Essential Peru

Lima city tour: in the morning guided visit you'll appreciate the capital across its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern. Huaca Pucllana: panoramic view of this ceremonial center from the 4th century AD, considered a sacred town by the Incas.

Historic Center: more than fifty colonial monuments and buildings, including the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace and the Cathedral Basilica. San Francisco Complex: entry to the greatest example of religious colonial art in the Americas, with a tour of the underground crypts, the "Catacombs". Contemporary Lima: the tour ends through El Olivar de San Isidro, Miraflores and Larcomar.

Arequipa tour: after breakfast, a representative will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and take you to the airport for your flight to Arequipa (not included). Upon arrival, our team will give you a warm welcome and help with your hotel check-in, with complimentary coca and muña tea to help you adapt to the altitude of the "White City".

In the cultural tour we'll walk through colonial streets, visiting the Cathedral Basilica on the Plaza de Armas, the Yanahuara Viewpoint with its sillar arches and views of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, and the Santa Catalina Convent, an architectural jewel of the colonial era. When we finish, return to your hotel.

Colca Canyon landscape: we'll leave the White City early toward the Colca Valley, on a scenic route among snow-capped volcanoes, rugged plains, agricultural terraces and traditional towns. We'll make a stop at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to free-roaming guanacos, alpacas and vicuñas, with more than 366,000 hectares ideal for spotting vizcachas, foxes, condors and Andean flamingos.

We'll skirt the Chucura Volcano up to the Patapampa Andes viewpoint (4,900 m), with a panorama of the Hualca Calca, Sabancaya and Ampato snow-capped peaks. Then, toward Chivay, the gateway to the valley, with a traditional lunch and hotel check-in. In the afternoon you'll have free time to visit the La Calera hot springs (38 °C).

Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint: we start early, because there are so many amazing things to see! We'll head to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, near the towns of Maca and Cabanaconde. The strong canyon winds create a favorite spot for Andean condors, which rise with the thermal currents, usually early in the morning.

It's very likely you'll see these huge condors, with wingspans of up to three meters, flying very close to the viewpoint, with spectacular views of the depths of the Colca Canyon. When we finish, return to Arequipa and transfer to your hotel.

Flight to Cusco: one of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your (not included) flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a vehicle with a representative will take you to your hotel and give you an orientation of the city.

PM (approx. 1:00–6:00 p.m.): in the afternoon, a tour through the city that includes the Cathedral and the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun). The tour continues outside the city to visit the impressive Inca archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, the fortress shaped like a puma's head; Q'enqo, a religious center dedicated to Mother Earth; Puca Pucara, a reddish fortress of military control; and Tambomachay, the Temple of Water. When we finish, return to your hotel.

Sacred Valley: around 8:00 a.m., passengers will be picked up from their hotel for a full-day excursion. Pisac: famous for its craft market and its archaeological site, with an advanced irrigation system, astronomical observatory, the Intiwatana and agricultural terraces.

Buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Ollantaytambo: a fortified area with temples, terraces and residential sectors, an important administrative center with military functions in its walls and towers. Chinchero: a picturesque town famous for its colonial church with Cusco School paintings. Return to Cusco and overnight.

Machu Picchu: morning train to Machu Picchu Pueblo followed by a guided visit to the Lost City of the Incas, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. With views over the Urubamba river, it was built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire.

Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and imagine what life would have been like in this sacred city at 2,400 m. In the afternoon, return by train to Cusco. On arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel.

From Cusco to Lima: after breakfast, we'll pick you up at the agreed time for your transfer to Cusco airport and your return flight to Lima. This marks the end of your 9-day journey through Peru, with some extra surprises along the way!