Fine colonial Lima and refined Museo Larco welcome you to Peru. Now it’s time to hit the highway: the Carretera Panamericana is waiting for you! Next is a mix of dramatic sand dunes meeting the Pacific Ocean, up to the Peruvian Galapagos: the Ballestas Islands! The wild natural side of Peru will leave you speechless! After this rejuvenating experience it is time to go back to The City of Kings.
DAY 1. Lima, The City of Kings
First, we start with a panoramic view of Plaza San Martin and the main square where we will visit the Cathedral, which has a religious art museum within. Then, we continue to the Convent and Church of San Francisco: one of the greatest monumental complexes of colonial art. In between the two sites, our guide will explain the history of the surrounding buildings: The Government Palace and the City Hall. The tour continues with a visit of Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site built in the 4th century AD and considered a holy place by the Incas.
Then we tour the modern side of Lima starting with San Isidro, Parque El Olivar (El Olivar Park), adorned with olive trees brought from Spain in the 15th century. Next, we head to one of the most iconic sites for Limeños, the Parque del Amor (The Park of Love), which has a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean.
We finish our morning excursion at the Museo Larco. Built over a 7th century pre-Columbian building, the museum’s new galleries exhibit the finest and most comprehensive Peruvian pre-Columbian gold and silver collection in the world, as well as the renowned erotic pottery collection.
After lunch, we leave for Paracas (a three-hour ride, more or less). On our way to Paracas, we enjoy stunning views of the legendary Carretera Panamericana (the Panamericana Highway). The Pan-American Highway is an eye-catching roadway that runs between the lunar landscapes of the desert pampas and high sand dunes, interspersed with fertile valleys, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Stunning!
Overnight in Paracas.
DAY 2. Ballestas Islands, Reserva Nacional de Paracas– Lima
We start our boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands; be ready for astonishing scenery, intense colours, and a cobalt-blue sea. Here we observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins, and other sea birds. En route to the islands, we glimpse a prehistoric geoglyph carved on the sand: the mysterious Candelabro.
We continue our day with a visit to the Reserva Nacional de Paracas. Located just beyond the village of Paracas, we will see La ‘Catedral’, la Playa Roja, and various fossils. La Catedral is a rock formation caused by erosion of the sea and wind, which has a concave shape that is reminiscent of the domes of cathedrals. La Playa Roja, the Red Beach, is laden with reddish rocks that give it its famous name.
The fossil site is a small area near the entrance to the reserve where you can observe small mollusc fossils in excellent condition, but millions of years old.
After experiencing the natural jewels of Paracas and a delicious lunch, we are on our way to Lima, where we arrive in the early evening.
Transfer to your hotel. Please let us know if you need any help in booking a hotel. Also, we can help with airport transfers or supplementary tours.
Price of the tour (per person):
- USD $240 / EUR €200** / GBP £160**
** Due to the volatility of European currencies, prices expressed in Euros and in Pounds Sterling have been rounded up and may change from time to time. In Peru, the American Dollar is the benchmark for international transactions but we accept payments in Euros or Pounds Sterling as well.
The Tour Includes
- Transportation (shared). If you require private transportation please let us know
- All entrance fees
- Accommodation – three stars hotels and hostel in Paracas
- All tours with professional English – speaking guides (Italian, French, and German can be organised at your request)
- All breakfasts
- Optional: English, French or Italian speaking tour leader at your requirement
Not Included
- International and national airfares to and from Peru
- International and national departure taxes at airports
- Other meals
- Personal expenses, such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
- Insurance against theft, loss
- Other extras not specified
