FROM THE DESERT TO THE ANDES

WELCOME TO PERU! Once the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty, Lima is now a vibrant metropolis and one of Peru’s great culinary destinations.

U pon arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lima.

Experience Peru’s Pacific coast and spend an unforgettable night in the desert.

Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal and board the special express service heading south.

Travel south from Lima through dramatic coastal desert landscapes before arriving in Paracas, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Continue to the Ballestas Islands, home to abundant marine wildlife including sea lions, seabirds, penguins, and gulls.

After the excursion, enjoy free time for lunch, explore the area, and visit a small artisanal winery.

In the afternoon, visit the Huacachina Oasis and enjoy an exciting dune-buggy ride and sandboarding experience.

At night, enjoy a unique overnight experience in the Ica desert.

Travel from the Ica desert back to Peru’s capital before flying from Lima into the Andes.

Transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.

U pon arrival, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest and begin acclimating to Cusco’s elevation of approximately 11,000 ft.

Overnight in Cusco.

Journey into the Sacred Valley to discover one of Peru’s most historic salt-harvesting landscapes, enjoy lunch in a local community, and travel by train toward Machu Picchu.

In the morning, continue to the Maras Salt Mines, an extraordinary open-air complex where salt is harvested from more than 4,000 small terraced pools using techniques passed down through generations.

Travel along the Vilcanota mountain range, with snowcapped peaks in the distance, and pass through the town of Maras, known for its colonial streets and carved doorways bearing the coats of arms of noble families and local leaders from the 17th and 18th centuries. Continue to a local Andean community for a closer look at village life.

Enjoy an authentic Andean lunch in the home of a local resident.

I n the afternoon, board the train to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

A memorable day discovering one of the finest expressions of Inca architecture, engineering, and water management.

After a 25-minute bus ride, arrive at the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore its ancient pathways with your guide and discover sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Pachamama Sanctuary, the quarries, main plazas, and other areas included with your selected circuit.

Lunch in Aguas Calientes.

In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transportation to Cusco.

Depart early from your hotel and travel south through the Andean countryside toward Combapata. Along the way, admire local wildlife and beautiful mountain scenery. At the trailhead, begin a gentle hike through this remote section of the range, where three colorful mountains can be seen from the highest viewpoint. Your guide will share insights into the landscape while you enjoy time for unforgettable photographs and the remarkable scenery of Palcoyo.

A fter visiting Palcoyo, return to your vehicle and continue to a nearby town for lunch and a well-earned rest before traveling back to Cusco.

In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Cusco. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun, or Koricancha.

Continue to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically positioned on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous precisely fitted stones, some more than 30 ft (9 m) high and weighing over 150 tons.

In the afternoon, transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Until we meet again.

Transfer to Lima Airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for visiting Peru!

End of services.