimate to the altitude
before the tour extension. (B)
As you can see with this standard schedule, a great variety of activities are planned for your enjoyment and education on the culture and nature of Amazonia. You can take advantage of all at your own pace and interests. Just as nature is in a constant state of change, the daily schedule will be responsive to the current weather, water levels, plant and animal cycles, and cultural events.
Your Ship
For many years, the M/V Rio Amazonas is one of the most popular riverboats on the Amazon River. Having an excellent natural history program and top naturalist guides, our Amazon Jungle Cruise provides one of the world's best adventure travel values! The 146 feet long M/V Rio Amazonas has been designed as an informal cruise ship which enables the international traveler to explore remote regions of the upper Amazon in basic comfort. Acting as a "mother ship," the M/V Rio Amazonas has its own shore boats for the varied daily excursions that provide an insightful look at life along the Amazon.
The ship's design provides plenty of space on its three decks and has 18 passenger cabins, all on the upper decks. All cabins are air conditioned with private bath and hot water shower. Standard cabins have two lower berth, twin beds with reading lamps, and a small writing desk and chair. There are 3 suites with lower berths (and triples) available. Picture windows in each cabin provide for a perfect view of the river. The dining room, where delicious buffet style meals are served, is air conditioned as well. The ship's bar is well stocked with cold drinks and there is ample deck area, covered and uncovered, with comfortable deck chairs and hammocks, for a leisurely look at life on the river. The ship is connected by radio with the main office in Iquitos. The ship has been remodeled and renovated in spring of 2009.
Click here for information about our other Amazon River boat tours,
including 3 different Cruise programs on the newly built M/V Arapaima.
Explores the scenic Sacred Valley of the Inca, including an overnight at magnificent Machu Picchu! Overnights in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and visits to incredible archaeological sites provide an outstanding cultural experience. The 8-day adventure offers a great introduction to the colorful Andean peoples, their environment, history and art. (This educational exploration of one of the world's best travel destinations may also be combined with our Amazon Explorations.)
Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday: For those continuing from the Amazon Jungle Cruise, you have the option of staying this night in Iquitos, or Lima, or in Cuzco with morning flight connections. (B) Those participating in this Andean Inca Exploration only, will arrive in Lima from the USA this Saturday night. After reception at the airport, you will be transferred to the Hotel Antigua Miraflores.
Day 2, Sunday: A morning flight over the jungle to the Andes Mountains and the city of Cuzco transports you to a dramatically different environment. Upon seeing the beauty of Cuzco, situated in a scenic valley at 11,000 feet, it is much easier to understand what may have prompted the Inca to call this area the "navel of the world". After a welcome cup of coca tea, you are encouraged to relax at your hotel and get acclimated to the altitude. After lunch, a walking city tour and orientation lecture introduces you to your surroundings in this historical city. The Inca founded Cuzco as the capital center of their empire and it is still considered the archaeological capital of the Americas. Cuzco is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere and evidence of its long history surrounds you. Massive Inca-built stone walls serve as foundations for the red tile-roofed colonial buildings. Here you can visit some of the oldest and grandest cathedrals in the New World. The feeling of history comes alive in the faces and language of the local Quechua-speaking descendents of the Incas. The variety and craftsmanship of their weavings and handicrafts are sure to impress all. Tonight and tomorrow you will stay in a centrally located colonial-style hotel, the Casa San Blas, or similar. For more hotel info and live webcam view of Cuzco, go online to www.casasanblas.com/webcams.htm (B/L)
Day 3, Monday: Begin the day visiting spectacular Inca ruins and historic colonial architecture. Explore the immense Inca fortress-temple of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built overlooking Cuzco. The scale of the construction, with the use of stones larger than cars, is sure to astound. You also visit the Inca shrines of Kenko, an outdoor amphitheater and Tambomachay, where a natural spring still feeds the ancient Inca baths. Later, visit and learn about Coricancha, its Temple of the Sun, and the new discoveries from recent archeological excavations. Built in the heart of their ancient capital city, the Sun Temple was the most holy of places to the ancient Inca and contains some of their finest examples of stonework. (B/L)
