Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Lima

   • Upon arrival at Lima's international airport, you will be assisted and transferred to the hotel of your choice.

   • Take a rest at the hotel for some time and prepare for your trip around this magical country.

2. Day 2: Sightseeing Tour & Paracas

   • After breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour of the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the 'City of Kings'. The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre: Plaza San Martin - the Main Plaza, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo with the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras, and the Colonial Balconies.

   • Visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of colonial art in America. 

   • See the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the Monks, a museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera and its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of XVIth Century, Moorish arches, and underground Catacombs.

   • Also, go to El Olivar Park with olive trees from Spain in the XVth Century and the Central Park of Miraflores and Larcomar - a symbol of modern Lima.

   • Leave by bus to the Paracas Peninsula to find the abundance of wildlife in a sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast.

3. Day 3: Ballestas Island & Nasca

   • Enjoy a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands to observe Sea Lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other seabirds.

   • On the way back aboard the boat, see the "Candelabro" (Candelabrum ) - a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines.

   • Proceed to Ica and visit Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by dunes. Ride the dune buggy cars that will take you through the Ica desert, up and down the dunes, where you could also practice sandboarding.

   • In the afternoon, continue by bus transportation to the City of Nazca. 

4. Day 4: Nazca: Nazca Lines - Arequipa

   • After an early breakfast, transfer to Nazca Airport for a 30-minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures remain etched in the desert, and they can only be appreciated from the air.

   • At 1.30 pm, travel by bus to the white city of Arequipa (about 10 hours - 640 km) along the desert and coastal valleys. Arequipa received its name due to the white buildings constructed with the white rock that flows out of the Misti Volcano.

   • Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet the guides and transfer to the selected hotel.

5. Day 5: Arequipa: Sightseeing tour

   • Go on a sightseeing tour of Arequipa in the morning. Visit sites like the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIXth Century Peruvian architecture.

   • Visit La Compañia Church, an ancient Jesuit temple which is maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade of carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds etc. 

   • Then, travel to the Santa Catalina Convent, a "Small Town" built in the XVIIth Century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years as a Cloister. Travel back in time as you enter the Cloister and see the numerous spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen, slave quarters, and stone washtubs of this Convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of this Convent.

6. Day 6: Arequipa: Colca Canyon

   • Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four-hour bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3400m). On the trip, we will drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of Vicuñas and Alpacas (South American camelids).

   • See beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by the native Collaguas. (Box lunch)

   • On your arrival at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected lodge.

   • In the afternoon, we recommend you rest and acclimatize to the altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to stroll around the lodge surroundings, or you could take a rejuvenating bath at the hot springs near the lodge.

   Dinner at the selected lodge at the Colca Valley. 

   Overnight at Colca Condor Cross - Chivay Valley

7. Day 7: Colca: Condor Cross - Chivay Valley

   • Leave early in the morning to the "Condor's Cross", where the world's biggest bird can usually be seen.

   • On the way back, visit the Colonial Towns and Churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma, and Maca. It is a good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times.

   We will lunch at a local restaurant.

   Overnight in Chivay Valley

8. Day 8: Chivay Valley - Juliaca & Capachica Llachon (Puno)

   • At 1.30 p.m, transfer to the Puno route. It offers great natural sceneries. Along this paved road, drive through small towns and a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen. If you are lucky, you might also see Andean flamingos and many other Andean birds.

     • (Optional) If time permits, visit the highlight of this road - the burial towers of Sillustani, which are enormous cylindrical constructions built long before the Incas. The Sillustani Towers are perhaps the finest and the perfect cylindrical construction of ancient Peru; as such, perfection can be found nowhere else in South America. 

   • If time permits, get a better view of the life of pre - Inca civilizations. While exploring the area, you can marvel at the great beauty of the Umayo Lagoon, which is located at the foot of the Sillustani natural platform.

9. Day 9: Titicaca Lake

   • Early in the morning, take a motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own island by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called 'Totoro' (Scirpus Totora), a vegetable fibre the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material.

   • Continue the motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have, over generations, developed an efficient and unique social system, as well as fine hand weaving techniques. It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 stone steps winding their way among green platforms to arrive at the Town of Taquile, where we will take a break to eat.

   • After lunch in a local Taquile Inn, walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island.

   In the afternoon, return to Puno for an overnight at your hotel.

   In the evening, you are free to explore on your own. 

10. Day 10: Puno - Cusco ( 389 kms = 08 hrs )

    • After an early breakfast, depart by bus to the City of Cusco. Travel along the High Plateau of Collao, stopping en route at the Town of Ayaviri, which is an important livestock and textile centre.

    • Here, visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture. Also, on the way, stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha.

    • About 70 km further on, pass through the La Raya Ranch, where we can see troops of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip, the lovely Wacarpay Lake also offers spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.

    • Proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.

    • Enjoy a buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region.

    • Continue your journey to Cusco, and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. You have to manage dinner on your own.

    Overnight in Cusco.

11. Day 11: Cusco: Sightseeing tour and Nearby Ruins

    • After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure, or visit Street San Blas. Numerous artists and artisans reside in the artistic barrio (neighbourhood) of narrow streets, with a beautiful little plaza and paqcha. There are workshops of famous artisans such as Mendevil Olave and Merida.

    • Visit Hatunrumivoc located close to Plaza Nazarenas, not far from Plaza de Armas. It is a narrow pedestrian street, famous for its Inca walls where huge stones are precisely carved to fit together without mud or concrete. One can find the masterpiece of 12-angled-stone about halfway down the street. 

