14D/13N
IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CITIES OF THE INCAS

Arrival in Lima and welcome at Jorge Chávez International Airport by your driver.

Transfer to the district of Miraflores, one of the most pleasant areas of the capital, located between the ocean and green spaces. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Check-in at the hotel and free time to rest or explore the surroundings.

In the morning, meet your English-speaking guide for a guided tour of Lima, including its historic center and surrounding districts.

Founded in the 16th century and known as the “City of Kings,” Lima was for several centuries the political and cultural heart of Spanish America. Despite the many earthquakes that have shaped its history, the city has preserved a rich architectural heritage. Its buildings reflect the combined craftsmanship of local artisans and masters who came from Europe.

Recently restored, the historic center has regained much of its former splendor. Your visit will take you to Plaza San Martín, then along Jirón de la Unión, an emblematic street leading to Lima’s Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall and Cathedral are located. You will also visit the remarkable Convent of San Francisco, renowned for its architecture and impressive underground galleries.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa.

Upon arrival in the early evening, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, your English-speaking guide will take you on a discovery of Arequipa’s historic heart. You will begin at the majestic Plaza de Armas, framed by elegant arcades, before visiting the Cathedral as well as the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, outstanding examples of colonial architecture.

You will then continue with a visit to the famous Monastery of Santa Catalina, a true city within the city. Behind its walls lies a maze of peaceful lanes, lined with small houses painted in ochre, blue and white, dotted with quiet squares and fountains. The atmosphere gently evokes certain villages of Andalusia.

Your visit will end with a stop at the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering beautiful panoramas over the agricultural terraces of the surrounding countryside, with the volcanoes that watch over the city as a dramatic backdrop.

Return to your hotel, then the rest of the day is free.

Tip: this is a perfect opportunity to try the delicious chupe de camarones, a flavorful local specialty.

Early morning departure from your hotel by private transport, accompanied by your English-speaking guide, heading towards the Colca Canyon, in the heart of the spectacular landscapes of the volcanic Andes.

The road crosses vast high-altitude plains and enters the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you may observe vicuñas and other Andean camelids in their natural habitat, particularly in the Pampa Cañahuas area.

Continue towards the Patapampa Pass, at 4,900 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route, offering spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes such as Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca-Hualca.

Gradual descent into the Colca Valley and arrival in Chivay, the main village of the region. Transfer and check-in at your hotel.

Early morning departure by private vehicle towards the Cruz del Cóndor, one of the best viewpoints over the Colca Canyon. From this spectacular lookout, you may have the chance to admire the majestic flight of the Andean condors, true kings of the skies, as they ride the rising air currents above the canyon’s vertiginous cliffs.

The Colca Canyon is a breathtaking sight in itself. In some places, nearly 3,000 meters separate the surrounding peaks from the bed of the Colca River, creating one of the most impressive panoramas in southern Peru.

On the way back to Chivay, several stops are planned in the villages and viewpoints of the valley. These visits will allow you to appreciate the agricultural terraces, Andean landscapes and traditional architecture of a region that has been inhabited for centuries.

After the visits, continue by private transport towards Puno. The road crosses the vast landscapes of the altiplano, between lagoons, herds of alpacas, high-altitude plains and wide-open horizons.

In the morning, transfer to the port of Puno, then board the boat for a day of navigation on Lake Titicaca.

The first stop will be the floating islands of the Uros, remarkable islands made of totora reeds. You will discover the unique way of life of this lake community, closely connected to the resources of the lake and to ancestral knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

The navigation then continues towards the island of Amantaní, more remote and peaceful. Upon arrival, welcome by your host family, installation in the house and first meal shared with your hosts. This moment marks the beginning of a simple and warm immersion into daily life on the island.

In the mid-afternoon, discovery of Amantaní with your guide. Depending on the group’s pace, a walk will take you to the higher parts of the island, towards the hills of Pachatata and Pachamama, two emblematic places linked to ancient Andean beliefs. From the summits, the view over Lake Titicaca and the surrounding landscapes is particularly beautiful, especially as the light begins to soften.

Dinner and overnight stay with the local family.

The boat is shared with other travelers. The visits are accompanied by your private English-speaking guide.

After a hearty traditional breakfast shared with your host family, departure by boat towards the island of Taquile.

Taquile is a truly special place, known for its archaeological remains, sacred sites, festivals and traditional rites. The island is also renowned for its textile art, which is part of daily life for men and women of all ages. These finely crafted textiles are still worn by members of the local community and reflect a rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the island’s inhabitants and share a pleasant meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Return to Puno after lunch.

In the morning, departure by private transport with your driver towards Cusco.

This crossing of the Altiplano takes you through vast high-altitude landscapes, between open plains, herds of Andean camelids and mountain peaks. You will cross the La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route, marking the transition between the regions of Puno and Cusco.

Until Sicuani, the journey is made with your driver only. You will then meet your guide on the Cusco side, who will accompany you for the visits planned along the way.

Discovery of the archaeological site of Raqchi, a former Inca ceremonial center, followed by the church of Andahuaylillas, renowned for the richness of its colonial frescoes.

Arrival in Cusco at the end of the day, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Free time for a gentle first discovery of the imperial city.

Morning departure by private vehicle with your English-speaking guide. After a short drive of just a few kilometres, you will reach the heights overlooking Cusco.

