Classic Peru (14 Days)

Overview

Highlights

• Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis
• Wine and pisco tasting in Ica
• Flight over the Nazca Lines
• Arequipa city tour and Colca Canyon
• Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile
• Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco
• Sacred Valley and guided Machu Picchu
• Archaeological city tour, Moray and Maras

1. Day 1Arrival in Lima

   When you land at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our team will be waiting for you to welcome you and take you to your hotel.

   After the transfer, take the chance to rest and get ready for your journey through Peru as you start discovering the charms of the Peruvian capital. The rest of the day is free.

2. Day 2Paracas Reserve and Huacachina Oasis

   We leave Lima at 4:45 am for Paracas, where a boat trip takes you around the Ballestas Islands to spot sea lions, penguins and seabirds, as well as the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra.

   Next we continue to Ica for a wine and pisco tasting, and end the day at the amazing Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by golden dunes, where you can enjoy the thrill of dune buggies and sandboarding.

   You spend the night right at the oasis, soaking up the magic of this one-of-a-kind place.

3. Day 3Nazca Lines and journey to Arequipa

   After breakfast, we leave Huacachina at 9:00 am for Nazca.

   At midday you 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 you board a comfortable sleeper bus to Arequipa, spending the night on board.

4. 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, then at 1:45 pm we set off on the City Tour to see the city's main 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.

5. Day 5On the road to Chivay

   After breakfast, we leave at 8:00 am for the town of Chivay, crossing the Andean highlands and passing through charming mountain villages.

   Along the way, our guide will share stories about the history and ancient cultures of the region.

   We expect to reach Chivay at around 12:30 pm and check in at the hotel. In the afternoon you can relax in the La Calera hot springs, an optional activity not included.

6. Day 6Colca Canyon and journey to Puno

   We leave Chivay at 6:30 am to visit the spectacular Colca Canyon and watch the majestic flight of the condors over the mountains.

   After the visit we return to Chivay for lunch on your own, then travel on to Puno, arriving at around 7:00 pm, with a transfer from the bus terminal to your hotel.

7. Day 7Lake Titicaca

   After breakfast, we leave at 7:00 am for the port to board an unforgettable boat trip to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.

   Get a close look at the traditions, customs and handicrafts of the local communities, 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.

8. Day 8Route of the Sun – on to Cusco!

   We leave Puno at 7:00 am for a journey full of culture, history and incredible scenery.

   Along the way you will visit the Pukara Museum, the La Raya pass, Raqchi and the church of 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. As the city sits at around 3,400 m (11,150 ft), we recommend resting, staying hydrated and eating light meals to acclimatize well.

9. Day 9Sacred Valley of the Incas and Aguas Calientes

   We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes; your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.

   We set off at 7:30 am to visit Pisac, with its impressive agricultural terraces, and Ollantaytambo, one of the great gems of Inca architecture.

   After lunch in Urubamba, you 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.

10. Day 10Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

    Enjoy the unforgettable experience of exploring Machu Picchu on a guided visit of about 2.5 hours, walking among its temples, plazas, terraces and viewpoints while learning more about Inca history and culture.

    After the tour, head back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own and, at the scheduled time, board the train to Ollantaytambo, where transport will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco.

11. Day 11Free day in Cusco

    Enjoy a well-earned rest! Relax and experience Cusco at your own pace: stroll around the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up this charming city.

12. Day 12Archaeological city tour

    At around 8:45 am we begin our Archaeological City Tour, a journey through the history and culture of the ancient Inca Empire.

    We visit the Qoricancha Temple, a major Inca religious center, then continue to the impressive archaeological sites around Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

    Along the way you will discover buildings, temples and places that reveal the grandeur of Inca civilization, always with a guide sharing the stories and curiosities of each site. The tour ends at around 2:00 pm.

13. Day 13Andean women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines

    After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, we leave Cusco for the Valley, a lower-altitude area that is ideal for an unhurried day.

    Our first stop is with the Andean Women, where you will see the traditional process of making wool by hand, from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving textiles decorated with geometric designs that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.

    Next we visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces, and then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, with hundreds of salt pools built by the Incas on the mountainsides and still in use today.

    After the visits we return to Cusco, arriving at around 3:00 pm at Plaza Regocijo, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

14. Day 14Departure / return home

    After breakfast, make the most of your last hours in Cusco to explore 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 take you to Cusco airport, arriving 2.5 hours before your flight.

    Take home the best memories, experiences and the unique energy of the Andes.

What's included

What to bring

• Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
• Dress in layers
• Comfortable sneakers
• 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
• A warm layer and travel pillow for the overnight sleeper bus
• Warm clothing for Puno and the Colca Canyon (cold nights and early mornings)
• Light clothing for the coast and desert (Paracas and Huacachina)
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Avoid raw food
• Drink only bottled water
• Keep your documents with you at all times

Frequently asked questions

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