Essential Peru

13 days and 12 nights

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Titicaca, Arequipa, Colca, Lima & Paracas

$3750

Essential Peru: discover, explore, live.

Are you ready to experience Peru in an extraordinary way? Embark on a 13-day, 12-night adventure that will take you from the Pacific coast to the majestic Andes, discovering the diversity, history, world-class cuisine, and magic of this unique country.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Airport reception and transfer to your designated hotel in Lima.

Welcome to Lima, the international gateway to Peru. These next few days are packed with adventure, we’ll meet you upon arrival at the Lima airport and take you to your hotel for a good night’s rest after your flight.

Day 2 – Visit to the Historic Center of Lima.

Lima Cathedral
Main Square of Lima and changing of the guard in Government Palace.
Lunch
Visit to Miraflores and Barranco.
Visit to the Magic Water Circuit
Overnight in Lima

Day 3 – Ica, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve

Visit to the Ballestas Islands
Lunch
Visit to the Paracas National Reserve
Dune buggy ride in the desert and sandboard
Visit to the Amador Ballumbrosio Culture Center (Afro-Peruvian culture: dance and music)
Overnight in Lima

Day 4 – Arequipa, the White City

Transfer from the hotel in Lima to Callao Airport
Flight Lima – Arequipa
Transfer from Arequipa Airport to hotel in the city
Lunch at a traditional restaurant (picanteria).
Visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Overnight in Arequipa

Day 5 – Chivay

Transfer from Arequipa City to the Colca Canyon.
Arrival to Chivay
Lunch
Visit to hot springs La Calera
Overnight in Chivay.

Day 6 – Colca Canyon tour

Excursion to the Colca Canyon.
Cruz del Condor viewpoint
Lunch in Chivay
Transfer from Chivay to Puno
Overnight in hotel in Puno

Day 7 – Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands and Amantaní

Transfer to the port of Puno
Visit to the floating Uros islands.
Arrival at Amantaní, the largest island in Lake Titicaca
Traditional lunch
Guided tour of Amantaní island.
Evening at traditional folk music gathering.
Overnight stay with a family in Amantaní

Day 8 – Lake Titicaca, Taquile island

Transfer from Amantaní island to Taquile island.
Tour of Taquile island to appreciate its landscapes and living culture.
Lunch at a country restaurant overlooking Lake Titicaca.
Transfer from Taquile island to Puno City.
Overnight in Puno.

Day 9 – From Puno to Cusco City: the Route of the Sun

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the bus terminal for your journey to Cusco.
Along the way, you’ll make stops for guided visits to important pre-Columbian and colonial sites, including Raqchi and the beautifully adorned church of Andahuaylillas.
Buffet lunch
Arrival in Cusco at night and transfer from the bus terminal to the hotel
Overnight in Cusco

Day 10 – Vinicunca Montain

Pick-up at the hotel, approximately at 4:00 am.
Buffet breakfast
Entrance to Rainbow Mountain
Buffet lunch.
Return to Cusco City
Overnight in Cusco

Day 11 – Rural experience in the Andes

Pick-up at the hotel and transfer to Chinchero.
Rural experience in Chinchero, Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Lunch (pachamanca and vegetarian option)
Visit to the Maras Salt Mines.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 12 – Machu Picchu

In the morning, visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
Lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo
In the afternoon, visit the Aguas Calientes hot springs
Overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 13 – Return to Lima

Transfer from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Cusco City
Farewell lunch
Transfer to Cusco Airport
Arrival at Callao Airport
End of services.

Price per person: $3750

Tour dates:

From May 30 to June 11 2027
From July 04 to July 16 2027
From July 18 to July 30 2027

Included:

Double/Triple Occupancy in 3 and 4 star hotels.
Airline tickets Lima – Arequipa and Cusco – Lima with cabin baggage up to 23 pounds (10 kilograms) and hold baggage up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo in tourist service (PeruRail or IncaRail, depending on availability).
Accommodation: 3 nights in Lima, 1 night in Arequipa, 1 night in Chivay, 2 nights in Puno, 1 night in Amantaní (family home), 2 nights in Cusco and 2 nights in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
Ground transportation and entrance fees
Breakfast at all hotels
Lunch from day 2 to day 13
All airport/bus terminal – hotel – airport/bus terminal transfers