Peru: Thousands Years of History

We depart early in the morning on a land trip to the southern coast of Peru. Our first stop will be Paracas, where we will take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Galapagos of Peru." Along the way, we will see the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph and observe sea lion colonies, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and sea-sculpted rock formations.

Then, we will continue to Ica, a warm and sunny city famous for its wine and pisco production. There, we will visit the legendary oasis of Huacachina, which is surrounded by immense golden dunes. Adrenaline junkies can hop on buggies for an exhilarating ride through the desert and try sandboarding. There will also be time to relax and take in the beauty of the area.

Finally, we will head to Nazca to rest and prepare for the overflight the next day.

Includes: Tourist transportation, boat trip to Ballestas Islands, professional guide, activities in Huacachina (optional buggy and sandboard), permanent assistance.

Overnight in Nazca.

In the morning, we will take the highly anticipated flight over the Nazca Lines, one of the world's most intriguing archaeological wonders. From the air, you will clearly see the giant figures drawn in the desert, such as the monkey, the hummingbird, the astronaut, and the spider. The origin and purpose of these figures are still a mystery.

After the flight, you will have free time to visit the land viewpoint, purchase local handicrafts, or enjoy a coffee in the quiet town center.

In the afternoon, we will begin our return trip to Lima by road, enjoying the coastal scenery and Peruvian desert along the way.

Includes: Overflight to the Nazca Lines (with taxes), ground transfers, guide on route, permanent assistance.

Overnight in Lima

Arrival in Cusco — Tour of the Capital of the Inca Empire

In the morning, take an early flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo and a modern-day jewel of the Andean world. Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the Machu Picchu Altitude team will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

After you check in, we recommend resting briefly to acclimate to the altitude (11,153 ft), which is essential to enjoying the coming days to the fullest.

In the afternoon, we will begin an exciting guided tour of Cusco's most emblematic archaeological sites. We will start in the historic center with the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, a masterpiece of colonial Baroque art. Then, we will continue to the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Qoricancha, which was the most important spiritual center of the Inca Empire. There, you will see the original walls of finely carved stone that are still preserved.

Then, we will head to the outskirts of the city to visit four archaeological sites located on the hillsides:

Sacsayhuaman is a colossal ceremonial fortress with impressive, perfectly fitting Cyclopean stone walls that testify to the Incas' advanced engineering knowledge.

Q'enqo is a ritual center that was probably dedicated to religious ceremonies or mummification. It has underground passages and altars carved into the living rock.

Puka Pukara is an ancient military structure offering panoramic views of the valley. It was used as a checkpoint and resting place for Inca authorities.

Tambomachay is known as the "Bath of the Inca" and is a sacred place where crystalline water flows through aqueducts and canals, showcasing Incan hydraulic knowledge.

We will finish the tour at sunset and return to the city. Enjoy a free evening to explore the historic center or enjoy a traditional Cusco dinner.

Overnight in Cusco.

After breakfast, we will begin our fascinating journey through the agricultural, cultural, and spiritual heart of the ancient Inca Empire: the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is the Pisac archaeological complex, located atop a mountain. This site features agricultural terraces that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, as well as ceremonial enclosures, dwellings, and stunning vistas of the valley. Then, we will descend to the famous Pisac handicraft market, where you can admire and purchase textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other pieces handmade by local artisans.

We will then continue our journey through the fertile valley towards Urubamba, considered the heart of the Sacred Valley. There, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring typical Andean dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

In the afternoon, we will head to Ollantaytambo, an impressive living Inca city whose cobblestone alleys still preserve the original layout. We will visit the imposing ceremonial fortress, where we will find temples, terraces, and huge stone blocks that are perfectly assembled. We will also enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the valley and the sacred mountains.

At the end of the tour, we will travel to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the scenic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). During the journey, which follows the course of the Urubamba River, you will see the landscape transform from the Andes to lush jungle.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our Machu Picchu Altiplano team will meet you and accompany you to the hotel. Enjoy a free night to rest or stroll around this cozy, nature-surrounded village.

Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Today, you will experience one of the most anticipated moments of the trip: a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will board the ecological buses that will take us on a 30-minute climb up a mountain road to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (8,631 ft), nestled between cloud-covered mountains.

Upon arrival, you will begin a 2.5-hour guided tour, during which you will visit the main sectors of this enigmatic citadel, including:

The Temple of the Sun, with its perfect astronomical alignment;

The Intihuatana, or "sundial," which reflects the advanced Inca knowledge of astronomy.

You will also see the House of the Inca, ceremonial fountains, plazas, agricultural terraces, and astronomical observation centers.

During the tour, your guide will share the history, architecture, and Andean cosmovision that gave rise to this impressive legacy.

Afterwards, you will have free time to continue exploring, take photographs, or, if you wish, go up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the Inca Bridge at no additional cost, depending on the schedule.

Then, we will descend by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo for lunch (not included). Afterwards, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo station and enjoy the scenery of the river, mountains, and lush vegetation once again.

Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where this history-filled day of wonder and connection with the Inca legacy will culminate.

Overnight in Cusco.

Prepare for one of the most impressive experiences of your trip: a full-day excursion to the majestic Humantay Lagoon, a hidden natural treasure in the Peruvian Andes.

Early in the morning, we will leave Cusco for the village of Mollepata. There, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing by vehicle to Soraypampa (approximately 3,900 meters above sea level), the starting point of our trek.

From there, we will begin the approximately one-hour-and-thirty-minute ascent to the lagoon, a moderately difficult route surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes. Along the way, enjoy unique views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, which are considered sacred in the Andean cosmovision. Upon reaching the lagoon (13,780 feet above sea level), you will witness an incredible natural spectacle: turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks—an ideal setting for photographs and moments of connection with nature.

