Extraordinary Classic Peru: Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco

13 Days | 12 Nights

Hiking to restore your soul? Discover the best of classic Peru on a tour of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco. Enjoy the culture, history, and unique landscapes on this unforgettable adventure through the southern Andes.

This 13 day, 12 night trip will allow you to discover the essentials of Peru’s most iconic sites, combining their rich culture, history, and connection to the environment. From the colonial Arequipa city to the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, each day will offer activities and landscapes that will bring you closer to local traditions and the surrounding environment.

day trips from lima
Lima, capital of Peru

During the tour, we’ll visit important archaeological sites such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress and Machu Picchu, learn about the communities of the Uros and Taquile floating islands, and explore the Rainbow Mountain in Cusco.

ITINERARY

DAY 01: “ARRIVAL IN LIMA”

lima tours
City of Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, whether by plane or road, one of our representatives will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. You will then be taken to our tour bus, which will transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Once there, you can settle in and rest from the journey.

The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the main attractions of the Peruvian capital.

Overnight stay: Lima

DAY 02: “FULL DAY ICA - PARACAS”

ballestas islands ica
Ballestas Islands

On our second day of the trip, we will begin with a pleasant stop for a nutritious breakfast that will include freshly brewed coffee, artisan breads, and natural juices typical of the region.

Then, around 9:30 a.m., we will get ready to depart for the Paracas pier, where we will board a speedboat bound for the Ballestas Islands. Along the sea journey, we will be able to see the enigmatic geoglyph known as "the Candelabro" carved into the hill, as well as a wide variety of marine fauna: sea lions, penguins, pelicans, guano birds, and even, if we are lucky, some dolphins.

After the sea voyage, we will continue to Ica for lunch at the "Cultur Pisco" restaurant and vineyard. There, we will not only sample the region’s typical flavors but also learn how wine and pisco are made, including a guided tasting of these iconic beverages.

Continuing on our way, we will head to the Huacachina Oasis. There, we will experience an exciting tubular adventure and sandboard on the desert dunes, an ideal place to take spectacular photos and create unforgettable memories.

To close out the day, we will board our tour bus to the city of Nazca, where you will have time to rest or get ready for the next day’s activities.

Overnight stay: Nazca
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 03: “ICA - NAZCA LINES”

nazca lines
Nazca Lines - Monkey figure

Our adventure through the Nazca Lines begins with a transfer to the Ica airfield, a space dedicated to tourist flights. There, we will get ready to enjoy the overflight, which will allow us to observe the fascinating Nazca geoglyphs from the air.

Before takeoff, we will receive a brief briefing that will provide historical and cultural context about these enigmatic figures carved in the arid desert.

During the flight over the Nazca Lines, we will see some of the most recognizable shapes, such as the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider, the condor, the dog, the astronaut, and the whale. These enormous figures, visible only from the sky, are striking in their perfection and symbolism.

Once the aerial tour is complete, we will return to your hotel so you can rest. Afterward, we will board the tourist bus bound for the white city of Arequipa.

Overnight stay: Arequipa

DAY 04: “AREQUIPA CITY TOUR - COUNTRYSIDE TOUR”

yanahuara
Yanahuara viewpoint

At the beginning of our fourth day, we will pick you up from your hotel to board the Mirabus and begin a day filled with Arequipa’s charm. Our first stop will be the traditional district of Yanahuara, known for its viewpoint with colonial arches and its exquisite frozen cheese, a local delicacy you can enjoy while admiring the impressive views of the city and volcanoes.

We will then move on to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, located in the Cayma district, from where you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Arequipa countryside and the beautiful Chilina Valley.

The experience continues with a visit to the Inka Alpaca store, where you can purchase typical regional products and tour a small zoo with Andean camelids, such as llamas and alpacas.

Afterward, we will head to the historic mansion of Manuel García Carbajal, considered the founder of Arequipa, to learn more about the history of this beautiful city. Finally, we will visit the charming Sabandía windmill, a perfect place to relax, take photos, and, if you wish, go horseback riding or enjoy an ATV ride.

Overnight stay: Arequipa

DAY 05: “AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON”

salinas and aguada blanca national reserve
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve

On the fifth day of our adventure, from approximately 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., we will pick up from your hotel to begin the journey to the Colca Canyon. En route, we will skirt the Chachani Volcano while passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a natural setting where you can appreciate the diversity of Andean flora and fauna.

