Authentic Peru: must-sees and encounters

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Lima

  Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival in Lima, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to the hotel. Free evening (most international flights arrive in the late afternoon). Night in Lima.

• day 2

  Walking Tour Lima

  You will do a Walking Tour in the morning: an excellent introduction to Peru, visiting its capital on foot and by public transport. Accompanied by your guide, you will visit the Surquillo market and taste some exotic fruits. You will then go to the historic center of Lima by bus. You will stop at Plaza San Martín and walk along the Jirón de la Unión (pedestrian street), finally reaching the main square (Plaza de Armas). You will also visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs. Afternoon free. Night in Lima.

• day 3

  Lima - Paracas

  After a free morning, you will take the bus to Paracas (travel time: 3.5 hours). Arrival in Paracas and transfer to the hotel. Optional: If you prefer to take a bus in the morning (07:30 - 11:00), you can go on an excursion to the Paracas National Reserve. This is one of the driest deserts in the world, with a size of 3,350 hectares. It is a sanctuary for a great diversity of animals, such as sea lions and flamingos. During the excursion (by bike, quad, or car), you can have lunch at Lagunillas, a fishing village located in the reserve. Overnight in Paracas.

• day 4

  Ballestas Islands - Buggy - Nazca

  In the morning, you will go on a group excursion to the Ballestas Islands. You will be able to observe many animals in their natural habitat, such as sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and seals. On the way, you will also see the famous Candelabro line on the sand of the Paracas reserve. In the afternoon, head to the Paracas desert for a buggy adventure. You will ride over dunes ranging from 5 to 150 meters high and you will have the opportunity to go sandboarding. Thrills guaranteed! Finally, you will take the bus to Nazca (travel time: 3.5 hours). Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Nazca.

• day 5

  Chauchilla Cemetery - Arequipa

  Today you will go on a hike to the Chauchilla cemetery, located 30 km south of the city of Nazca (duration: about 3 hours). The site houses mummies and pre-Hispanic archaeological objects. You will pass through the village of Copara, then the crop fields, the valley, the desert, and finally arrive at the site, where you will have a guided tour. After lunch (not included), you will take the bus to Arequipa (journey time: about 9 hours). Arrival in Arequipa and transfer to the hotel for a well-deserved night's rest. Note: Another option for this day is to fly over the famous Nazca lines. A 30-minute flight over 12 geoglyphs in a small plane (additional cost to be checked).

• day 6

  Arequipa - Free day

  Acclimatization day in the beautiful "White City." It is very important to adapt to the altitude for at least two days before leaving for the Colca Canyon, where you will reach almost 5000 meters in altitude! Suggestion: visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina (alone or with a local guide). Night in Arequipa.

• day 7

  Walking Tour Arequipa

  Today you will do a Walking Tour: a visit to the city's must-sees on foot with our guide. You will visit the San Camilo market, the Church of the Compañía de Jesús, and the Plaza de Armas. You will pass by the cathedral and, finally, the guide will leave you at a restaurant for lunch (meal not included). Free afternoon. Night in Arequipa.

• day 8

  Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Coporaque

  You will begin today the excursion in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. The guide on board the bus will give you a lot of interesting information, and several stops will be made along the way. You will notably pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Nature Reserve, where many vicuñas live in freedom. Upon your arrival in Chivay, the capital of the Colca Valley, members of the Coporaque community will welcome you and take you to their village. You will be able to discover their way of life and do different activities, such as exploring the village with a local guide (who speaks only Spanish – optional translator) up to the viewpoint. You can also participate in agricultural activities, bathe in the hot springs, or take a horseback ride (Peruvian Paso). Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

• day 9

  Coporaque - Cruz del Condor - Puno

  You will have breakfast very early in the morning, then return to Chivay to begin the excursion to the famous viewpoint of the Cruz del Condor. On the way, several stops will be made to visit different villages and viewpoints. Once you arrive at the Cruz del Condor, and with a bit of luck, you may see condors flying right in front of you. Return to Chivay and lunch (buffet not included) before continuing to Puno (by bus with other travelers). A few stops will be made along the way to take photos and admire the wild landscape. Arrival in Puno around 7:00 pm and transfer to the hotel. Free evening.

• day 10

  Puno - Uros - Amantani

  Heading to Lake Titicaca... You will first head towards the Uros floating islands by motorboat. You will be able to observe the houses, learn about the construction method of these unique islands, and even take a ride on a totora boat (traditional boat). Next, we will sail for about 3 hours and arrive on Amantaní Island, where you will be welcomed by your local family, who will offer you a typical lunch. In the afternoon, you can walk to the highest point of the island to admire the sunset. After dinner, your family will give you traditional clothes to have a small party with the other groups and local families! Overnight with a host family. Note: Would you prefer to have an off-the-beaten-path experience? We suggest a unique private trip to little-visited islands, during which you can sail and fish with the locals. Comfort, excellent service, and rest guaranteed at the Inti Wasi Lodge (additional cost to be consulted).

