Discovering Peru
16 Days / 15 Nights
Overview
A complete journey through Peru’s most spectacular cultural treasures and landscapes. This 16-day adventure allows you to discover the fascinating history and diversity of the country, from the Pacific coast to the Andean highlands. Begin by exploring Lima, the gastronomic capital of Latin America, before heading to the southern coast to experience the mysterious Nazca Lines and the rich biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas. Continue to Arequipa, the elegant “White City,” and experience the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Explore the mythical Lake Titicaca and its floating islands before reaching Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Enjoy the enchanting Sacred Valley and culminate your journey with a unique experience: a 2-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail to the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu. A complete experience that will provide unforgettable memories of the land of the Incas.
Note: this package can be 100% personalized by adding extra activities!
- Duration: 16 days
- Arrival: Daily
- Departure: Daily
- Destinations: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS | OVERNIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Arrival in Lima |
— |
Lima |
|
Day 2 |
Lima – City Tour |
(B) |
Lima |
|
Day 3 |
Lima – Paracas (Bus) |
(B) |
Paracas |
|
Day 4 |
Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Nazca |
(B) |
Nazca |
|
Day 5 |
Nazca – Lines Overflight – Arequipa (Night bus) |
(B) |
Night bus |
|
Day 6 |
Arrival in Arequipa – City Tour |
(B) |
Arequipa |
|
Day 7 |
Arequipa – Colca Canyon |
(B) (L) |
Colca |
|
Day 8 |
Colca – Cruz del Condor – Puno |
(B) (L) |
Puno |
|
Day 9 |
Puno – Lake Titicaca Islands |
(B) (L) |
Puno |
|
Day 10 |
Puno – Cusco (Sun Route/Titicaca Train/Andean Explorer) |
(B) (L) |
Cusco |
|
Day 11 |
Cusco – City Tour |
(B) |
Cusco |
|
Day 12 |
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) |
(B) (L) |
Sacred Valley |
|
Day 13 |
Sacred Valley – Start of 2D/1N Inca Trail |
(B) (L) (D) |
Aguas Calientes |
|
Day 14 |
Machu Picchu – Cusco |
(B) |
Cusco |
|
Day 15 |
Cusco – Free Day |
(B) |
Cusco |
|
Day 16 |
Cusco – Lima – International Departure |
(B) |
—— |
Breakfast (B)
Lunch (L)
Dinner (D)
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Lima
Welcome at Jorge Chávez International Airport by our staff and transfer to your hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district. Free time to acclimate and rest from your journey. In the afternoon, if time permits, enjoy a stroll along the Miraflores boardwalk with impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. Welcome briefing where our representative will give you the details of your trip and answer your questions.
Day 2:
Lima - City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit to the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid in the middle of the city. Continue with a tour of Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will see the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the San Francisco Convent with its impressive catacombs. Free lunch to taste the famous Lima gastronomy. In the afternoon, visit to the Larco Museum with its exceptional collection of pre-Columbian art and the bohemian district of Barranco. Rest of the afternoon free to explore on your own or rest.
Day 3:
Lima - Paracas (Bus)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the bus station to take your transport to Paracas (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival in this coastal area, reception and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or take an optional tour of the Paracas National Reserve, an impressive wildlife sanctuary with spectacular rock formations, deserted beaches, and cliffs facing the sea. On this optional tour, you can appreciate “The Cathedral,” an impressive rock formation sculpted by wind and sea.
Day 4:
Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Nazca
Early breakfast at the hotel. Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, known as “The Galapagos of Peru.” During this 2-hour tour, you will observe abundant marine fauna including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and hundreds of guano birds. You will also spot the enigmatic “Candelabro,” a geoglyph carved in the sand visible only from the sea. Return to land and transfer to the bus station to continue to Nazca (approximately 3 hours). Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon to rest or visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum, which exhibits important pieces of the Nazca culture.
