Essential Peru - 12 Days

Tour package

Essential Peru - 12 Days

Discover the best of southern Peru on an unforgettable 12-day experience through historic cities, natural landscapes and emblematic destinations.

Trip description

Discover the best of southern Peru on an unforgettable 12-day experience through historic cities, natural landscapes and the country's most emblematic destinations.The 12-day Peru Tour is designed for travelers who want to explore Peru's cultural, archaeological and scenic diversity, combining coast, desert, mountains and the majesty of the Andes in one adventure.The route begins in Lima, the country's gastronomic and cultural capital, then continues to the Ballestas Islands and the spectacular Huacachina Oasis.The adventure continues in Arequipa, known as the White City, before entering the impressive Colca Canyon, natural habitat of the majestic Andean condor.The journey then heads to Puno and legendary Lake Titicaca, where you will discover the Uros islands and the ancestral culture of Taquile.The route continues to Cusco through the famous Route of the Sun and ends with the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and impressive Rainbow Mountain.

Highlights

  • Lima and its colonial Historic Center
  • Ballestas Islands and Pacific marine wildlife
  • Huacachina Oasis and Ica desert dunes
  • Arequipa
  • Colca Canyon and the condor flight
  • Lake Titicaca and the floating islands
  • Route of the Sun to Cusco
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Machu Picchu
  • Rainbow Mountain
Duration12 days / 11 nights
DeparturesDaily

A route through Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, Colca, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.

Itinerary

  1. DAY 01 - Arrival in Lima
  2. DAY 02 - Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis
  3. DAY 03 - Lima City Tour
  4. DAY 04 - Arequipa and City Tour
  5. DAY 05 - Colca Canyon
  6. DAY 06 - Condor Cross and route to Puno
  7. DAY 07 - Lake Titicaca
  8. DAY 08 - Route of the Sun
  9. DAY 09 - Sacred Valley of the Incas
  10. DAY 10 - Machu Picchu
  11. DAY 11 - Rainbow Mountain
  12. DAY 12 - Cusco and departure from Peru

DAY 01 - Arrival in Lima

Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. Free afternoon.

Included

  • Airport - hotel transfer
  • Initial assistance
  • Hotel night

DAY 02 - Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis

Excursion to Paracas and Ica with a boat ride, marine wildlife watching and dune adventure.

Departure is very early, between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m., to begin the journey toward Peru's southern coast.

In Paracas we will board a tourist boat to visit the famous Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and diverse marine birds.

Afterward we continue to Ica for a tasting of traditional wines and piscos, learning about Peru's winemaking tradition.

Later we visit the Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by huge dunes, with the chance to enjoy adventure activities such as dune buggies and sandboarding.

At the end we return to Lima at approximately 9:00 p.m., completing a day of nature, adventure and unique landscapes.

Ica - 100 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Round-trip tourist transportation
  • Hotel pickup
  • Box breakfast
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Boat ride to the Ballestas Islands
  • Wine and pisco tasting
  • Official tour guide
  • Hotel night

DAY 03 - Lima City Tour

Route through Miraflores, Barranco, the Historic Center and the main colonial attractions.

The day begins with hotel pickup to discover Lima's main cultural and tourist attractions, known as the City of Kings.

We visit the Love Park on the Miraflores boardwalk, with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

We continue to Barranco, a traditional district known for its artistic atmosphere, colonial architecture and historic streets.

We also visit Huaca Pucllana, an important pre-Hispanic ceremonial center located in the modern city.

In the Historic Center we visit Plaza Mayor and colonial buildings such as the Cathedral, Government Palace and Municipality.

We will also enter the San Francisco Convent Museum, famous for its viceregal architecture, old library and historic catacombs.

At the end we return to the hotel to rest and continue enjoying Peru's capital.

Lima - 200 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Official tour guide
  • Hotel night

DAY 04 - Arequipa and City Tour

Flight to Arequipa and guided visit through the White City and Santa Catalina Monastery.

Upon arrival in Arequipa, known as the White City, you will be received and transferred to your hotel.

The route begins in the historic Plaza de Armas, surrounded by elegant colonial buildings made of volcanic sillar.

During the visit we will see Arequipa Cathedral, the traditional portals and the Church of the Company of Jesus.

Afterward we visit Santa Catalina Monastery, an impressive colonial citadel with colorful streets, patios and cloisters.

We continue through old streets and traditional neighborhoods, appreciating colonial architecture and city viewpoints.

The experience ends at the historic Bolivar Bridge, with a beautiful panoramic view of Arequipa.

Arequipa - 2,330 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Airport - hotel transfer
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Hotel night

DAY 05 - Colca Canyon

Panoramic route through volcanoes, vicunas and hot springs to Chivay.

After pickup from your hotel in Arequipa, we begin the journey to the impressive Colca Canyon along an Andean road surrounded by volcanoes and natural landscapes.

We stop at Quiscos Uyupampa viewpoint to appreciate views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

We continue through Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicunas, alpacas, llamas and high-Andean species.

In Patahuasi we make a brief stop for coca tea while admiring rock formations of the Andean puna.

Later we cross the Toccra wetlands and reach the Volcanoes Viewpoint of Patapampa at 4,910 meters above sea level.

We then descend to Chivay, where we enjoy a typical lunch.

In the afternoon there will be time to relax in the hot springs of Chacapi and Yanque.

At night we may enjoy dinner with a folkloric show and traditional Colca dances.

Chivay - Colca Valley

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Hotel night in Chivay

DAY 06 - Condor Cross and route to Puno

Observation of the condor flight and journey toward Lake Titicaca.

The experience begins early in Chivay, heading to the famous Condor Cross, one of the most impressive viewpoints of Colca Canyon.

Along the route we visit Yanque, a traditional town known for its colonial church, Andean landscapes and cultural expressions.

We also pass Achomarca viewpoint and the town of Maca, famous for its colonial buildings.

At Choquetico viewpoint we appreciate ancient hanging tombs and a stone-carved model made by pre-Inca cultures.

Farther on we stop at Antahuilque and Wayrapunku viewpoints, with panoramic views of Colca Valley.

At Condor Cross we will have time to contemplate the depth of the canyon and watch condors in flight.

Afterward we take a panoramic walk to Cruz del Cura viewpoint and return to Chivay.

Finally we continue the tourist journey to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Colca - Puno route

Included

  • Official tour guide
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Tourist transfer Chivay - Puno
  • Hotel night in Puno

DAY 07 - Lake Titicaca

Visit to the Uros and Taquile islands.

The route starts around 7:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Puno and transfer to Lake Titicaca port.

Located at 3,812 meters above sea level, Lake Titicaca stands out for its landscapes, crystal-clear waters and ancestral communities.

The first visit is to the Floating Islands of Uros, handmade with totora reeds by one of the oldest cultures in the region.

Then we sail to Taquile Island, internationally recognized for its textiles and cultural richness.

During the visit we share with the local community and learn about their traditions and social organization.

The experience includes a typical Andean lunch surrounded by unique altiplano landscapes before returning to Puno.

Lake Titicaca - 3,812 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Round-trip tourist transfer to the port
  • Boat transportation to the mentioned islands
  • Entrance ticket
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast and lunch

DAY 08 - Route of the Sun

Tourist journey from Puno to Cusco visiting Pucara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas.

This day begins the tourist journey from Puno to Cusco along the famous Route of the Sun, one of the most impressive panoramic routes in the Peruvian Andes.

Along the way we make cultural and archaeological stops to discover the history and traditions of the altiplano.

The first visit is the Lithic Museum of Pucara, with archaeological pieces in stone, ceramics and textiles.

We then continue to La Raya pass, at more than 4,300 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route.

Later we enjoy a buffet lunch before visiting Raqchi, known as the Temple of Wiracocha.

The last stop is San Pedro Apostol Church in Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of America.

Finally we arrive in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

Cusco - 3,200 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Transfer from hotel to bus terminal
  • Tourist bus Puno - Cusco
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • Transfer to hotel in Cusco
  • Hotel night

DAY 09 - Sacred Valley of the Incas

Visit to Chinchero, Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo. Train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

The tour begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco to start the route through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The first stop is Chinchero, a traditional town known for its artisan market and ancestral weaving techniques.

