Welcome to the pulsating heart of Peru, the historic "City of Kings," Lima. From the moment you land, our transfer service will ensure a smooth transition from the airport to the comfort of your hotel, with your driver waiting for you, sign in hand for easy recognition.

Settle into your accommodations and take the time to relax or explore as the rest of your day is free to enjoy at your leisure. This vibrant capital, established by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 on the Day of the Three Kings, sprawls with cultural riches dating back to long before the Incas, layered over remnants of ancient civilizations.

As Lima is steeped in a vivid colonial heritage, particularly in its well-preserved historical center, your Peruvian sojourn could not have a more intriguing starting point. Embrace the blend of old-world charm and modern vitality as your two-week journey across this enchanting land begins.

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Similar

Today presents an intriguing exploration of Lima, diving into the city's captivating layers that span pre-Hispanic times to contemporary splendour. Your morning begins with a striking panorama of the "Pucllana Pyramid," a pre-eminent 4th-century ceremonial centre revered by the Incas.

As the administrative and cultural nucleus of the Spanish Empire’s Viceroyalty, historic Lima awaits your discovery. A guided tour will take you through the city's heart, where over fifty monumental relics and colonial structures stand testament to a bygone era, including the Paseo de la República and the stately Government Palace.

Next, you'll get an exclusive peek into the treasures of Peru's storied past at the Banco Central de Reserva Museum, showcasing an exquisite collection of gold, pottery, and textiles from diverse pre-Columbian societies. The journey continues to the remarkable San Francisco Convent, a repository of the Americas' most extensive religious art, culminating in an eerie visit to the underground "Catacumbas," or Catacombs.

The tour concludes with a leisurely stroll through Lima's quaint residential neighbourhoods, from San Isidro's verdant El Olivar to the chic streets of Miraflores and the seaside allure of Larcomar.

Please note that the Banco Central de Reserva Museum has limited operating hours: it is closed on Monday, Saturday afternoon, and all-day Sunday.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Select Miraflores or Similar

Your journey takes a fascinating turn on day 3, as you depart Lima at 4:00 am by bus, heading towards the coastal town of Paracas. After a roughly 3 ½ hour ride covering 260 kilometers, you'll embark at 8:00 am on a thrilling speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands, an enclave of rich marine biodiversity. It's advisable to wear a jacket for the breezy ride. En route, catch a glimpse of the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, a compelling figure etched into the desert sands.

As the boat navigates around the islands, prepare to marvel at the wealth of wildlife. Over 200 bird species, including Peruvian Pelicans and Humboldt penguins, and colonies of sea lions, find sanctuary on these shores. After the islands' tour, you'll return to Paracas, with several hours at your disposal to explore this quaint city.

In the afternoon, a bus journey takes you to Ica, whereupon arrival, our representative will escort you to your Huacachina hotel. This verdant desert lagoon invites you to indulge in its charm or venture out for an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding session, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and desert adventure.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero or Similar

Day 4 dawns with the promise of a sunlit oasis and a day to call your own in the enchanting surrounds of Huacachina. This is a perfect opportunity to embrace the tranquility of the lagoon, bask in the warmth of the sun, or stroll around the lush palm-fringed waters.

For those with a thirst for thrill, the towering sand dunes beckon you to test your mettle at sandboarding. Glide down the slopes at your own pace, feel the rush of the desert wind, and create memories in this unique setting. Today, the sands of Huacachina offer both leisure and excitement, ensuring your day is as laid-back or adrenaline-fueled as you desire.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero or Similar

On day 5, you'll be greeted by the morning light in Huacachina before our driver transports you to the Ica bus station. There, you'll catch the bus heading to the ancient city of Nazca, approximately 1 ¾ hours and 95 kilometres away. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a day infused with historical intrigue in one of Peru's most enigmatic destinations.

Nazca is celebrated for its cryptic lines and geoglyphs, which can be seen in full splendour during an optional flight (not included). This 30-minute aerial tour reveals 26 mystical figures etched upon the desert landscape, offering a peerless perspective of this archaeological wonder.

