13 Days : Lima , Paracas , Nazca , Arequipa, Colca Valley , Puno ,  Cusco & Sacred Valley Machu Picchu

Tour overview:

Pass from the beaches to the mountains of Peru, crossing the mountain range and the high plateau in this fascinating 13-day route. Visit the main historical, cultural and natural attractions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. In addition to delighting your sight with unique landscapes, puff up the palate with bold flavors and nourish the essence of the most traditional villages. Close your adventure with a visit to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca citadel that captivates the entire world.

Day 1 - Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service and a representative take you to the selected hotel.

Day 2 - Lima - City tour and Larco Museum – Paracas

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin your Historic Center of Lima tour. You'll start by visiting the Aliaga House, a colonial mansion with over 5 centuries of history, considered the oldest house in the Americas. Then, you'll explore the Plaza Mayor, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can visit the imposing Lima Cathedral. Finally, you'll visit the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. The museum boasts a comprehensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver objects and a selection of erotic art pieces, here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in over 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history.

A transportation service with a representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station in Lima. From there, you will board a bus heading towards the southern coast of Peru, to Paracas, with a journey of approximately three and a half hours. Paracas is known for its mild desert climate and is an ideal destination year-round for nature and ancient history enthusiasts. Its impressive National Reserve offers stunning landscapes, rock formations, and turquoise beaches. Upon arrival at the Paracas bus station, you will head to your hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Nazca

Head to the El Chaco pier to embark on a one-and-a-half-hour boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. This natural reserve is known for its stunning geological formations, rich fauna, and remnants of pre-Incan cultures. The Ballestas Islands are home to a wide variety of species, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other fascinating animals. During the tour, you will also see a mysterious linear design in the desert sand called the Candelabro. After the tour, you will continue your journey to Nazca City. You will be transferred to the Paracas bus station to take the bus to Nazca, a four-hour trip. Upon arrival at the Nazca bus station, you are transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 4 - Paracas - Nazca Lines overflight - Arequipa

Today, you will be picked up in the morning to fly over the Nazca Lines from the local aerodrome. From the air, you will observe giant figures such as a monkey, a spider, and a condor while trying to decipher their mysterious patterns. This enigmatic flight lasts for 30 minutes. Afterward, you will have free time in the city. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the bus station to take the bus from Nazca to Arequipa, for approximately ten hours. Upon arrival at the Arequipa bus station, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Arequipa - City tour and Monastery of Santa Catalina

Our guide and transportation will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Carmen Alto viewpoint, where you can admire the Chili River and the Misti and Chanchani volcanoes. Next, you will visit Yanahuara's viewpoint to appreciate the urban contrast and see constructions of white volcanic stone known as sillar. Afterward, the tour will continue at Plaza de Armas, a quintessential urban meeting space. Finally, you will explore the Convent of Santa Catalina, featuring plazas, cloisters, and streets. (B)

Note : Dress code for visiting churches: pants, long shorts, or skirts that cover the knees; otherwise, entry will not be permitted.

Day 6 - Arequipa - Colca Canyon

The tour begins by exploring the Colca Valley, passing through the district of Yura. Then, cross the Pampas Cañahuas Reserve, home to an extensive population of vicuñas, one of Peru's four native Andean camelids. Next, travel through the Pampas de Viscachani and Toccra, skirting the crater of the Chucura volcano until reaching the Andes viewpoint at Patapampa. Finally, you will arrive in the town of Chivay around noon for lunch, followed by a transfer to the hotel in the Colca Valley to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (BL)

Day 7 - Colca Canyon - Puno

Today you will visit the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you can enjoy a natural spectacle watching condors soar over the canyon. Afterward, descend to the valley floor to explore some picturesque rural villages along the Colca River, such as Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. Then, make stops at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints to take in more breathtaking views of the majestic valley. On the return journey to Chivay, take a detour through Patahuasi en route to Puno, where you can admire the high plains, unique rock formations, and impressive lagoons. Finally, after an approximately 6-hour journey, you will arrive in Puno around 6:00 PM and be transferred to your hotel. (BL)

Day 8 - Puno - Lake Titicaca Uros and Taquile Islands

In the high-altitude city of Puno lies Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Here, the Uros people constitute an ancestral society inhabiting artificial islands constructed on bases woven from totora reeds, which grow in the lake itself. The tour begins with a transfer to the port of Puno, where a boat awaits to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. After a magical one-and-a-half-hour excursion, you will continue to the island of Taquile, renowned for its ancestral culture and traditional way of life. Here, there will be an informational session about the island, followed by a delightful lunch. Finally, you will return to the city of Puno. (BL)

Day 9 - Puno - Cusco

Get ready for a journey to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, exploring a route that winds through stunning Andean landscapes, featuring villages and native wildlife. During the tour, you will make a stop at the archaeological site of Pucará, dating back to 200 B.C. - 300 A.D. Afterward, a brief stop will be made at La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,313 meters above sea level, followed by a delightful lunch. Continuing the journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit the town of Raqchi, famous for its Temple of Wiracocha. Additionally, explore the charming Andahuaylillas town, renowned for its church, known as the Sistine Chapel of America due to its impressive artworks. Finally, you'll arrive at your hotel in Cusco and receive assistance during your check-in. (BL)

Day 10 - Cusco- City tour and nearby archaeological sites

Enjoy a guided tour of the charming and magical city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. Start visiting the Santo Domingo Convent in the Coricancha temple. Then, visit the main temple of the city of Cusco, known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. Later, tour the Cusco hills of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, visit the Qenqo archaeological complex, and walk through the Puca Pucara military architectural complex and the ruins of Tambomachay, also known as the Inca spa. Finally, return to the selected hotel. (B)

Day 11 - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Living Museum of Yucay

Start your tour today by heading to the picturesque village of Chinchero. You will begin by exploring the impressive agricultural terraces and the 17th-century church, built upon an ancient Inca palace and recognized as one of Peru's earliest Catholic structures. Along the route, there will be a stop at a lookout point to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, you will visit the Living Museum of Yucay, where you can witness the creation of textiles, adobe crafts, ceramics, and silverware using ancient Inca techniques. You will savor a delightful typical lunch in the Sacred Valley. After lunch, head to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, an important ceremonial center renowned for its stunning agricultural terraces cascading down the surrounding mountainsides. Upon concluding this full-day tour, you will return to the hotel to rest and soak in the renewed Incan spirit. (BL)

Day 12 - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Our transportation service picks you up from your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) and transfers you to the Ollantaytambo train station. This transfer is shared with other passengers. Board the Inca Rail's Voyager train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Town) and receive assistance upon your arrival. Your return trip to Ollantaytambo station will also be on board the 360° train. Each journey lasts about one and a half hours, and schedules are subject to availability.

Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, features a lively craft market, various restaurants, and lodging options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away is Machu Picchu, an impressive architectural and engineering marvel believed to have been a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu translates to "Old Mountain," which enchants visitors with its historical grandeur and natural beauty. After the visit, travelers return by bus to Aguas Calientes to begin the journey back to Cusco. Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor. After your train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a transfer will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to the selected hotel in Cusco. (BL)

Day 13 - Depart from Cusco

Our transportation service and a representative pick you up to take you from your selected hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. (B)