The magic of the Inca Empire inspired us to plan this grand tour of Peru. You'll have the opportunity to discover not only the magnificent Machu Picchu but also other remarkable sites across this fascinating country, as we traverse it from one corner to another.
We'll explore UNESCO sites, ancient ruins, and natural reserves, stroll through modern and colonial cities, venture to high altitudes in the Andes Mountains, visit the highest navigable lake in the world, Titicaca, and marvel at the grandeur of the condors in the Colca Canyon.
In short, your journey through Peru will be a true odyssey!
ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES
- Machu Picchu: The iconic Incan archaeological site perched on a mountaintop, offering breathtaking views and a captivating history.
- Nazca Lines: The mysterious geoglyphs etched into the Nazca Desert, visible only from the air and considered an archaeological enigma.
- Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, featuring floating islands and traditional indigenous communities.
- Sacred Valley of the Incas: A picturesque region with Incan archaeological sites, traditional markets, and Andean villages, including Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.
- Cusco: The former capital of the Inca Empire, a city with colonial architecture and Incan ruins, including Sacsayhuamán.
- Colca Canyon: A deep canyon with dramatic landscapes where you can observe Andean condors soaring in the sky.
- Arequipa: Known as the "White City," with its volcanic stone buildings, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and the nearby Misti Volcano.
- Ballestas Islands: Famous for their wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species.
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): A naturally colorful mountain with layers of red, green, and yellow hues created by mineral deposits.
TRIP DETAILS
- Meeting place: 17.05.2025, at the hotel in Lima (If you require transfer to/from the airport, please mention it at the time of booking)
- Tour starts: 18.05.2025
- Tour Ends: 31.05.2025
ACCOMODATION:
- Lima: Hotel Mariel 3* or similar
- Paracas: Hotel Los Frayles 3* or similar
- Nazca: Hotel Alegria 3* or similar
- Arequipa: Hotel Majestad 3* or similar
- Colca: Hotel Pozo del Cielo 3* or similar
- Puno: Hotel Qalasaya 3* or similar
- Cusco: Hotel Suenos del Inka 3* or similar
- Ollantaytambo: Hotel Samanapaq 3* or similar
- Aguas Calientes: Hotel Vista Machu Picchu 3* or similar
ITINERARY
Here is a day-by-day description of the places included in the tour.
Day 1: Lima
Arrival in Lima and transfer to accommodation. You’ll have free time to rest and acclimate after the flight.
Day 2: Lima City Tour + Paracas
In the morning, we will explore Lima on a city tour, visiting the historic center, Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Barranco district, known for its street art and bohemian atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will travel to Paracas, a picturesque resort on the Pacific coast.
Day 3: Ballestas Islands + Dunes of Ica
In the morning, we will take a trip to the Ballestas Islands, famous for their wildlife, where we can see colonies of sea lions, birds, and penguins. Then, we’ll continue to Ica for sandboarding and buggy rides in the sand dunes. In the evening, we will travel to Nazca.
Day 4: Nazca Lines and Arequipa
We will start the day with a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs visible only from the air. In the afternoon, we will head to Arequipa, a city known for its impressive white volcanic stone architecture.
Day 5: Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery
This day, we will explore Arequipa, visiting main attractions like Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, followed by a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast and historic monastic complex.
Day 6: Colca Canyon
We will depart early in the morning for Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where we can admire spectacular landscapes and stay overnight in Chivay, a traditional town located in the heart of the canyon.
Day 7: Cruz del Condor and Puno
In the morning, we will visit Cruz del Condor, a famous viewpoint for observing Andean condors. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Puno, a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca
We will spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, visiting the Uros and Taquile islands, known for their indigenous communities and ancient traditions.
Day 9: From Puno to Cusco
We will travel from Puno to Cusco, with stops along the way to visit attractions on the Route of the Sun, including temples and archaeological sites.
Day 10: Rainbow Mountain (optional excursion) or Free Time in Cusco
This day is dedicated to an optional excursion to Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain, with its stunningly colorful rock formations, or to exploring Cusco on your own.
Day 11: Sacred Valley of the Incas
We will explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the Pisaq Market, famous for its local crafts, and the Ollantaytambo fortress, an impressive archaeological site.
Day 12: Cusco City Tour + Aguas Calientes
In the morning, we will take a tour of Cusco and the nearby ruins, including Sacsayhuamán. In the afternoon, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Day 13: Machu Picchu Tour
We will spend the day exploring the famous Machu Picchu archaeological site, a symbol of the Inca civilization and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Day 14: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
We will have the option to return to Machu Picchu or hike Huayna Picchu for a panoramic view of the site. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco.
Day 15: Flight Cusco – Lima
We will take a return flight from Cusco to Lima, where we will have free time for last-minute shopping or exploration.
Day 16: Departure
Your trip has come to an end, and you are free to depart from Lima at any time, forever cherishing the memories of this Great Peruvian Tour.
