The city of Lima

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO LIMA

Welcome to Lima! Upon arriving at Lima airport you will be taken to your hotel.

DAY 2: LIMA CITY TOUR

Take in the sights and sounds while on a tour of this incredible Metropolitan city.

Paracas Reserve

DAY 3: ARRIVAL TO PARACAS

You will start out the day with a 3 ½ hour first class bus ride from Lima to Paracas. After that you’ll check-in Paracas hotel, leave your luggage, and have the day free to do what you will.

The Balllestas Islands

DAY 4: BALLESTAS ISLANDS TOUR

Today you will get to gaze at the wildlife while on a boat trip to Ballestas Islands. Here you will see penguins, a variety of birds, sea lions, seals, and turtles (rarely found at this latitude). Another highlight includes a candlestick-shaped glyph stretching 595 feet (181 meters) in length; known as the Candelabra, which some experts believe is connected to the Nazca Lines. Depending on the season, you may see unique bird species such as the Humboldt Penguin and the Peruvian Booby which only live along the Humboldt Current.

view of the monkey-shaped geoglyph at the Nazca lines

DAY 5:  NAZCA LINES TOUR & RETURN TO LIMA

Today you will head to the nearby Pisco airport for a breathtaking flight over the Nazca Lines. The Nazca Lines are ancient glyphs that date back to 500 BC – 500 AD. Their significance continues to astound modern researchers. A quick look out the window will showcase a variety of prominent glyphs such as the condor, the hummingbird, and the monkey. After your Nazca tour, you’ll return to Paracas where you’ll be able to take in the view of the sunset over Paracas Bay. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Lima and will have the evening free to do as you see fit.

Note: Flights from Pisco to Nazca require a minimum of two passengers per departure. Please contact your Travel Advisor for single passenger options.

Arequipa Peru

DAY 6:  ARRIVAL TO AREQUIPA & AREQUIPA CITY TOUR

Get on an early flight to Arequipa, known as the White City for its incredible white-sillar stone architecture. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll be taken on a tour of the historic center of Arequipa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Later on, you’ll stop at one of two famous lookout points for amazing views of the city, Mirador de Yanahuara or Carmen Alto, with a backdrop of the Misti Volcano. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a convent that once held up to 500 nuns during Spanish colonial times. Eat dinner at one of many fine restaurants in Arequipa.

Beautiful View of the Colca Canyon in Arequipa, Peru

DAY 7: COLCA CANYON TOUR

At dawn, you’ll set out on a spectacular drive through the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca – inhabited by wild vicuñas and rabbit-like “viscachas” – to the Colca Canyon. You’ll eventually reach the Patapampa Pass, at a height of 15,300 feet (4,820 meters) above sea level. Upon descending the canyon, you’ll see pre-Inca agricultural terraces and the volcano peaks of Ampato, Sabancaya, and Mismi in the distance. You’ll eventually roll into the small town of Chivay, taking a break for lunch and a dip in the Calera Hot Springs, before continuing to your accommodations.

DAY 8: COLCA CANYON TOUR & RETURN TO AREQUIPA

Your guide will take you to one of the best viewpoints for condor-watching in the Colca Canyon, Mirador Cruz del Condor. You’ll eventually reach quaint villages and pre-Inca ruins dominated by arresting views of the Ampato and Hualca glaciers. Upon your return to Chivay, you’ll have a quick lunch and take in some last-minute shopping before beginning the drive back to Arequipa. You’ll have the rest of the night to rest and relax.
*Note: Activities may vary due to weather conditions and other considerations.

Cusco city

DAY 9: ARRIVAL TO CUSCO

Your flight to Cusco will land early in the morning, at an elevation of 11,150 feet or 3,400 meters. Try to take it easy on the first day, drink plenty of water and don’t eat too much. This is the gateway city to Machu Picchu, but it also prides itself due to its fascinating history and many hidden surprises of its own.

Cusco

DAY 10: CUSCO CITY TOUR

You will be able to have some free time to explore the majestic city of Cusco. You should check out one of a great number of museums, or perhaps visit San Pedro Market. Once the afternoon comes around, you’ll meet your expert guide for a tour of the city of Cusco where you’ll be able to see the Cathedral, the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the massive ruins of Sacsayhuaman that overlook the city. End the day with dinner at one of Cusco’s finest restaurants.

Sacred Valley

DAY 11: SACRED VALLEY TOUR

Get ready for an incredible day in the Sacred Valley. Haggle with the locals at Pisac Market for a variety of handmade clothing, climb to the top of the Ollantaytambo fortress for an amazing view of the terraced valley, and gaze at the snow-capped peaks of the Andes’ most sacred mountains. You’ll also enjoy a feast of Peruvian specialties at a restaurant in Urubamba. At night, you’ll sleep in a comfortable Sacred Valley hotel.

View of Machu Picchu

DAY 12: MACHU PICCHU TOUR

The day you’ve been waiting for! You’ll travel by train along the rushing Urubamba River – until you reach the extraordinary Andean cloud forest. Once you reach the train station you’ll take a 20-minute shuttle to the top of the mountain. Upon arrival, you’ll lay witness to the ancient Inca citadel, a mystical location hidden for hundreds of years. Your professional tour guide will take you for a tour around Machu Picchu’s most important sights. You’ll take a train ride back to Cusco; however, you have the option to include an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and a second-day visit to the ruins.

Plane Arriving at Cusco

DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO

Pack your bags, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for your transfer to the airport and your journey back home. Otherwise, you can choose to take one of our other breathtaking Cusco tours or Sacred Valley excursions or browse our full range of fully customizable Peru tours to see how you can extend your Latin American vacation.

*Note: Activities may vary due to weather conditions and other considerations.

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Included:

* Hotels in all mentioned destinations

* All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides

* Ground transportation and entrance fees

* Breakfast at all hotels

* Train Machu Picchu – Cusco (Vistadome Train for 4-star and 5-star packages / Expedition Train for 3-star packages)

Not Included:

* Airfare

* Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise specified)

* Airport taxes

* Tips

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