You'll have the rest of the day to soak up Nazca's rich history, where the desert's arid embrace has preserved relics of a pre-Inca civilization that thrived here from the 2nd century BC. As the evening sets in, you'll embark on an overnight bus at 10:00 pm bound for the 'White City' of Arequipa. The 10-hour journey will carry you 570 kilometres south, where a new chapter of your adventure awaits.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 of your unforgettable journey through Peru welcomes you with an early arrival in Arequipa around 7:00am. Known fondly as the 'White City,' Arequipa's essence lies in its colonial splendor and the formidable presence of El Misti Volcano, standing at 5,822 meters with its near-perfect snow-capped cone.

With the rest of the day at your disposal, meander through the city streets, admiring the exquisite Spanish architecture and the stark beauty of the surrounding natural landscape. Breathe in the high-altitude air at 2,335 meters above sea level, reveling in the juxtaposition of Arequipa's historic heritage set against the backdrop of its dramatic Andean setting. Today, take the time to explore, relax, and truly connect with this captivating Peruvian city at your own pace.

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Arequipa or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Arequipa or Similar

As day 7 dawns, prepare for an enriching excursion to the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon. Departing in the morning, your bus will head northwest on a paved road that unravels the beauty and majesty of the Andean landscape.

En route, a stop at Pampas Cañahuas National Reserve offers the chance to view vicuñas and alpacas grazing in their natural habitat. Here, you'll appreciate the distinction between these two Andean camelids, with vicuñas wandering the wild highlands unfettered. Your guide will share insights into the ecology and behavior of these fascinating creatures.

Further along, pause again at Viscachani's charming restaurant to savour a moment in the Andes enhanced by the local tradition of coca tea. The journey ascends along a dirt road to reach "The Lookout Point of the Andes" at a breathtaking elevation of 4,800 m (15,748 Ft). Revel in panoramic views featuring a stunning array of volcanoes that sculpt the horizon, such as Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, the active Sabancaya, and Ampato.

Your route then descends to Chivay, the principal town of Colca Canyon, sitting at 3,600 m (11,811 Ft). Immerse yourself in the local culture with a leisurely walk through the village, gaining an authentic glimpse into rural Andean life.

The afternoon beckons with relaxation at the hot springs of the Colca Valley, where you can unwind in the thermal waters amidst the embrace of towering mountains. As the day melts into evening, you'll transfer to your hotel, enriched by the natural grandeur and tranquillity of this canyon sanctuary.

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Colca Llacta Hotel or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs or Similar

Today, your journey takes you to the awe-inspiring 'Cruz del Condor' vantage point where, if fortune favours, you'll witness the majestic Andean Condors soaring above the canyon. En route, the landscape reveals terraces etched into mountainous slopes, a testament to ancient agricultural practices that persist today. The locals are dedicated farmers, and depending on the season, you may see fields brimming with quintessential Peruvian crops such as potatoes, corn, and barley.

Travelling along the canyon's rim provides a panoramic view of the Colca River and quaint, scattered communities. You might also encounter an enigmatic rock showcasing terraced test-beds, hinting at the innovation of past civilisations. Keep an eye out for the enigmatic hanging tombs adorning the cliff faces. Once you arrive at 'Cruz del Condor', you'll have about an hour to marvel at the condors and the canyon's grandeur.

Following this experience, you'll resume your voyage back to Chivay before setting off for Puno. This 4-hour leg of your adventure crosses the high-altitude Altiplano, where scenic little lakes dot the roadside vistas. Upon reaching Puno, you'll be escorted to your hotel, marking the end of the day's expedition.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Puno or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Puno or Similar

Today you'll bid farewell to your host family after breakfast and make your descent to the harbor to board your boat, setting sail for Taquile Island, which lies about an hour away. On this culturally rich island, you'll observe an intriguing social norm where knitting is exclusively carried out by men, while spinning is the domain of women. Taquile is an ideal place to acquire high-quality, hand-knitted local crafts.

