Epic 25-day Peru adventure tour

Lima

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Peru and to Lima, the City of Kings. On your arrival, a representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Lima’s Miraflores neighborhood. Once you've settled in, the rest of today is yours to rest and enjoy at leisure.

Lima - Paracas

Day 2: Journey to Paracas

Today, start your Peru adventure in a trusty Toyota Runner 4x4. Your driver will pick you up at the hotel after breakfast and head for Paracas.

Along the way, stop off in Pachacamac to visit the Temple of the Sun. This is a sacred and ancient ceremonial site, where thousands of pilgrims come to pay tribute to the Pachacamac oracle. Next, visit the little town of Pucusana with its sandy beach and traditional fishing harbor. The waters here are calm and you'll hop aboard a wooden fishing boat and head out into the bay; you may be able to see various sea birds, sea lions and dolphins.

Back on dry land, travel the last stretch of about 2.5 hours to Paracas and check into your hotel. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.

Paracas - Ica

Day 3: Wildlife boat tour & desert oasis

In the morning, board a speedboat and visit the Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky formations that are home to important marine wildlife such as guano birds, Humboldt penguins and sea lions.

Back on terra firma, continue to the Paracas National Reserve, the cradle of Paracas culture. Your first stop here is Sequion Beach, where you’ll observe migratory birds and appreciate the colorful landscapes of this subtropical desert.

After lunch, explore the red beach and perhaps take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean. Then you’ll hit the road again, heading south for around 1.5 hours to reach a desert oasis. Here you’ll have the chance to take part in an optional activity and try sandboarding, before experiencing a spectacular sunset over the desert.

Ica - Nasca

Day 4: Welcome to the San Fernando Reserve

After breakfast today, you'll head for Nazca, stopping along the way to visit a local artisanal winery where you’ll learn all about Peruvian wine and pisco.

In your 4x4, drive on to the remote San Fernando Reserve with its rich marine and coastal biodiversity. This is a place that not so many tourists get to visit: you might see marine wildlife such as sea wolves, otters, penguins and cetaceans, as well as the typical fauna of the Peruvian mountains, including guanaco and soaring condors.

Later, check into your hotel, settle in and enjoy the night in Nazca.

Nasca

Day 5: The iconic Nazca Lines

Today you'll explore the fascinating mysteries of the pre-Inca Nazca culture. Visit aqueducts, the Cahuachi ceremonial center and the mummy cemetery, and of course, the Nazca Lines themselves.

Observed from above, you can clearly see the images of a monkey, hummingbird, whale and lizard etched on the desert floor: these are just a few of the mysterious figures found here. The lines are best observed from on high so you'll be taking a short flight in a small plane.

Head back to your hotel afterwards, where the rest of the day is yours to spend however you like.

Nasca - Cotahuasi

Day 6: From the coast to the Andes

Start the day early for an adventure through a remote region of Peru, driving from the coast to the Andes Mountains.

First you'll pass Cerro Blanco, the highest sand dune in the Americas at 800m tall. Then, gradually begin to gain altitude, passing through small Andean villages and the beautiful Pampa Galeras National Reserve; look out of your window and you might see vicuñas and condors.

After a stop for lunch, continue to the Cotahuasi Valley and Canyon, passing through deep Andean valleys and remote villages en-route to the town of Cotahuasi, your home for tonight.

Cotahuasi - Arequipa

Day 7: Cotahuasi canyon hiking

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast, as it’s time to stretch your legs on an invigorating hiking excursion!

You'll have a choice of two treks: the first one is the Seven Sipia Waterfalls hike, which takes about three to four hours. The second option is to hike to the town of Cahuana for a view of the Colca Canyon, a trek that takes about five hours to complete.

In the evening you'll transfer to the city of Arequipa, where you can check into your hotel, sit back and relax.

