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.
Lima: Peru's capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a large architectural complex with places such as the historic Casa Aliaga, the Cathedral and the Larco Museum.
Ballestas Islands: Discover this maritime sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean where sea lions, penguins and migratory birds find refuge.
Nasca Lines: Look from the sky to these mysterious geoglyphs of animals and geometric figures that have been in the middle of the Nasca desert for more than 1,000 years.
Arequipa: Walk through the old 'forbidden city' of Santa Catalina, meet the Jesuit church and enjoy the majestic views of the Misti Volcano.
Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condor flying over this 4,000-meter-deep valley and visits some remote villages of the zone.
Lake Titicaca: Visit Taquile and the floating islands of Uros.
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian constructions and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Cathedral, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and Puca Pucará.
Sacred Valley: Visit the town of Chinchero and the Living Museum of Yucay. The day ends in the town of Ollantaytambo and visiting its fortress.
Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas is hidden on the top of an Andean peak and offers views not only of the mountain range but also of the Inca past.
Upon your arrival in Lima, a transportation service will transfer you from the airport to your hotel.
The day will begin with an early morning departure from Lima*, heading south. Along the way, there will be a stop at Mirasur Restaurant, where you will have the option to enjoy breakfast (not included). Later, the journey will continue to the historic Hacienda San José, located in Chincha, a place rich in history and tradition. There, you will explore the secret slave tunnels, a surprising underground labyrinth built in the 17th century to conceal the trafficking of enslaved Africans and evade taxes. These tunnels connected various haciendas with the port over more than 17 km. After this unique experience, the journey will continue until reaching the Paracas bus station*, followed by a transfer to your hotel*.
This morning, you will head to El Chaco pier to embark on a one-and-a-half-hour speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. This natural reserve is known for its impressive geological formations, rich wildlife, and remnants of pre-Inca 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 excursion, you will also observe a mysterious linear figure drawn in the desert sand, known as the Candelabra. After the tour, you will continue your journey to the city of Nazca. You will be transferred to the Paracas bus station to take a bus to Nazca, on a journey of approximately four hours. Upon arrival at the Nazca bus station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Today, you will be picked up for an overflight of the Nazca Lines from the city’s aerodrome. From the air, you will be able to observe gigantic figures such as a monkey, a spider, and a condor while trying to decipher their mysterious patterns. This enigmatic flight lasts approximately 30 minutes*. At the end, you will have free time in the city. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the bus station to board the bus from Nazca to Arequipa, on a journey of approximately ten hours. Upon arrival at the Arequipa bus station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
*Hotel pick-ups in Lima are provided from selected hotels.
*Transfers from the bus station to the hotel in Paracas will be provided by a Spanish-speaking driver.
*You are allowed to carry up to 20 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage.
*The maximum weight for the overflight is 90 kg; passengers exceeding this weight must pay an additional USD 40. We suggest requesting the approximate weight of each passenger, as if this limit is exceeded, an extra charge will apply or, if necessary, the number of passengers per aircraft will be modified for safety reasons.
Go on a comfortable ride from your hotel to the airport of Lima to take a flight to Arequipa. At arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Your journey will start at the Plaza de Armas, next to the magnificent Arequipa´s Cathedral built during the XVII century. Visit to Santa Catalina Monastery, and the ´Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús´ (1590). To end the day, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, to have a panoramic view of Arequipa´s countryside.
Depart Arequipa, driving through Yura district en route to the Colca Valley. Lunch will be served in the picturesque town of Chivay with transfer in the afternoon to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley. Rest of the day free at leisure or you may visit the local hot springs.
