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18 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Peru Complete

Embark on an amazing flight over the mysterious lines of Nazca. Marvel at the stunning colonial architecture of Arequipa, "La Ciudad Blanca". Discover Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Travel comfortably by train, contemplating the breathtaking scenery of the Andes towards a gu... Read More

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Arturo

By Arturo

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Lima

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Fly over 12 of the most representative Nazca lines: the Monkey, the Condor, the Spider among others

2

2 days to Colca Canyon and see the world’s largest flying bird on the Condor Cross

3

Full day boat tour of the floating islands of Uros with lunch stop on the island of Taquile

4

3-hour tour of Machu Picchu with a private local guide

Itinerary

Standard Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Lima

International flight by client. Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Lima. At your arrival, look for a sign with your name on it. The airport is located in the district of Callao, about 16km from Miraflores and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Allpa Hotel & Suites
Day 2

place Visit to Lima City and a museum

Experience the capital of Peru through a diverse tour including the old center of Lima with the beautiful decorated squares surrounded by architecture from the colonial age.As Peru is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the visit to the museum will make you appreciate the Andean and pre-Columbian art even more. Cathedral of Lima Construction for the cathedral began in 1535, the same year the city of Lima was founded. Throughout the years it withstood various earthquakes and underwent a lot of renovations. It is also where the conqueror Francisco Pizarro is buried, and the visit you will have the chance to visit its religious museum. Today it stands towering over Lima's main square and is one the main attraction of the colonial city center. Larco Museum Continue your visit to the "Larco Herrera Museum", founded in 1926, this museum shows impressive galleries arranged chronologically with more than 3000 years of development history of pre-Columbian Peru. It has the finest collection of gold and silver from ancient Peru and the famous erotic art collection. The Larco Museum is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also access the storage area, with more than 45,000 properly classified archaeological objects. His masterpieces are considered icons throughout the world of pre-Columbian art, having been exhibited in the most important museums in the world. The San Francisco Church The construction of the convent began in the mid-sixteenth century; today, it remains one of the most exceptional legacies of the Viceroyal period. The monastery has a library that features twenty-five thousand ancient texts, an Islamic inspired dome, carved in wood and, the most chilling aspect, a series of catacombs that have on display the bones of more than twenty-five thousand people.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Allpa Hotel & Suites
Day 3

place Lima - Paracas

Transfer from your hotel to bus terminal in Lima. It will take approximately 30 minutes to arrive. Public bus from Lima to Paracas. The journey takes about 3.5 hours. Available schedules: Bus schedule: 07h00-10h20. Bus schedule: 13h15-16h50. Transfer from the bus station to your selected hotel in Paracas.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Emancipador
Day 4

place Paracas - Nazca

Transfer from your selected hotel to the marine pier in Paracas. BALLESTAS ISLANDS (2 hours)Shared Services Ballestas is a group of Islands that constitute a habitat for a wide variety of birds and sea lions, which can be easily seen from a motorboat. On the route to the Islands, it is the Candelabro, a geoglyph over 120 meters long drawn on a dune, which can be best observed from the sea. The trip around the islands is one of the most popular from Paracas. Notes: *Services subject to weather conditions. Transfer from the marine pier to your selected hotel in Paracas. Transfer from your hotel to the bus station in Paracas. You will go by public bus from Paracas to Nazca. (3.5 hours) Available schedules: Bus time: 11h10-15h00. Bus time: 17h00-20h30. You will have a private transfer from the bus station in Nazca to your hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Nasca
Day 5

