Embark on a 14-day journey through Peru’s most remarkable destinations with our “Exploring Peru” travel package.
This complete tour showcases the very best that Peru has to offer, beginning in the magnificent city of Cusco.
Explore the ancient Inca capital and marvel at its breathtaking colonial architecture.
The tour continues with a visit to the “Sacred Valley” of the Incas, where you’ll experience the vibrant Andean market of Pisaq.
Discover the wonders of the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu, hidden in the heart of the jungle.
Sail the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, and explore the fascinating islands that adorn its tranquil waters.
Journey to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on earth, and explore at your own pace.
Marvel at the enigmatic Nazca Lines from above on a thrilling airplane ride.
Experience the thrill of a dune buggy ride around the enchanting Huacachina Oasis and practice sandboarding.
Finally, end your adventure with a memorable boat trip around the Ballestas Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
This incredible tour will leave you with unforgettable memories of Peru’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures.
Day 1º: Welcome to the city of Lima. Pick up from the airport. Overnight in Lima.
Day 2º: Flight to the City of Cusco. Welcome to the Inca Capital. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 3º: Cusco City Tour. Visit the best attractions in and around Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4º: Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5º: Private tour to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Return by train to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6º: Travel to Puno by bus visiting the tourist attractions on route. Overnight in Puno.
Day 7º: Highlights of the Lake Titicaca. Uros floating community and Homestay on Amantani Island.
Day 8º: Visit the Taquile Island. Return to Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Day 9º: Excursion to the Colca Canyon. Hot springs in Chivay. Overnight in Colca Canyon.
Day 10º: Visit the Cruz del Condor. Bus ride to the city of Arequipa. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 11º: Free day in Arequipa. Night bus to the city of Nazca. Overnight on the bus.
Day 12º: Arrival in Nazca – Nazca Lines Flight – Bus to Paracas via Huacachina Oasis – Overnight in Paracas.
Day 13º: Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Bus to Lima – Overnight in Lima.
Day 14º: Departure Day.
Day 1°: Welcome to Lima.
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative at the airport of Lima.
Afterwards, our driver will transfer you to your hotel located at the residential zone of Miraflores.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Miraflores *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 2°: Flight to the city of Cusco.
At the designated time, our guide will lead you down to the river dock where we will take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado.
Depending on airline schedules, your journey back to the city might require dawn departures.
Once in Puerto Maldonado, we will go to our office to pick up your luggage, and finally, we will drop you off at the airport.
Later on we will flight to the Inca capital of Cusco.
Like many Andean cities, Cusco is situated at a high altitude (3300 m) therefore the weather is usually cold.
Upon arrival in Cusco, our guide meets you at the airport and then drives you to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Cusco *** or similar.
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Day 3°: City Tour of Cusco.
This gorgeous city lies at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of the Andes.
In Inca times Cusco was a Holy City, a place of pilgrimage, the center of their Empire.
A sacred place the Incas themselves believed was “The Navel of World”, thus its real name “Qosqo”.
Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture.
Colonial churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner.
Many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework’s, which served as foundation for most Spanish constructions.
09:00 h. We will do a City Tour, visiting the City’s Highlights located in and around Cusco.
We start off by visiting the huge “Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman”.
This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco.
Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted.
It is said that it took 20,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of Sacsayhuaman is uncertain.
The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec.
In the Inca language Pachacutec means Cataclysm, the man essentially credited with founding the Inca Empire.
Later on we will visit another important Inca site known as “Qenqo”.
This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern.
In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead.
Afterwards we will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of “Tambomachay”, a temple dedicated to the God of Water.
After these visits, we will return to Cusco, where we will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, “The Temple of Koricancha”.
Koricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire.
According to archaeologists it housed over 2000 priests and attendants.
Here religious ceremonies were constant and offerings to the Gods and the Inca’s ancestors were made each day.
Finally we will visit the beautiful “Cathedral” of Cusco.
This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI.
It contained nearly 400 colonial paintings, including many from the Cusco School, which was prominent in the 17th century.
After our city tour our local guide will drop you off at your hotel. Free evening.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Cusco *** or similar.
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Day 4°: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Train to Aguas Calientes.
07:30 h. Our Sacred Valley adventure starts right at your hotel in Cusco. Our guide. will pick you up from there.
Along the road, we will stop at the textile center of Awanacancha, a project dedicated to elaborate textiles.
During this short visit, we will see various types of Andean Camels, among them the Vicuñas and Alpacas.
Shortly afterward we head to Pisac, an important Inca citadel located high above the modern Pisac village.
Like many other important Inca buildings, Pisac also houses the Intiwatana, a ritual stone associated with the stars.
