Peru is a geographically diverse country that boasts 11 ecological regions. It has rugged mountains, snow-capped peaks, an arid coastline, rivers, and large expanses of rainforest. Peru is divided into three distinctly different geographic areas: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon rainforest, each of which boasts its own ecosystems and climates.
On this 16-day program, we will visit two of these geographic regions and experience the best of Peru, starting in its capital city, Lima. Traveling south from Lima, we will visit the Paracas reserve where you will see the natural beauty of the Ballestas Islands and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. We will then take you to the city of Cusco where you will enjoy the most spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the sacred Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. After Cusco, we will head to Puno and you will experience the natural beauty of Lake Titicaca and explore its floating islands. To end this incredible experience, we will visit the city of Arequipa where culture and nature collide with a tour of the historic city and the Colca Canyon.
- All transfers.
- Domestic flight tickets.
- Entrance fees to all sites visited.
- English and Spanish speaking guide. All our guides are officially licensed tour guides and trained in first aid.
- All guided excursions described in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in double occupancy with private bathroom in the selected hotel category.
- All meals specified. Vegetarian option available at no additional charge.
- Pre-trek briefing on the Short Inca Trail.
- Round-trip train tickets on Inka Rail/Voyager train.
- 3x Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
- Entry permits to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- 01 night homestay accommodation on Amantani Island.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank for all tours.
- Private boat transportation.
- International flights.
- Airport taxes.
- Meals other than those specified in the itinerary.
- Proposals for your staff.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Extra expenses arising from itinerary changes or others due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond the control of Peru Wind Travels.
- Clothing: long pants, convertibles or shorts, long and short sleeved shirts or t-shirts, cotton socks. Warm clothing for high altitude areas (Arequipa – Colca, Puno, Cusco), especially for the night, including sweaters/fleeces and a jacket.
- Rain gear or poncho (you can buy a basic one in Cusco), especially if you visit in the months of November to April.
- Comfortable footwear, we recommend hiking boots.
- Camera, films.
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, cold and rain.
- Sunscreen (high factor) and Sunglasses.
- Insect repellent: a minimum of 20% DEET is recommended; no risk of malaria has been reported.
- Toiletries and personal medications.
- Original passport and photocopies of passport.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Lima
You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Day 02: Lima
Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Lima, visiting the historical center and one of the most important architectural constructions of the 17th century, The Convent of Saint Francis. We will then visit the three most important sites from colonial times: Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martin, and the Palacio de Gobierno (known as the house of Pizarro) and later the Municipality or City Hall. At lunch time we will taste gourmet seafood at one of the most renowned restaurants in Lima. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Lima.
Day 03: Lima – Paracas – Nazca Lines – Paracas
We leave Lima early by private transport, for a 4-hour drive through the coastal desert to Nazca Bay. From the local airport of Pisco, we will fly in a small plane over the Nazca lines. We will have lunch in Paracas, than we go visit the Vineyards of Pisco. At the bodegas, as they are locally known, we will have a guided walking tour exploring the vineyards, visiting the main tasting room, chatting with the Pisco makers, and learning how this delicious Peruvian drink is made. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Paracas.
Day 04: Paracas - Ballestas - Paracas National Reserve – Lima
Our transport picks us up at 6:45 A.M. to take us to the local pier where we embark upon a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. The islands are a collection of rocks that break the waves and wind; it is home to sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins. Along the way, we can see the Candelabra, an enormous drawing on the side of one of the immense sand dunes that run along the coast. On occasion, it is even possible to see dolphins and whales. We will continue to the Paracas National Reserve around 11:00 A.M., to view the beautifully wind and wave sculpted rock formations. After the tours, we will enjoy lunch with a view of the Pacific Ocean before taking our transport back to Lima. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Lima.
Day 05: Lima – Cusco
This morning you fly to Cusco. Upon arrival, our team will meet you and transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel in the Centre of Cusco. In the afternoon you will have a private city tour visiting, Qoricancha (the Temple of the Sun), Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenko, Sacsayhuaman, and the cathedral. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Cusco.
Day 06: Sacred Valley Tour - Pisac & Ollantaytambo & Chinchero
This morning you will depart on a full-day private Sacred Valley tour. First we will visit Pisac to see the handmade treasures in the market and then drive up to the archaeological center that overlooks the town to see the ruins. After Pisac, we will eat lunch in Urubamba, and then visit the Archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Finally we will visit Chinchero, to see the colonial church built directly upon the walls of the Incas. Chinchero is also well known for its gorgeous woven products and colorful market. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Cusco.
