Peru Odyssey – 21 Days of Discovery

Day 1

Transfer to your hotel in Lima

Arrive in Lima and transfer to a hotel in the Pacific coast district of Miraflores.

After landing at the airport, you’ll be greeted by our local representative, who will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to your hotel.

The drive to Miraflores typically takes around 30 – 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of Lima’s diverse architecture, from modern high-rises to historic colonial buildings. Your driver may take the scenic Costa Verde route, which runs along the Pacific coastline, offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze.

As you approach Miraflores, you’ll notice the district’s lush parks, trendy cafes, and bustling markets. Once you check in, you can either relax at your hotel or explore all that the area has to offer.

Stay at - Pullman Lima Miraflores

Day 2

Guided tour of Lima and the Larco Museum

Lima is a sprawling, intricate metropolis with a rich history that spans from ancient pre-Columbian cultures, through Spanish settlement, to its current status as a vibrant, burgeoning hub of trade, industry, and tourism.

Today’s private city tour begins at Plaza San Martín, an historic square adorned with colonial churches, promenades, and palaces. As you explore further, you’ll see several magnificent sites, including the Torre Tagle Palace.

Continuing the tour, you’ll encounter the Monastery of San Francisco, a stunning edifice that blends Baroque and Moorish architectural styles. This monastery is home to a fascinating library and eerie catacombs, offering a glimpse into Lima’s religious and cultural heritage.

The final stop is at the Larco Museum. Here, you’ll marvel at an exquisite collection of intricately crafted pottery, unique gold and silver artifacts, mummies, and ceramics from pre-Inca civilizations. This museum provides a captivating insight into the rich and diverse history of ancient Peru.

Stay at - Pullman Lima Miraflores

Day 3

Nazca Lines and Paracas National Reserve

Transfer from Lima to Pisco, driving along the famed Pan-American Highway. As you travel south, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the picturesque coastal landscape.

Upon arriving in Pisco, embark on an unforgettable sightseeing flight over the Nazca Lines. These ancient geoglyphs, etched into the desert floor, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes, and remain one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. From the air, you’ll have a unique perspective on these incredible creations, marvelling at their scale and precision.

After your flight, visit the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Here, you can explore the rugged coastline, spot sea lions, flamingos, and other bird species, and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Stay at - La Hacienda Bahia Paracas

Day 4

Ballestas Islands boat trip and Tacama vineyard visit

Take an exciting boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru.” This adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Peru’s most remarkable natural treasures.

As your boat sets sail, cruise along the stunning coastline of the Paracas Peninsula, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of the famous Candelabra geoglyph, an enormous and mysterious figure etched into the hillside. This ancient symbol, visible from the sea, adds an intriguing historical element to your journey.

Continuing towards the Ballestas Islands, you encounter a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The islands are home to a diverse array of marine animals, including playful sea lions, curious Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds such as cormorants, pelicans, and Peruvian boobies. As you navigate around the islands, your guide will provide fascinating insights into the region’s ecology and the behaviours of the wildlife you observe.

In the afternoon, transfer to Nazca, stopping at the renowned Tacama Winery, one of the oldest vineyards in South America, for lunch, a tour and some tastings en route.

Stay at - Casa Andina Standard – Nazca

Day 5

Nazca aqueducts tour and journey to Arequipa

Take a morning excursion to the ancient aqueducts of Nazca, a remarkable feat of engineering that have stood the test of time. These aqueducts, known as “Puquios,” were constructed by the Nazca civilization over 1,500 years ago and continue to function to this day, providing a vital water supply to the arid region. Learn about the construction techniques and materials used, as well as the cultural and environmental factors that influenced their design.

After your visit, transfer by bus to Arequipa. The buses are equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard restrooms, ensuring a pleasant and convenient journey. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the arid desert plains of Nazca to the rugged mountains and fertile valleys of the Andes. Along the way, pass through charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character and cultural heritage. Alternatively, you can choose to transfer back to Lima and fly to Arequipa.

Stay at - Casa Andina Select Arequipa

Day 6

Arequipa walking tour

Enjoy a leisurely morning, before taking an afternoon tour exploring Arequipa’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Arequipa, the ‘White City,’ is celebrated for its wealth of beautifully preserved or restored colonial buildings and churches. The city’s nickname comes from the reflection of sunlight off the white volcanic sillar rock that forms much of its architecture. Wherever you are in the city, the perfect cone of Volcán Misti and its sister peak Chachani, dominate the skyline.