Arequipa

Day 8: Sightseeing in Arequipa

Today, enjoy an indulgent breakfast, a leisurely morning and perhaps a stroll around this beautiful colonial-era city, surrounded by three striking volcanoes.

In the afternoon, you'll take a guided walking city tour of Arequipa, visiting the main square, the cathedral, the Church of the Company and the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you'll learn all about its interesting past. Then, visit the Yanahuara suburb to enjoy a wonderful view of the Arequipa Valley and volcanoes.

The evening is yours to explore further or simply wind down at your hotel.

Arequipa - Llahuar

Day 9: Journey to the Colca Canyon

Make a very early start this morning and begin your journey to the Colca Canyon at 4am. Around 7am, stop in the mountain village of Chivay (3,650m) for breakfast, then continue your journey to the Cross of the Condor, a lookout spot where you can see condors in flight.

From there, the route takes you to Cabanaconde (3,287m) for lunch. This is where you'll begin a five-hour hike into the spectacular Colca Canyon. Your camp for the night is at Llahuar (2,050m), where you'll rest after the hike and enjoy a soak in warm thermal pools before dinner.

Llahuar - Sangalle

Day 10: Another day of formidable hiking

After breakfast at camp today, hike along the canyon towards the village of Paclla (2,350m), where you'll see gardens full of fruits as well as native and medicinal plants.

From there, the route begins to climb, reaching an altitude of 2,800m. Enjoy a flat walk for a time, before descending to Sangalle (2,160m), also known as The Oasis. Arrive after around five hours of walking and have lunch, followed by a free afternoon to relax before dinner.

Sangalle - Puno

Day 11: Journey to the Altiplano

It’s another early start today, beginning your hike at around 5am and climbing to the village of Cabanaconde (3,280m). There, tuck into a well-deserved breakfast before taking a road transfer to Chivay.

You'll stop along the way at the Wayra Punku viewpoint to appreciate the Inca and pre-Inca terraces, as well as views of the city of Maca. Enjoy a dip in the thermal baths of La Calera, then after lunch, head to Puno on a journey of around five hours.

Puno

Day 12: Sail the waters of Lake Titicaca

After breakfast today, take a slow boat voyage across the incredible high-altitude Lake Titicaca. First, you'll visit the floating Uros Island to find out about the customs and lifestyle of its locals. Then it’s on to Taquile, declared a masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Explore the island and learn about the traditions and intricate textiles produced by the locals. Then, after lunch, travel back to Puno by boat, with the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure.

Puno - Cusco

Day 13: Journey to Cusco

Today, it's time to set off for the Inca capital of Cusco. On the way you'll visit the Sillustani tombs, a pre-Inca cemetery near the shores of Lake Umayo. You'll also tour the Pucara Museum and stop at Sicuani for lunch before continuing on to Raqchi (the Temple of Wiracocha) and the Andahuaylillas church.

Arrive into the beautiful city of Cusco in the late afternoon; settle into your hotel, then explore the town or relax in your new home.

Cusco

Day 14: Get to know Cusco

This morning is free for you to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of this incredible city, visiting the main square, cathedral, Koricancha temple, San Blas Church, and San Pedro Market. You'll also see the important Inca ruins on the outskirts of town, including the famous Sacsayhuaman with its giant stone walls.

The evening is free for you to find a charming spot for dinner or a drink, or to explore Cusco some more at your own pace.

Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Day 15: The Sacred Valley of the Incas

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin a full-day private tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

First you'll visit the ruins at Pisac with their impressive Inca terraces, and the colorful town market filled with arts and crafts. Then you'll head to Ollantaytambo, where many people still live in houses that were originally built by the Incas. Marvel at the urban water channels and the original Inca streets that are still intact today. Finally, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, before checking into your hotel and unwinding for the night, ready for your trek tomorrow.

Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Day 16: Hiking the Inca Trail

After breakfast you'll be picked up and transferred to Ollantaytambo railway station, for your journey to the Inca Trail's starting point, at the ruins of Chachabamba. From there, it’s a four-hour walk with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Stop for a picnic lunch along the way and by the afternoon, catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu. You’ll have a few hours to take in the amazing views across the citadel and begin exploring. In the late afternoon, board a bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner and an overnight stay.

Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo

Day 17: A guided tour of Machu Picchu

One look is never enough! So today, you'll head back to Machu Picchu for a private guided tour with an expert. There is a lot to see and the tour will take approximately three hours, as you wander through the plazas, temples and terraces of this long-forgotten Inca city. After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train to Ollantaytambo, for a free evening of relaxing.

Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Day 18: Sacred Valley sights & markets

After breakfast today, make your way back through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. You'll be stopping along the way at several places of interest. The first is Moray, a group of circular terraces that form an amphitheater. You'll then visit the salt pits of Maras, and finally the town of Chincheros, a small Andean destination with a fantastic market showcasing local arts and crafts.

Cusco

Day 19: Day trip to Rainbow Mountain

In the early morning, set out on a scenic three-hour drive to the base of the Ausangate. Here you'll begin a three-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain. This is a relatively challenging hike, but take your time and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views.

This multicolored mountain is striped with layers of different minerals and is an otherworldly sight. You'll have plenty of time to rest, enjoy a picnic lunch, and admire the views before returning to Cusco for a free evening.

Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

Day 20: Journey to the rainforest

Today, leave Cusco and the highlands behind after breakfast and descend through the lowlands to the rainforest. You'll be traveling all the way from the Andes to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the luscious Peruvian Amazon. Once you've checked into your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Puerto Maldonado - Tambopata

Day 21: Into the jungle

Today you'll set off by boat into the heart of the rainforest to a beautiful Amazon lodge. You'll be traveling light, with the majority of your luggage kept safe at offices in town.

Begin your river journey at Tambopata Port and travel through the Tambopata National Reserve, a 1.3-million-hectare conservation area. On your arrival, the lodge manager will welcome you. After settling in, you might like to take a guided night hike in search of the jungle's nocturnal animals. Enjoy dinner amidst these incredible surroundings, and have a good night’s sleep at the lodge.

Tambopata

Day 22: A deep rainforest river journey

Located 4.5 hours by boat from the lodge, in the pristine heart of the reserve, is today's destination: the Tambopata Research Center.

Around 90 minutes into your boat journey there, as you cross the confluence with the Malinowski River, leave behind the final traces of human habitation. In this remote heart of the reserve, sightings of capybara, caiman, geese, macaws, and other large species will become more frequent. Along the way, stop at the Chuncho clay lick, where you'll have the chance to see dozens of macaws feeding on the special sodium-rich clays of the riverbank.

On arrival at the research center, you’ll be welcomed before embarking on a 5km hike leading to a viewpoint with magnificent views of the Tambopata River. Afterwards, it's time for dinner and a night spent deep in the forest.

Tambopata

Day 23: The wilderness of Tambopata

On most clear mornings of the year, dozens of large macaws and hundreds of parrots congregate on a nearby section of the river bank - a raucous and colorful spectacle that inspired a National Geographic cover story. Discreetly hidden, you'll get to witness this amazing scene.

As part of your early morning walk, you'll also pass through the pristine forest looking out for brown capuchins, spider monkeys and peccaries. Then, it's time to enjoy one last day and tranquil evening in the jungle, perhaps joining a guided night hike.

Tambopata - Lima

Day 24: Return to the city

After breakfast today, retrace your river and road journey back to Puerto Maldonado. Say goodbye to the wilds of the Amazon Rainforest as you slowly return to civilization. Once back in the city, pick up your luggage and head to the airport for a flight to Lima.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a last night in the city; find somewhere for a delicious dinner before you bid Peru farewell tomorrow!

Lima

Day 25: Goodbye, Peru!

After breakfast today, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Have a safe trip and visit again soon!