Itinerary

1. Day 1: Where Architectural Legacies Remain

   • Originally founded as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings):
     • Lima has developed an important tourism industry.
     • What stand out are the historic center, archaeological remains, nightlife, museums, art galleries, festivities, and popular traditions.
     • The historic center of Lima was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.
     • A large number of architectural legacies remain.
     • Highlights include the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, the Plaza Mayor, the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Palacio de Torre Tagle.
   • Note that we can provide you with a guided sightseeing tour only if you arrive before 4:00pm.

2. Day 2: Vineyards, Exotic Drinks And a Buggy Ride on Huge Hills

   • We relocate from Lima to the city of Ica.
   • There we are taken to two wineries.
     • Peruvian wine dates back to the Spanish colonization of the region in the 16th century.
   • After sampling some of the best wines and spirits Peru has to offer.
   • We are taken to Huacachina.
     • This village is built around a small oasis and is surrounded by sand dunes.
     • We go dune bashing as well as sandboarding.

3. Day 3: Large-Scale Geoglyphs Seen From the Sky And Peru's Version of the Galapagos Islands

   • Before returning to Lima:
   • We take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands.
     • The Ballestas Islands are an important sanctuary for marine fauna like the blue-footed booby.
     • On the way to the islands, we see El Candelabro, a large-scale geoglyph that may have served as a beacon to mariners.
   • Then check out the Nazca Lines.
     • The Nazca Lines were created between 500 BC and 500 AD.
     • There are several theories as to why people of those times made these lines.
     • Hear all about these different theories as we take a flightseeing tour over this group of geoglyphs.

4. Day 4: Exploring the Once Capital of the Inca Empire

   • We relocate from Lima to the colonial city of Cusco.
   • Peru’s urban showcase destination Cusco is known for its rich heritage with the Inca and Spaniards as well as the charming architecture both empires left behind.
   • Even though Cusco is also known for its proximity to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, the city is popular in its own right.
   • We are provided with a guided tour.

5. Day 5: Stunning Archaeological Sites Spread Across a Valley

   • We make a day trip from Cusco to the Sacred Valley.
   • The Chanapata civilization first utilized this area around 800 BCE because of the rich soil used for agriculture.
   • The Qotacalla civilization lived here from 500 to 900 CE.
   • The Killke civilization then lived here from 900 until the Incan Empire took over the region in 1420.
   • The Incan Empire ruled this area until the arrival of the Spanish.
   • Today, remains of citadels and markets are found across this long valley.

6. Day 6: Multicolored Mountains Found Due to Melting Glaciers

   • We make a day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain (a.k.a. Vinicunca).
   • Mass tourism came after 2015, attracted by the mountain’s series of stripes of various colors due to its mineralogical composition on the slopes and summits.
   • The mountain used to be covered by glacier caps, but these have melted due to global warming.
   • We go horseback riding at Rainbow Mountain.

7. Day 7: Salt Evaporation Ponds in Use Since Inca Times And the Train Ride You Have Been Awaiting

   • Before relocating to the village of Aguas Calientes.
   • We visit salt mines called Maras.
     • Maras is well known for its salt evaporation ponds.
     • There are over 5,000 of them, which have been in use since Inca times.
   • As well as an archaeological site called Moray.
     • Moray consists of several terraced circular depressions.
     • The largest of which is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) deep.
     • As with many other Inca sites, Moray also has an irrigation system.

8. Day 8: Experiencing One of the Seven Wonders of the World

   • Before returning to Cusco.
   • We are provided with a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
     • This 15th-century citadel is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.
     • The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
     • Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period.
     • Machu Picchu remained undiscovered to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
     • Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

9. Day 9: Two Architecturally Enticing Cities From Morning to Night

   • Before relocating to the colonial city of Arequipa.
   • We have free time to explore Cusco further.
     • Whitewashed and narrow streets, a gorgeous main square, grandeur sites, and red-tiled roofs characterize the city.
     • Cusco is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s prettiest historic cities.

10. Day 10: One of the Nation's Top Three Destinations, Home to the Andean Condor

    • Today we make a day trip from Arequipa to the very scenic Colca Canyon.
    • It is home to Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, Andean geese, Chilean flamingos, mountain caracaras, rabbits, deer, foxes, and alpacas.
    • The Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most popular tourist destination, and for good reason.

11. Day 11: A Provincial Capital Made of Volcanic Stone

    • Before returning to Lima
    • We are provided with a guided tour of Arequipa
      • This destination definitely does not feel so large, even though it is the second largest city in the country
      • Arequipa is characterized by colonial-era churches and mansions
      • The historic center is small but charming nonetheless

12. Day 12: Our Tour Ends Today

    • Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Lima.
    • Note that if you can extend your trip, consider doing so.
      • Lake Titicaca is worth 2 days, as is the Peruvian Amazon.