Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, where our representative will give you a warm welcome to the land of the Incas. Private transfer to your selected hotel in the exclusive districts of Miraflores or Barranco, located along the Pacific Ocean. Lima, the former “City of Kings” and current Peruvian capital, is home to more than ten million inhabitants and represents the perfect meeting point between historical tradition and Latin American culinary innovation. Rest at your hotel to recover from your journey and prepare for the adventure that will begin the following day.

Day 2: Lima – Ica / Sandboarding in Huacachina

Early morning transfer to the bus station to board your transportation to Ica (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, check-in at your selected accommodation and time for lunch. In the afternoon, excursion to the Huacachina oasis, a spectacular desert landscape where you will experience the thrill of sandboarding down impressive golden dunes. At sunset, enjoy an incomparable panoramic view from the top of the dunes as the sun sets over the desert. Return to your hotel in Ica to rest.

Day 3: Ica – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Lima

Early departure to Paracas (approximately 1 hour). Boarding for the tour to the famous Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galapagos of Peru.” During this 2-hour maritime excursion, you will observe an extraordinary diversity of marine fauna including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various bird species. You will also be able to appreciate the enigmatic “Candelabro,” a gigantic figure traced in the sand of the coastal dunes. In the afternoon, return to Lima by bus (approximately 3 hours). Arrival and transfer to your hotel to rest.

Day 4: Lima – Flight to Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Arequipa, the “White City.” Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel in the historic center. Free time to acclimatize to the altitude (2,335 masl) and for a first exploration of this beautiful colonial city built with sillar, the characteristic white volcanic stone of the region. We recommend a walk through the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful in Peru, surrounded by colonial portals and dominated by the imposing Cathedral. Welcome dinner with a tasting of delicious Arequipa cuisine.

Day 5: City Tour in Arequipa

After breakfast, guided tour of the main attractions of Arequipa. Visit to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a true citadel within the city with cobblestone streets, squares, and courtyards that have remained intact for centuries. Continuation to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, where you will meet “Juanita,” the perfectly preserved mummy of a sacrificed Inca girl. In the afternoon, visit to the Yanahuara viewpoint and the colonial district of San Lázaro, the founding neighborhood of Arequipa. Return to the hotel and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Day 6: Arequipa – Colca Canyon (First day)

Early departure to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. The route crosses the picturesque highlands and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat. Stop at the volcano viewpoint with spectacular views of the Andean landscape dominated by the Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes. Lunch at a local restaurant. Arrival at your lodge in Chivay or Yanque. In the afternoon, possibility to visit the natural hot springs to relax. Dinner and accommodation in the valley.

Day 7: Colca Canyon – Bus to Puno

Very early breakfast to head to the Cruz del Cóndor, the best point to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor and appreciate the impressive depth of the canyon. After this unforgettable experience, return to Chivay with stops in the picturesque villages of Maca and Yanque, with their colonial churches and pre-Inca terraces. Lunch in Chivay. In the afternoon, you will board your tourist bus to Puno (approximately 6 hours), crossing beautiful landscapes of the highlands. Arrival in Puno, located on the shores of the majestic Lake Titicaca at 3,810 masl. Transfer to your hotel to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile Islands

Full day dedicated to exploring the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Boat excursion to the fascinating floating islands of the Uros, built entirely with totora (local reed). Its inhabitants will explain their peculiar way of life and their ancestral traditions. Continuation to Taquile Island, famous for its textiles considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Typical lunch on the island prepared with local products. During the tour, you will enjoy impressive views of the crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains. Return to Puno at sunset.

Day 9: Puno – Sun Route – Cusco (Transport Options)

After breakfast, three options for your journey to Cusco:

OPTION 1 – TOURIST BUS: Departure by tourist bus along the “Sun Route” to Cusco. During this spectacular journey of approximately 10 hours, you will make stops at sites of interest such as Pucara, with its small lithic museum; La Raya pass (4,335 masl), the highest point of the route with panoramic views of the Andes; the ruins of Raqchi, where the temple to the god Wiracocha stands out; and the “Sistine Chapel of America” in Andahuaylillas. Buffet lunch included en route.

OPTION 2 – TITICACA TRAIN: Travel aboard PeruRail’s Titicaca Train, an intermediate option in comfort and price. This approximately 10-hour journey offers beautiful views of the highlands, snack and beverage service, and a stop at La Raya for photographs and handicraft purchases. Includes lunch and onboard entertainment.

OPTION 3 – ANDEAN EXPLORER TRAIN: Luxury experience aboard PeruRail’s Andean Explorer train. This approximately 10-hour journey offers incomparable views of the highlands from the comfort of elegantly decorated cars. Includes gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard entertainment. The train makes a brief stop at La Raya to appreciate the magnificent landscape and buy handicrafts.