Day 4, Tuesday: Your day begins with an enchanting ride through the countryside of the Sacred Valley to the archaeological site and Indian village of Pisac. The ruins are strategically located on a ridgetop overlooking two scenic valleys that are etched with extensive Inca agricultural terraces. Covering an area four times larger than Machu Picchu, the central complex of temples in this ancient citadel was protected on all sides by high walls and gateways. In the valley at the colorful Pisac village market, you can examine (and buy) local goods such as; fruits, vegetables, coca leaves, mineral dyes, weavings, stone carvings and a great variety of handicrafts. Later, you continue through the Urubamba Valley with its spectacular mountain scenery that includes quaint villages, terraced valleys and towering snow-capped peaks, all overlooking the white-waters of the Río Urubamba. Much of the pristine scenery looks like it was created just yesterday! After lunch is a tour of Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress and city. Ollantaytambo is an excellent example of city planning and architecture. It is also an excellent example of living history, as today's townspeople still live in structures that housed the Incas of the 14th century. The ancient Inca city plan is evidenced by the remaining (and still utilized) roadways, pools, canals and enormous stonework. The original water canals of the Inca irrigation system still function as important parts of the communities' life. Overnight is in the village of Urubamba, at historic San Agustin Monasterio de la Recoleta Hotel. Built around early 15th century, this charming hotel was the first catholic monastery of Cuzco represents an exceptional style of colonial architecture. www.hotelessanagustin.com.pe/new/english/recoleta.htm (B/L)
Day 5, Wednesday: A short morning drive takes you to the train station for travel further up the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. The rails run along side the Urubamba River, past towering mountains and through lush forests. Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu train station, a 20 minute bus ride takes you 2,000 feet up to the site's entrance. After an introductory walking tour, the remainder of the day is free for self-exploration and discovery of this magnificent site, which was built on a mountaintop and surrounded on three sides by the Urubamba River. By staying overnight in Agua Calientes at the base of the mountain, you can experience the two most spectacular times at Machu Picchu, sunset and sunrise! Night excursions into the site can sometimes be arranged. Overnight is at the Machu Picchu Inn, conveniently located in colorful Agua Calientes. [If you desire to stay overnight at the hilltop Sanctuary Lodge, there is an additional $200/pp/dbl surcharge. The surcharge to stay at the beautiful riverside Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is $125/pp/dbl.] (B/L)
Day 6, Thursday: Dawn is an incredibly beautiful sight at mystical Machu Picchu. The play of light and shadow from the sun and clouds paints a photogenic and everchanging landscape as the day continues. This is a day for personal exploration and contemplation. Time to wander the ruins, enjoy the surrounding verdant cloudforest, climb overlooking Huanya Picchu and/or hike up the Inca trail to Intipunku (Gate of the Sun). The unrivalled scenery will provide lasting memories and quickly empty a camera of film. The late afternoon train returns you to Cuzco for overnights at the Casa San Blas. (B/L)
Day 7, Friday: This is a free day in Cuzco for personal exploration and relaxation to allow you the maximum amount of choice on activities. Cuzco is one of the world's top travel destinations and a myriad of options are available. If desired, you can arrange a day of white-water rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, or explorations of surrounding remote Inca ruins. The city of Cuzco also offers wonderful art and history museums, countless shops with a great variety of handicrafts, a wide variety of restaurants, pubs & peñas, numerous churches, cathedrals and other outstanding historic architecture line the cobble stone streets. Cuzco is safe to explore on your own and taxis are convenient. You can also hire a guide for the day if desired. Out-of-town day trips, private guides, and sport activities can be arranged directly with the local personnel in Cuzco. (B/L)
Day 8, Saturday: Departure is a morning flight to Lima, with airport reception and transfer the Miraflores suburb hotel where a day room is available for your use. From there you can explore the neighborhood and check out the many nearby shops and restaurants and/or visit some of the world class museums, colonial architecture, Pachacamac archaeology ruins or other sites that the capital offers (with optional excursions arranged either independently by taxi or guided by the local company in Lima). That evening, you are transferred back to the Lima airport for the night flight back to Miami and connections home early on Sunday morning. For an additional $75/dbl/pp you may choose to overnight in Lima and fly out the next morning or night. (B) (Note that lunch is not included on this day to allow you the most options.)
