Wonderland of Peru

We start at 3:30 am by picking you up from your hotel for a trip to Paracas. It’s a day of maritime exploration and desert adventure as we travel from Paracas to Ica.

We begin the day with a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a trio of small islands teeming with wildlife just minutes off the coast. They are home to a wide variety of seabirds, such as Humboldt penguins, pelicans, oystercatchers, Inca terns, Peruvian boobies, red-legged cormorants, and guanays.

Afterward, we discover the picturesque beauty of the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by towering sand dunes, and enjoy an exhilarating buggy ride and sand boarding. Overnight in Ica

After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the aerodrome located in Nazca for a 30-minute flight over the incredible Nazca Lines. After completing the flight, you will have some free time to rest before embarking on an overnight journey that will take you to the city of Arequipa.

Upon your arrival, you’ll head to the hotel and, after breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Arequipa, where you’ll discover the architectural marvels and cultural gems of the city.

Your journey begins at the heart of Arequipa, the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by majestic architecture that narrates the city’s historical past. You’ll visit the Cathedral, an exemplary piece of Spanish colonial architecture reflecting centuries of history. Next, explore the Church of the Company, a masterpiece blending Baroque and Mestizo styles, showcasing Arequipa’s cultural fusion. Then, visit the old Jesuit temple, a sanctuary filled with prayers and devotion, displaying intricate craftsmanship and religious artifacts.

In the afternoon, relax and enjoy some free time. The evening is yours to rest or continue exploring the charm of Arequipa!

Very early in the morning, we head to the “Cruz del Cóndor,” a strategic viewpoint to witness the majestic flight of the largest bird in the world, the Andean condor, soaring in the morning sky. Explore charming villages such as Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma, and Maca located in the Colca Canyon, each reflecting traditional Andean life. Admire colonial churches, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in cultural richness. Then, we continue our journey towards Puno, where we spend the night.

Today you will enjoy an incredible boat excursion on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, to visit the floating islands of the Uros and Taquile. The Uros floating islands are made by tying bundles of totora reeds together and are a must-see for any traveler. The Uros people are considered the Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods.

Taquile is a highly significant site known for its archaeological remains, sacred and ceremonial sites, and festivals. The island is characterized by its friendly inhabitants who uphold the customs and traditional clothing of their ancestors. There are many finely crafted wool products handmade by locals available for sale. We return to Puno in the evening.

We will pick you up from your accommodation at 7:00 am and begin our journey towards Cusco via the Route of the Sun (Southern Valley). Along the way, we will witness towering mountains, grazing plains, alpacas, llamas, and ancient monuments such as Pucará, Raqchi, Andahuaylillas, and Piquillacta. After a long journey, we will arrive in Cusco.

Hotel pickup at 4 am. Guided visit to the Santo Domingo convent and Qoricancha, followed by a visit to the Inca archaeological remains located on the outskirts of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Return to Cusco.

As our first stop, we will visit the colonial city of Chinchero, where we’ll spend approximately 1.5 hours. Here, we’ll visit a handicraft shop in the city center, explore the archaeological remains, and visit the main plaza. From there, we will head to our second archaeological site located in the towns of Maras, Moray, and Salineras (salt mines), where we’ll spend approximately 2 hours.

Continuing the tour, we’ll proceed to Urubamba, where you can enjoy an exquisite buffet lunch for about 30 minutes. After a short break, we’ll head to the Ollantaytambo Fortress to discover its impressive Temple of the Sun, with this part of the tour lasting approximately 1 hour.

Finally, we’ll visit Pisac, an incredible Inca city with beautiful temples, palaces, and well-preserved terraces built on the edge of cliffs, still showcasing their straight aqueducts. After concluding our visit to Pisac, we will return to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 7:30 pm.

We will pick you up from your hotel around 4:30 am and head south to the town of Urcos, then to the district of Checacupe (2 hours by bus), and onwards to Pitumarca where we will have breakfast. From there, we will pass through small villages until we reach the community of Hanchipata – Quesiuno (1 hour and 20 minutes by bus), the ideal starting point for the hike to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), which will take approximately 1 hour.