Be prepared for an uphill hike taking roughly an hour to reach the island's central hub, where you can appreciate the local way of life. Following your time on Taquile, you'll make your way down a lengthy stairway—about 500 steps—to rejoin the boat for your return trip. The boat ride back to Puno will take approximately three hours, concluding your island excursions for the day.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Puno or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Puno or Similar

Your journey from Puno to Cuzco today is enlivened by an exclusive bus service that introduces you to the route's cultural highlights. Your first stop is the community of Pukara, where you'll delve into ancient history at the Pukara Museum, showcasing fascinating relics including monoliths and skeletal remains of the Pukara culture.

The voyage continues across the Andean plateau, climbing to the route's zenith at La Raya. At an altitude of 4,335 meters, encircled by towering snow-covered peaks, La Raya is a chilly yet remarkable photo opportunity. Here, you're also free to browse local artisan shops offering handcrafted alpaca and vicuña wool products.

Descending from the heights, you'll reach the charming village of Sicuani, where a flavorsome lunch awaits, featuring the region's indigenous produce. The exploration proceeds with a visit to the unique Inca Temple of Racchi, an enigmatic site famed for its round constructions and adobe walls, unlike any other Inca structures you'll encounter.

Next, you're off to the traditional village of Andahuaylillas, home to a stunning colonial-era cathedral. Each of these stops enriches your understanding of Andean culture before you conclude the day's travel, arriving in Cuzco around 5:00 pm.

Remember, once in Cuzco, there's an important pre-departure briefing scheduled for the afternoon. Please visit the Bamba Cuzco Office the day before your next adventure to attend this session at 5:00 p.m. This meeting is crucial as you'll receive all your necessary tickets for buses, trains, and archaeological sites, along with details about your upcoming tours to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. While you won't have a guide during your bus and train transfers, expert guides will accompany you during your sightseeing tours.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar

Accommodation pick-up at 7:30 am to start off our day. We will travel out of Cuzco towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make our first stop at the village of Corao where we will visit a local artisan marketplace. Enjoy 30 minutes of free time to wander around buying handmade souvenirs for family and friends. Enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the panoramic highway that takes us over the mountains into the picturesque Urubamba river valley.

Upon arrival in the ancient Inca town of Pisac, our guide will explain the unique architecture of this archaeological site and its magical vibes. Take about 45 minutes to explore the site and shop around in the local marketplace. For lunch, we will continue to Urubamba and make our lunch break here for a taste of Peru’s finest traditional cuisine. After our break, the van will take us to Ollantaytambo, another mysterious archaeological site built into the steep mountainside. You will spend 45 minutes there, which will give you plenty of time to climb the steep steps of these ancient Inca ruins and contemplate life as you look out upon the valley. 

Then walk over to the train station, located a short 10-minutes on foot downhill from the archaeological site, to board the train heading for Aguas Calientes (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by a local guide, who will transfer you to your accommodation and give you indications for the following day in Machu Picchu. Wander through the quaint town of Aguas Calientes at your leisure.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Hotel Pucara Machupicchu or Similar
• 4* Hotel: El MaPi Hotel byInkaterra or Similar

An early bus transports you from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for its opening, ensuring an early entry to the iconic Inca citadel. Here, you'll meet your English-speaking guide who will lead a detailed 2-hour tour, uncovering the mysteries and marvels of this ancient architectural wonder.

Following the guided segment, seize the opportunity for personal discovery within Machu Picchu's enigmatic embrace. You're encouraged to delve into the site's nooks and crannies at your leisure. Consider the optional excursions for an enhanced experience: conquer the heights of Huayna Picchu for an additional fee (book at least 2 weeks in advance) or hike to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) to feast on panoramic snapshots of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, a bus ride will take you back to Aguas Calientes, from where you'll catch the return train to Ollantaytambo. Then, a bus will ferry you back to Cuzco, marking the conclusion of the day's journey. Upon reaching Cuzco City Center, you'll proceed independently to your selected accommodation.

Please note the options for your train departure from Aguas Calientes, with services at 14h30, 16h12, and 19h. If you're drawn to ascend Huayna Picchu—a steep trek offering a unique vantage point of Machu Picchu—be sure to reserve your pass well in advance, as availability is capped at 400 daily spots. To request this extra ticket, email us directly, keeping in mind the suggested two-week booking window.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• 3* Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza or Similar
• 4* Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or Similar