place Nazca - Arequipa

Shared services (25 minutes) Overflight Nazca Lines from "Maria Reiche Airdrome" in Nazca (30 minutes). Nazca, undoubtedly owes to Maria Reiche the tourists that it receives nowadays and who come especially to know these mysterious lines.You will appreciate the 12 classic figures of Nazca: 1. The Whale, 2. Trapezoids, 3. Astronaut, 4. Monkey, 5. Dog, 6. Condor, 7. Spider, 8.Hummingbird, 9. Alcatraz, 10. Parrot, 11. The Hands, and 12. The Tree. Notes:* Subject to weather conditions.* Airport tax are included. You will have a private transfer from your selected hotel to the bus station in Nazca. You will go by Public Bus from Nazca to Arequipa (9 hours). Bus schedule: 14h30-23h30. Transfer from the bus station to your selected hotel in Arequipa. At your arrival, look for a sign with your name on it.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Majestad Hotel Boutique Arequipa
Day 6

place Arequipa

Walking city tour and Santa Catalina (Half day)Private services You will be picked up at your hotel and then the tour begins with a visit to the Cathedral. You will be given a description of the historical features of this monument and then the tours continues to the "Complejo de compañia" where you will visit the chapel called "cúpula" which means dome, then continuing you will go to the streets which really resemble Arequipa like: "San francisco" and "Santo domingo". Last but not least you will visit the monastery of "Santa Catalina" a representative architectural work.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Majestad Hotel Boutique Arequipa
Day 7

place Arequipa - Colca Valley

After breakfast, you set off to the spectacular Colca Valley to travel up the foothills of Chachani Volcano and admire the Misti and Picchu Picchu Volcanoes. Subsequently, you cross the vicuña reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, where you can see the smaller version of the llama roaming freely in the Andean highlands. The next stop is at a restaurant called the Chinitos, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. Here, passengers can use the restrooms and drink the traditional ‘Mate de Coca’, helping you to get used to the altitude. Continuing the trip, you make a stop at Toccra Pampa, where you can see llamas, alpacas, and different species of birds near the crater of the Chucura Volcano, to subsequently reach the scenic viewpoint Los Andes in Patapampa (4910 meters). From here, you have a breathtaking view of various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. You have lunch (not included) in the legendary town of Chivay, after which you go to your hotel. Entrance to Colca Valley is included.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Colca Llaqta Hotel
Day 8

place Colca Valley - Puno

Early in the morning, you will go to the famous viewpoint Cruz del Condor. In the stunning landscape of the canyon, you have the opportunity to see condors, the impressive Andean birds that are on the brink of extinction and the symbol of the Andes. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these majestic birds floating in the air, with the Colca Canyon in the background. Before you return to Chivay, you head to the small town of Yanque, to visit its well-kept colonial church. Once back in Chivay, you visit Maca, Antahuilque, and Peña Blanca, to enjoy even more of this beautiful rural area. After lunch (not included), you travel to Puno located at the banks of Titicaca Lake. This is a four to five hour ride taking you through amazing landscapes. Your guide drives your through the Peruvian highlights and makes some stops allowing you to stretch your legs and have a short break. Most are just bathroom stops, but you do visit Chinito shortly to admire its lagoon and birds. Around 18:00 hrs. you arrive in Puno.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Puno - Puno
Day 9

place Puno

A 35-minute boat trip from the port of Puno brings you to a group of very special islands. Here, the Uros people made not only there boats and houses out of totora, they also made their islands out of this strong type of reed! The Uros people do not only stand out because of their unique way of life, they are also a very hospital people and are happy to share their beautiful culture with visitors. After learning about the Uros’ traditions and daily life, you head to Taquile, a ‘real’ island and another highlight of Titicaca Lake. You walk uphill for about an hour until you reach the central square of the village, where you enjoy a local lunch (not included). Subsequently, you head further uphill climbing the 535 stone steps of Taquile. In the afternoon, you return to your hotel. Lunch in Taquile.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Puno - Puno
Day 10

