South Peru Circuit 15 Days Itinerary

Upon Arrival in Lima: Once you land in the vibrant capital city of Lima, Peru, you’ll be greeted by our local representative at Jorge Chavez International Airport. A private transfer will then take you to your selected hotel, where you’ll settle in for the night. Overnight stay in Lima.

Meals: None.

In Lima: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a guided city tour of Lima. The tour includes visits to key attractions such as the historic heart of the city, the iconic San Martin Square, and the famous Plaza de Armas. A visit to the San Francisco Convent and its fascinating catacombs is also included. The tour will continue to the more modern district of Miraflores, where you’ll stop at the Park of Love to enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The entire city tour lasts around 4 hours.

After the tour, you’ll be taken to the bus terminal to catch a double-decker bus bound for Paracas Bay. Upon arrival, a private transfer will escort you to your chosen hotel for an overnight stay in Paracas.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Paracas: Start the day with a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky isles, accessible only by boat, are a haven for wildlife and cannot be visited on foot to protect their delicate ecosystem. The islands are home to various species, including pelicans, sea lions, dolphins, Humboldt penguins, and many types of birds. The 90-minute tour will give you an up-close view of these creatures.

Later, visit the famous sand dunes of Ica and the Huacachina Oasis, just 3 miles (5 km) from the center of Ica. You’ll also tour an old Pisco winery, where you can learn about the production process and sample the different varieties of Pisco and wine made on-site. Afterward, visit the Regional Museum of Ica, which showcases artifacts from ancient cultures. You’ll finish the day by relaxing at the peaceful Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes. Adventurous visitors can opt for a dune buggy ride or sandboarding.

At the scheduled time, you’ll take a 2-hour bus ride to Nazca. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Nazca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

In Nazca: The mysterious Nazca Lines, etched into the desert floor, cover an arid plateau between the towns of Nazca (1,775 feet/541 meters) and Palpa (1,607 feet/490 meters). There are over 300 unique designs, depicting animals such as the whale, hummingbird, and spider, with some lines stretching over 6 miles (9 km). The best way to appreciate these massive geoglyphs is from the air, making the overflight a must-do experience. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of these perfectly proportioned figures, showcasing the ancient inhabitants’ understanding of geometry.

Later, you’ll take a bus to Arequipa (7,661 feet/2,335 meters), where a private transfer will bring you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Arequipa: Discover Arequipa, also known as the “White City,” because of its many buildings made from white volcanic stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rich blend of colonial and indigenous culture. On this guided tour, you’ll visit key landmarks, including the Santa Catalina Monastery, a massive structure that covers an entire city block, and the Plaza de Armas, featuring the grand cathedral. The unique sillar architecture of the city gives it a striking, clean look, and makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. Overnight stay in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

Journey to Chivay (Colca Canyon): This trip gives travelers the chance to witness one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders, the Colca Valley, and the Colca Canyon. Along the way, the first stop will be at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe native wildlife like vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. Afterward, the journey continues to the Mirador de los Volcanes, a viewpoint offering incredible vistas of volcanoes that tower over 16,000 feet (5,000 meters), such as Misti Volcano (19,101 feet/5,822 meters), Chachani Volcano (19,872 feet/6,057 meters), and Pichu Pichu Volcano (18,583 feet/5,663 meters). Upon reaching Chivay (11,926 feet/3,635 meters), you’ll have the opportunity to visit the local thermal baths if you wish. Overnight stay in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Colca Canyon Excursion: Today, you’ll visit several small Andean towns, including Yanque (11,152 feet/3,399 meters), Maca (11,646 feet/3,550 meters), and Pinchollo (11,814 feet/3,600 meters), for brief stops and picture-taking opportunities. The highlight of the day will be a stop at Cruz del Cóndor, where you can marvel at the majestic Andean condors as they soar over the canyon—a breathtaking natural spectacle. Afterward, you’ll return to Chivay for lunch.

Travel to Puno: The drive to Puno (12,556 feet/3,827 meters) offers picturesque landscapes along a paved road that winds through small towns and past the beautiful Lagunillas Lagoon. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Andean flamingos or trout farms. Upon arriving in Puno, you’ll be transferred to your chosen hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Uros Floating Islands: Begin the day by visiting the famous Uros Floating Islands, inhabited by the Uros people, an indigenous group living on man-made islands made of reeds. These islands are located on Lake Titicaca (12,507 feet/3,812 meters), the highest navigable lake in the world. The Uros community has lived on these islands for generations, making this a unique cultural experience.