Following the itinerary, we walk down to the Pisac Market, which is located nearby.
Around the market, you will find musical instruments, ceramics, and many other handmade products.
Shortly after we visit a typical restaurant, in which we will enjoy good Andean gastronomy.
Finally, we will leave in the direction of the Ruins of Ollantaytambo.
Once at the ruins, we do a private visit to the most important sectors of Ollantaytambo.
After exploring the ruins, we go to the station to take the train to Aguas Calientes.
The train trip offers great natural sceneries, with many staggering views.
Upon arrival, our representative will collect you from the station and then escort you to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Machu Picchu *** or similar.
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Day 5°: Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
06:00 h. After breakfast, our local guide meets you at the hotel lobby.
Shortly afterward, we take a tourist bus up to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
The bus ride lasts only twenty minutes, but, offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Upon our arrival, our guide will show you the most remarkable sights of Machu Picchu.
Among the buildings, we will visit the Sun Temple, the Solar Clock, the Condor temple and others.
Likewise, we also visit the Inti Watana altar, a magnificent spot at the heart of Machu Picchu.
After exploring the city, you will have free time to walk around Machu Picchu on your own.
Eventually, we will take the bus down to the village of Aguas Calientes.Free time for lunch.
In Aguas Calientes, you have plenty of restaurant options.
Finally, we head to the station to take the train back to Cusco.
Upon your arrival in Cusco, our driver picks you up at the station and then drives you to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Cusco *** or similar.
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Day 6°: Tourist Bus to the City of Puno.
06:15 h. Our representative picks you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfers you to the bus station.
At the station, we take a special bus service that includes various tourist attractions on the route.
Firstly, we head to the village of Andahuaylillas, where we visit a church considered as the Sistine Chapel of America.
This little chapel features one of the best religious decorations from the colonial era as well as impressive paintings.
Secondly, we stop at the Inca Ruins of Racchi, a large Inca complex built with mud and stones.
According to archaeologists, these are the remains of the Temple of Viracocha, an important Inca deity.
Shortly afterward, we drive towards the picturesque “village of Sicuani,” where we will enjoy an excellent lunch buffet.
After lunch, we drive up till we reach the highest point on the route, a cold place called “La Raya,” 4335 meters high.
At this natural lookout point, we will get off the bus and take a look around the area.
Finally, we visit the Pukara Museum, an interesting building that houses ancient monoliths.
Later, we will continue our journey to the city of Puno.
Upon arrival in Puno, our representative will pick you up from the station and transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Puno *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 7°: Lake Titicaca – Uros Floating Islands & Amantani Island.
07:30 h. Our tour starts at your hotel in Puno; our guide will pick you from there.
Shortly after that, we take you to the local harbor where we board a small motorboat.
First, we visit “The Uros Floating Islands”, a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades.
Long ago the Uros tribe conceived on the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes.
During our visit, we will learn with our local guide about their lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs.
Besides, we also take a short ride on a reed boat.
After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our boat journey to the “Amantani Island.”
Upon arrival in Amantani, a group of islanders will welcome us to the harbor.
Shortly after that, we join our host family and go up with them to their house.
Late in the afternoon, we will do a short trek towards the summit of a hill known locally as Pachamama.
Once at the top, you can appreciate awe-inspiring views of Lake Titicaca.
Soon after sunset, we return to our house where our family will be awaiting us for dinner.
In the evening our group will gather at the local saloon where islanders celebrate a party, accompanied with live music.
Our local families will provide you with traditional clothing to attend this nice party.
Men get ponchos and wooly hats; the hats are handmade by the families, with unique styles.
Likewise, women get colorful skirts, blouses, and veils.
Overnight at a family house on the Amantani island.
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Day 8°: Taquile Island – Return to Puno.
08:00 h. Shortly after breakfast, we will leave towards Taquile, a traditional Quechua speaking community,
Once at the harbor of Taquile, we will walk up along a narrow path to the center of the island.
Along the way, we will enjoy stunning views, including the Bolivian mountain range.
As soon as we get to the top, our local guide will explain about traditional life on Taquile.
Afterward, we visit a workshop where Taquile islanders elaborate beautiful garments, including colorful hats and waistcoats.
Likewise, the iconography on their textiles reflects their way of life, nature, as well as their beliefs.
Among their garments, stands out the Calendar Waistbands, which depicts the annual cycles connected to agricultural activities.
Later on, you will have free time to walk around, and by noon we meet up for lunch at one local restaurant.
Finally, we will descend to the harbor to take our boat back to Puno.
Upon arrival in Puno, our driver will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Puno *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 9°: Trip to the Colca Canyon.
