Overland Adventure from Lima to Machu Picchu 14 Days

Upon arriving in Lima, the capital city of Peru, you’ll be greeted at Jorge Chavez International Airport and escorted by a representative to your chosen hotel in a private transfer. Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in Lima.

• Meals: No meals included.

In Lima: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a guided city tour. The tour covers key tourist spots, including Lima’s historic center, San Martin Square, and the famous Plaza de Armas. You’ll also visit the impressive Convent of San Francisco with its eerie catacombs. Next, explore Miraflores, a modern district, with a stop at the Love Park, which offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. This city tour lasts about four hours.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the bus terminal to board a double-decker bus heading to Paracas Bay.

In Paracas: Upon arrival in Paracas, you’ll be picked up and taken to your selected hotel. Overnight in Paracas.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

In Paracas: Start your day with a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky islands, which are inaccessible by land, are home to an incredible array of wildlife, including seabirds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and offers amazing wildlife views.

Afterward, head to Ica to visit the region’s famous sand dunes and the Huacachina Oasis. Here, you’ll visit an old winery that produces Pisco, learning about its production process and sampling some of the varieties made there. You’ll also visit the Regional Museum of Ica, which showcases important archaeological artifacts from ancient cultures. Later, you’ll arrive at the stunning Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes. You can relax by the lake or, for adventure lovers, try sandboarding or take a dune buggy ride.

In the evening, you’ll catch a two-hour bus ride to Nazca. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

In Nazca: Today, you’ll explore the mysterious Nazca Lines, a series of enormous geoglyphs spread across the desert between Nazca and Palpa. These ancient drawings, some up to 30 meters (98 feet) wide and stretching over 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), include depictions of animals like whales, hummingbirds, and lizards. The lines are best viewed from above, as they span over 80 kilometers (49 miles).

After the tour, you’ll head to the bus terminal for a journey to Arequipa. Upon arrival in Arequipa (7,660 feet / 2,335 meters), you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

Exploring Arequipa: Arequipa, known as the “White City” due to its white volcanic stone buildings, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. On this guided tour, you’ll visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas and the historic Monastery of Santa Catalina, a grand religious building surrounded by impressive walls.

After the city tour, you’ll embark on a scenic trip to Chivay, a town in the Colca Valley. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. You’ll also stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint to admire volcanic peaks like Misti, Chachani, and Sabancaya, some towering over 16,404 feet (5,000 meters). In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Chivay (11,910 feet / 3,630 meters) where you can visit the local thermal baths to unwind. Overnight in Chivay.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Colca Canyon Tour: Today, you’ll visit several Andean villages like Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo, known for their traditional charm and photo-worthy spots. The highlight is the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you can witness majestic Andean condors soaring through the canyon. After the tour, you’ll return to Chivay for a leisurely afternoon. Overnight in Chivay.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

Trip to Llachon: Take a private car to the Llachon Peninsula (12,139 feet / 3,700 meters) with scenic views along the way. You’ll pass by small towns and Lagunillas, where you might spot Andean flamingos. The road also takes you past the ancient burial towers of Sillustani, cylindrical tombs that provide a glimpse into pre-Inca civilizations.

Once in Llachon, enjoy stunning views of Lake Titicaca and take short hikes to ceremonial sites on nearby hills.

To Ticonata Island: A short boat ride brings you to Ticonata Island, where archaeological finds like funeral baskets and mummies are displayed at the Tiahuanaco Museum. You’ll spend the night in a homestay with a local family in Llachon.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

To Taquile Island: Today, you’ll head to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. After a short hike from the shore, you’ll reach the main square, where you can explore at your own pace. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, where grilled trout is a popular dish.

To Uros Floating Islands: Next, visit the Uros Floating Islands, home to the indigenous Uros people. These islands, made entirely of reeds, float on the surface of Lake Titicaca (12,507 feet / 3,812 meters). Afterward, return to Puno (12,556 feet / 3,827 meters) for an overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

Route of the Sun: Today’s journey takes you from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet / 3,399 meters) along the “Route of the Sun,” with several stops along the way. Visit the Pucará Museum to see artifacts from an ancient Andean civilization, stop at La Raya Pass (14,232 feet / 4,338 meters) for scenic views, and enjoy a buffet lunch in Sicuani (11,654 feet / 3,552 meters). You’ll also visit Raqchi to see the Temple of Wiracocha and Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”

Upon arriving in Cusco in the evening, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

Morning Leisure in Cusco: You’ll have the morning free to explore Cusco.

City and Ruins Tour: In the afternoon, visit key sites in Cusco like Plaza San Cristóbal, the vibrant San Pedro Market, and the Temple of Koricancha. Admire the famous 12-angled stone in Hatun Rumiyoc Street, and visit the impressive Cathedral. The tour also takes you to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay, where you’ll see impressive examples of Inca architecture.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

Exploring the Sacred Valley: Begin your day with a trip to Pisaq (9,514 feet / 2,900 meters), located about an hour from Cusco. You’ll explore the ancient ruins and the town’s vibrant market. Then, continue through the picturesque towns of Coya, Lamay, and Calca, along the Vilcanota River, before stopping in Urubamba (9,420 feet / 2,870 meters) for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, a remarkable Inca archaeological site. Overnight in Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet / 2,792 meters).

• Meals: Breakfast included.

To Machu Picchu: Early in the morning, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet / 2,040 meters). From there, you’ll catch a bus that climbs the mountainside to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu (7,972 feet / 2,430 meters). The site is breathtaking and steeped in history. You’ll visit iconic locations like the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, and the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast included.

In Aguas Calientes: Enjoy a free morning to explore Aguas Calientes, visit the Mandor Waterfall, or relax in the town’s hot springs. In the afternoon, take a train back to Cusco, arriving in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.

• Meals:Breakfast included.

Flight to Lima: You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, you’ll be assisted by a representative for your international flight home.

• Meals: Breakfast included.