You will begin your tour with a visit to Tambomachay, a complex dedicated to Unu, the divinity of water. It is a series of channels and small waterfalls through which flows the water traditionally associated with youth and fertility.

You will then visit the site of Puka Pukara, an important military control centre that once guarded access to the city of Cusco. Its name means “red fortress”.

Your journey then continues on foot as you descend towards Cusco, passing through a small valley surrounded by fields. You will reach the site of Q’enqo, whose name means “labyrinth” or “zigzag”. This ancient temple was once dedicated to the divinity of Pachamama, Mother Earth.

Your tour ends with the visit of the impressive remains of Saqsaywaman. This imposing construction of megalithic stones was once the main temple of Hanan Qosqo, the Upper Cusco. According to the ancient symbolic representation of the city, Cusco had the shape of a puma, and Saqsaywaman stood at the level of its head.

Your walk will finish at Cusco’s Main Square.

Free afternoon to discover the Imperial City at your own pace. You may visit the Cathedral, the Qoricancha temple or the colourful San Pedro market, and fully immerse yourself in Cusco’s culture.

In the morning, departure by private transport towards the high plateau of Chinchero. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes of cultivated fields and traditional Andean villages.

Visit of Chinchero, followed by the discovery of the Inca town, with its neighbourhoods, terraces and sacred temples, as well as the Spanish colonial church built on the foundations of an ancient Inca temple.

After this visit, you will continue to Moray, which at first glance looks like an amphitheatre made up of several terraces arranged in concentric circles. In reality, it was an Inca agricultural research centre, designed to reproduce a whole series of microclimates imitating different ecosystems and life zones.

You will then take the vehicle again towards the Maras salt mines, hundreds of salt pools that have been worked by hand since pre-Columbian times. These thousands of small basins are fed by two springs with a very high concentration of sodium chloride. From the viewpoint, you will be able to admire this unique sight, a striking example of human ingenuity: an open-air salt extraction system set up at more than 3,000 metres above sea level.

In the afternoon, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo station to Machu Picchu Pueblo - also known as Aguas Calientes - without your guide.

Arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo and check-in at the hotel.

Your guide will accompany you as far as Ollantaytambo. The following day, a resident guide will take you on the visit of Machu Picchu.

Visit of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, with a private English-speaking guide / Train to Ollantaytambo without a guide

“Machu Picchu is a journey to the serenity of the soul, to eternal fusion with the cosmos. There, we feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest wonders of South America. A haven of butterflies at the epicentre of the great circle of life. One more miracle.”
Pablo Neruda
Early in the morning, at the time agreed with your guide, you will take the bus up to the site of Machu Picchu, which overlooks the valley by 400 metres. The landscapes are completely different from those you have seen so far, and the setting in which this ancient urban centre was built is truly extraordinary. The mist and the light of sunrise make the place even more impressive.

Archaeology and colonial chronicles have taught us a great deal, but many discoveries still remain to be made. Your guide will help you better understand what this mysterious city may have been like during the Inca period. Two and a half hours are dedicated to the visit of the site.

You will enjoy every moment at Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

You will then return down to Machu Picchu Pueblo either on foot or by bus, depending on your pace.

In the afternoon or early evening, depending on the train schedule confirmed at the time of booking, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo without a guide.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you will make your own way to the hotel, located on the avenue leading from the train station.

Possibility of adding the ascent of Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Please let us know in advance, as these entrances are subject to strict quotas set by the Ministry of Culture. Not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo.

Departure with your guide at the agreed time.

You will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo, home to some of the finest Inca constructions, with gigantic stone blocks brought from a distant quarry more than 15 kilometres away. This archaeological site was one of the major urban centres built to ensure political, social and economic control over the fertile Urubamba Valley, better known as the Sacred Valley.

You will then leave Ollantaytambo and continue to Pisaq, where you will visit the ruins and the handicraft market. You will discover the extraordinary agricultural complex of the area, facing east in order to provide the crops with maximum sunlight.

After lunch, the tour continues towards Awana Kancha, a dedicated centre home to several Andean camelids, including llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. This will be a great opportunity to observe these emblematic animals up close.

Return to Cusco in the mid-afternoon. The rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.

Free day in Cusco, allowing you to take the time to wander at your own pace through the charming streets of this ancient city. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is one of Latin America’s great treasures: a city best discovered on foot, among its ancient stones, colonial balconies, lively squares and hillside neighbourhoods.

If you have not already done so, you may discover or return to the San Cristóbal district, one of the finest viewpoints over the city. From Nazarenas Square, you can gradually climb towards the heights along Pumacurco Street, which leads in the direction of the Saqsaywaman archaeological site.

According to tradition, the ancient layout of Cusco is said to have represented the shape of a puma, a sacred animal in the Andean worldview. Pumacurco Street would have formed its backbone, symbolically linking the heart of the city to the ceremonial heights overlooking it. Continuing uphill, on the left, you will reach the church of San Cristóbal, from where a superb view opens out over the rooftops of Cusco, the Main Square and the surrounding mountains.

This day is also an opportunity to wander without any fixed schedule: step into a colonial courtyard, take a break in a café, visit an artisan workshop, return to San Blas, or simply soak up Cusco’s unique atmosphere, between Inca memory, colonial heritage and contemporary Andean life.

Morning transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco and boarding of your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival, you will have some free time before check-in formalities and boarding for your international flight.