SPECTACULAR PERÚ: LIMA, MACHU PICCHU, AND LAKE TITICACA IN 13 DAYS

13D/12N

Discover the magic of Peru in 13 unforgettable days

Discover Peru’s hidden gems with our 13-day tour, featuring the enchanting catacombs of Lima, the vibrant marine life of the Ballestas Islands, the mystifying Nazca Lines, and the majestic Colca Canyon. Explore the rich coffee culture of Lucmabamba, the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu at sunrise.

This adventure promises breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersions, and unforgettable experiences every day!

This awaits you on your next trip

Itinerario

DAY 1: CITY TOUR LIMA

We will pick you up at your hotel (hotels in Barranco, Miraflores, San Isidro, or Downtown Lima only) at 2:00 pm approx. and take you on a fascinating walking tour through our historic center.

We will show you the palaces and castles that our city hides, we will also take you to the San Francisco Monastery and the impressive subway catacombs.

We will also visit the most important square in the whole country; «La Plaza de Armas», and other great places such as: Jiron del Union, La Torre Dominicos, the historic bridge of Rimac, charming colonial wooden balconies and many more attractions, then we will start with the guided tour to the «Magic Water Circuit», the largest fountain complex in the world, certified by Guinness Word Records. Here you will enjoy a wonderful spectacle of water and light, presented in the famous Parque de la Reserva, one of the most beautiful urban spaces in Lima.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Professional guide
Admission to the Catacombs
Shows and spectacles

NOT INCLUDE:

Drinks

DAY 2: FULL DAY PARACAS – HUACACHINA – BALLESTAS ISLANDS

At 5:00 am Departure to Paracas Spa in tourist transport.

Arrival in Paracas and departure to El Chaco pier for a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Witness marine wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and flamingos, and marvel at the Candelabra geoglyph.

Visit Nietto Winery to learn about Pisco and wine production since 1856, with tastings included. Stop at La Chocolateria Noelia for traditional treats like chocotejas and alfajores.

Excursion to the Oasis of Huacachina, a tranquil lagoon surrounded by sand dunes near Ica. Transfer to Nazca and overnight stay at Maison de Lidia hotel.

This itinerary blends nature, cultural experiences, and gastronomic delights, offering a comprehensive exploration of Paracas, Ica, and Nazca regions.

INCLUDE:

Transportation Lima – Paracas
Professional guide
Entrance fees
Acomodation in Nasca

Not include:

Meals

DAY 3: NASCA – AREQUIPA

After breakfast, we will proceed with the scheduled flight over the Nasca Lines, allowing us to view renowned geoglyphs such as the whale, the compass, the trapezoid, the astronaut, the monkey, the dog, the hummingbird, the spider, the condor, the albatross, the parrot, the hands, and the tree.

In the afternoon at 14:00, we will transfer to the Cruz del Sur terminal for our journey to the city of Arequipa, with an approximate arrival around midnight.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Guide
Breakfast at the hotel
Nazca lines overflight
Bus from Nasca to Arequipa

NOT INCLUDE:

Meals

DAY 4: CITY TOUR AREQUIPA

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 1:00 PM to start our tour. Our first destination is the Carmen Alto Viewpoint in Cayma, offering stunning panoramic views of the Chilina Valley and its terraced landscapes, with the Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes in the backdrop. Next, we’ll visit Yanahuara, known for its distinctive Yanahuara Arches made from sillar volcanic stone. Here, we’ll explore the main square and church of Yanahuara. Moving on to Arequipa’s historic center, we’ll visit the Plaza de Armas to learn about the history of the Arequipa Cathedral and its surrounding porticos. Afterward, we’ll visit the Church of the Society of Jesus for insights into its history and architecture, including its elegant sillar stone cloisters. Our tour continues with a visit to Casa Tristán del Pozo, celebrated for its façade, considered a prime example of Arequipa’s distinctive ornamentation. We’ll then explore the Plaza and Church of San Francisco, known for its architectural beauty. Our final stop is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colonial citadel showcasing the nuns’ living quarters, streets, avenues, and cemetery. The tour concludes at 6:00 PM.

INCLUDE:

Guide
Entrances
Transport to Viewpoints

DAY 5: COLCA CAÑON

Hotel Pickup in Downtown Arequipa between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.

Our journey begins towards one of the world’s deepest and most spectacular canyons, with Chivay as our base of operations, approximately a 4-hour drive including tourist stops. Along the route, we’ll traverse the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, observing vicuñas in their natural habitat. At Patahuasi, a brief stop allows us to enjoy traditional coca tea, essential for altitude sickness prevention (soroche).

