Highlights Of The Andes
21 Days / 20 Nights
Overview
This unforgettable 21-day journey will take you through the most spectacular and diverse landscapes of Peru, allowing you to deeply explore the fascinating history, cultural richness, and natural wonders of the country. You will begin in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, globally recognized for its exquisite gastronomy and rich colonial heritage. You will continue to Arequipa, the elegant “White City” built from volcanic sillar stone, where you will have time to explore its colonial streets, impressive monasteries, and enjoy its delicious regional cuisine.
The adventure continues to the majestic Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, home to the magnificent Andean condor and traditional communities that maintain their ancestral customs. You will proceed to the mystical Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where you will visit the amazing floating islands of the Uros and the traditional Taquile Island, experiencing the ancient traditions of its inhabitants.
The journey will then take you to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where Inca and Spanish cultures merge to create a unique atmosphere. You will explore the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas with its impressive agricultural terraces, colorful craft markets, and fascinating archaeological sites, culminating this part of the journey at the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
For nature and adventure lovers, the itinerary includes an excursion to the impressive Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most photogenic and recently discovered natural treasures in the Peruvian Andes. Finally, you will venture into the heart of the Amazon rainforest in the Tambopata National Reserve, where you will experience the extraordinary biodiversity of the tropical forest, observe exotic wildlife, learn about ethnobotany, and connect with native communities and their ancestral knowledge.
This carefully designed itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization to the altitude, maximizing your comfort while enjoying the incredible geographic, cultural, and biological diversity that only Peru can offer. With select accommodations, expert guides, and authentic experiences, this journey through the Peruvian Andes and Amazon will become the adventure of your lifetime.
- Duration: 21 days
- Arrival: Daily
- Departure: Daily
- Destinations: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Tambopata
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS | OVERNIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Arrival in Lima |
—— |
Lima |
|
Day 2 |
Lima – City Tour |
(B) (L) (D) |
Lima |
|
Day 3 |
Flight Lima – Arequipa |
(B) |
Arequipa |
|
Day 4 |
Arequipa – City Tour |
(B) (L) |
Arequipa |
|
Day 5 |
Arequipa – Free Day |
(B) |
Arequipa |
|
Day 6 |
Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Puno |
(B) (L) |
Puno |
|
Day 7 |
Puno – Lake Titicaca Islands |
(B) (L) |
Puno |
|
Day 8 |
Puno – Cusco (Tourist Bus/Andean Explorer Train/Titicaca Train) |
(B) (L) |
Cusco |
|
Day 9 |
Cusco – City Tour |
(B) (D) |
Cusco |
|
Day 10 |
Cusco – Free Day |
(B) |
Cusco |
|
Day 11 |
Cusco – Sacred Valley (Pisac and Ollantaytambo) |
(B) (L) |
Sacred Valley |
|
Day 12 |
Sacred Valley (Maras, Moray and Chinchero) |
(B) (L) |
Sacred Valley |
|
Day 13 |
Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes (Train to Machu Picchu) |
(B) (D) |
Aguas Calientes |
|
Day 14 |
Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes |
(B) (L) |
Aguas Calientes |
|
Day 15 |
Aguas Calientes – Cusco |
(B) |
Cusco |
|
Day 16 |
Cusco – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) |
(B) (L) (D) |
Cusco |
|
Day 17 |
Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Tambopata |
(B) (L) (D) |
Tambopata |
|
Day 18 |
Tambopata – Lake Sandoval Excursion |
(B) (L) (D) |
Tambopata |
|
Day 19 |
Tambopata – Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy |
(B) (L) (D) |
Tambopata |
|
Day 20 |
Tambopata – Jungle Activities |
(B) (L) (D) |
Tambopata |
|
Day 21 |
Tambopata – Puerto Maldonado – 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 district of Miraflores. Free time to acclimate and rest from your journey. In the afternoon, guided walk along the Miraflores boardwalk with impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and visit to the Park of Love. Welcome dinner at a gourmet restaurant where you will experience your first contact with Peru’s world-renowned gastronomy.
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. Lunch in the bohemian district of Barranco. In the afternoon, visit to the Larco Museum with its exceptional collection of pre-Columbian art. Rest of the afternoon free for shopping or rest.
Day 3:
Flight Lima - Arequipa
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Arequipa, known as the “White City.” Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel. Free time to acclimate to the altitude (2,335 meters above sea level). In the afternoon, walk through the San Lázaro neighborhood, the oldest in the city with its white sillar streets. Dinner at a traditional restaurant with a view of the illuminated cathedral.
