Due to the many climatic zones, Peru is a unique country and is therefore not only one of the countries with the most extensive biodiversity but also one of the historically most interesting places on earth. On this trip we take you through the entire diversity of the country and start this on the coast with visits to delicious restaurants, oases, wineries and the Nazca Lines, over which you will take a spectacular flight. In the Andes we visit condors, discover alpacas, get to Lake Titicaca and visit Machu Picchu. To round off the diversity, the journey takes us to the Amazon rainforest, where we witness the unimaginable beauty of pure nature.

📍 This tour includes sensitive destinations, therefore we request you to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

🍏 All food on this tour is prepared mostly with local ingredients.

🍃 Hotels with this mark are sustainable. We hope you will take them into account when making your reservation.

 

TRIP SUMMARY


Day 1: Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings.

Day 2: Discover the Urban Life of Peru’s Capital.

Day 3: Wine Tasting at Queirolo Vineyard & Sunset at the Oasis of Huacachina.

Day 4: Nazca-Lines Observation from the Air.

Day 5: The Splendor of Arequipa in the Andes.

Day 6: Volcanoes, Local Markets, A City in the City, Viewpoints – This is Arequipa.

Day 7: On to the hot springs in the vastness of the Colca valley.

Day 8: The flapping of the Andean Condor from the Cliffs of Colca Canyon.

Day 9: Experience an exciting Boat Ride and Meet a Local Community on Lake Titicaca.

Day 10: Beautiful Ride in the Unique Titicaca Train through the Altiplano of the Andes.

Day 11: Explore Cusco, World’s Capital of Mysticism & Enjoy a Relaxing Massage.

Day 12: A Day in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, Traditions, History and Culture.

Day 13: Spiritual Day at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Day 14: Relaxing and Refreshing in Cusco.

Day 15: Dive into the Nature of the Amazon Rainforest.

Day 16: Pure Wildlife Excursions along Rivers, Flora and Fauna.

Day 17: Good Morning in the Rainforest and Good Night in Lima.

Day 18: Farewell to Peru, A Last Gourmet Experience and International Departure.

The following 18-day diverse Peru tour itinerary is completely customizable. Please contact us, and we will gladly assist you in planning your dream tour.

Embark on an extraordinary 18-day odyssey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Peru. From the vibrant city life of Lima to the mystical allure of Cusco and the Amazon rainforest's untouched beauty, this itinerary promises an immersive experience like no other. Each day unfolds a new chapter in the story of Peru, blending urban sophistication, ancient traditions, and the breathtaking wonders of nature.

Day 1: Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings

We welcome you at the Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima and will ride you in a private Vehicle to your hotel, located in the most beautiful districts of Lima in Miraflores or Barranco. Upon arrival, we will provide a detailed briefing about your itinerary and our services. Depending on your arrival time you will have some time to wander through the beautiful bohemian district or visit the Shopping Mall Larcomar, directly located at the coast with ocean view. At night we will make a restaurant reservation for you in one of the worldclass restaurants of the city in order to enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner.

Meals: None provided
Accommodations: (Boutique) Villa Barranco, (Luxury) Belmond Miraflores Park 

Day 2: Discover the Urban Life of Peru’s Capital

After a refreshing night and breakfast we will meet you at your hotel and drive to the historic city center. Most important streets, architectural monuments, the San Francisco Convent and its renowned catacombs will wait for you before you will try traditional food in a charming restaurant. Accompanied by a delicious Pisco Sour, you will refill your batteries before continuing the tour with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco.

This neighborhood is the most beautiful area of Lima designed by countless artists, photographers and authors. You will 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.

At night you will have another chance to visit one of the best restaurants of the city, a few of them are even listed among the 50 best restaurants in the world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (Boutique) Villa Barranco , (Luxury) Belmond Miraflores Park

Day 3: Wine Tasting at Queirolo Vineyard & Sunset at the Oasis of Huacachina

The journey continues south out of Lima into the desert to Ica. Ica is known for its dry climate, delicious wine and impressive Huacachina oasis. Upon arrival, we first go to the most beautiful winery in the area, where not only the self-grown wine but also the national drink “Pisco” can be tasted and brought as a souvenir.

