Overview

Experience the very best of Peru on this unforgettable 15-day adventure through ancient Inca cities, dramatic Andean landscapes, colonial treasures, volcanic scenery, Lake Titicaca and the legendary Machu Picchu.

From the coastal elegance of Lima and the white-stone beauty of Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, the cultural heart of Cusco and the spectacular Sacred Valley, this immersive journey showcases Peru's extraordinary diversity. Along the way, discover fascinating archaeological sites, colourful local traditions, authentic Andean communities and some of South America's most awe-inspiring scenery.

The adventure culminates with a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu before continuing to Lake Titicaca and the Peruvian Amazon, creating a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of one of the world's most captivating destinations.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Lima!

Arrive in Peru's vibrant capital city where you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy time to relax after your flight or explore Lima's coastal districts, excellent restaurants and lively atmosphere.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included: None

Day 2 | Lima The City of Kings

Today after breakfast, we will head out on out on Lima city sightseeing and cultural tours.

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, elegant colonial architecture, grand plazas and impressive religious landmarks. Visit important archaeological sites that reveal Peru's ancient past and gain insight into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 | Lima to Arequipa

Fly south to the beautiful city of Arequipa, often known as the "White City" due to its striking volcanic stone architecture.

On this guided cultural trip you’ll learn how the city has changed, and how the first Spanish colonists built upon an area once home to ancient peoples of the Peruvian Andes.

Next, stop to admire some of the city’s most famous buildings, such as the Basílica Catedral de Arequipa. Located on the city’s elegant Plaza de Armas, this huge cathedral has been damaged by earthquakes on numerous occasions over the centuries, but each time it has been rebuilt, becoming ever more impressive.

After exploring the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets, we’ll head to the famous viewpoint of Yanahuara. With its carved sillar stone arches, this beautiful viewpoint offers sublime views across Arequipa and beyond to the volcanic peaks of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Yanahuara was built in the 19th century and stands next to the pretty San Juan de Yanahuara, a Baroque church built in 1750. Engraved into the sillar stone of Yanahuara are the names of notable people who have lived in Arequipa during the last two hundred years.

After our tour of Arequipa, you will be returned to your hotel for overnight.

Overnight: Arequipa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 | Arequipa to The Colca Canyon

Today begins early in the morning as we leave the White City of Arequipa and set off along the route to the Colca Valley. It’s a beautiful drive, passing snow-capped volcanoes, rugged pampas, traditional terraced farms, and picturesque villages where the old traditional ways of life are still very much alive.

Along the route, we’ll make a few stops along the way, the first at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we can watch innumerable guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas as they graze on the plains.

Apart from the vast herds of camelids, the reserve is also home to the southern viscacha (a large and loveable rodent), foxes, condors and Andean flamingos (also known as parihuanas). In total, 169 animal species have been identified in the reserve, including 23 mammals and 138 species of birds, such as blue-billed ducks, eagles, and kestrels. During their migration period, flamingos also arrive to spend time wading through Salinas Lake. This classic Peru tour is ideal for Peru birdwatching specialist tours, to view high-altitude species on our Peru eco-tourism adventures.

Leaving the reserve, we’ll drive around the edge of Chucura Volcano until we reach the Patapampa Andes viewpoint. We’ll now be at 4,900 meters above sea level, and from here we can look out across the beautiful landscape to the peaks of snow-capped mountains and volcanoes in the Arequipa Region, including Hualca Calca, Sabancaya and Ampato.

The next stop will be the town of Chivay, where one end of the Colca Valley begins. The traditional terrace systems found here, built by indigenous inhabitants of the area, are remarkable for their scale and precise construction. Chivay itself was founded by the Spanish, a fact reflected in its church and other colonial buildings. You can have a traditional lunch in the town (not included) before we check in to our hotel.

You’ll then have the afternoon to explore the town on your own, and, if you like, enjoy Peru Colca Canyon trekking tours or visit the hot springs at La Calera, about 3 km from Chivay. Colca Canyon and the Colca Valley are dotted with natural hot springs and thermal baths, thanks to the seismic activity in the region. La Calera has public thermal baths which are said to have healing properties, with temperatures around 38 C (98 F).

Overnight: Colca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 | Colca to Puno

Early start to visit the lookout point known as Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor), near the small villages of Maca and Cabanaconde. Here, strong winds rise up from the canyon, providing a favorite spot for Andean condors. They soar on the thermals, often in pairs, normally in the early morning and late afternoon. There’s a good chance you’ll see these magnificent condors, with their three-meter wingspans, flying very close to the lookout point, and providing a truly majestic sight. From the lookout point, you’ll also have incredible views down into the depths of Colca Canyon. 

