Peru – In The Footsteps Of The Incas

by | March 17, 2021

As a country of Latin America according to Countryaah, Peru offers an incredible amount of diversity in the landscape, the fauna and also the people. Immerse yourself in lively cities, discover the rough Pacific coast, follow in the footsteps of the Incas in the highlands and enjoy the tranquility of the Peruvian Amazon. It’s a must-do for many people just because of Machu Picchu, but Peru has a lot more to offer. We also take you to the ruins in the north and other beautiful places that are not so touristy and sometimes you have almost all to yourself.

This is an example of one of our tours and should serve as a source of inspiration. Of course, the itinerary including the destinations can be adjusted and we would be happy to work out a tour tailored to your interests and budget.

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Best travel time: May to October

Travel time: 19 days

Travel planning: Combine this trip with northern Peru or the north of Chile.

Tip: Do not travel directly from Lima to the highlands so that your body can get used to the altitude better.

Day 1: International flight & arrival in Lima
In the afternoon arrival at Lima airport. You will be picked up and taken to your hotel.

Day 2: Lima
City tour in the historical center of Lima including the mighty cathedral and the San Francisco monastery. Then visit the Larco Museum, which brings you closer to the history and culture of Peru.

Day 3: Lima – Paracas
After breakfast, drive in a private car towards Paracas, where you will be brought to your hotel. In the afternoon you visit the Hacienda Bodega Tacama – a Pisco winery.

Day 4: Paracas – Nasca
Today you visit the Ballestas Islands, which are also called the Small Galápagos Islands, by boat and enjoy the penguin and sea lion colonies. In the afternoon you continue to Nasca. The rest of the day is at your disposal.

Day 5: Nasca – Arequipa
After breakfast you go on your sightseeing flight over the Nasca Lines. Enjoy the spectacular drawings from a bird’s eye view. Then you drive to Arequipa, the «white city» of Peru.

Day 6: Arequipa
Today you will discover the historical center of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina monastery. The afternoon is at your disposal. Explore the city a little closer. You will receive recommendations for this when booking your trip.

Day 7: Arequipa – Colca Canyon
On your way into the Colca Canyon you pass the villages of Yura, Pampa de Arrieros and Pampa Cañahuas, where the national vicuña reserve is located. We continue to Chuccura and Patapampa with a visit to the Mirador de los Volcanes. At noon you will arrive in Chivay, where you will have lunch. Afterwards you visit the local market and the hot springs of La Calera with the guide.

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Day 8: Colca Canyon – Puno
We start early in the morning to the Cruz del Condor. With a bit of luck you will see a condor – the king of the Andes – up close. Then visit Macca and Yanque with their viewpoints. In the afternoon you set off towards Puno. On the way you will see the beautiful lagoon of Lagunillas.

Day 9: Puno with Lake Titicaca
Today we go by boat on the highest navigable body of water in the world. On Lake Tititcaca you will visit the floating islands of the Uros and Taquile Island, where you will have lunch.

Day 10: Puno – luxury train ride – Cusco
For your way to Cusco you will board the Titicaca train today. Enjoy the view of the breathtaking landscape from the panorama car. Lunch is included. Alternatively, the route can also be covered by bus.

Day 11: Cusco
City tour in the historical center of Cusco. You will also visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 12: Cusco – Urubamba Valley
Today you will spend in the sacred valley of the Incas. You will visit Chinchero, the Inca salt mines of Mara and the agricultural test laboratory Moray – a terraced cultivation in the shape of a circle. The lunch buffet is included.

Day 13: Urubamba Valley – Aguas Calientes
Discover the Pisaq market and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. In Ollantaytambo you then take the train to Aguas Calientes, which is at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Day 14: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the very early morning the highlight of your trip begins. With your guide you will visit the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in the life of the Incas on your guided tour. Later that day, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will continue to Cusco and be dropped off at your hotel.

Day 15: Cusco – Puerto Maldonado
This morning you fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. You will be taken to your lodge by boat on the Madre de Dios River. You can choose from various activities on site. The program for this can be found in the appendix.

16th – 17th day: Amazon rainforest
You have two more days to explore the rainforest. Again, you can choose from the activities in the appendix.

Day 18: Puerto Maldonado – Lima / journey home
Today we go back to the city. After the boat trip, take the plane to Lima in Puerto Maldonado and from there home.

PERU - IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE INCAS