Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival in Lima, a member of our team will be waiting for you at the airport to escort you by private transport to your hotel in the city center.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and prepare for your exciting Peruvian holiday adventure!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided morning tour of the city of Lima, also known as the City of Kings. You'll discover Lima’s history through its three key periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern.
Start with a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial center built in the 4th century A.D. and later considered a "Sacred Village" by the Incas. Then head to the Historic Center of Lima, where you’ll see over 50 colonial landmarks, including Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, the Main Square, Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Lima Cathedral, and City Hall.
Visit the San Francisco Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Latin America. Explore its impressive collection of colonial religious art and descend into the mysterious underground catacombs, which served as a burial site during colonial times.
To complete the tour, visit the most traditional residential areas of modern Lima: San Isidro’s El Olivar Park, the vibrant Miraflores district, and the coastal shopping and cultural center Larcomar.
In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus terminal. A 5-hour bus ride will take you south to the coastal town of Paracas. Upon arrival in the early evening, private transport will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred at 8:00 AM to the port for a speedboat tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands, a natural sanctuary home to dolphins, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and over 200 species of migratory and resident birds.
On the way, you'll see the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, a giant figure etched into the desert hillside using techniques similar to the Nazca Lines. Its exact origin and meaning remain a mystery, captivating visitors with its size and depth.
After the tour and a short rest, continue by road to Ica (approx. 1.5 hours). You'll visit the Main Square of Ica and explore both the historic and modern areas of the city. Then enjoy a guided tour of the artisanal winery Tres Generaciones, where you’ll learn about the traditional production of wine and pisco, followed by tastings.
Next, head to the famous Huacachina Oasis, known as the “Oasis of the Americas.” Surrounded by massive desert dunes, you’ll experience the thrill of a sand dune buggy ride — a highlight of the region!
Later in the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus station. Your journey to Nazca takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival in the evening, private transportation will take you to your hotel for check-in and overnight rest.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the local airstrip to begin your flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, one of the world’s greatest archaeological enigmas.
Once weather conditions are favorable, you’ll board a small aircraft for a breathtaking 35-minute scenic flight over the vast desert. During the flight, you’ll see massive geoglyphs including the Hummingbird, Spider, Monkey, Dog, and the Astronaut – among others – all etched into the ground over 1,000 years ago.
Important Note: July and August are windy months, and flights may be delayed or canceled due to changing weather conditions. Please consult our travel advisors for alternatives or policies related to cancellations caused by strong winds.
In the evening, you'll be transferred to the bus terminal to board an overnight executive bus to Arequipa. The journey lasts approximately 10 hours, and you will arrive in the White City the following morning, where our staff will transfer you to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the Arequipa station, our team will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your hotel. At check-in, you’ll be offered complimentary coca tea and muña tea, traditional herbal infusions that help your body adjust to the high altitude of the White City.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour through the charming streets of Arequipa. You’ll explore colonial-era cathedrals, monasteries, and churches while your guide shares fascinating stories of the city’s evolution — from its ancient Andean roots to Spanish colonization and modern-day life.
Among the highlights is a visit to the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, located in the majestic Plaza de Armas. This grand cathedral has withstood and been rebuilt after multiple earthquakes, standing today as an impressive symbol of resilience and architectural beauty.
Continue your tour with a visit to the picturesque Yanahuara Viewpoint, where elegant white sillar stone arches frame sweeping views of Arequipa and the iconic volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Built in the 19th century, the site also features a beautiful baroque church from 1750 and engravings of notable Arequipa residents in the stonework.
The tour concludes with a visit to the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast and beautifully preserved convent that offers a glimpse into the cloistered life of nuns during the colonial period. You'll be returned to your hotel with a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and history of this unforgettable city.
Today, your Peruvian adventure continues early in the morning as we depart from the White City of Arequipa and head toward the Colca Valley, one of the most scenic drives in southern Peru. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes with snow-capped volcanoes, dramatic pampas, terraced farmlands, and traditional Andean villages where ancient customs are still alive.
Our first stop will be the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you’ll see herds of guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing freely in their natural habitat. This reserve, spanning over 366,000 hectares, was created to protect local flora, fauna, and especially vicuñas, through an active conservation program.
In addition to camelids, the reserve is also home to the adorable southern viscacha (a large rodent), foxes, Andean condors, and flamingos (parihuanas). A total of 169 animal species have been recorded here, including 23 mammals and 138 bird species — making it a paradise for birdwatching tours and ecotourism lovers.
We’ll continue by skirting around Chucura Volcano until reaching the breathtaking Patapampa Viewpoint at 4,900 meters above sea level. From here, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the towering peaks and volcanoes of the Arequipa region, including Hualca Hualca, Sabancaya, and Ampato.
Our cultural journey then takes us to the charming town of Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon. This area features remarkable pre-Incan agricultural terraces and colonial architecture, reflecting the region's blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Enjoy a traditional lunch before checking into your hotel in Colca.
The afternoon is free for you to explore the area at your own pace. You may opt for a short trek along the Colca Canyon or relax at the nearby La Calera Hot Springs, just 3 km from Chivay. These natural thermal baths, heated by the region’s seismic activity, offer healing properties and average temperatures of 38°C (98°F).
