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Capybara: Complete itinerary

Wildlife hike in the Amazon Rainforest · Cuzco · Hike Las Salinas · Machu Picchu · Hike Pisac Ruins · Meet llamas and alpacas · Hot Springs · Sea-kayak Lake Titicaca · Homestay with indigenous people of Lake Titicaca · Explore Taquile Island

Sunday - Arrive Lima

Welcome to Peru! Your trip begins in Lima, Peru's busy capital, once known as the City of Kings. In colonial times Lima was one of the richest cities in the world and South America's most important port, linking the continent to the Spanish Empire. We'll meet you at the airport in Lima and head to the Hotel Ariosto in the beach suburb of Miraflores, where we'll have a chance to rest before setting off in the morning.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Ariosto, Lima (D)

Monday - Journey to the Amazon rainforest, wildlife hike

Today we'll take an early flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, a frontier town in the Amazon basin. We'll take to dugout canoes and head down the Madre de Dios river, deep into the jungle. Listen for howler monkeys in the tropical forest canopy above and spot macaws perched high on the river banks. A small portage is the gateway to our own Amazon jungle lodge. This area is teeming with life – we'll look for giant otters, capuchin monkeys, caiman and many other jungle animals on our boat trip to the lodge. After lunch we'll head out in search of the plethora of monkey species this area is famous for. Keep an eye out for the macaw and other rainforest dwellers that come out in search of food in the late afternoon!

ACCOMMODATION: Lodge in the Amazon Jungle (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Wildlife hike, jungle exploration

This morning we'll explore some of the 15 miles of jungle trails that criss-cross the dense rainforest surrounding Lake Sandoval – an Amazonian oxbow lake that’s home to an incredible number of different plants, animals and fish. We'll be hiking through lush forest and paddling in dugout canoes to experience the wealth of native flora and fauna under the Amazon rainforest canopy, and learning how the indigenous people thrive in this challenging environment. After lunch, you have the rest of the afternoon free to hang out at the lodge with a book, play some games or continue exploring on your own. If you'd prefer to hike a little more this afternoon, we'll head out with our naturalist guide on the little known trails that pass by the homes of some of the rarest animals in the rainforest. This evening we'll brave the jungle again in search of the nocturnal South American crocodile – the caiman.

ACCOMMODATION: Lodge in the Amazon Jungle (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Free time in Cuzco

This morning we leave the rainforest and take a boat back to Puerto Maldonado where we'll catch a very short flight to Cuzco. This afternoon you can join your trip leader to check out more of the amazing culture and history of Cuzco, or do your own thing with the family. It’s also a great chance for parents to get away and have some time on their own, while we look after the kids - whatever you prefer. Cuzco is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon - it’s the archaeological capital of the Americas and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. You’ll get a sense of this history as you walk Cuzco's central streets, lined with massive Inca-built stone walls that form the foundations of colonial as well as modern buildings. We can give you a special pass that allows the whole family access to Cuzco's most popular temples, churches and fortresses for a self-guided tour of one of the most interesting cities in the world. Llamas and Alpacas often roam the cobbled streets of Cuzco, and the kids will love being able to get up close to a city dwelling, friendly animal!

ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco lodgings, Cuzco (B,L,D)

Thursday - Hike to Las Salinas

Today we'll head into the majestic Valle Sagrado de Los Incas where we'll take an incredible hike to the salt pans of Salinas. After a visit to the fascinating town of Maras, we'll hike up to these amazing salt pans with the Rio Urubamba and the Sacred Valley below us - the views and history are amazing! These unique salt fixtures have been used since Inca times. A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt-laden water which the Incas diverted into salt pans to produce salt and they're still used today! Later, we'll head back to Cuzco for dinner.

ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco lodgings, Cuzco (B,L,D)

Friday - Explore Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu

After an early breakfast, we'll take a scenic train journey to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Today you can walk for about two hours or much longer if you like. We have all day to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place. If you're keen to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, we'll hike up for spectacular views of the site and the valley below. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we'll head down to Aguas Calientes - a small town deep in the Urubamba river valley. We'll soak in the hot springs that give the town its name, and spend the evening in this quaint sub-tropical town.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Viajeros, Aguas Calientes (B,L,D)

Saturday - Explore Pisac Market, hike Pisac ruins, visit llama farm

This morning we'll take a short train ride back to Ollantaytambo then continue on to Pisac where we'll have a chance to check out at the colorful Mercado Artesanal de Pisac, one of the most vibrant markets in South America. From here we'll begin a spectacular hike up to the Pisac ruins. These Inca terraces rise 2,000 feet up from the river below. It's a heart-pumping hike up the ancient agricultural terraces, but you will never forget the views of Pisac and the Urubamba valley! After exploring the ancient complex, we'll head back down to the valley below us at 9,500 feet. This is the largest existing fortress-city complex of the Incas, and a testament to their ingenuity! Later, we'll visit a camelid farm where we can pat llamas, alpacas, and lovable vicuñas (the cutest of all the llama family!), before returning to Cuzco.

ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco lodgings, Cuzco (B)

Sunday - Soak in hot springs, journey to Puno

Today we'll cross La Raya Pass on our way to Puno, the capital of the Altiplano area and gateway to Lake Titicaca. This is one of Peru's great highland areas, where herds of alpaca and llama graze and mountains rise steeply from the valley. It’s the longest drive on the trip, so on the way, we'll stop at some hot springs for a soothing soak in the thermal pools, before arriving to Puno. Known as the folklore capital of Peru, Puno’s narrow streets are filled with the sounds of the typical Andean music called saylla, the hustle and bustle of the local market, and the bell-ring of the Triciclos, the local bicycle taxis!

