This itinerary starts in the coastal town of Paracas where the arid dunes of the coastal desert meet the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean. Highlights include a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "Galapagos of Peru," where visitors can see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and colonies of seabirds like Peruvian boobies. On land, the Paracas desert is equally captivating, with red cliffs, fossil laden beaches, and viewpoints like La Catedral offering spectacular views.
Heading next to Arequipa, the White City, due to the buildings being made from white volcanic rock. The city is overlooked by three volcanoes, Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Picchu ensuring beautiful scenery wherever you look. Enjoy the history, architecture and markets of the city before heading to the Colca Valley where you will see vicunas (small llama like animals that roam in the wild) and majestic condors in flight, these huge Andean birds are on the brink of extinction.
You continue your ascent to the town of Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest lake at 3,810 metres above sea level. Visit two of the Uros islands, there are 40 floating islands built with totora reeds that are each inhabited by 10 to 20 families. Learn about their ancestral traditions and how they live by fishing, hunting and gathering of eggs.
Next you will fly to Cusco high in the Andes mountains and spend some time visiting the ancient Incan fortresses, markets and villages of the beautiful Sacred Valley. You will also venture of the beaten path to visit the Choquechaka Conservation area which offers rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes and a deep cultural connection to the Inca heritage. Whilst hiking you will observe a variety of native plants, birds and possibly wildlife such as the spectacled bear. A highlight of this region will be a train ride to see the Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu.
The latter part of the holiday includes a visit to the Amazon rainforest, and provides the opportunity to bird watch from the canopy tower located 30 minutes from Amazonas Rescue Center, you will also canoe on the lake, take a boat ride in search of caiman, see macaws and parrots at the clay lick and also do a night hike in search of mammals and other animals. This is a sample itinerary of some incredible natural highlights of Peru, but can be tailored to your timings and specific interests. Guide price is based on double occupancy and includes domestic flights between areas.
Day to Day
Below is an example day by day itinerary
Day 1
Met on arrival in Lima and transferred to Antigua Miraflores hotel.
Day 2
Transferred to Paracas Bay where you will visit the Paracas National Reserve and enjoy a tour of Yumaque and Lagunilla beaches, followed by a visit to the Independence Obelisk. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. Overnight stay at La Hacienda Bahia Paracas (B).
Day 3
Early this morning, you will set out on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. There, you’ll have the chance to see sealions, Peruvian pelican, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian Boobies, Guanay Cormorants, Inca terns and Red Legged Cormorants as well as a variety of other seabirds. Late afternoon you will transfer back to Lima and stay overnight at the Antigua Miraflores Hotel (B).
Day 4
Transferred to the airport for your flight to Arequipa known as the White City as the buildings are made of white volcanic stone. Three volcanoes overlook the city, Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Picchu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to Casa Andina Select Hotel. In the afternoon you will have a guided tour starting at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the agricultural terraces. The tour will then proceed to the Yanahuara neighbourhood, known for its iconic stone arches. Next, you will explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, followed by a visit to the Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the Cathedral and the arcaded buildings surrounding the square. The excursion will end with a stop at the vibrant San Camilo market. Overnight Casa Andina Select (B).
Day 5
Transferred to the stunning Colca Valley, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Chachani, Misti, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes along the way. Your journey will take us through the Pampa Cañahuas reserve, where you can observe wild vicuñas (small Llama like animals) roaming freely across the high Andean plains. You'll pass by charming, picturesque villages before stopping for lunch en route to the hotel. The afternoon is free to relax, unwind at the lodge, or optionally visit the nearby thermal baths. Overnight stay in the Colca Lodge (B).
Day 6
Early in the morning you will head to the Condor Cross viewpoint, where you will witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, these huge birds are both a symbol of the Andes and a species on the verge of extinction. From this vantage point, you'll also take in the dramatic depth of the canyon, one of the deepest in the world. Afterwards, you will visit the traditional towns of Maca and Yanque, known for preserving their beautiful colonial churches. Overnight stay at Colca Lodge (B).
Day 7
Very early in the morning, you'll explore the villages along the right bank of the valley, including Coporaque, Achoma, and Lari. Afterward, you will begin your journey to Puno, a scenic drive that takes approximately seven hours. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Puno (B).
Day 8
Today you will visit the Uros Islands which are located in the bay of Lake Titicaca, approximately 6 km from the port of Puno. This unique archipelago is made up of around 40 floating islands constructed from totora reeds and inhabited by communities of 10 to 20 families each. At an altitude of 3,810 metres above sea level, you will visit two of these islands to experience their distinctive beauty and learn about the ancient culture and way of life of the Uros people. They continue to preserve their ancestral traditions, including hunting, egg gathering, and crafting handmade goods, which they sell to support their economy. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Met on arrival and transferred to Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).
