Overview
Discover the mysteries of ancient Peru on this unforgettable 17-day journey that blends archaeology, history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the colonial streets of Lima to the enigmatic adobe city of Chan Chan, the royal tombs of Sipán, and the magical Colca Canyon, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in Peru’s greatest civilizations. Continue to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and explore its floating islands and traditional communities. End your adventure in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the legendary Machu Picchu – the crown jewel of the Inca Empire. A once-in-a-lifetime expedition through the wonders of a land full of secrets.
Highlights
- Guided exploration of Lima, the “City of Kings”
- Discover the Santa Catalina Convent and colonial gems of Arequipa
- Witness condors soaring over the Colca Canyon
- Boat excursion to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca
- Scenic overland journey from Puno to Cusco, with cultural stops at Raqchi and Andahuaylillas
- Guided tours of Cusco’s historic center and nearby Inca ruins
- Market shopping in Pisac and exploration of Ollantaytambo fortress
- Visit to the Lost City of Machu Picchu with expert guide
- Leisure days in Cusco and Lima to explore at your own pace
- Discover Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our staff will welcome you and provide assistance with luggage and transfer to your hotel located in the Historic Center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your arrival time, you may rest and acclimatize after the flight, or enjoy an evening walk around the elegant Plaza San Martín.
Overnight stay in Lima.
After breakfast, begin a private guided tour of Lima, the “City of Kings”.
- Explore the Plaza Mayor: admire the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima (with Francisco Pizarro’s tomb).
- Walk through charming colonial balconies and Plaza San Martín.
In the afternoon, head towards the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, visiting the Central Park and enjoying a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from Larcomar.
Continue to the Museo Larco Herrera, renowned for its collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, gold and silver ornaments, textiles, and ritual artifacts. Its famous “erotic pottery” gallery gives a unique insight into the symbolism of ancient Peru.
Overnight in Lima.
Morning flight to Trujillo, city of eternal spring. Transfer to your hotel.
Your guided tour begins at:
- Chan Chan, the world’s largest adobe city, capital of the Chimu Empire, with intricate friezes, plazas, and ceremonial centers.
- Huaca del Dragón (Huaca Arco Iris): an adobe pyramid dedicated to fertility and the rainbow.
- Finally, visit Huanchaco Beach, famous for the traditional “Caballitos de Totora” reed boats used by fishermen for centuries.
Overnight in Trujillo.
After breakfast, transfer by private coach to Chiclayo. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
Afternoon visit to:
- Huaca Rajada, where the magnificent tomb of the Lord of Sipán was discovered (often called the “Tutankhamun of the Americas”).
- The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque, housing exquisite treasures in gold, silver, turquoise, and precious stones that illustrate the power of the Moche elite.
Overnight in Chiclayo.
Begin the day with a city tour:
- Visit Chiclayo Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, and San Antonio Basilica.
- Explore the vibrant Mercado de los Brujos (Shaman Market), where traditional healers sell herbs, potions, amulets, and tools of folk medicine.
Later, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Overnight stay.
Fly to Arequipa, the White City, surrounded by volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu). After hotel check-in, begin your afternoon city tour:
- Explore the Santa Catalina Convent, a “city within a city” filled with courtyards and vibrant painted walls.
- Visit Plaza de Armas and Arequipa Cathedral.
- Admire the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, with its intricate stonework and cloisters.
- Enjoy panoramic views from Yanahuara viewpoint.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Morning departure towards the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.
- Pass through Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where vicuñas roam freely.
- Reach Patapampa Pass at 4,800 m for sweeping views of volcanoes.
Arrive in Chivay, check in at your hotel, and later relax in the La Calera hot springs. Overnight in Chivay.
Early morning excursion to Cruz del Cóndor, where majestic condors soar over the canyon. Continue visiting:
- Villages like Macca and Yanque with colonial churches.
- Pre-Inca agricultural terraces, petroglyphs, and the impressive Sabancaya Volcano.
Return to Arequipa in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
Travel by private coach through the Andes to Puno. En route, stop at:
- Sillustani on Lake Umayo, to admire the Chullpas funerary towers built by the Colla people.
Arrive in Puno and check into your hotel. Afternoon visit to the Uros Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca, constructed entirely of Totora reeds. Overnight in Puno.
Full-day boat trip to Taquile Island, famous for its handwoven textiles (UNESCO cultural heritage). Explore the island’s villages, learn about traditional community life, and enjoy stunning views of the Cordillera Real of Bolivia.
Return to Puno in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
Travel by tourist bus to Cusco, stopping at major attractions:
- Pukara Museum – pre-Inca artifacts.
- La Raya Pass – highest point at 4,335 m.
- Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha.
- Andahuaylillas – the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
Arrive in Cusco and check into your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Explore the ancient capital of the Inca Empire:
Nearby ruins: Sacsayhuamán (massive stone fortress), Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Evening at leisure. Overnight in Cusco.
Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun).
Full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas:
- Pisac ruins and colorful market.
- Lunch in the valley.
- Continue to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural center.
Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Morning train to Aguas Calientes, then bus up to Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of the Inca Citadel, visiting:
- The Temple of the Sun
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Main Square and Intihuatana (Solar Clock).
Return to Aguas Calientes. Overnight stay.
Morning at leisure for a second visit (optional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain).
Afternoon train back to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Fly to Lima. Optional visit to the Gold Museum, housing treasures from pre-Columbian cultures. Overnight stay in Lima.
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your international flight. End of services.
Includes
The Cost Includes
- All nights accommodation in Hotel (breakfast included).
- All the transfers and land transportations indicated in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights in Peru.
- All tours in accordance with the official program.
- All entrance tickets in excursions indicated in the itinerary.
- Professional guides for all excursions indicated in the itinerary.
- Touristic Train tickets * Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu)- Cusco.
- First aid kid.
The Cost Excludes
- Airport taxes ($30.25 for international flights and $6.05 for domestic flights).
- Meals (lunch and dinner are included only where stated).
- Services, excursions, hotels and meals not mentioned.
- Baggage excess.
- Laundry service.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
FAQs
It combines the archaeological wonders of the north (Chan Chan, Lord of Sipán) with the Andes and Inca heritage, creating a deeper journey into Peru’s lesser-known civilizations.
Yes, but it involves high altitudes (up to 4,800 m) and some walking at archaeological sites. A moderate fitness level is recommended.
Well-located 3–4 star hotels with private bathrooms and breakfast. Luxury upgrades are available.
Yes, extra days in Cusco, a second entrance to Machu Picchu, or extensions to Nazca, Paracas, or the Amazon can be added.
The dry season (April–October) is best for clear skies and good road conditions, though the wet season (November–March) offers lush landscapes.
Yes, permits are included in this package. Early booking is recommended, especially for Huayna Picchu.