Day 4:
Arequipa - City Tour
After breakfast, complete tour of the city of Arequipa. Visit to 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. Lunch at a traditional picantería to taste famous Arequipa dishes. In the afternoon, visit to the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto for spectacular views of the valley and surrounding volcanoes, including the majestic Misti.
Day 5:
Arequipa - Free Day
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore Arequipa at your own pace or rest. We recommend visiting the Andean Sanctuaries Museum where the mummy of Juanita, the “ice maiden,” a young Inca sacrificed on the Ampato volcano, is exhibited. Other options include exploring the San Camilo market, taking a Peruvian cooking class, or simply relaxing in the cafés of the Plaza de Armas. Our team will be available for recommendations according to your interests.
Day 6:
Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Puno
Very early departure after breakfast towards the Colca Canyon, crossing the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve where we can observe vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. Stop at the volcano viewpoint and at the highest point of the journey, Patapampa (4,910 meters above sea level), known as the “Viewpoint of the Andes.” Arrival at the town of Chivay for lunch. Continue to the Cruz del Cóndor, the best point to observe the flight of the Andean condor and the depth of the canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world. In the afternoon, travel to Puno along Lake Titicaca. Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
Day 7:
Puno - Lake Titicaca Islands
Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day boat excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. First stop at the amazing floating islands of the Uros, built entirely of totora reed. You will meet their inhabitants, who keep their ancestral traditions alive. Continue to Taquile Island, famous for its textiles considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Traditional lunch with a local family, enjoying typical dishes and panoramic views of the lake. Return to Puno in the afternoon and free time to rest.
Day 8:
Puno - Cusco (Tourist Bus/Andean Explorer Train/Titicaca Train)
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Day dedicated to the spectacular journey from Puno to Cusco. Bus Option: You will board a first-class tourist bus that includes stops at important archaeological sites such as Pukará, La Raya (highest point at 4,335 meters above sea level), the Wiracocha temple in Raqchi, and the “Sistine Chapel of America” in Andahuaylillas. Includes on-board guide and buffet 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 while traversing dreamlike Andean landscapes. Titicaca Train Option: Travel aboard the elegant Titicaca Train, which combines comfort with a unique cultural experience. This train offers large windows to admire the impressive Andean landscape, an open-air observation car, on-board entertainment, and a delicious lunch. The service includes stops at the main attractions along the route and a more intimate experience than other options. Arrival in Cusco in the afternoon, reception, and transfer to your hotel in the historic center.
Day 9:
Cusco - City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free to acclimate to the altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters above sea level). We recommend walking leisurely through the cobblestone streets near the Plaza de Armas or enjoying coca tea at one of the colonial cafés. In the afternoon, guided tour of the city including the Cathedral, the Qorikancha Temple of the Sun, and the impressive nearby archaeological complexes: the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the amphitheater of Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and the ceremonial baths of Tambomachay. Dinner with folkloric show to experience the rich Andean culture.
Day 10:
Cusco - Free Day
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore Cusco at your own pace or rest. Recommended options include visiting the Inka Museum, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, exploring the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas with its craft workshops, or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere of this historic city. For the more adventurous, we offer optional excursions such as horseback riding, mountain biking, or trekking in the surroundings (additional cost).
Day 11:
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 silverwork. Visit to the impressive Inca ruins that dominate the valley from above. Buffet lunch with organic products at 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. Check-in at your hotel in the Sacred Valley to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the surroundings.
Day 12:
Sacred Valley (Maras, Moray and Chinchero)
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the agricultural laboratory of Moray, impressive circular terraces that the Incas used to create microclimates and experiment with different crops. Continue to the Salt Mines of Maras, thousands of salt pools that extend on the mountainside, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit to the town of Chinchero, known for its textile center where you will learn traditional techniques of natural dyeing and Andean weaving. Return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Day 13:
Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes (Train to Machu Picchu)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board the Vistadome train that will take you through impressive Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes. The route follows the course of the Urubamba River, offering spectacular views of the canyon. Arrival in Aguas Calientes and transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon to explore this picturesque town, visit the craft market, or enjoy the natural hot springs that give the place its name. Dinner at the hotel and briefing for tomorrow’s important visit.
Day 14:
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Very early, after a light breakfast, you will board the bus that will take you to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Experience sunrise at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide will accompany you for approximately 2-3 hours through the main sectors of this enigmatic archaeological site according to the circuit assigned by the Sanctuary administration. Learn about theories of its construction and purpose while exploring temples, plazas, fountains, and agricultural terraces. Free time to explore on your own or optionally climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional ticket required in advance). Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Free afternoon to rest or continue exploring the town. Second night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 15:
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free to optionally make a second visit to Machu Picchu (additional ticket required) or rest in Aguas Calientes. At the indicated time, you will board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco. Arrival and check-in at your hotel in the historic center. Rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore the surroundings.
