Airport Transfer

Welcome to Lima, the "City of Kings". Upon arrival to the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Please look for your driver at the airport, he will be holding a sign with your name on it. Once you have checked into the hotel, the remainder of your first day will be free. While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was built on top of an existing palace and temples that belonged to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical center.

Lima City Tour (B)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of modern Peruvian life with a guided tour through Lima, where you'll step into the everyday world of its locals. Begin your journey by marveling at the city’s historic colonial balconies as they loom overhead, then delve into the depths of history at the San Francisco Convent and wander its mysterious catacombs. Let your senses come alive at a bustling local market, brimming with a stunning array of fruits and vegetables that showcase the rich biodiversity of Perú. And no Peruvian adventure would be complete without savoring the town's finest Pisco Sour, the national drink that captures the spirit of the country.

This tour allows you to:

- Gain insider knowledge from a local guide about Lima’s intricate and captivating history.

- Experience the city as a true local would, navigating to the heart of Lima using public transportation.

- Discover both the renowned landmarks of Lima and uncover hidden gems known only to the locals.

- Visit the awe-inspiring San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, a remarkable relic from the Colonial era.

- Stroll through charming churches, bustling parks, and lively plazas, each brimming with vibrant local stories.

- Explore a lively market teeming with fresh, colorful produce sourced from all corners of Peru.

- Sharpen your Spanish skills and pick up some local expressions along the way.

- Unwind with a taste of the best Pisco Sour Lima has to offer, the perfect way to relax in true Peruvian style.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Ballestas Islands and transfer to Huacachina (B)
Early in the morning (4:00am), you’ll take the regular bus towards the small city of Paracas (3 ½ hours approx. – 260 kilometers distance). 

Begin your day at 8:00 AM with a boat tour departing from the dock in Paracas, heading west to the Ballestas Islands archipelago. Along the way, stop to admire the Candelabra geoglyph, an immense candlestick-shaped figure etched into the mountainside. Measuring 150 meters high and 50 meters wide, this mysterious landmark is thought to have been an ancient guide for sailors or possibly linked to the Nazca lines. Your guide will provide a brief explanation and allow time for photos before continuing the journey.

As you approach the Ballestas Islands, marvel at the abundance of wildlife. Spot sea lions lounging on the rocks, barking to protect their territory, or basking in the sun. Observe a variety of seabirds, including Peruvian boobies, cormorants, and Peruvian pelicans, and catch a glimpse of the delightful Humboldt penguins nesting in small groups. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins swimming nearby.

The islands are also known for their guano deposits, accumulated over thousands of years. This nitrogen-rich seabird droppings once formed the backbone of Peru’s economy as the country’s top export during the 19th century. Today, guano harvesting is strictly regulated, occurring only every ten years to preserve the environment.

Return to Paracas by boat around 10:00 AM, enjoying a swift and windy ride back to the dock. Upon arrival, take some time to photograph the friendly pelicans that gather near the shoreline before heading to your next adventure.

At 11:00 AM, depart for a guided tour of the Paracas National Reserve, a breathtaking natural sanctuary south of Pisco. Begin your exploration at the Mirador de Flamencos, where you can see flamingos and parihuanas feeding along the shores. Continue to the Centro de Interpretación, where exhibits highlight the region’s unique wildlife, including skeletal displays of whales, sea lions, and penguins.

Your journey through the reserve culminates with an off-road excursion through the dramatic desert landscapes to Lagunillas Beach, a serene oasis where you can relax and enjoy lunch with an ocean view (not included). At this beautiful beach, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim if you wish.

Return to Paracas in the late afternoon, bringing a memorable day of nature and history to a close.

Please note: Remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into the national park.

Meals: Breakfast

Please make your way to the bus station for your regular bus transfer from Paracas to Huacachina. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy on your own. 

Meals: Breakfast

Visit to Nazca and transfer to Arequipa (B)
In the morning, make your way to Ica bus station to board the regular bus towards the city of Nazca (1 ¾ hours approx. – 95-kilometer distance). Enjoy the rest of the day free in Nazca. Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC. Thanks to the dry desert conditions found here, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with clear snapshots of the highly developed, pre-Inca civilization that once resided here. 

Take an optional flight over the lines for the best experience (not included). The flight is 30 minutes long and covers the 26 figures scattered throughout the desert. 

At 10:00pm, you’ll take the overnight regular local bus towards the city of Arequipa (10 hours bus ride approx. – 570-kilometer distance).

Meals: Breakfast

Free day in Arequipa
Arrival in Arequipa at around 7:00am and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. Arequipa is a delightful Colonial City, situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 meters. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teemed with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape. The city is located at 2,335 meters above sea level.