06:00 h. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Puno.
Shortly afterward, we will drive towards the Colca Canyon.
The bus trip offers along the road beautiful Andean scenery.
Following an ascending road, we will arrive at the zone of Viscachani.
Here we will make a stop to stretch our legs and drink coca tea.
Later on, we will continue ascending a dirt road till.
Afterward, reach the highest point of our trip, The lookout point of the Andes (4,800 m)
We will get off the bus for some minutes to observe at a distance the volcanoes of Arequipa.
Among them, we can see the volcanoes Ubinas, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active) and Ampato.
Shortly after, we will drive downhill to the village of Chivay.
In Chivay, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will go to our hotel.
Late, in the afternoon, you have free time to explore by yourself the little village of Chivay.
Before the sun sets, we will visit the thermal pools of Chivay, where we can relax a bit.
Afterward, we will return to the hotel.
By night we visit a local restaurant where we can taste a delicious Andean dinner.
At the restaurant, we can also enjoy live Andean music and typical dancing.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Colca *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 10°: Visit the Cruz del Condor. Bus ride to the city of Arequipa.
06:00 h. We leave the hotel early in the morning, soon after breakfast.
Today we will visit the popular lookout point called Cruz del Condor.
The bus ride to the Cruz del Condor takes 2 hours.
The road offers excellent views of the Colca River and the surrounding mountains.
We will make some stops for photos along the way.
After some time, we will reach the zone known as Cruz del Condor.
The condors usually fly over the area during the morning, so it will be easy to spot them around here.
Also, you will have time to walk along the edge of the canyon and take great photos.
Eventually, we will return to the village of Chivay, passing through typical villages on route.
At around 12:00 h, we will stop at a restaurant for lunch.
Finally, we will drive to the city of Arequipa.
Upon arrival in Arequipa, our driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Arequipa *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 11°: Free Day in Arequipa – Night bus to Nazca.
20:30 h. We pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa and transfer you to the bus terminal.
At the station, we take a tourist bus towards the city of Nazca.
Overnight on the bus.
Inclusions:
Day 12°: Nazca Lines Flight – Trip to Huacachina Oasis.
06:30 h. Upon your arrival in Nazca, our local guide will meet you at the bus station.
Afterward, we go to the Nazca airport to take the flight over the Nazca Lines.
For this aerial tour, we use a small, Cessna aircraft with spacious room for five people; each one gets a window seat.
Our pilot will give each participant a Nazca Lines Map that will be very helpful during the flight.
Among the animal figures, you will see a representation of a monkey, a spider, a whale, and other creatures.
Likewise, you will see various birds, such as a condor, a parrot and a heron, as large as three soccer fields.
Additionally, we will also find geometrical shapes and hundreds of straight lines.
Finally, your plane lands in Nazca, and we continue our journey to the Huacachina Oasis by private transport.
Upon arrival in Huacachina Oasis, we will meet our local driver who will take us on a nice tour out in the desert.
There will be some points where you will have the opportunity to practice Sandboarding.
Our driver will take you to the summit of some dunes, and from the very top, you will be able to slide down.
You will find a wide variety of dunes, suitable for the very beginners, as well as for professional sandboarders.
The dune buggy tour lasts 90 minutes.
After the tour, we take you to the hotel located at the Paracas Bay by private car.
Overnight at the Hotel Double Tree Paracas By Hilton *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 13°: Balllestas Islands – Bus to Lima.
07:45 h. Our local guide picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the Ballestas harbor.
At the dock, you will take a speed-boat, which is well equipped with life vests and comfortable seats.
Along the way we will see a figure known as The Candelabra, an enigmatic design etched on a hillside, overlooking the sea.
As soon as we get near the Candelabra, the captain will stop the boat, and our guide will provide information about it.
Shortly afterward, we continue towards the Ballestas Islands, which are located a few minutes away.
Once we reach the Ballestas Islands, we visit the best zones where animals are frequently seen.
Among the creatures, you will see hundreds of marine birds, mainly cormorants, and pelicans.
Likewise, you will see also groups of penguins, which are usually standing near their caves.
Besides the zone also shelters large colonies of sea lions, which are generally swimming nearby.
On the other hand, it is forbidden to walk on the islands; therefore, we will see all the marine life from our boat.
Also, you will also see a variety of crustaceans and unusual rock formations.
Eventually, we will return to the mainland.
12:30 h. Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the station to take the bus to the city of Lima.
Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the bus station. Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel Casa Andina Standard Miraflores *** or similar.
Inclusions:
Day 14°: Departure Day.
End of our trip Highlights of Peru.
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