Day 16:
Cusco - Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Very early departure (4:00-4:30 am) from your hotel in Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. The vehicle journey takes approximately 3 hours to the starting point of the trek. Breakfast in a local community. Begin the approximately 2-hour hike (depending on your pace) to the summit at 5,200 meters above sea level, where you can contemplate the extraordinary geological phenomenon that has created stripes of colors on the slopes of this mountain. Time for photographs and admiring the landscape. Descent and box lunch. Return to Cusco arriving approximately at 6:00 pm. Light dinner and rest at the hotel.
Day 17:
Cusco - Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Tambopata National Reserve. Reception at the airport and transfer to the main lodge office where you can store your larger luggage and take only what is necessary for the jungle. Motorboat trip along the Madre de Dios River to your lodge. During the journey, you can observe diverse riverside fauna. Arrival and welcome with a tropical refreshment. Typical lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, first interpretive walk along nearby trails to familiarize yourself with the Amazon ecosystem and its main species. Introductory talk about the Peruvian Amazon before dinner. At night, optionally, excursion to look for caimans and observe the nightlife of the jungle.
Day 18:
Tambopata - Lake Sandoval Excursion
Breakfast at dawn to take advantage of the best time for bird watching. Excursion to Lake Sandoval, located within the Tambopata National Reserve. After a walk of approximately 3 km, we will navigate in traditional canoes on this beautiful oxbow lake, habitat of giant otters, monkeys, caimans, piranhas, and an incredible variety of birds. Picnic lunch on the shores of the lake. Return to the lodge in the mid-afternoon. Free time to rest in your room or in the hammocks. In the afternoon, ethnobotany activity to learn about medicinal plants used by native communities. Dinner and nocturnal activity of identifying jungle sounds.
Day 19:
Tambopata - Macaw Clay Lick and Canopy
Very early, after coffee or tea, departure to a parrot and macaw clay lick, where these colorful birds gather at dawn to ingest clay rich in minerals. Unique natural spectacle with hundreds of birds of different species. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Mid-morning, experience on the canopy walkway, a system of hanging bridges and platforms 30 meters high that allows you to observe life in the forest canopy, including monkeys, toucans, and other species difficult to see from the ground. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, canoe excursion to fish for piranhas using traditional techniques. Special farewell dinner.
Day 20:
Tambopata - Jungle Activities
Breakfast at the lodge. Day dedicated to a deeper walk in the jungle to learn about the flora and fauna of Tambopata. Visit to a native community to learn about their traditions, use of medicinal plants, and survival techniques in the Amazon. Participation in some craft activity. Lunch in the community or at the lodge according to the program. In the afternoon, reforestation activity planting a native tree, contributing to the conservation of the Amazon forest. Free time to enjoy the lodge facilities. Last night in the jungle with bonfire (weather permitting) and sharing trip experiences.
Day 21:
Tambopata - Puerto Maldonado - Lima - International Departure
Early breakfast at the lodge while listening to the awakening jungle. Last walk around the area to say goodbye to the Amazon environment. Preparation for check-out and boat trip back to Puerto Maldonado. On the return journey, you will have the opportunity to see more wildlife from another perspective. Arrival in the city and visit to the Fruit Market to try some Amazonian specialties. 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
- 20 nights of accommodation in selected hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfasts at the hotels
- 12 lunches according to itinerary
- 7 dinners according to itinerary
- All tours mentioned with professional bilingual guides
- Vistadome train tickets Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo
- Bus tickets Aguas Calientes-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu with circuit assigned by the administration
- Tourist bus or Andean Explorer train or Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco (according to chosen option)
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- All excursions and activities mentioned in Tambopata
- Travel kit and information materials
- Traveler assistance insurance
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights (Lima-Arequipa, Cusco-Puerto Maldonado, Puerto Maldonado-Lima)
- Airport departure tax (if applicable)
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff
- Personal expenses or services not specified
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain (must be requested in advance)
- Second entrance to Machu Picchu (day 15, optional)
- Optional excursions during free days
- Trip cancellation insurance
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is designed for a gradual acclimatization to altitude
- The visit to Machu Picchu is subject to the circuit assigned by the Sanctuary administration
- The trek to Rainbow Mountain requires good physical condition due to the altitude (5,200m)
- Vistadome trains offer large panoramic windows to enjoy the Andean landscape
- For the stay in Tambopata, it is recommended to bring light clothing, long sleeves, waterproof gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for visiting the Amazon
- The order of visits may vary according to weather and operational conditions
- Advance booking is recommended, especially for the high season (May to September)
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