Peru Extraordinary (EA101)

City tour of Lima’s historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1991), including Plaza Mayor, Presidential Palace, Cathedral, San Martín Square, the Archbishop`s Palace, the City Hall, the Desamparados Train Station and San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs.

In the afternoon, travel 3.5 hrs by bus along the southern coast to the Paracas National Reserve. Overnight in Paracas. (B, L)

Early transfer for a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, passing the Candelabro geoglyph and observing sea lions and abundant birdlife in the guano islands protected by Paracas National Reserve.

In the afternoon, travel to Nazca for a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (pre Inca, c. 400–650 AD).

Overnight bus journey to Arequipa (9–10 hrs). (B)

Welcome to Arequipa and transfer to the hotel. This city is also known as the Ciudad Blanca (or White City) due to the popular use of sillar (or whitish) blocks-- directly sliced from lava rock --on most of its colonial buildings. The morning will be free to rest or visit the downtown area by ourselves. (B)

Depart at 08:00 through Yura Valley, visiting Pampa Cañahuas in the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve to see vicuñas, with stops at the Pagodas geological formations and Altiplano wetlands rich in birdlife. After lunch, continue to the Volcano Viewpoint overlooking the Cordillera del Chila, with additional scenic stops before descending to Chivay. Optional visit to La Calera hot springs. (B)

After breakfast, drive to Cruz del Condor for views of Andean condors soaring over the Colca Canyon. This impressive canyon shows extensive terracing and colcas from pre Inca cultures, c. 1000–1400 AD).

Visit traditional villages such as Pinchollo, Achoma, and Yanque, with stops to see ancient storage structures and archaeological remains. After lunch, return to Arequipa in the evening and transfer to the hotel. (B)

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon city tour including the Main Square, Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), and enjoy a guide tour visiting the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park with Tambomachay, Q’enqo, and Puca Pucara. Return to the hotel by sunset. (B)

Morning excursion to this beautiful valley, descending to Pisaq (2,800 m) to visit its traditional market and observe local customs.

After lunch, continue through Calca and Urubamba to Ollantaytambo, a major Inca agricultural, military, and religious center and one of the best-preserved living Inca towns. Visit Chinchero, known for its local market, a colonial church built over Inca foundations and scenic highland landscapes. Return to Cusco and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

Early transfer to the train for a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to the mysterious and spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu (c. 15th century) for a guided visit. Enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding cloud forest and Urubamba Canyon. Return after lunch and travel back to Cusco. (B, L)

Transfer to the bus station for a full-day journey (approx. 10 hrs) to Puno, with guided stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Sicuani, La Raya, and Pucará. Arrival in the evening and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

Boat excursion on Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros Islands, then continue to Amantaní. Experience local culture, visit ceremonial sites including Pachatata, and overnight with a local family. (B, L, D)

Navigate to Taquile Island, with a short hike and visit to the local community to learn about traditions and communal life. Lunch on the island before returning to Puno in the afternoon. (B, L)

Transfer to Juliaca airport for flight to Lima or to the bus station for onward travel to Bolivia.