The treasures of Perú 14D/13N

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Lima between 04:00 to 04:30 hrs. From Lima, you’ll embark on a 3.5-hour journey by car to reach Paracas.

The highlight of your tour will be a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll witness a remarkable variety of rocky formations and encounter diverse bird and marine species in this captivating natural environment.

Following the Ballestas Islands excursion, you’ll explore the impressive and remote Paracas National Reserve. This reserve is part of the Guinness World Record-holding ‘Driest desert on Earth,’ the Atacama Desert. Be sure to bring sunblock, a hat, and plenty of water, as the climate can be harsh. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the desert’s formation, and you’ll have the chance to admire the landscape, including lakes frequented by migratory birds, with the possibility of spotting pink flamingos.

Next, your journey will take you to the Huacachina Oasis, where you’ll embark on an adventure across the stunning sand dunes. Hop aboard dune buggies and enjoy sandboarding, an exhilarating activity amidst the surreal desert dunes. Brave travelers can even try sandboarding down the dunes!

As the day’s tour concludes, you’ll head to Nazca for your overnight stay, marking the end of a day filled with exploration and exciting experiences.

Accomodation: Casa Andina Nazca
Meals: None
Entrance tickets: All included

Your tour today begins with an early start as we pick you up directly from your hotel in Nazca between 07:00 to 07:30 hrs. The first highlight of the day is a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, a truly unique and captivating experience. Following the flight, we’ll visit the Chauchilla cemetery, renowned for its remarkably preserved mummies and soldiers with exceptionally long hair, some measuring over 2 meters.

After these intriguing tours, we’ll return to Nazca, where you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch. Later, we’ll visit a local vineyard, offering you the opportunity to learn about Peruvian wine production.

Finally, we’ll embark on the journey back to Lima, which will take approximately 5.3 hours by bus. Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll ensure you are dropped off directly at your hotel, concluding a day filled with exploration and cultural experiences.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
Meals: None
Entrance tickets: All included

Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our representative will be there to greet you. They will then transfer you to the downtown area of Cusco, where your hotel is located. Cusco sits at an elevation of 3350 meters, and it’s common to experience altitude-related issues upon arrival. To help acclimatize, we recommend enjoying a cup of Coca tea at the hotel.

Check-in at most hotels is typically around 12 pm. If you arrive early, you can leave your luggage at the hotel as they provide free storage. This gives you the opportunity to have lunch, and there are many restaurants around the main Plaza of Cusco.

At 1 pm, your Cusco city tour will commence. This tour includes visits to various sites in the city as well as Inca sites located in the upper part of Cusco. The tour usually begins at the Main Plaza of Cusco, a stunning location. You’ll then visit the renowned Qoricancha, considered the center of the Inca Empire and where Inca civilization began.

Continuing the tour, you’ll travel by transportation to the next Inca site, Sacsahuayman, which is the largest and most unique site on this tour, distinct even from Machu Picchu. You’ll have ample time to explore and appreciate its grandeur. The tour also includes visits to Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, smaller Inca sites with significant roles in Inca history. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will provide detailed information about each site and help you capture the best photographs.

The tour is expected to conclude by 6 pm, and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels or similar.
Ticket: Included
Meals: NA.

The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 am. Then, we will leave Cusco in our private transportation towards our first stop – an Alpaca farm, where you will have the chance to see the four of them: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. These animals were very important to our ancestors, and the guide will explain the difference of each of them. Then, we will continue to Pisac, this place was the capital of corn and potatoes. Depending on the season, we will see the farming area.

Once we are in the Pisac Inca site, we will have a walking tour exploring the famous circular Andean terraces, rooms, and water fountains. It’s one of the biggest Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. After you explore and see the beauty of this amazing Inca site, we will drive back to Pisac town where we will have the chance to visit the local market. It’s one of the typical ones where the population still practices the exchange of products. It will be a good place in case you want to buy some souvenirs.

After that, we will continue driving for almost an hour until Urubamba where we stop for lunch. After enjoying the delicious lunch, we continue for 30 minutes driving to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. This beautiful place has a nice Inca archaeological site where you will have a guided tour. It takes around an hour to explore and know the importance of this Inca site. After that, you will have time to walk and explore the local village, then the guide will take you to the hotel.

Accomodation: Sol Natura .
Ticket: Included
Meals: NA.

Our trekking guide will pick you up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo at 7:00 am. It’s a 40-minute drive to km 82, where the trailhead is located. Before starting our hike, your guide will introduce you to the team, including the chef and porters, creating a sense of camaraderie. Here, you will hand over your duffle bag to the porters, and you’ll hike with just your daypack.

