Grand Peru Circuit 360° – From the Coast to the Andes (15D/14N)

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, our team will give you a warm welcome and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest time, we will embark on a journey connecting the three historical periods of the Peruvian capital.

We will start our tour in Contemporary Lima, exploring the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Our first stop will be the iconic Parque del Amor (Park of Love), a privileged viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean offering the best views of Lima Bay. From there, we will head to Huaca Pucllana, an imposing 4th-century adobe pyramid that stands as a living testament to the pre-Columbian past amidst modernity.

We will continue to the Historic Center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will visit the San Francisco Monumental Complex, touring its colonial cloisters and descending into the fascinating Catacombs, underground passages that served as a viceregal cemetery. Finally, we will take a pedestrian walk around the Plaza Mayor, admiring the majesty of the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Lima Cathedral, surrounded by more than fifty colonial monuments that preserve the essence of the “City of Kings.” At the end, we will return to your hotel to rest.

This sensory experience begins at 10:00 a.m. with hotel pickup to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Peruvian cuisine, recognized as one of the best in the world. Our culinary adventure starts with a visit to a typical local market, a festival of colors and aromas where we will discover Peru’s natural pantry. Here, we will learn about the enormous variety of ingredients that bring our dishes to life and have the opportunity to taste unique fruits such as lucuma, cherimoya, golden berry, and pacae. We will also tour the fish and seafood section to understand why the Peruvian sea is considered one of the richest and most productive on the planet.

Our day continues with a transfer to an exclusive restaurant, where a professional chef will receive us for a hands-on and participatory class. We will learn the secrets behind the preparation of the three great ambassadors of our gastronomy: Ceviche, Causa Rellena, and Pisco Sour. The Chef will share traditional techniques and modern tips to achieve the perfect balance of flavors, allowing us to experience cooking like authentic Lima experts.

To cap off this culinary celebration, we will head to the famous “La Sirena Restobar” in Chorrillos, where we will enjoy an exceptional lunch with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. In this privileged setting, we will savor a wide variety of traditional dishes and iconic desserts. At the end, you will receive an official participation certificate, a detailed recipe book to recreate these flavors at home, and a keepsake photo with our Chef to immortalize this day full of flavor and culture.

Our journey south begins in the early hours with pickups scheduled at 3:50 a.m. at Plaza Norte and at 4:20 a.m. in San Borja. After an approximately four-hour drive, we will arrive in Paracas at 8:30 a.m. to board a maritime adventure to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, we will discover the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, a giant figure etched into the sand, and once at the islands, we will witness wildlife at its most spectacular: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of seabirds.

Upon returning to shore at 10:30 a.m., we will enjoy a tasting of traditional sweets such as chocolate-covered pecans, before heading to the hot city of Ica. At 12:15 p.m., the landscape will transform into the impressive Huacachina Oasis, the only lagoon in the midst of a desert in South America. Here, after learning its legend, we will experience the pure adrenaline of dune buggies and sandboarding down the golden dunes. To recharge, at 2:00 p.m. we will visit the Nietto Winery, where you will have free time to enjoy a regional lunch (such as Carapulcra or Sopa Seca), followed by a fun wine and pisco tasting at 3:15 p.m. Finally, at 7:00 p.m., we will board the bus to Nazca, arriving at 10:00 p.m. to rest at a cozy 3-star hotel.

We will start the day with the great expectation of seeing one of the greatest archaeological wonders in the world. At 9:00 a.m., you will be transferred to the Nasca Aerodrome to take a 35-minute overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. From the air, you will be able to contemplate 13 colossal figures, including the Hummingbird, the Condor, the Monkey, and the Astronaut, traced with precision that has defied the passage of centuries. To ensure the best visibility for all passengers, pilots perform banking maneuvers to both sides; therefore, having a very light breakfast and considering an anti-motion-sickness tablet like Dramamine is strongly recommended.

At around 1:00 p.m., we will return from the aerodrome to the city center. You will have the entire afternoon free to explore the quiet city of Nasca at your own pace, enjoy a traditional lunch on your own, walk around its welcoming Plaza de Armas, or visit the local ceramic workshops where ancient techniques are still preserved. At approximately 6:00 p.m., transport will pick you up to take you to the bus terminal to board your overnight bus to the city of Arequipa (approximate departure 7:00 p.m.), arriving at the “White City” between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following morning.

Your arrival in the city of Arequipa is expected between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., where our staff will welcome you at the bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel. Arriving so early, you can check in and settle in to enjoy a well-deserved rest after the overnight journey from Nasca.