Day 07: Ollantaytambo – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Today we start by taking you to the train station to board the train that will take us to Km 104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad (starting point of the hike). The first stop on the hike is the Chachabamba Archaeological Complex (2,150m / 7,052ft), located very close to the trail control point. Then we embark upon an 8km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after 4 hours takes us to the impressive archaeological complex of Winaywayna (2,650m / 8,692ft). We eat a box lunch here.
We then continue to climb to Intipunku. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may gaze at the sacred citadel of Machupicchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machu Picchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your hotel. Dinner will be at a great local restaurant. Breakfast, box lunch and Dinner are included. We spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
❇︎ Meals: Breakfast / Box Lunch /Dinner
❇︎ Maximum altitude: 2,745m /9,005 ft.
❇︎ Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m /6,691 ft.
❇︎ Distance to walk: 13 km /8 miles
❇︎ Approximate walking time: 5-6 hours
❇︎ Level of Difficulty: moderate
Day 08: Machu Picchu – Cusco
It is an early start to Machupicchu to see the sunrise over this magnificent ancient city! We take the first bus up to Machupicchu and have a fully guided tour around 2 hours long. After the tour you have plenty of free-time to explore the citadel on your own and maybe even climb Huaynapicchu or Inca Bridge. Afterwards, you can come back down to the town on a bus for lunch. Your extra time in the citadel is dependent on your return train time. In the afternoon we take the train back to Ollantaytambo where our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Cusco.
Day 09: Sacred Valley - South Circuit & Puno City
From Cusco we travel in a comfortable tour bus to the Circuit of the South which is along the Sacred Valley on our way to Puno City. We stop at the city of Andahyaylillas to visit the Church of San Pedro, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” In Raqchi we will visit an archeological site built in the 15th century that includes the astonishing “Wiracocha Temple.” We’ll have lunch in Sicuani and continue to Pukara town, famous for its pottery and “Museo Litico” (Stone Museum). Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Puno.
Day 10: Puno - Sillustani and Doorway of Aramu Muro
We will visit the Archeological site of Sillustani (3,900 m/12,795 ft.) which stands on Lake Umayo (Enchanted Lake) where we will see the funerary towers or the Chullpas.
After lunch, we will visit the Doorway of Aramu Muru, or Gateway to the Gods.” Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Puno.
Day 11: Lake Titcaca - Uros and Amantani Island
We travel via motorboat to the Uros Island. This is a man-made floating island made from the “totora” reeds. The island is the home of the Uros tribe, a pre-Inca civilization. Here we commune with the locals and learn more about their way of living. Colorful textiles and other goods will be offered to purchase. Next we go to Amantani Island to visit the pre-Incan Temple of Pachatata. We spend the night in Amantani with a local family. Breakfast Lunch and dinner are included.
NOTE: Private rooms may not be available at the family’s house in Amantani.
Day 12: Taquile Island - Return to Puno
Today we go from the Island of Amantaní to the Island of Taquile. We return to the City of Puno in the afternoon. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Puno.
Day 13: Puno to Arequipa - Chivay city to Colca canyon
From Puno we travel to the City of Chivay to see one of the world’s deepest canyons, the Colca Canyon, an area of astounding scenic beauty, and one of Peru’s top tourist destinations.
We’ll also visit the “Mirador de los Volcanes,” which offers fine views of several volcanoes. After having lunch in Chivay, we’ll spend some time at La Calera hot springs located 3 km outside of town. We have the rest of the afternoon free in Chivay. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Chivay.
Day 14: Cruz Del Condor – Arequipa
This morning we will visit the look-out point called «Cruz del Cóndor» which is about a 2 hour drive into the Colca Canyon National Park. Along with viewing the Canyon you should be able to observe several condors flying within a few meters of you.
We’ll return to Chivay where we’ll have lunch then go to the second largest city in Peru, Arequipa. Its main square, the Plaza de Armas, is the most beautiful in the country. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Arequipa.
Day 15: Arequipa City Tour
After breakfast, we’ll visit Arequipa’s top historical attractions. Firstly, Carmen Alto, where you’ll have a fabulous view of the outlying farmland and three volcanoes that surround the city: Misti, Cachani, and Pichu Pichu. Secondly, Yanahuara, famous for its Andalusia-style church and buildings made from sillar (volcanic rock).
Thirdly, the Monastery of St. Catherine, and finally, Arequipa’s main square – Plaza de Armas – to see the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. Breakfast and lunch are included. We spend the night in Arequipa.
Day 16: Arequipa to Lima
We will depart from Arequipa on a morning flight to Lima for your journey home or on to your next destination.