Day 5:
Nazca - Lines Overflight - Arequipa (Night bus)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to the aerodrome to take the overflight of the mysterious Nazca Lines, gigantic drawings traced in the desert that can only be appreciated from the air. During the 30-35 minute flight, you will observe the most representative figures such as the hummingbird, the monkey, the condor, the astronaut, and many more, while the pilot maneuvers so you can see them from both sides of the small plane. Return to the hotel to pick up your luggage. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit to the Cantalloc aqueduct, a pre-Hispanic irrigation system that is still functional today, and to artisanal ceramic workshops. At the indicated time, transfer to the station to take your night bus to Arequipa (approximately 9 hours). Night on board in a bed seat.
Day 6:
Arrival in Arequipa - City Tour
Early arrival in Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its buildings made of sillar (white volcanic stone). Reception and transfer to your hotel. Time to rest and have breakfast. In the afternoon, tour of the city visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the impressive Church of the Company of Jesus. Continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery, an authentic citadel within the city with colonial streets, squares, and gardens. Finally, visit to the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto to get spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding volcanoes, including the majestic Misti. Rest of the afternoon free to explore on your own or rest.
Day 7:
Arequipa - Colca Canyon
Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. The approximately 4-hour journey crosses impressive landscapes and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we can observe vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. Stop at the viewpoint of the volcanoes and at the highest point of the route, Patapampa (4,910 masl), known as the “Viewpoint of the Andes.” Descent to the valley and arrival at the town of Chivay for lunch. In the afternoon, optional visit to La Calera hot springs to relax in its medicinal waters. Transfer to your hotel in the Colca Valley. Free dinner and accommodation.
Day 8:
Colca - Cruz del Condor - Puno
Very early breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Cruz del Condor, the best point to observe the flight of the Andean condor and appreciate the impressive depth of the canyon. Time to contemplate this natural spectacle, with the possibility of seeing these majestic birds soaring over the abyss. Visit to some traditional villages of the valley where time seems to have stood still, such as Maca and Yanque, with their beautiful colonial churches. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, journey to Puno bordering Lake Titicaca (approximately 5 hours). Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Free time to acclimate to the altitude (3,827 masl) and rest.
Day 9:
Puno - Lake Titicaca Islands
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day boat excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. First stop at the amazing floating islands of the Uros, built entirely of totora (lake reed). You will meet their inhabitants, who keep their ancestral traditions alive and learn about their peculiar way of life. Continue to Taquile Island, famous for its textiles considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Walk to the main square (the island has no motorized vehicles) enjoying impressive views of the lake. Traditional lunch with a local family. Return to Puno in the afternoon and free time to rest.
Day 10:
Puno - Cusco (Sun Route/Titicaca Train/Andean Explorer)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Day dedicated to the spectacular journey from Puno to Cusco. Choose between these options:
Tourist Bus Option (Sun Route): Travel in a comfortable bus with an on-board guide, making stops at important archaeological sites such as Pukará, La Raya (highest point at 4,335 masl), the Wiracocha temple in Raqchi, and the “Sistine Chapel of America” in Andahuaylillas. Includes buffet lunch.
Titicaca Train Option: Travel aboard the elegant Titicaca Train, which combines comfort with a unique cultural experience. Enjoy large windows to admire the Andean landscape, an open-air observation car, and a delicious lunch.
Andean Explorer Option: Luxury experience aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, one of the most impressive high-altitude trains in the world. Enjoy panoramic views, first-class service, and gourmet lunch.
Arrival in Cusco in the afternoon, reception, and transfer to your hotel in the historic center.
Day 11:
Cusco - City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to acclimate to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 masl). We recommend walking calmly through the cobblestone streets near the Plaza de Armas or enjoying a coca tea in one of the colonial cafes. In the afternoon, guided tour of the city including the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun Qorikancha, and the impressive nearby archaeological complexes: the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the amphitheater of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and the ceremonial baths of Tambomachay. Return to the historic center with free time to explore the craft markets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Free dinner with recommendations of local restaurants to try the delicious Cusco gastronomy.
