DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN LIMA

Upon arrival at Peru International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Lima.

DAY 2 | LIMA – LARCO MUSEUM & CITY TOUR

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exploration of Lima’s historic old town, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site brimming with captivating historical landmarks. Your first stop is the Larco Museum, situated in the traditional Pueblo Libre district. Housed within a meticulously restored viceregal mansion atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum showcases the world’s most comprehensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver artifacts, along with a selection of intriguing erotic art pieces.

Next, venture to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion bestowed in 1535 by renowned conquistador Francisco Pizarro upon Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. Remarkably, this is the sole residence from that era still owned by the same family.

Continue your journey with a scenic tour of the colonial downtown area, emanating from the Main Square. Marvel at the majestic architecture of the Spanish Empire and be awestruck by the grandeur of Lima's Cathedral, a structure erected in the 16th century over an 80-year span. Following the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Overnight in Lima.

DAY 3 | LIMA - AREQUIPA:  CITY TOUR AND MONASTERY OF SANTA CATALINA 

Embark on a seamless journey from your hotel to Lima's airport for your flight to Arequipa, where upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. During the comfortable transfer, your guide will provide insights into the city's attractions and amenities and assist you with the hotel check-in process.

Once settled, begin your exploration of Arequipa by visiting its central square, known as the 'Plaza de Armas'. Here, marvel at the elegant neo-Renaissance basilica cathedral and the breathtaking Monastery of Santa Catalina. For centuries, this monastery remained a secluded enclave within Arequipa, shielded from external influence. Established in the 16th century, the convent functioned as a self-sustaining community, complete with residences for nuns and their attendants, courtyards, streets, kitchens, and dining halls. The admission fees paid by the nuns' families contributed to the convent's prosperity and prestige. Today, wandering through its vibrant streets offers a glimpse into colonial-era Peru.

Continue your journey to the Church of the Company, a pinnacle of Peruvian baroque architecture. Marvel at its intricate facade, and step inside to admire the stunning sacristy adorned with murals depicting tropical flora and fauna. The Jesuit seminary boasts a magnificent main cloister, renowned for its beauty.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto neighborhoods, where you can bask in the breathtaking vista of the Misti volcano towering over the city. Finally, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

*Church dress code: During the visit sleeveless and / or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted, otherwise their entrance will be denied.

Overnight at the selected hotel in Arequipa on a bed and breakfast basis. 

DAY 4 | AREQUIPA – COLCA CANYON

Following breakfast at the hotel, bid farewell to Arequipa as you embark on your journey to the Colca Valley. The route will lead you through the Yura district, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, featuring deep ravines, towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and verdant vegetation. Continuing onward, you'll traverse the expansive Andean plateau of Pampa Cañahuas, home to the native vicuña—an Andean camelid closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama.

As you cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra, you'll skirt the crater of the now-extinct Chucura Volcano before ascending to the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, situated at an altitude of 4,910 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanoes encircling Arequipa. Following a picturesque lunch in the charming town of Chivay, you'll be transferred to your chosen hotel in Colca, where you'll have the remainder of the afternoon to explore at your leisure.

Overnight in Colca on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included.

DAY 5 | COLCA CANYON: CONDOR CROSS – PUNO

Following breakfast at the hotel, gear up for an exhilarating day ahead as you journey to the awe-inspiring Condor Cross lookout. As you stand in awe, take a moment to absorb the breathtaking expanse of the Colca Valley, renowned as one of the world's deepest canyons, boasting a maximum depth exceeding 4,160 meters—twice that of the Grand Canyon. The thrill of the experience is heightened by the majestic sight of enormous condors soaring gracefully above the canyon. Witness these magnificent birds of prey as they patrol the canyon with remarkable precision and discipline.

Venture down to the valley floor to explore charming rustic towns nestled along the banks of the River Colca, including Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque, where quaint colonial churches seamlessly blend into the Andean landscape. Along the way, make stops at the Antahuilque and Choquetico lookouts to marvel at the majestic vistas of the valley.