Your excursion begins uphill from the centre, offering a chance to appreciate the city’s layout. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, Arequipa’s main square, and visit the Jesuit church of La Compañía, renowned for its intricately sculpted façade and ornate altar. One of the day’s highlights is the visit to the Convent of Santa Catalina. This enclosed city-within-a-city, with its cerulean blue walls, sillar paving stones, and terracotta courtyards, is a haven of tranquillity. At every turn, narrow cobblestone alleyways lead to tiny stone steps, sparse woodsmoke-stained cells, or flower-filled cloisters.

Stay at - Casa Andina Select Arequipa

Day 7

Transfer to the Colca Canyon

Travel through the picturesque landscapes of the Peruvian Andes towards the vast Colca Canyon. The route takes you through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot herds of vicuñas, graceful relatives of llamas, known for their fine wool. The reserve is also home to various other species, including Andean foxes, vizcachas (a type of rodent), and numerous bird species such as flamingos and Andean geese.

The roads are a little steep and winding in some areas, adding to the adventure and ensuring stunning panoramic views. As you ascend to higher elevations, notice the changing scenery, from lush valleys to rugged mountain terrain. The journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the diverse ecosystems of the region, including high-altitude wetlands and puna grasslands.

Stay at - Colca Lodge

Day 8

Condor Cross and canyon exploration

Today, you’ll embark on a scenic drive along the canyon’s rim to the Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking 1,200-meter drop to the canyon floor. Here, if you’re fortunate, you’ll witness the magnificent condors soaring and gliding on the thermals. These birds, with their snowy heads and serrated wing tips, boast wingspans of up to 3 meters.

You will also visit other sites that may include the towns of Yanque and Maca. Yanque is known for its white 18th-century church, thermal baths, and small museum. Maca, set on a fault line, has suffered from various earth tremors, leaving behind abandoned houses and fissures in the fields as evidence of its volcanic instability. The pre-Inca town of Uyu Uyu, where structures were built into cliffs overlooking the agricultural lands below, is another potential stop.

Stay at - Colca Lodge

Day 9

Transfer to Lake Titicaca

Take a spectacular road journey, traversing the Andean highland moors, to the vibrant port and university town of Puno. Situated at 3,805 meters above sea level, Puno rests on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Along the route, you may have the opportunity to stop by small highland lakes, where flamingos can often be seen feeding in the mineral-rich waters. A worthwhile detour is the isolated, rosy-hued town of Lampa, known for its quirky church and eerie catacombs, which commemorate a particularly gruesome battle between the indigenous people and the Spanish armies.

The vast, indigo Lake Titicaca, resembling an inland sea, straddles the Peruvian-Bolivian border. Its fish-laden waters and fertile surrounding soil are the lifeblood of subsistence farming communities clustered in numerous adobe villages along the water’s edge. According to legend, this mystical spot is the birthplace of the Inca civilization, where the progeny of the Sun God emerged from its depths to empower the empire.

Stay at - Posada del Inca Puno

Day 10

Taquile, Luquina Chico and the Uros Islands

Join a motorboat journey across Lake Titicaca to visit the remote and tranquil Taquile Island. This 7-kilometre-long island is free of roads and vehicles, and its terraced hills are scattered with pre-Inca ruins. Taquile is renowned for its intricate textile art, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Next, continue by boat to the indigenous village of Luquina Chico. This community-based tourism initiative, which strictly controls visitor access, offers a unique insight into local life. The villagers are known for their hospitality and traditional agricultural practices.

In the afternoon, visit the Uros Islands. These floating islands are constructed entirely from the lake’s totora reeds, the same material used to build their canoes. The ‘ground’ moves perceptibly beneath your feet, creating a unique experience. The Uros people built these islands centuries ago to escape conflicts with the Colla and Inca peoples, first surviving through fishing, but now primarily earning their living by selling handicrafts to tourists.

Stay at - Posada del Inca Puno

Day 11

Train ride to Cusco

Experience an extraordinary ten-hour train journey from Puno to Cusco, crossing the remote highland plains. One of the highlights is passing through the scenic La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route (4,335 metres), where you can marvel at the majestic peaks and vast altiplano.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to tasty meals, live music and traditional dances, immersing you in the rich culture of the region. This journey is not just a means of travel but a memorable adventure through one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of Peru.

Stay at - Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Day 12

Cusco and Sacsayhuamán ruins

Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. The city’s name, derived from the Quechua word for “navel,” reflects its historical significance as the centre of the Inca world.

A guided tour will take you for a wander through its cobbled streets where you will encounter impressive Inca walls, colonial churches, and bustling squares filled with local artisans and lively markets. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is palpable.

