10 Day Adventure in Peru: Lima, Ica, Cusco, Puno – A Unique Experience

Your Peruvian adventure begins with an exclusive reception service at the Jorge Chávez International Airport, where our specialized representative will provide you with a personalized welcome and arrange your transfer to your upscale accommodation in Miraflores, Lima’s most prestigious district.

This strategic location offers immediate access to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, world-renowned culinary centers, and select shopping areas, providing the perfect setting for a comfortable acclimatization. This establishes the standard of excellence that will define every moment of your Peruvian experience.

We begin our tour with a visit to the Miraflores district, featuring a panoramic view of the “Pucllana Pyramid,” a magnificent pre-Inca ceremonial center built in the 4th century AD. It has survived Lima’s urban expansion.

Next, we head to the Park of Love (Parque del Amor) on the Miraflores Boardwalk, where we’ll overlook the Pacific Ocean, passing through the San Isidro Olive Grove Park (Parque Olivar de San Isidro).

COLONIAL LIMA:
We visit the Historic Center of Lima, where you’ll see more than fifty colonial monuments and buildings, including:

We’ll enter one of the most important 17th-century convents: the San Francisco Convent. Here, we’ll explore the ancient library, the choir, the main cloister, and the underground crypts known as the catacombs.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have the option to stay at the Indian Market at Larcomar or return to your hotel.

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey to the Paracas National Reserve. From there, we’ll set sail for the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Peruvian Galápagos” due to their rich marine biodiversity. During the two-hour boat tour, you’ll spot sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and numerous other bird species, as well as the mysterious geoglyph known as El Candelabro.

Next, we’ll visit a local winery for a tasting of Peruvian pisco and wines, followed by time to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, the journey continues at the Huacachina Oasis, where you’ll experience adrenaline-pumping activities like sandboarding and dune buggy rides across the desert. The day culminates with breathtaking views of one of the most spectacular sunsets you can witness in Peru.

We’ll begin our return to Lima at 5:30 p.m., arriving at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Depending on your flight schedule, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Lima Airport for your flight to Juliaca. From there, we will travel by bus for approximately 50 minutes north toward the city of Puno, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Andean high plains.

Upon arrival at Sillustani, one of the world’s largest ancient burial grounds, we will begin our guided tour of the site.

During the exploration of the Sillustani archaeological complex, you will admire the stunning scenery and the serene waters of Lake Umayo.

Our guide will explain the history of the chullpas—massive funerary towers built by the Colla people and later refined by the Incas. Many of these chullpas stand over 12 meters (39 feet) tall. Their design defies the laws of gravity and balance, making them unique structures in the Americas, though they share architectural similarities with the Temple of Qoricancha in Cusco.

We will conclude the tour of Sillustani and return to Puno, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the excursion with a transfer to the dock to board the vessel heading to the Floating Islands of the Uros, located in the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca. There, you will learn about their ancient way of life, based on fishing, hunting, and artisanal weaving.

After a brief visit, we continue to Taquile Island, where the inhabitants still preserve Inca traditions, such as Sirvinacuy (trial marriage) and rituals honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth). Taquile is renowned for its textile art, primarily crafted by men from a young age.

We will enjoy a traditional lunch with views of Lake Titicaca and have free time to explore the artisan center and take photos. The day concludes with a boat ride back to Puno, marking the end of a unique cultural experience in the heart of Lake Titicaca.

Routes of the Sun by Train:

The journey aboard the Titicaca Train by PeruRail begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Puno station, departing at 7:30 a.m. for Cusco. At 8:30 a.m., a hot welcome drink and breakfast are served. Mid-morning, enjoy free time in the observation car to admire the Andean landscapes with live music. At 1:00 p.m., a gourmet three-course lunch featuring local ingredients and special pairings is offered.

At 3:00 p.m., the train stops at La Raya (4,313 meters / 14,150 feet above sea level) for photos and a visit to a handicraft market. At 4:00 p.m., afternoon tea with snacks and traditional desserts is provided. Later, at 5:30 p.m., passengers enjoy a performance of traditional Andean music and cultural storytelling about Lake Titicaca and local customs. The journey offers a unique experience combining gastronomy, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Arrival in Cusco is at 6:20 p.m., concluding an unforgettable day.

Routes of the Sun by Bus:

After breakfast, we depart for the city of Cusco, crossing the Collao Plateau. Our first stop is Pucará, famous for its Lithic Museum and traditional ceramic Toritos (bull figurines). We continue to La Raya, the highest point of the journey (4,313 m / 14,150 ft), where you can admire the Chimboya snow-capped peak.

Later, we enjoy a buffet lunch at a rural restaurant, showcasing the region’s culinary artistry.

The next stop is Raqchi, where we visit the Temple of Wiracocha, a majestic Inca construction with a stone base and adobe walls. Further on, in Andahuaylillas, we admire the Church of San Pedro, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its beautiful murals and decorations.

Finally, we arrive in Cusco, concluding a journey filled with history, landscapes, and living culture.

We begin the tour in the town of Pisac, known for its traditional market and its Sunday Mass held in Quechua. Next, we visit the Pisac Archaeological Complex, with its astonishing agricultural terraces. We continue along a scenic route passing through Ccoya, Lamay, and Calca, arriving in Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes.

In the afternoon, we reach Ollantaytambo, an Inca town still inhabited today, where we explore its impressive archaeological site. This location was strategically important for military, agricultural, and religious purposes. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back into the time of the Tawantinsuyo (Inca Empire).

Finally, we board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (a scenic 1-hour and 45-minute journey), where we will spend the night in preparation for the visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

This is the most anticipated day! We take the first bus to the Machu Picchu citadel (a 30-minute journey). Upon arrival, we begin a guided tour of this Wonder of the World, exploring its history, architecture, and natural surroundings. After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own or opt for an additional visit to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (additional fee: USD $65.00), which offer unforgettable panoramic views.

Once the guided tour of Machu Picchu concludes, we will head back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor typical regional cuisine as part of this complete Machu Picchu travel experience.

Later, we will meet in Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome or Expedition train (depending on availability) for the return to Ollantaytambo, then continue by comfortable transportation to the city of Cusco.

We begin with pickup from your hotel for a 2-hour drive to Cusipata, where we will enjoy breakfast and a short rest. Then, we continue for one more hour to the starting point. There, you’ll have free time to receive instructions and practice handling the ATVs before beginning the ascent to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The ride takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, passing through Andean landscapes, llamas, alpacas, and views of Apu Sarinini and the towering Ausangate. According to Inca mythology, this mountain radiates masculine energy that fertilizes Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have time to appreciate the landscape, rest, and take photos. After the guide’s explanation, we will return to the starting point via ATV, then take transportation back to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch before beginning the return trip to Cusco, arriving around 4:30 p.m.

An unforgettable experience amidst sacred mountains and natural colors.

On this final day of our journey, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the imperial city of Cusco at your own pace. Use your free time as you prefer—whether to explore the cobblestone streets of this historic city on your own or simply relax.

When the time comes, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight.

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