Upon returning, we will have lunch in Pitumarca and then return to the city of Cusco.

Early pick-up from your hotel, enjoy breakfast in Mollepata, then begin your hike at Soraypampa (3850m / 12,631 ft), where we’ll meet our muleteers and horses carrying all camping equipment. We’ll start our trek towards Humantay Lake (4200m / 13,779 ft).

After visiting Humantay Lake, we’ll return to Soraypampa to start the hike to our base camp at Salkantaypampa, where our chefs await with a delicious lunch. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Salkantay mountain, have tea in the afternoon, and indulge in a delightful dinner in the evening.

Wake up to a cup of coca tea and enjoy breakfast with fantastic mountain views. Then, reach the highest point of the Salkantay Pass at 4600m (15,092 ft) by foot or horseback in 3 hours. From there, we will hike towards Wayrac Machaq for lunch. We will continue into the high jungle, where we’ll see large trees with their branches stretching over streams, all adorned with bromeliads and orchids. Finally, we will descend to the second camping site.

Wake up early and have breakfast; we start a 3-hour hike through the cloud forest. Enjoy the fantastic landscape of rivers and waterfalls. After lunch, continue hiking for another 3 hours until you reach the Lucmabamba campsite, where you can relax and engage in activities related to coffee plantations and its processing.

Note: You can also visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (book in advance, entrance/transportation not included)

Wake up to an excellent breakfast and begin the stunning hike towards Llactapata, where you’ll have a great view of the landscape and Machu Picchu. Then, walk downhill to Hydroelectric for lunch and continue walking for another 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. This night, you will stay in a hotel.

We take our box breakfast as we head to the citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the different sectors, lasting around 2 hours. You’ll have some brief free time to enjoy the citadel before descending by bus to Aguas Calientes to catch the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our van will take you to Cusco.

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

After breakfast, we will enjoy a unique and different activity. Our classes will take you on a journey to explore the fascinating world of gastronomy, offering you not only the chance to enjoy traditional dishes, but also to learn how to prepare them yourself.

The heart of this experience is the iconic San Pedro Market, where you’ll discover a wide variety of fresh and vibrant ingredients that form the essence of Peruvian cuisine. You’ll get to know the incredible diversity of products used by local families, from unique spices to exotic fruits and aromatic herbs.

Guided by our talented local chefs, you will immerse yourself in the preparation of authentic recipes, learning traditional techniques and culinary secrets passed down through generations. From refreshing ceviches to the delicious ají de gallina, every dish you prepare will be a tribute to the flavors of Peru.

At the end of the class, you will not only take home exceptional recipes but also a deep understanding of the cultural richness behind Peruvian cuisine.

Finally, you will have time to explore the city on your own while waiting for the bus to Puerto Maldonado, which departs between 8 PM and 9 PM for an overnight journey to your next destination.

In the evening, you will board a tourist interprovincial bus that will take you to Puerto Maldonado, our next destination.

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, you will be transferred to the Monte Amazónico Lodge office. Here, you will receive comprehensive information about the upcoming adventure, ensuring you are well-prepared for the jungle experience that awaits.

Once we arrive at the Tambopata River, we will take a boat ride to Monte Amazónico Lodge, surrounded by lush vegetation. Here, we have the opportunity to venture into the tropical rainforest on an introductory hike, allowing us to glimpse the incredible biodiversity, including amphibians, mammals, reptiles, birds, and fascinating insects in their natural habitat.

As night falls, we return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner. The Amazonian setting adds a charming touch to your dining experience. The sounds of the jungle serenade you well into the night, creating an immersive and tranquil atmosphere.

We will wake up early at 4:30 am for an exciting boat trip to “EL CHUNCHO,” the largest macaw clay lick in the world. During the 1.5-hour journey, we will spot impressive species such as capybaras, tapirs, and even jaguars. At the clay lick, we will observe hundreds of brightly colored parrots and macaws gathered to feed on clay.

Afterward, we will return to the lodge for breakfast and some rest before exploring the local botanical garden. We’ll conclude with lunch and a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel.

To end our tour, we will provide both transportation to the airport and your flight from Puerto Maldonado to Lima.