place Puno - Cusco

Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal in Puno. Public bus from Puno to Cusco. The journey takes about 10 hours. Bus schedule: 06h45 - 17h00 You will leave Puno and visit the Pukara Museum, the stepped pyramid elaborated by the villagers of Pukara, 106 km to the north of Cusco, whose antiquity surpasses 3.500 years, it is impressive and enigmatic. You will cross La Raya pass at an altitude of 4319 m. From here on you will be descending through a marvelous valley cultivated with lots of crops such as corn and potatoes. Buffet lunch en route. Before arrival visit some of the most wonderful destinations in Peru. You will visit Andahuaylillas, whose famous colonial church is known as the “Sixtine Chapel of the Americas” because of its beautiful painted ceiling and other art treasures and we will visit Raqchi, a great temple complex and your first encounter with Inca Ruins also known as the Temple of Wiracocha on route. You will arrive at Cusco in the afternoon.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Munay Wasi Inn
Day 11

place Cusco

Time to explore magical Cusco! This beautiful city has an interesting history, both from Inca and colonial times. You start this half-day tour at Cusco’s main square, which was called Huacaypata (Warriors Square) by the Incas. While the guide tells you more about the history of this special place, you can admire the city’s cathedral that was built between 1560 and 1664 with the red granite stones from the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The cathedral is without doubt one of the most impressive buildings in Cusco, and not only from the outside: the historical buildings hosts one of the most significant collections of gold and silver work of the colonial period. Next, you continue to Koricancha and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The convent was built on top of the most important Inca temple dedicated to the worship of the sun, with walls covered with gold leaf. Wandering through the streets of what once was the capital of the Inca Empire, you feel like you are traveling through time. After exploring Cusco, you head to the nearby ruins, such as the Sacsayhuaman Fortress with its immense temple walls made out of huge stones constructed in a zigzag pattern; the red fort Puca Pucara; the Qenko Amphitheater, and Tambomachay, the Inca baths. Full of new knowledge about the history of the Incas, you return to your hotel in Cusco.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Munay Wasi Inn
Day 12

place Cusco - Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco for a day full of culture and beautiful nature. You first head to the market of Pisac, were people from different communities gather to sell their products. It is a colorful and interesting event, which is bigger on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Subsequently, you visit Moray, a small community famous for its embedded amphitheater that is formed by circular terraces which seem to disappear into the ground. Scientist think that Moray has played an important role in the agricultural research conducted by the Incas. You head to the salt mines located near Maras dating from colonial times; a very photogenic place. Then, you continue to Ollantaytambo, an ancient fort standing proudly in the famous Sacred Valley. The many paths and irrigation canals create a unique system telling you more about the development of Peru’s ancient cultures. *The order of the visits may change.*

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Pakaritampu
Day 13

place Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes- Ollantaytambo- Cusco

Voyager Train Train schedule: 06h40-08h01. Begin your journey enjoying our comfortable seats with foldable tables in front, panoramic windows and our excellent on board service that will maximize your experience. Delight in the incredible landscape along the route to Machu Picchu and try our selection of complementary natural drinks, prepared using Andean essences representative of the region. Note:*Train schedule is subject to availability.*Luggage allowed: A daypack with 8 kilos per person. Rest of luggage , must be left at your hotel. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes, who will then take you to Machu Picchu and give you a guided tour through the archeological site. Walk to the bus station to take your bus up to Machu Picchu. Shared transfer from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes. TOUR MACHU PICCHU (3 hours)Private Services Machu picchu was only re-discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscapes architecture in the world. Located in an enclave on the saddle of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, in an area of lush tropical forest, it served as a place of worship, a site for star-gazing and a private hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacutec. It consists of two main areas one agricultural, formed mainly by mountains and food stores, and the other urban, which is noted for its sacred zone with its temples, squares and royal tombs. The stairways and canals carved out of stone are recurrent throughout this remarkable archaeological site. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, it was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the morning / In the afternoon / In the night, you will take the Voyager train down from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Munay Wasi Inn
Day 14

place Cusco

Today is free for you to relax & enjoy the city on your own!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Munay Wasi Inn
Day 15

place Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

Transfer from your selected hotel to the airport in Cusco. Domestic flight by client. The jungle town of Puerto Maldonado is the starting point for this four-day stay in the rainforest. Our staff will meet you at the airport and escort you for the 68-kilometer river journey. Our launch will take us to the Ecolodge in three hours, while minimizing negative impact with its high fuel efficiency and fiberglass (rather than wooden) hull. This river journey serves as our first introduction to the rainforest, and upon arrival –after time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the Ecolodge- you will be invited to enter the forest you saw from the boat in the company of a naturalist guide.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Tambopata Ecologe
Day 16

place Puerto Maldonado

After an excellent breakfast and a short morning boat ride, we will set out along a forest trail to explore Lake Condenado by canoe. Swathed in rich tropical vegetation, forest wetlands are the best places for bird watching and the observation of other aquatic and terrestrial fauna. Back at the Ecolodge, after a superb meal in our restaurant, we will take to the river again in search of caiman and the other nocturnal rainforest species that fill the night air with their sounds.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Tambopata Ecologe
Day 17

place Puerto Maldonado- Lima

Your stay in the Amazonian forest ends on the third day with a magical early morning return by river for the flight from Puerto Maldonado. As part of their itineraries, they offer daily transfers at 8:20 hours from Tambopata Ecolodge to the Puerto Maldonado airport. Therefore we recommend return flights that leave between 12:30 and 14:00 hours. Passengers with flights departing later should remember that they would have to wait for their departure at the airport, or spend time in the town of Puerto Maldonado, once they have been transferred by the Ecolodge company to the airport. If you require private transfer for flights/services outside the hours indicated, please take into consideration that there will be an additional cost for this extra service which is USD$200.00 Domestic flight by client. Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Lima. At your arrival, look for a sign with your name on it. The airport is located in the district of Callao, about 16km from Miraflores and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Standard Accommodation: Allpa Hotel & Suites
Day 18

place Lima

Transfer from your hotel to the airport in Lima. The airport is located in the district of Callao, about 16km from Miraflores and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Hotel Emancipador
  • Casa Andina Standard Nasca
  • Allpa Hotel & Suites
  • Majestad Hotel Boutique Arequipa
  • Colca Llaqta Hotel
  • Hotel Hacienda Puno - Puno
  • Hotel Munay Wasi Inn
  • Hotel Pakaritampu
  • Tambopata Ecologe

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (17)
  • Lunch (2)
  • Dinner (2)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport transfers
  • All transfers during day tours
  • Public Busses
  • Boat

Activities expand_less

  • Visit to Lima city and a museum
  • Ballestas Islands tour (Shared)
  • Overflight to Nazca lines
  • Walking city tour and Santa Catalina (Private)
  • Colca Canyon tour
  • Uros & Taquile tour (Private)
  • Cusco City tour & Surroundings (Private)
  • Ollantaytambo - Maras- Moray - Pisac - and Chinchero Tour
  • Voyager Train
  • Tour Machu Picchu (Private)
  • Explore Lake Condenado by canoe

Extras expand_less

  • Entrance to Lima Cathedral
  • Entrance to Larco Museum
  • Entrance to San Francisco convent
  • Port tax Ballestas Islands
  • Entrance to Santa Catalina convent
  • Entrance to the Colca Valley
  • Entrance to Taquile
  • Entrance to Uros islands
  • Entrance to Andahuaylillas
  • Entrance to Pucara museum
  • Entrance to Raqchi
  • Entrance to Maras salt flats
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu

Not Included expand_less

  • Any excursions not mentioned in the program
  • Any meals not mentioned in the program
  • Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel Insurance

About Arturo

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Since I was very young, I realized that travel is my passion and that's why I decided to study tourism! I love to continuously travel around my country and I always get surprised by the wonders of Peru. I work in this field since year 2000.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$3,024.00 USD