13 Days Wonderful Peruvian South from Lima

Day 1: Day 1 : ARRIVAL LIMA

1. 12h
   Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lima, the capital of Peru and a city steeped in history. During Colonial times, the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings), was the political, administrative, religious and economic centre for the Spanish in Peru. The historical centre is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Lima is now a modern metropolis and is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change.
   Overnight in Lima.

Day 2: Day 2 : LIMA – PARACAS (300 km – 4 hrs)

1. Paracas
   12h
   Here is an adapted version with a commercial tone suitable for sales platforms:
   
   Begin your adventure with an early departure from Lima to Peru’s southern coast. En route, you will have the opportunity to stop at Mirasur Restaurant for breakfast (not included) before continuing to the iconic Hacienda San José in Chincha. Discover its fascinating underground tunnels, built in the 17th century and closely linked to Afro-Peruvian history, on a tour that unveils one of the most remarkable chapters of the country’s colonial past. Afterwards, the journey continues to Paracas, where you will be transferred from the bus station to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Day 3: Day 3 : PARACAS – BALLESTAS ISLANDS – NAZCA (215 km – 3.5 hrs)

1. Paracas
   12h
   In the morning transfer to El Chaco pier to embark on a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. The Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets with beautiful geographical formations just a few kilometres off the western coast of Peru. The islands are the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of larger wildlife like seals, boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the endangered Humboldt penguin. Cruise around the islands’ dramatic cliffs and watch large herds of noisy sea lions relaxing on the rocks, birds stretching their wings and, if you’re lucky, dolphins near your boat. While you will not disembark on the islands, you will get startlingly close to this impressive array of wildlife. As you sail, you will also pass the Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph that has been dated to around 200 BC. Then, you will be taken to the bus station to take the bus to Nazca City, a four-hour trip. Upon arrival at the Nazca bus station, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Nazca.

Day 4: Day 4 : NASCA LINES – AREQUIPA (570 km – 10 hrs)

1. Arequipa
   12h
   Today, breakfast is followed by a 30-minute flight over the Peruvian desert and the mysterious Nasca lines. The small town of Nasca would go unnoticed on the map if it were not for the ancient geoglyphs etched into the sand that have given it worldwide fame. As you fly over the desert, lines take shape to form simple geometric designs, then some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a spider, a condor, a monkey, to name a few. Once back on land, you will be transferred to the bus station to catch your transport to the next destination: Arequipa. After a 10-hour journey, you will arrive at your hotel to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 5: Day 5 : AREQUIPA: CITY TOUR & SANTA CATALINA MONASTERY

1. Arequipa
   12h
   You will be picked up from your hotel to begin a panoramic tour of Arequipa. The experience starts at the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, where you can admire the Chili River Valley and the majestic silhouettes of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Next, visit the traditional Yanahuara Viewpoint, renowned for its elegant sillar stone arches and privileged views of the White City. The tour continues to the Plaza de Armas, the historic and social heart of Arequipa, before concluding at the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, a fascinating complex of plazas, cloisters, and narrow streets that preserves centuries of history and architecture.

Day 6: Day 6 : AREQUIPA – COLCA VALLEY AND CANYON (165 Km - 3.5 hrs)

1. 12h
   After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say good bye to Arequipa and head to the Colca Valley. The route will take you through the Yura district, an area characterised by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues on to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. Cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra and skirt the crater of the now extinct Chucura Volcano to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, 4,910 metres above sea level. This viewpoint offers impressive views of the numerous volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Chivay before being transferred to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley for a free afternoon.
   Overnight in Colca.

Day 7: Day 7 : VALLE AND THE COLCA CANYON–PUNO (250 km - 6 hours)

1. 12h
   Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then get ready for a day to remember at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint of the Colca Canyon. This impressive valley is one of the deepest in the world, reaching depths of approximately 3,400 metres, double the depth of the Grand Canyon. As you take in the sheer vastness of this area, you may witness the majestic condors gliding by on the thermals rising from the canyon. Descend the valley to discover some of the traditional towns located on the banks of the Colca River, such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where beautiful colonial churches are backdropped by the peaks of the Andes. You will also stop at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, both offering majestic views of the whole valley. Later on, continue to Puno making a detour through Patahuasi. Observe the amazing stone forests and sky-blue lagoons populated by cranes that fill this area 4,000 metres above sea level. At the end of this amazing journey you’ll arrive in Puno, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel.
   Overnight in Puno .

Day 8: Day 8 : PUNO – LAKE TITICACA, UROS ISLANDS AND TAQUILE - PUNO

1. 12h
   After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of man-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Look around and you will notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno.
   Overnight in Puno

Day 9: Day 9 : PUNO – CUSCO (360 km – 10 hours)

1. 12h
   Embárquese en una fascinante travesía hacia Cusco, recorriendo los espectaculares paisajes andinos y descubriendo la riqueza cultural del sur del Perú. En ruta, visitará el Museo de Pucará, Patrimonio Cultural de la Nación, y realizará una parada en La Raya, el punto más alto del trayecto, desde donde disfrutará de vistas inolvidables de los Andes. Tras el almuerzo, continuará hacia Raqchi para conocer el imponente Templo de Wiracocha y luego visitará Andahuaylillas, célebre por su magnífica iglesia barroca, conocida como la “Capilla Sixtina de América”. Al finalizar esta enriquecedora jornada, llegará a Cusco y será trasladado a su hotel.

Day 10: Day 10 : CUSCO - CITY TOUR AND NEAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

1. 12h
   Start the day with breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning of exploring the charming cobblestoned streets of Cusco. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals to improve harvests. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ‘red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is believed to be an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
   Overnight in Cusco

Day 11: Day 11 : CUSCO – CHINCHERO – OLLANTAYTAMBO (75km – 1.5 hours)

1. Chinchero
   12h
   Today, travel to Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. On Sundays, you may also visit the local market. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but you also have the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Continue then to Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times. Explore its streets and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. Then feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample a lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo.
   Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 12: Day 12 : VALLE SAGRADO – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO –CUSCO (200 Km - 6 Hrs)

1. 12h
   After breakfast, your visit to Machu Picchu begins at Ollanta station, where you’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes you through many spectacular Andean landscapes. Once at Aguas Calientes, a 25-minute bus tour will get you to Machu Picchu. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around the year 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving it from the destruction that fell upon other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions, enveloping and hiding it for centuries. During the guided tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and visit its most outstanding monuments. Then, return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch at the famous Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to the Ollanta station and then back to Cusco
   Overnight in Cusco

Day 13: Day 13 : DEPARTURE CUSCO

1. 12h
   After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your journey, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.
   Breakfast included

Pickup details

Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, a sales tax (18%) will be collected by our local operator.
• Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30 hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
• Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby.
• If your trip includes the visit to high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres, do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) he/she will have 3 hours for this in addition to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale point in the archaeological zone. The following objects are forbidden within the premises: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or are equipped with telephoto lenses weighing more than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorisation and an additional fee is required), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks that surpass the following measurements: 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
• INSTRUCTIONS Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, as the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, passenger can carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5 kg. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 157 cm (height + length + width)
• NEW PLASTIC REGULATION: After the prohibition of bringing single-use plastic items into the 76 natural reserves, including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles. Lima Tours offers a water refilling point in our office in Aguas Calientes.