21D/20N
PERU, FROM THE PACIFIC COAST TO THE AMAZON

Arrival in Lima, where you will be welcomed at Jorge Chávez International Airport by your driver.

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

Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time to rest or explore the surroundings.

Early in the morning, depart by private transport towards Paracas, on Peru’s Pacific coast. Upon arrival, board a boat for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands, preceded by a passage in front of the famous Paracas Candelabra, a vast geoglyph carved into the side of a sandy hill.

The Ballestas Islands form a protected natural area and are home to abundant marine wildlife. You may observe numerous sea lions, as well as seabirds such as cormorants, pelicans and various species of boobies, against a backdrop of cliffs sculpted by the wind and ocean.

After the visit, lunch in a local restaurant, with the opportunity to taste some specialties from the Peruvian coast. Continue by road towards Nasca. Several stops are planned along the way, including at a traditional winery to discover the local production of pisco and wine, followed by the oasis of Huacachina, a surprising lagoon surrounded by high sand dunes.

Arrival in Nasca in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Nasca and its surroundings. You will discover the Cantalloc Aqueducts, a remarkable pre-Hispanic hydraulic system still visible today, as well as a traditional ceramics workshop and the Antonini Museum, which offers valuable insight into Nasca history and culture.

You will then take a scenic flight over the famous Nasca Lines. Studied in particular by Paul Kosok from 1939 onwards, these immense figures drawn across the desert remain one of the great enigmas of world archaeology. From the air, you will be able to observe several emblematic geoglyphs, including the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider and the condor.

The exact time of the flight will be confirmed locally, depending on weather conditions and flight authorizations for the day.

In the afternoon, depart by private transport towards Arequipa. The road follows the desert and coastal landscapes of southern Peru before gradually reaching the Andean foothills. Arrival in Arequipa in the evening and check-in at the hotel.

In the morning, your English-speaking guide will accompany you as you explore the historic heart of Arequipa. You will begin at the majestic Plaza de Armas, surrounded by its elegant arcades, before visiting the cathedral as well as the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, remarkable examples of colonial architecture.

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

Your discovery will end with a stop at the viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering superb panoramas over the agricultural terraces of the surrounding countryside, with the city’s guardian volcanoes rising in the background.

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

Tip: a lovely opportunity to try the delicious chupe de camarones, a rich and flavorful local specialty.

Early morning departure from your hotel by private transport with 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 before reaching the Salinas and 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 m, the highest point of the journey, offering spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, including 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 Condor Cross, one of the best viewpoints over the Colca Canyon. From this spectacular lookout, you may be able to admire the majestic flight of Andean condors, true kings of the sky, as they ride the rising air currents above the canyon’s vertiginous walls.

The Colca Canyon itself offers a striking landscape. 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 halts will allow you to appreciate the agricultural terraces, Andean landscapes and traditional architecture of this region, 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 open horizons.

Arrival at your destination in the late afternoon.

In the morning, transfer to the port of Puno, then board a boat for a navigation on Lake Titicaca. Your first stop will be the floating islands of the Uros, astonishing islets built from totora reeds, where you will discover a way of life closely connected to the lake.

Continue to the island of Taquile, renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, its living traditions and its community-based organization. The island also preserves archaeological remains, sacred sites and a rich calendar of festivals and rituals.

Taquile is particularly known for its textile art, which forms part of the daily life of men and women of all ages. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the island’s inhabitants and share a local meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

In the afternoon, discover the island with your guide, following scenic paths and enjoying local encounters and immersion in the daily life of its inhabitants.

After a typical breakfast shared with your host family, depart by boat towards the island of Amantaní.

Upon arrival, discover the island with your guide. A walk will take you to the hills of Pachapapa and Pachamama, two emblematic sites of Amantaní, linked to ancient Andean beliefs and offering beautiful panoramic views over Lake Titicaca.

Lunch with a local family, then continue by boat towards the Llachón Peninsula, located on the Peruvian shore of the lake. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your new host family and settle in.

In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time for a short walk in the surroundings or to admire the sunset over the lake.

Route information:
Approximate navigation time: Taquile to Amantaní: 1 hour.

After breakfast, the morning will be devoted to sharing in the daily life of the inhabitants of Llachón. Depending on the day’s activities and local possibilities, you may take part in certain traditional tasks, such as fishing, farming or meal preparation.

These moments of exchange offer a deeper understanding of a way of life closely connected to Lake Titicaca, the land and the rhythms of the community, far from the bustle of the big cities.

Lunch with your hosts, then departure by boat towards Puno. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

In the morning, depart 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 camelids and Andean 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.

Discover 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. A short drive of just a few kilometers will take you to the heights above Cusco.

You will begin your tour with the visit of Tambomachay, a complex dedicated to *Unu*, the deity of water. This site is made up of small waterfalls and channels through which the waters of youth and fertility are said to flow.

You will then visit Puka Pukara, an important military control center guarding access to the city of Cusco. Its name means “red fortress”.

From there, you will continue your journey on foot, descending towards Cusco through a small valley surrounded by fields. You will reach the site of Q’enqo, whose name means “labyrinth” or “zigzag labyrinth”. This temple was once dedicated to Pachamama, Mother Earth.

Your tour will end 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”, translated into Spanish as “the head of the puma”. In the 16th century, Cusco was indeed laid out in the shape of a puma, and Saqsaywaman stood at the level of its head.

Your walk will finish at Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

Free afternoon to explore the imperial city at your own pace. You may visit the Cathedral, the Qoricancha Temple or the colorful San Pedro Market, an excellent way to immerse yourself in Cusco’s vibrant culture.

