Magical Highlights of Peru 15 Days/ 14 Nights

We take our bus to Nazca at 03:00 am. You will be served breakfast on the first-class bus of Cruz del Sur. The distance from Nazca to Lima is 451 kilometres and will be covered in 7 hours. We arrive at Nazca in the morning, around 11 am.

Our representative in Nazca is Liliana Hamani. She will be waiting for you at the bus terminal, and you will be transferred to the Nazca Aerodrome for your flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Flying over these enigmatic “pampas” for approximately 35 minutes, you will discover the huge designs which were drawn, possibly hundreds of years ago, by some ancient Peruvians. You will be able to observe the most important ones, such as the monkey, spider, hummingbird and the long, perfect Nazca Lines.

We will stop at a local restaurant close to the hotel to have lunch

Afterwards, to complete your experience in Nazca, you will visit the pre-Inca cemetery of Chauchilla, where you can observe the burials of the old Nazcas. Most of these tombs are original and have mummies,

The tour continues with a visit to the Aqueducts of Cantalloc, Paredones, and workshops; here you will see how modern Nazca descendants make their beautiful, colourful pottery. You will receive explanations about the ancient art of ceramics manufacturing, which was created during the Nazca Civilisation.

After all this excitement, take some rest, pick up your luggage, and then transfer to the bus terminal for your night bus to Arequipa. We'll be taking a first-class Cruz del Sur night bus. It’s a journey of approximately 11 hours. On the night bus, we will serve you a small meal, a drink, a pillow and a blanket to make your night trip more comfortable.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Night bed bus

We arrive in Arequipa around 08:00 am. You have the morning to rest at the hotel, and in the afternoon, you will have the time to discover Arequipa. You can choose to go to the monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the main attractions in Arequipa. This cluster in a town within the city is one of the unique clusters in the world. Also, visit the Santuarios Andinos museum, where Juanita’s mummy is placed. An Inca prince was sacrificed to the ancient gods of the Incas, or you can enjoy the Plaza de Armas and a nice dinner with a nice view over the misty Volcano.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Arequipa

Your journey starts around 07:30 am when a private bus picks you up from your hotel. We start heading towards the small town of Chivay, which is a 4-hour ride through the beautiful Colca Valley. On our way, we stop at the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas. In this place, you can observe the famous Vicuñas as well as all three great volcanoes of Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

The second stop will be at the National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas”, where we take a short break to observe the wild Vicuñas (one of the four types of American camels) in their natural habitat at about 3400 m.o.s.l. Continuing our journey, we will arrive at “Pata Wasi”, an Andean community at the opposite border of the reserve, where we will have the opportunity to use the bathrooms and to drink the famous coca tea, which will help you to prevent altitude sickness.

From here we will pass “Tocra”, a high plain at 4500 meters, where we will observe migrant birds at stunning lakes and get pictures of the “Antiplano” with its Llamas and Guanacos. The highest point of our tour will be “Pata Pampa” at 4820 meters, from where we can observe the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Misti (the source of the Amazon River), and the “Cordillera Chila”. As we approach the town of Chivay, we will enjoy some spectacular views of the multicoloured terraces of the Colca Valley.

Upon arriving in Chivay, we will have lunch, followed by some free time to explore the local market. Afterwards, we bring you to the Hotel la Casa de Mama Yacch, where you have some time to relax before joining a 30-minute walk to the Hot Springs. Here, you can enjoy the warm natural waters (35°C/95ºF) in the pleasant outdoor surroundings of the vast mountains, the river, and even some local animals. After sunset, we return to the hotel and have dinner.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Mama Yacchi

On the second day of our adventure, we will have breakfast very early in the morning and leave for the famous “Cruz del Condor”. Arriving there, we have plenty of time to enjoy the great view of the deep canyon and (if the weather permits) the majestic Condor in its natural habitat.

After some time, our guide will take you for a short walk near the Canyon (approx. 1 hour). On our way back to Chivay, we’re going to visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the “Antahuilque viewpoint” where we can gaze at the wonderful 1500-year-old terraces constructed by the Collaguas, an ancient culture before the Incas’ time. We will also make a small stop at the lookout point of “Choquetico” with its hanging tombs. Then, we continued our trip to the small Andean community of Maca and the village of Yanque, which boasts the most beautiful church in the whole valley.

We will stop for Lunch in Chivay before heading to Puno, where we'll cross the breathtaking landscapes of the Altiplano and leave behind the stunning scenery of the Colca Canyon. On our way, we continue ascending a minor road until we reach the highest point of our trip, the lookout point of the Andes (4800 m/15,748 ft). At the very top, we will get off the bus for a few minutes and enjoy the stunning landscape with the great volcanoes, including Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active), and Ampato.