After the visit we enjoy a delicious lunch and move on to the Huacachina oasis. In order to be able to savor the view over the dunes as spectacularly as possible, we reach the oasis exactly at sunset. After this wonderful experience, it is only a few minutes to your hotel, located in the center of the sand dunes. Here we recommend a romantic dinner in the desert or to end the day with a glass of wine by the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (Comfort) Las Dunas Hotel 

Day 4: Nazca-Lines Observation from the Air

One of the unique places Peru offers are the Nazca-Lines. The lines are attributed to the pre-Inca culture called Nazca that flourished between 200 – 600 AD. The lines are so huge that they can only be observed from the air. We will take you to the aerodrome not even 5 minutes far from your hotel in order to embark the propeller machine.

You will start this amazing journey with a 1 hour 10 minutes’ flight over the Nazca-Lines from Ica and gaze down at the giant drawings of animals and geometric figures ranging up to 984 feet (300 meters) in size. Some of them include: Ocucaje Valley – Panoramic view of the mountains that keep marine fossils from 150 million years old. Valleys of Santa Cruz, Palpa, Viscas, Ingenio – where the Paracas and Nazca culture developed (800 BC -700 AD). The large center lines, Trapezoids (airports ET), The Whale, Compass, Astronaut, Monkey, Dog, Hummingbird, Condor, Spider, Alcatraz / Flamingo, Parrot, Hands and Tree. Overflight through 2 geoglyphs of Palpa: Palpa Hummingbird and The Star.

After the flight you will have the chance to relax at your hotel pool, explore the city center with its famous Museum “Regional” or to visit another Vineyard in order to try local drinks and food.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (Comfort) Las Dunas Hotel.

Day 5: The Splendor of Arequipa in the Andes

After a leisurely breakfast and the last few hours in Ica, we will make our way back to Lima. We will drive you directly to the airport in order to take the route to the Andes from there. Our next destination is Arequipa, a city that is surrounded by three volcanoes. Arequipa impresses not only with its beautiful surrounding landscapes but also with the buildings made of ashlar, which make the inner cities shine in white.

We will welcome you at the airport, introduce you to the city and take you to your hotel, located in the historic city center. As Arequipa is at an altitude of approx. 2400 m, we recommend letting the rest of the day fade away and trying one of the delicious traditional dishes in the evening. A Rocoto Relleno, Adobo Arequipeño or Ocopa should not be missing on every Arequpa-to-do-list.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Cirqa Relais & Chateaux, (Luxury) Costa del Sol Arequipa

Day 6: Volcanoes, Local Markets, A City in the City, Viewpoints – This is Arequipa

Depending on how you feel we visit the city of Arequipa either in the morning or in the afternoon. Arequipa is noted for its urban, cultural, social and economic development. Highlights of the tour are the viewpoints of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, a district filled with small, appealing houses and narrow streets. Later we visit the historic city center declared an, “UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site” in 2000.

The highlight of the tour will be the visit of the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and cloister of the Company. The monastery is almost worth a tour of its own because it is so huge and impressive and for a very good reason it is called “the city within the city”. Using the sillar the city is boasting its own particular architectural traits, with exquisite sites rendered with aesthetically pleasing proportions.

At the end of the tour we walk to the San Camilo market, where we can watch the hustle and bustle of the market traders and, if interested, plunge into the crowd ourselves to put our negotiating skills to the test.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Cirqa Relais & Chateaux, (Luxury) Costa del Sol Arequipa

Day 7: On to the hot springs in the vastness of the Colca valley

Another tranquil morning with enough time for breakfast awaits us. We can take our time until our private driver will meet you at your hotel in order to drive into vastness of the Colca Valley. The private ride allows us to make stops at different viewpoints along the road and wherever you prefer to take amazing pictures.

