DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN LIMA + CITY TOUR

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, we will warmly welcome you with a sign displaying your name and transfer you to your selected hotel; free time to rest and have lunch.

At 14:00 hours, an exciting tour will begin exploring the three facets of Lima: ancestral, colonial and modern. First, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic “Pucllana Pyramid”, an ancient ceremonial center built in the 4th century. Then we will head to the heart of Lima’s Historic Center, exploring the old “Lima Cuadrada” and admiring more than fifty colonial monuments and buildings, including San Martín Square, the Main Square, the Archbishop’s Palace and the imposing Cathedral Basilica.

Next, we will visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays), where a collection of treasures from various pre-Columbian cultures of Peru is displayed. We will also visit the Monumental Complex of San Francisco, whose main attraction is its mysterious catacombs.

Finally, we will head to the contemporary area of Lima, where we will see the most prominent modern buildings and residential areas such as El Olivar of San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar and the emblematic Love Park.

Overnight in Lima.

 

DAY 2 BALLESTAS ISLANDS AND HUACACHINA OASIS

Today we will depart from Lima at 05:00 in the morning, heading toward the charming seaside resort of Paracas, where calm sea breezes and peaceful landscapes await. This exciting sea excursion will take us to the Ballestas Islands aboard motorboats equipped with all necessary safety measures.

Along the way, we will observe the famous and monumental geoglyph known as El Candelabro, an ancient guano extraction port, as well as colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds and other fascinating marine species.

In the afternoon, our journey will continue to the city of Ica, where you will learn about the traditional process of producing Peruvian wine and pisco, a tradition dating back to 1856. At the same location, you will have time to enjoy lunch (not included).

Our next destination will be the Huacachina Oasis and its surroundings. Those who wish to experience something truly unique will have the opportunity to ride buggies across the sand dunes of Ica and enjoy exciting sandboarding from the heights. Afterwards, we will begin the journey back to the city of Lima.

Overnight in Lima.

 

DAY 3 ARRIVAL IN CUSCO + CITY TOUR

Upon arrival in the city of Cusco, our transfer representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name to take you to your selected hotel. It is recommended to take a flight arriving in Cusco between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning at the latest, so you can rest and have lunch comfortably.

We will pick you up from your hotel between 12:30 and 12:50 to begin your tour. Accompanied by your guide, you will visit Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, where the visit lasts approximately one hour. Here you will learn about Andean symbolism, the connection with the stars and their importance in the Inca calendar.

Then the entire group will board our tourist transport to head toward the famous ruins on the outskirts of the city. The first stop will be the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, where you will admire the impressive stone walls inspired by the lightning god.

Later you will visit Q’enqo, where you will observe the most important ceremonial huaca of the city. Afterwards, in Tambomachay, you will admire the beautiful ceremonial fountains that have been functioning perfectly since Inca times.

To conclude the tour, we will stop at Puka Pukara, a military fortress used as a control point during the Inca era, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.

The tour will end around 18:30, two blocks from Cusco’s Main Square.

 

DAY 4 SUPER SACRED VALLEY with connection to the town of Aguas Calientes

Our transfer or guide will pick you up from your hotels between 06:30 and 06:50 in the morning to board our tourist transport and begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour. After approximately a 40-minute journey, you will arrive at the archaeological center of Chinchero, a village that still preserves original Inca culture and where artisans offer locally made textiles produced with ancient techniques.

After the visit, you will continue to Moray, a complex of agricultural terraces with microclimates used for experimentation, including plant domestication, acclimatization, hybridization and cultivation trials.

Later you will visit the Maras Salt Mines, which have been exploited since pre-Inca times. There are more than 3,000 salt pools, and the saltwater comes from natural springs that filter from the same hillside known as Qoripukiu (Golden Spring).

You will continue toward Urubamba to enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, you will visit the archaeological center of Ollantaytambo, a strategic military, religious and agricultural center that still amazes visitors with its stone terraces and impressive constructions more than four meters high. It is a place surrounded by magic and mystery and is believed to have served as a refuge for Inca royalty and nobility.

After exploring this historical wonder, you will head to the train station to board the train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, hotel staff will welcome you and escort you to your accommodation. In the evening, our guide will provide details and preparations for the exciting Machu Picchu excursion the following day.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

 

DAY 5 MACHU PICCHU EXCURSION and return to Cusco

After breakfast at your hotel, our staff will be waiting for you in the main square of Aguas Calientes to accompany you to the bus boarding point that will take you to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. The bus ride will give you the opportunity to further enjoy the natural surroundings of this magnificent place.

