Magical Peru - Wonders of the South
Beginning in the capital, Lima, and finishing in Cusco, this 13 day circuit stops in the desert province of Ica, the culinary capital of Arequipa, the magnificent Colca Canyon, the indigenous world of Lake Titicaca and the Inca and Colonial richness of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
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DAY 1 | Arrival in Lima | Afternoon at leisure.
Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our transportation service and a representative take you to the selected hotel.
DAY 2 | Lima - Paracas. A transportation service with a representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the bus station in Lima. From there, you will board a bus heading towards the southern coast of Peru, to Paracas, with a journey of approximately three and a half hours. Paracas is known for its mild desert climate and is an ideal destination year-round for nature and ancient history enthusiasts. Its impressive National Reserve offers stunning landscapes, rock formations, and turquoise beaches. Upon arrival at the Paracas bus station, you will head to your hotel.
DAY 3 | Paracas | Ballesta Islands - Nazca. Head to the El Chaco pier to embark on a one-and-a-half-hour boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. This natural reserve is known for its stunning geological formations, rich fauna, and remnants of pre-Incan cultures. The Ballestas Islands are home to a wide variety of species, including blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and other fascinating animals. During the tour, you will also see a mysterious linear design in the desert sand called the Candelabro. After the tour, you will continue your journey to Nazca City. You will be transferred to the Paracas bus station to take the bus to Nazca, a four-hour trip. Upon arrival at the Nazca bus station, you are transferred to your hotel.
DAY 4 | Nazca | Nazca Lines Overflight - Arequipa. Today, you will be picked up in the morning to fly over the Nazca Lines from the local aerodrome. From the air, you will observe giant figures such as a monkey, a spider, and a condor while trying to decipher their mysterious patterns. This enigmatic flight lasts for 30 minutes. Afterward, you will have free time in the city. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the bus station to take the bus from Nazca to Arequipa, for approximately ten hours. Upon arrival at the Arequipa bus station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
DAY 5 | Arequipa | City tour and Monastery of Santa Catalina. Our guide and transportation will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Carmen Alto viewpoint, where you can admire the Chili River and the Misti and Chanchani volcanoes. Next, you will visit Yanahuara's viewpoint to appreciate the urban contrast and see constructions of white volcanic stone known as sillar. Afterward, the tour will continue at Plaza de Armas, a quintessential urban meeting space. Finally, you will explore the Convent of Santa Catalina, featuring plazas, cloisters, and streets. *Dress code for visiting churches: pants, long shorts, or skirts that cover the knees; otherwise, entry will not be permitted. Please note that, as this is a shared service, the pickup window is 30 minutes from the scheduled start time.
DAY 6 | Arequipa - Colca Canyon. The tour begins by exploring the Colca Valley, passing through the district of Yura. Then, cross the Pampas Cañahuas Reserve, home to an extensive population of vicuñas, one of Peru's four native Andean camelids. Next, travel through the Pampas de Viscachani and Toccra, skirting the crater of the Chucura volcano until reaching the Andes viewpoint at Patapampa. Finally, you will arrive in the town of Chivay around noon for lunch, followed by a transfer to the hotel in the Colca Valley to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. *Please note that the pickup range for this shared service is 30 minutes from the start time. As an option, passengers staying in hotels without thermal baths may visit the thermal baths in the afternoon.
DAY 7 | Colca Canyon - Puno. Today you will visit the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where you can enjoy a natural spectacle watching condors soar over the canyon. Afterward, descend to the valley floor to explore some picturesque rural villages along the Colca River, such as Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. Then, make stops at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints to take in more breathtaking views of the majestic valley. On the return journey to Chivay, take a detour through Patahuasi en route to Puno, where you can admire the high plains, unique rock formations, and impressive lagoons. Finally, after an approximately 6-hour journey, you will arrive in Puno around 6:00 PM and be transferred to your hotel. This tour is shared with other passengers.
DAY 8 | Puno | Lake Titicaca, Uros and Taquile Islands. In the high-altitude city of Puno lies Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Here, the Uros people constitute an ancestral society inhabiting artificial islands constructed on bases woven from totora reeds, which grow in the lake itself. The tour begins with a transfer to the port of Puno, where a boat awaits to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. After a magical one-and-a-half-hour excursion, you will continue to the island of Taquile, renowned for its ancestral culture and traditional way of life. Here, there will be an informational session about the island, followed by a delightful lunch. Finally, you will return to the city of Puno. *Please note that, as this is a shared service, the pickup window is 30 minutes from the scheduled start time.
