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Find out the mysteries of the Incas at Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, and the mighty Sacsayhuaman fortress. Cruise by private boat to UNESCO-listed Taquile Island and soar above the enigmatic Nazca Lines on a private flight. A guided visit to the Ballestas Islands, home to penguins, blue-footed boobies, whales, and sea lions, adds yet another unforgettable highlight to this epic Peruvian adventure.
13 days, 1 country and 11 cities
12 nights accommodation
12 Breakfasts, 5 Lunch, 5 Dinners
Dynamic
Welcome to Lima, Peru’s cosmopolitan capital and your gateway to a South America adventure that blends ancient wonders with modern charm. Upon arrival, a local host will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Miraflores, one of the city’s most stylish districts. Get settled in, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to kick off your Peruvian journey.
Today’s city tour reveals the highlights of Lima’s rich past and dynamic present. Visit the beautifully preserved Casona San Marcos where you’ll sample a local treat and get a glimpse into the building’s cultural significance. Then, dive into Peru’s Afro-Peruvian heritage with a hands-on cajón drumming session and an intro to the vibrant “musica negra” dance. In the afternoon, head to the historic Main Square before choosing to explore Miraflores further with a walking tour ending in a local dinner hotspot.
Catch a morning flight to Cusco, gateway to the Sacred Valley. On arrival, enjoy a scenic drive followed by a traditional Andean lunch overlooking the valley. Then, participate in a spiritual welcome ceremony led by a local shaman, a deep-rooted tradition that connects travelers with Peru’s sacred landscapes.
Spend the day connecting with locals and diving into the culture of the Sacred Valley. Share a Be My Guest lunch with a family that cultivates Giant White Corn, learning about their agricultural traditions. Watch the elegant marinera dance come alive, showcasing Peru’s blended cultural heritage. In the evening, meet Peter Frost, an explorer and author who’s spent decades uncovering Peru’s hidden archaeological treasures. Wrap up the night with a fun cooking demo where you'll prepare ceviche and shake up a classic Pisco sour.
Begin with a visit to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train. This scenic ride winds through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River, offering glimpses of the legendary Inca Trail. On arrival, set off with your Local Specialist to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu—the temples, terraces, and mysteries of this ancient city in the clouds.
Return to Machu Picchu for one last chance to wander through its timeless structures on your own. Then travel back by train to the Sacred Valley, stopping en route to witness traditional dyeing and weaving techniques passed down for generations. At the Pisac market, browse handmade crafts and sip on chicha, the beloved fermented corn drink of the Andes.
Begin at Sacsayhuaman, a mighty fortress with panoramic views of Cusco. Then explore the city’s colonial heart with your Local Specialist before visiting Mantay, a social enterprise supporting young mothers. Later, gain insight into the lesser-known Incan site of Qoriwayrachina. In the afternoon, you can opt to explore Cusco further—perhaps visiting the Chocolate Museum or the fascinating Maras & Moray salt terraces.
Take a morning flight to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist who will share stories of life on the high Andean plains. Visit the hauntingly beautiful burial towers of Sillustani, then head toward Lake Titicaca. Stop for lunch before arriving at the lakeside home of a local family, where you’ll enjoy traditional dishes and warm hospitality.
Set out on a boat trip across Lake Titicaca, stopping at the floating reed islands of the Uros people. Continue to Taquile Island for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, learning about the UNESCO-honored textile traditions upheld by both men and women. Enjoy a locally prepared lunch before returning to Puno for a delicious dinner at a local favorite.
Fly back to Lima, then drive along the Pacific coast to the tranquil town of Paracas. Enjoy scenic views of Peru’s desert coastline en route. Upon arrival, settle into your seaside resort and relax with a beachfront dinner.
Today’s highlight: a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines—massive etchings carved into the desert floor whose origin still stirs debate. Afterward, visit the Regional Museum of Ica for a look into ancient Paracas and Nazca cultures. Cap off the day at Bodega El Catador, where you’ll learn how Peru’s national spirit, pisco, is made—and get to taste it, of course.
Cruise the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife-rich archipelago often called the “mini-Galápagos.” Keep an eye out for sea lions, penguins, and rare seabirds. On the return to Lima, visit the world-renowned Larco Museum and end your South America vacation with a farewell dinner in its enchanting garden setting.
Your journey through Peru’s past and present comes to a close today. Depending on your flight time, consider one final stroll through Miraflores or extend your stay in Lima for more discovery.
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