One of our recomended stops is the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, whose rugged terrain is home to vast herds of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. Once we reach the “Mirador de los Andes” (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa, we have successfully made our way to the highest point of our entire journey. This lookout point, at 4910 m / 16,100 ft above sea level, offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Hualca, the Sabancaya and the Ampato.

After another couple of hours, we will arrive to Chivay and from here we will bring you to your chosen hotel. There are many different lodges and hotels located far away from the city center which allow you to entirely disconnect from your daily life and connect with the nature. The afternoon, will be at leisure and you can relax in the hot springs, at your hotel, read, hike or go and feed the camelids that you will find in your hotel area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (Boutique) Colca Lodge , (luxury) Las Casitas Colca Canyon

Day 8: The flapping of the Andean Condor from the Cliffs of Colca Canyon

If one wants to enjoy one of the most spectacular animals in the world – the Andean Condor – you need to be an early riser. Around sunrise we will make our way to the incredible vantage point where you will be able to look out across Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons. If we get lucky, we will see the majestic Andean Condor in flight that is one of the few birds in the world with a wing-span of over three meters.

After this spectacle, we will make a stop for the strengthening lunch before our private driver will take you in direction to the legendary Lake Titicaca. Through this unique landscapes of the high mountain plain we will drive, take breaks for photos and enjoy the view. Here you will observe numerous species of migratory and Andean birds. Among them, Andean flamingos and crakes.

Arriving at Lake Titicaca, we will bring you to your hotel located just in from of Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Isla Suasi Lodge , (Luxury) Titilaka Lodge

Day 9: Experience an exciting Boat Ride and Meet a Local Community on Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca most of all is famous for its history and its floating islands but its people make really make this area so special. Today you will visit one of these village communities who are known throughout the country for their fine weavings. We will spend the day with the islanders and learn about the weaving techniques, fishing with traditional fishing boats and have lunch together.

At the end of the tour you can make a 40-minutes hike where we will get to know the island with its terraces, temples and breathtaking viewpoints on Lake Titicaca. To end the day, we will visit the reed islands of the Uros and their houses, which are built from a reed that grows in the Lake Titicaca.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: (Boutique) Isla Suasi Lodge , (Luxury) Titilaka Lodge 

Day 10: Beautiful Ride in the Unique Titicaca Train through the Altiplano of the Andes

An unforgettable experience awaits you today in trans passing the picturesque Landscapes of the Altiplano between Puno and Cusco, in the heart of the Andes close to Machu Picchu. Aboard the Titicaca train you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. In order to enjoy the route as much as possible, the train rides with a regular pace and counts with and open-air observatory car from where you can take pictures of the majestic views. Accompanied by traditional music and dances the ride is a truly spectacle in itself.

The entire trip takes around ten hours and on the train you will get served original Peruvian drinks, gourmet food and enjoy the quality of personalized service. After this spectacular ride you will arrive to Cusco, the former Inca Capital and so called navel of the world. Our staff will welcome you at the train station and will bring you to your hotel in the historic city center.

* The Peru Rail Titicaca train, runs from Cusco to Puno every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Antigua Casona San Blas , (Luxury) Palacio del Inka 

Day 11: Explore Cusco, World’s Capital for Mysticism & Enjoy a Relaxing Massage

To experience the most beautiful city of Peru as much as possible, you will explore the city by walking through the streets. After a short transfer to the most impressive Inca site “Sacsayhuaman”, your guide will lead you through the ruins that used to be one of the most important military and ceremonial centers in Incan times.

From here you will walk back to the city center, 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 visit one of Cusco’s most impressive buildings, Qoricancha or The Temple of the Sun, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Finishing the tour, we will make a stop at the local market of the city, where you will observe locals negotiating and offering traditional goods such as Alpaca-Clothes, local fruits, vegetables, ceramics and many more.

