Longing to explore more of Peru than just the fabled Machu Picchu? Then this is the trip for you! On this 14 day small group adventure, you will experience the best that Peru has to offer.

On this adventure, we start with an aerial flight tour of the ancient and mysterious Nazca Lines which can only be seen from above, take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands to view the thousands of birds, sea lions and seals that call these islands home, explore the Colca Canyon, the fascinating town of Puno, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the mountain town of Cuzco and of course, the ancient city of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Simply add on our 3 day / 2 night side trip to the Amazon Rainforest and your exploration of Peru is all but complete!

Day 1:
LIMA

Arriving in Lima, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After you settle in, you will get together with our local guide to discuss the itinerary and to have any last minute questions answered. Should arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you can enjoy a guided tour of Lima, including the most important architectural icons of the city, such as the Main Square, Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Additionally we will visit the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the 16th century. On our way to the modern area of the city, we will cross the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial heart of the city, to take a look at pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca. Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, where we will visit the “Parque del Amor” (Love Park) an excellent spot to enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Lima.


Day 2:
ICA: FLIGHT OVER THE NAZCA LINES

After breakfast, we drive about 4 hours south along the Pan-American Highway from Lima to Ica, through the arid desert and along the lush coast. Once we settle into our hotels, we will go to the local airport and take an awe inspiring light aircraft flight over the mysterious and ancient Nazca Lines. Known for the various large figures that were drawn on the sandy soil nearly 2,000 years ago, Nazca will impress you with fascinating images representing animals, plants and images of all kinds. The rest of the day is free to rest and enjoy the hotel facilities or take an optional city tour, dune buggy ride or go sandboarding. Overnight in Ica. (Includes breakfast).


Day 3:
ICA - PARACAS - LIMA

Making our way back to Lima, we drive 60 km. (37 miles) north to Paracas for an excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds, sea lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings. The famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, a relaxing drive back to the hotel in Lima. Overnight in Lima. (Includes breakfast).


Day 4:
AREQUIPA

In the morning we transfer to the airport in Lima for our flight to Arequipa. After arriving and transfer to the hotel, we take a three hour tour of the city, including Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compania and its beautifully-painted chapel, and the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti volcano. Overnight in Arequipa. (Includes breakfast).


Day 5 - 6:
COLA CANYON

Days 5 and 6 take us on a wonderful two day tour of the Colca Canyons. While weather can dictate our exact itinerary, the day five will usually find us taking a trip through the town of Yura and the National Reserve of Salinas/Aguada Blanca and Pampa Canahuas. Here you can usually see many species of birds in their natural habitats, as well as South American camels, vicunas and llamas. We will make a stop in Patahuasi to freshen up and enjoy a coca infusion, then continue to the town of Chivay. Depending on the schedule, you may have lunch in town or a picnic enjoying the beautiful scenery from one of the natural viewing spots in the area. In the afternoon, we highly recommend you to visit La Calera and enjoy an invigorating bath in the hot spring waters (optional) or simply spend a delightful afternoon in the hotel. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight in Chivay or Yanque.

An early departure on day 6 usually finds us at Condor Cross, the best vantage point to view of one of the deepest canyons in the world, and with luck, have a chance to take pictures of the biggest and most impressive flying bird in the Andes, the majestic Condor. On the way back to Arequipa, depending on the schedule, we could make a stop in the town of Pinchollo, the only pre-Inca town still inhabited, and the Maca town, with its beautiful craft market and colonial church. We enjoy lunch in Chivay and return to Arequipa in the afternoon. Overnight in Arequipa. (Includes breakfast and lunch both days – dinner day 5).


Please Note: the Colca Canyon portion of the itinerary subject to change depending on weather conditions.


Day 7:
PUNO

Our flight on day 7 brings us to the Puno and the Lake Titicaca region. Along the way we will visit Sillustani, an archaeological site that is famous for Chullpas – famous stone funerary towers with large circular bases that reach nearly 40 feet high and were used by the Collas and Incas. The ruins are located above Lake Umayo, providing spectacular views. Overnight in Puno. (Includes breakfast).


Day 8:
LAKE TITICACA

Following a delicious breakfast, we will head out to the picturesque Lake Titicaca. Here we will visit the floating islands of the Uros, also called Lake Town. These islands are built using totora reed which are used as homes and trade centers for the natives. The reed is also used by the natives to make hand-made boats, their main means of transportation. Next, we will go to Taquile Island, where the local traditions are kept alive with ornate costumes and colorful typical dresses. Here the local people are very skilled artisans and it shows in every piece of work. Overnight in Puno. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 9:
CUSCO

In the morning we take a bus ride to the town of Cusco. The remainder of the day is free to rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. Overnight in Cusco. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 10:
CUSCO

Today we take a tour of Cusco, visiting the Imperial City, the Santo Domingo Convent, the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture which dominates the city. As time allows, we also will visit nearby ruins. Overnight in Cusco. (Includes breakfast).


Day 11:
SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

After breakfast, we will drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping along the way for fantastic views of the Urubamba valley, where the crops lay across the mountains like a colorful carpet. We will also visit the vibrant market of Pisac (open Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday only), where you will have free time to interact with the local craftsmen and, if you wish, purchase their hand-made souvenirs. Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, an attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. We will overnight in the Sacred Valley. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 12:
MACHU PICCHU: THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

Today you will visit one of the most impressive and awe-inspiring archeological finds in the world: Machu Picchu. In the morning we will board a train for an exciting trip up through the beautiful Sacred Valley of Urubamba. From Aguas Calientes, we will board a bus which will take us on a short drive up to Machu Picchu. Arriving at Machu Picchu will be an unforgettable experience. To get started, we will take a guided tour led by a professional tour guide who will explain the history of this mysterious and charming place. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of free time to explore the grounds on your own. A buffet lunch will be served at the nearby Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. In the late afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (Includes breakfast and lunch).


Day 13:
CUSCO

In the morning we will board the train that will take us back to Cusco. The afternoon and evening are yours to relax and/or enjoy Cusco’s nightlife. Overnight in Cusco. (Includes breakfast).


Day 14:
TRIP ENDS

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Lima where you can catch your international flight home (when booking your international flight home, be sure to leave ample time to return from Cusco to Lima). Or, even better, continue with another one of our great adventures such as an adventure to the Amazon Rainforest. (Breakfast is included)