Then we continue to the Maras Salt Mines, a set of more than 3,000 salt ponds used since pre-Inca times.

We also visit Moray, an archaeological complex of circular terraces used as an Inca agricultural laboratory.

Later we head to Urubamba for a buffet lunch surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

In the afternoon we visit Ollantaytambo, one of Peru's most important Inca fortresses.

Finally we board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Sacred Valley - 2,800 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket to tourist attractions
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast at the hotel and buffet lunch
  • Tourist train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Hotel night in Aguas Calientes

DAY 10 - Machu Picchu

Guided tour through one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Very early we begin the experience with the transfer to the bus station that leads to Machu Picchu citadel.

During the ascent we can enjoy panoramic views surrounded by mountains and cloud forests.

At Machu Picchu we take an approximately 3-hour guided visit through the main archaeological sectors.

Along the route we learn about ceremonial temples, agricultural terraces, plazas and viewpoints.

Those who wish may complement the experience with the optional climb to Huayna Picchu mountain.

After the visit we return by bus to Aguas Calientes and board the return train.

Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to take travelers back to the hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu - 2,200 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Tourist bus to Machu Picchu
  • Entrance ticket to the Inca citadel
  • Official tour guide
  • Return tourist train
  • Station - hotel transfer
  • Breakfast

DAY 11 - Rainbow Mountain

Hike to Vinicunca, surrounded by impressive Andean landscapes.

The adventure starts very early, between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., with the journey south of Cusco.

The first stop is Cusipata, where we enjoy a buffet breakfast before continuing to the starting point of the hike.

The hike lasts approximately 2 hours through trails surrounded by mountains, alpacas, llamas and views of the Andes.

Along the way we can appreciate unique landscapes and the majesty of Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

Upon reaching the summit, at more than 5,200 meters above sea level, we see Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca, famous for its natural colors.

There will be free time to rest, take photos and admire the landscape before descending.

Afterward we return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch and head back to Cusco around 5:30 p.m.

Rainbow Mountain - 5,200 m.a.s.l.

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transportation during the route
  • Entrance ticket
  • Official tour guide
  • Breakfast and buffet lunch
  • Permanent assistance during the hike
  • Hotel night

DAY 12 - Cusco and departure from Peru

Transfer to the airport for the return flight.

On this last day we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco for the transfer to the airport.

From there you will board your flight to Lima and connect with your international flight or next destination.

We hope you enjoyed an unforgettable experience through Peru's landscapes, history and culture.

With this day our services end, but we will be happy to accompany you again on future adventures through Peru and South America.

Cusco

Included

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transfer hotel - airport
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Final assistance

What is included?

LODGING

  • 03 hotel nights in Lima
  • 03 hotel nights in Cusco
  • 02 hotel nights in Arequipa
  • 02 hotel nights in Puno
  • 01 hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo

TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFERS

  • Private airport - hotel - airport transfer
  • Tourist transportation to all mentioned places
  • Expedition tourist train to Machu Picchu round trip
  • Tourist bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu round trip
  • Boat ride in the Ballestas Islands and Lake Titicaca
  • Dune buggy ride in the Huacachina desert

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS

  • Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Shared tours in the other destinations
  • Sacred Valley of the Incas tour
  • Route of the Sun tour
  • Lake Titicaca excursion: Uros and Amantani islands
  • Professional tour guide on all routes

MEALS

  • 10 breakfasts
  • 05 lunches

FLIGHTS

  • Optional domestic flights
  • Allowed luggage: 8 kg bag + 23 kg checked luggage

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance
  • Services or activities not specified

Why choose this experience

  • Complete route through southern Peru in 12 days
  • Cultural, natural and archaeological experiences
  • Tourist transportation and assistance during the route
  • Ideal for travelers who want to discover Peru's most emblematic destinations

Book your experience

Live an unforgettable experience discovering the cultural, natural and archaeological diversity of southern Peru on a carefully organized route.

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