Perched on the hillside above, are the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán, which you will visit next. In 1536, a desperate and defining three-day battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Inca. The first conquistadores to lay eyes on it were awestruck, and centuries later, it remains an extraordinary and imposing sight, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization.

Stay at - Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Day 13

Chinchero, Maras and Moray

Travel through the stunning Andean countryside, with majestic purple peaks as your backdrop, to the enchanting village of Chinchero. Chinchero is a picturesque village renowned for its vibrant Sunday market, where locals gather to sell their colourful textiles and crafts. The central square features a magnificent Inca wall on its western side, and is overlooked by the town’s colonial church, built of adobe and beautifully decorated with intricate floral designs.

Next, visit the Maras saltpans, a stunning series of terraced pools where saline water from a natural spring is evaporated by the intense Andean sun. These saltpans have been in use since Inca times and are still worked by the local community today. Continue to Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory consisting of concentric terraces carved into a large natural amphitheatre. Each terrace has its own microclimate, allowing the Incas to experiment with different crops and growing conditions.

If time permits, visit a traditional weaving project where local women demonstrate their techniques. Learn about the use of natural dyes and patterns unique to the various mountain communities surrounding the Sacred Valley. This is also a fantastic opportunity to purchase high-quality products directly from the artisans. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 14

At leisure in the Sacred Valley

Today is designated a rest day, when you can relax and recover from your busy schedule. However, if you want to remain active, your choice of optional activities is extensive. Perhaps visit the ancient ruins of Pisac, where you can explore the impressive Inca terraces and enjoy panoramic views of the valley, before a wander through the vibrant market, where you can shop for traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Or head to the town of Ollantaytambo, known for its well-preserved Inca architecture and the imposing fortress that overlooks the town.

For those wanting a bit more adventure, mountain biking, kayaking, white water rafting and hiking are just some of the options nearby.

Day 15

Visit Machu Picchu

After transferring by road to Ollantaytambo, take a scenic 1.5-hour train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. As the Urubamba River winds through its narrow gorge, flanked by densely forested granite hills, the track clings to the bank, passing through small hamlets that consist of little more than a few shacks beside the tracks.

The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is accessed via a short winding bus ride that corkscrews its way up a steep sided mountain. “Discovered” by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, the site was completely overgrown with jungle vegetation, before being slowly uncovered and restored to create the dramatic scene that exists today.

You will enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, following one of the designated circuits around the stone structures and grassy terraces dotted with llamas, before returning to the town below for an overnight stay.

Stay at - Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

Day 16

Optional revisit to the ruins and transfer to Cusco

For those keen to spend more time with the ruins, it is possible to book an optional second visit (not included in advertised price). Rising early and catching one of the first buses is truly rewarding, as the site is often quieter and the early morning mists swirl around the surrounding mountain peaks, creating a mystical atmosphere. You can even opt to climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Alternatively, you can relax in the thermal baths or take a leisurely walk through the town. Later, return to Cusco by rail and road.

Stay at - Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Day 17

Stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Huaypo

Transfer to Lake Huaypo for a comprehensive lesson in stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Once you’ve grasped the techniques, you’ll have the chance to practice on the serene, emerald-green waters of the lake, surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery. After your session, enjoy some light refreshments before heading back to Cusco for an afternoon at leisure to explore or soak in the atmosphere.

Stay at - Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco

Day 18

Fly to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the Amazon Rainforest

Head to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, your guide will greet and escort you on a bus ride to the Tambopata River. From there, continue by boat, navigating the meandering waters and immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the jungle.

Upon reaching your lodge, settle in and prepare for a few days filled with exciting wildlife excursions.

Stay at - Posada Amazonas

Days 19-20

Wildlife excursions from the lodge

From exhilarating jungle treks and canopy tower climbs to serene boat trips and thrilling nocturnal wildlife spotting, your adventure in the Amazon offers countless opportunities to delve into its rich biodiversity.

As you explore, listen out for the loud calls of red howler monkeys as they dance through the canopy, and watch for giant river otters swimming in the oxbow lakes nearby. At the clay licks, you’ll be mesmerized by the vibrant spectacle of parrots and parakeets gathering to feed on the mineral-rich soil. Each day is filled with up to three different included excursions, each bringing you closer to the incredible flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.

Stay at - Posada Amazonas

Day 21

Fly home, or continue your adventures

Travel by river and road back to the airport and either continue home via Lima or extend your adventure elsewhere, perhaps heading to the country’s northern ancient wonders and incredible hikes or jetting to one of Peru’s near neighbours to try a different flavour of Latin American life.