DAY 9 | Puno - Cusco. Get ready for a journey to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, exploring a route that winds through stunning Andean landscapes, featuring villages and native wildlife. During the tour, you will make a stop at the archaeological site of Pucará, dating back to 200 B.C. - 300 A.D. Afterward, a brief stop will be made at La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,313 meters above sea level, followed by a delightful lunch. Continuing the journey, you'll have the opportunity to visit the town of Raqchi, famous for its Temple of Wiracocha. Additionally, explore the charming Andahuaylillas town, renowned for its church, known as the Sistine Chapel of America due to its impressive artworks. Finally, you'll arrive at your hotel in Cusco and receive assistance during your check-in. *Please note that due to the shared nature of this service, the pickup window is 30 minutes from the scheduled start time.
DAY 10 | Cusco | City tour and nearby archaeological sites. Enjoy a guided tour of the charming and magical city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire. Start visiting the Santo Domingo Convent in the Coricancha temple. Then, visit the main temple of the city of Cusco, known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. Later, tour the Cusco hills of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, visit the Qenqo archaeological complex, and walk through the Puca Pucara military architectural complex and the ruins of Tambomachay, also known as the Inca spa. Finally, return to the selected hotel. This tour is shared with other passengers. *Please note that the pickup window for this shared service is 30 minutes from the start time. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC), included in the itinerary, is a personal and non-transferable document that provides access to 16 important attractions in Cusco and its surroundings, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It also allows entry to various sites in the Sacred Valley Circuit, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray, and Chinchero.
DAY 11 | Cusco - Sacred Valley | Chinchero, Ollantaytambo & Living Museum of Yucay. Start your tour today by heading to the picturesque village of Chinchero. You will begin by exploring the impressive agricultural terraces and the 17th-century church, built upon an ancient Inca palace and recognized as one of Peru's earliest Catholic structures. Along the route, there will be a stop at a lookout point to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, you will visit the Living Museum of Yucay, where you can witness the creation of textiles, adobe crafts, ceramics, and silverware using ancient Inca techniques. You will savor a delightful typical lunch in the Sacred Valley. After lunch, head to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, an important ceremonial center renowned for its stunning agricultural terraces cascading down the surrounding mountainsides. Upon concluding this full-day tour, you will return to the hotel to rest and soak in the renewed Incan spirit. *Please note that due to the shared nature of this service, the pick-up window is 30 minutes from the scheduled start time. The Chinchero market is included in tourist visits planned for Sundays.
DAY 12 | Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. Our transportation service picks you up from your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) and transfers you to the Ollantaytambo train station. This transfer is shared with other passengers. *Please note that the pickup window is up to 30 minutes as a shared transfer. Board the Inca Rail's Voyager train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Town) and receive assistance upon your arrival. Your return trip to Ollantaytambo station will also be on board the 360° train. Each journey lasts about one and a half hours, and schedules are subject to availability. Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, features a lively craft market, various restaurants, and lodging options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away is Machu Picchu, an impressive architectural and engineering marvel believed to have been a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu translates to "Old Mountain," which enchants visitors with its historical grandeur and natural beauty. After the visit, travelers return by bus to Aguas Calientes to begin the journey back to Cusco. This tour is shared with other passengers. *Remember to confirm your reservation as soon as possible to proceed with the purchase of tickets in advance due to the limited capacity of the citadel. The specific circuit to visit Machu Picchu and schedule will be selected according to availability at the time of reservation confirmation. You can check the circuits by visiting this link: https://acortar.link/TQYAEj Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor. After your train journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, a transfer will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to the selected hotel in Cusco. This transfer will be shared with other passengers. *Please note that as it is a shared transfer, the waiting time from the train arrival is up to 30 minutes before departing to Cusco.
DAY 13 | Cusco | Departure. Our transportation service and a representative pick you up to take you from your selected hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Domestic flight from Cusco to Lima.
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Sample 2025 price per person: (ask for child rates)
List of Hotels in Various Categories |