Later, continue your journey to Puno, traversing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, and taking in the mesmerizing stone forests of Patahuasi. The landscapes are nothing short of dramatic and enchanting, encompassing high plains, towering volcanoes, peculiar rock formations, and serene lagoons where cranes elegantly spread their wings above the water. Along the route, you'll encounter several viewpoints, remote cafes offering coca tea, and local artisans selling traditional textiles and handicrafts.

Upon arrival in Puno, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's unforgettable experiences.

Overnight in Puno on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included

DAY 6 | PUNO – LAKE TITICACA: UROS AND TAQUILE

Following breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the port of Puno, where a waiting boat will transport you to the picturesque Uros Islands. Inhabited by the indigenous Uros people of Peru, these islands are entirely man-made, constructed using the buoyant totora reeds abundant in the lake's shallows. The islands consist of woven layers of totora reeds, regularly replaced from the top to maintain their integrity. Utilizing these reeds, the Uros construct their homes, necessitating outdoor cooking to prevent potential fires.

Following your exploration of this intriguing island, continue your journey to Taquile, a serene destination with a rich history as part of the Inca Empire. Discover remnants of its Incan past amidst the island's ruins. Following a brief introduction, immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the local community through a captivating cultural demonstration. Indulge in a delightful lunch on the island before concluding your excursion with a return trip to Puno.

Overnight in Puno on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included.

DAY 7 | PUNO – CUSCO

Following breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will be arranged to transfer you to the bus station, with interesting stops scheduled along the way. The first stop is the town of Pucara and the Pucara Lithic Museum, representing the earliest urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D.

After a brief break at La Raya, the highest point of the journey between Puno and Cusco, towering at an altitude of 4,313 meters above sea level, the bus pauses at Sicuani for lunch. Continuing the journey, the next stop is Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple—an Inca site constructed to honor a powerful Andean deity. Notable for its rectangular structure with thatched rooftops reaching 20 meters above the ground, it is believed to have housed the tallest roofs in the Inca Empire.

Later, proceed to Andahuaylillas, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Cusco. The highlight here is the local church, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to its remarkable artwork. Constructed during the 16th century atop Wari remnants, the church showcases exceptional artistry.

Concluding the journey, a final 40-kilometer drive will bring you to Cusco, your ultimate destination for the day.

Overnight in Cusco on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included

DAY 8 | CUSCO:  CITY TOUR AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Embark on a guided tour of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. The tour commences with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, an expansive Renaissance-baroque complex erected atop the revered Inca Coricancha temple. Once one of the most significant temples dedicated to sun worship, its ancient foundations remain visible beneath the convent. According to historical records, the temple was adorned with gold leaf and housed intricate golden depictions of nature.

Next, explore the Cathedral, a monumental structure dominating the Main Square. Ascend the hills overlooking Cusco to explore the remnants of the formidable fortress of Sacsayhuaman, boasting awe-inspiring ramparts that provide a breathtaking panoramic vista of the city. Continue to the ruins of the temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, believed to have been a site for Incan agricultural rituals. Marvel at the intricate stonework of Qenqo before concluding the tour with a visit to Puka Pukara, an Inca military complex perched on a prominent hill. Here, you can still admire its dwellings, plazas, baths, aqueducts, walls, and towers.

Afterwards, return to your hotel, reflecting on the rich history and architectural marvels of Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco on a bed and breakfast basis. 

DAY 9 | CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

A transportation service will be arranged to pick you up and transfer you to Ollantaytambo Station, where you will board the train bound for Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. During the approximately one and a half hour train journey, you'll have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking Andean landscapes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our guide will be waiting to escort you to the departure point for the bus ride to Machu Picchu, famously known as the "Lost City of the Incas."

Believed to have been built in 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec as his summer retreat, Machu Picchu remained abandoned a century later following the Spanish conquest, thus escaping the fate of destruction that befell other Inca settlements. During the guided tour, you'll delve into the origins of this remarkable city and explore its most prominent monuments.

After the tour, you'll board the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a restaurant of your choice. Following lunch, take the opportunity to explore the charming village at your leisure before boarding the return train. The journey back to Ollantaytambo will take approximately an hour and a half, where our transportation service will be waiting to accompany you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included

DAY 10 | CUSCO DEPARTURE

You will be transferred to the Cusco airport to take your departure flight.

Breakfast included.