Three Day Extension: Includes Paracas, Nasca, Inca and the Nazca Lines:
Day 1: Breakfast at the Lima hotel. Early morning departure with private guide and transportation for the day to Paracas Bay about 156 miles south. Then you visit the National Reserve of Paracas, including the Museum of Julio C. Tello to learn more about the famous Paracas textiles and culture Birdwatching is excellent in the Reserve for condors and the colorful National Bird, flamingos. Overnight is at the lovely, seaside Hotel Paracas. In the desert landscape of the Paracas Peninsula, you will also see the "Cathedral", enormous rock formations in the shape of a church. Lunch on your own and leisure time to enjoy the hotel and majestic views. (AB)
Day 2: After an early breakfast, you board a fast passenger a boat to tour the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Little Galapagos Islands". On the tour you may view the famous Candelabra hillside figure, the guano islands' sea-lion colonies, seals and the abundant birdlife (booby, albatross, alcatraz, pelican, cormorant, penguins, etc.) and maybe even a condor. Afterwards is a two and half hour drive south to the city of Nasca, where you will receive an introduction to the world famous Nazca Lines and board the small plane for the overflight. After lunch, you visit the Aqueducts to learn of their importance in this costal desert area and later watch a local artisan recreate ancient colors and designs in ceramics. Afterwards a hour's drive back north takes you up the coast to Ica for your overnight at the Hotel Las Dunas luxury resort. (CB)
Day 3: After breakfast, the morning is free to relax or enjoy the hotel's facilities (horseback riding, sand dune boarding, swimming, golf tennis, etc.). At noon is a visit to Regional Archaeology Museum to study the different artifacts found in this region from the Pre-Inca cultures of Paracas, Nazcas, Wari, and Ocucaje. Later, you visit the unique Huacachina Oasis. Lunch is at a nearby vineyard, to learn the process of making Peruvian wines and Pisco, a white grape brandy. At 4pm you depart back Lima for arrival at 8pm and transfer to the airport or hotel. (CB, L)
COST: Estimate $925 for 1 person, $595/each for 2 persons dbl, $550/each for 3, $495/each for 4.
Notes & Services:
(Sample Itinerary) This itinerary shown as a post trip extension from Cuzco after our Andean Inca Exploration ©, but it may also be arranged from Lima.
Day 1: Transfer to Cuzco bus station for first-class bus to Puno. (http://www.inkaexpress.com/ruta_sol.htm) During the 8 hour ride, you have 4 guided excursions, including stops at: Andahuaylillas, whose church is considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" because of the quality of the art. At Raqchi, visit the "Wiracocha temple" that according to the old chroniclers was built by the Inca Wiracocha in honor to the Supreme God of the Incas, "Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha". Afterwards, you have a buffet lunch in the picturesque town of Sicuani. Later at La Raya, you will be at the highest pass on the route (14,000 ft). Then on to Pukara, one of the very earliest archeological complex constructed in the Peruvian Altiplano. Reception in Puno and transfer to the lakeside Sonesta Posada Del Inka for two overnights. (Option, if starting in Lima, is to fly to Juliaca and transfer to Puno hotel this day.) (B)
Day 2: A full day touring including: Morning visit to Isla Taquile and the Aymara Indian section of Luquina for a lakeside lunch on the Chucuito Peninsula. Then visit the famous Uros Floating Islands at a time of little tourism and before the lake winds that sometimes in the late afternoon. (B/L)
Day 3: Free time in Puno. Transfer to Juliaca airport for flight (choice of departing at 12:00pm or 4:25pm) to Lima to connect with flights out. On the way, you may visit the Necropolis of Sillustani ruins on the shores of Lake Umayo if time permits. (If desired, we can arrange airport reception in Lima and assistance with connections or transfer to and overnight at the Hotel Antigua Miraflores for an overnight and next day, morning or evening flights out.) (B)
COST: Estimate $495 per person, double occupancy.
Notes & Services:
NOTES:
Click here for information about our other Amazon River boat tours.
It is easy to extend your stay in Peru to allow visits to Lima's great world-class museums, an extension to Lake Titikaka, explorations of Peru's Pacific Coast, including overflights of the Nazca Lines and more!
Explorations Inc.
27655 Kent Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 1-239-992-9660
or toll free 1-(800)-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.)
Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information!
Also available are custom itineraries for small groups AND for the angler, our Amazon Fishing Adventures features Peacock Bass and other exotic species!
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[Introduction- home] [Amazon River Cruises] [Mundo Maya] [Amazon Fishing]
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This page was created and copyrighted in August, 1998 - Revised January 2008.
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Welcome to our photo gallery!
For photos from previous Explorations Inc.'s adventures:
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Peru: Amazon and Andes Explorations:
Amazon Misc Scenery and Activites
Peru: Amazon Fishing Adventure:
Mundo Maya Explorations: