
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of southern Peru, designed for travelers seeking a deep cultural, historical, and natural experience. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and vibrant local traditions.
Discover the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the colonial charm of Cusco, the vast beauty of Lake Titicaca, the enigmatic Nazca Lines, and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Along the way, immerse yourself in local traditions, Andean gastronomy, and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re exploring Inca wonders, crossing high Andean plateaus, or navigating the Amazonian jungles, this tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and culture.
Moderate
15 Days
Assistance upon arrival at Lima’s “Jorge Chávez” International Airport and transfer to the selected hotel. Rest of the day free. Lima is the capital and largest city of Peru. It is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac, and Lurín rivers, in the central part of the country, on a desert coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
After breakfast, a city tour where we will visit the Historic Center of Lima, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral Basilica, Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, Santo Domingo Church, where the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martín de Porres are located, and colonial balconies of Lima. Then, you will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the largest monumental complex of colonial art in America and a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Later, we will visit the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by Huaca Pucllana, El Olivar Park in San Isidro, Miraflores Central Park, and Larcomar Shopping Center, where we will have a spectacular panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Free evening.
4:30 AM Departure from Lima to Paracas. AM Arrival in Paracas and transfer to the marina. Board the speedboats, put on life jackets, and start the guided maritime tour of the Ballestas Islands, observing the Enigmatic Candelabra. Enjoy an enriching approximately 2-hour tour of the whimsical natural rock formations that are home to important marine fauna, such as large colonies of guano birds, Humboldt Penguins, friendly Sea Lions, Dolphins, Guanayes, Boobies, and more. After the tour, you will have free time to stroll around Paracas Bay, take photos, buy handicrafts, and explore. At noon, we will travel by tourist transportation to Ica. After approximately 1 hour, we will arrive in Ica and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel for a transfer to Huacachina. Start the adventure circuit in the Huacachina sand dunes, where you will enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride in sand buggies and have the opportunity to go sandboarding. The circuit lasts approximately one hour. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore the oasis, take boat rides, take photos, and buy handicrafts. Transfer from Huacachina to your hotel. Overnight stay in a hotel with a swimming pool.
Check Out AM Departure from Ica to Nazca from the Cruz del Sur bus station. Travel in a bus equipped with individual digital screens with entertainment system, reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard service, refreshments, and chemical toilets. Nazca Lines Overflight: You will have the opportunity to observe up to 12 figures of the most enigmatic Nazca Lines during a 35-minute flight: 1. The Whale, 2. Trapezoids, 3. Astronaut, 4. Monkey, 5. Dog, 6. Condor, 7. Spider, 8. Hummingbird, 9. Albatross/Flamingo, 10. Parrot, 11. The Hands, 12. The Tree. After the overflight, transfer to the Cruz del Sur bus station. PM Departure from Nazca to Arequipa from the Cruz del Sur bus station.
Upon arrival in Arequipa, transfer to the selected hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the city of Arequipa, including the Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful in Peru, the Cathedral, an example of Peruvian architecture from the 19th century that houses precious treasures of gold and silver, and the Church of La Compañía, an ancient Jesuit temple, perhaps the most important in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful facade adorned with carved columns featuring spirals, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, and more. Free evening.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, pick up from your hotel in Arequipa to start the journey by tourist bus to the Colca Canyon, located northeast of the city of Arequipa. Along the way, we will pass through landscapes until we reach the Pampas Cañahuas Reserve, where you can observe groups of Vicuñas and Alpacas. We will then continue ascending until we reach Patapampa – Mirador de los Volcanes, located at an altitude of 4,850 meters. Here, we will make a stop to appreciate the panoramic views offered by this natural viewpoint. We will then continue our descent to the town of Chivay, where we will settle into the selected hotel within the Chivay area. Free afternoon and an opportunity to visit the La Calera hot springs.
Early breakfast before boarding a bus to Cruz del Condor, a natural viewpoint from where you can appreciate the magnitude of the Colca Canyon and witness the spectacular flight of the condor. On the way back to Chivay, we will visit the Chinina viewpoint, where the famous Hanging Tombs and the Sifón Hanging Bridge that connects the villages of Yanque and Coporaque are located. We will continue to the town of Yanque, where we will visit its beautiful church and its stone streets, among other attractions. We will make stops at the viewpoints of Choquetipo, Artahuilque, and the town of Maca to once again observe the Colca Valley. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will travel to the city of Juliaca, enjoying the scenery along the way, and arrive at the selected hotel at approximately 19:00 hrs.
Early in the morning, we will embark on an unforgettable boat excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros Floating Islands, ancient pre-Inca inhabitants of the lake known as the “Water Tribe.” These Andean natives construct their own islands by periodically adding new layers of totora reeds (Scirpus totora), a fibrous plant from the papyrus family. They also use this material to build their houses and boats. We will continue our excursion to Taquile, inhabited by Quechua natives who have developed an efficient and original social system as well as magnificent weaving techniques passed down through generations. After having lunch at a local inn in Taquile, we will hike through its hills and archaeological sites. In the afternoon, we will return to Puno and transfer to the hotel. Free evening.
After breakfast, we depart in the morning by bus to the city of Cusco. We travel along the high plateau of Collao, making a stop in the town of Ayaviri, an important textile and animal breeding center, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins of the ancient Pucara culture. Along the way, we pause at the border between the regions of Puno and Cusco, a sector called La Raya, where we can appreciate herds of alpacas and llamas, typical Andean fauna. Continuing our journey, we arrive at a countryside restaurant to enjoy a buffet lunch, savoring the delicious culinary art of the region. After lunch, our next stop will be Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca sanctuary built during the reign of Inca Pachacutec and dedicated to the great Inca god Wiracocha. It has a large central wall with a finely crafted Inca stone base. The other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular side columns. Around the temple, we find several buildings that were once used as houses or storehouses. We then proceed to the beautiful town of Andahuaylillas and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its intricately painted ceiling and walls. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the city of Cusco, visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha. We will continue outside the city to visit the Inca complexes of Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and the impressive Sacsayhuaman, famous for its enormous carved stones meticulously fitted together. Some of these stones exceed 9 meters in height and weigh over 350 tons. Overnight in Cusco hotel.
