Authentic road trip through southern Peru

Lima

Day 1: Welcome to Lima!

Upon arrival at Lima’s airport, you will receive a warm welcome by a local guide who will be accompanying you throughout your journey in Peru. You will then be escorted to your hotel in the seaside district of Miraflores.

Your first day in Peru will be flexible to allow you to relax after your flight and explore Lima at your own pace. Depending on your time of arrival, your guide will have plenty of suggestions to help you make the most of your first day in Lima.

Lima - Lunahuana

Day 2: Picturesque drive to Nor Yauyos-Cochas

After breakfast, leave Lima behind and journey along the 300km route that connects Lima and the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, the most authentic and scenic area of the country.

Along the way is Pachacamac, an old Andean oracle that precedes the Incas by over 1,000 years. A little further south, stop in Cerro Azul, a picturesque fishing village and beach town and a great place to relax, have a swim, or try some surfing. Afterwards you'll reach Lunahuana, where food-lovers can enjoy delicious river shrimp.

Throughout the journey, you'll observe how the arid coastal surroundings slowly change into more colorful and breathtaking landscapes. Once you’ve entered the reserve, you’ll reach a comfortable hotel on the riverside. If there are still a few good hours of light to spare, you could even visit the scenic lagoon of Pikicocha.

Lunahuana - Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve

Day 3: Soak up breathtaking natural landscapes

Early this morning, prepare to travel to Huancaya, your base for exploring the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve. Drive east into the mountains on a beautiful five-hour ascent, seeing how the arid coastal surroundings slowly change into more colorful landscapes along the way.

Pass by the Pikicocha Lagoon, where you can stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. Continue to the village of Vilca along a route full of breathtaking views of green lakes, waterfalls, and turquoise lagoons.

Once at Vilca, take a bridle path leaving the village, to reach the spectacular Papacocha Waterfall after an hour's hike. Here your guide will explain the importance of forest conservation and the harmonious relationship between man and nature in this Karnak queñual forest. After enjoying some time in the area, return to Huancaya to spend the night at a local family homestay in the village.  

Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve

Day 4: Waterfalls & lagoons in Nor Yauyos-Cochas

Today, enjoy an easy hike from Huancaya to the beautiful Carhuayno Falls and Huallhua Lagoon. You'll be taking a local path across emerald lagoons and waterfalls. It's also quite common to bump into local villagers working in their fields and terraces, some of which go back to pre-Inca times and are still in use to this day.

After a small rest in Carhuayno, continue walking for another 20 minutes to reach the Huallhua Lagoon, from where you'll enjoy astonishing views of the valley. If you're lucky and the little community boat is available, you'll be able to sail across the lagoon to reach the falls of the same name.

There, take some time to explore this natural paradise and snap a few photographs. Afterwards, return to Huancaya and, in the evening, light a fire while enjoying stories of local myths and legends.

Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve - Pampas

Day 5: Enjoy the silence at Pampas

After a few days exploring the wonders of nature across the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Landscape Reserve, it's time to say goodbye to your hosts and hit the road to your next accommodation, in Pampas.

You'll drive first towards the Mantaro valley, a fertile land known as the granary of the Central Andes. It is also home to many famous artisans in Peru. If time allows, you may stop for a short break at Cochas Chicos. Then, continue all the way to Pamuri Andes Lodge, a beautiful country manor surrounded by eucalyptus forests.

Pampas

Day 6: Explore an ancient Inca trail

Today, you will enjoy the Andes at their fullest! After a hearty buffet breakfast, you'll enjoy a hike to an ancient Inca trail located in the Atocc community.

Begin with a 45-minute drive south from Pampas to the starting point of today's adventure. From there, it's a three-hour and 30-minute hike to reach part of the network that connected the Inca Empire throughout the whole country.

After exploring the area, return to your lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal. The afternoon will be free for you to enjoy the surroundings or, if you wish, join any of the local activities on offer: choose from yoghurt- and cheese-making, tree climbing, mushroom harvesting, or simply relaxing by a warm and cozy campfire.

Pampas - Ayacucho

Day 7: Journey to Ayacucho

Pamuri Andes Lodge produces its own milk, cheese, yoghurt, and more, so breakfast here is a treat! After, it's time to say goodbye to your hosts and start the journey to your next destination, Ayacucho.

