15 Days Peru Tour

Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru. A representative will greet you at Jorge Chávez Airport and provide a private transfer to your chosen hotel. Spend the night in Lima.

Meals: None

In Lima: Your hotel will arrange for you to be picked up for a guided tour that showcases the city’s key attractions, including the historic center, San Martín Square, the renowned Plaza de Armas,considered the heart of Lima, and the beautiful Convent of San Francisco with its famous catacombs. The tour continues to the vibrant Miraflores district, featuring the iconic Love Park, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a breathtaking panorama. The city tour will last about 4 hours.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the bus terminal for a double-decker bus ride to Paracas Bay.

In Paracas: Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight in Paracas.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Paracas: Enjoy a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky islands are only accessible by boat to protect their wildlife. They are famous for the diverse animal species found here, including birds (like geese and partridges), Peruvian cormorants, Bougainvillea pelicans, seagulls, and vultures, as well as Humboldt penguins, dolphins, sea lions, and more. This archipelago visit is approximately 90 minutes off the coast of Paracas and is much more affordable compared to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

Next, explore Ica’s sand dunes and the Huacachina oasis: Begin your guided visit at a traditional winery that produces grappa and the famed Pisco. You will learn about the Pisco-making process and take a tour of the facility with a staff member. After the winery visit, you will have the chance to sample various Pisco and wine types produced there. Following this, you will visit the Regional Museum of Ica, which is one of the most significant museums on Peru’s southern coast, showcasing intriguing artifacts from different cultures that once inhabited the Ica region. Finally, head to Huacachina Oasis, just 5 km from downtown Ica. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of this stunning lagoon and capture beautiful photos. The towering dunes surrounding the oasis provide an excellent opportunity for sandboarding.

Consider taking a dune buggy tour to surf on the sand—it’s a fantastic experience for thrill-seekers!

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the bus terminal for a 2-hour journey to Nazca. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Nazca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

The Nazca Lines are etched into the ground; these geoglyphs are located on a dry plateau stretching about 80 kilometers between Nazca and Palpa in southern Peru. More than 300 different designs exist here, including stylized representations of common animals in the region, like whales, parrots, a lizard over 590 feet (180 meters) long, hummingbirds, condors, and a giant spider about 148 feet (45 meters) long. The geoglyphs consist of over 10,000 lines, some measuring 98 feet (30 meters) wide and extending over 5.6 miles (9 km), making them clearly visible from the air or from nearby hills.

The figures include the tree, wings (or shells), alligator astronaut, whale, dog, hummingbird, shells, condor, iguana, blade, lizard, hands, mythological orca, parrot, pelican (or alcatraz), spider, monkey, snake, spiral, star, and more. Technically, the Nazca lines are precise, with very slight angles of deflection. The proportions of the drawings are well balanced, especially considering their size, showcasing the ancient inhabitants’ significant knowledge of geometry.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the terminal for a double-decker bus ride to Arequipa. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

Exploring Arequipa: This city has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. Its allure comes from the blend of Spanish and indigenous cultures, evident in the unique architecture. Known as the “white city” due to the color of its buildings, it houses the famous Santa Catalina Monastery, and you can visit the Plaza de Armas, where the impressive cathedral stands. During this guided tour, you will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, an extensive area surrounded by stunning walls, making it one of Peru’s most captivating religious sites. The main square, free of modern structures, serves as an open-air museum showcasing the remarkable sillar architecture—characterized by its white, striking, and distinctive aesthetics.