We will walk back to the main square and drop you at a nice organic restaurant to have lunch. After lunch, there will be the option to enjoy a local massage or to explore the city center on your own. At night, and if you are still seeking for more local food, we will make a reservation in one of the best restaurants of the city that can also be accompanied by a typical dancing performance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Antigua Casona San Blas , (Luxury) Palacio del Inka

Day 12: A Day in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, Traditions, History and Culture

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 visit Maras, the ancient salt mines, nearby the town of Maras and 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.

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.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: (Boutique) Casa del Sol Boutique , (Luxury) Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 13: Spiritual Day at one of the Seven Wonders of the World

In the morning after breakfast, we will start the most exciting day of your trip and start our journey in direction to Machu Picchu. You will take a 25-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. 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, set high in the cloud forest.After the tour you will descend by bus, have some free time to wander through the picturesque town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the citadel and have lunch.

In the afternoon, you will board the return train to the Sacred Valley, where one of our representatives will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Antigua Casona San Blas , (Luxury) Palacio del Inka

Day 14: Relaxing and Refreshing in Cusco

Another day of excitement will start with a breakfast before we will take you to the Cusco Airport. The next destination is the Amazon Rainforest, located in the east of the country waiting for you with astonishing Flora and Fauna. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will welcome you and after a short stop, you will embark a boat that will take you along the River to your chosen Rainforest Lodge.

You will enjoy a first Lunch, prepared with local ingredients, make yourselves comfortable and start with a first excursion through the rainforest. Each lodge offers different activities depending on the location and you will be able to select between jungle walks, boat rides, night walks, caiman watching, parrot observation, birdwatching and many other exciting activities. Those who prefer to relax and connect with the nature, can stay in the Lodge and take advantage of the facilities such as a pool, library, yoga-class, massage or have a refreshing drink at the bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (Boutique) Inkaterra Hacienda ConcepciĂłn , (Luxury) Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Day 15: Dive into the Nature of the Amazon Rainforest

Another day of excitement will start with a breakfast before we will take you to the Cusco Airport. The next destination is the Amazon Rainforest, located in the east of the country waiting for you with astonishing Flora and Fauna. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will welcome you and after a short stop, you will embark a boat that will take you along the River to your chosen Rainforest Lodge.

You will enjoy a first Lunch, prepared with local ingredients, make yourselves comfortable and start with a first excursion through the rainforest. Each lodge offers different activities depending on the location and you will be able to select between jungle walks, boat rides, night walks, caiman watching, parrot observation, birdwatching and many other exciting activities. Those who prefer to relax and connect with the nature, can stay in the Lodge and take advantage of the facilities such as a pool, library, yoga-class, massage or have a refreshing drink at the bar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (Boutique) Inkaterra Hacienda ConcepciĂłn , (Luxury) Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica 

Day 16: Pure Wildlife Excursions along Rivers, Flora and Fauna

The second day of your rainforest experience starts early in the morning in order to witness and listen to the sounds of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Do not miss the spectacular sunrise over river before you have a breakfast served with local fruits, juices and other ingredients from the rainforest area.

Depending on your lodge you will be able to choose between the different activities during the day in order to make the most of your rainforest experience. At night we recommend to try the night walk when the jungle awakes and many different sounds can be listened.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: (Boutique) Inkaterra Hacienda ConcepciĂłn , (Luxury) Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica 

Day 17: Good Morning in the Rainforest and Good Night in Lima

You will wake up by the sounds of the birds that enjoy themselves in the morning hours close to your lodge. Followed by a last jungle breakfast, you will embark the boat and return to the mainland. The staff will lead you to the airport and you will take an onward flight to Lima.

Upon arrival, our Staff will wait for you and bring you in a private vehicle to your chosen hotel in Miraflores or Barranco. In the hotel you will have enough time to recover from the flight and take advantage of the hotel facilities.

At night we recommend to have a wonderful last gourmet dinner in one of the best restaurants of the city. You may choose your favorite one and we will make the reservation for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: (Boutique) Villa Barranco , (Luxury) Belmond Miraflores Park

Day 18: Farewell Peru, A Last Gourmet Experience and International Departure

The last day of the Peru adventure has come. Depending on the departure time of your international flight there will be time to enjoy another delightful day full of food and local flair by participating a gastronomic tour including a short cooking class and meal at the coast with ocean view.

