In Lima: Start your day with a hotel pick-up for a guided city tour of Lima. You’ll visit the city’s key attractions, including the historical center, the Republican San Martin Square, the renowned Plaza de Armas, and the Convent of San Francisco with its intriguing catacombs. The tour also covers the modern district of Miraflores, where you’ll stop at the Park of Love, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This guided city tour lasts around 4 hours.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the bus terminal for a double-decker bus ride to Paracas Bay.

In Paracas: Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your chosen hotel. Overnight in Paracas.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Paracas: Begin with a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Peruvian Galápagos.” These rocky islands, located off the coast of Paracas, are home to a variety of wildlife, including cormorants, sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins. The islands are protected, so access is restricted to boat tours that allow you to admire the animals from a distance.

Visit Ica’s Sand Dunes and the Huacachina Oasis: Continue to Ica, where you will visit a traditional winery and learn about the production of Pisco, Peru’s national spirit. You will also tour the Regional Museum of Ica, home to artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures. Afterward, head to the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by sand dunes, where you can relax by the lagoon or try adventurous activities like sandboarding or a dune buggy ride.

In the evening, take a 2-hour bus ride to Nazca. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Nazca.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

In Nazca: Explore the enigmatic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor between Nazca (1,775 feet/541 meters) and Palpa (1,607 feet/490 meters). These massive drawings, depicting animals like the condor, monkey, and hummingbird, span several miles and are best viewed from the air.

Later in the day, board a double-decker bus for the journey to Arequipa (7,661 feet/2,335 meters). Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.

Meals: Breakfast.

In Arequipa: Discover the architectural beauty of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city known as the “White City” for its buildings made of white volcanic stone. The city tour includes a visit to the stunning Plaza de Armas, the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, and various colonial-era buildings. The tour showcases Arequipa’s unique blend of Spanish and indigenous influences.

After your city tour, set off on a journey to Chivay (11,926 feet/3,635 meters), the gateway to the Colca Valley. Along the way, stop at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to see vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. You’ll also visit the Mirador de los Volcanes for spectacular views of volcanoes like El Misti (19,101 feet/5,822 meters), Chachani (19,872 feet/6,057 meters), and Sabancaya (19,616 feet/5,975 meters).

Upon arrival in Chivay, you’ll have the option to visit the local thermal baths. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Colca Canyon Tour: Today, you’ll visit several small Andean villages, including Yanque (11,152 feet/3,399 meters), Maca (11,646 feet/3,550 meters), and Pinchollo (11,814 feet/3,600 meters), with stops to take photos and explore. The highlight of the tour is the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you’ll witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor over the canyon.

Afterward, you’ll return to Chivay for some free time to explore the village or relax at the thermal baths. Overnight in Chivay.

Meals: Breakfast.

Private Transfer to Llachon Community: Travel by private car along a scenic route passing small villages and the picturesque Lagunillas Lagoon, where you may spot trout farms and Andean flamingos. On the way, you’ll also have the chance to visit the ancient burial towers of Sillustani (12,467 feet/3,800 meters), cylindrical structures built before the Inca era, and take in the beauty of the nearby Umayo Lagoon.

In Llachon (12,566 feet/3,830 meters): Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Lake Titicaca and have the opportunity to hike to surrounding hills and visit ancestral ceremonial sites.

Boat Trip to Ticonata Island: A short boat ride will take you to Ticonata Island, where you’ll explore the island’s archaeological treasures, including mummies, funeral baskets, and ceremonial vessels. These artifacts are displayed at the island’s small museum. Overnight stay with a local family in Llachon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Taquile Island: Begin the day with a boat trip to Taquile Island. After arriving, you’ll walk along a narrow path with panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, passing by traditional Quechua homes. You’ll have free time to explore the island’s main square before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, where grilled trout is a popular dish.

Uros Floating Islands: Continue your journey to the famous Uros Floating Islands, home to the Uros people, an indigenous group that has lived on these man-made reed islands for generations. The Uros Islands are located in the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. After visiting the islands, you’ll return to Puno for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Route of the Sun: This scenic journey from Puno to Cusco (11,152 feet/3,399 meters) includes stops at several historical and cultural sites:

• Pucará (12,795 feet/3,900 meters):Explore the Pucará Museum, showcasing monolithic sculptures and artifacts from pre-Inca cultures.
• La Raya Pass (14,232 feet/4,338 meters):The highest point of the journey, offering incredible views of the Andes.
• Sicuani (11,646 feet/3,550 meters):Enjoy a buffet lunch in this peaceful Andean town.
• Raqchi (10,564 feet/3,220 meters):Visit the Temple of Wiracocha, a significant Inca archaeological site.
• Andahuaylillas (10,013 feet/3,050 meters):Known for its stunning colonial church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”