This will be a rest and acclimatization day, ideal for getting to know the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will have free time to walk to the majestic Plaza de Armas, considered one of the most beautiful in the country for its sillar (white volcanic stone) architecture. You can visit the Cathedral, walk through the arcades, or explore nearby attractions such as the traditional San Lazaro neighborhood or the Yanahuara Viewpoint for a spectacular view of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. This pause in the itinerary will allow you to recharge and adapt to the altitude before continuing with the scheduled activities in the Andes.

Our expedition to one of the deepest canyons in the world begins with hotel pickup in the central area of Arequipa between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. We will begin the ascent through the Yura area to enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve (Pampa Cañahuas). In this vast natural setting, we will have the privilege of observing South American camelids up close: vicunas, alpacas, llamas, and guanacos, while enjoying an unprecedented view of the rear side of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes.

We will make a brief stop at the “El Chinito” sector to enjoy a comforting coca leaf tea, essential for acclimatization, as we will reach points between 3,900 and 4,000 m.a.s.l. Around midday, we will arrive at the picturesque town of Chivay, capital of the Caylloma province. After checking into the hotel and enjoying a regional lunch, we will dedicate the afternoon (at approximately 3:30 p.m.) to total relaxation at the La Calera Hot Springs, whose medicinal waters are the perfect complement to close this first day of Andean immersion.

We will start the day very early heading to the town of Yanque, where we will witness its typical dances and the colorful local customs at the main plaza. We will then head to the most anticipated point: the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint. Here we will have approximately one hour to contemplate the immensity of the Colca Canyon and marvel at the majestic flight of the Andean Condor, the world’s largest flying bird, in its natural state.

During the return journey to Chivay, we will make strategic stops in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Achoma, true natural viewpoints offering spectacular views of the valley and its pre-Inca terracing. After enjoying a Buffet Lunch in Chivay, we will begin the journey back to the city of Arequipa, arriving at approximately 4:30 p.m. At the end of the tour, you will have a few free hours in Arequipa for last-minute shopping or dinner. Finally, at the coordinated time, a car will pick you up for your transfer to the bus terminal to board your overnight bus to Puno (approximate departure 10:00 p.m.), continuing your journey toward the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Your arrival in the city of Puno is expected between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. after completing the overnight journey from Arequipa. At the bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and transfer you directly to your hotel. Arriving early, you can check in and rest, which is essential for adapting to the city’s altitude at over 3,827 m.a.s.l.

This will be a rest and personal exploration day. In the afternoon, you will have the freedom to walk through the historic center and visit the Plaza de Armas, where the imposing Puno Cathedral with its Mestizo Baroque facade stands out. You can walk along the Lima pedestrian street, full of color, craft shops, and cafés, or head to the Puno Port for your first encounter with the immensity of Lake Titicaca. This relaxed day is essential for acclimatizing your body before beginning the lake excursions the next day.

This day of cultural immersion on the world’s highest navigable lake begins with hotel pickup at 6:30 a.m. to transfer you to the main pier. At around 7:30 a.m., we will board a motorized boat to navigate to the legendary Uros Floating Islands, a marvel of ancestral engineering where entire families live on artificial islands built with totora reeds. During the visit, we will learn about their construction techniques, social organization, and have the opportunity to interact with local residents in their own environment.

We will continue our journey to Taquile Island, a place where time seems to have stood still and which is world-renowned by UNESCO for its exquisite textile art. After an uphill walk along stone trails offering cinematic views of the intense blue lake, we will reach the main village. There we will enjoy a traditional lunch (typically quinoa soup and fresh trout) and witness a demonstration of the complex weavings made primarily by the men of the community. At approximately 5:00 p.m., we will be back at the Puno port, where you will be transferred to nearby accommodation close to the terminal so you can rest until travel time. You will have the afternoon free for dinner and last-minute shopping before heading to the bus terminal to board your overnight bus to Cusco (departure 10:00 p.m.).

Your arrival in the historic city of Cusco is expected at around 5:00 a.m. after completing your overnight journey from Puno. At the bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to welcome you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Arriving early, you can check in and rest for mid-morning, essential for recovering energy and beginning your acclimatization to Cusco’s 3,399 m.a.s.l.

At 1:00 p.m., we will begin our exploration with the Archaeological City Tour. Hotel pickup will be between 12:30 and 12:40 p.m. We will start by visiting Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), the most important religious center of the Incas. We will then head outside the city to tour the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the ceremonial center of Q’enqo, the red fortress of Puka Pukara, and finally Tambomachay, the temple dedicated to the water cult. At approximately 6:30 p.m., we will return to the city center, finishing near the Plaza de Armas so you can enjoy dinner in the historic center before returning to your hotel.