Along the paved road, we will see many small towns as well as the beautiful lagoon Lagunillas, where we can explore trout farms and observe Andean flamingos among many Andean birds. Following an ascending road, we will then reach the Viscachani. We take a short break, stretching our legs, using the bathroom if needed, and enjoying a typical coca tea or coffee at the local restaurant.

Later on, we will drive through the national reserve park of the Peruvian Altiplano to finally reach the beautiful city of Puno, close to the majestic Titicaca Lake.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Puno

The tour begins at 07:45 am, when we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the local city port, where you will be shipped to the islands by boat.

The tour spans two days and one night, beginning with a visit to the floating Uros Islands, followed by Amantani Island, where you can observe the pre-Inca temples dedicated to the fertility of the earth (Pachamama and Pachatata).

Uros Islands. Located 35 minutes by boat from the port of Puno, the islands comprise a group of reed structures, which are also used to make houses and boats. The inhabitants of the “Uros” are very friendly people who are cordial with visitors.

Amantani, located 36 km from the port of Puno (three hours by boat), is an island composed of eight communities engaged in the agriculture of corn and quinoa, as well as crafts that are representative of their culture. During this afternoon, you will hike to the top of the island called Pachatata, from where you will have breathtaking views and experience a very unique sunset with a bright, colourful view.
After descending, your host family will welcome you with a typical, delicious dinner. You then dress up in the local costumes and enjoy a nice party with its typical local dance while being accompanied by your host family and the rest of the community.

Meals: Lunch and dinner with the host family
Accommodation: Rustic accommodation with a host family

After a delicious breakfast with your host family, you will be brought to the local harbour. From here, we will take a short boat ride to the shores of Taquile Island, where we will start to hike to the main square, observing the local people, who are world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings and community work. Amongst men, it is very easy to identify who is married, single or dating a female – just by the colours of their hat! Also, you'll learn who is important on the island by the items they wear. You will have lunch in one of the community restaurants and then descend to the local port to return to Puno. Arriving in Puno between 3:00 and 4:00 pm, we will transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Puno

The service is provided in Buses equipped for Tourists field, seeking the best way to travel between  Puno – Cusco, where the Passenger can enjoy various places of Magical charm and Ancestral History such as The Sistine Chapel of America or Andahuaylillas Chapel, The Imposing Temple of the god Wiracocha, The Majestic Paso de la Raya (Road Limit between Cusco and Puno – View of the Nevado Chimboya) and the Mythical Lithic Museum of the Pukara Culture.

We will pick you up at 6:15 from your hotel and bring you to the private Bus Terminal, located at Avenida Costanera 430. Boarding and luggage check-in times are at 6:30 a.m. Departure time: 7:00 a.m.

Museum Litico Puka Pukara. This culture, which developed from 1600 BC to 400 AD, is located 106 km away. East of the city of Puno, in this museum, we can find ceramics and sculptures representing zoomorphic figures, among them the famous sculpture of HATUNÑAQAC, which in our times would be translated as the supreme cutthroat.

IMPORTANT. The visit lasts 30 minutes. Filming or taking photos inside is not allowed. The payment for the right to enter is S/ 15.00.

 La Raya. The border between the cities of Cusco and Puno is situated at an altitude of more than 4,335 meters above sea level, where the famous snow-capped Chimborazo is located, from where the Amazonas River originates. Where tourists can take photos of the landscape, the visit lasts 5 to 7 minutes.

IMPORTANT. The visit time lasts between 7 and 10 minutes. We recommend wearing extra clothing and consuming coca tea to counteract the soroche.

 Sicuani. Lunch is a buffet and is included in the price of the ticket at the tourist restaurant LA PASCANA, which enjoys good prestige and is recognised for the good seasoning of the chefs. It is strategically located on the outskirts of the town of Sicuani. The buffet offers a diverse selection of national and regional cuisine, appetisers, fresh vegetables, side dishes, and a variety of desserts, along with hot drinks (Coca-Cola, coffee, or tea) included in the ticket price.

IMPORTANT. Lunch lasts 40 minutes. Cold drinks, such as water, soda, or beer, are not included in the buffet.

Raqchi. Also known as the Temple of the god Wiracocha, who was the supreme Inka deity, this place features the largest number of Colcas (Granaries) and magnificent adobe stone buildings.

IMPORTANT. The visit lasts 40 minutes. We recommend the use of hats and sunscreen. The payment for the right of entry is S/ 20.00.

Andahuaylillas (sixteen chapels of America). This is a church that dates back to the 17th century—also known as The Sistine of the Andes for the beauty of its murals, the gold leaf work, and the paintings from the Cusco school that it houses.

IMPORTANT. The visit lasts 25 minutes. Filming or taking photos inside is not allowed. The payment for the entry fee is S/. 18.00

We are arriving at Cusco around 5 pm.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Cusco

The Cusco City Tour will allow you to discover the enigma of this marvellous city and the surrounding archaeological sites! We will pick you up at 01:00 pm from your hotel and bring you to the main Plaza de Armas at 01:30 pm, where you will meet your travel mates (in case of shared service). We start our adventurous tour by visiting the Main Cathedral of Cusco. Here you can observe the colonial architecture and the amazing paintings of the Cusqueña School (well known for its religious iconography painted by Cusqueños). Afterwards, we will take you to the Qoricancha (golden palace) and the Santo Domingo Convent, which is a perfect example of the fusion of the Inca and Christian cultures.

After your city tour, we will take the bus and drive to the impressive Inca Fortress of Saqsaywoman. You will be amazed by the rocks used for construction; some of them weigh more than 300 tons!

The tour continues to discover the underground temple of Quenqo (labyrinth) and its impressive rock carvings and tunnels. This religious temple is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth.
After a few minutes’ ride, we will see another fortress called Puka Pucara (red fortress), which was used as a military control entrance gate to Cusco. After walking for a few minutes, we will arrive at Tambomachay (water temple), a temple dedicated to the worship of water, fertility, and longevity.

We return to Cusco around 06:00 or 07:00 pm. If you want, you can ask your tour guide to stop at one of the souvenir shops on your way back.

 Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Cusco

The Sacred Valley tour starts at 08:00 am from Cusco. We pick you up from your hotel and bring you to our tourist bus, where you will meet your tour guide and your travel mates (shared service).

We leave Cusco around 08:30 am in the direction of Pisaq, descending to the sacred river Urubamba. With a few stops at various lookout points along the way, we will arrive at Pisaq, where you can enjoy checking out the traditional handicraft market with plenty of time for local souvenir shopping. Afterwards, we drive up the mountain where we will find the Pisaq ruins. Our tour guide will take you around the temples, terraces, and tunnels of this complex, including the famous Intihuatana (sun clock), while constantly enjoying the majestic view of the sacred river. Then we drive along the river Urubamba, passing by a colourful little town where you can observe the descendants of the Quechua people wearing colourful ponchos.

We stop in the town of Urubamba for lunch (we recommend a lunch buffet of Peruvian food). After a short rest, we continue our journey until we reach Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. You will be amazed by the impressive Temple of the Sun, featuring intricate stonework details, terraces constructed to sustain the mountain, and a temple in the shape of a llama.

You will have a short time to explore this amazing complex with its beautiful water fountains by yourself. After studying this magnificent complex, we take the road back to Urubamba and leave the river to go uphill to the beautiful fields of Chinchero. Here, we will discover another impressive Spanish Inca complex, and afterwards, visit a weaving family who still uses natural minerals and organic ink to colour the wool. We will return to Cusco around 07:00 pm and leave you at the beautiful Plaza Regocijo.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Cusco

The Inca Jungle Trail is a 4-day, 3-night trekking and mountain biking adventure that culminates in a visit to the Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. This is not only an alternative to the Inca Trail, but it is also the most original and extensively travelled of all the existing paths. The Inca Jungle trail is a relatively new route that leads through the Jungle to the Inca Trail and finally to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This trek, which can be completed in either 3 or 4 days, combines biking and hiking with breathtaking scenery, making it ideal for anyone with a sense of adventure and curiosity!

Downhill Mountain bike Cusco to Santa Maria

Your adventure begins with the pick-up around 7:00 am. The bus takes the road through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas and drops you off at 4316 m (14,160 ft) altitude — the highest point of the trail, called Abra Malaga. Here, you will be transferred to your mountain bikes (we provide you with a helmet, gloves, and protective pads). Your guide will give you an overview of what’s to follow… and your adventure begins! As you freewheel down the smooth but challenging roads and through different landscapes, you won’t be able to catch your breath until you reach the first stop in Alfamayo-San Luis, a three-hour ride from the starting point. There, you will enjoy your lunch with a panoramic view. Before you head off again, you’ll have time to freshen up and apply a dab of insect repellent. Then you will ride along a hilly path to the recently discovered archaeological site of Huamanmarca. Your tour guide will provide you with the historical background of the site before you carry on with your descent to 1,500 m (4,921 ft), where the edge of the Jungle meets the small but charming town of Santa Maria. Here, you can purchase a snack or a nice, cold beer to enjoy while you rest your legs before being served a traditional Peruvian dinner. You will spend the night in a family-run hostel.

Optional activity: Rafting after arriving at Santa Maria:

RAFTING. Duration: approx. 2 hours. Price: US$50 per person.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa Maria

You will wake up around 06:30 am to the aroma of the finest indigenous coffee. After breakfast, we begin our trek. The path will progressively steepen until you arrive at a family restaurant in Santa Rosa, where you’ll stop for refreshments. You will move on to a rest stop where you can lie in hammocks as you admire the surrounding coca plantations. Afterwards, you’ll continue on a short path to the original Inca Trail. As the Incas did centuries before, you’ll trek along a path for just over two hours to the small town of Quellomayo. Here, you’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch. From Quellomayo, it’s just a short trek to Rio Vilcanota, which will lead you to the famous hot springs of Colcamayo. Your body will thank you as you soak in the relaxing, therapeutic properties of the medicinal water, which are nestled between the mountains. Here, you can enjoy the hot springs and relax your muscles in these natural settings. Then we carry on our hike to the town of Santa Teresa for dinner, and then to your hostel, where you’re sure to get a good night’s rest after wading in the thermal baths.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa Teresa

After being served breakfast around 7:00 am, you will trek to Collpani, a small valley with a river of the same name. This river is one of the sources of freshwater in Santa Teresa. Continuing from here, we will be hiking by the banks of the Urubamba River, observing a few agricultural fields with corn and other tropical fruits. In some seasons of the year, it is possible to see locals farming the fields, collecting fruits, and joining them. After all this adventure, we will stop at a restaurant in Hidroelectrica to have lunch. After a delicious meal, we have some time to rest and prepare for our hike, which will take us two and a half hours through the jungle along the train lines. We will enjoy the sound of the birds and observe the different flora. We arrive at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, in the afternoon.

We will bring you to your hostel, which includes hot water and private bathrooms, and then meet you to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional activity operated by Cola de Mono: 

ZIPLINING/CANOPY – If you want to, you can take this optional activity of ziplining. For that, you will be transported by car to the zip line zone, and after the activity, you will also be transferred to Hidroelectrica, then continue the hike to Aguas Calientes.

Cola de Mono – South America’s highest zip lines!

Located: about 15 minutes from Santa Teresa by car

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Price: US$50 per person

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Casa Margarita

You will have your breakfast early in the morning. Then we start our last day, climbing up the hill to the famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. Avoiding the crowds, you will be the first visitor of the day. Your tour guide will take you around the vast ruins for about 3 hours, comprehensively explaining their historical significance and place in the Inca Empire. After this, you have some free time to wander around.
Machu Picchu is the best-known of all the archaeological Inca sites, as it is recognised worldwide! Experts believe that the citadel was constructed around the mid-15th century by the Inca Pachacuteq and was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.

The guided tour of this fascinating place will be an unforgettable experience! You will visit the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Burial Grounds. (according to the time of your entrance fee)

We offer optional hikes in Machu Picchu with an additional ticket.

You can hike up Huayna Picchu (the mountain behind Machu Picchu), from where you will enjoy stunning views over the whole complex! However, there are only 400 entrance tickets available per day; therefore, you must let us know in advance if you want to do the hike so we can reserve your ticket at an extra cost of US$60.00.

Due to Huayna Picchu being very fast oversold, we offer Machu Picchu Mountain as a second optional climb. The advantage of this hike is that it will be less crowded, but not less beautiful! The cost for this hike is also US$60.00 per person.

La Gran Caverna a ceremonial place in Machu Picchu US$ 60.00 per person.

Also, there is another road to Inti Punku, the SUN GATE, which is the traditional end of the Inca Trail (a hike of 3 hours), US$35.00 per person.

You can visit the beautiful Inca Bridge (a hike of 1 hour). This road will allow you to enjoy other views of Machu Picchu and take many breathtaking pictures. US$35.00 per person.

After time in the sanctuary, we take one of the frequent buses back down to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch. If you prefer not to take the bus, you can walk through the beautiful jungle, which will take you 45 minutes.

In the late afternoon at 7:00 pm, you take the train back to Ollantaytambo and tourist transport to Cusco. If you want to return to Cusco in the early afternoon, please let us know so we can book an early train at 2:30 pm.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Tierra Viva Hotel Cusco

Today, we will transfer you to the airport two hrs. before your flight. So you can continue your journey. This transfer is the end of the tour.

Please let us know your flight timing.