We will make a brief stop at Patahuasi, a place known for its striking rock formations that captivate visitors. Along the way, we will also observe llamas, alpacas, and extensive wetlands that enrich the altiplano landscape.

The route will take us to Patapampa (4,910 m), the highest point of the route, located at 4,910 meters above sea level. This spot is known as the "Volcano Viewpoint," ideal for taking photographs and enjoying the serenity of the altiplano surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

From there, we will begin the descent to the picturesque town of Chivay, where a traditional lunch awaits us to recharge our batteries.

After lunch, we will transfer you to your designated hotel in Chivay for accommodation. Later, we will spend time in the hot springs, perfect for relaxing after our tour.

Overnight stay: Chivay
Meals: Lunch

DAY 06: “COLCA CANYON - CROSS OF THE CONDOR - ARRIVAL IN PUNO”

condor cross
Colca Canyon Viewpoint

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up at 6:20 a.m. and transfer back to Chivay, where we will meet up with the group to begin our journey. From there, we will embark on a short drive of approximately one hour to the famous Cross of the Condor viewpoint, one of the most iconic locations in the region. From this vantage point, we will have the opportunity to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor and admire the impressive depths of the Colca Canyon.

On the return trip, we will make several stops to enjoy the scenery from various natural viewpoints. We will also visit charming towns such as Maca, where you can see its colonial-style church and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing Sancayo pisco sour (optional). We will also visit the town of Yanque, known for its authenticity and traditional customs. We will then return to Chivay to enjoy our lunch featuring local products.

After lunch, we will take the tourist bus to Puno. During the tour, we will make brief stops at sites of interest such as the Mirador de los Volcanes, Patahuasi, and the Lagunillas Lagoon, ideal locations for taking photos and enjoying the Andean surroundings.

We are scheduled to arrive in Puno at approximately 7:30 p.m., where one of our representatives will be waiting to take you to your assigned accommodation.

Overnight: Puno
Meals: Lunch

DAY 07: “PUNO - UROS ISLANDS - TAQUILE”

uros island
Uros Island

Starting a new day, we will head to one of the most iconic destinations in the Puno region: the floating Uros islands. These unique islands, hand-built by their inhabitants on the waters of Lake Titicaca, are made of totora reeds, a characteristic aquatic plant of the area. There, you will discover how this ancient civilization has kept its customs alive, using totora reeds not only as the basis for their homes but also in their daily lives.

During our visit, you will have the opportunity to admire their textile and handicraft art, which reflects centuries of tradition and their close connection with the surrounding nature.

Continuing our tour, we will arrive at Taquile Island, world-renowned for its cultural richness and outstanding textile tradition, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Here, the inhabitants express their identity and social structure through the art of weaving. You will witness live demonstrations performed by the islanders themselves, as well as enjoy folk dances and other cultural events.

The experience will conclude with a typical island lunch, accompanied by a privileged view of Lake Titicaca. The menu includes a light appetizer, followed by a main course of grilled trout with local garnishes, as well as hot drinks made with traditional herbs. A vegetarian option is also available for those who prefer.

Overnight stay: Puno
Meals: Lunch

DAY 08: “ROUTE OF THE SUN - ARRIVAL IN CUSCO”

pukara
Pukara Lithic Museum

We will begin our day with a transfer from your hotel to the historic city of Cusco. During the journey, we will pass through charming Andean landscapes and picturesque villages, surrounded by the region's natural beauty. Along the way, we will see places like Urcos Lagoon, Huacarpay, and the meandering Vilcanota River, which will guide us through much of the route along the famous Route of the Sun.

Our first stop will be Pucara, renowned for its ancient pottery and its museum of stone figures. We will then ascend to the highest point on the trail: La Raya Pass, where you can admire the snow-capped mountains and the source of the Vilcanota River.

Continuing on our route, we will pause to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the San Pedro restaurant, with a variety of options including vegetarian dishes, meat, and fish.

The next visit will be to the archaeological complex of Raqchi, famous for its buildings dedicated to the god Wiracocha, which will give us a glimpse into the grandeur of the Inca Empire.

