National Program: Lima, Ica, Cusco and Puno 11D/10N
National Program: Lima, Ica, Cusco and Puno 11D/10N
Overview
This exciting 11-day itinerary, covering Lima, Ica, Cusco and Puno, offers an unparalleled blend of culture, history, nature and adventure. From vibrant Lima to the archaeological wonders of Cusco, the majesty of Machu Picchu and the beauty of the Humantay Lagoon, this trip will immerse you in the essence of Peru. Plus, you’ll explore the 7 Coloured Mountain Vinicunca and discover the local culture at Lake Titicaca before bidding farewell in Puno – get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Itinerary
Day 1: City Tour Lima
Upon arrival at Lima’s airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city. At 2:30 p.m., your exciting City Tour of Lima will begin, with hotel pickups starting at 2:00 p.m.
During this tour, you will explore Lima through its three historical stages: Ancient, Colonial, and Modern Lima. The tour begins with a panoramic view of the Puccllana Pyramid, an ancient ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century AD, considered a sacred site by the Incas.
Next, you will visit the Historic Center of Lima, where you will admire the old city square and over fifty colonial monuments and buildings, including the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral Basilica, among others.
Continuing the tour, you will visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Peruvian treasures, including ceramics, gold, and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures. Then, you will explore the Monumental Complex of San Francisco, home to the largest exhibition of colonial religious art in the Americas, with its most famous feature being the underground catacombs.
Finally, you will visit the Modern area of Lima, where you can admire the city’s main buildings and residential districts, including the Olive Grove of San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Parque del Amor.
The tour concludes at 6:00 p.m., and you will return to your hotel to spend the night in Lima, having experienced the rich historical and modern heritage of the Peruvian capital.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands - Huacachina
At 4:30 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the journey to Paracas City, with an estimated arrival around 9:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we will go to Dock “El Chaco” to board a speedboat that will take us to the Ballestas Islands.
Our first stop on the boat will be the enigmatic Chandelier Geoglyph, a colossal trident-shaped figure over 2,500 years old, located on the sandy hillside. Here, we will explore various theories about its origin, which may be linked to ancient pirates or even the creators of the famous Nazca Lines.
Continuing the tour, we will approach the Ballestas Islands, three small islands teeming with incredible marine and ecological diversity. You will be amazed by the large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous guano birds flying overhead. To protect the ecosystem and not disturb the animals, disembarking is not allowed, but we will get close enough to observe them interacting in their natural habitat. The boat trip around the three islands lasts approximately one hour, after which we will return to the Paracas dock.
Next, we will continue to Ica to visit a handcrafted winery producing the famous Peruvian brandy, Pisco. A local guide will show us the winery facilities and explain the traditional methods of making pisco and wine. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste the different varieties of pisco and wine, and purchase any products you like.
Then, we will visit the Huacachina Oasis, just 5 km from the city center. Here, visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, stroll through the oasis, take photographs, or visit local restaurants during free time.
At 4:00 p.m. (or at the prearranged time), the thrilling sand buggy ride will begin through the dunes surrounding the Huacachina Lagoon. The towering dunes also provide the perfect setting for sandboarding, sliding down the desert sand on a board—a truly exhilarating experience.
Finally, we will return to Lima, with an estimated arrival at your hotel around 10:30 p.m. You will spend the night in Lima, concluding a day full of adventure and natural beauty.
Day 3: Arrival to Cusco / City Tour and surrounding archaeological parks
After your arrival in the historic city of Cusco, you will be received at Velasco Astete International Airport and transferred to your hotel.
At 1:00 p.m., our exciting City Tour will begin. The experience starts with a visit to the imposing Qoricancha Temple, a sacred site of great significance during the Inca era.
Next, we will board our vehicle to explore the fascinating archaeological centers of the region. Our first stop is Sacsayhuamán, known for its strategic location and enormous polished and sculpted stones. From here, you will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of Cusco.
We will then continue to the mystical Temple of Qenqo, where the Incas once performed religious ceremonies and sacrifices. Afterward, we will visit the Incas’ Military and Control Center, Puka Pukara.
Finally, we will explore the enigmatic Tambomachay Temple, famous for its still-flowing water fountains.
We will return to your hotel around 6:30 p.m., where you will spend the night in Cusco, immersed in the historical and cultural richness of this fascinating city.
Day 4: Super Sacred Valley
Your exciting tour will begin early at 6:30 a.m. The first stop is the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you will have the opportunity to visit its beautiful church and explore the fascinating archaeological park. You will also experience a traditional textile production center, where ancestral weaving and wool dyeing techniques are still practiced. Here, you can appreciate the traditional art that has been passed down through generations.
Next, we will head to the archaeological park of Moray, famous for its circular terraces. These concentric circles are a remarkable example of Inca engineering and have been admired for centuries.
We will then continue to the Maras salt mines, consisting of around 5,000 small pools still used for salt production destined for human consumption. This impressive landscape highlights the Incas’ ingenuity in utilizing natural resources.
After these fascinating visits, we will travel to the city of Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
The next stop is the charming town of Ollantaytambo, known as the “living Inca city.” Here, you will visit the archaeological park, including the Temple of the Sun, a magnificent megalithic construction. You can also explore the Temple of the Ten Niches, sacred springs, and the face of the Andean god Tunupa, among other archaeological treasures.