At the checkpoint, you’ll need to have your original passport as the rangers will verify all personal information. Once cleared, you’ll embark on the Royal Path. Along the hike, you’ll encounter many noteworthy things, including diverse flora, fauna, and Inca sites. Your guide will provide detailed information about each of them. The pace will be steady, with plenty of breaks for snacks and photos. We have the entire day to walk at a leisurely pace.

Lunch will be served around 1 pm at the halfway point. After lunch, we will refill your water bottles. Then, you’ll continue to the final campsite, Huayllabamba, which is located at 3350m, the same elevation as Cusco city. Once you arrive at the campsite, our team will set up your tent. They will provide you with warm water in a small plastic container so you can wash your hands and feet, along with a small towel and soap. Afterward, you’ll have tea time, and dinner is usually served by 7:30 pm.

Accomodation: Camping
Tickets: Included
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

After a good rest in your tent, we will wake you up with a hot cup of coca tea at 5:30 am. You’ll have time to pack your daypack and duffle bag, and then breakfast will be served, along with snacks and water. By 7:30 am, we will begin walking. The path ascends gradually, with no climbing involved. It traverses a beautiful valley where you’ll have the chance to see the oldest trees, such as Queñas and uncas, typical of this ecosystem.

As we progress, we enter the highland forest, a feature that makes this area unique. After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we will reach Llulluchapampa, where our chef will have lunch ready. Following lunch, we still have 2 more hours of uphill hiking until we reach the highest point, Dead Women’s Pass (4200m). Once you arrive there, you’ll have the opportunity to take the best pictures, as it offers amazing views on either side.

After enjoying the scenery, we will continue on the trail, which now descends until we reach the campsite at Pacaymayu Alto (3650m). Once you arrive at the campsite, your tent will be set up and waiting for you. We’ll have a happy hour with hot drinks, followed by dinner at 7 pm. Along the trail, we tend to sleep early, usually by 9 pm, as everyone is typically tired after dinner.

Accomodation: Camping
Tickets: Include
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

The Inca Trail combines various ecosystems along the hike, and this particular day is considered unique because nature provides us with the opportunity to enjoy stunning flowers, predominantly orchids. There are approximately 135 types of orchids around Machu Picchu, and you will have the chance to see most of them. Where there are flowers, there are hummingbirds and various other birds.

After an early breakfast, we begin our hike. The first section involves an ascent of about 2 hours. At the halfway point, you’ll find Runcuracay, a small Inca site that we will visit to explore, with our guide providing information. Then, there’s a 1-hour climb to the summit, which is the second-highest point of the hike. After that, we descend for about 1.5 hours and reach Sayacmarka Inca site, considered the most beautiful on that day. After exploring, we continue walking through the jungle trees and reach the cloud forest area. The scenery changes, the weather gets warmer, and there may be mosquitoes.

We will have lunch around midday, and then it’s a 2-hour hike to Phuyupatamarka, a place from where you will see Machu Picchu Mountain and the town of Aguas Calientes. This means we are getting closer to the Lost City of the Incas. From this point onward, it’s all downhill with many stairs. Trekking poles will be very helpful during this section. The hike continues for about 3.5 hours until we reach the last campsite, Wiñayhuana, located at 2650m. This is where we will spend our last night of camping.

Accomodation: Camping
Tickets: Include
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – dinner

The most important day, Machu Picchu awaits you! Today, the wake-up call is very early at 3:30 am, which is the same for all groups. Breakfast is served by 4 am, and then we will be at the checkpoint until 5:30 am. After that, we will begin walking, and it takes about 1 hour to reach the famous spot known as the Sun Gate. Only Inca Trail hikers have the opportunity to enter Machu Picchu through this spot. We arrive at the Sun Gate by 6:30 am, which is the time the sunrise occurs in Machu Picchu. It’s a unique and magical moment. After taking pictures and enjoying the view, you will continue walking for about 40 minutes downhill until you finally reach the Machu Picchu citadel.

At Machu Picchu, you will have time to capture the best postcard-worthy pictures, and our guide will ensure you have an incredible Machu Picchu guided tour. This tour takes around a maximum of 3 hours and covers the most important sites within the citadel. Once you complete the guided tour, you can bid farewell to the citadel or, if you have booked the Huayna Picchu option (which needs to be confirmed at booking time), you may choose to hike the mountain. The hike takes approximately 2 hours round-trip, and only 50 spots are available, so it’s advisable to book in advance. The cost is $75 per ticket.

