Highlands to Lowlands Tour

11 Days
From $ 1,349

About this SAAT Travel tour: Highlands to Lowlands

This incredible adventure takes in the beauty of Southern Peru, the Inca heartland and the Amazon jungle. As well as soaking up the unique atmosphere of Peru’s most ancient historical sites, you’ll travel through some amazing natural habitats stretching all the way from the Andes to the Amazon. Kicking off in Arequipa, a beautiful white city dwarfed by an immense volcano, you’ll head towards the breathtaking Colca Canyon and then on to Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, before finishing up in a jungle retreat deep in the Amazon rainforest. Our experienced guides will be on hand at all times to ensure that you get the best experience possible. So, if you’re intent on exploring the ultimate of Southern Peru then travel to Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the Amazon with South America Adventure Travel. All tours are tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to the Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Cusco and the Amazon for less with South America Adventure Travel

  • Day 1

    The Beauty of the White City


    Colca Canyon

  • Santa Catalina
  • You'll be met at the airport and assisted with your domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa. Upon arrival in the 'White City', as it is known in Peru, you'll be met by a SAAT representative and transferred to your hotel where you'll have some time to relax before being collected for a tour. Arequipa has a quaint and quiet charm to it, and the beautiful Misti Volcano towering in the city's background makes for some dramatic views. Part of the tour includes a privately guided walk around the Santa Catalina Monastery. Almost like a secret area within the city the monastery was closed to the outside world for over 300 years, and in many ways still remains separate from other sections of the city. The brightly colored colonial architecture set amidst a network of cobbled streets has a unique atmosphere and Santa Catalina's serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Arequipa's streets is worth savoring. The evening will be spent at your leisure, so make sure you chat to your travel specialist about where to find the best bars and restaurants to check out while you unwind.
  • Day 2

    Through Salinas into Colca


    Colca Canyon

  • Vicunas
  • After a relaxed breakfast you'll head out for your adventure to the Colca Canyon. A SAAT representative will collect you at your hotel and transport you to the Canyon, stopping at the Mirador de los Andes along the way. The landscapes in this area are some of the most spectacular in all of Peru. The canyon is also home to the Andean condor and it is sometimes possible to get some quality snaps of these amazing birds in flight. You may also spot some wild vicuna as you pass through the 'Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve'. In the afternoon you'll continue on to Chivay where you'll be invited for lunch at the renowned Casa de Mamayachi before beginning a light trek around the area visiting the Medicinal Baths and Thermal Springs. In the evening you'll be transferred to your comfortable Canyon lodge for an evening of relaxation. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 3

    The Condor's Canyon


    Colca Canyon

  • Condor
  • After enjoying a delicious breakfast in your lodge you'll be collected for another day at the Colca Canyon. The first stop on the day's tour will be the Cruz de Condor which offers the most impressive views over the Canyon. A number of giant Andean condors frequent thermal currents in the area and it is a perfect spot for taking photographs, so don't forget the camera! You'll then continue back to your hotel enjoying a stop in a traditional Andean village along the way. The evening is set aside for you to enjoy at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 4

    To The Ancient Andean Capital


    Lima to Cusco

  • Cusco Fountain
  • This morning you will transfer to the airport in Arequipa for your domestic flight to Cusco. As soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.
  • Day 5

    Historical Highlights of Cusco


    Cusco

  • Sacsawayman
  • After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)
  • Day 6

    Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley


    Sacred Valley

  • Scenic Sacred Valley
  • After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 7

    Citadel in the Clouds


    Machu Picchu

  • Mapi
  • Following a relaxed breakfast your South America Adventure Travel guide will deliver you to the train station where you'll take a morning departure bound for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Once there our guides will meet you; and while one takes you directly up to the majestic ruins, our other representatives will ensure your luggage arrives safely at your hotel. Machu Picchu is probably best described as being indescribable. The setting alone is unique and leans quite seriously towards the spiritual. It's not easy getting one's head around just how the Inca managed it all; stones the size of houses are beautifully carved and fitted jigsaw-like together with amazing craftsmanship. The Inca hadn't even invented the wheel, and yet somehow they built Machu Picchu. This is all discussed on your tour around the area following which you'll have some time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon transportation is provided back to Aguas Calientes where you can choose to spend the evening in the relaxing hot springs located at the end of town. (Meals - B) *** Note: Ask your travel specialist about our promotional upgrade to Vistadome Train and Private Guided Machu Picchu Tour!
  • Day 8

    Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco


    Machu Picchu to Cusco

  • Backpacker
  • If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, you can return again today for another look. It's best to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)
  • Day 9

    Into Tambopata


    Posadas Amazonas

  • Frog
  • After your domestic flight to Puerto Maldonado we will meet you and guide you to the river port where you'll ride a motor canoe to the Posadas Amazonas lodge. Here in the jungle things start to get wild, it's hot, buggy, and extremely vivid. As soon as you've been settled in and shown around the lodge you'll head out to the observation tower which boasts stunning views over the surrounding Tambopata jungle. Sunset is a great time to catch the resident birdlife coming home to roost. In the evening, following a delicious jungle dinner you'll be led on a night hike in search of some nocturnal adventure and wildlife. (Meals - B, L, D)
  • Day 10

    Life in the Oxbow


    Posadas Amazonas

  • Howler Monkey
  • Today you will wake to the natural sounds of the forest, enjoy a delicious lodge breakfast and then board a motorized canoe and head out for Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake. The lake is often visited by a small family of otters, and around it a number of other curious creatures make their home. Among them is the Hoatzin bird, something akin to a hairy pterodactyl, it must be seen to be believed. Later on you'll visit a parrot hang-out where, from behind a strategically placed blind, you'll be able to take a look at the hoards of macaws that gather there, scrambling to get the juiciest bits of clay off the side of a jungle cliff face. Scientists believe they eat the clay in order to neutralize toxins in their diets. After lunch back at the lodge you'll visit the Centro Nape where a resident medicine man will give you an introduction to some jungle plants and their medicinal/psychotropic properties. Dinner will then be served back at the lodge, following which you can take another wild night walk or relax for the remainder of the evening. (Meals - B, L, D)
  • Day 11

    Return to Lima and End of Tour


    Posadas Amazonas to Lima

  • River Shot
  • After breakfast you'll have an early morning transfer to Puerto Maldonado for you domestic flight to Lima, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)
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