We’ll then head back to Chivay, first stopping off at the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. This viewpoint (or Mirador, as they are known in Spanish) offers wonderful views of the 1,500-year-old agricultural terraces that curve along the hillsides like an amphitheater. You can also spot some of the enchanting lagoons of the Colca Valley. Stop for lunch in Chivay in the afternoon and then begin the journey to Puno, the Capital of Peruvian Folklore. 

This scenic journey to Puno is spectacular and towards the end of the trip, the magnificent Lake Titicaca will come into view. Finally, you will arrive in Puno at around 18h00.

Overnight: Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 | Uros floating & Taquile Islands

Your day starts at 07:00 when you will be picked up from your hotel in Puno. Then we will go to the port and board our comfortable boat to go to Uros Island, followed by Taquile Island. It is trips to Peru Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca like this one that show you the real Peru!

When we get to the floating islands, you will probably be surprised by the scale of these floating reed constructions. The Uros originally built these islands for defensive reasons: if a threat appeared, they could move their island homes to a safer location. The islands are made from cattail reeds that grow around the lake, and each island is in a constant state of rebuilding, as old reeds are replaced with new ones. Entering the islands is quite an experience, as the reed floor feels strange under your feet. We will explore the main island and see the houses, watchtowers, and other structures, all built from reeds. Then one of the locals will give a short presentation on how the islands are made and then you can meet one of the local families to see how they live.

Next, we head to Taquile, one of the most beautiful islands in Peru, where the traditional way of life is still very much alive. You will meet some of the master weavers of this ancient Andean community, whose textiles are considered among the best in the country. According to legend, the Incas themselves learned to weave from the artisans of this island. In Taquile, the men are the weavers and the women spin the thread.

After seeing the weavers and exploring the beautiful island, we will head to the small port of Taquile around noon where we will enjoy a delicious menu, made with local products.

Finally, we will return to Punoto your hotel.

Overnight: Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 | Puno to Cusco

07h00 pick up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station to catch the bus to Cusco. The bus trip is more like a tour - it stops at four interesting sites along the way where you will have guided tours:

• Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the altiplano. There are interesting sculptures and tombs. 

• La Raya: This is the halfway point between Cusco and Puno and the highest point (4335 meters above sea level). The landscapes here are stunning and it is common to see typical Andean animals like the llama, alpaca, and vicuña. It is also the geographical border between the two cultures - Quechua and Aymara.

• Raqchi (Wiracocha God Temple): This was an Inca church of monumental dimensions; 100 meters long, 26 meters wide, and 14 meters high. The temple is divided into two naves, and each nave has eleven giant columns – huge!

• Andahuaylillas: This is the Sistine Chapel of South America: this church is one of the most beautiful examples of Andean popular religious art.

Arrival time to Cusco will be around 5pm. 

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 | Cusco City Tour

Explore the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Visit impressive plazas, colonial churches, bustling markets and nearby archaeological sites while learning about the remarkable history of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 | Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco - Full Day

08h00 departure from your hotel and then set off to the Sacred Valley. Leaving Cusco, we’ll pass by Saqsaywaman and head over the mountains before descending some 450 meters (1,500 ft) to the valley floor. Here we’ll find ourselves beside the sacred Urubamba River and the pretty village of Pisac. In Pisac, we will visit the colorful traditional market, where you can browse the array of local artisan work and other souvenirs – which of course you can buy to take home with you. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and then head up to the ruins of Pisac which sit atop a hill at the entrance to the valley.

At the Pisac archaeological site, we’ll explore the extensive ruins and enjoy the beautiful views across the valley. You’ll be given a guided tour of the ruins, passing through various structures that once served as homes, storage rooms, and temples, and you’ll see Inca altars, carvings, tunnels, caves, and the famous Intihuatana, the “hitching post of the sun.”

Following this, head on towards Urubamba, where we’ll stop for about 45 minutes for lunch (not included). After another 30-minute drive, we’ll reach the wonderful Inca town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. We’ll spend about an hour exploring these magnificent ruins, visiting the amazing Temple of the Sun, and seeing massive blocks of rock that were perfectly carved and polished by master Inca stonemasons. Ollantaytambo is also a fine example of Inca agricultural construction and hydro-engineering, with a complex series of stone water fountains, channels, and agricultural terraces, the latter organized by elevation to create different microclimates for crop experimentation.

Walking to the town square, we’ll have great views of the ruins above us, as well as Inca granaries and storehouses built on the sides of the surrounding mountains. Here we can also watch the daily life of Ollantaytambo, where many of the locals still wear traditional dress.

After Ollantaytambo, we’ll drive to Chinchero where we’ll spend about 30 minutes visiting the famous church and the massive Inca stone wall in the main plaza, which has ten trapezoidal niches.

Head back to Cusco and return to your hotel for overnight.

Highest Altitude: 3,762 m (12,342 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 2,792 m (9,160 ft).

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included:

Day 10 | Cusco to Aguas Calientes

08h00 pick up from your hotel and then head to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). The two-hour train journey is a memorable experience in itself, as we pass through river canyons and rolling hills. 

Aguas Calientes is the gateway to Machu Picchu, sitting in a deep gorge at the foot of the mountain upon which Machu Picchu is located. It’s a pretty town that mixes traditional life with a huge tourism infrastructure, with plenty of markets, souvenir shops, hotels and restaurants. It’s also largely pedestrianized, making it a fun place to explore on foot. Aguas Calientes is surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and cliffs, and the Urubamba River flows right next to the town, sometimes roaring through the canyon. 

Aguas Calientes is also surrounded by thermal hot springs, and when we arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a dip in one of the steaming natural springs. You’ll also have time to walk around the town, exploring the colourful markets and general buzz of this unique Peruvian settlement. 

Overnight: Aguas Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Return to Cusco)..

Machu Picchu in all its Glory (and Return to Cusco).

To best appreciate Machu Picchu, we’ll wake up early in the morning so we can get to the citadel in good time. You’ll have time for breakfast first, and then your guide will pick you up from the hotel at around 5:40 a.m. Then we will walk to the starting point of the bus, a trip of approximately 45 minutes in the direction of the citadel of Machu Picchu.

We’ll then pass through the gates to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Here you’ll begin your guided walking tour with an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide. The tour of Machu Picchu will last about two hours and will take you to all the most famous and spectacular parts of the extensive archaeological complex. These include the House of the Guardian, Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, and other key locations.

And as you walk around, you will have spectacular views across the agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu and across to the surrounding mountains and plunging gorges.

Once we’ve finished our tour of Machu Picchu, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes where you can relax and have lunch (not included) before boarding the train back to Poroy and Cusco.

Upon arrival at the station, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 | Cusco to Amazon Trip

Today you will start a new adventure! In the morning after a delicious breakfast, you will leave “La Ciudad Imperial” and fly to Madre de Dios – Puerto Maldonado.

After arriving at you will be transferred to the Tambopata River Port, entering the native community of “Infierno”. From here it’s a beautiful 45-minute boat ride to Posada Amazonas in the community’s primary forest reserve. On arrival at the lodge, the manager will welcome you and give you important navigation and security tips. 

After you’ve had lunch and settled in, head off on a 20-minute walk from Posada Amazonas that leads to the 30-meter canopy tower. From the platforms above, you’ll have spectacular views of the vast expanse of rainforest, with the Tambopata River winding through it. You’ll also see toucans, parrots, and macaws as they fly over the jungle, with many other birds in the treetops right next to you. 

Returning to the lodge, you'll have a delicious dinner and you can watch the nightly presentation about the Infierno ecotourism project, given by a local staff member.

Overnight: Amazon Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 | Amazon Rainforest Exploration!

Today set off to the Three Chimbadas oxbow lake. We’ll board our boat and cruise along the river for 30 minutes, followed by a beautiful 45-minute hike. Once we reach the lake, we can paddle around the lake on a catamaran, searching for the resident family of nine giant river otters! We should also see plenty of other animals, including caiman, hoatzin, and horned screamers. 

Afterwards, we’ll take a 20-minute boat drive downriver that leads to a trail designed by the staff of the Centro Ñape. The Centro Ñape is a communal organization that produces medicines out of forest plants and administers them to patients at their small clinic. The trail leads through the various medicinal plants, and your local guide can tell you all about their properties and their various uses. 

Later, we’ll head out on a night walk. Many animals are still active after dark, but they are obviously hard to see. But some creatures, like frogs, are much easier to find. And the sound of the jungle at night is quite an experience, making these nocturnal excursions very memorable.

*Please bear in mind that activities at the lodge can change depending on the weather and you can also choose the activities that you prefer from the options available.

Overnight: Amazon Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 | Puerto Maldonado - Lima

Leave the rainforest and return to Lima.

Enjoy a final evening experiencing Peru's renowned cuisine, shopping districts or beautiful coastal views.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 | Lima Final Day

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Depart Peru with unforgettable memories of ancient civilisations, spectacular landscapes and extraordinary cultural encounters.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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