15-Day Great Inca Expedition: Lima, Nasca, Paracas, Arequipa, Colca, Puno, Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Start your day with breakfast before embarking on an exclusive journey through Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with architectural wonders and rich history.

Your first stop is the Santo Domingo Convent, a masterpiece dating back to Lima’s founding. This historic site housed the San Marcos University, the oldest in the Americas, and features the country’s oldest chairs in its choir area. Its library, with over 25,000 books, some printed as early as the 15th century, is a treasure trove of knowledge. The convent is a spiritual landmark, as it was frequented by Lima’s most revered saints, and it holds the remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías, and Santa Rosa de Lima.

From there, stroll through Lima’s Main Plaza, home to the Government Palace and Municipal Palace, en route to the Lima Cathedral. This iconic landmark is a repository of religious art and history, showcasing paintings that narrate Lima’s past and providing a profound connection to the city’s cultural roots.

Next, visit the Larco Museum, a cultural gem just 30 minutes from Lima’s city center. The museum invites you to delve into Peru’s rich and diverse pre-Columbian heritage. Its carefully curated exhibits reveal the profound artistry and symbolic depth of ancient civilizations, offering insight into their spiritual beliefs, social structures, and daily practices. A highlight is the museum’s warehouse, housing thousands of meticulously crafted ceramic pieces. These artifacts vividly depict scenes of everyday life, from human faces and rituals to representations of animals, plants, and cultural symbolism.This tour is a captivating dive into Lima’s history, art, and culture, blending the city’s colonial charm with its ancient heritage.

Lodging in Lima.

Begin your day with a scenic bus trip to Paracas Bay, followed by a transfer to the Pisco Airport. Here, you’ll embark on a thrilling overflight of the Nazca Lines, a mysterious UNESCO World Heritage site. From the sky, marvel at the enormous geoglyphs representing various insects and animals, including a monkey, hummingbird, condor, and spider.

While their origins remain shrouded in mystery, many believe these ancient figures served as an astronomical calendar or held ceremonial significance.

After the flight, return to the airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the hotel’s facilities or exploring the serene surroundings. Lodging in Paracas.

Start your day with an early motorboat tour to the Ballestas Islands, an unforgettable adventure. On the way, marvel at the mysterious Chandelier, a massive geoglyph etched into the sand, reminiscent of the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

As you approach the islands, enjoy close-up views of diverse wildlife, including playful sea lions, elegant pelicans, charming Humboldt penguins, and a variety of sea birds in their natural habitat, set against the stunning coastal scenery.

In the afternoon, depart by bus to Lima. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind. Lodging in Lima.

Begin your day with breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Arequipa, the stunning White City. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm meet and greet, followed by your transfer to the hotel. Spend the morning acclimating to the altitude and preparing for the day’s exploration.

In the afternoon, the White City unveils its charm as you embark on a tour starting at the San Lázaro Colonial District, the birthplace of Arequipa. Wander its picturesque, geranium-lined streets before heading to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of agricultural terraces and the majestic trio of volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu-Pichu.

Next, visit the Yanahuara Colonial District, known for its Andalusian-style church and iconic viewpoint framed by elegant sillar arches. Continue to the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a historic gem closed to the public for 400 years, with its narrow streets, charming squares, and gardens evoking the ambiance of old Seville or Granada.

The tour proceeds to Arequipa’s Main Square, featuring a stunning Cathedral and the elegant stone arches that surround it. Finally, visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, a seventeenth-century marvel renowned for its intricate cloisters and the remarkable San Ignacio Dome.

Conclude your day with a restful night at your hotel in Arequipa, inspired by the city’s rich history and beauty. Lodging in Arequipa.

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through the breathtaking Colca Valley, ascending the foothills of the Chachani Volcano and admiring the majestic views of Misti and Pichu Pichu Volcanoes. Along the way, cross the Pampa Cañahuas Vicuña Reserve, where you’ll witness these graceful animals roaming freely in the high Andes, surrounded by charming Andean villages.

Pause for a delightful lunch en route to your hotel, where the afternoon is yours to relax. Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities or opt for a visit to the soothing thermal baths nearby.

End your day with a delicious dinner and restful lodging at Colca Canyon.

Start your day early with a visit to the Condor Cross Viewpoint, where you’ll witness the majestic flight of the Andean condors, symbols of the Andes and among the largest flying birds in the world. From this vantage point, marvel at the breathtaking depth of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on Earth.

Continue your journey with visits to the charming towns of Maca and Yanque, where you’ll admire well-preserved colonial churches and experience the local culture.

After lunch, board a bus for the 5-hour trip to Puno. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lodging in Puno ensures a restful night after a day filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural exploration.

Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a captivating journey to explore the wonders of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the Uros Islands, unique floating islands crafted entirely from totora reeds. Here, you’ll meet the friendly Uros people, who will share their fascinating lifestyle and traditions with you.

Next, we sail to Taquile Island, renowned for its vibrant culture, traditional clothing, and preservation of ancestral customs. Explore the island, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the lake, and indulge in a delicious typical lunch prepared by the locals.

Return to Puno in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodging in Puno, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic bus tour to Cusco, exploring the incredible attractions along this picturesque route. Our first stop is the Pucará Museum, where you’ll discover fascinating pre-Inca artifacts and have the chance to take home a classic Torito de Pucará, a traditional ceramic bull.

Next, enjoy lunch with breathtaking views at La Raya, the natural border between Puno and Cusco, surrounded by majestic mountains and highland scenery. We then continue to Raqchi, home to the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, where grand walls and narrow streets showcase the ingenuity of Inca architecture. Before reaching Cusco, we’ll stop in Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” to admire its stunning Baroque-style frescoes and intricate decorations.

Arrive in Cusco by late afternoon and settle in for your stay, ready to explore the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Lodging in Cusco.

Start your morning away from the crowds with a visit to Sacsayhuamán, an awe-inspiring fortress with colossal stone constructions surrounded by stunning views that blend harmoniously with the landscape. Continue your journey to the Inca shrine of Qenqo, where you’ll see a sacrificial altar carved inside a mysterious rock cave. Next, enjoy the views from Puca Pucara and visit Tambomachay, a monument showcasing remarkable Inca engineering and its role in the Andean cosmovision.

Later, our exclusive city tour begins at San Cristobal Plaza, offering panoramic views of the city. Then, immerse yourself in local culture at the San Pedro Market, where you’ll discover the unique flavors and products that sustain the region. Next, step into history with a visit to the magnificent Korikancha Temple, the "Gold Enclosure," where the remnants of gold-covered walls still inspire awe. Adjacent to it stands the Santo Domingo Church, a beautiful blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

From there, stroll through San Blas, the artisans' neighborhood, and down the historic Hatun Rumiyoc Street, where you’ll encounter the iconic Twelve-Angle Stone and the Inca Roca Palace, now the Archbishop's residence. The tour concludes at Cusco’s Main Square, where the Cathedral awaits with its priceless colonial masterpieces. An unforgettable day blending Inca and colonial heritage, local culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Today, the Sacred Valley of the Incas welcomes us with its rich history and stunning landscapes.

Our journey begins with a visit to Inca and Colonial Pisac, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, perched atop a mountain offering breathtaking views of the colonial town below. After exploring the site, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the colonial town and have time to shop at its famous handicraft market.

Next, we’ll head to the impressive Inkariy Museum, where a delicious lunch awaits us. Following lunch, we’ll take a guided tour of the museum to explore its numerous rooms, each showcasing cultural representations of pre-Hispanic civilizations of ancient Peru.

Our journey continues to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, a unique tourist complex dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural and agricultural traditions of the Sacred Valley. Here, we’ll have the chance to feed Andean camelids like llamas and alpacas and watch locals demonstrate traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. Additionally, we’ll explore interpretation centers showcasing adobe manufacturing, a traditional chichería (a store selling chicha, a traditional Andean drink), and local folklore. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Our adventure continues as we explore the lesser-known treasures of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

We begin in Moray, a fascinating site where colossal concentric terraces form a stunning amphitheater-like design. These terraces were ingeniously constructed to recreate up to 20 different microclimates, ensuring the agricultural sustainability of the Inca Empire. Next, we journey to Maras, home to ancient colonial salt mines. The striking contrast of the white salt pools against the lush green valley creates a scene so picturesque it resembles a postcard. Buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, a remarkable site showcasing the sophisticated stonework techniques of the Incas. Finally, we head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board our train to Machu Picchu town. Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you and assist with your check-in at one of the local hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Embark on a scenic train journey to discover the Sacred Lost Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival at the town station, our staff will assist you in boarding the bus that ascends the winding road to Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and its dramatic canyon.

At the Lost City of the Incas, prepare to be amazed by its impressive terraces, ceremonial shrines, staircases, and urban areas. The energy and mystery of this ancient site are truly palpable.

After a guided tour to uncover its fascinating history, enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area. At the designated time, board the train for your return journey to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Cusco offers a variety of cultural, archaeological, and adventure activities. Be sure to book in advance. We suggest:

Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain
Located at 5,000 meters above sea level in the heights of the Vilcanota River Valley within the Ausangate mountain range, this stunning mountain has become one of the most iconic attractions and wonders of Cusco.

Kayaking in Piuray Lagoon
Experience a day of connection with yourself, paddling a kayak across Piuray Lagoon with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. A perfect moment to relax, let the silence surround you, and renew your energy. Enjoy a delicious lunch by the lakeshore.

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport. Board your flight to Lima and seamlessly connect to your journey home, carrying unforgettable memories of your trip. Safe travels!