Before arriving in Cusco, we will make one last stop in Andahuaylillas to visit its colonial church, considered the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" thanks to its impressive murals. If time permits, we will also visit Oropesa, home to the traditional chuta bread.

We will end the day with arrival in Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel for a rest or free time to explore the city.

Overnight stay: Cusco
Meals: Lunch

DAY 09: “CUSCO CITY TOUR”

pucapucara
Pucapucara

On this new day of exploration, we will stop by your accommodation to begin a fascinating guided tour of the city of Cusco and its surroundings. Our first visit will be to the imposing Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, considered one of the most sacred sites of the Inca Empire, where the sun was worshipped with an architecture that still impresses today.

Afterwards, we will head to the outskirts of the city to discover the main archaeological complexes surrounding the Inca capital. These include Sacsayhuamán, an Inca ceremonial fortress known for its enormous stones assembled with surprising precision, a testament to Inca engineering.

We will continue to Qenqo, a ceremonial site where religious rituals were presumably performed, possibly linked to the cult of the puma and other symbolic elements of the Andean worldview.

We will then visit Pucapucara, known as the "red fortress," its name derived from the reddish hue its walls acquire when the sun sets. It is believed that this site served as a lookout post or resting place for Inca noble travelers.

Finally, we will visit the Tambomachay archaeological complex, an architectural complex linked to the cult of water, with perfectly designed canals and fountains, which would have also served as a retreat for the empire's elite.

At the conclusion of this cultural experience, we will take you back to your hotel so you can relax or continue exploring the city of Cusco at your leisure.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 10: “MONTAÑA DE COLORES”

seven color mountain
Seven Color Mountain

We continue our journey through Cusco with an unforgettable excursion to one of the most spectacular natural landscapes of Peru: Vinicunca, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors. Located more than 5,000 meters above sea level, this geological wonder dazzles with its vibrant shades of red, green, yellow, and violet, the result of various minerals over time.

The day begins early, between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., with the pick-up from your lodging to the district of Cusipata, where we will have a break to enjoy an Andean breakfast around 7:00 a.m.

Afterwards, we will resume our journey by vehicle for about 40 minutes until we reach the starting point of our hike. From there, we will start an ascent of approximately 2 hours, crossing high plateaus and puna landscapes where it is common to see llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped mountains.

Upon reaching the summit, you will have free time to rest, take pictures, and marvel at the unique beauty of Vinicunca, an environment that leaves every visitor breathless.

After the time of contemplation, we will start our return following the same route to the starting point. Afterwards, we will head back to Cusipata to enjoy a traditional regional meal for lunch.

Once the experience is over, we will return to Cusco, arriving at the hotel around 5:30 p.m., with the unforgettable memory of having visited one of the most impressive natural treasures of the country.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 11: “SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS - ARRIVAL TO MACHUPICCHU TOWN”

vilcanota river - urubamba
Vilcanota river in Urubamba

We will start the day by picking you up at your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. to embark on a fascinating tour of the emblematic Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Continuing our journey, we will start in the archaeological park of Pisac, known for the agricultural terraces and ceremonial structures that dominate the landscape of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, we will descend to the town of Pisac, where we will visit its well-known handicraft market, full of colorful textiles, traditional ceramics and typical products of the region.

Following the course of the Vilcanota River, we will arrive in Urubamba, where we will enjoy lunch with authentic Andean flavors in a local restaurant, highlighting the rich gastronomy of the valley.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the citadel of Ollantaytambo, a fortress that served military and agricultural functions. Walking through its cobblestone streets, we will discover details of its urbanism and the important historical legacy still preserved by this living community.

Before continuing on to Machu Picchu town (Hot waters), we will make a brief stop in Chinchero, known for its textile tradition. There we will attend demonstrations of spinning and dyeing alpaca wool using ancestral techniques and visit the ruins that were part of the palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui.

Finally, from Ollantaytambo, we'll take the train to Hot waters, where one of our representatives will meet you and escort you to your accommodation, ensuring you're all set for your upcoming visit to the majestic Machu Picchu.

Overnight stay: Machu Picchu Town

Meals: Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley

>DAY 12: “MACHUPICCHU CITADEL VISIT”

inca machu picchu
Inca City of Machu Picchu

At the previously arranged time, we will pick you up to transfer you to the bus station and start the trip to one of the most emblematic destinations in Peru: Machu Picchu.