Trip to Chivay (Colca Canyon): This journey presents travelers with the chance to witness one of the most breathtaking attractions, the Colca Valley and Canyon. The first stop is at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe wildlife such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. Next, we will visit the Mirador de los Volcanes to admire various volcanoes exceeding 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) in height, including Misti, Chachani, Pichupichu, Hualcahualca, Sabancaya, Chucura, and the Chila mountain range. Arrive in Chivay and, in the afternoon, you can visit the thermal baths. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Colca Canyon Excursion: On this day, you will stop in several Andean villages: Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo for brief visits and photo opportunities. The highlight of the tour is the stop at Cruz del Cóndor, where you can observe the majestic Andean Condor in flight—a truly spectacular natural display! At the scheduled time, return to Chivay and have some leisure time to explore and enjoy the village or the thermal baths. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Travel to Llachon Community by private vehicle: This route features stunning natural scenery. On this paved road, you will pass through small towns and come across a lovely lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms are visible. If you’re lucky, you might spot Andean flamingos and various other Andean birds. The highlights of this journey are the burial towers of Sillustani, impressive cylindrical structures built long before the Incas. The Sillustani towers are perhaps the most exquisite and perfectly cylindrical constructions of ancient Peru, unmatched in their perfection throughout South America. If time permits, an optional tour to Sillustani will provide further insight into pre-Inca civilizations and allow you to appreciate the beauty of Umayo Lagoon, situated at the base of the Sillustani platform.

Upon arriving in Llachon, you will enjoy spectacular views of the lake and have the option for short hikes to nearby hills with beautiful vantage points and ancient ceremonial sites. The peninsula is home to around 1,300 residents who belong to the Quechua ethnic group.

To Ticonata Island and its mummies: A short boat ride will take you to Ticonata Island, where various archaeological remains have been uncovered, including funerary baskets, mummies, ceremonial vessels, and Keros. These artifacts are currently on display at the Tiahuanaco Museum located on the island. Overnight in the Llachon community homestay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

To Taquile Island: Upon reaching Taquile, we will walk along a narrow path that offers beautiful views of Lake Titicaca and the traditional homes of the Quechua people. Once at the main square, you will have some free time to explore this area on your own. Later, lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where grilled trout is a common dish. After our meal, we will descend to the dock to board a motorboat for the continuation of our excursion.

To Uros Floating Islands: The journey continues as we seek out the Uros ethnic group and their community. The Uros, also known as the Uru, are an indigenous group living on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. There is truly no other place like this on Earth. At the end of the day, we will return to Puno and transfer to your selected hotel. Overnight in Puno.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Sun Route From Puno To Cusco: This is a fun way to travel from Puno to Cusco, taking in the attractions along the famous “Route of the Sun.” The trip covers almost 248 miles (400 km) between both cities, with five stops along the way:

• Pucará:Known as the Temple of Fertility.
• La Raya Pass:Renowned for its stunning Andean landscapes.
• Sicuani:A rural area where you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
• Raqchi:Home to the Temple of Wiracocha, the creator of the Andean world.
• Andahuaylillas Colonial Temple:Often referred to as the Sixtine Chapel of America.

Pucará Museum: Located at an elevation of 12,467 feet (3,800 meters), Pucará was the first significant population center in the Titicaca basin during the Late Formative Period (500 BC-200 AD). This site provides essential insights into the origins of Andean civilization in the highlands. At its peak, it spanned over a square kilometer and was home to thousands of bureaucrats, priests, artisans, farmers, herders, and possibly warriors. The Pucará style is characterized by impressive monolithic sculptures featuring various geometric, zoomorphic, and intricate anthropomorphic designs, along with colorful ceramics used for rituals and daily life.

Abra La Raya: Standing at 14,232 feet (4,338 meters), Abra La Raya serves as the watershed between the valley flowing into Lake Titicaca and the valley leading to Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Marangani Buffet Lunch: Located at an altitude of 11,617 feet (3,552 meters), Marangani (Sicuani) is a relatively large highland city, acting as a critical junction for travelers heading to Puno or Arequipa. Surrounded by picturesque snowy mountains, enjoy a buffet lunch at our exclusive restaurant, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere.

Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha: At an altitude of 10,577 feet (3,225 meters), Raqchi features the main structure known as the Temple of Wiracocha. According to ancient chroniclers, this temple was built by the Inca Wiracocha to honor the invisible Supreme God of the Andean people, Apu Kon Titi Wiracocha. The temple is a grand construction for its time and is classified architecturally as “Kallanka,” meaning a tall building entirely covered in straw.