Taquile Island: After visiting the Uros Islands, continue to Taquile Island, where a hike along a narrow path will give you sweeping views of the lake and the island’s traditional Quechua houses. Once you reach the main square, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own before having lunch at a local restaurant, where grilled trout is often served. After lunch, you’ll descend to the dock to board the boat back to Puno. Overnight in Puno.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Route of the Sun: This scenic journey from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet/3,399 meters) covers nearly 250 miles (400 km) and includes stops at several key attractions:

• Pucará (12,795 feet/3,900 meters):Known for its ancient temple of fertility, Pucará is also home to a museum showcasing monolithic sculptures and intricate ceramics from the early Andean civilizations.
• La Raya Pass (14,232 feet/4,338 meters):The highest point of the trip, this pass serves as the natural boundary between the watersheds that feed into Lake Titicaca and the Sacred Valley.
• Sicuani (11,646 feet/3,550 meters):A peaceful countryside spot where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Raqchi (10,564 feet/3,220 meters):Visit the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, an important Incan site dedicated to the creator god of the Andean world.
• Andahuaylillas (10,013 feet/3,050 meters):Home to a colonial church known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” famous for its intricate murals and baroque decorations.

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

In Cusco: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Cusco before heading out to explore the city and its nearby archaeological sites. The city tour includes:

• Plaza San Cristóbal (11,217 feet/3,419 meters):Offering panoramic views of Cusco.
• San Pedro Market:A vibrant local market where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of everyday life.
• Temple of Koricancha:One of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, dedicated to the Sun God.
• Santo Domingo Church:Built on the foundations of Koricancha, this colonial church is a beautiful blend of Inca and Spanish architecture.
• Hatun Rumiyoc Street:Famous for the 12-angle stone, an architectural marvel from Incan times.
• Plaza de Armas:Once the heart of the Inca Empire, now a historic square surrounded by colonial buildings and churches.
• Sacsayhuamán (12,142 feet/3,700 meters):A massive fortress offering incredible views of Cusco and a glimpse into the architectural brilliance of the Incas.
• Qenqo (11,646 feet/3,550 meters):A mysterious site, believed to be a ceremonial center.
• Puca Pucará (12,150 feet/3,700 meters):A small fortress that once served as a checkpoint.
• Tambomachay (12,150 feet/3,700 meters):Known as the Inca baths, this site features intricate stonework and water fountains.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Sacred Valley of the Incas (9,186 feet/2,800 meters): The day starts with an early morning departure for Pisaq, located about an hour from Cusco. You’ll explore the archaeological site of Pisaq before continuing through the Sacred Valley, passing small towns like Coya (9,318 feet/2,840 meters), Lamay (9,028 feet/2,752 meters), and Calca (9,318 feet/2,840 meters) along the way.

After a buffet lunch in Urubamba (9,420 feet/2,870 meters), you’ll visit the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet/2,792 meters), one of the best-preserved Incan sites in Peru. Return to Cusco for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Hiking to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 16,466 feet/5,033 meters): The adventure begins with a stop in the small town of Pitumarca (11,000 feet/3,353 meters), where you can stock up on water and snacks. As you journey through the Andean landscape, you’ll pass by stunning multi-colored mountains, farmland, and Andean wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

At the town of Japura (Hanchipata), you’ll enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast before starting the 3.5-hour trek to Vinicunca. The path winds through valleys and past glacial streams until you reach the colorful summit. After spending time taking in the views and capturing photos, you’ll descend back to Japura for a buffet lunch, then return to Cusco by the evening. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Guided Visit to Machu Picchu (7,970 feet/2,430 meters): An early morning pick-up will take you to the train station for a scenic 4-hour journey to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet/2,040 meters), the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, a bus will take you up the steep, winding road to the ancient citadel.

Your guided tour will explore the key structures of Machu Picchu, including the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Temple, the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. Afterward, you’ll have free time to wander the site on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, board the train back to Cusco. You can choose to leave at either 2:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., depending on your preference. Once in Cusco, you’ll be transferred to your selected hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast.

Return to Lima: At the scheduled time, you’ll be taken to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will assist you with checking in for your international flight.

Meals: Breakfast.