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., starting an unforgettable day through the heart of the empire. Our first stop will be in Chinchero, the “Rainbow Village,” where we will explore its impressive agricultural terraces and visit a traditional textile center to learn how the locals transform alpaca wool into works of art using natural plant and mineral dyes. We will then head to the enigmatic Moray agricultural laboratories, where the deep circular terraces simulate different microclimates that allowed the Incas to experiment with crops from various regions.

We will continue to the Maras Salt Mines, a visually stunning scene with more than 3,000 white salt pools worked by hand since pre-Hispanic times. After this visit, we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a Buffet Lunch, tasting the best of Andean cuisine. In the afternoon, we will explore Ollantaytambo Fortress, the “Living Inca City,” known for its colossal temples and astonishing stone-carving precision. At this point, you will stay in the village to head to the train station and board your service to Aguas Calientes at 4:00 p.m.

Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes station, you will be received by the hotel staff, who will accompany and assist you with the transfer to your accommodation. Once settled, the guide who will accompany you at Machu Picchu will message your contact number with all final instructions, explaining in detail what time to take the ascending bus, how to go through check-in control, and the exact meeting point at the citadel gate, ensuring you are perfectly prepared for the great visit the next day.

The most anticipated day begins early following the instructions your guide provided the night before. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the bus station to board the transport that will take you on a 25-minute ascent along the Hiram Bingham road to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. At the entrance, you will meet your guide to begin an approximately two-and-a-half-hour tour of this World Heritage Site. During the tour, you will explore the citadel’s most important sectors, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Main Plaza, and the agricultural and urban zones, while uncovering the mysteries of its construction and the spiritual importance this place had for the Inca Empire.

After finishing the guided tour and marveling at the panoramic views, you will board the descending bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have free time for lunch at one of the many local restaurants or to visit the artisan market. In the afternoon, at the time indicated on your ticket, you will head to the station to board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo station, our transport will be waiting to transfer you back to the city of Cusco, concluding the day at Plaza Regocijo or Plaza San Francisco, from where you can head to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

This is a high-mountain experience designed for those seeking exclusivity and pristine landscapes. Unlike other saturated routes, the Apu Ausangate tour (6,384 m.a.s.l.) offers a deep connection with the most important sacred mountain of Cusco along a newly explored route.

The Experience: The Heart of the Sacred Apu. The day begins at 4:00 a.m. with hotel pickup. Our first stop will be in Cusipata for a nutritious Andean Buffet Breakfast. We will then continue to the Ausangate Estate, the starting point of our hike.

We will do a trek of approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour to the natural viewpoint. Along the way, you will be amazed by the reddish tones of the landscape (similar to the Red Valley) and the presence of high-Andean wildlife. Upon reaching the viewpoint, the reward is a spectacular panoramic view of the glaciers and the Turquoise Lakes, such as Pucaqocha Lagoon.

The Optional Challenge: Touching the Glacier. For the most adventurous and depending on your energy, we will have the option of an additional ascent. This is the most incredible moment of the day: you will be able to get close enough to touch the ice of the Ausangate, an experience very few travelers get to live during their visit to Peru. After this connection with the Apu, we will begin the descent to enjoy a well-deserved Buffet Lunch with local products before returning to Cusco.

We begin the day very early (at around 4:00 a.m.) with hotel pickup. Our guide will accompany you throughout the journey. We will begin the trip south of Cusco, with a first stop in Cusipata for an energizing Buffet Breakfast (included), where you can choose from a small variety of fruits, cereals, and hot beverages to start the day with energy.

After refueling, we will continue the journey along the Pitumarca route until reaching the starting point of the hike. Once at the bus stop, the guide will give you essential instructions on how to ascend the mountain and maintain an efficient pace.

You will begin the hike to Rainbow Mountain, a moderate-difficulty ascent that takes approximately 40 minutes to the first viewpoint. We will ascend to the Second Viewpoint, the highest point of the tour (5,036 m.a.s.l.), where you will enjoy a spectacular view of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the imposing Ausangate Snowcap. Here you will have time to take photographs and listen to your guide’s explanations about the geology of this natural phenomenon.

After enjoying this unique landscape, we will begin the return hike to the bus stop. Finally, we will return to the same restaurant in Cusipata for a comforting Buffet Lunch (included), with a variety of dishes to recharge. After lunch, we will begin the return trip to the city of Cusco, finishing the tour in the mid-afternoon (around 4:30 p.m.) at a central point near the Plaza de Armas.

This is the final day of your unforgettable 15-day expedition through Peru. According to your scheduled return flight time, our private transport will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in the city of Cusco.

During the journey, our staff will assist you with your luggage and accompany you to the check-in area to ensure your registration and baggage check process is fast and hassle-free. We will say goodbye to the imperial capital with the satisfaction of having provided you with an experience full of history, culture, and memorable landscapes. With this transfer, our services conclude, wishing you an excellent trip home.