We’ll also visit the Toccra Wetlands, where alpacas graze freely, and the Mirador de los Volcanes, the highest point at 4,800 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the western mountain range. Chivay is just 40 minutes away from this viewpoint.

Arriving in Chivay by 12:30 PM, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch followed by check-in at our respective hotels. In the afternoon, relax in thermal baths with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C.

Overnight stay in Chivay

INCLUDE:

Transport
Guide
Entrances
Lunch
Accomodation
Entrance hot springs

NOT INCLUDE:

Breakfast

DAY 6: COLCA CAÑON – PUNO

06:00 AM – Breakfast. We will then head to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, located 30 minutes away. This is the prime observation point for the Colca Canyon and the spectacular flight of the condors. We will spend approximately 45 minutes here to fully appreciate the canyon’s beauty.

On our return, we will stop at various viewpoints to admire the impressive terraced landscapes of the valley. We will also visit the village of Maca, where you can see its church and optionally taste local beverages such as the Colca Sour, made from regional ingredients.

01:15 PM – We will begin our return journey to the city of Arequipa. If we missed any attractions on the first day en route to Chivay, we will have the opportunity to stop and visit them on the way back, weather and group permitting.

04:30 PM – Arrival in Arequipa, where we will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas.

10:00 PM – We will board the bus to Puno

INCLUYE:

Transport
Guide
Breakfast in the hotel
Bus from Arequipa to Puno
Entrance to colca canyon

NOT INCLUDE:

Lunch

DAY 7: UROS ISLAND – AMANTANI ISLAND

We will pick you up from the bus terminal in Puno at 7:30 AM and head to the port to embark on our journey to Los Uros. After a 30-minute boat ride, we will arrive at our destination, where we will visit two islands. The island families will greet us warmly and share their way of life, explaining how they build and maintain their floating islands. You will have the option to ride on a traditional totora reed raft (not included in the package), also constructed by the families. Additionally, you can purchase souvenirs handmade by the islanders, which reflect their rich culture.

Next, we will set off for Amantani. After a three-hour journey, we will arrive and be welcomed by the villagers, who will take us to their homes for our stay. We will have lunch with our hosts and take a short rest. In the afternoon, we will embark on a one-hour uphill hike to explore two Inca ceremonial temples and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca before descending. In the evening, after dinner, we will have the opportunity to engage with the community during a cultural gathering.

INCLUDE:

Transport boat
Guide
Lunch
Dinner
Entrance
Accomodation in Amantani

DAY 8: TAQUILE ISLAND – CUSCO

After breakfast, we will depart for Taquile. Upon arrival, we will begin our walk to the main square to meet the villagers and admire their world-renowned textile art, which is a significant expression of their culture. Following this, we will enjoy lunch at a typical island restaurant.

At 3:30 PM, we will arrive at the port of Puno and take a brief tour of the city before dropping you off at Puno’s main square.

At 10:00 PM take the bus to Cusco.

INCLUDE

Breakfast
Boat
Entrance
Bus from Puno to cusco

NOT INCLUDE:

Lunch 2nd day

DAY 9: CITY TOUR CUSCO

We will start the tour at 12:50 pm (time of your choice), we will introduce you to the Imperial City of Cusco, a living example of the mixture of Andean and Spanish culture. Continuing your journey, you will visit the Convent of Santo Domingo built on top of the Koricancha, as well as the ancient Inca Palace and the main center of worship of the Sun God. Our tour continues to the truly impressive archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman and its Inca military architecture, which dominates the city below. Finally, we explore the archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, located in the northeast of the city. We will return to your hotel in Cusco in the early afternoon.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Guide

NOT INCLUDE:

Entrance to Qoricancha
Entrance to the archeological sites

DAY 10: SACRED VALLEY

We start our day at 6:30 AM as your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco in our private van for our journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chincheros, renowned for its terraces that stretch northward on the hill where the Church of the Virgin of the Nativity now stands. This site features ten trapezoidal niches possibly used for rituals, a well-preserved drainage system, and an interconnected urban design of streets and passageways.

Next, we visit the intriguing archaeological site of Moray, often called «The Greenhouse of the Incas,» characterized by its deep bowl-shaped terraces. These terraces create varying microclimates, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experimentation and hybridization.

Continuing our journey, we reach the colonial town of Maras, known for its pre-Inca «salt mines» known as salineras in Spanish. These salt mines have been utilized for centuries, fed by a salty stream from a nearby hot spring, creating a unique landscape where natural pink salt can be found.