We will have time to rest, take pictures, and soak in the energy of this mystical place before heading back to Soraypampa. We will have lunch in Mollepata before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, breakfast, lunch and permanent assistance.

Not included: Support horse (optional).

Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours.

Overnight in Cusco.

Today, you will explore some of the most fascinating cultural and natural treasures of the Sacred Valley. We will begin the day with a visit to Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village that has preserved its ancestral traditions. There, we will visit a traditional textile center where local women will demonstrate the spinning, dyeing, and weaving processes they have inherited from the Incas. We will also visit the colonial church, which was built on Inca walls, and enjoy a spectacular view of the valley.

Next, we will visit the Moray archaeological complex, an amazing set of circular agricultural terraces that the Incas used as a laboratory to experiment with crops at different altitudes and microclimates. The site's ingenious design and deep connection with the land reflect the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Tahuantinsuyo civilization.

Next, we will visit the impressive Salineras de Maras, a collection of over 3,000 salt ponds located on a mountainside. Fed by an underground saltwater spring, these pools have been used since pre-Inca times and are still operated by local communities. The white landscape they create under the sun is unique and absolutely photogenic.

Throughout the tour, you will be surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes, including mountains, agricultural fields, rural communities, and clear skies.

Return to Cusco in the afternoon. Spend the night in the city.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, entrance fees, guided tour at each site and permanent assistance.

Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today, you will have one of the most spectacular experiences of the trip: hiking to the famous Colored Mountain (Vinicunca). This natural wonder has become an icon of Peru because of its unique beauty and geological significance.

We will leave Cusco very early in the morning (around 4:00 a.m.) and head to the community of Cusipata, where we will enjoy an Andean breakfast. Then, we will continue by vehicle to Phulawasipata (15,092 ft.), the trek's starting point.

The trek takes approximately one and a half hours, passing through high mountain landscapes with open pampas, small shepherd communities, and herds of alpacas, all framed by the imposing, snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The ascent is gradual, and although the difficulty level is moderate, the maximum altitude is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, so it is advisable to be well acclimatized.

Upon arriving at the main viewpoint, you will witness an incomparable natural spectacle. Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, reveals its multicolored stripes, which are formed by minerals such as iron, sulfur, and copper. From this point, you can also admire the snow-capped Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco, which is considered sacred in the Andean worldview.

After enjoying the scenery, taking pictures, and connecting with this unique environment, we will begin our descent. We will return by transport to Cusipata for a comforting lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco.

Spend the night in Cusco.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees and permanent assistance.

Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours.

Maximum altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level.

Recommendations: Bring warm clothes, sunscreen, water, energy snacks and hiking poles (optional).

Today, we will say goodbye to Cusco and continue to the Peruvian altiplano. Our final destination is the city of Puno, located on the shores of the majestic Lake Titicaca. We will travel in a comfortable tourist bus along the Ruta del Sol, a cultural and scenic tour that connects two ancient Peruvian civilizations: the Incas and the Altiplano peoples.

We will make several guided stops along the way at sites of great historical, architectural, and natural significance:

Andahuaylillas: We will visit its famous Baroque church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its impressive murals, gilded altars, and colonial paintings.

In Raqchi, we will explore the Temple of Wiracocha, an impressive Inca structure with stone and adobe walls. It is considered one of the most important sites in the empire due to its size and design.

In Sicuani, we will stop to enjoy a buffet lunch with typical regional dishes in a quiet setting surrounded by mountains.

La Raya is the highest point of the trip (14,228 ft), where you can see the snow-capped Chimboya mountain range and take pictures.

Pukara: Our last stop is the local museum, where you can learn more about this ancient pre-Inca culture famous for its pottery and sculptures, including the traditional Pukara bulls.

Professional guides provide enriching explanations about the history, archaeology, and Andean cosmovision. The total trip duration is approximately 10 hours, and the bus has comfortable facilities.

Arrive in Puno in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Includes: Transportation in air-conditioned tourist bus, professional guide on route, entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums, buffet lunch.
Approximate duration: 10 hours.
Maximum altitude: 4,335 meters above sea level.
Recommendations: Bring warm clothes, water, sunscreen, snacks and camera.

Today, you will experience an unforgettable day sailing on the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 meters above sea level, and the cradle of ancient Andean cultures. This full-day tour allows you to visit two of its most iconic islands: the Uros and Taquile.

Early in the morning, we will head to the port of Puno to board a tourist boat with a guide. Our first stop will be the amazing Floating Islands of the Uros, a group of man-made islands constructed entirely of totora, a plant found in the lake. The inhabitants will warmly welcome us and share their ancestral way of life, including their construction, navigation, and fishing techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

After this unique cultural experience, we will sail for about an hour and a half until we reach Taquile Island. Taquile is known for its impressive natural landscape, community organization, and intact customs. Taquile has been recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional textile tradition. Men weave fine chullos and belts, and women embroider sashes and blouses with great symbolism.

During our visit, we will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by a local family with Andean ingredients, such as quinoa, trout, and native potatoes. You will also be able to walk along the island's trails, enjoy panoramic views of the lake, and purchase handmade crafts.

In the afternoon, we will return by boat to Puno, arriving at around 5:00 p.m.

In the evening, to conclude the trip, we will attend a farewell dinner show where we will enjoy the best of Puno's cuisine accompanied by music and traditional dances of the highlands—a true celebration of Peru's living culture.

Includes: Transportation by tourist boat, professional guide, entrance fees to Uros and Taquile, traditional lunch on the island, dinner show, and ongoing assistance. 

Approximate duration: 10 to 11 hours (tour), plus dinner show in the evening. 

Overnight stay in Puno. 

Recommendations: Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, a light jacket for the morning and afternoon, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Transfer to the Juliaca airport to take the return flight to Lima.

End of services.