Roundtrip Experience Peru + Paracas and Nasca
15 days / 14 nightsFrom the Peruvian capital of Lima, first to the Paracas National Reserve, the only reserve on the Peruvian coast. Continue to Nasca for an aerial view of the mysterious Nazca Lines. Afterward to Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, which is known as the «white city» because of its typical buildings made of white limestone (sillar). The whole area is dominated by the mighty Misti volcano. Be amazed by the magnificent flight of the condor, the largest bird in the world, in the Colca Valley. Visit the ancestral inhabitants of the natural and man-made islands in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Discover the impressive buildings and archaeological treasures of the Inca Empire in and around Cusco and the Urubamba (Vilcanota) Valley.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
• Pick up from Lima airport and transfer to the hotel.
• Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Lima to Paracas
• Drive to Paracas.
• Excursion to Paracas National Reserve.
• Overnight in Paracas.
Day 3: Ballestas Islands
• Boat trip past the «Candelabro» (candlestick) to the Ballestas Islands with their great variety of animals (sea lions, seabirds, Humboldt penguins, etc.).
• Drive to Nasca.
• Overnight in Nasca.
Day 4: Nasca
• Flight over the Nasca Lines.
• Archaeological tour in Nasca and surroundings.
• Drive to Arequipa.
• Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Day 5: Arequipa
• City tour in Arequipa (city and surrounding area, 4 hours).
• Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 6: Colca valley
• Journey from Arequipa to Chivay for a two-day excursion to the Colca valley.
• Overnight in Chivay.
Day 7: Colca valley
• Excursion in the Colca Valley, drive to the Mirador, beautiful view of the valley and observation point of the condors.
• Tourist bus to Puno.
• Overnight in Puno.
Day 8: Puno
• Guided visit of the graves of Sillustani (aprox. 3 hours).
• Overnight in Puno.
Day 9: Titicaca Lake
• Full day boat trip on Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
• Overnight in Puno.
Day 10: from Puno to Cusco
•
Travel by tourist bus from Puno to Cusco, with the opportunity to
visit archaeological sites on the way (journey
approx. 9 hours).
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11: Cusco
• City tour (city and surrounding area, half day).
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 12: the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Full day excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba or Vilcanota Valley), visiting the handicraft market in Pisac and the cities of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (lunch included).
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 13: Machu Picchu
• Full day trip by train to Machu Picchu (journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes about 3 hours).
• Guided visit of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (including bus ride up to the ruins and lunch).
• Return to Cusco by train.
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 14: from Cusco to Lima
• Transfer to the airport.
• Flight from Cusco to Lima.
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Lima.
• Overnight in Lima.
Day 15: Farewell to Peru
• City tour in Lima (half day).
• Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Lima.
Travel dates
Daily, the program parts in Cusco may have to be adapted to the corresponding weekdays.
Personalize your journey
This program can largely be adapted to individual wishes. Some opportunities for additions or changes to your itinerary:
Lima: • Pachacamac. • Caral – oldest civilization in America. • Boat trip to the Palomino Islands (half day). • Gold Museum. • Anthropology Museum. • National Museum. • Larco Herrera Museum. • Art Museum. • Museum of Natural History. • Additional day without program. • Further suggestions in «Lima».
Arequipa:
• Arrival via Paracas and Nasca with flight over the Nasca Lines.
•
Additional day without program. • Visit to the other side of the Colca
Valley (1 extra day). • Excursion to the rock paintings «Torro Muerto».
• Flight from Arequipa to Juliaca (Puno). • Further suggestions in «Arequipa».
Puno: • Overnight cruise to Amantani Island (1 extra day). • Excursion Pueblos Aymaras. • Excursion Chucuito. • Excursion Pukara. • City tour. • Additional day without program. • Further suggestions in «Puno».
Cusco: • Additional day without program to get to know Cusco on your own. • Excursion to Maras and Moray (1 day), by car or as a bicycle tour. • Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu to visit Machu Picchu again or visit the thermal baths (1 day). • Hike on the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days). • Hike past the Salkantay to Machu Picchu (4 days). • Trek to Choquequirao (4 or 5 days). • Hike to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu (8 days). • Further suggestions in «Cusco».
Best season for this trip
Anytime possible. In the dry season from May to November, it rarely rains in the mountains (Arequipa, Puno and Cusco) and clear visibility is likely in the travel destinations. In the rainy season from December to April one finds a more lush and fresher flora with less tourist traffic. This is also when most orchids bloom.
