South Peru Circuit III

Dive into Lima's rich history as our tour unfolds through the city's three pivotal eras: Pre-hispanic, Colonial, and Modern. Begin with a panoramic sweep of “La Huaca Pucllana,” a testament to Lima's ancient civilizations. The journey continues to the heart of Lima's Historical Downtown, where you'll be mesmerized by its grand palaces, mansions, churches, and squares, each a narrative of the city's colonial past. As we venture into the residential elegance of San Isidro, the tour gradually transitions into the modern vibrancy of Lima. Culminate your experience with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from Miraflores, capturing the essence of Lima's contemporary charm. This experience is enriched with exclusive admissions to the BCR Museum, offering a treasure trove of Peruvian heritage, and the Complejo Monumental San Francisco, renowned for its historic catacombs. Please note, the BCR Museum welcomes visitors during specific times and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays afternoon, and all day on Mondays. Conclude your day with a return to your hotel.

Early in the morning, transfer to airport to take a flight to Arequipa. Assistance on arrival in Arequipa and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to take a short rest to be acclimatized to the altitude. In the Afternoon, discover the enchanting 'White City' of Arequipa and the serene Santa Catalina Convent on this immersive city tour. Begin your journey through Arequipa's historic center, where colonial churches, plazas, and buildings made from white sillar stone create a stunning urban landscape against the backdrop of Misti Volcano. Stroll through the vibrant streets, soaking in the city's lively atmosphere and colonial heritage. The highlight of the tour is the Santa Catalina Convent, a sprawling religious complex that's more like a city within a city. With its vividly painted walls, charming streets, and tranquil courtyards, the convent offers a glimpse into the secluded lives of the nuns who have inhabited it since the 16th century. Explore the peaceful cloisters, picturesque gardens, and richly decorated chapels, and discover the unique blend of Spanish and indigenous architectural styles. After our tour, return to hotel. Free night.  

Early in the morning, after breakfast, embark on a Journey to the Colca Canyon, visiting on the way Pampas Cañahuas, the Mirador of the Andes, the crater of Chucura, the Mirador of Chivay, where pre-inca andens may be appreciated. Arrival to the town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. approx. Transfer to your selected Hotel. Box lunch Included (light meals in the altitude). In the afternoon free time to visit thermal and medical baths . 20.00 Dinner

After an early breakfast, journey to Condor's Cross, a prime viewpoint to witness the grandeur of Colca Canyon and the awe-inspiring flight of the Andean condors. Marvel at these majestic birds soaring against the backdrop of one of the world's deepest canyons. Following this breathtaking experience and lunch, embark on an afternoon trip to Puno via tourist bus. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your selected hotel in Puno, a city known for its proximity to the mystical Lake Titicaca and rich cultural heritage. This day combines natural wonders with a smooth transition to your next Andean adventure.

Early in the morning after breakfast, take a full day motor boat excursion on the Titicaca Lake waters towards the unique Floating Islands of the Uros, ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe. This Andean natives built their own islands by adding periodically new layers of a unique plant called totora (a type of reed), as well as their homes and boats. Next continue your motor boat trip to the Taquile Island, inhabited by quechua-speaking natives who have developed an efficient and original social systems and a fine hand weaving technique through generations. After lunch at a local posada of Taquile, take a walk through the several hills and archaeological sites of this 6km long island. Early afternoon return to Puno for overnight at selected hotel. 

Embark on the "Route of the Sun" from Puno to Cusco, a journey that takes you through the stunning Andean landscape and rich cultural heritage of Peru. This full-day bus tour includes five key stops at historical and cultural sites:

1. Pukara: Your first stop is at the Pukara Museum, where you can explore the artifacts and history of the pre-Inca civilization and see the famous Pukara bulls.

2. La Raya Pass: At the journey’s highest point, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes, capturing the natural beauty of the region.

3. Sicuani: Stop for a lunch break in Sicuani, offering a moment to relax and savor local cuisine in a charming Andean town.

