15-Days Journey from Lima to Machu Picchu

Upon arrival in Lima (505 feet / 154 meters), the capital city of Peru, you’ll be welcomed by our representative at Jorge Chávez International Airport. You’ll then have a private transfer to your chosen hotel, where you can rest and get settled in for the night. Overnight in Lima.

No meals provided.

Start the day early with a transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal, where you’ll embark on a scenic double-decker bus ride to Paracas (16 feet / 5 meters).

In Paracas: You will take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky islands, home to many wildlife species, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous birds, are only accessible by boat. After exploring the islands, you’ll head to Ica (1,319 feet / 402 meters) to visit the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by enormous sand dunes. You’ll also visit a historic winery to see how the famous Pisco is made and get a chance to taste different varieties of Pisco and wine. End the day with some dune buggy adventures or sandboarding at Huacachina before traveling to Nazca (1,706 feet / 520 meters), where you’ll spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Start the day with an unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines, a series of massive ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. These lines depict animals, plants, and various geometric figures. After the flight, board a bus for the journey to Arequipa (7,660 feet / 2,335 meters), known as the “White City” due to its unique architecture made from white volcanic stone. Overnight in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

Spend the morning exploring Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful colonial architecture. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and the main square, Plaza de Armas. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Chivay (11,926 feet / 3,635 meters), passing through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, where you can see vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. You’ll also stop at the Mirador de los Volcanes to admire the surrounding volcanoes before arriving in Chivay. Optionally, you can visit the thermal baths in Chivay for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today, you’ll explore the magnificent Colca Canyon (10,730 feet / 3,270 meters), one of the deepest canyons in the world. Along the way, you’ll stop at various Andean villages like Yanque and Maca. The highlight of the day is visiting Cruz del Cóndor, a viewpoint where you can often see the majestic Andean condors soaring overhead. Afterward, you’ll return to Chivay for the evening to explore the town or enjoy the thermal baths.

Meals: Breakfast.

Embark on a journey to the Llachon community (12,500 feet / 3,810 meters) located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Lagunillas Lagoon and the burial towers of Sillustani. Upon arrival at Llachon, take a boat trip to Ticonata Island, where you will visit an ancient burial site filled with mummies and ceremonial artifacts. Spend the night at a homestay in the Llachon community, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Enjoy a full day on Lake Titicaca, starting with a visit to Taquile Island, where you’ll hike through scenic paths and enjoy stunning views of the lake. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the Uros Floating Islands, where the Uros people live on islands made entirely from reeds. After the tour, return to Puno (12,556 feet / 3,827 meters) for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Travel from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,399 meters) along the famous Route of the Sun. This scenic journey includes stops at cultural and archaeological sites, such as the Pucará Museum (12,795 feet / 3,900 meters), La Raya Pass (14,232 feet / 4,338 meters), and the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi (10,580 feet / 3,225 meters). You’ll also visit the impressive colonial church in Andahuaylillas. Arrive in Cusco in the early evening and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Discover the wonders of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll visit the Temple of Koricancha, the vibrant San Pedro Market, and the famous Plaza de Armas. The tour will also take you to nearby ruins, including Sacsayhuamán (12,142 feet / 3,701 meters), Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Embark on an early morning trek to Rainbow Mountain (16,466 feet / 5,020 meters), famous for its colorful mineral stripes. Enjoy a guided hike through stunning landscapes filled with Andean wildlife, including llamas and alpacas. After reaching the summit, enjoy lunch and take in the views before returning to Cusco in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Explore the Sacred Valley (9,186 feet / 2,800 meters), where you’ll visit Pisaq, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet / 2,792 meters). In the afternoon, continue your journey to Santa Teresa (5,167 feet / 1,575 meters), stopping at Abra Malaga (14,160 feet / 4,316 meters) for panoramic views. End the day with a relaxing visit to the thermal baths at Colcamayo. Overnight in Santa Teresa.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Take a short drive to the Hydroelectric Station (6,693 feet / 2,040 meters), followed by a scenic 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet / 2,040 meters), also known as Machu Picchu Town. You’ll have free time to explore the town before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast.

Early in the morning, take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (7,970 feet / 2,430 meters), where you will embark on a guided tour of this legendary Inca citadel. Afterward, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu (8,920 feet / 2,720 meters) for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In the evening, take the train back to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Fly from Cusco to Lima for a guided tour of the capital. You’ll visit the historic center, including Plaza de Armas and the Convent of San Francisco. In the modern district of Miraflores, enjoy the views from the Park of Love, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima.

Meals: Breakfast.

At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you to the airport in Lima for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast.