Mythical Peru

Lima city tour: a guided visit through its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern. It includes a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial center from the 4th century AD considered a sacred place by the Incas.

Then the Historic Center, with more than fifty colonial buildings and monuments: Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Cathedral Basilica and the City Hall. Admission to the San Francisco Monastery, with the largest collection of colonial religious art in the Americas and its underground crypts, the Catacombs. A close through contemporary Lima: El Olivar de San Isidro, Miraflores and Larcomar.

Ballestas Islands and Huacachina tour: early departure from Lima heading south to Paracas. After a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours, you'll board a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, a natural sanctuary of dolphins, sea lions, penguins, pelicans and more than 200 bird species. Along the way, you'll stop to admire the Candelabra, a huge geoglyph on the coastal hillside engraved with the same mysterious technique as the Nazca Lines.

After a short break, head to Ica (approx. 1h 30 min): Plaza de Armas, old town and modern area, plus the Tres Generaciones winery, a family artisan vineyard where you'll learn about traditional wine and pisco. Then, the emblematic oasis of Huacachina, "the Oasis of the Americas", surrounded by enormous dunes where you'll ride sand buggies ("tubulares"). At the end of the afternoon, return to Lima (approx. 5h 30 min).

Flight from Lima to Cusco: one of our representatives will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Cusco (flight not included). On arrival, a driver will receive you to transfer you to your hotel, assist you with your check-in and give you useful information about the city's attractions and services.

Cusco city tour: after breakfast, a fascinating half-day tour of the historic capital of the Inca Empire (approx. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). It starts at the Plaza de Armas with the Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun), now the Santo Domingo Convent.

Then, the outskirts of the city to explore four important archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, an enormous ceremonial fortress with incredible stonework and panoramic views; Q'enqo, a labyrinthine religious complex dedicated to the worship of the Earth; Puca Pucara, a reddish fortress with military and administrative purposes; and Tambomachay, the Temple of Water, a place of worship and purification.

Sacred Valley tour: around 8:00 a.m., a full-day excursion. First stop at Pisac: handicraft market and archaeological complex with terraces, irrigation system, astronomical observatory and solar clock (Intiwatana). Buffet lunch with regional dishes at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, Ollantaytambo, a fortified city with temple, terraces and urban area, divided into a religious sector and a residential/administrative sector, with walls and towers for military purposes. On the way back, stop at Chinchero, an Andean town known for its colonial church with paintings from the Cusco school and its traditional Sunday market.

Machu Picchu tour: after breakfast, morning train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and a 20-minute bus ride to the citadel. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century during the height of the Inca Empire. Introduced to the world by Hiram Bingham in 1911, local communities had known it long before, and its original purpose remains a mystery because the Incas left no written records.

With your expert local guide, you'll explore the ruins and learn about the architecture, spiritual beliefs and daily life of the Incas at this mountain sanctuary at about 2,430 masl. After the visit, return by train to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Flight to Iquitos: today a new adventure begins. After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Iquitos, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon (flight not included). On arrival, our local staff will welcome you with a warm welcome and the necessary information for your stay. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to your selected hotel in the city.

Adventure in the Amazon jungle: at 10:00 a.m. the journey to Muyuna Lodge begins, approximately 3 hours by land and river heading into the jungle. On arrival, around 1:00 p.m., you'll be welcomed by the lodge staff and enjoy an Amazonian lunch.

At 3:00 p.m., first experience in the rainforest: a guided hike to observe the smallest monkey in the world, the pygmy marmoset (known locally as "Mono Leoncito"). After dinner at 7:00 p.m., a night boat excursion at 7:45 p.m. to observe caimans, nocturnal birds and other wildlife.

Amazon jungle exploration: 6:30 a.m. breakfast at the lodge. 7:15 a.m.: swim in the Amazon River observing the majestic pink and gray dolphins in their natural habitat. 12:00 p.m.: lunch with fresh Amazonian cuisine.

3:00 p.m.: observation of the Victoria Regia, the largest aquatic plant in the world, and wild iguanas on the riverbanks. 4:00 p.m.: the thrill of fishing piranhas with traditional methods. 5:30 p.m.: sunset at Sapote Lagoon. 7:00 p.m.: dinner. 7:45 p.m.: night hike through the jungle to observe giant frogs and tarantulas.

Bird and wildlife watching: 5:00 a.m.: bird-watching session listening to the symphony of the jungle at dawn. 6:30 a.m.: breakfast. 7:15 a.m.: boat excursion upstream exploring hidden lagoons and creeks in search of birds and monkeys. 10:00 a.m.: cultural visit to the community of San Juan de Yanayacu, to experience daily Amazonian life. 12:00 p.m.: lunch.

3:00 p.m.: guided outing to observe the rare Hoatzin (Shansho), a prehistoric-looking bird that inhabits swampy areas. 7:00 p.m.: dinner. 7:45 p.m.: nighttime canoe ride to immerse yourself in the sounds of the Amazon after dark.

Return to Lima: 6:30 a.m.: breakfast at the lodge. 7:15 a.m.: visit to the botanical garden and compost area to learn about Amazonian plants and sustainable practices. 8:35 a.m.: last excursion in kayak or canoe through the quiet ponds of the Yanayacu River. 11:00 a.m.: time to relax in the hammocks or swim in the river.

12:00 p.m.: farewell lunch at the lodge. 1:00 p.m.: boat departure and land transfer back to Iquitos. 4:00 p.m.: arrival at the airport for your flight to Lima.