Colca Canyon (B/L/D)
We will pick you up from your downtown accommodation between 3:00 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and transfer you to Chivay town in the heart of the Colca Canyon. We'll have breakfast and then go directly to “Cruz Del Condor viewpoint” where we will see the flight of the condors. From here, we will make our way to the Mirador De San Miguel, the starting point of our trekking route. We will begin our hike at around 10:00 am by walking down to San Juan De Chucchu Village (3 ½ hours walking), where we will have lunch. Afterward, we will hike back uphill through Cosnirhua and Malata villages arriving in Sangalle by the end of the day where you will have the opportunity to relax in the swimming pool (3 hours walking). Overnight in rustic bungalows.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Colca Canyon trekking - Puno (B)

Today, we will get an early start and begin trekking up at 5:00 am to Cabanaconde town where we will have breakfast (3 hours steep uphill hike). From Cabanaconde, we will take our bus to Chivay Village making a few short stops along the way in Maca and tourist viewpoints. Upon arrival to Chivay, we will visit the relaxing hot springs in town (30-40 minutes), the perfect remedy for our tired muscles We will have lunch and you will be transferred to the Puno's bus (depart at 01:00 pm). On your way back to Puno, you will see beautiful views of the volcanoes (weather permitting) and you will pass the National Reserve Salinas and Aguada Blanca. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride back to Puno, arriving around 07:30 pm.

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Puno for the Uros Floating Islands, Taquile Island & Luquina Homestay (L/D)

You will be picked up from your hostel between around 7:10 am and transferred to the port of Puno, where you will meet your guide and board the motorboat. The first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, where you will spend about one hour. There are more than 90 floating islands and you will get the chance to visit two of them. On the first floating island, your guide will explain to you about the people who live on the floating islands. Then you will have some free time to walk around, visit the small huts made from reeds, take some pictures and buy a souvenir to support the people of these islands if you wish.

After this visit, you will continue on with a boat ride to Taquile Island. The people who live on this island are very famous because they are considered “the best weavers of Peru”. There, you will go on a beautiful hike for about one and a half hours to admire the panoramic of the lake. On your way, you will get the chance to visit a local family home where you will learn more about the famous textile from the island. You will then head towards the town square of Taquile and visit the handicraft shops to see the typical weaving. The square is also the highest point of the hike (3950 m or 12960 feet). You will finish the hike going to the second part of the island and take off in a boat (35 minutes of navigation) that will lead you to the Luquina community where you will overnight. Your host families will wait for you at the port of Luquina and will take you to their house. You will enjoy a delicious dinner with the local family before going to bed.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Luquina community & Return to Puno (B/L)

Start the day quite early with a tasty breakfast with the family before getting the opportunity to participate in their daily activities such as sheep grazing, working in the crops, or even learning how to milk a cow. You will then enjoy a delicious lunch before saying goodbye to the family and leave the community. You will take the motorboat back to Puno, finishing the tour around 3:45 pm.

In the evening, please make your way to the bus station to take an overnight bus to Cuzco. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a Free Day in Cusco, get familiarized with your surroundings. 

Sacred Valley Tour, Ollantaytambo and trasfer to Aguas Calientes (L)
Accommodation pick-up at 7:30 am to start off our day. We will travel out of Cuzco towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make our first stop at the village of Corao where we will visit a local artisan marketplace. Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to wander around buying handmade souvenirs for family and friends. Enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the panoramic highway that takes us over the mountains into the picturesque Urubamba river valley. Upon arrival to the ancient Inca town of Pisac, our guide will explain the unique architecture of this archaeological site and its magical vibes. Take about 45 minutes to explore the site and shop around in the local marketplace. For lunch, we will continue to Urubamba and make our lunch break here for a taste of Peru’s finest traditional cuisine. After our break, the van will take us to Ollantaytambo, another mysterious archaeological site built into the steep mountainside. You will spend 45 minutes there, which will give you plenty of time to climb the steep steps of these ancient Inca ruins and contemplate life as you look out upon the valley. Then walk over to the train station, located a short 10-minutes on foot downhill from the archaeological site, to board the train heading for Aguas Calientes (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival you will be met by a local guide who will transfer you to your accommodation and give you indications for the following day in Machu Picchu. Wander through the quaint town of Aguas Calientes at your leisure.

Meals: Lunch

Visit to Machu Picchu (B)
Take an early bus to Machu Picchu to enter the site as it opens. Your English Speaking guide will meet you for a guided visit to the archaeological site (approximately 2 hours). You will then have plenty of free time to explore the hidden corners of this ancient Inca city on your own. You can choose from the optional treks to climb Huayna Picchu (additional cost - to book at least 2 weeks in advance) or walk to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for panoramic views of the site. Later, return to Aguas Calientes by bus. Then, take the return train back to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cuzco late in the day. Upon arrival at Cuzco City Center, you will need to make your own way to your accommodation for the night. NOTE: You have the option of taking a return train departing at 14h30, 16h12 and 19h. Information about the optional hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site: This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 - 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.

Meals: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Peru (B)
At the appropriate time, our driver will transfer you to the airport to take your departure flight. Safe travels ahead!

Meals: Breakfast