4. Raqchi: Visit the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, an archaeological site that showcases the architectural brilliance of the Inca Empire.

5. Andahuaylillas: Conclude the tour stops with a visit to the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its exquisite interior artwork.

The journey concludes in Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, setting the stage for your next adventure. Throughout the trip, enjoy guided explanations and comfortable onboard amenities, making your travel both informative and pleasant. 

Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. We´ll have the opportunity to bargain with vendors and stroll at the Pisac's typical Indian market, with a catholic mass service on Sunday (celebrated in Quechua, the native language).
Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.

In the afternoon pass through Calca and Urubamba towns to arrive to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entry of this part of the valley and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles; consisting in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the military strategy against possible invasions.

In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for a journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station and transfer to your selected Hotel.

The day starts with an early morning transfer to the bus station for a 30 minute journey, ascending a zigzag path, to the incredible Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided tour of the ancient citadel. Highlights include the Main Square, the enigmatic Circular Tower, the sacred Intihuatana (Sun Dial), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the intricate cemeteries. Lunch in a restaurant at Aguas Calientes town.

In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight. Evening free.

In the morning, Historical guided city tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun.

After, we'll leave the city to visit the Inca sites of Qenqo, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Qenqo: An archaeological site featuring intriguing carved rock formations and underground channels, believed to have been used by the Incas for ceremonial and religious purposes.

Tambomachay: Known as the "Inca Baths," Tambomachay boasts water fountains used for rituals and purification. Its architecture and hydraulic engineering are remarkable.

Puca Pucara: An ancient military fortress guarding the access to Cusco, named for its red stones.

Sacsayhuaman: An awe-inspiring fortress with enormous, precisely carved stones forming its walls. It offers panoramic views of Cusco.

Return to the city of Cusco.

4:00am. Embark on our full day Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco. We will travel by tourist bus around two hours to the south until arriving to the village of Cusipata, where we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast.

After the breakfast we will travel by car 1 hour to the trailhead, known as Phulawasipata, where we will start the trek. The trek will last approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours to Vinicunca Pass, the classic viewpoint for Rainbow Mountain. Along the way, we will appreciate the typical landscape and flora and fauna of the Andes, among which Llamas and Alpacas stand out.

Then we will return by the same route to the point where we started the trek (Phulawasipata), where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusipata; here we will enjoy the buffet lunch. After lunch we will start heading to back to Cusco for overnight.  

Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the airport to departure to Lima.

Arrival in Lima, and transfer to the bus station to departure to Paracas. (3 Hours)

Arrival in Paracas and transfer to your selected hotel.

Embark on a morning boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, located within the Paracas National Reserve. This journey offers a chance to witness an array of wildlife, including sea lions, bobo birds, pelicans, penguins, and various marine birds in their natural habitat. During the return trip, marvel at the "Candelabro," a mysterious geoglyph etched into a hillside, reminiscent of the Nazca Lines.

Following the island tour, transfer to Pisco airport for your overflight of the Nazca Lines.

OVERFLIGHT OF THE NAZCA LINES FROM PISCO (1 HOUR 40 MIN) : 
ROUTE Ocucaje Valley - Panoramic view of the mountains that keep marine fossils from 150 million years old. Valleys of Santa Cruz, Palpa, Viscas, Ingenio - where the Paracas and Nazca culture developed (800 BC -700 AD).
The large center lines, Trapezoids (airports ET), The Whale, Compass, Astronaut, Monkey, Dog, Hummingbird, Condor, Spider, Alcatraz / Flamingo, Parrot, Hands and Tree. Overflight through 2 geoglyphs of Palpa: Palpa Hummingbird and The Star.

Overnight in Paracas

Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the bus station to departure to Lima.

Arrival in Lima, and transfer to your selected hotel. Free evening.

Early in the morning, transfer to airport for your international flight home. This marks the conclusion of our travel services, wrapping up an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru and the majestic splendors of Machu Picchu.