Enjoy a complete Peruvian experience with this fascinating 12-day itinerary, which will take you to discover the most breathtaking landscapes, the most ancient cultures, and the most emblematic archaeological sites in the country.
Begin in Lima, the gastronomic capital of the Americas, then travel along the coast to Paracas, with its National Reserve and an exciting trip to the Ballestas Islands.
Continue to Nazca, where you will fly over its mysterious lines drawn in the desert.
Then, delve into the southern Andes with a visit to Arequipa, the White City, and continue
to the highlands to explore Puno and the impressive Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and home to ancient communities.
The final part of the trip takes you to the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. Explore Cusco, the
historic capital of Peru, discover the treasures of the Sacred Valley, and culminate this grand journey with a visit to the jewel of the Andean world: Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel hidden among the mountains.
This itinerary is designed for those who want to experience the best of Peru on route rich in culture, landscapes, and authentic experiences. An adventure you will remember for a lifetime!
Overview
This is a complete itinerary to explore the best of southern Peru in 12 days:
Day 1: Lima
- Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima
- Transfer and check-in at your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco
- Neighborhood exploration.
Day 2: Half-Day City Tour
- Visit to Lima’s historic center (Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Government Palace)
- Visit to the Larco Museum (pre-Columbian art collection)
- Walk through Miraflores and the Parque del Love with ocean views
- Free afternoon
- Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: Lima → Paracas → Ballestas Islands and transfer to Nazca
- Early departure by bus to Paracas (3.5 hours)
- Morning boat tour to the Ballestas Islands (2 hours)
- Ica vineyard tour + lunch
- Dune walk, sandboarding in Huacachina
- Afternoon travel from Ica to Nazca
- Hotel check-in in Nazca
- Overnight in Nazca.
Day 4: Overflight over Nazca and transfer to Arequipa
- Early flight over the Nazca Lines (30-45 minutes)
- Bus or private transport to Arequipa (8-9 hours)
- Evening arrival in Arequipa
- Hotel check-in and rest
Day 5: Arequipa
- City tour of Arequipa: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Monastery of Santa Catalina
- Visit to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum (where the mummy Juanita is located)
- Afternoon to enjoy Arequipa’s gastronomy.
Day 6: Arequipa → Colca Canyon (Full Day) → Puno
- Very early departure from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon (3-4 hours)
- Stop at the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint to observe the flight of the condors
- Visit traditional villages such as Maca and Yanque
- Admire the impressive landscapes of the canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Direct trip to Puno in the afternoon/evening (4-5 hours)
- Arrival in Puno and check-in at the hotel
Day 7: Lake Titicaca
- Full-day tour to the Lake Titicaca
- Visit to the floating islands of the Uros people
- Visit to Taquile Island
- Lunch on the Uros people
- Return to Puno in the afternoon
Day 8: Train from Puno to Cusco
- Travel on the Titicaca train from Puno to Cusco (approximately 10 hours)
- Enjoy the Andean scenery during the trip
- Stop at La Raya (the highest point of the trip)
- Arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel
Day 9: Cusco
- City tour of Cusco: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, Qorikancha
- Visit to nearby ruins: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay
- Free afternoon to explore the neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal
Day 10: Sacred Valley → Aguas Calientes
- Valley Tour Sacred: Pisac, Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
- Check-in at your hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Preparation for Machu Picchu the next day
Day 11: Machu Picchu → Cusco
- Early morning visit to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of the citadel (2-3 hours)
- Free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (additional reservation required)
- Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Day 12: Cusco → Airport
- Breakfast at the hotel
- At the coordinated time, transfer to the airport.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lima, The City Of Kings
Your Peruvian adventure begins with your arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, where our representative will greet you and comfortably transfer you to your hotel located in the exclusive areas of Miraflores or Barranco, known for their excellent cuisine and beautiful views of the Pacific.
After settling in, you will have time to explore these charming Lima neighborhoods, discovering their bohemian streets, art galleries, and seaside promenades with spectacular sunsets.
Free Afternoon
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima | Meals included: None
Day 2: Discovering The History Of Lima
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, you’ll immerse yourself in Lima’s rich colonial history with our half-day City Tour.