Once at the citadel, you will enjoy approximately 2 hours of guided exploration led by our expert guide. Through their knowledge, you will gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and greatness of the constructions found at this ancestral site. Ancient civilizations managed to build a city that impressively combines security, sustainability and meticulous planning on high mountain terrain, all rooted in a profound connection with nature.

After this enriching exploration, we will return by bus to the town, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a revitalizing lunch at one of the local restaurants. You will also have time to stroll through the town for shopping and return to your hotel to collect your luggage.

At the scheduled time, you must arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station (30 minutes before your train departure). After an approximately 2-hour train journey, you will arrive again in Ollantaytambo, where you will board the transport that will take you back to the city of Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

 

DAY 6 RAINBOW MOUNTAIN EXCURSION

You will need to wake up early, between 04:30 and 05:00 a.m., to fully appreciate this natural wonder. We will pick you up from your hotel and head south of the city of Cusco.

The first stretch takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes until our first stop near the district of Cusipata (3,310 m.a.s.l.), where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at a restaurant. Then we will continue for approximately one more hour to Fulawasipata (4,660 m.a.s.l.), where details about the hike will be provided.

At the foot of the sacred Ausangate Mountain, our hike will begin. After approximately a 2-hour ascent, you will reach the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca (5,200 m.a.s.l.). Along the way, you may observe various species of South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.

At the “red hill,” you will have time to rest, admire the breathtaking scenery and capture the magnificent colors of Vinicunca: red, pink, turquoise and yellow.

At the indicated time, we will begin the return hike to Fulawasipata, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you to the restaurant where you will enjoy a revitalizing lunch. Return to Cusco with an estimated arrival at 16:30, two blocks from the main square of Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

 

DAY 7 ROUTE OF THE SUN toward PUNO

At approximately 06:15, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the bus station for this beautiful travel experience.

The journey begins at the majestic Chapel of Andahuaylillas, an architectural jewel dating back to the 17th century, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” This church houses exceptional murals, gold-leaf artwork and paintings representative of the Cusco School.

Next, we will head to Raqchi, home to the Temple of the god Wiracocha, the supreme deity of the Incas. Here you will witness an impressive concentration of colcas (storage structures) and admire remarkable constructions made of stone and adobe.

Our tour will continue with a stop in the charming city of Sicuani to enjoy a buffet lunch.

The journey then continues to La Raya Pass, a geographical point located at more than 4,335 meters above sea level, marking the border between Cusco and Puno. From this elevated point you will see the imposing Chimboya snow-capped mountain, the origin of the Amazon River.

The final stop will be the Pukará Lithic Museum, where you will discover a fascinating collection of ceramics and sculptures, mostly representing zoomorphic figures.

The day will conclude with our arrival in the beautiful city of Puno at approximately 17:00. We will assist you at the terminal and transfer you to your selected hotel.

Overnight in Puno.

 

DAY 8 UROS AND TAQUILE EXCURSION

After breakfast at your hotel, we will meet at 07:00 a.m. to begin a day full of exploration. We will head to the port of Puno, where a motorboat will be waiting for you.

This journey will first take you to the amazing Uros Floating Islands, located on Lake Titicaca. You will have the opportunity to visit the islands while your guide introduces you to the fascinating lifestyle of the communities that inhabit them. You will have free time to walk around, take photos and, if you wish, enjoy a ride on the traditional totora reed boats (not included).

Continuing this unique experience, you will sail to Taquile Island, a treasure that UNESCO has declared a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” especially for its textile art.

Once at the island’s pier, you will begin a captivating guided walk with one or more stops to discover the traditions, customs and rich history of the place. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see various species of medicinal plants, observe native animals and watch local residents carrying out their daily activities.

At the end of the walk, we will head to a charming local tourist restaurant to enjoy a lunch that will delight your senses before returning to the city of Puno. This excursion will end at approximately 17:00.

Overnight in Puno.

 

DAY 9 DEPARTURE TRANSFER

After breakfast at the hotel and depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport to take your return flight to Lima. Please note that hotel check-out times usually vary between 09:00 and 10:00 in the morning (consult with your advisor). We will coordinate your transfer together, and remember that you must arrive at the airport two hours prior to your flight.