    • Roam in the Central Market or Mercado de San Pedro. It is one of the oldest markets in Cusco, founded in 1925. Despite its age, there are no significant changes made. The San Pedro Market in Cusco is about an eight-minute walk south of Plaza de Armas.

      • On your walk to the market, notice street vendors and ladies in traditional dress sitting on the street side, selling nuts, popcorn and other small bags of dried foods. 

      • Spot more local shops (Tiendas) selling the most random things. If you are looking for an alpaca jumper, freshly made juice, a bag of nectarines, some plantains to fry, Botifarra (Ham sandwiches served on French bread) or some cheesy gifts for your family and friends back home, this is where you will find it.

    • In the afternoon, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha.

    • Then, drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is famous for its enormous carved stones - some of them standing over 9m/30ft high and weighing over 350 tons.

    • At 8.00 p.m, get ready to enjoy dinner accompanied by a folk show, in a typical restaurant where the musicians play their melodies with Andean instruments. At the same time, traditionally dressed dancers entertain you with traditional Peruvian dances. 

12. Day 12: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Santa Maria

    • Set out on an early morning excursion to the Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, we can stop at Awanakancha. It is a small camelid farm dedicated to the animals and intricate textiles produced from their wool. A trip to this farm introduces you to the local fauna without venturing deep into the countryside.

      • On arrival at the farm, meet the resident animals - alpaca, llama, and vicuña. Separated by species and sex in large pens, the friendly animals are keen to meet visitors in the hope of receiving a tasty grassy snack. 

      • After getting to know the animals, take some time to visit some of the small onsite exhibits, where you can understand how animal wool is refined and naturally dyed before finally being expertly woven into fabric, tapestry, clothing and a variety of other products. 

      • Observe as women from native communities offer live examples of traditional (and intricate) weaving techniques using basic tools and wooden looms.

    • Visit the picturesque Indian Pisac Market held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This is the shopping paradise where barter is still practised. Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch.

    • In the afternoon, passing through the Towns of Calca and Urubamba, visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower Jungle.

      • Walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town and get a good idea of what this strategic military, religious, and agricultural centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire. 

    • Continue to Santa Maria with a winding ascent towards the Abra Malaga. The snowy Veronica is located at an altitude of 4316 meters, where we can enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Cusco geography.

    • After a short break of 15 minutes in the Abra Malaga, descend into the jungle, through the different terrains that combine to create the paradisiacal landscapes of majestic snow and warm forest on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

    • At the height of Alfamayó, find a fully-paved Inca trail in admirable condition. It is the place where the asphalt road begins.

    • Continue towards the district of Santa Maria, which is located at an altitude of 1575 meters.

13. Day 13: Santa Maria - Santa Terea

    • Wake up at 7.00 am. You will find yourself in the midst of the jungle. After a hearty breakfast, start your day with a short but intense climb to the starting section of the Inca Trail. As you wind up and down precipitous cliffs over a stunning valley, your guide will transport you to the time of the Incas, revealing some of what little we know about this ancient culture.

    • Descend to Quellomayo where the group will stop for lunch and have some time to relax in hammocks. Keep an eye out for tasty fruits, especially the maracuja taste explosion (passion fruit).

    • After lunch, continue the trek along the surging Urubamba river, crossing it at one point in a cart and pulley (safe yet thrilling!). 

    • Then, walk to Santa Teresa Hot Spring which is constructed on the slopes of the mountain, on the banks of the Urubamba River. The thermal water complex has three pools of different sizes and depths, which are supplied with medicinal water that varies between 40ºC - 44ºC. It is an enjoyable place to rest after extensive walks, such as Machu Picchu and Choquequirao.
      

14. Day 14: Santa Teresa - Machupicchu - Cuzco

    • Take a car ride to Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station. It is a three-hour trek from the Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes - 'Town of Machu Picchu for those who wish to walk'.  

    • Head to the bus station for your journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as 'The Lost City of the Incas'. The bus will drive up 6 km of winding road to the incredible site of Huayna Picchu, also known as Wayne Picchu (Quechua - "Young Peak").

    • See the Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area. It is nestled on the side of the mountain and situated at an elevation lower than Machu Picchu.

    • Also, visit the nearby Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry work. The other major local temples in Machu Picchu are the Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Principal Temple, "Unfinished Temple", and the Temple of the Sun, also called the Torreon.

    • Join a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. 

    • Enjoy a stroll through the town of Aguas Calientes and visit its hot springs with thermal waters.

    • Then, go to Mandor Waterfall. It is an unforgettable adventure in an area of lush forest surrounding the town of Machu Picchu. Just follow the railway line from Machu Picchu Pueblo for a 45 minute-hike. You will reach a railway crossing, from which you will see a small group of houses whose dwellers will tell you how to reach Mandor Waterfall. 

    • Unwind at the hot springs of Machu Picchu. There are hot sulfur springs that bubble up from the rocky underground at varying temperatures. The hot spring offers natural resources for medical therapy and also is a great treatment for Rheumatism. It helps to get rid of stress and toxins, enhance your metabolism and avoid high blood pressure. The average temperature of the water runs from 38° to 46°C. There are also changing rooms, bathrooms and, and a small snack bar.

    • At 2.30 p.m or 7.00 p.m, take the train back to Cuzco.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your selected hotel overnight.

15. Day 15: Cusco - Lima - Home

    •  Transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and back home.