Transfer from your hotel by private transport to Wayupata, a small village located in an area of tropical crops.

Arrival in the late morning at the home of Julia and her family, where you will be welcomed to share a meal prepared on site. The afternoon will be dedicated to discovering their daily life and the crops grown by Julia and her husband José, in this fertile environment where coffee plants, fruits and local plants thrive.

You will then learn about the different stages of coffee preparation, from harvesting and selecting the beans to roasting and grinding. Finally comes the much-awaited moment to enjoy a cup of freshly prepared coffee, directly at the producers’ home.

Free time at the end of the day, followed by dinner with your hosts.

Wake up in a warm, tropical atmosphere, in the heart of the green valleys descending towards the Amazon basin. Depart by private transport towards Santa Rosa, a small hamlet located about thirty minutes away by road.

There, you will meet Alejandro, a local producer committed to organic coffee farming, along with other family crops. From Santa Rosa, set off on an approximately two-hour walk along an ancient Inca trail, with a few impressive sections, to reach his plantation in Wakayupana.

Upon arrival, lunch on site, followed by a discovery of the natural environment and a visit to the organic coffee plantation. Alejandro will introduce you to his work, his crops and the specific features of coffee production at altitude, between tropical climate and local know-how.

In the afternoon, walk to the viewpoint, which offers a sweeping view over the valley and the Vilcanota River. Return to Alejandro’s home at the end of the day, followed by dinner shared with the family.

Continue the journey by private transport through the tropical landscapes of the valley. Arrival in Urpipata, located just above the hot springs, renowned for the quality of their waters and highly recommended.

The route then continues to the Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Station, at kilometer 122 of the railway line. From there, you will take the train towards Machu Picchu Pueblo. Depending on your preferences and the organization of the program, this final section can also be done on foot, following the railway line through lush vegetation.

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

Visit to 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 into the serenity of the soul, an 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 epicenter of the great circle of life. One miracle more.”
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 around 400 meters. The landscapes are completely different from those you have seen so far, and the setting in which this ancient urban center was built is extraordinary. The mist and the light of sunrise make the place even more impressive.

Archaeology and colonial chronicles have taught us a great deal, yet many discoveries remain to be made. Your guide will help you better understand what this mysterious city may have been 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, a Wonder of the Modern World and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

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

In the afternoon or early evening, depending on the 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.

It is possible to add 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 hillside more than 15 kilometers away. This archaeological site was one of the major urban centers 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, continue towards Awana Kancha, a dedicated center where many Andean camelids can be seen, including llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. This will be an opportunity to get close to these emblematic Andean animals.

Return to Cusco in the mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Cusco at your own pace.

Departure by private transport towards Chinchero, an Andean village renowned for its textile traditions, local market and Inca remains. In this setting dominated by the mountains, you will discover a place where ancestral know-how still holds an important place in daily life.

Continue to the site of Moray, a remarkable complex of circular terraces often considered to have been an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory, used to experiment with the acclimatization of different crops according to altitude and exposure.

The tour then continues to the Maras Salt Pans, a spectacular collection of salt pools worked into the mountainside since pre-Hispanic times. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, this white and ochre landscape powerfully reflects human ingenuity and the ancient relationship between local communities and their environment.

Return to Cusco at the end of the day.

Free day in Cusco, giving you time to wander at your own pace through the charming streets of this ancient city. Former 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 neighborhoods.

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 Plaza Nazarenas, it is possible to walk gradually uphill along Pumacurco Street, which leads towards the site of Saqsaywaman.

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 spine, symbolically linking the heart of the city with the ceremonial heights above it. Continuing uphill, on the left, you will reach the Church of San Cristóbal, from where a superb view opens over the rooftops of Cusco, the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding mountains.

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

Transfer to Cusco airport, then flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon.

Upon arrival, welcome at the airport and transfer to the port, where you will board a boat for a journey along the Tambopata River to the Native Community of Infierno. The boat trip already marks the entrance into another world, between tropical vegetation, wild riverbanks and the first sounds of the forest.

Check-in at Posada Amazonas lodge, then visit the canopy tower. From this observation platform rising above the treetops, you will enjoy a spectacular view over the Amazon rainforest and the Tambopata River. It is also an excellent spot for observing many bird species, depending on the activity at the time.

After breakfast, depart for a visit to Tres Chimbadas Lake. You will first reach the site by boat, after approximately thirty minutes of navigation, then continue with a walk of around forty-five minutes through the forest.

Upon arrival on the shores of the lake, an ancient oxbow surrounded by tropical vegetation, you will board a canoe or catamaran to explore this preserved natural environment. This excursion offers the opportunity to observe various bird species, caimans and, with a little luck, a family of giant river otters, one of the emblematic species of the Amazon.

After lunch, visit the Ñape Center, a community initiative dedicated to the knowledge and use of medicinal plants from the region. You will discover how certain plant species are used to prepare traditional remedies, as well as for other daily purposes, including construction, handicrafts and transport.

In the evening, take a night walk through the forest to observe the particular activity of wildlife after dark. This outing offers another perception of the Amazon, between sounds, furtive movements and species rarely seen during the day.

The time has come to leave the Amazon rainforest, dense, vibrant and mysterious. After breakfast, depart from the lodge according to your flight schedule.

Return by boat to the port, then transfer to the Rainforest Expeditions central office to collect the luggage left in storage before your stay in the forest.

You will then be driven to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in the capital, welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.