You’ll tour the majestic Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll admire the impressive Plaza Mayor, the magnificent Lima Cathedral, and the imposing Government Palace.
The next stop will be the fascinating Larco Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian art that will transport your thousands of years back in Peruvian history.
We’ll continue with a relaxing walk through the modern Miraflores district, visiting the romantic Parque del Amor (Love Park) with its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The afternoon will be free for you to enjoy Lima’s incredible, world-renowned cuisine or continue exploring the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima | Meals included: breakfast
Day 3: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Nazca
Early start to make the most of this adventurous day. You’ll depart by bus to Paracas (3.5 hours), considered Peru’s “Little Galapagos.” Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an exciting boat tour to the Ballestas Islands (2 hours), where you’ll observe an astonishing diversity of marine fauna: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and hundreds of shorebirds in their natural habitat.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy lunch while taking a fascinating tour of the Ica vineyards, where you’ll learn about the production process of Pisco, Peru’s national drink.
The adventure continues with an adrenaline-fueled sandboarding experience in the Huacachina dunes, a stunning natural oasis surrounded by enormous golden dunes.
At dusk, you will travel from Ica to Nazca to check into your hotel and rest after an exciting day.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Nazca | Meals included: Lunch
Day 4: Nazca – Arequipa: Enigmas In The Desert
Get ready for a unique experience: a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines (30-45 minutes), declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From above, you will contemplate these enigmatic geometric and zoomorphic figures designed more than 2,000 years ago by the ancient Nazca civilization. The hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, and the condor are just some of the impressive figures you can see from the air.
After this unforgettable experience, you will begin a panoramic trip by bus or private transportation to the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa (8-9 hours), known as the “White City.” for its buildings constructed from volcanic ashlar. You will arrive in the evening to check into your hotel and rest.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Arequipa | Meals included: breakfast
Day 5: Arequipa: The White City
Spend this day exploring the architectural treasures of Arequipa. Our comprehensive city tour will take you to the monumental Plaza de Armas, the imposing Cathedral, and the city’s colonial jewel: The Monastery of Santa Catalina, an authentic citadel within the city, with its colorful alleys and perfectly preserved convents dating back to the 16th century.
You’ll also visit the fascinating Andean Sanctuaries Museum, where you’ll meet “Juanita,” the mummy of an Inca girl sacrificed more than 500 years ago and perfectly preserved thanks to the low mountain temperatures. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy Arequipa’s exquisite cuisine, famous for dishes such as rocoto relleno, ocopa, and adobo.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Arequipa | Meals included: breakfast
Day 6: Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Puno
Very early in the morning, you’ll begin an exciting expedition to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. During the journey (3-4 hours), you will cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
The highlight will be a stop at the famous Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor, where you will have the unique opportunity to observe the majestic flight of the Andean condors, the largest flying birds in the world, gliding over the impressive canyon. You will also visit charming traditional villages such as Maca and Yanque, where time seems to stand still, preserving ancient customs.
After a nutritious lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views, you will continue your journey to Puno (4-5 hours), the folkloric capital of Peru located on the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca.
Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Arequipa | Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
Day 7: Puno – Lake Titicaca: Sailing on The Highest Navigable Lake in The World
Get ready for a full-day tour to the majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (3,812 meters above sea level). Your first stop will be the striking Uros Floating Islands, built entirely of totora (water reed) by its inhabitants, who maintain ancient traditions.
You will continue sailing to the beautiful Taquile Island, world-renowned for its textiles, considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Here you will enjoy an authentic traditional lunch in a local home while admiring unforgettable panoramic views of the deep blue lake. In the afternoon, return to Puno to rest and reflect on the cultural experiences you have had during the day.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Puno | Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Puno – Cusco: Crossing The Andes on The Legendary Titicaca Train
Today you will experience one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. The luxurious Titicaca Train will take you from Puno to Cusco (approximately 10 hours) on an unforgettable journey through stunning Andean landscapes. During the journey, you will pass through valleys, mountains, and small traditional villages that seem frozen in time.
