Peru a la Carte: Explore Peru in All Its Dimension

Upon your arrival in the Lima Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will provide a brief introduction to the city and our services while driving you to your hotel in Miraflores. You will have the remainder of the day free to relax and get acquainted with the city at your own pace. Depending on your arrival time, we have plenty of suggestions for you so you can make the most of your first day in Lima.

Meals: None Provided
Accommodations: (S) Tambo Hotel 🍃, (C) San Agustin Exclusive, (P) Hilton Miraflores 🍃

Get ready to explore Lima and all it has to offer! Our tour starts in the morning with a visit to the Historic Downtown area. First, you will stop off at the Main Square, where you will walk through its most important streets and observe its architectural monuments like the Cathedral and the Government Palace. Afterwards you will head to the San Francisco Convent and its renowned catacombs. Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant where you will enjoy classic Peruvian cuisine, as well as learn how to prepare a Pisco Sour, Peru´s signature drink.

You will complete your tour of Lima with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, a neighborhood called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along beautiful streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), the source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (S) Tambo Hotel 🍃, (C) San Agustin Exclusive, (P) Hilton Miraflores  🍃

Early in the morning, you will be met by our representative at your hotel and escorted to the airport. Upon arrival in Arequipa, a Peruvian Sunrise representative will take you to your hotel before starting the tour.

Arequipa, known as the “White City”, for its unique architecture, is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes.

You will begin your tour visiting the Santa Catalina Convent. Founded in 1579 as a cloister, you will be able to walk through its beautiful buildings. It is considered an icon of colonial architecture in the Americas.

Later on, we will explore the Compañía de Jesús Church. An impressive baroque-style building, its interior is decorated with vividly colored murals. We will then head to Mirador del Carmen, where you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the River Valley and the impressive Misti Volcano. Finally, you will stop off in the upscale neighborhood of Yanahuara and get a chance to see its old ashlar stone mansions with beautiful gardens.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (S) El Fundador, (C) Tierra Viva 🍃, (P) Libertador 🍃

Early in the morning, you will embark on an amazing journey to one of the deepest Canyons in the world! We will travel across snow-covered volcanoes, quaint Andean villages, finally arriving in the Colca Valley.

One of our stops will be the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, whose rugged terrain is home to vast herds of Vicuñas, Alpacas and Llamas. Next we will visit the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. This lookout point, at 16,100 ft / 1408 m above sea level, offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Calca, the Sabancaya and the Ampato. After, you will head to the town of Chivay (close to where the Colca Valley begins) for a closer inspection of the impressive system of platforms and terraces built by the ancient Collagua and Cabana inhabitants.

After lunch, you will make your way to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be free to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings, and simply rest and rejuvenate for the next day.

Optional: After reaching Chivay Village, we will encounter La Calera Hot Springs, which boasts a wonderful array of hot spring pools, fed by the bubbling brooks that emerge from the mountain sides all around – they average a natural temperature of 85°C. Said to be wondrous for curing arthritis and rheumatism. These clean and well-kept thermal baths are not to be missed.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (S) Pozo del Cielo, (C) Casa Andina 🍃, (P) Colca Lodge 🍃

Early in the morning, we will head off to the Condor Cross Lookout Point. Which is an incredible vantage point where you will be able to look out across one of the world’s deepest canyons and if we get lucky, see the majestic Andean Condor in flight! After lunch, you will experience an awe-inspiring trip of about six hours through the unique landscapes of the high mountain plain.

A few miles away, you will be able to see the grand Bosque de Piedras de Imata in the distance. You will then arrive in Lagunillas, which sits at 13,684 ft / 4170 m above sea level. Here you will observe numerous species of migratory and Andean birds. Among them, Andean flamingos and crakes. You will end your trip at the legendary Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accommodations: (S) La Hacienda Puno 🍃, (C) Jose Antonio, (P) Casa Andina Private Collection 🍃

Today we will explore the world’s highest navigable lake, Titcaca, and explore its unique and breathtaking islands.

We will start by visiting the floating Islands of Uros. There are about 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The friendly island inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs.

Continuing our journey across the waters of the lake, we will arrive to Taquile Island, a quaint and picturesque place with a unique landscape due to the Incan terraces built around it. Here we will be able to learn ancestral weaving techniques from the locals… amazing! We will have lunch in Taquile before heading back to our hotel in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) La Hacienda Puno 🍃, (C) Jose Antonio, (P) Casa Andina Private Collection 🍃

Today we will embark on the most scenic trip of the Peruvian Andes!

