Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive to Lima

Arrive in Lima at anytime throughout the day. Transportation is included from the airport to the corresponding hotel, and there are no activities planned for this day until our first welcome meeting in the late afternoon, most likely in the hotel lobby

Lima is the largest city in Peru as well as is the capital of the country. Geographically located on the Pacific Coast, Lima is the 5th largest city in Latin America, following only Mexico City, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Day 02: Lima – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Nazca

Early in the morning  we will catch a local bus to head south. After three hours we will arrive in the coastal fishing town of El Chaco, after we will take a tour to the Ballestas Islands, which are two large rock formations shaped by wind, water and time. These natural arch-like structures are home to a variety of sea birds and sea lions that have set up colonies around the islands. It is often possible to observe dolphins and Humboldt penguins in this area. After this excursion, we will take a bus to head back to Ica,  which will take us to a small family winery where we will have the chance to learn how Pisco (Peru’s national liquor) and wines are made.

After lunch, we will head to Huacachina Oasis. Take some time to relax, or for the more adventurous, climb the highest sand dune and ride back down on a sand board (similar to snowboarding). Around 4PM, start travelling in sand dune buggies for a fun ride across the Ica desert until sunset. We will spend the night in the city of Nazca, located two hours away from the beautiful oasis.

Meals Included: breakfast

Day 03: Flight over the Nazca Lines – Chauchilla Cementeri  –  Night Bus to Arequipa

During the morning take a flight over the Nazca Lines. The price of this flight and its airport taxes are included. Around midday, visit an ancestral Nazca cemetery located in the arid desert to discover how the ancient civilization who resided here persisted against the rough climate of the region. Then, later in the night, we will ride on a comfortable night bus to the city of Arequipa.

Nazca is the name of a system of valleys and deserts on the southern coast of Peru, and is also the name applied to the culture that flourished in this region between 300 B.C. and 800 A.D. These people were responsible for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which were enormous drawings of animals, plants and geometrical lines on the desert that can only be recognized from the air. Some famous figures in these lines are the monkey, the spider, the hummingbird, the condor and the lizard.

Meals Included: breakfast

Day 04: Arequipa free day

We will arrive in Arequipa early in the morning and check in at the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day.

Three volcanoes surround Arequipa. Misti, the most famous, is known for its perfect cone shape and for the fact that during most of the year it is covered in snow. Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, with a population of 1.2 million. Arequipa lies at an altitude of 2,380 m/7,800 ft above sea level and its historic centre is also one of the World Heritage sites named by UNESCO, in recognition of its history and colonial architecture. The city is also known for the colour of its interesting walls. These are made up of light, white bricks which are products of the naturally compressed volcanic ash.

Arequipa is also renowned for its culinary attributes. Take a moment to stop by one of the “Picanterias”, the typical local restaurants, and try their rich Peruvian dishes, such as: Rocoto Relleno (stuffed chilli peppers), Cuy Chactao (deep fried guinea pig) and Chicharrón (deep fried pork).

Although there is no pre-determined schedule for today, we can suggest a few optional activities. For example, stop by the Santa Catalina convent, a complex that is considered to be a city within a city due to the extent of its size and was opened to the public in 1970. It was founded in 1580 and at any given time there may have been at least 500 nuns staying there. Another suggested place of interest is the Santuarios Andinos Museum. It contains the exhibition of the famous Juanita, known as the “Princess of the Andes”. She was a young Inca girl that had been frozen for nearly 500 years until she was found on the summit of the Ampato volcano. She was the scientific proof needed to show that the Inca civilization did in fact perform human sacrifices.

Day 05: Arequipa  - Colca Canyon – Chivay

After around five hours of driving through the Andes, we will arrive in Colca Canyon, which is considered the second deepest canyon in the world. Along the way we will spot some of the “camels of South America”: llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. We will cross the highest pass of our trip during the bus ride, at 4,900m above sea level. At this point, we will witness the amazing Andean landscape of volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. We can finally relax in our beautiful lodge upon arrival. At night, we can go for a swim in the natural hot springs of Chivay and enjoy a Pisco Sour in one of the many pools.

