Pass from the beaches to the mountains of Peru, crossing the mountain range and the high plateau in this fascinating 13-day route. Visit the main historical, cultural and natural attractions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco. In addition to delighting your sight with unique landscapes, puff up the palate with bold flavors and nourish the essence of the most traditional villages. Close your adventure with a visit to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca citadel that captivates the entire world.
Lima: Peru's capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a large architectural complex with places such as the historic Casa Aliaga, the Cathedral and the Larco Museum.
Ballestas Islands: Discover this maritime sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean where sea lions, penguins and migratory birds find refuge.
Nasca Lines: Look from the sky to these mysterious geoglyphs of animals and geometric figures that have been in the middle of the Nasca desert for more than 1,000 years.
Arequipa: Walk through the old 'forbidden city' of Santa Catalina, meet the Jesuit church and enjoy the majestic views of the Misti Volcano.
Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condor flying over this 4,000-meter-deep valley and visits some remote villages of the zone.
Lake Titicaca: Visit Taquile and the floating islands of Uros.
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian constructions and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Cathedral, the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and Puca Pucará.
Sacred Valley: Visit the town of Chinchero and the Living Museum of Yucay. The day ends in the town of Ollantaytambo and visiting its fortress.
Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas is hidden on the top of an Andean peak and offers views not only of the mountain range but also of the Inca past.
Upon your arrival in Lima, a transportation service will transfer you from the airport to your hotel.
Explore Lima´s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings. Start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which radiates from the Main Square visiting the Cathedral and Casa Aliaga. Continue to the Larco Museum, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion. Finally, head to the "Love Park" in the scenic coastal district of Miraflores, where you can admire the cliffs and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.
Once you have had your breakfast at your hotel, you will be collected by a representative and accompanied to the bus station to take the bus from Lima to Paracas. After four hours of travel, arrive at Pisco airport and enjoy a flight over the desert observing the mysterious Nasca lines. The small town of Nasca would go unnoticed on the map if it were not for the ancient geoglyphs etched into the sand that has given it worldwide fame. As you fly over the desert, lines take shape to form simple geometric designs, then some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a spider, a condor, a monkey, to name a few. If the weather conditions and the airspace allow, you will also fly over the recently discovered drawings in Palpa. Continue your flight over the mountains where marine fossils that date back millions of years were found and then fly back to Pisco to end your aerial experience. Once again on land, you will be transferred to the hotel in Paracas.
Transport will take you to El Chaco pier to embark on a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. The Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets with beautiful geographical formations, just a few kilometers off the western coast of Peru. The islands are the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of wildlife like seals, boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the endangered Humboldt penguin. Cruise around the islands’ dramatic cliffs and watch large herds of noisy sea lions relaxing on the rocks, birds stretching their wings and if you’re lucky, dolphins near to your boat. While you will not disembark onto the islands, you will get startlingly close to this impressive array of wildlife. As you sail, you will also pass the Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph that has been dated to around 200 BC, although the purpose and the creator of this three-pronged carving remain a mystery. At the end of your boat tour, you will be taken to the bus station for your transfer to Lima.
Go on a comfortable ride from your hotel to the airport of Lima to take a flight to Arequipa. At arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Your journey will start at the Plaza de Armas, next to the magnificent Arequipa´s Cathedral built during the XVII century. Visit to Santa Catalina Monastery, and the ´Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús´ (1590). To end the day, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, to have a panoramic view of Arequipa´s countryside.
Depart Arequipa, driving through Yura district en route to the Colca Valley. Lunch will be served in the picturesque town of Chivay with transfer in the afternoon to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley. Rest of the day free at leisure or you may visit the local hot springs.
