Peru Fantastic 12 Days

DAY 1 – LIMA CITY TOUR

First Departure: 09:00 am | Second Departure: 02:15 pm
Duration: 4 hours

ITINERARY

MODERN LIMA

We begin the tour by visiting the district of Miraflores, including the famous Love Park, offering beautiful views of Lima’s coastline and the Pacific Ocean. We continue with a panoramic visit to Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial pyramid that preserves much of its original structure despite the passage of time. We then visit the Olive Grove Park in San Isidro, considered Lima’s financial district.

COLONIAL LIMA

We visit Lima’s Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Known as the City of Kings, Lima features stunning colonial architecture. We explore San Martín Square, admire its balconies and colonial mansions, and enter the iconic Hotel Bolívar. We continue to Main Square (Plaza Mayor), where we will see the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and Desamparados Train Station, among others.

SAN FRANCISCO CONVENT & CATACOMBS

We enter one of the most important 17th-century convents in Lima, visiting its ancient library, choir, main cloister, and the underground crypts known as the Catacombs.

DAY 2 – FULL DAY PARACAS – ICA – HUACACHINA

Pick-up Time: 05:00 am
Duration: 16 hours

Early morning hotel pick-up and departure to Paracas Bay (261 km south of Lima). Upon arrival, we board a modern speedboat to visit the Ballestas Islands, where we will see the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, visible only from the sea or air. We continue to the islands to observe seabirds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.

After returning to the port, we travel to Ica, where we visit a wine and pisco winery, learn about production, and enjoy a tasting. We will have time for lunch featuring regional cuisine.

Later, we visit the Huacachina Oasis, known as the Oasis of America, where we enjoy an exciting dune buggy ride and sandboarding in the desert. In the afternoon, we return to Lima and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 3 – CUSCO CITY TOUR

Departure: 09:00 am or 01:00 pm
Duration: Approx. 5 hours

Enjoy a spectacular city tour in Cusco, experiencing the magic of Andean culture. Visit the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and important archaeological sites including Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

This tour is an excellent introduction before visiting Machu Picchu and other attractions.
Afternoon free to explore Cusco at your own pace.

DAY 4 – SACRED VALLEY TOUR & CONNECTION TO MACHU PICCHU

Pick-up from hotel between 6:30 – 7:00 am. Travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines. Continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch, then visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Free time to explore the town and artisan market before boarding the 19:04 train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) for overnight stay.

Hotel: Wiracocha Inn / Terraza de Luna Superior / Similar

DAY 5 – MACHU PICCHU TOUR

After breakfast, take the bus to Machu Picchu Citadel, entering in the early group. Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore and take photos.

Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch. At 16:20, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco.

DAY 6 – HUMANTAY LAKE FULL DAY

Early pick-up between 4:30 – 5:00 am. Travel to Mollepata for breakfast, then continue to Soraypampa. Begin a 1-hour hike to Humantay Lake (4,200 m / 13,780 ft).

Enjoy breathtaking views of Humantay Mountain and learn about the area from your guide. Descend and enjoy views of Salkantay Mountain, then have lunch before returning to Cusco around 6:00 pm.

DAY 7 – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN BY ATV (QUAD BIKES)

Early morning hotel pick-up (4:00 – 5:00 am). Travel to Cusipata for breakfast, then continue to Cayahuire Alto. Receive safety instructions and begin the ATV adventure (approx. 1 hour), enjoying views of Andean landscapes and Ausangate Mountain.

Short hike (3–5 minutes) to Rainbow Mountain, where the guide explains the geology and colors. Free time for photos before returning by ATV. Lunch in Cusipata and return to Cusco around 5:30 pm.

DAY 8 – ROUTE OF THE SUN: CUSCO TO PUNO

Travel on a scenic tourist bus along the Route of the Sun, visiting:

• Andahuaylillas Church (the Sistine Chapel of the Andes)

• Raqchi Archaeological Complex (Temple of Wiracocha)

• Buffet lunch

• La Raya Pass (4,335 m) with views of snow-capped peaks

• Pukara Lithic Museum

Arrival in Puno around 5:00 pm and transfer to hotel.

DAY 9 – LAKE TITICACA TOUR (UROS – AMANTANI – TAQUILE) – 2D/1N

Pick-up at 7:45 am and transfer to the port. Visit the Floating Islands of Uros (approx. 1 hour) to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. Continue by boat to Amantani Island, arriving around 1:15 pm.

Stay overnight with a local family, sharing cultural experiences. Afternoon hike to the ceremonial centers Pachatata & Pachamama, followed by a folkloric evening.

DAY 10 – AMANTANI – TAQUILE – PUNO

After breakfast, continue to Taquile Island, famous for its living culture and traditional weaving recognized by UNESCO. Learn about the Ayni system (community reciprocity). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then return by boat to Puno and transfer to hotel.

NIGHT BUS TO AREQUIPA

DAY 11 – AREQUIPA TO CHIVAY (COLCA CANYON)

Pick-up between 7:30 – 8:00 am. Travel through Yura Road, Chachani Volcano, and Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas. Stop at wetlands to see flamingos, visit volcanic viewpoints, and reach the highest point (4,910 m).

Arrival in Chivay, lunch (not included), hotel check-in, and visit to La Calera Hot Springs. Dinner with folkloric show (not included). Overnight in Chivay.

DAY 12 – COLCA CANYON – CONDOR CROSS – RETURN TO AREQUIPA

Early breakfast and departure to Condor Cross Viewpoint, where we observe the majestic Andean condor in flight. Stop at the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, admire colonial churches, and enjoy scenic viewpoints.

Lunch in Chivay, then return to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 – 5:30 pm.
Evening flight to Lima – End of services.