- Country
Peru - Departure
Lima - Arrival
Cusco - Theme
Explorer
Day 1. Welcome to Peru!
Upon arrival at Lima’s “Jorge Chávez” airport, you will be welcomed by our representative, who will accompany you to the hotel where you can relax after your flight.
You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city.
Day 2. Discovering Lima
- Destination
Arequipa - Hotel
Posada del Monasterio - Attractions
Church of San Francisco
After breakfast, we will begin the Lima City Tour.
Exploring the streets of Lima, we will discover some of the most representative landmarks of the historic center, such as the Plaza Mayor, where we will see the Cathedral of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, as well as the Convent and Church of San Francisco.
We will conclude the tour with a visit to the famous catacombs, true treasures of art and spirituality.
In the afternoon, we will head to the airport for the flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, transfer and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3. The White City
- Destination
Arequipa - Hotel
Posada del Monasterio - Attractions
Arequipa
After breakfast, we will dedicate the day to exploring Arequipa, known as “The White City” due to the distinctive color of the volcanic stone used in the construction of its main buildings. This material gives the historic center a unique charm, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
During the tour, we will visit the iconic Plaza de Armas and admire the cloisters of the Jesuit Church from the outside. The tour will also include a visit to the Mundo Alpaca ecotourism complex.
We will conclude with a visit to the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, an architectural complex covering more than 20,000 square meters, making it one of the most important in the country.
At the end of the day, overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4. Tour of the Andes and Colca Canyon
- Destination
Chivay - Hotel
Pozo del Cielo - Attractions
Colca
The Colca Canyon (3,191 meters, or 10,460 feet) is the second deepest canyon in the world (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the U.S.). On the way, we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve inhabited by vicuña and alpaca and will admire lakes, altiplano birds, and herds of alpaca. The view will take your breath away – metaphorically and in reality, owing to the altitude. One of the highest points on this tour is at 4,830 meters above sea level (approximately 15,800 feet): the Mirador de los Volcanes (Viewpoint of the Volcanoes) from where one can see the Arequipa volcano chain – Hualcahualca, Sabancaya, and Ampato – all over 6,000 meters (about 20,000 feet).
Once in the capital Chivay, you will enjoy Andean cuisine, courtesy of Perú InsideOut: quinoa, alpaca, and mazamorra.
Day 5. Cruz del Condor – Puno and the Altiplano
- Destination
Puno - Hotel
Casona Plaza Puno - Attractions
Cruz del Cóndor
From the “Cruz del Condor” (Condor´s Cross) you will watch majestic condors soar above the rim of the canyon.
Then, on the way to Lake Titicaca, you can visit several Andean communities: Yanque, Achoma, and Maca. After a buffet lunch in Chivay the journey continues… to Puno.
The route to Puno offers astounding natural scenery: stained-green steppes, intriguing rock formations (caused by erosion), and the snow-capped Chachani volcano, as well as different wild species and a beautiful lagoon. Overnight in Puno in a very comfortable hotel.
Day 6. Boat Tour on Lake Titicaca
- Destination
Puno - Hotel
Plaza Puno - Attractions
Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, we will depart for a boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first stop will be the floating islands of the Uros, handcrafted by their inhabitants using totora reeds, a typical plant of the area.
We will then continue to Taquile Island, where we will have the opportunity to watch local artisans weaving on traditional looms. This ancient textile technique was recognized by UNESCO in 2008 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At the end of the day, return to Puno and overnight stay at the hotel. Lunch included.
Day 7. Journey to Cusco
- Destination
Cusco - Hotel
Xima - Attractions
Route of the Sun
After breakfast, we will begin the journey along the impressive “Route of the Sun,” a trip full of history and unforgettable landscapes between Puno and Cusco. Our first stop will be in the town of Pukara, where we will visit the Lithic Museum, known for its collection of sculptures and pre-Inca artifacts.
We will continue to Sicuani, where we will take a break to enjoy lunch featuring delicious dishes of traditional Peruvian cuisine.
In the afternoon, we will explore the imposing Temple of Wiracocha, where we can admire its enormous, well-preserved columns and the distinctive circular structures once used as resting areas and food storage. This visit offers valuable insight into the splendor of the Inca past.
Before arriving in Cusco, we will make a final stop at the Church of Andahuaylillas, famous for its magnificent Andean Baroque style and the artworks of the Cusco School. Upon arrival in the city, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Lunch included.
Day 8. The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Destination
Ollantaytambo - Hotel
El Albergue Ollantaytambo Hotel - Attractions
Valle Sagrado
After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the majestic Sacred Valley and delving deeper into the rich culture of the ancient Inca civilization. We will begin our journey in Chinchero, where we will visit its colonial church and a local artisan center that will allow us to observe the traditional process of spinning alpaca wool up close.
One of the highlights of the day will be the visit to the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive formation of terraced salt pools that have been used since ancient times to extract this valuable resource.
We will then continue to Ollantaytambo to visit its magnificent ruins, a remarkable example of Inca architecture and engineering.
At the end of the day, overnight stay at a hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Day 9. Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñayhuayna – Aguas Calientes
- Destination
Aguas Calientes - Hotel
Sol Natura - Attractions
Camino Inca
Distance: approx. 12 km (6 hours)
Elevation: 2,100 to 2,650 m.a.s.l.
Early in the morning, passengers will be picked up from their accommodations to board the train. We will head to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll take the train to km 104, the starting point of our trek.
After approximately three hours of hiking, we will enjoy a guided visit to the archaeological complex of Wiñayhuayna. At the end of the visit, we’ll have time for lunch (box lunch included).
We will then continue along the trail, entering the Machu Picchu Citadel through the famous Sun Gate or Inti Punku, the ancient main entrance to the sanctuary. From here, you will admire the most spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
A guided panoramic tour of Machu Picchu will follow, before descending to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10. Visit to Machu Picchu
- Destination
Cusco - Hotel
Hatun Inti Classic - Attractions
Machu Picchu
After breakfast, we will head to the magnificent Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. For those seeking a more challenging experience, there is the option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional activity), from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sanctuary.
During the visit, we will explore and delve into the mysteries and history of this ancient Peruvian civilization.
Afterwards, we will return to the town of Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we will continue our journey to the city of Cusco.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11. Cusco and Its Stunning Sights
- Destination
Cusco - Hotel
Xima - Attractions
Koricancha
Breakfast and free day to relax or go shopping. If you wish, you can add an optional (not included) city tour of Cusco. We will begin the visit of Cusco with a private guide. The tour starts in the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will admire the Plaza de Armas, the iconic Twelve-Angled Stone, and the traditional neighborhood of San Blas, known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere. Next, we will visit the renowned Temple of Koricancha, one of the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire. We will end our visit at the San Pedro Market, a lively place full of local life, colors, and flavors. Free afternoon to enjoy the city on your own and overnight in Cusco.
Day 12. Trek to the Rainbow Mountain
- Destination
Cusco - Hotel
Xima - Attractions
Rainbow Mountain
Departure before dawn for a journey of approximately 3 hours to Pampachiri, the starting point of a fairly long hiking excursion. Upon arrival, you will be amazed by the spectacular landscape — the colors of the mountains exceed all expectations!
We will have free time to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Afterwards, we will enjoy lunch (box lunch included) before returning to Cusco.
Day 13. End of the Tour
After breakfast, we will say goodbye and accompany you to the airport for your flight to Lima.
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