The train will make a special stop at La Raya, the highest point on the route (4,319 meters above sea level), where you can take stunning photographs of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and purchase local handicrafts. Arrive in the imperial city of Cusco in the afternoon/evening and transfer to your hotel located near the historic Plaza de Armas.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco | Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 9: Cusco: The Archaeological Capital of The Americas
After breakfast, you’ll immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire with our comprehensive city tour. You’ll visit the majestic Plaza de Armas and the impressive Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), considered the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built.
In the afternoon, you’ll discover the impressive Inca ruins surrounding the city: the formidable Sacsayhuamán fortress with its enormous, perfectly assembled stone blocks, the Qenqo ceremonial center, the Puca Pucara lookout post, and the Tambomachay ritual baths. You’ll end the day with free time to stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of San Blas and San Cristóbal, known for their artisan workshops and art galleries. Free afternoon
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco | Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 10: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
Today you will explore the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas, a fertile valley watered by the Urubamba River and flanked by majestic mountains. Your first stop will be the colorful Pisac market, where local artisans offer beautiful textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry. You’ll also visit the impressive archaeological complex of Pisac, with its agricultural terraces and ceremonial buildings.
After a buffet lunch featuring organic products from the valley, you’ll continue to the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, one of the few places where the Incas achieved victory over the Spanish conquistadors. You’ll admire its enormous terraces and the Temple of the Sun, built with monoliths weighing several tons.
At sunset, you’ll board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and subtropical jungle.
Check-in at your hotel and time to prepare for the next day’s great adventure: Machu Picchu.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Aguas Calientes | Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 11: Machu Picchu – Cusco: The Wonder of the Inca World
The most anticipated day has arrived. Very early, you’ll board a bus to the entrance of the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. At dawn, when the first light of the sun illuminates the ancient stones, you’ll begin a guided tour of this incomparable archaeological site (2-3 hours).
You’ll explore its main sections: The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (sundial), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, and the residential areas. Your specialized guide will reveal the secrets and mysteries that still surround this masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture.
You’ll have free time to explore on your own or, if you’ve booked in advance, climb the enigmatic Huayna Picchu Mountain, from where you’ll get spectacular views of the entire citadel. In the afternoon, you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, and from there, ground transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco for one last night in the Inca capital.
Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco | Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Day 12: Cusco – Farewell
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have free time for final shopping or sightseeing, depending on your departure time. At the scheduled time, our representative will transfer you to Cusco International Airport for your connecting or return flight, bringing you the best memories of your Peruvian adventure.
Please note:
Tour times will be confirmed at the destination.
Included
INCLUDES:
- Airport/hotel/airport transfers in all cities.
- Accommodation in selected hotels with breakfast included.
- Mentioned tours with professional Spanish/English speaking guides.
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and museums included in the itinerary.
- Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes-Ollantaytambo train tickets (Expedition service).
- Puno-Cusco train (Titicaca service).
- Nazca Lines overflight.
- Personalized assistance throughout the tour.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Domestic flights.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Personal expenses.
CONTACT US
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- All rates are expressed in US dollars (optional for currency exchange) and are programmed per person.
- The rates valid for Peruvians only include VAT.
- All our rates are subject to availability and changes.
- Children under 02 years and 11 months are considered INF (babies), do not pay any service and do not have the right to food, bed or seat on the tours.
- DCC (child) is considered a child from 03 to 10 years and 11 months, has a special rate and shares a room with parents.
- Children over 11 years old considered adults
- Minors must travel with an identity document.
- Rates do not apply to holidays, Easter, long weekends, national holidays, Christmas or New Years.
More Information
Lima – City of Kings
The City of Lima is the capital of Peru or also known as the City of the Kings. It is located on the central coast of the country, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, flanked by the coastal desert and extended over the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers.ico, flanqueado por el desierto costero y extendido sobre los valles de los ríos Chillón, Rímac y Lurín.
In Lima Peru, everything is in constant motion, and therefore the past is not far behind; and is that the City of Lima offers you such a diverse multiplicity of emotions, sensations, colors and flavors.
La Ciudad de Lima está llena de riqueza colonial, es la única capital de América del Sur con acceso al mar y que será nombrada Capital Gastronómica de América Latina.