On board a comfortable bus, we will pass different Andean villages, snow capped mountains, and herds of Llamas. Some of our stops include: Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of America; Racchi, the ruins of a well known Inca Temple to the God Wiracocha and La Raya Pass, which is the highest point of the Peruvian Altiplano. We will have lunch at a traditional Andean restaurant before we arrive to Cusco, the Capital of the Inca Empire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations:  (S) San Agustin Internacional, (C) Sonesta 🍃, (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃 

We will explore the amazing city of Cusco, which was the Capital of the Inca empire and one of the most historical cities in the Americas.

In the morning, you will begin your tour visiting the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, one the most important military and ceremonial centers in Incan times. We will continue our tour strolling through the main square, where you will be able to explore the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Just a few blocks away, you will explore one of Cusco’s most impressive buildings, Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. As you return to the lower part of the city, you will stop off at the San Pedro Market, where you will be mesmerized by the variety of unique and traditional produce and discover new aromas and tastes of the region.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations:  (S) San Agustin Internacional, (C) Sonesta 🍃, (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃

Today you will experience a full-day private guided excursion throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

First, you will visit the ruins of the Andean village of Chinchero, located high-up on the windswept plains of Anta (12,342.52 feet). You will find yourself surrounded by gorgeous views overlooking the Sacred Valley and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. This excursion combines Incan ruins with a typical Andean village, a colonial church, some wonderful mountain views, and a colorful traditional market.

En route, you will witness one of the best sites in the valley: the huge circular agricultural terraces at Moray, built by the Incas in natural sinkholes. They sit on a limestone plateau overlooking the Urubamba Valley.

For lunch, you will enjoy a traditional Peruvian – Andean cuisine at Tunupa Restaurant, conveniently located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Urubamba River. In the afternoon, you will continue on to visit Ollantaytambo, an old Inca fortified village where we may observe some of the best examples of Inca architecture in the region. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Accommodations: (S) Casona de Yucay, (C) Sonesta 🍃, (P) Tambo del inka

After a very early rise, you will board the train from the Ollantaytambo Station heading to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). This train journey is a spectacle in itself! You will be able to appreciate Peru’s immense biodiversity as you witness the landscape transition from Andean green fields to lush rainforest, descending alongside the Urubamba River.

Upon your arrival to the Aguas Calientes train station, you will take a 20 minute bus ride up to the spectacular site of Machu Picchu. You will explore this enigmatic sanctuary where your expert guide will lead you through the ruins, providing archaeological and historical information on key areas of interest, including The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (the Sun Dial) and the Sacred Plaza. You will appreciate the most amazing views from the top of the citadel! This is an opportunity to revel in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant and spectacular archaeological sites of the world, surrounded by the cloud forest.

You will also have the opportunity to see Llamas meandering around in their natural environment.

After descending to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will have some free time for lunch, and wander through this picturesque town. In the afternoon, you will board the return train to Ollantaytambo Station where one of our representatives will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) San Agustin Internacional, (C) Sonesta 🍃, (P) Palacio del Inka 🍃

Early in the morning, you will be met by our representative at your hotel in Cusco and escorted to the airport. You will fly to Puerto Maldonado, where you will be welcomed by an Inkaterra representative.

You will start this rainforest adventure by navigating a motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción. Here, you will enjoy a traditional lunch with organic ingredients from the region.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk through Concepcion Trails, an immersive tour of the jungle and learn about its particular flora and fauna as well as its uses for the native communities. At dusk, you will enjoy a Twilight River excursion via motorized canoe on the Madre de Dios River. You will be able to learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, and nocturnal animal behavior.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (S) Hacienda Concepcion 🍃, (C) Hacienda Concepcion Private Cabins 🍃, (P) Inkaterra Reserva Amazonas 🍃

Today get ready for a full on Amazonian experience! You will start with a trek into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. Here you will understand why Madre de Dios is the biodiversity capital of Peru. You will navigate by dugout canoe across this mirrorlike oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman and one of the world’s biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche.

After lunch we will start the famous Inkaterra Canopy & Anaconda Walk.

A 20-minute boat ride will take us to the Inkaterra interpretation center, where we will ascend a 98-foot (30-meters) tower and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops more than 90 feet in he air! From here we will have the most breathtaking vistas and get the chance to watch white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys, and other beautiful, exotic animals. After descending, we will keep going along the 656 ft / 200 m wooden bridge over the swamps.

In the evening we can either take it easy or go on a Hidden Rainforest Excursion, where you will explore the Amazon rainforest that gives way to nocturnal animals with fascinating behavioral patterns and enhanced senses they have adapted to survive in this unique environment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (S) Hacienda Concepcion 🍃, (C) Hacienda Concepcion Private Cabins 🍃, (P) Inkaterra Reserva Amazonas 🍃

After breakfast, you will embark on a boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado, where you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Lima. Upon arriving in the City of Lima, you will be welcomed by a Peruvian Sunrise representative, who will drive you to your hotel.