The canyon is shaped by hundreds of Inca terraces where mostly potatoes and Andean cereal crops are cultivated. The majority of these terraces are still used by local farmers. Remember: during this day we will reach the highest altitude of our trip, where the weather can reach extremes of sunny days and very cold nights. This is a prime opportunity to purchase an alpaca scarf or sweater for a great price.

Meals Included: breakfast

Day 06: Colca Canyon – Puno

Visit the Cruz del Condor, where it is possible to see the majestic condors flying in their natural environment. Then go for a beautiful walk above the canyon. Then we will take a bus to cross the south side of the Andes to encounter the city of Puno

Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca at 3820 meter above sea level.

Meals Included: breakfast

Day 07: Lake Titicaca: Uros Island – Amanatani Island (Local Home Stay)

The adventure to the islands located on Lake Titicaca starts in the morning with a ride in rickshaws to the harbor after 2 hours of navigating the lake we are going to arrive at the Uros Islands. This is a group of artificial floating islands made with reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. The reeds are fundamental resources for the life of Ureños (inhabitants of these islands) as they use them to build houses, boats, beds and even as food. Ask to take a traditional reed boat trip between the floating islands.

Then the adventure to the islands located on Lake Titicaca starts in the morning with a ride in rickshaws to the harbor. From there, we will take a relaxing boat ride to Amantani Island, where a local family and host will show you their traditional and simplistically wonderful way of life. Hike to the summit of the island’s highest mountain and visit the Archeological site of Pachatata. At night, do not miss the view of the lake at sunset. Later in the night, participate in a communal Andean dancing celebration

Also, remember to bring warm clothes as it is windy and cold on the lake. Expect cold weather at night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Amantani Island – Taquile Island – Puno.

This morning we will walk down to the community harbor to take our boat to the island of Taquile. We will cross the island hiking it in about one hour while enjoying the beautiful views of the landscape and lake. This is a great place to take memorable photos!

The inhabitants of Taquile have a unique lifestyle having preserved their native culture for hundreds of years. Here, men do all the knitting, while the women do the spinning. Another interesting fact about the people from Taquile has to do with their hats. The color and tram designs tell if they are single or married, as well their social status. At the afternoon we will take our boat and return to Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 09: Tourist Bus Puno – Cusco

An eight hour bus journey will take us through the Altiplano and the Vilcanota Valley . Here you will witness the birthplace of the Amazon River located between the cities of Cusco and Puno at 3863 meters above sea level. On this trip we will stop to visit some beautiful and picturesque towns and sites as well as have lunch. The road leads us Northwest to the very well known Cusco the navel city of World, and explore this ancient city with its cobble stone streets, colonial churches, and Inca Archeological sites

Cusco is located 3316 meters above sea level. This ancient city has several impressive titles such as the “Navel of the World”, “Historical Capital of Peru”, is one of UNESCO’s sacred World Heritage cities, and is deemed the “Archeological Capital of the Americas”. These titles were earned due to the fact that Cuzco has a unique combination of cobble-stoned streets, Inca walls bordering most down town streets, colonial houses with Inca stones bases, century old churches, plazas, and Quechua speaking descendants. This cosmopolitan city also has great night life where you can meet people from every corner of the world.

Meals Included: Breakfast & lunch

Day 10: Cusco City Tour – Catedral, Qoricancha , 4 ruinas (Sacsayhuaman, Quenko, Pukapukara, Tambomachay)

We have the morning free, At the afternoon.  We will have the chance to visit some of the most important places and landmarks of the town. The tour will start at 13:20 pm

We will visit the Temple of the Sun known as Qoricancha in the Quechua. This was considered the most important locale of the Incas time and is full of masterful stonework. Today the archeological site forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo.

We will drive to the surrounding parts of the city to visit the largest Inca archeological sites. We will explore the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built with huge boulders that weigh more than one hundred tons. Then visit Qenqo, limestone with dozens of carvings and niches used as a mummifying center. Finally visit the closest ruins of Tambomachay, a temple used for the worship of water. Tambomachay still has well-preserved water channels and an ancient ceremonial bath place. This ruin is linked with the ruins of PukaPukara, only 300 meters away.

Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 11: Sacred Valley – Pisaq – Ollantaytambo

This morning we will head east to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at established viewpoints along the way to view both the luscious landscapes and typical Andean crops of quinoa, kiwicha and potatoes.

We will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac, which is located directly above the town with the same name. The citadel is well known for its magnificent agricultural terraces and the Intihuatana (Hitching Post of the Sun) which we will learn more about on our visit. We will then descend to the colonial town below which is highly popular for its traditional market and traditionally and elaborately dressed locals. This is a good place for shopping for handicrafts.

After a one hour drive we will arrive to the most preserved Inca town, Ollantaytambo.  This town is dominated by the presence of its ruins, the massive Fortress and Ceremonial Center, and narrow, cobble-stoned, and perfectly lined streets. Interestingly enough, when viewed from above, the town has the shape of a corn husk, and the fortress the shape of a llama.

We will pass the night in this ollantaytambo town

Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 12: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Pichu – Cusco

Travel by train in a unique adventure descending into the Sacred Valley until finally arrive to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will jump to the bus, and arrive to the Lost City of the Incas for an incredible experience.

Visit Machu Picchu in a two hour guided tour of the most important temples and sectors of this great ruin. Then, later, explore and discover on your own the wonders of the Lost City of the Incas. This afternoon we will return to Cuzco by train and bus.

Machu Picchu was recently honored to become part of the New 7 Wonders of the World as well as, like many of our other destinations on this journey, is one of the top World Heritage cities on UNESCO’s prestigious list. Interestingly enough, it is not mentioned in any of the chronicles from Spanish colonialism. No one knows its function and even though it has been studied by scientists for decades, many unanswered questions remain. The town was forgotten for centuries and covered by rich vegetation until July 24th, 1911 when American historian Hiram Bingham was led by an 11 year old native boy to the site where he made the re-discovery of this phenomenal structure. It was all done on accident as Bingham was actually in search of the lost town of Vilcabamba.

Late in the afternoon return to Cuzco by train for our last night in the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13: Cusco Free Day

Free day to relax or to keep exploring this city. There are several optional excursions available or just arrange a nice massage at one of the local spas.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14: Departure Cusco

There are no planned activities for today. Have a safe journey whether you are headed home or to explore another destination!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Opcional Tours:

• Cuzco
  • Rafting $35 – $45
  • Entrada Museo Inca $3
  • Tours en Motos  $50.00
  • Tours en ATVS $80
  • Tours en Bicicletas $35
  • Cabalgatas $25 – 35
  • Bungee Jumping $ 60
  • Masajes $18
  • Transfer $10
• Seguros de viaje

• Cuatrimotos  - ATVs
• Rafting   Chuquicahuana

INCLUDE

• Support Staff:
  • Local guides in english : Ballestas Island, Cementeri Chachilla, Nazca, Colca Canyon, Titicaca Lake, City Tour Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

• All excursion in Shared Service:
  • Ballestas Island, Cementeri Chachilla, Nazca, Colca Canyon, Titicaca Lake, City Tour Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

• Included meals:
  • Breakfast (12), Lunch (02), Dinner (01)
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel (12)
  • Night Bus (01)
  • Home Stay Titicaca Lake Family  (01)
• Transport:
  • Bus Lima – Paracas – Ica – Nazca
  • Night bus Nazca – Arequipa
  • Bus Arequipa – Colca – Puno
  • Tourist Bus Puno – Cusco
  • Transport Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
  • Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Bus Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
• Activities, entrances and fees:
  • Cementeri Chauchilla
  • Colca Canyon
  • Titicaca Lake
  • Boleto Turistico Cusco
  • Catedral entrance fee
  • Qoricancha entrance fee
  • Machu Picchu entrance fee
• Airport transfer:
  • Transfer from the airport upon arrival in Lima  is included if you provide us with the flight information at least five days in advance.

Does not include:

• National & International Flights
• National & International Airport Taxes
• Visas
• Meals not listed
• Optional or Extra Activities during free time
• Transfer for optional or extra activities
• Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Items for personal use
• Pre and post Accommodation
• Suggested Budget for Meals not Included:
  • USD 200.00 for not included meals.