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Classic Peru (12 Days)
- Duration12 days / 11 nights
- DifficultyEasy
- Max. altitude4,910 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Classic Peru — the whole country overland
A complete journey through Peru, ideal for travelers who love exploring the country overland! Cross different regions and discover some of its top attractions: the Huacachina Oasis, the Nazca Lines, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
An experience for anyone who wants to discover Peru's diversity, enjoying its landscapes, cultures and cities along the way. This itinerary is designed for travelers who would rather skip demanding nature hikes.
Who this package is for
For travelers who want to see as much of Peru as possible in one trip — coast, desert, canyons, high plateau and Andes — without strenuous hikes. The gradual gain in altitude (Arequipa, Colca, Puno and then Cusco) helps with acclimatization.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. The itinerary includes one night at the Huacachina Oasis, one night on board the Nazca–Arequipa sleeper bus, one night in Chivay and one night in Aguas Calientes, in addition to your nights in Lima, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis
- Flight over the Nazca Lines
- Arequipa city tour, the White City
- Condors in flight at Colca Canyon
- Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca
- Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco
- Sacred Valley and guided Machu Picchu
- Moray, Maras Salt Mines and Andean Women
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Lima
When you arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our team will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel.
After the transfer, take time to rest and get ready for your journey through Peru, discovering the charms of the capital little by little! The rest of the day is free.
Day 2Paracas Reserve and Huacachina Oasis
Departure from Lima at 4:45 am for Paracas, where you will take a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions, penguins and seabirds, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra.
Then continue to Ica for a wine and pisco tasting, and end the day at the incredible Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by golden dunes, where you can enjoy the thrill of dune buggies and sandboarding.
You will spend the night right at the oasis to soak up the magic of this unique place.
Day 3Nazca Lines and journey to Arequipa
After breakfast, leave Huacachina at 9:00 am for Nazca. At midday, board an exciting flight of about 35 minutes over the Nazca Lines, admiring their mysterious figures etched into the desert from above.
Then enjoy a free afternoon in Nazca to explore the town and have dinner. At 10:00 pm, board a comfortable overnight sleeper bus to Arequipa, spending the night on board.
Day 4Arequipa city tour
Arrival in Arequipa between 8:00 and 9:00 am, with a welcome at the bus terminal and transfer to your hotel. Free morning to rest.
At 1:45 pm, set off on the City Tour to see Arequipa's top sights, including the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints, Incalpaca, the Founder's Mansion, the Sabandía Mill and the Paucarpata terraces. The tour ends at around 5:30 pm near the charming Plaza de Armas.
Day 5On the road to Chivay
After breakfast, depart at 8:00 am for the town of Chivay, crossing the Andean highlands and passing charming mountain villages. Along the way, our guide will share stories about the history and ancient cultures of the region.
Arrival in Chivay is expected at around 12:30 pm, followed by hotel check-in. In the afternoon, you can unwind in the La Calera hot springs, an optional activity not included in the package.
Day 6Colca Canyon and journey to Puno
Leave Chivay at 6:30 am to explore the spectacular Colca Canyon and watch the majestic flight of the condors over the mountains.
After the visit, return to Chivay for lunch on your own, then travel on to Puno. Arrival is expected at around 7:00 pm, with a transfer from the bus terminal to your hotel.
Day 7Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile
After breakfast, leave at 7:00 am for the port to board an unforgettable boat trip to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
Get to know the traditions, customs and handicrafts of the local communities up close, and enjoy a traditional lunch with a spectacular view of the lake. Return to Puno at around 5:00 pm and transfer to your hotel.
Day 8Route of the Sun – on to Cusco!
Leave Puno at 7:00 am for a journey full of culture, history and incredible scenery. Along the way you will visit the Pucará Museum, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas, with a buffet lunch stop in Sicuani.
At the end of the day you arrive in Cusco, where our team will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Since the city sits at about 3,400 m (11,150 ft), we recommend resting, staying hydrated and eating light meals to acclimatize well.