It’s another early start on your Peruvian journey, as today you’ll head to the famous Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, located near the small towns of Maca and Cabanaconde. This area is one of the best places in the world to spot the majestic Andean condors as they glide on rising thermal air currents through the Colca Canyon.
These enormous birds, with wingspans of up to 3 meters (10 feet), often soar in pairs and can be seen especially in the early morning and late afternoon. If conditions are right, you’ll likely witness them flying close to the edge of the canyon, offering unforgettable views.
From the viewpoint, you’ll also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views into the depths of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
Around 1:00 PM, you’ll begin your journey to the high-altitude city of Puno, considered the folkloric capital of Peru. Along the route, you’ll stop at Patapampa Pass (4,900 m / 16,000 ft), the highest point on your journey so far. From here, the landscape opens up into vast highland plains with sweeping views of volcanoes including Sabancaya, Ampato, Misti, and Chachani.
At this sacred mountain pass, you’ll also see the traditional stone piles (apachetas) left by travelers and pilgrims over centuries. Leaving a stone is a way to ask the mountain gods for protection and a safe journey.
You’ll arrive in Puno around 6:00 PM, where our team will help you check into your hotel and get settled for a restful evening along the shores of Lake Titicaca.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the dock for your full-day boat tour on the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Your first stop is the Uros Floating Islands, an ancient group of artificial islands made entirely of totora reeds. Located in the bay of Puno at an altitude of 3,810 meters (12,500 ft), these islands have been continuously inhabited since pre-Inca times. You'll learn about the unique way of life of the Uros people, including how they build and maintain their floating homes and boats.
Next, you’ll continue to Taquile Island, known for its welcoming locals who have preserved traditional customs and vibrant attire. The island is famous for its exquisite handwoven textiles, rich in symbolic patterns and bold colors that reflect the Andean worldview and culture.
You’ll enjoy a traditional lunch on the island and have time to explore its peaceful trails and community before returning to Puno in the late afternoon.
At 7:00 AM, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the bus station for your journey to Cusco. But this is not just any bus ride — it’s a full-day cultural experience with guided visits to several key sites along the way.
Pukara: Visit one of the oldest ceremonial centers on the Andean Plateau. You’ll see impressive pre-Inca sculptures and tombs that reveal the region’s early cultural and spiritual traditions.
La Raya Pass: The highest point of the route at 4,335 meters above sea level, and the natural boundary between the Quechua and Aymara cultures. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and spot herds of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas in the wild.
Raqchi: Explore the majestic Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous Inca structure measuring 100 meters in length and supported by massive columns. This site once served as a spiritual and administrative center.
Andahuaylillas: Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” this colonial church is adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes, baroque altars, and vibrant murals blending Andean and Spanish artistry.
You’ll arrive in Cusco around 5:00 PM, where our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to relax and prepare for the next stage of your adventure.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll begin your half-day guided city tour of Cusco and its surrounding archaeological sites from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (approx.).
The tour starts in the historic center of Cusco with a visit to the Main Cathedral, home to impressive colonial art and architecture. Then you'll explore Koricancha — the ancient Temple of the Sun, once the most sacred site of the Inca Empire, now housed within the Santo Domingo Convent.
Next, the tour moves to the outskirts of the city to explore the famous Inca ceremonial complexes that surround Cusco:
- Sacsayhuaman: A magnificent fortress known for its megalithic stone walls and symbolic shape of a puma’s head.
- Q’enqo: A religious site believed to have been used for worship of the Earth and for ceremonial rites.
- Puca Pucara: A red-stone military outpost used for defense and administrative control.
- Tambomachay: Also known as the “Temple of Water,” thought to be a site for ritual water worship.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Cusco.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 AM to begin your full-day Sacred Valley excursion. The tour explores the beautiful Andean valley once considered the heart of Inca civilization.
Your first stop is the town of Pisac, famous for its bustling artisan market and stunning archaeological site. Here, you’ll see ancient agricultural terraces, an observatory, a sundial (Intiwatana), and a complex irrigation system.
After exploring Pisac, you'll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in the valley, offering regional Andean specialties.
In the afternoon, visit the imposing Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, a former Inca stronghold built with enormous stones. The site is divided into two areas — one dedicated to religious and ceremonial functions, and the other to residential and administrative uses. The terraces, towers, and temples reflect its strategic importance and defensive role in Inca history.
After the tour, you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and rest in preparation for your visit to the Inca citadel the next day.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will board a bus up to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas.” Perched high above the Urubamba River valley, this majestic site was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire.
Although Hiram Bingham, an American historian, brought Machu Picchu to international attention in 1911, the site was known to locals long before that. The true purpose of this mountaintop sanctuary remains a mystery, as the Incas left no written records. Was it a royal estate, a religious sanctuary, or something else entirely?
During your guided tour with a local expert, you’ll explore the stone pathways, temples, and agricultural terraces. As you walk among the ruins, imagine what life might have been like in this awe-inspiring citadel, located at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters (7,900 feet).
In the afternoon, you will return by train to Cusco, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at the scheduled time for your transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima.
This marks the end of your incredible 11-day journey through Peru, including the world wonder Machu Picchu and many other unforgettable experiences along the way!
It’s amazing how much you can explore in a well-planned 11-day itinerary in Peru!