Once at the summit, we will begin a guided tour of the most outstanding sectors of the historic sanctuary. We will visit important ceremonial constructions such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sacred Plaza. During the visit, the guide will explain the spiritual, astronomical and social significance of these sacred spaces. In addition, we will see the agricultural terraces and the advanced hydraulic system that demonstrate the incredible engineering of the Inca civilization.

At the end of the visit, we will descend by bus to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes), where you will have free time to have lunch, walk around the picturesque village, visit its handicraft market or visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum. You can also relax by the banks of the Urubamba River.

Finally, in the afternoon, we will transfer you to the station to board the train back to the city of Cusco, culminating this unforgettable experience.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 13: “DEPARTURE DAY: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT OR BUS TERMINAL”

According to the schedule specified in your travel ticket, we will transfer you to the Cusco airport or bus terminal. Our team will be waiting for you punctually at the place and time indicated, guaranteeing a comfortable and safe transfer so that you arrive on time for your flight or return trip.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel

RETURN:

  • Transfers Airport/Terminal bus - hotel - Airport/Terminal bus
  • 04 nights accommodation in Cusco
  • 01 nights accommodation in Lima
  • 01 nights accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • 02 nights accommodation in Puno
  • 01 nights accommodation in Nasca
  • 02 nights accommodation in Arequipa
  • 01 nights accommodation in Chivay
  • Tours in regular or shared service:
    • Ica Paracas
    • Nazca Lines
    • Countryside Arequipa
    • Colca Canyon
    • Uros Taquile
    • Ruta del Sol
    • City tour Cusco
    • Colored Mountain
    • Sacred Valley
    • Sunrise in Machupicchu
  • Train round trip to Machupicchu in Expedition Service or upgrade to selected train
  • Tourist bus to Machupicchu round trip
  • Guided in shared service
  • Entrance tickets to the attractions to visit and Machupicchu
  • Professional guide Spanish or English
  • Meals according to itinerary and breakfast in case you choose hotel.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals not mentioned
  • Others not mentioned.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

  • Rates are expressed in US dollars, per person; exchange rate for payments in soles is S/ 3.80.
  • Children under 3 years old do not pay (no seat or bed).
  • Children ages 3 to 11 years old are free.
  • Student rates for children ages 12 to 24 (with ID or student ID) – USD 25.00 discount.
  • Guidance is provided in Spanish or English.
  • Shared service.
  • Subject to availability. Does not apply to holidays such as Easter, Inti Raymi, Fiestas Patrias, Christmas, New Year's, and other local holidays.
  • The order of tours may vary.
  • Pickups are provided from centrally located hotels; if they are outside the pickup area, a fee for transfers outside the city center will apply.
  • Rate valid until December 2025.
  • Rates do not apply during peak seasons (Long Holidays, Holy Week, Inti Raymi, Fiestas Patrias, New Year's Day).
  • Rates do not include VAT.

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Small backpack
  • Light clothing
  • Hiking shoes
  • Jacket to keep warm during the early morning or evening
  • Hats or sun hats
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
Price per person from $ 1,102.00 USD
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Trip reviews

Los tours fueron una buena experiencia, distintos guías pero todo genial y divertido
by
Departure date: Oct 19th 2024

5 star rating 5/5 stars

Experiencia increíble, los guías súper divertidos, el paquete completo estuvo súper top! Definitivamente una buena opción 🙌✨


Seguridad, garantía y confiabilidad atención de primera.
by
Departure date: Oct 19th 2024

5 star rating 5/5 stars

La mejor atención 100% lo que nos ofrecieron sin estafas, la preocupación de la empresa para brindarnos la mejor experiencia para poder conocernos nuevos lugar y poder disfrutar al máximo. Atención de primera y amabilidad preocupación constante por darnos día a día mejor experiencia. Gracias por ayudarme a vivir una nueva experiencia en Tarapoto.


Autentico
by
Departure date: Jun 13th 2024

5 star rating 5/5 stars

Los lugares increíbles, la atención A1 el guía super profesional, todo las visitas excelente me encanto Machupicchu y la montaña de 7 colores


5 out of 5 based on 85 user ratings
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