After completing your tour at Machu Picchu, you will say your goodbyes and take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have your final lunch as a team (lunch is not included). After lunch, you will catch the afternoon train, typically the 3 pm train departing from Aguas Calientes. It arrives at Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting for you and will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco. The approximate return time is 7:30 pm.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva hotel or similar.
Tickets: Include
Meals: only breakfast

The Rainbow Mountain Tour is a popular excursion for travelers visiting Cusco, Peru, eager to witness the breathtakingly colorful Vinicunca, or “Rainbow Mountain.” This geological wonder has become a must-visit spot due to its strikingly vibrant mineral bands, creating a rainbow effect on the mountainside.

Early Morning Pickup: The day begins very early with a pickup from the hotel at 4:00 am, ensuring you reach the trailhead after a roughly 3-hour drive.

Breakfast: A meal is provided along the way, which is crucial to fuel the strenuous hike ahead.

The Hike: The hike, which begins at a notable elevation of 4350 meters, demands warm clothing due to the cold and dry conditions of the high-altitude environment. This walk is approximately 4 km uphill, taking roughly 2.5 hours, leading you to the summit of the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, situated at a breathtaking 5150 meters above sea level (masl).

Exploration: Once at the summit, there is time to absorb the remarkable scenery, capture photographs, and appreciate the unique geology and vibrant colors that make this site a popular attraction.

The Red Valley: The tour continues with a hike to the Red Valley, an impressive area located on the opposite side of Rainbow Mountain, known for its vivid red-colored scenery. This adds an extra layer of exploration and appreciation for the diverse geological features of the area.

Return Journey: Following exploration and photography, you’ll embark on the return hike to the trailhead, where a driver awaits to transport you to a local restaurant.

Lunch: A hearty and delicious meal is enjoyed at the restaurant, providing a chance to refuel after the morning’s physical activities.

Return to Cusco: Finally, the day concludes with a drive back to Cusco, with an expected return to the hotel around 5:30 pm.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva hotel or similar
Tickets. Include
Meals: B -L

Traveling from Cusco to Puno, both situated in the highlands of Peru, is a journey that many travelers undertake to experience the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Andean region. A popular means of making this trip is along the “Sun Route” (Ruta del Sol), which incorporates several significant cultural and archaeological sites, making the transit an enlightening exploration of Peru’s rich history and natural beauty.

The tour will have an early start at 6:20 a.m pick up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station. It will be a full-day tour with stops at the Andahuaylillas church, the archaeological site in Raqchi, la Raya Pass, and the lithic museum of Pukara with arrive in Puno by 5,30pm, Once in Puno, you will be dropped off at your hotel for the night.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva hotel or similar
Tickets. Include
Meals: B -L

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andean Highlands, is one of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. It is renowned for its deep blue waters and the floating Uros Islands, which are made from reeds. Tours to Lake Titicaca often focus on exploring its unique islands and interacting with the indigenous peoples who inhabit them.

Uros Islands:

Visit the remarkable floating islands, made entirely of totora reeds.
Learn about the Uros people, their traditions, and how they construct and maintain their floating islands.

Amantani Island:

Stay with a local family, providing a unique insight into daily life on the islands.
Explore archaeological sites and enjoy panoramic views from the island’s peaks.

Accomodation: Overnight with Local family
Tickets. Include
Meals: B -L .D

You will have an early breakfast with the family and take a boat to the next island called Taquile. This island is known for its intricate and rich textile and weaving traditions and sustainable tourism practices. You will have the opportunity to walk around the island and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake.

Explore the island known for its textile arts (recognized by UNESCO).
Engage with the local community, known for maintaining their traditional Andean customs.
Enjoy a traditional meal and perhaps purchase handmade textiles as souvenirs.
You will return to Puno around 3:30 p.m. for the rest of the afternoon free of activities.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva hotel or similar
Tickets. Include
Meals: B -L

Our representative will come to pick you up from your accommodation in Puno 03 hours prior to your departure flight to Lima. From Puno, you will be shuttled to the nearby airport in Juliaca.  Please know all travelers are required to be at the airport by no later than 02 hours to flight departure (national flights).

IMPORTANT: Please confirm your flight departure details (airline, flight number, estimated arrival time) so our team can arrange your airport drop-off accordingly. Your flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado should be in the morning hours. 

Accomodation: None
Tickets. No
Meals: Only breakfats at hotel.