Arrive in Cusco in the evening, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

In Cusco: Spend the morning at your leisure, then embark on a city tour of Cusco. You’ll visit:

• Plaza San Cristóbal (11,217 feet/3,419 meters):For panoramic views of the city.
• San Pedro Market:A bustling local market where you can experience Cusco’s vibrant culture.
• Temple of Koricancha:Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire.
• Santo Domingo Church:Built atop the ruins of Koricancha.
• Hatun Rumiyoc Street:Famous for the 12-angle stone, a marvel of Inca stonework.
• Plaza de Armas:The city’s main square, home to the Cusco Cathedral.
• Sacsayhuamán (12,142 feet/3,700 meters):A massive Inca fortress overlooking the city.
• Qenqo (11,646 feet/3,550 meters):A mysterious site with carved stone labyrinths.
• Puca Pucará (12,150 feet/3,700 meters):A small Inca fortress.
• Tambomachay (12,150 feet/3,700 meters):Known as the Inca baths, featuring intricate stonework and water channels.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast.

Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas: The Sacred Valley is a critical area for the Incas, known for its mild climate and fertile lands, which provide a rare and productive combination for the Andes. It was also the main route to the jungle, giving the Incas access to tropical fruits and plants. Located at an altitude of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters), the Sacred Valley is home to many important archaeological sites and offers breathtaking landscapes.

At 8:00 a.m., you will depart from Cusco for Pisaq (9,751 feet/2,972 meters), located about an hour away. You’ll spend approximately two hours exploring the archaeological site of Pisaq, known for its agricultural terraces and well-preserved Inca ruins. Afterward, the journey continues through picturesque villages such as Coya (9,318 feet/2,840 meters), Lamay (9,028 feet/2,752 meters), and Calca (9,318 feet/2,840 meters), following the scenic Vilcanota River.

Upon reaching Urubamba (9,420 feet/2,870 meters) around noon, you will have lunch at a buffet restaurant (not included in the tour). After lunch, the tour proceeds to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet/2,792 meters), where you will have a guided tour of the impressive fortress. Overnight stay in Ollantaytambo.

Meals: Breakfast.

To Moray Inca Terraces: Your day begins with a visit to Moray (10,827 feet/3,300 meters), located west of Cusco. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Urubamba mountain range and the snow-capped peaks of La Verónica (18,637 feet/5,682 meters) and Chikón (18,138 feet/5,530 meters). Moray is a unique archaeological site made up of large, circular terraces built into natural depressions in the land. These terraces are believed to have served as an agricultural research station, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing conditions.

To the Salt Mines: Next, you will visit the salt mines of Maras (10,826 feet/3,300 meters), located to the northwest of Moray. These mines consist of around 3,000 small ponds that are filled with salt water from a natural spring. During the dry season, the water evaporates, leaving behind crystallized salt, which is then harvested. The salt from Maras is famous for its purity and is still used today.

To Machu Picchu: After exploring Moray and Maras, you will return to Ollantaytambo to catch a train to Aguas Calientes (6,693 feet/2,040 meters), the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Guided Visit of Machu Picchu: Begin the day with a bus ride up the steep, winding road to Machu Picchu (7,970 feet/2,430 meters), the famous Inca citadel. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes and covers the 6 km distance to the entrance of this incredible site.

Machu Picchu was a sacred place for the Incas, and every morning before sunrise, the high priest would lead a small group to signal the start of a new day. The site features many important temples, including the Temple of the Moon, located lower on the mountain, and the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Torreon. Other highlights include the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Plaza, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Royal Quarters.

After the guided tour, there will be time to explore the ruins at your own pace. Don’t miss the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a spot that offers a stunning view over the entire Machu Picchu site, especially as the sun rises through the gate.

Return to Cusco: In the afternoon, you’ll take the train back to Cusco. There are two options for the train departure: 2:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. Once you arrive in Cusco, a transfer will take you to your hotel for the night.

Meals: Breakfast.

Flight to Lima: At the designated time, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima.

In Lima: Upon your arrival in Lima, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel. Overnight in Lima.

Meals: Breakfast.

Departure from Lima: At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Lima airport for your international flight.

Meals: Breakfast.