Arrive in Cusco City around 5:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Free Morning in Cusco: Enjoy your morning at leisure in Cusco.

Exploring the Imperial City of Cusco and its Main Attractions: Begin your exploration at Plaza San Cristóbal, which offers a panoramic view of the city. You can then walk to San Pedro Market to experience the local atmosphere and products. The magnificent Koricancha Temple is also worth visiting, along with the Church of Santo Domingo, built upon the walls of ancient Inca structures. From the artisan district of San Blas, make your way down to Hatun Rumiyoc Street to see the famous twelve-angle stone, set in the palace walls of what was once Inca Roca, now the Archbishop’s Palace. The Plaza de Armas was the central square of the Inca Empire and is home to the Cathedral, featuring three naves supported by fourteen columns and housing invaluable colonial treasures.

Nearby, you will find the remarkable archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán, surrounded by stunning landscapes. The Inca worship site of Qenqo is another complex surrounding the Imperial City of Cusco. This sanctuary is located on the hill of Socorro, and its true purpose remains a mystery; it could have been a court, amphitheater, or burial site for notable Inca figures. Puca Pucará is a military structure featuring tall walls, terraces, and staircases, forming part of Cusco’s defense system and exemplifying military architecture. Close to Puca Pucará is Tambomachay, a monument of exceptional architectural quality, considered a fundamental aspect of the Andean worldview. Constructed entirely from carved stone, it consists of four walls or terraces with stairways and features perfectly assembled stone blocks. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas: The Sacred Valley is undoubtedly a crucial area for the Inca civilization, thanks to its mild climate and fertile plains that provided a rare and bountiful combination in the Andes. It also served as the route to the jungle, offering access to tropical fruits and plants. The Sacred Valley sits at an altitude of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) and beautifully combines stunning landscapes with numerous significant archaeological sites.

We will depart early in the morning to Pisaq, located in the Sacred Valley about an hour from Cusco, where we will explore the region’s archaeological sites for approximately two hours. Next, we will head to Urubamba, passing through various villages like Coya, Lamay, Calca, and the Vilcanota River valley. We will arrive in Urubamba around noon and enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant (not included in the tour). Afterwards, we will proceed to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of the site. Overnight in Ollantaytambo village.

Meals: Breakfast.

To Machu Picchu: Start your day with an early hotel pickup for a private transfer to the train station. We will take the train to Aguas Calientes, and upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to a bus for a 20-minute ride to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, ascending 3.7 miles (6 km) to this incredible site.

Every morning, before dawn, the high priest would walk to Machu Picchu with a small group to signal the arrival of a new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is positioned on the mountainside and sits at a lower elevation than Machu Picchu. Next to it is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with exquisite masonry.

Other prominent temples in Machu Picchu include the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of Three Windows, the Main Temple, the Unfinished Temple, and the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Torreón. Afterward, you will join a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and various burial sites.

The Sun Gates of Machu Picchu provide a breathtaking view of Peru’s most famous ruins. Visitors flock to this vantage point high in the Andes to enjoy the stunning vista seen on countless postcards showcasing the Machu Picchu citadel. Known as Inti Punku, the Sun Gates are made up of two stones at a narrow passage in the mountain above Machu Picchu, where the sun shines brightly through this portal each morning at sunrise—hence its name. At the designated time, return to Aguas Calientes, and the rest of the day is yours to relax. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: Breakfast.

Aguas Calientes Town at Your Leisure: Enjoy the morning exploring the vibrant village of Aguas Calientes, visit Mandor Waterfall, or unwind in the natural thermal baths of Machu Picchu village.

Return to Cusco City by Train: Depart at either 2:30 PM or 7:00 PM on the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for an overnight stay in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Flight to Lima City: At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima.

In Lima City: Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight in Lima.

Meals: Breakfast.

Flight to Lima City: At the designated time, hotel pickup will take you to the airport for your flight to Lima.

International Flight: At the suggested time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast.