Embark on a journey that unites deserts, nature, sacred lakes, and the majesty of the Inca Empire. From the coastal cities of Lima and Ica to the highlands of Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, this route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, living cultures, and ancient wonders.

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DAY 1: Arrival in Lima

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Summary:

• Airport pickup

• Transfer to the hotel

• Free afternoon to explore or rest

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Description:

Upon your arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This first day is perfect for relaxing after your journey, or, if you have the energy, heading out to explore the Miraflores district, enjoy Peruvian cuisine, or walk through the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco.

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Meals included: None

🛏️ Overnight in Lima

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DAY 2: Journey to Paracas + flight over the Nazca Lines

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Summary:

• Bus ride from Lima to Paracas

• Flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines

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Description:

You'll head out early by road to Paracas, located three hours south of Lima on the coast. Upon arrival, you’ll board a small aircraft for a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines—ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert and visible only from above. During the flight, you’ll spot figures like the hummingbird, the monkey, and the spider. After this unique experience, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this peaceful seaside town.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Paracas

 

DAY 3: Ballestas Islands + return to Lima

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Summary:

• Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands

• Spot marine wildlife: sea lions, birds, and penguins

• Return by tourist bus to Lima

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Description:

In the morning, you’ll take a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to a rich variety of wildlife. You'll observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds in their natural habitat, as well as view the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph carved into the sand. After the tour, you'll return to Paracas and then board a bus back to Lima.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Lima

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DAY 4: Flight to Arequipa + city tour

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Summary:

• Flight from Lima to Arequipa

• City tour: Main Square, Cathedral, Jesuit Church (exterior), Santa Catalina Monastery, Yanahuara viewpoint

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Description:

You’ll fly to the "White City" of Arequipa, located at the foot of the Misti volcano. After checking in at the hotel, you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour that includes the city's main attractions and a guided visit to the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery—a city within a city that reveals colonial cloistered life. The tour ends at the scenic Yanahuara viewpoint, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Arequipa

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DAY 5: Journey to Colca canyon

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Summary:

• Transfer from Arequipa to Colca

• Stop at Pampa Cañahuas Reserve to observe vicuñas

• Scenic view from Patapampa (4,800 m / 15,750 ft)

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Description:

You'll travel from Arequipa to the picturesque town of Chivay, crossing stunning Andean landscapes. The route passes through Yura and the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, a natural habitat for vicuñas—an Andean camelid prized for its fine wool. Continue through the high plains of Viscachani and Tocra, known for their bird diversity, until reaching the highest point at Patapampa (4,800 m), with panoramic views of volcanoes and the Andes. Arrive in Chivay for lunch and hotel check-in.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Colca

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DAY 6: Condor’s flight & Journey to the Altiplano

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Summary:

• Visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see condors in flight

• Drive through traditional Andean villages: Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque

• Bus journey to Puno through the highlands

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Description:

Early in the morning, you’ll visit the famous Cruz del Condor, a natural viewpoint where you can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor over one of the world’s deepest canyons. Continue through the valley with stops at viewpoints such as Antahuilque and Choquetico, passing through charming villages like Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. After lunch in Chivay, you’ll begin the journey to Puno, crossing the Andean highlands with views of volcanoes like Misti, Chachani, and Ampato, as well as vast plains populated by vicuñas and high-altitude birds. You’ll arrive in Puno in the afternoon, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Puno

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DAY 7: Tour of Lake Titicaca

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Summary:

• Boat trip on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world

• Visit to the floating Uros Islands

• Exploration of Taquile Island and its textile traditions

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Description:

Begin the day with a guided boat tour of Lake Titicaca (3,810 m / 12,500 ft), one of the most iconic destinations of the Peruvian highlands. The first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, made of totora reeds, where you'll learn about the ancestral way of life of the Uros people. Then, continue to Taquile Island (4,040 m / 13,250 ft), known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich textile traditions, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Return to Puno in the afternoon.

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Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

🛏️ Overnight in Puno

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DAY 8: Puno to Cusco via the Route of the Sun

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Summary:

• Bus journey along the “Route of the Sun” from Puno to Cusco

• Cultural and archaeological stops along the way

• Lunch in Sicuani

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Description:

Today, you’ll travel along the scenic and cultural “Route of the Sun,” a 10-hour journey from Puno to Cusco. Along the way, you’ll make several guided stops to visit archaeological sites, museums, and colonial art gems. Highlights include Andahuaylillas, home to a 17th-century Baroque church known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” You’ll also explore pre-Inca ruins and enjoy spectacular views of the Andes. Arrive in Cusco in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

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Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

🛏️ Overnight in Cusco

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DAY 9: Sacred Valley Tour + train to Aguas Calientes

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Summary:

• Visit to Pisac ruins and handicraft market

• Visit to Ollantaytambo archaeological site

• Train to Aguas Calientes

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Description:

Today, you’ll explore the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Begin with a visit to the Pisac archaeological site atop the mountain, followed by a stop at its colorful handicraft market. Continue to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll tour its massive Inca fortress and wander through its original stone streets.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

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Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

🛏️ Overnight in Aguas Calientes

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DAY 10: Machu Picchu – return to Cusco

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Summary:

• Guided visit to Machu Picchu

• Free time to explore or take photos

• Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco

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Description:

After breakfast, you’ll take the bus up to the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour (approx. 2.5 hours) along one of the designated visitor routes. After the tour, you’ll have a short amount of free time to explore on your own or simply soak in the majesty of the site.

Then, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, take the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by bus to Cusco.

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Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

🛏️ Overnight in Cusco

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DAY 11: Cusco City Tour

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Summary:

• Panoramic view of the Main Square and Cathedral

• Visit to the Temple of Coricancha (Qoricancha)

• Visit to archaeological complexes: Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puka Pukará, and Tambomachay

• Guided exploration of the city’s Inca and colonial heritage

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Description:

Discover the magic of Cusco on a guided tour of its most iconic historical and archaeological sites. Start with a panoramic view of the Main Square and Cathedral, followed by a visit to the sacred Temple of Coricancha, the spiritual center of the Inca Empire. Continue to the city’s outskirts to explore the remarkable complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenko, Puka Pukará, and Tambomachay—each showcasing the grandeur of Inca architecture.

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Meals included: Breakfast

🛏️ Overnight in Cusco

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DAY 12: Flight to Lima – End of the Journey

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Summary:

• Transfer to the airport

• Return flight to Lima

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​Description:

At the scheduled time, you’ll be transferred from your hotel in Cusco to the airport to catch your return flight to Lima. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey, filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

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Meals included: Breakfast

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Transfers, accommodation in 3-star hotels** Bilingual guides (Spanish and English)

• Group tours of approximately 17 people

• Entrance tickets

• Some meals

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PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International flights

• Domestic flights

• Dinners

• Any entrance fees not mentioned

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IDEAL FOR:

• All types of travelers who want to explore the most iconic attractions in southern Peru, including Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.

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*Price is per person based on double occupancy in a 3-star hotel.

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**If you prefer a lower or higher hotel category or wish to make changes to the itinerary, feel free to mention it when booking.