What Places can you Visit in the City of Lima?
- Historical center of lima
- Miraflores
- Ravine
- San Isidro Huaca Pucllana Site
- Museum Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac
- Lunahuana
- Magic Water Circuit
- Park of Love
- Larcomar
Did You Know About Gastronomy in Lima?
Considerado el Gastron capital OMIC de América Latina , todo en Lima gira alrededor de la comida. Y esto se nota en sus excelentes restaurantes, bares y tabernas donde se fusionan miles de años de sabores e ingredientes de la costa, montaña y selva. Si eres amante de la buena comida, esta será una de las experiencias que querrás repetir más de una vez.
Impossible not to try the emblematic ceviche or a good pisco sour; eat a chifa or savor the delicious anticuchos; visit the Central, Maido or Astrid & Gastón restaurants, considered the best in the world according to The World’s 50 Best Restaurant, A fascinating journey through aromas, textures and endless surprises that will make your mouth water.
Paracas National Reserve
Recognized worldwide for the richness and diversity of species that inhabit the sea that bathes its desert coasts and for the number of its own and migratory birds, which during some months of the year come to Peru fleeing the cold. This protected area also has a whole area of wetlands, where birds such as flamingos, seagulls, penguins nest, it is even possible that you see the flight of a condor. Famous for the presence of sea lions of various types.
¿Qué animales se pueden observar en la Reserva Nacional de Paracas?
- The flamenco.
- The white sandpiper.
- The fishing eagle.
- El águila pescadora.
- The Pelican.
- The guanay or our favorite.
- The Peruvian pikeman.
How is it known in Ica?
The city of Ica is known as the city of the eternal sun, because, as its name suggests, the intense heat that invades its streets throughout the year. This city is located in the province and in the department of the same name, and is the capital of the department in which it is located.
The Ballestas Islands
he Ballestas islands are located in front of Paracas, and there are three small islands, Ballestas Norte, Ballestas Centro and Ballestas Sur; each has an area of approximately 0.12 km². The islands are located outside the Paracas National Reserve area.
The Ballestas islands are composed of rock formations where there is an important marine fauna with guano birds such as the guanay, the booby and the tendril mainly, the North, Central and South Ballestas Islands stand out.
How many hours from Lima to Ica?
The distance from Lima to Ica has an extension of 311 km. and an estimated travel time of approximately 5 hours
Why is Ica famous?
Ica is famous for its countryside, wine centers; for the quality of its wines, being in this area the most important wine producers. The Ica valley was the center of development of two important pre-Hispanic cultures, that of Paracas (Pisco) and Nazca (Nazca).
Sacred Valley
Hidden under the tawny slopes of formidable hills, the beautiful Urubamba River Valley, known as The Sacred Valley.
It is located about 15 km north of Cuzco while the condor flies, through a narrow road with hairpin bends.
This quiet and attractive corner of the Andes with attractive colonial towns and secluded woven towns is well worth exploring. The star attractions are the markets and the towering Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, but they are also packed with other Inca sites.
Its countless hiking trails are deservedly gaining popularity. Adrenaline activities range from rafting to rock climbing.
If you want to visit the sacred valley, the first thing you should do is buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket, with which you will have access to various attractions of the city and the Sacred Valley.
Price
HOW MUCH?
We have price alternatives that accommodate all budgets, prices per person, expressed in US Dollars.
Make your quotes and reservations by email [email protected], you can also communicate with one of our sales executives at the telephones detailed below, we will be happy to assist you.
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 969 787 221
Phone – WhatsApp: +51 986 994 218
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
To start the reservation process, please send us the following information:
- Name and surname:
- Passport number:
- Nationality:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone:
- Very important – We need the address and information about the hotel that you are staying at, in the city of Lima, to be able to pick you up at the time when the tour starts
To confirm reservations it is required to pay 50% in advance and the other 50% can be paid upon arrival at your destination.
PAYMENT METHODS
- IZIPAY
- PAYPAL
- WESTER UNION
- MONEYGRAM
- TRANSFER TO OUR BANK ACCOUNT PERU