Day 9Sacred Valley of the Incas and Aguas Calientes
Depart at 7:30 am to visit Pisac, with its impressive agricultural terraces, and Ollantaytambo, one of the great jewels of Inca architecture.
After lunch in Urubamba, board a scenic train ride of about 2 hours to Aguas Calientes, where our team will meet you, take you to your hotel and brief you on the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
Day 10Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Live the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu on a guided visit of about 2.5 hours, exploring its temples, plazas, terraces and viewpoints while learning about Inca history and culture.
After the tour, head back to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own and, at the scheduled time, board the train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
Day 11Maras Salt Mines, Moray and Andean Women
Depart at 8:30 am for Chinchero to see the work of the Andean women who preserve ancestral weaving and natural-dyeing techniques.
Next, visit the impressive Moray Archaeological Complex, with its circular Inca terraces, and the fascinating Maras Salt Mines, made up of thousands of salt pools on the mountainsides. Return to Cusco at around 3:00 pm, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas.
Day 12Departure / return home
After breakfast, make the most of your last hours in Cusco exploring the historic center, its squares, charming streets, viewpoints and markets, or simply say goodbye to the city at your own pace.
At the agreed time, our team will be waiting to take you to the airport, arriving 2.5 hours before your flight. Take home the best memories, experiences and the unique energy of the Andes.
What's included
Included
- Airport–hotel transfer in Lima
- Hotel–airport transfer in Cusco
- All local transfers in each city (bus terminals, port and stations)
- Professional guide on every tour
- Ballestas Islands excursion in Paracas
- Ica vineyard visit with wine and pisco tasting
- Huacachina Oasis excursion
- Transportation from Ica to Nazca
- Flight over the Nazca Lines
- Nazca airport tax
- Executive sleeper bus from Nazca to Arequipa
- Arequipa city tour
- Colca Canyon excursion (Arequipa–Chivay transportation)
- Arequipa tourist ticket (Colca Canyon)
- Executive bus from Chivay to Puno
- Lake Titicaca excursion: Uros Floating Islands and Taquile
- "Route of the Sun" tour from Puno to Cusco with buffet lunch
- Route of the Sun tourist ticket
- Sacred Valley of the Incas excursion
- Round-trip train service (tourist class)
- Shuttle bus Aguas Calientes–Machu Picchu (round trip)
- One-day Machu Picchu entrance ticket with guided visit
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Cusco excursion: Andean Women (Chinchero), Moray and Maras Salt Mines
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Cusco Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley, Chinchero and Moray
- Maras Salt Mines entrance fee
- La Calera hot springs (optional)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Comfortable sneakers
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves for cold nights and high-altitude areas (Puno and Colca Canyon)
- Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
- Rain poncho during the rainy season
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
Are 12-day itineraries very tiring?
Because of the altitude, it is normal to feel more tired than usual, especially during the first few days. That is why we include free time and plan every stage with your comfort and well-being in mind, so you can enjoy the trip without rushing.
This itinerary has no demanding hikes, but it does involve several journeys between destinations, so we recommend resting well and staying hydrated.
Will I get to see the main sights in each destination?
Yes! The itinerary is designed to include the top attractions in every city you visit.
How do I get between destinations?
The journeys are part of the experience! You travel overland from Lima to Paracas, Ica and Nazca, take an overnight sleeper bus to Arequipa and continue via Chivay and Colca Canyon to Puno. From Puno to Cusco you ride the classic Route of the Sun, stopping at key sights along the way. The only flight is the scenic flight over the Nazca Lines; your departing flight from Cusco is not included.
Do I need to be in good shape for this itinerary?
You do not need to be an athlete: this itinerary is rated easy and has no demanding hikes. There are still gentle walks at archaeological sites and viewpoints, and the altitude can make you feel more tired, so we recommend allowing time to acclimatize.
Are the tours shared or private?
The tours in this package run as a regular (shared) service, in groups of up to 18 people. We also offer a private option, with an exclusive vehicle and guide, more flexible timing and a more personalized experience.
Can I combine this itinerary with other destinations or add more days?
Yes! We can create an even more complete trip, adding destinations, experiences or free days depending on how much time you have and what you want to see in Peru.
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