Arrival in Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and transfer to your hotel in the historic center.

Day 10: City Tour in Cusco

Free morning to acclimatize to the altitude of Cusco (3,399 masl). In the afternoon, guided tour of the city, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral that houses invaluable works of colonial art, and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, an ancient Inca religious center on which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built. Continuation to the impressive Inca ruins of the surroundings: the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, with its enormous perfectly assembled stone blocks; the amphitheater of Qenqo; the red fort of Puka Pukara; and Tambomachay, known as “the baths of the Inca.” Return to the hotel and free evening to enjoy Cusco’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 11: Sacred Valley – Train to Aguas Calientes

Full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the colorful Pisac market, where you can purchase beautiful handicrafts, and to its impressive Inca ruins with agricultural terraces. Buffet lunch at a country restaurant. Continuation to Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire, still inhabited today. At the end of the afternoon, transfer to the train station to take the railway to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The approximately 1.5-hour journey offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River winding between mountains. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and rest to prepare for the next day.

Day 12: Machu Picchu – Train to Ollantaytambo – Transfer to Hotel

Very early, ascent by bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The guided tour will be adapted according to the circuit available at the time of your visit (Circuit 1, 2, 3, or 4, determined by the Archaeological Park authorities). Each circuit offers different perspectives of this spectacular archaeological site, where you will discover temples, squares, palaces, workshops, stairways, and water fountains perfectly adapted to the mountainous environment. Optionally, depending on the availability of additional tickets, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (reservation required months in advance). Free time to explore on your own or meditate before such an impressive human work. Descent to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, train journey back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel in this charming living Inca town. Free time to enjoy the tranquility of the Sacred Valley.

Day 13: Maras – Moray – Salt Mines – Chincheros

After breakfast, departure to visit the Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, impressive circular terraces that created different microclimates for crop experimentation. Continuation to the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of salt ponds that have been exploited since pre-Inca times, creating a surreal landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit to Chincheros, a traditional Andean textile center where you will learn about ancestral weaving and natural dyeing techniques. You will also visit its beautiful colonial church built on Inca foundations. Return to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Day 14: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

Very early departure (4:00 am) for a full-day excursion to the impressive Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. After a journey of approximately 3 hours, you will arrive at the starting point of the hike. Gradual ascent of approximately 2 hours (5,000 masl) through beautiful Andean landscapes until reaching this extraordinary geological phenomenon with its multicolored stripes resulting from mineralization. Enjoy time for photographs and to absorb the beauty of the place. Descent and picnic lunch. Return to your hotel in Cusco at the end of the afternoon.

Day 15: Humantay Lake

Another day of adventure with an early departure to the base of Humantay Lake. After a journey of approximately 3 hours, you will arrive at Soraypampa where you will begin a moderate ascent hike (approximately 1.5 hours) until reaching this spectacular turquoise lake located at 4,200 masl, at the foot of the imposing Humantay snow-capped mountain. Free time to enjoy the landscape, make offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), or simply contemplate the majesty of Andean nature. Box lunch. Return to Cusco at sunset.

Day 16: Free Day in Cusco

Full day at your disposal to rest, shop, or explore this fascinating city further. Possibility of optional activities such as: Peruvian cooking classes, visit to San Pedro Market to learn about local ingredients, additional museums such as the Pre-Columbian Art Museum or the Inca Museum, or simply relax in a café on the Plaza de Armas observing local life. Free evening to enjoy Cusco cuisine in one of its excellent restaurants.

Day 17: Wakrapukara

Full-day excursion to Wakrapukara, one of the less visited but most impressive archaeological sites in the region. Early departure to the province of Acomayo (approximately 3 hours journey). From the starting point, moderate hike of approximately 2 hours until reaching this spectacular pre-Inca citadel built on a cliff, with panoramic views of the Apurimac canyon. The name Wakrapukara means “horn-shaped fortress” due to the rocky formations that surround it. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to Cusco.

Day 18: Cusco – Flight to Puerto Maldonado

Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take your flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Reception at the airport and transfer to the lodge offices where you can reorganize your luggage (it is recommended to leave non-essential luggage in storage and take only what is necessary to the jungle). Navigation of approximately 45 minutes along the Madre de Dios River to your ecological lodge. Lunch with local products. In the afternoon, the activities will depend on the selected lodge, but generally include a first guided walk on nearby trails to become familiar with the Amazonian ecosystem. Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.

Day 19: Tambopata National Reserve

The activity program will be determined by the selected lodge, but generally includes:

• Wake up at dawn to take advantage of the greatest wildlife activity.
• Boat excursions and walks on specialized lodge trails.
• Possible visits to lakes, macaw clay licks, or observation towers, depending on the location and specialty of the lodge.
• Depending on the lodge, you can enjoy activities such as bird watching, piranha fishing, nocturnal caiman search, or visits to conservation centers.
• All meals included with Amazonian local products.
• Informative talks in the evening about ecosystems, conservation, or indigenous cultures.

