Wonders of Peru – 13 Days: Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, French-speaking guide

Upon arrival at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, a chauffeured vehicle and a representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Overnight in Lima.

Our local representative will pick you up from the hotel to accompany you to the Lima bus station. From there, you'll embark on a comfortable three-and-a-half-hour journey to Paracas. Paracas, famous for its temperate desert climate, is a top destination in any season for nature and history lovers. Its breathtakingly beautiful national reserve will offer you grandiose landscapes, spectacular rock formations and beaches with turquoise waters. 

Upon arrival at Paracas Bus Station, you'll be taken to your hotel.

Overnight in Paracas.

Discovery of the Ballestas Islands. This nature reserve is famous for its spectacular geological formations, rich marine biodiversity, and archaeological remains. The Ballestas Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including Humboldt's penguins, sea lions, and fascinating seabirds. During this excursion we will also be able to admire the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph. After this unforgettable experience, you'll be taken to the bus station in Paracas to catch a bus to Nazca, a journey of about four hours. Upon arrival in Nazca, you will be transferred to your hotel.   

Overnight in Nazca.

Today, get ready for a unique experience! You'll be taken to the Nazca Airfield for an unforgettable flight over the famous Nazca Lines. From the air, you can admire these gigantic geoglyphs, real enigmas of pre-Columbian America. Figures of animals such as a condor, a monkey or a spider will be revealed before your eyes, drawn with astonishing precision on the desert floor. After this 30-minute flight, you'll have free time to explore the city of Nazca. At the end of the day, we'll board a bus to Arequipa, a colonial city with unique charms. After about ten hours of driving, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Arequipa.

In the afternoon, we'll set off to discover the most remarkable attractions of Arequipa. You'll start at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the city, the Chile River, and the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Then, we'll go to the Yanahuara viewpoint, famous for its Sillar architecture. We'll continue our tour through the Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of the city, and finally, we'll explore the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a real labyrinth of streets, squares and cloisters. 

*Dress code for churches: During the tour, the use of short-sleeved polo shirts, tank tops, shorts above the knees is not allowed, under penalty of being refused entry. Please note that for shared transfers, there is a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Your tour begins with a discovery of the Colca Valley, passing through the Yura district. Continue through the Pampas Cañahuas Reserve, a vast plain populated by vicuñas, one of the four native Andean camelids found in Peru. We'll cross the Viscachani and Toccra pampas, on the edge of the crater of the Chucura volcano, to reach the viewpoint of Los Andes in Patapampa. Lunch will take place in the picturesque village of Chivay, followed by transfer to your hotel in the Colca Valley to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. 

Overnight in Colca.

Today, you'll have the privilege of visiting the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, an incredible spot to watch condors fly over the canyon. You'll then descend to the valley floor to explore charming rural villages along the Colca River, such as Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. We'll also make stops at the viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire other breathtaking panoramas of the majestic canyon. On the way back to Chivay, we'll make a detour through Patahuasi on our way to Puno, where we'll be able to contemplate the highlands, unique rock formations and beautiful lagoons. After about 6 hours of driving, you will arrive in Puno at around 6 pm and be taken to your hotel. This circuit is collective. 

Overnight in Puno.

In the heart of the city of Puno, perched in the heights, nestles Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. This is where the Uros, an ancestral community, live on artificial islands built from braided totora reeds, directly from the lake. The tour begins with a transfer to the port of Puno, where a boat is waiting to take you to the beautiful islands of Uros. After an enchanting excursion of an hour and a half, we'll continue our way to the island of Taquile, renowned for its ancestral culture and traditional way of life. Once there, you will attend a presentation on the island, and a cultural activity. After a delicious lunch, we'll start our return trip to Puno. 

Overnight in Puno.

Journey from Puno to Cusco in shared service with English-speaking guide Discover Cusco, the former Inca capital, through breathtaking Andean landscapes, to meet typical villages and wildlife. Your itinerary includes a stop at the archaeological site of Pucará, dating back to the second and third centuries BC. We'll then take a short break at La Raya, the highest point of the route at 4,313 meters above sea level. After this tour, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch. Continuing on your way, you will discover the village of Raqchi, famous for its temple of Wiracocha, and then the charming village of Andahuaylillas, known for its church nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America". Finally, we'll arrive at your hotel in Cusco. 

Overnight in Cusco.

Discover the magic of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Your tour will begin with the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the ruins of the Temple of the Sun, the Coricancha. You will then be amazed by the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, a masterpiece of religious art. Then, we'll set off to discover the surrounding hills of Cusco and their archaeological sites. You'll visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, the mysterious Qenqo Complex, and the Puca Pucará site, among others. We'll finish at the ruins of Tambomachay, also known as the Inca Baths. After this unforgettable day, we'll return to your hotel, full of new discoveries. Note that this tour is done in a group, allowing you to share this unique experience with other enthusiasts. 

Overnight in Cusco.

A vehicle will pick you up in the morning to take you to the picturesque village of Chinchero. We'll discover its agricultural terraces and its 17th-century colonial church built on an ancient Inca palace also recognized as one of the first Catholic constructions in Peru. Along the way, we'll stop at a lookout point to admire the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, we'll visit the Living Museum of Yucay, where we'll be able to witness the creation of textiles, adobe objects, ceramics, and silver objects using ancient Inca techniques. You will enjoy a delicious typical lunch of the Sacred Valley.You will then enjoy a delicious typical lunch. After lunch, we'll head to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, an important ceremonial center known for its impressive agricultural terraces that stretch across the sides of the surrounding mountains. At the end of this full-day tour, you'll return to your hotel to relax and soak up the renewed Inca spirit. This tour is shared with other travelers.

Overnight in Urubamba.

A transport will pick you up from your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) to take you to the Ollantaytambo train station. This transfer is shared with other passengers. 

Board the train from Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes Station (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you'll receive assistance upon arrival. For your return, you will make the same journey. Each route lasts approximately an hour and a half, and schedules are subject to availability.

Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, offers a bustling handicraft market, a variety of restaurants, and accommodation options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away, you'll find Machu Picchu, a marvel of engineering and architecture, which is said to have served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacútec. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," captivates with its historical brilliance and natural majesty.

After the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco. This tour is shared with other passengers.

You will enjoy a delicious lunch at Café Inkaterra, with a unique view of the Vilcanota River. This restaurant combines Andean cuisine and architecture with contemporary trends, creating dishes with an original taste and fusion style. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station after your train journey from Aguas Calientes, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco. This transfer will be shared with other travelers. 

Overnight in Cusco.

Your Peruvian adventure is coming to an end. A driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Cusco Airport.