If your flight leaves early, we will arrange a direct private transfer to the airport and in case of a flight just after midnight, we will organize an airport hotel for you in order to save time and provide comfortable last hours of your incredible journey.

Meals: Breakfast (depending on the international flight departure time), Lunch (Optional)

INCLUSIONS AND NO INCLUSIONS

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 17 nights with breakfast, as described in the itinerary.
  • Private transportations hotel / airport in every destination.
  • Private guided excursions as described in the itinerary.
  • Group Excursions in Ica, Nazca & the Amazon Rainforest
  • All admission fees.
  • 9 Lunches included.
  • 3 Dinner included.
  • Train tickets to & from Machu Picchu.
  • Bus tickets to & from Machu Picchu.
  • Train Tickets for the Titicaca Train

Not Included

  • International & domestic airfares, unless specifically mentioned.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Nazca-Lines Airport Taxes ($10.00 US Dollars per person)
  • Items of personal nature such as gratuities, internet charges, excess baggage charges, laundry, beverages and meals not described in the itinerary.
  • Tips

PRICE PER PERSON 

  • Upon Request 


Discounts: 

  1. Student Discount:

    All travelers under the age of 17 will have a discount. If you are 25 or younger, you can get a special discount with your student card. Please advise by email to give you a code for the discount.

Personalized tours: 

  • Itinerary and price can be customized to your individual requirements and requests for changes. Our goal is to provide you with a customized experience based on your interests. For more information, contact us.

WHAT TO PACK?

  • Travel Documents: Passport, travel insurance, flight tickets, and any necessary visas.
  • Tickets: Ensure you have your train and entrance tickets printed or downloaded to your mobile device.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, Sandals/flip-flops for warmer days, Closed-toe shoes, Sturdy hiking shoes.
  • Hydration and Snacks: Light snacks like energy bars or fruit and Refillable water bottle for high altitudes.
  • Comfortable clothing: Dress in comfortable layers that are suitable for changing weather conditions. It’s essential to bring a waterproof and windproof jacket.
  • Clothing: Layers, Swimwear, Jacket or sweater, Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing
  • Warm Layers: Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in Cusco and Puno where temperatures can be cooler.
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for city exploration and walking tours.
  • Sun protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays at high altitudes.
  • Water bottle: It’s essential to stay hydrated at high altitudes. Bring a refillable water bottle.
  • Camera: If you enjoy photography, bring a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes.
  • Cash: Bring cash in local currency in case you need to buy anything or tip your guides.
  • Rain Gear: Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, especially for the rainforest in Puerto Maldonado.
  • Personal Items: Toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal medications, Binoculars for birdwatching in Colca Canyon

Embarking on a 18-day Peru tour through diverse landscapes and cultural wonders is an adventure of a lifetime. To ensure you have all the information needed for a seamless experience, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Peru Grand Odyssey.

How can I prepare for the entire journey?

Ensure you have a valid passport, necessary visas, comfortable clothing for various climates, and check the detailed itinerary for any specific requirements.

 Is there an emergency contact provided during the trip?

Yes, our team will provide you with emergency contact information. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or need assistance.

Can I customize certain aspects of the itinerary?

Absolutely! If you wish to personalize your trip or have specific preferences, contact our travel experts, and they will assist you in tailoring the journey to your liking.

How long is the flight over the Nazca Lines, and what can I expect to see?

Nazca Lines flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, showcasing giant drawings of animals and figures etched in the desert. Ground-level viewpoints are limited.

What wildlife can be spotted during the rainforest excursions?

Spot diverse wildlife during excursions, including various bird species and river inhabitants

Where can one enjoy a memorable gourmet experience on the last night in Lima?

Enjoy a gourmet experience at renowned restaurants like Central or Maido. You will need a prior reservation or you can ask us for our recomended restaurants