Today you will have the afternoon free to relax or to explore Lima on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (S) Tambo Hotel 🍃, (C) San Agustin Exclusive, (P) JW Marriott Lima 🍃

This morning, we have an early departure heading south along the Pan-American Highway to the valley of Ica located 186 m / 300 km south of Lima and surrounded by the endless sand dunes of the Ica desert.

Ica is well know for its warm and dry climate, perfect for cultivating grapes. We’ll make a short stop for a guided tour through an historical vineyard where world-class wine, as well as our famous Pisco liquor, is made. Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional lunch highlighting the delights of southern peruvian cuisine.

We then leave for the natural lagoon of Huacachina, known as the Oasis of America.

Optional: From this beautiful landscape we go racing across the desert aboard powerful dune buggies, feeling all their speed and adrenaline. We will make stops along the giant dunes where you can go sandboarding, which is a lot like snowboarding only without the snow – it’s a marvelous, one-of-a-kind experience. After observing the sunset from the vastness of the desert we go back to Huacachina and relax in our charming hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) El Mirador Ica, (C) Hotel El Mirador – Junior Suite, (P) Hotel Las Dunas

Today we will have an early rise and board a fully equipped speedboat departing from the Libertador Pier to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the little Galapagos because of the great variety of marine wildlife that inhabit them. En route, our boat stops to observe the “The Chandelier”, an enigmatic figure that can only be seen from the sea. You will explore caves and rock formations that have been carved by the sea and wind over time and will be able to observe sea lions, penguins, seagulls and a wide variety of marine fauna.

Today we will have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (S) San Agustin Paracas, (C) Hilton Paracas 🍃, (P) Libertador Paracas 🍃

At a set time our representative will accompany you to the bus station in Paracas for your transport to the Lima airport and connect with your international flight home. If necessary, we can arrange a hotel in Lima before your international flight.

Meals: None provided

For your 16-day Vacation to Peru, pack versatile layers for diverse climates, comfortable walking shoes for exploring, and essential sun protection including a high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. This will ensure you’re prepared for both the high-altitude chill and strong sun, especially important at places like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.

The elevation of Machu Picchu is approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. This ancient Incan citadel, nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

The best time to travel to Peru is determined by your preferences and the regions you intend to visit. Generally, the dry season, which runs from May to October, is ideal for visiting most of Peru, including popular destinations such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lima. During this time, expect sunny days with little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that popular tourist attractions may be busier during this time.

If you want to visit the Amazon Rainforest, the dry season is a good time to go because it has less rainfall and humidity. However, if you want to explore the Andean highlands or attend festivals such as Inti Raymi (the Festival of the Sun) in Cusco, the dry season may be the best time to visit.

It's worth noting that the shoulder seasons of April and November can be ideal for visiting Peru. During these months, you may see fewer tourists, lower prices, and still have relatively good weather in many parts of the country.

Finally, the best time to travel to Peru is determined by your personal preferences, the activities you want to do, and the regions you intend to visit.

You can minimize your environmental impact by using reusable items, avoiding single-use plastics, and following responsible tourism guidelines at sensitive destinations.

Absolutely! The tour focuses on using local ingredients, allowing you to savor authentic Peruvian cuisine. Be sure to try specialties unique to each region.

The market is vibrant throughout the day, but mornings offer a bustling atmosphere with fresh produce and local crafts.

Yes, some tours offer kayaking or boat rides on Lake Titicaca, providing a unique perspective of the surroundings.

Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the world's deepest canyons, with a maximum depth of 3,270 meters (10,725 feet). This majestic natural wonder, located in the Andes Mountains near Arequipa, boasts breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors are immersed in a landscape that demonstrates the remarkable power of nature and the awe-inspiring beauty of Peru's highlands as they traverse its winding trails and marvel at its towering cliffs.

Lima is known for its diverse culinary scene. Some of the must-try foods in Lima include ceviche, a refreshing dish of marinated raw fish or seafood typically served with onions, chili peppers, and citrus juice. 

Another favorite is Lomo Saltado, a flavorful stir-fry dish with marinated beef, onions, tomatoes, and fries that is frequently served with rice, also Pollo a la Brasa, succulent roasted chicken with crispy skin and flavorful seasoning.

 Additionally, don't miss trying Anticuchos, skewered and grilled marinated beef heart, a beloved street food delicacy. Lastly, for dessert, try the creamy and decadent Suspiro a la Limeña or the sweet treat Picarones, which are fried doughnuts served with fig or sweet potato syrup.

Yes, Peru is generally safe for tourists. As with any popular tourist destination, it is best to take standard safety precautions. This includes staying aware of your surroundings, securing valuables, avoiding less tourist-friendly areas at night, and following local advice. By taking these precautions, many travelers can have a safe and memorable trip to Peru, experiencing its rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes without incident.