Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Peru, designed for adventurers and culture enthusiasts. This comprehensive tour takes you from the bustling capital of Lima to the ancient wonders of Cusco and the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. Experience the iconic 4-day Inca Trail trek, culminating in the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. Continue your adventure to the serene shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno, exploring the unique floating islands of Uros and Taquile. Discover the charm of Arequipa, the ‘White City,’ and marvel at the spectacular depths of the Colca Canyon, home to the majestic Andean Condor. The tour concludes with a thrilling flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines before returning to Lima. This itinerary combines cultural immersion, historical exploration, and incredible natural landscapes, offering a truly ‘Golden Peru’ experience.
Arrival in Lima
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Upon arrival at Lima’s airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for accommodation. Take some time to relax and prepare for your grand Peruvian adventure.
Cusco City Tour
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Begin your day with an early morning transfer to Lima’s airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in. In the afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, embark on a comprehensive city tour. Visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, the impressive Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), and the iconic Inca archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Sacred Valley of the Incas & Ollantaytambo
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At 9:00 AM, our bus will pick you up from your hotel to explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Enjoy visits to the vibrant Pisac Market and the formidable Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town and fortress. You will spend the night in Ollantaytambo.
Inca Trail Begins
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This spectacular journey begins with an early morning bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Km. 82, the official starting point of the Inca Trail. Here, you will meet your porters and organize all necessary equipment for the trek. You will begin your hike, immersed in the stunning Andean landscape, and camp at a designated site for the night. (For more detailed information, please refer to the Inca Trail 4D/3N itinerary).
Trekking the Inca Trail
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Wake up to a scenic morning on the Inca Trail. Today involves more trekking through diverse ecological zones, passing various Inca ruins and enjoying panoramic views. Your guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the Inca civilization. You will camp at another picturesque location.
Towards Machu Picchu
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Continue your exhilarating trek along the Inca Trail, tackling challenging ascents and descents while passing through stunning cloud forests and high mountain passes. Along the way, you will visit more fascinating Inca archaeological sites, learning about their significance. Your final night of camping will be spent in anticipation of reaching Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
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Today is the highlight of your trek! An early start will take you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. You will then descend into the magnificent citadel for a comprehensive guided tour of this ancient wonder, exploring its temples, terraces, and plazas. After your tour, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes and then board a train back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Tourist Bus to Puno
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At 7:30 AM, embark on a scenic full-day tourist bus journey to Puno. Along the way, enjoy stops to visit significant sites such as the colonial church of Andahuaylillas (often called the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Andes’), the archaeological site of Raqchi, a stop for a delicious lunch in Sicuani, and the ancient ruins of Pukara. You will arrive in Puno, nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca, around 5:30 PM and be transferred to your hotel.
Uros & Taquile Islands
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At 7:30 AM, you will be transferred from your hotel to Puno’s port to take a memorable boat tour on Lake Titicaca. Explore the unique floating islands of Uros, built entirely from totora reeds, and the picturesque island of Taquile, known for its vibrant textiles and community. Return to Puno in the afternoon. At 5:30 PM, you will board a comfortable bus for a 4-hour journey to Arequipa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
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Today, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Arequipa, the ‘White City,’ renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture crafted from white volcanic sillar stone. Visit the stunning Church of Compañía, known for its impressive Andean Baroque style and cloisters. Explore the beautiful Plaza de Armas and the magnificent Arequipa Cathedral with its classic façade, French pulpit, and Italian decor. Continue to the famous Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant ‘city within a city’ where women once lived as nuns. This immersive tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Colca Canyon & Chivay
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Your adventure to the spectacular Colca Canyon begins with a pick-up from your hotel by private transport. After a 2-hour drive, you will cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Vicuña Reserve. Stop at Patahuasi, where you can admire the majestic Misti Volcano and enjoy a traditional coca tea to help with altitude sickness. There’s also a market for local crafts. Continue to a viewpoint at 4900 meters (16,076 feet) for panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Misti, Chachani, and Ampato (where the Juanita Mummy was discovered). Arrive in Chivay, the capital of the Colca/Caylloma region, around 1:30 PM for lunch at a traditional restaurant. Afterward, enjoy free time in Chivay and visit the relaxing Calera hot springs before heading to your hotel.
Cruz del Condor & Colca Canyon
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After breakfast at 6:00 AM, you will travel to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, approximately a 2-hour drive. Along the way, stop to capture photos of the charming towns on the other side of the canyon, such as Coporaque, Lari, and Ichupampa. From Cruz del Condor, witness the majestic flight of the magnificent Andean Condors and marvel at the impressive depths of the Colca Canyon. Afterward, return to Chivay for lunch, making stops at interesting towns like Pinchollo and Maca. After lunch in Chivay, you will return to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Flight over Nazca Lines
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Today, board a bus for your journey to Nazca. In the afternoon, experience a thrilling 40-minute flight over the world-famous and enigmatic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Witness the mysterious figures of animals, plants, and geometric shapes from above. You will then be transferred to your hotel.
Bus to Lima
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On your day of departure from Nazca, you will take a bus back to Lima (approximately 6 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some well-deserved free time in the capital city to explore at your leisure or relax.
Departure from Lima
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In the early morning, you will be transferred to Lima’s airport for your international flight back home, concluding your incredible Golden Peru adventure.
A valid passport is required for all travelers. Inca Trail permits must be secured several months in advance due to strict daily limits. Altitude sickness can be a concern; consult your doctor and stay hydrated.
For the Inca Trail, typically trekkers are allowed a small personal daypack (5-7 kg) with essentials like water, snacks, camera, and rain gear. Your main luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cusco and picked up after the trek. Porters carry tents, food, and your duffel bags (usually 5-7 kg limit per person, provided by the operator) between campsites. Specific limits will be communicated upon booking.
While not explicitly stated as mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for this extensive tour. It should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (especially important for treks at high altitude), trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability. Please ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking if you plan to do the Inca Trail.
The best time to visit Peru, especially for the Inca Trail and Andean regions, is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you can expect sunnier days and less rain, making trekking conditions more favorable. However, it’s also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and book well in advance. Shoulder seasons (April and November) can also be good with fewer crowds and decent weather.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options can generally be accommodated throughout the tour, especially during the Inca Trail trek where meals are prepared by the trekking crew. For hotel stays and restaurant meals, it’s advisable to inform the operator of your dietary preferences at the time of booking to ensure suitable arrangements can be made in advance. While options are available, variety might be more limited in certain remote areas.
This tour, particularly due to the 4-day Inca Trail trek and significant altitude changes, is considered challenging and not generally suitable for young children or individuals with mobility issues, heart conditions, or severe respiratory problems. Participants should be in excellent physical condition and comfortable with sustained walking at high altitudes. Alternative, less strenuous tours are available for those who prefer a more relaxed pace or have specific accessibility needs.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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