Around 8:15 am, we will pick you up from your hotel and head towards the town of Maras, enjoying the beautiful Andean landscape. It’s a journey connecting with tradition. Maras is a traditional, colonial, and republican town known as the “City of Doorways.” From the plateau of Maras, you can appreciate the whimsical formations of the Andean mountains, including the snow-capped peaks like La Veronica. Near the traditional town of Maras, we find the Salt Mines, which consist of small wells numbering over 3,500. Through the process of evaporation, salt is obtained. These mines have been exploited since the pre-Inca times. We will then visit the archaeological complex of Moray, located 7 km from Maras. It consists of a set of enormous terraces arranged concentrically, which served as an agricultural experimentation center and fertility site. Return to the city of Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Around 7:50 am, we will pick you up from your hotel. Depart from the city of Cusco towards the natural storehouse of the Incas, exploring part of the sacred river, Vilcanota or Urubamba. This day will allow us to get to know the customs of its inhabitants up close. During our journey, we will visit the picturesque mestizo colonial town of Pisac, which also houses one of the Inca cities that attracts many visitors. Then, we will head to another village for lunch, featuring local products. Our next site to visit is Ollantaytambo, “the Living Inca City.” This city was built for the purpose of administration and defense against possible invasions. After completing our visit to this important site, we will have the opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets of the village and gain a clear idea of its urban layout. Finally, we will head to the train station in Ollantaytambo to take the train that will transport us to the town of Machu Picchu. At around 7:00 pm, we will board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Around 8:45 pm, we will arrive in Machu Picchu and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).
After a good rest in the town of Machu Picchu and receiving instructions from our guide regarding the visit schedule to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, we will head to the bus station. The bus will take us on a 45-minute ascent, covering a height of 400 meters, to the magnificent wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, we will begin our experience with our guide, visiting the most important places such as temples, plazas, astronomical centers, and other sectors for approximately 3 hours. After the tour, there is an optional opportunity to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, requiring an additional entrance ticket. After our exploration of the Inca city, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, our transfer will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
This is an excellent opportunity to explore the city of Cusco, visiting its traditional neighborhoods, including the market. We will also have the chance to visit the city’s museums or participate in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop.
Transfer to the airport and departure to Lima at the appropriate time, depending on your flight schedule. End of our services.
EXCELLENT Based on 20 reviews Trek478479339132024-12-04Verified Excellent service and Herber was amazing We took an express and tailor made tour from Cuzco with Herber. He was absolutely amazing! The experience overall was a 100/10. He was super attentive, kind and we had an amazing time. Don’t hesitate to book any tour with them! elisa o2024-12-01Verified The best guide for a Guatemalan group 🙌🏻👏🏻 He is an amazing guide!! Always attentive with a super positive attitude. He explains in detail each place 💯 we had a good time as a group and all happy with his service. pilar L2024-06-06Verified Unforgetable experience "I was lucky to have the incredible tour guide Herber during my trip to Peru. His deep historical and cultural knowledge, combined with his kindness and enthusiasm, made each tour an unforgettable experience. I recommend Herber to anyone who wants to discover the best kept secrets in the city. Thank you, Herber, for making my trip an unforgettable adventure!" Sergio b2024-05-16Verified Great with him An exceptional guide and an excellent person, the trip under his guidance multiplied interest and fun. I would without a doubt recommend working with him. Fantastic treatment and information. Out of 10 everything. patricia g2024-05-15Verified Cusco travel, don't hesitate. Peru is a country that you love in every aspect, salkantay, mountain colors, Cusco, Amazon... But what makes all this really incredible is the human team of Cusco travel, cooks, muleteers, drivers, headed by the guide HERVER, excellent professional and better person, I would choose you a thousand times more. José Carlos G2024-05-15Verified Learning and adventure You have it all in Peru and with Herber it becomes super enjoyable and interesting. A guide of 10. A true connector with Pachamama. Thank you Shaman. Ana M2024-05-15Verified Mountain, culture and gastronomy Without a doubt highly recommended.Very good professional... highly qualified in Inca history... and in terms of mountains ⛰️🏔️ culture and gastronomy...The tours were organized in detail and their kitchen equipment was a 10.I have fallen in love with this country thanks to him. I will be back. Juan Diego S2024-05-13Verified Great supplier and person We have made a full pack with Cuzco travel for 14 days.Including culture, Trekking, MachuPicchu and jungle in Puerto MaldonadoReally, in my case we will continue working together and we will make everything grow in a respectful way and enjoying more travelers. Borja G2023-10-02Verified Pedro An unforgettable experience!!! Accompanied by our beloved guide and now friend Herber. A close and endearing person with a lot of knowledge. Where we have been protected and accompanied by him and his team like a big family, Nothing has been missing on this trip. An experience that has marked a before and after for me. I would definitely repeat it with this great team. Thank you Herber for your kindness, attention and good sense of humor. Laura B2023-09-13Verified Great tour with wonderful views and awesome guide Had such a good time on this tour, the views are amazing, the food is good and I found the walk up to the top very manageable, even with the altitude. What really made it a great tour though was Marco, our guide, who was so knowledgeable, kind and funny - our driver was also lovely. Would definitely recommend to anyone considering rainbow mountain!