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Italia, Puno (B,L,D)

Monday - Sea kayak Lake Titicaca, home stay with local Quechua people

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable body of water. The Incas believed it was the cradle of civilization, the place where all life began. It's a very special place and this morning we'll paddle across it in sea kayaks. The kayaking is spectacular for young and old, but if you prefer, you can take our boat across instead. Our hosts on Amantani Island, members of the indigenous Quechua community, will meet us at the lake's edge and take us home for lunch. Afterwards they're always up for a game of high-altitude soccer. Aside from being a great workout (we are at over 12,000 feet now!), it's good fun and a unique way to get to know our hosts. When the game is over, we'll hike to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) temple at the summit of Amantani Island for views of the breathtaking sunset as it sinks below the horizon of Lake Titicaca. Later we'll split up and each family will return to the individual homes of our hosts, for a home-cooked meal with a local family. These hard working folk have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries, weaving wool, keeping cuy (guinea pigs), and farming their smallholdings. After dinner, we head down to the community hall to learn a few traditional dances with the locals. It's very quiet here - no streetlights, no cars - and you'll enjoy the tranquility.

ACCOMMODATION: Local family home, Amantani Island (B,L,D)

Tuesday - Explore Taquile Island

After breakfast we'll take a short boat ride across to Taquile Island. The views across Lake Titicaca as we hike up to the isolated village are spectacular – have your camera ready! The customs of this tiny community are totally unique to Lake Titicaca. We'll have the chance to hang out with local people in the Plaza de Armas and learn about their famous textiles and fascinating traditions, before enjoying a traditional lunch of sopa de quinua. After lunch we'll return to Puno by boat for our final dinner together.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Italia, Puno (B,L,D)

Wednesday - Return to Lima, depart for home

This the last day of your 11-day family trip to Peru. We have a short drive to the nearby town of Juliaca before jumping on a plane back to Lima. If you have time to spare after the trip, we're happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. But if you're on your way home today, we'll send you and the kids back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and good times you'll have had with us in Peru! (B)

Important Information

ACCOMMODATIONS:  The Capybara family trip is an active adventure-oriented trip around Peru. We've chosen family-friendly, clean and comfortable accommodation throughout. We've chosen accommodations for their comfort, cleanliness and charm - not the number of channels available on the television!

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:  You can arrive in Lima any time on day one – if you land by 5pm we’ll include dinner with your guide, but many flights arrive later and that’s fine too. Our representative will meet you at the airport whichever flight you arrive on. We recommend arriving a day or so early so everyone is well rested before the trip starts, and we’re happy to help out with booking pre-trip accommodation at our joining hotel, Hotel Ariosto.

PICK-UP INFORMATION:  Whenever your flight gets in, we’ll be there to pick you up from the Lima international airport and take you to the Hotel Ariosto. This airport transfer is included in your trip fare.

DROP OFF INFORMATION:  On the last day of the trip we’ll fly you back to Lima. Your trip ends at Lima airport. We recommend booking your flight to depart out of Lima after 5pm on the last day of the trip, to allow for delays and check-in times. Most international flights out of Lima don’t leave until the evening, but if you’re staying on in Lima for longer, or you need any special arrangements made, just let us know!

FITNESS:  You and your kids need to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy yourself on the Capybara, but no more than the average family. This trip is all about family fun so the activities are suitable even for people with short legs! If you're concerned about your fitness level, or whether your kids are up to it, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Capybara and our other trips.

EXPERIENCE:  You don't have to have any outdoor experience to do one of our trips. We offer trips that enable your family to make the most of South America's awesome outdoor environment, culture and history. Our staff are highly trained and very experienced outdoor guides, and we'll look after you! You don't need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy our rides either. We have so many options that you don't have to ride at all, if you'd rather hike, shop or have some time to yourself! All you need is to be energetic and you'll have a wonderful time in Peru with us. But if you like a challenge we will certainly give you one! For example, at Machu Picchu, if you're keen we'll hike up to Huayna Picchu Mountain. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience, and we have an impeccable safety record.

FLEXIBILITY:  Peru is a developing nation and we won't tell you that everything in South America runs like clock work. What we can tell you is that we are experienced adventure travel leaders, and we know how to keep things operating as smoothly as possible, even when conditions are challenging. That's why we are here! But you'll find your trip even more enjoyable if you remember to bring flexibility and a sense of humour with you.

INCLUDED:  The trip fare is US$2499 for adults, and US$2299 for kids 15 and under. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our families from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:

• All guiding services. We always have an experienced trip leader on every trip and will usually have a local guide on most of our excursions for extra local knowledge.
• Comfortable accommodation for the entire trip.
• Tips for local activity guides and drivers are taken care of by ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA.
• All your meals.
• All drinking water. Alcohol and other drinks are not included.
• All hiking, kayaking, and other activities as described in the itinerary, excluding optional activities as noted. No activities are compulsory.
• All ground transportation including return train ride to Machu Picchu, as well as round trip flights between Lima, the Amazon rainforest and Puno.

NOT INCLUDED:  This is your vacation, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you!  You’ll have a few snacks and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and you’ll probably feel like tipping your guide at the end of a fabulous time, but you won’t be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip! 

We’ll see you soon!

Itinerary valid through April 2008

If you have questions about getting down to South America, basic questions about our trips, how to pack, what to do with extra time before or after your trip, or have general questions about South America, click here to read answers to frequently asked questions.