Day 20: Tambopata Exploration

Continuation of the activity program of the selected lodge:

• Activities will vary according to the specialization and location of the lodge (some specialize in wildlife sighting, others in cultural experiences with native communities).
• Possible excursions to macaw clay licks, walks for monkey observation, visits to native communities, or navigation through jungle rivers and lakes.
• For the more remote lodges, you can visit conservation areas with less human presence and greater biodiversity.
• Special farewell dinner at the lodge, generally with traditional Amazonian dishes.

Day 21: Puerto Maldonado – Flight to Lima – Farewell Peru!

Early in the morning, after breakfast, return by boat to Puerto Maldonado. Luggage pick-up at the lodge offices and transfer to the airport to take your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, depending on your international flight schedule, possibility of a last visit to Miraflores or Barranco for last-minute shopping or a farewell lunch (optional). Transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your return flight. End of our services and see you soon Peru!

INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATION

• 3 nights hotel in Lima (selected category)
• 1 night hotel in Ica (selected category)
• 2 nights hotel in Arequipa (selected category)
• 1 night hotel in Colca (selected category)
• 2 nights hotel in Puno (selected category)
• 6 nights hotel in Cusco (selected category)
• 2 nights hotel in Ollantaytambo/Sacred Valley (selected category)
• 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (selected category)
• 3 nights at Amazon lodge in Puerto Maldonado (selected category)

MEALS

• 21 breakfasts (all hotels and lodge)
• Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Amazon stay
• 1 lunch in Paracas
• 1 welcome dinner in Arequipa
• 1 lunch in Chivay
• 1 lunch on Lake Titicaca tour
• 1 buffet lunch on the Puno-Cusco route (bus option)
• 1 lunch on train (Titicaca or Andean Explorer options)
• 1 buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
• 1 lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Box lunch on Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake excursions
• 1 picnic lunch in Wakrapukara

TRANSPORTATION

• All airport-hotel-airport transfers
• Tourist bus Lima-Ica-Paracas-Lima
• Boat transfer to Ballestas Islands
• Land transfer Arequipa-Colca-Puno
• Water transport on Lake Titicaca
• Puno-Cusco transport options (tourist bus or train)
• Private transport during all indicated tours
• Round-trip train ticket to Machu Picchu (service according to chosen category)
• Bus ticket up and down to the Machu Picchu citadel
• River transfers to lodge in Puerto Maldonado

TOURS AND ENTRANCES

• Sandboarding Tour in Huacachina
• Ballestas Islands Tour in Paracas
• Professional guided city tour in Arequipa
• Colca Canyon Tour with entrance to Cruz del Cóndor
• Full-day tour to Lake Titicaca (Uros and Taquile)
• Professional guided city tour in Cusco
• Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley with professional guide
• Visit to Maras, Moray, Salt Mines, and Chincheros
• Excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
• Excursion to Humantay Lake
• Excursion to Wakrapukara
• Guided visit to Machu Picchu according to available circuit
• Activities and excursions in the Amazon according to the selected lodge program
• Entrance tickets to all archaeological sites mentioned in the itinerary

SERVICES

• Official bilingual tourist guides (Spanish and English)
• Permanent assistance throughout the tour
• Complimentary water bottles during land tours

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

AIR TRANSPORTATION

• International flights to/from Peru
• Domestic flights:
  • Lima – Arequipa
  • Cusco – Puerto Maldonado
  • Puerto Maldonado – Lima

MEALS

• Lunches and dinners not specified in the program
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during included meals

PERSONAL EXPENSES

• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and lodge crew
• Purchases and souvenirs
• Laundry services
• Telephone calls
• Optional excursions not mentioned in the program (e.g., Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)

OTHERS

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Expenses derived from problems beyond our organization (strikes, delays, cancellations, weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.)
• Airport taxes or departure fees
• Excess baggage charges

IMPORTANT:

• The exact itinerary and activities in the Amazon will depend on the lodge selected by the client. Various options exist, each with different comfort levels and expedition proposals.
• The visit to Machu Picchu will be carried out according to the circuit available at the time of the visit, assigned by the Archaeological Park authorities.
• A copy of a valid passport is required for booking.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for visiting the Amazon.
• Some excursions (Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Wakrapukara) involve medium-high demand hikes and are carried out at high altitudes (up to 5,000 masl). Prior acclimatization is recommended.
• Trains to Machu Picchu vary in category and services (Expedition, Vistadome, First Class, or Hiram Bingham). The package price will be adjusted according to the chosen option.
• It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours in advance for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights.
• Consult us about cancellation and modification policies.
• This itinerary can be customized according to your preferences and availability.