• day 11

  Amantani - Taquile - Puno

  Breakfast and departure for Taquile Island. After a boat ride of about one hour, you will arrive on the island and walk to the main village. You will have free time to visit the cooperative and the square, with breathtaking views. You can have lunch in one of the local restaurants (not included). Then, you will walk to the main dock to take the boat back to Puno. Arrival around 4:30 pm and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Puno.

• day 12

  Puno - Cusco

  Today you will take a bus to your next destination, the magnificent city of Cusco. Along the way, several stops will be made to visit different sites: the Pucará Museum (ceramics and sculptures), the Paso de La Raya (the highest point of the route at 4335 meters above sea level), Sicuani (for lunch), the archaeological site of Raqchi (Temple of the god Wiracocha), and finally the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas and its church (built in 1580 and also called the Sistine Chapel of South America). Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, a briefing to discuss the rest of your program and answer any questions you may have.

• day 13

  Walking Tour Cusco

  The morning will be dedicated to our Walking Tour: a great introduction to the city and a pleasant walk (downhill only). Our driver will take you to the first site to visit, the archaeological site of Qenqo. Then, you will walk with your guide to Sacsayhuamán, impressive ruins with a breathtaking view of the city. Next, we will head to the center to discover the lovely San Blas district (including a break in a café). Finally, we will visit the famous Temple of the Sun. Afternoon free. Our recommendation: visit the Cathedral of Cusco. Night in Cusco.

• day 14

  Cusco - Pisac - Inkariy Museum - Ollantaytambo

  This day will be dedicated to visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop will be at the Pisac market, where you can find many items from local crafts, alpaca textiles, paintings, and even jewelry. You can then go up to the Pisac archaeological site and enjoy sublime views of the Sacred Valley. Then, you will visit the Inkariy Museum to learn more about the pre-Columbian civilizations of Peru. After the visit (duration: about one hour), you will have lunch with your guide and your driver in the museum's restaurant. Finally, transfer to Ollantaytambo and free time.

• day 15

  Hiking with llamas in the Sacred Valley.

  In the morning, you will go on a very beautiful hike in the Sacred Valley accompanied by llamas. Your mission will be to take them to their grazing area. You will learn more about this native animal and about the project that aims to work with local communities. After a 40-minute uphill walk, you will reach the ideal spot for a picnic and to relax, while enjoying the panoramic view and the fresh air of the valley. You will leave the llamas and return to the starting point (downhill). Finally, return to your hotel and free afternoon. Overnight in Ollantaytambo. Note: The trek with llamas is unavailable during the rainy season (we will offer you another activity).

• day 16

  Coffee Route Day 1

  Departure for the Coffee Route, undoubtedly the most authentic experience of the trip! You will leave Ollantaytambo with your guide and take a bus to the start of the trail. You will begin a lovely hike (2 to 2.5 hours) to Alejandro's house, a local coffee producer. If you are afraid of heights, it is possible to do a shorter hike, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you arrive, Alejandro and his family will prepare a delicious lunch for you. In the afternoon, you will learn all about the coffee preparation process: from harvesting the beans to your own cup of coffee. Overnight in Alejandro's basic but comfortable accommodation. Note: Our Coffee Route is available in several versions. A longer option for more interaction, a more sporty version (with mountain biking or zipline)... There is something for everyone!

• day 17

  Coffee Route Day 2

  After breakfast at Alejandro's, you will walk to Santa Teresa (about 4 hours), always accompanied by your guide. If the river level allows, you will take the beautiful path along the river; otherwise, you will follow the normal route (it is also possible to take a taxi if you do not wish to walk). Short break at the Cocalmayo hot springs (10 minutes before Santa Teresa) to enjoy the 3 thermal pools. For adrenaline lovers, it is also possible to go ziplining (only 20-25 minutes from Santa Teresa, additional cost to be checked). Finally, you will take transport to the "Hidroeléctrica" station for lunch. Then, you will walk along the tracks to Aguas Calientes (2.5 to 3.5 hours) or take the train. Overnight in Aguas Calientes, the village of Machu Picchu.

• day 18

  Machu Picchu - Cusco

  Also known as "the lost city of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most famous and spectacular archaeological sites in the world. A visit to Peru would not be complete without visiting the citadel, located at 2,430 meters above the Urubamba River. In the morning, you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu (duration: 2-2.5 hours). Afterwards, you will have extra time to explore the site. Our recommendation is to climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain and not to Huayna Picchu, which is very visited. From the top, you will have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Urubamba River. The path and the nature are beautiful and you will feel far from the hustle and bustle of Machu Picchu. After the visit, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Transfer to the hotel and overnight in Cusco.

• day 19

  Cusco - Lima - return

  Transfer to Cusco airport to take your return flight to Lima, before boarding your international flight.