Arrive in Lima, Peru. You will be met upon arrival at the airport gate by your experienced Bold Earth expedition leaders. We will do a quick equipment check to make sure you are ready for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we will explore. We load into Bold Earth vans and embark on an unforgettable Peruvian adventure! During orientation we learn about our daily routine, expectations and safety rules. The process of growing together as a group begins.
We fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the Tambopata river port in Puerto Maldonado. Puerto Maldonado is situated at the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and Tambopata Rivers and is a bustling, booming tropical frontier town. Its principal activities are gold mining, Brazil nut collecting, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism.
Amazon Volunteer Project: Spend five days volunteering at a center for the rehabilitation and conservation of wild animals. Work alongside staff to feed and take care of animals so they can be successfully released back to their natural habitats. Other activities may include assisting with maintenance of an interpretive trail, construction of animal enclosures and interaction with the local community. Amazon Shelter is a group of professionals and volunteers devoted to promote the protection and welfare of wild animals, free or captive, and the conservation of their natural environment. We will spend 5 days volunteering with Amazon Shelter’s Center for Rehabilitation and Conservation of Wild Animals which acts as a rescue, educational and research center devoted to the protection of wildlife and the environment. Their mission is to conserve and protect Peruvian Amazon wildlife by working on the rehabilitation of wild animals that arrive at the Center, with an emphasis on species threatened by the destruction of their habitat and illegal trade. Amazon Shelter also interacts with local communities and visitors in general, promoting the conservation of the rainforest and the sustainable management of natural resources. During our stay we may see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as: Black Skimmer, Pied Lapwing, Capped Heron, Jabiru Stork, Roadside Hawk, and several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers and local wildlife such as tapir, monkey, etc.
Today we will fly to Cuzco and explore this fascinating city. Cuzco is the oldest constantly inhabited city in the Americas and the hub of the South American travel network. In the afternoon we take a city tour and visit the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and the Tambomachay ruins. Cuzco is steeped in history, tradition and legend, stonewalls line the streets and Inca ruins abound. We get a chance to explore Coricancha which was once the Inca Empire's richest temple and literally covered with gold!
We depart early from Cuzco to visit the Sacred Valley of the Inca, which surrounds Cuzco. In the morning we tour the market town of Pisac at the entrance of the Sacred Valley. Pisac is a typical Andean market town seemingly unchanged for centuries. After lunch we continue on to the town Ollantaytambo and the ruin of the same name that overlooks the town. Ollantaytambo's narrow streets, canals and Inca walls recall its ancient heritage. We'll spend the night in Cuzco.
Our hike in the Andes is an exceptional, challenging hike and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This trek is about 25 miles long and takes three full days to complete. The trail is often steep and we cross some high mountain passes. For our effort we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Andes. We pass through beautiful cloud forest and view the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range and the beautiful Urubamba Valley. Our trek finishes up with a soothing hot springs plunge! After hiking, we explore Machu Picchu while the mist rises off the mountains in the early morning sun. Machu Picchu is both the best known of the Inca ruins and the most mysterious. To this day, archaeologists can only speculate on the origin and function of these magnificent ruins.
We will travel by bus to Puno. Located at 12,565 feet or 3830 meters above sea level, Puno is the place at the highest altitude, on the tour, where we spend the night. As a result the weather can be extreme with cold nights and a strong sun during the day. There is a lot to see in Puno itself and also several good spots offering scenic views of Lake Titicaca and the town. Puno is known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days.
We board a boat on Lake Titicaca - the largest lake in the world above 2000 meters. An overnight home stay affords an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and participate in the local traditions. We assist the community by bringing with us specially constructed chimneys which we install into the mud walls of their kitchens. By properly ventilating their living structures, the local people enjoy much healthier living conditions. The next morning we disembark at Amantani Island, which has beautifully terraced hills and the remains of ancient temples of the sun and moon, which pre-date the Inca Empire. Our final stop is the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Collas and the Incas. Today about 300 people live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining. The Totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake, are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of many layers of reeds. As the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top.
Our final adventure is a surf camp on the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Outside of Lima, we enjoy instruction and waves suitable for any ability level. We are outfitted with surfboards and wetsuits and our local instructors teach us the basics as well as the necessary tips for success. Soon enough, we are all catching waves and enjoying the south american surf. Surfing and relaxing on the beach is the ideal way to complete our journey together in this fascinating country.
Our last night together in Peru, we pack up our gear and celebrate our successes. We share our memories and challenges and say our good-byes. All great things must come to an end. Early on the last day we go to the airport, confident, tan and strong after the most incredible summer of adventure, fun and friends.
Two CPR and First Aid certified BOLD EARTH leaders and one local South American guide; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.
Flights to/from Lima, Peru; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs, $35 airport exit fee.
LEARNING • SERVICE • LEADERSHIP