Day 9
Head out of the city of Cusco to explore Sacsayhuamán, a magnificent ceremonial Incan fortress featuring colossal stone structures, set against breathtaking landscapes. From there, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Qenqo, an ancient Inca shrine dedicated to the Puma, which contains a ceremonial altar believed to have been used for sacrifices. Next, you will visit the Puca Pucara watchtower and Tambomachay, an architecturally sophisticated site considered a key expression of the Andean worldview.
In the afternoon you will head back to Cusco for a city tour that begins at the Temple of Koricancha, known as the Golden Precinct in Quechua. Once lined with sheets of gold, the temple still exudes its former grandeur. You will then head to the main square to visit the majestic Cathedral, home to priceless colonial era art. The tour concludes with a walk through the charming San Blas neighborhood, the artisan district of Cusco. Along the way, you’ll pass the Inca Roca Palace, currently the Archbishop's Palace where you will pause to admire the famous Twelve-Angled Stone. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).
Day 10
The Sacred Valley of the Incas awaits you. Our first stop is the vibrant Pisac Market, where you will have free time to explore, shop for handicrafts, and, if you are in the mood for a local treat, try a freshly baked empanada or bread from the traditional wood fired ovens. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing in the afternoon to Ollantaytambo which is a town that has been continuously inhabited since Inca times. Here, you will visit the impressive main temple, once used as a fortress during the Inca resistance and offering breathtaking views. Overnight stay at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay (B).
Day 11
Today you will visit the Choquechaka Conservation Area, a hidden gem just beyond Cusco’s historic centre. Nestled in the Andean highlands, this protected region offers rich biodiversity. As you ascend winding mountain roads, the landscape transforms dramatically from the urban sprawl of Cusco to verdant forests, crystal clear streams and high altitude grasslands.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by local conservation guides who will share the ecological significance of the area and its role in protecting native species. Hike along the trails to observe a variety of native plants and birds, and you may see signs of Andean wildlife such as spectacled bears and deer. Your guide will introduce you to traditional medicinal plants still used by local communities today.
You will also come across small Inca ruins and ancient irrigation channels. You will learn about the efforts of local communities and organizations working to conserve the environment and promote sustainable tourism. Overnight stay at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay (B).
Day 12
A scenic train ride brings you to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, our staff will assist you in boarding the bus that takes us up the winding road to Machu Picchu. You will see agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, stairways, and residential sectors. Following a guided tour through the ancient citadel, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to your hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Overnight stay at El MaPi by Inkaterra (B).
Day 13
Early in the morning, our guide will lead you on a special and intimate visit to the Lost City of the Incas, offering deeper insight into the wonders of this sacred site. You'll also have free time to explore the citadel at your own pace before boarding the train for your return trip to Cusco. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).
Day 14
Transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival you will be met and assisted before heading to the pier to begin your transfer to the lodge. As you travel by boat, you will enjoy stunning natural scenery and your guide will be on the lookout to point out any wildlife along the way. A boxed lunch will be served on board.
In the evening, you will head out on a night boat ride in search of caimans in their natural habitat. Dinner and overnight stay at El Refugio Amazonas (BLD).
Day 15
In the morning, you will take a canoe or catamaran ride across the lake to spot some of the unique wildlife that inhabits the area, including the prehistoric looking hoatzin bird, camungo, and caiman. You will also have the chance to see brightly coloured and noise macaws and parrots soaring above the water. Next, you will visit the canopy tower, located approx 30 minutes from the Amazonas Rescue Center. Standing 25 metres tall, this tower offers stunning views and excellent birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of toucans, macaws, birds of prey, and more.
After lunch, you will explore one of the most biodiverse farms in the nearby community of Condenado. During an ethnobotanical tour, you’ll learn about the traditional uses of various medicinal plants found in the area. In the evening, you will attend an informative presentation on conservation challenges, opportunities, and ongoing projects within the Tambopata National Reserve. Dinner and overnight stay at El Refugio Amazonas (BLD).
Day 16
In the morning, you’ll visit the parrot and parakeet clay lick, where dozens of these colorful birds gather to feed on the mineral rich clay. After lunch, you will embark on a hike to the stunning chestnut forest. Along the way, you will learn about the entire harvesting proces, from collection and roasting to husk removal and transportation.
Next, you will explore the mammal clay lick, where you can observe groups of wild rainforest pigs known as peccaries and huanganas. As night falls, you will set out on a guided night hike to spot nocturnal mammals and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay at El Refugio Amazonas (BLD).
Day 17
Transferred to airport for your return flight to Lima (B).