Description
Peru Adventure is a thrilling ride through Peru’s top spots! Start your journey in vibrant Lima, explore the stunning landscapes of Ica, and dive into the wonders of Cusco. Get ready for an epic adventure crossing the Inca Jungle to reach Machu Picchu. And don’t worry about the way back—we’ve got you covered with a comfy train ride. It’s an action-packed tour full of excitement and unforgettable experiences!
Itinerary
Once you arrive in Lima, we’ll pick you up from the airport and take you straight to your hotel. Then, at 12:30 pm, get ready for an exciting city tour that’ll last about four hours. We’ll kick things off at Plaza San Martín and stroll down the lively Jirón de la Unión boulevard. Next up, we’ll visit Plaza de Armas and the stunning Monastery of San Francisco, where Spanish baroque architecture takes center stage. You’ll also get a chance to explore the Catacombs, Lima’s first cemetery, tucked away beneath the monastery’s floors. After the tour, we’ll head back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest, setting the stage for your unforgettable Peru adventure.
Your adventure kicks off bright and early at 3:30 am when we pick you up from your hotel for an unforgettable day in Paracas. This is where your maritime and desert escapade begins!
First, we’ll set out on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, just a short ride from the coast. These islands are a wildlife wonderland, home to an array of seabirds including Humboldt penguins, pelicans, Inca terns, and Peruvian boobies. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise!
Up next, we’re off to the breathtaking Huacachina oasis, tucked away in the heart of towering sand dunes. Get ready for an adrenaline rush with an epic buggy ride and some sandboarding down the dunes!
As the day winds down, we head to the bus station and make our way to Nazca, where we’ll spend the night. Get ready for a day full of adventure and breathtaking sights!
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the Nazca aerodrome for a 30-minute flight over the incredible Nazca Lines. During this flight, you’ll have the opportunity to observe fascinating figures such as the monkey, hummingbird, tree, parrot, astronaut, dog, condor, and others. After the flight, we’ll have lunch and continue our journey, heading to the Cantayoc aqueducts, which provide irrigation and drinking water sourced from the Andes of Peru.
We’ll also visit Paredones (pre-Incan constructions), the Chauchilla cemetery to see different mummies, and then proceed to the most important archaeological site of the Nazca culture, Cahuachi. Following some free time to rest, we’ll embark on an overnight journey that will take you to the city of Arequipa.
Upon arrival, you’ll head to the hotel and after breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Arequipa, where you’ll discover the city’s architectural marvels and cultural treasures.
The tour begins at the heart of Arequipa, the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by majestic architecture that narrates the city’s historical past. You’ll enter the Cathedral, an example of Spanish colonial architecture reflecting centuries of history. Next, we visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a masterpiece combining Baroque and Mestizo styles, revealing Arequipa’s cultural fusion. Explore the ancient Jesuit temple, a sanctuary filled with prayers and devotion.
Later, we’ll visit the Santa María Museum, where you’ll find a perfectly preserved mummy named Juanita, and have the opportunity to observe the vestiges and charm of the Colca princess. In the afternoon, you can relax or continue exploring the enchanting city of Arequipa at your leisure!
Around 3:30 am, we head towards the town of Chivay where we will have breakfast around 7 am. Afterward, we travel to the “Cruz del Cóndor,” a strategic viewpoint to witness the majestic flight of the world’s largest bird in the morning sky, the condor. Explore charming villages such as Yanque, Achoma, and Maca located in the Colca Valley, each reflecting traditional Andean life and allowing you to immerse yourself in cultural richness.
We will arrive in the town of Yanque to use the hot springs for approximately 1 hour, then visit the town of Chivay for lunch. After lunch, we continue our journey towards the city of Puno. Along the way, we will visit Patapampa (volcano viewpoint) and Lagunillas (flamingos), before arriving in Puno where we spend the night.
Around 8 am, after breakfast, you’ll enjoy an incredible boat excursion to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, to visit the floating islands of the Uros and Taquile. The Uros’ floating islands are made by tying totora reeds together and are a must-see for any traveler. The Uros are considered Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods.
Taquile is a significant site known for its archaeological remains, sacred and ceremonial sites, and festivities. The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants who maintain the customs and traditional clothing of their ancestors. There are many fine handmade wool products for sale.
After lunch on Taquile, we’ll return to Puno to board a bus that will take us to the imperial city of Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco, we will take you to your hotel for check-in. Later in the afternoon, we’ll begin a guided tour lasting around 4 hours. We’ll visit the Santo Domingo Convent and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), then explore the Inca archaeological sites located on the outskirts of Cusco; Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Afterward, we’ll return to Cusco.
In the evening, you’ll have free time to enjoy the city and its charming colonial and Inca streets.
We depart from Cusco and head towards Abra Malaga (4,350 m / 14,160 ft), the starting point for our cycling activity. Here, we receive a brief explanation and gather the necessary equipment for the 3-hour downhill bike ride covering 55 km (34 miles) to reach the town of Santa María (1,200 m / 3,937 ft) where we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy rafting on the Vilcanota River, encountering Class II and III+ rapids. For this activity, helmets, windbreakers, and Category V life jackets will be provided. This night will be spent at an eco lodge.
After breakfast, we head to the Inca Trail where we begin a 4-hour hike through the high forest, abundant with flora and fauna. This area is rich with various types of plants, orchids, birds, and other wild animals, a biodiversity paradise in the Inca jungle!
The Cocalmayo hot springs will be our reward, where we relax and enjoy the soothing waters before heading back to the hotel.
After breakfast, we head to the nearby ziplining location. Here, we will experience different zip line routes, cross a suspension bridge, and do some light climbing. After this activity, the bus will take us to Hydroelectric for lunch, and then we’ll continue walking for another 3 hours until we reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Tonight, we have a more comfortable stay at a hotel.
After breakfast, we head towards the citadel of Machu Picchu where we have a guided tour of the different sectors for about 2 hours. Afterward, there will be some free time to enjoy the lost city before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.
• To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book 3 months in advance (US $70)
We end our fascinating and exhilarating Peru adventure taking you to the airport or bus terminal of Cusco!
Included / Excluded
- 9 nights of hotel accommodation
- 2 nights on bus Nazca - Arequipa, Puno - Cusco
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- Professional bilingual guide
- Cycling, rafting, and zip-lining activities
- Cocalmayo hot springs
- Entrance to Machu Picchu with guided tour
- Bus round-trip Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
- Train return Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
- Bus return Ollantaytambo - Cusco
- All entrance tickets to the mentioned places in the itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes
- Domestic flight tickets
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned
- Personal expenses
What to Bring?
- Hiking shoes and sandals
- Lightweight backpack (20L)
- Cash (preferably small bills)
- Hat or cap
- Long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts
- Long and short pants
- Raincoat, thick sweater, plastic bags
- Scarf, gloves and hat for cold weather
- Ecological water bottle (reusable canteen)
- Sunglasses, toilet paper, and flashlight
- Camera and cellphone chargers
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Personal / medical items