We then proceed to Ollantaytambo, where we explore the well-preserved Inca village and its imposing ruins. Our guide leads us through the Temple of the Sun and the massive terraces, providing insights into their significance during the Inca era and the Spanish conquest.

Our final stop in the Sacred Valley is Pisac, where we encounter an impressive Inca cemetery with over 2,000 tombs. Here, meticulously designed agricultural terraces adorn the mountainside, alongside attractions like the Inca tunnel and the religious precincts of this important citadel. We will spend approximately 2 hours exploring the site before visiting the vibrant Pisac market.

We conclude our Sacred Valley journey and return to Cusco, arriving back in the city around 7:00 PM.

INCLUDE

Transport
Guide
Buffet lunch
Entrance to Maras
Entrance to Archeological sites

DAY 11: MACHUPICCHU

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly anticipating! We will pick you up from your hotel between 3:50 to 4:00 AM and head to Ollantaytambo station (approximately 2 hours). From there, you will board the train for a scenic 2-hour journey to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the village, our transfer will meet you to provide instructions and assist you in boarding a bus to Machu Picchu, where you’ll arrive just intime to witness the sunrise.

Machu Picchu is a truly extraordinary site, and your guide will lead a comprehensive tour lasting about two hours. You will explore the citadel’s most significant areas and learn about its division into agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.

After your tour, those who have pre-booked hikes to Huayna Picchu Mountain will have the opportunity to enjoy those breathtaking views on their own. Once you’ve soaked in the splendor of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train’s departure time, you may have the chance to shop, explore, visit the museum, or relax in the hot springs.

The Expedition train will depart at 4:40 PM, tracing the scenic route alongside the Urubamba River. As you near Aguas Calientes, marvel at the narrow canyon and the river’s stunning whitewater sections. You may even catch a glimpse of Wiñay Wayna from the train, perched high on the canyon wall! Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting outside the station to transfer you back to Cusco in our van. Expect to arrive in Cusco around 8:40 PM.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Train ticket
Consettur bus
Entrance to machupicchu
Guide

NOT INCLUDE:

Meals

DAY 12: HUMANTAY LAKE

This unforgettable day begins at 4:30 AM when your guide picks you up from your hotel in Cusco. We will embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to the Soraypampa trailhead, nestled in the verdant valley of the Apurimac River. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Our trek follows the ancient «Camino Real» trail, gradually ascending in altitude. After passing through a quaint traditional village, we continue upwards for another hour and a half, gaining 1,200 feet (366 meters) in just 2 miles along a steep path.

As we conquer the final ascent, a stunning turquoise lake awaits us, surrounded by towering peaks and a majestic glacier. Along the way, you will have a direct view of Mount Salkantay, standing at 6,279 meters with its snow-capped peak, a sacred mountain in Peruvian culture. Additionally, the impressive Pico Humantay, reaching 5,917 meters, graces the landscape. Many followers of traditional Andean beliefs offer blessings upon reaching the pristine waters of Humantay Lake. Upon reaching the lakeshore, you can relax or express gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Afterwards, we descend back to Soraypampa for a hot lunch in the village, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic vistas of the snow-capped peaks. At the end of this fulfilling day, we return to Cusco, dropping you off near the main square around 5:00 PM.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Guide
Breakfast
Lunch
Entrance to the lagoon

DAY 13: RAIMBOW MOUNTAIN - LIMA

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 AM to embark on our exciting Rainbow Mountain Trek adventure. Our journey takes us through the South Valley, a scenic 3-hour drive, culminating at the trailhead in Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft). Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Inca agricultural terraces, traditional villages, valleys, and the lofty peaks of the Andes.

Early in the morning, you’ll be entertained by herds of alpacas and llamas near our breakfast spot. Upon reaching the trailhead, we begin our hike alongside a picturesque stream, with views of Mount Ausangate and its glaciers. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with local Quechua-speaking communities, learning about their traditional attire and culture. Feel free to ask your guide to teach you some Quechua words!

After a total hike of 1.5 hours, we reach our destination, Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). Take your time to admire its unique beauty, capturing photos or simply soaking in the magnificent scenery. We’ll spend approximately 30 minutes at the summit before optionally hiking to the top of Red Valley, an additional 45-minute climb, then return to the trailhead.

Our return journey retraces our steps, with another hour of hiking followed by a well-deserved lunch. We then embark on the 3-hour drive back to the airport in Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM.

INCLUDE:

Transport
Guide
Breakfast
Lunch

NO INCLUDE:

Entrance to the mountain
Entrance to the red valley

PRICE AND INCLUSIONS

Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.

PRICE INCLUDES

NOT INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATIONS

We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.