Land of the Incas: A Complete Peru Experience

• On the way to Chivay

One of the essential destinations to visit in Arequipa is the Colca Canyon. The journey to this natural wonder will be a spectacle in itself. We will make a first stop to appreciate the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Continuing along way, we will reach 4,000 meters above sea level, from where we can appreciate the Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani volcanoes, as well as the stone forest.

Take the opportunity to capture this magical moment! We will enter the Pampa de Toccra, home of the alpaca, as well as varieties of birds in which the elegant flamingo stands out. Our adventure will continue at the Andes viewpoint, known as Patapampa, the highest point of the Colca Canyon with a height of 4,910 meters above sea level. From here we will observe the eight volcanoes that form the famous circle of fire.

After appreciating the natural beauty of Arequipa, we will descend to our last destination of the day: Chivay, a town near the Colca Canyon. Here we will taste the delicious local cuisine at lunch.

• Colca Valley

The Colca Valley awaits us! We will start the day early in the morning, heading towards the canyon along a road surrounded by beautiful and imposing landscapes. We will arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor, a viewpoint from where we can fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Colca, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From here, we can also witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, a species that inhabits this area.

This is the perfect place to see these iconic birds up close! In addition, we will visit other attractions in the area, such as the picturesque town of Pinchollo, located in the heart of the Colca Canyon, the village of Wayra Punku, and the Antahuilque viewpoint, from where we can admire amphitheater-shaped agricultural terraces and beautiful lagoons that surround the famous valley. We will also make a stop in the town of Maca, whose beautiful church attracts visitors with its mestizo baroque style. Afterward, we will return to Chivay for lunch and have the rest of the day free.

• Puno

We will have some free time this morning before we begin our journey to the Puno region. The drive will take approximately six hours, during which we will be surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes. We will make a stop at Lagunillas, a lagoon located at 4,100 meters above sea level, where we can appreciate the majestic panorama. Finally, we will arrive at our accommodation in Puno.

• Full-Day Uros Islands & Taquile with Speedboat

Today you will be picked up at your hotel and embark on a full-day adventure to the Uros and Taquile Islands with a speedboat. You will explore the ancient culture of Taquile Island, known for its traditional textiles and UNESCO-recognized heritage. You will visit the Huayllano community for artistic and agricultural insights. Also, you will enjoy a local lunch before heading to the man-made Uros Islands in Lake Titicaca. You will meet the islanders and learn about their unique way of life. The journey concludes with a return to your hotel.

• Touristic Bus Ticket Puno / Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel today to begin your journey toward Cusco, enjoying the wonderful landscapes of the Altiplano and the Southern Valley along the way.

Your first stop will be the charming town of Pucará, where you will visit its museum, which houses lithic pieces and archaeological material recovered from various complexes of the Pucará culture. You will also visit the site museum of the archaeological complex that bears the same name. You will then continue toward La Raya, the highest point of the route—located at 4,335 masl—where you will make a brief stop to appreciate the impressive views, including the Chimboya snow-capped peak and part of the Andes mountain range. Later, you will enjoy a buffet lunch at a typical local restaurant.

Afterwards, you will visit the impressive archaeological complex of Raqchi, also known as the Temple of Wiracocha, famous for its monumental structures that reach more than 14 meters in height.

The journey continues to Andahuaylillas, where you will visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”” for its extraordinary baroque decoration, murals, and works of art.

Finally, you will arrive in Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

• Transfer Cusco Bus Station / Cusco Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

• Full-Day Pisac Market & Ruins and Ollantaytambo ending in Sacred Valley

Today, we will pick you up from your hotel to visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 32 km northeast of Cusco. Known for its Colónial church where Quechua masses are held every Sunday, Pisac also hosts colorful fairs daily. Local vendors offer a variety of crafts for sale, with textiles and ceramic products being the highlights. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, continue to the fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca military, religious and agricultural center, located on top of a mountain. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Sacred Valley.

• Program Machu Picchu Ruins (2 Days / 1 Night)

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes. This town is also known as “Machu Picchu pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru.

In Aguas Calientes, there is a train station, a craft market, restaurants, and hotels of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb it early.

Finally, after a short transfer by bus, you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means “Old Mountain”, is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the world’s new seven wonders. At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at ¨Cafe Inkaterra¨ Machu Picchu. The rest of the afternoon will be free.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

• Day at leisure in Aguas Calientes & train trip back to Cusco

In the morning we suggest you return to Machu Picchu and visit any of the attractions of the citadel (second-day entrance not included, but may be requested).

You can visit the Intipunku or “Sun Gate”, where the sun rises every day through this door if viewed from the most important buildings of the citadel; the Inca Bridge, an incredible stone building that served as entrance or exit of the citadel; and you can also climb the Wayna Picchu (subject to space availability), which means “Young Mountain” as opposed to Machu Picchu. This ascent takes about an hour and its main attraction is the “Temple of the Moon”, a complex of underground constructions likely to have been used by the elite (re-entry to Machu Picchu and ticket to Wayna Picchu not included in original pricing). Finally, you will be able to see the Puente del Inca, an incredible stone construction that served as an entrance or exit to the citadel.

In the afternoon you will head to the train station of Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco.

• Half-Day City Tour, San Pedro Market & Nearby Ruins

Today you will be picked up from your hotel to explore the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you will start the tour at the iconic San Pedro Market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco.

The visit continues at the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day. You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you will arrive at the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel.

• Half-Day Pre-Columbian Art Immersion at MAP by night

The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art (MAP) is a must-see for art and history lovers in Cusco. Located in Casa Cabrera, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion, it houses 400 ancient pieces. Some artifacts are over 3,000 years old, showcasing Peru’s rich pre-Inca and Inca heritage. Guided through ten themed rooms, we’ll explore art by material, region, and era. Commentary from artists like Fernando de Szyszlo highlights their cultural influence. The visit reveals the creativity, beliefs, and daily life of ancient Peruvians.

To conclude this experience, we will enjoy a dinner at Map Café, a space that combines the best of contemporary Peruvian cuisine with an elegant and cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect ending to a day of cultural and gastronomic immersion in the heart of Cusco.

At the end, we will take you back to your hotel.

• Transfer Cusco Hotel / Cusco Airport

At the specified time, you will be transferred to the Cusco airport.

• Transfer Lima Airport / Lima Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lima.

• Full-Day Paracas & Ica with UTV ride

Enjoy a day full of adventure, nature, and culture along Peru’s magical southern coast. Early in the morning, we will depart from Lima and head to Paracas, a beautiful seaside destination. Along the way, we will make a short stop in Pucusana for breakfast (not included) and a chance to rest before continuing the journey.

In Paracas, we will board a speedboat for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where you will admire the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph and the impressive marine wildlife that inhabits the area, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds. We will then continue to Ica, the land of sunshine and pisco, where you will enjoy a guided wine and pisco tasting followed by a delicious traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by spectacular golden sand dunes. Feel the adrenaline rush on an exciting UTV ride and experience sandboarding, one of the most fun activities in the Peruvian desert.

At the end of the day, we will return to Lima, taking with us unforgettable memories of a journey through the sea, vineyards, and desert landscapes of Peru.

• Transfer Lima Hotel / Lima Airport

At the specified time, you will be transferred to the Lima Airport.