Along today's route, you will be crossing Junin, Huancavelica, and Ayacucho, three regions in the heart of Peru's Andes that are rarely visited by travelers - however, each one is home to rich local culture and some fantastic scenery. From Pampas, drive 220km through the mountains before arriving at Ayacucho, to check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to enjoy at your own pace.

Ayacucho

Day 8: Discovering the craftworks of Ayacucho

Ayacucho is well-known for its beautiful artwork around the whole region - you can't miss the chance to visit some of the most important craft workshops in the city.

First you'll meet Marcial Berrocal, a skilled artisan from Sarhua - a community that specializes in beautifully painted wood beams, depicting typical activities and customs of rural life. In this hands-on tour, you will learn about the history and making of a tabla de Sarhua. Of course, you'll have the opportunity to paint your very own tabla to bring back home!

Next you'll drive to Quinua, a small town famous for its beautiful pottery, to visit the fascinating workshop of Limacos. Finally, return to Huamanga and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. If you wish, you can visit the Joaquín López Antay Museum to explore some of its famous retablos ayacuchanos.

Ayacucho - Pampachiri

Day 9: Hit the road for Pampachiri

Today you'll have a long driving day towards Pampachiri, home to some of the most unusual and impressive landscapes you'll find in Peru. The road will take you through high Andean scenery as you reach the small village of Pampachiri.

Depending on the day's schedule, you could make a short stop en-route to visit the archaeological site of Sondor. There's no rush, as you'll have the next morning free to explore its famous stone forest.

Pampachiri - Limatambo

Day 10: Tour Pampachiri's bizarre stone forest

Today you'll continue your off-the-beaten-path journey, getting closer to Cusco every day. In the morning, explore the Stone Forest of Pampachiri where volcanic activity over the centuries has formed bizarre cone-like rocks, that vary in size from just a few centimeters up to 4m. The combination of grey-and-red cones with blue skies and deep green vegetation makes this visit very unique.

Then, get ready for the longest journey of your trip - but don't worry, it's well worth the effort! As you leave the Pampas Valley, drive along the Pachachaca River to the city of Abancay. Then, pass by Sayhuite and the Apurimac River, the official border between the provinces of Apurimac and Cusco. From there, continue the journey to your countryside hotel in Limatambo, where you will settle in and relax for the rest of the day.

Limatambo - Misminay - Sacred Valley

Day 11: The wonders of the Sacred Valley

This morning, arrive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first activity is a rather unique one, visiting an Andean community known as Misminay, where Flora’s family will be happy to show you as much of their culture as possible. Learn about local textile weaving and cook a nice Andean lunch.

After, you'll go on a short hike to a nearby viewpoint from where you'll have a unique view of the Moray terraces. Back in Misminay, say goodbye to your hosts and continue on to Maras, another impressive site, as a salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces. Locals have been collecting and selling its salt at markets of the region since before Inca times. Finally, make your way to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, to rest for the evening.

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 12: Experience the majesty of Machu Picchu

Begin today by visiting Ollantaytambo, a charming spot that has not changed much since Inca times. Tour its archaeological site, featuring impressive Inca stonework only seconded by that of Machu Picchu.

Next, head to the train station for a trip to Aguas Calientes, where upon arriving, you'll take a 20-minute bus up the steep zigzagging road to the Machu Picchu Citadel, located in an impressive mountain setting.

Once there, find a nice spot overlooking the main site for an initial explanation of Machu Picchu. A little later in the afternoon, take a guided tour around the main areas of the citadel at a time when most travelers should have already left. Explore the site until it closes at around 5pm, then head back to Aguas Calientes for your return train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will be waiting to take you on to Cusco.

Cusco

Day 13: Discover the secrets of Cusco

Strap on your walking shoes! It is time for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historical center. This walking tour will take you not only to the most popular sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square and Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), but also into lively neighborhoods and local markets to discover the true magic of Cusco. This is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people. Don't miss the San Francisco Church with its impressive colonial architecture, catacombs, and excellent rooftop views of the city.

Cusco

Day 14: Time to say goodbye

On your last day, you will have enough free time to prepare for your flight and enjoy a last stroll around the inspiring city of Cusco. At a coordinated time, head to Cusco's airport to board your flight to Lima, for an international connecting flight to your next destination.