Day 12:
Cusco - Sacred Valley (Pisac and Ollantaytambo)
After breakfast, full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop at the colorful Pisac market, where local artisans display their best creations in textiles, ceramics, and silverware. Visit to the impressive Inca ruins that dominate the valley from above. Buffet lunch with organic products in a restaurant with views of the Urubamba River. In the afternoon, visit to the fortress and town of Ollantaytambo, the only Inca site that has remained inhabited since the 13th century and the starting point for the Inca Trail. Check-in at your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Briefing with your trekking guide to prepare for tomorrow’s Inca Trail and delivery of the duffel bag for the trek. Early rest to prepare for the adventure.
Day 13:
Sacred Valley - Start of 2D/1N Inca Trail - Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel. Early pick-up and transfer to km 104 of the railway (approximately 2.5 hours), starting point of the short Inca Trail. You will start your trek ascending towards the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,700 masl), one of the most beautiful archaeological complexes of the Inca Trail. Here you will enjoy a box lunch while your guide explains the importance of this site. Continue the trek through tropical cloud forests and landscapes of impressive beauty with views of the Urubamba River. Arrival at Inti Punku (Sun Gate) in the mid-afternoon, from where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Brief initial visit to the citadel to take photographs and then descent to Aguas Calientes. Check-in at your hotel, dinner included at a local restaurant, and rest to prepare for tomorrow’s complete visit.
Day 14:
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Early wake up and breakfast at the hotel. Bus up to the entrance of Machu Picchu to enjoy a complete visit of the citadel. Your guide will accompany you during an approximately 2-3 hour tour of the main sectors of this enigmatic archaeological site according to the circuit assigned by the Sanctuary administration. Learn about the theories of its construction and purpose while exploring temples, squares, fountains, and agricultural terraces. Free time to explore on your own, meditate, or simply absorb the magical energy of the place. At the indicated time, bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco (approximately 2 hours). Arrival and check-in at your hotel in the historic center.
Day 15:
Cusco - Free Day
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore Cusco at your own pace or rest. You can visit the numerous museums of the city, such as the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, explore the picturesque San Blas neighborhood with its artisanal workshops, or simply relax in one of the cafes overlooking the Plaza de Armas. We also offer optional excursions (at additional cost) such as the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray, or the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuamán. In the evening, optional farewell dinner with folk show to celebrate the success of your Peruvian adventure.
Day 16:
Cusco - Lima - International Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, assistance for connection with your international flight or extension of your stay if desired. End of our services.
Included
Included
- Personalized assistance at all airports and stations
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- 14 nights accommodation in selected hotels (2 Lima, 1 Paracas, 1 Nazca, 1 Arequipa, 1 Colca, 2 Puno, 4 Cusco, 1 Sacred Valley, 1 Aguas Calientes)
- 1 night in sleeper bus (Nazca-Arequipa)
- Daily breakfasts at the hotels
- 6 lunches according to itinerary
- 1 dinner in Aguas Calientes
- All visits mentioned with professional bilingual guides
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological sites and attractions
- Excursion to the Ballestas Islands
- Overflight of the Nazca Lines
- Tour to the Colca Canyon
- Excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca
- Tourist bus or train (Titicaca/Andean Explorer) from Puno to Cusco (according to chosen option)
- Land transportation in tourist buses Lima-Paracas-Nazca
- Official permit for the Short Inca Trail (2D/1N)
- Specialized guide for the Inca Trail
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
- Travel kit and information materials
- Travel assistance insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights (Cusco-Lima)
- Airport departure tax (if applicable)
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Personal expenses or unspecified services
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain (must be requested in advance)
- Optional excursions during free day in Cusco
- Trip cancellation insurance
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is designed for a gradual acclimatization to altitude, starting at the coast and gradually ascending
- The permit for the Inca Trail must be reserved several months in advance (up to 6 months in high season)
- Inca Trail permits are personal and non-transferable and must be reserved with the exact name on your passport
- Moderate physical condition is required for the Inca Trail trekking
- The visit to Machu Picchu is subject to the circuit assigned by the Sanctuary administration
- The Nazca Lines overflight is subject to weather conditions
- The night buses mentioned are superior category with reclining bed seats
- The visit to the Ballestas Islands is subject to weather conditions
- The order of visits may vary according to weather and operational conditions
- Early booking is recommended, especially for the high season (May to September)
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