Peru Highlights

After breakfast, embark on a hike to the Palomino Islands to explore the richness of Lima’s coastline, located just 9 kilometers offshore. These islands are home to hundreds of animal species, including various bird species and sea lions.

After the tour, disembark at the pier and visit Callao Monument, an urban art project designed to promote cultural development, unite the community, and improve the quality of life for residents in the area. You’ll have free time to explore art galleries and bohemian restaurants, which have become a new attraction in the city. At the end of the day, we’ll take you back to your hotel, where you can prepare for your flight to Cusco the following day. Overnight in Lima.

Airport transfers from hotel in Lima and to hotel in Cusco. The morning will be free to rest and acclimatize from your flight. At 1:30 pm, we’ll pick you up from your hotel for a 4-hour guided tour. We will visit the Santo Domingo Convent and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), followed by a visit to the Inca archaeological sites located on the outskirts of Cusco; Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. After the tour, we return to Cusco.

As the first stop on our tour, we will visit the colonial city of Chinchero, where we’ll explore a craft store in the city center, the archaeological remains, and the main plaza for approximately 1,5 hours. Then, we will head to more archaeological sites located in the town of Maras, terraces of Moray, and then the Salineras (salt mines) for about 2 hours.

Continuing with the tour, we will proceed to Urubamba, where you can enjoy an exquisite buffet lunch and have a brief rest before we head to the Ollantaytambo Fortress to discover its impressive Temple of the Sun, with this tour lasting around an hour. Finally, we board the train to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

After breakfast, we head to the Machu Picchu citadel for a guided tour of its different sectors, lasting around 2 hours. You’ll then have some free time to further explore the citadel before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then to Cusco.

Note: To climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book 3 months in advance (US $70)

We begin our journey towards Puno, passing through stunning mountain landscapes and picturesque Andean villages. Along the way, we will make a stop in the town of Andahuaylillas, where its church is known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its rich interior.

We will also stop at Raqchi to see the remains of the notable Temple of Viracocha, considered by historians as a particularly important Inca construction, and at La Raya, the highest point on the route. The last stop before Puno is Pucará, an ancient ceremonial site that shows evidence of a pre-Inca civilization. You will arrive at your hotel in Puno this afternoon/evening. The rest of the day is free for leisure time.

Today 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 Island. The Uros floating islands are made by tying totora reeds together and are a must-see for any traveler. The Uros people are considered Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods.

Taquile Island is renowned for its archaeological remains, sacred sites, ceremonial practices, and festivals. The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who uphold the customs and traditional attire of their ancestors, offering many handmade wool products for sale.

After exploring these fascinating islands, you will return to Puno.

Today you will be transferred to Juliaca Airport to catch your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, or perhaps take an optional tour to explore the capital of Peru.

Overnight in Lima.

Today, after breakfast, drive on your own (transfer not included) to Lima’s international airport for your flight back home.