Later, we will go to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a train to the charming town of Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters). The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you and escort you to your assigned hotel. That same evening, a local tour guide will visit to coordinate the details of the next day’s exciting tour. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, preparing for your adventure to Machu Picchu.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
At the previously scheduled time, you will head to the starting point of your Machu Picchu adventure. A scenic 25-minute bus ride will take you to the entrance of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Your visit will last approximately 2 hours, accompanied by our experienced guide, who will provide a detailed explanation of all aspects of this world wonder. Once the guided tour is complete, you will have the afternoon free to enjoy lunch on your own and explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.
To return to Cusco, you must arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes in advance, according to the schedule indicated on your tickets. Then, you will board the train back to the town of Ollantaytambo, where our bus will pick you up and transfer you back to Cusco.
You will spend the night in Cusco, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive wonders of the world.
Day 6: Humantay Lagoon
Our exciting day begins at 4:30 a.m. when we will pick you up from your hotel. From there, we will travel along a paved road to the charming town of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey along a dirt road until we reach the town of Soraypampa, where the hike begins. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours and leads to the impressive Humantay Lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. Here, you will have ample time to admire the stunning landscape and take memorable photographs.
Please note that this tour is of medium difficulty and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.
After visiting Humantay Lagoon, we will descend back to Soraypampa, where you will board our vehicle to return to Mollepata, enjoying a hearty lunch along the way. Afterwards, we will continue our journey back to the city of Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 5:30 p.m.
You will spend the night in Cusco, taking with you the memories of a day filled with natural beauty and adventure.
Day 7: South Valley
At 8:30 a.m., the tour will begin to the South Valley of Cusco, home to two important archaeological sites: Tipón, an extraordinary example of Inca hydraulic engineering, and Pikillacta, a prominent pre-Inca archaeological complex.
Next, you will visit Andahuaylillas, where the picturesque church known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” is located. As a complement, the tour includes the Punku Heaven Viewpoint in Huaro, where the sculpture of the “Giant Hand” can be admired.
Along the way, you will also pass through the charming towns of Saylla, Tipón, and Oropesa. Oropesa is famous for its large breads called “chutas”, Tipón for its cuy (guinea pig) dishes, and Saylla for its delicious pork cracklings. You will have time to enjoy lunch and sample the local cuisine in one of these towns.
The tour concludes with a return to Cusco at 4:00 p.m., where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
At 4:30 a.m., our team will pick you up at your hotel to begin an exciting journey along a paved road to the charming town of Cusipata. From there, we will continue along a dirt path until we reach Paucarpata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After recharging, we will continue our journey to Qomer Qocha. Upon arrival, you will have time to prepare and receive recommendations from our experienced tour guide before starting the hike. The walk lasts approximately 1 hour and is of medium difficulty, so a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.
The route will take us to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), situated at 5,200 meters above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, you will have time to take memorable photos and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
Afterward, we will return to Qomer Qocha and board our vehicle to go to a restaurant for a delicious lunch. Following a short break, we will head back to the city of Cusco, with the tour expected to conclude around 5:30 p.m.
At 9:00 p.m., you will be transferred to the bus terminal to begin your journey to Puno.
Day 9: Uros, Amantani and Taquile (Puno)
For this exciting tour, it is recommended to leave Cusco the night before. Preferably, choose a comfortable cama bus to travel with ease. The bus from Cusco to Puno departs at 10:00 p.m. and will arrive in Puno around 5:30 a.m. the following day. Upon arrival, our support staff will welcome you and take you to the designated hotel, where you can leave your luggage and freshen up. You will also have the option to enjoy breakfast at the hotel or on your own.
At 7:45 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the scheduled tour.
Itinerary:
A few minutes before 7:45 a.m., our team will pick you up from your hotel in Puno and take you to the main port, where you will embark on a navigation tour of the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.
Our first stop will be the Uros Islands, home to a culture with more than 3,000 years of history, who build their homes on the lake using a plant called Totora. Here, we will learn how they construct their homes and discover more about their traditional way of life. Visitors will also have the option to sail in a traditional Totora boat.
Next, we will continue to Amantani Island, where some of its inhabitants will welcome us into their typical family homes. We will share unforgettable moments with them and enjoy meals prepared with natural, locally sourced ingredients.
In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to walk to the top of the island to a site known as “Pachatata”, at an altitude of 4,130 meters. From there, you will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of Lake Titicaca and its spectacular sunset.
Finally, we will return to the assigned lodging on the island, and in the evening, enjoy a two-hour Andean music show. You will spend the night on Amantani Island.
Day 10: Amantani – Taquile – Puno
We will get up early for breakfast and say goodbye to Amantaní. Then we will embark on the Taquile Island, which in colonial times was used as a prison. Here, we will interact with the local inhabitants, who will show us their textile crafts and share some of their ancestral customs. We will also explore non-tourist parts of the island, where we will find temples, tombs and terraces from the pre-Inca period. Then we will have time to enjoy lunch. Later, we will descend to the port to board our boat and undertake the trip back to Puno. We will arrive at the port of Puno around 5:00 pm. We will spend the night in Puno.
Day 11: Puno / Departure
At the agreed time, our service will include a transfer from your current location to the Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in the city of Juliaca. With this, our service concludes. We hope you have had a pleasant and successful experience during your stay and journey!
Included:
- Transfer airport – hotel (both in Lima, Cusco and Puno).
- 02 nights of accommodation in Lima.
- 04 nights of accommodation in Cusco.
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 night accommodation in Amantani.
- 01 night accommodation in Puno.
- 01 Buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley Tour.
- 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch in the Tour of the Colors Mountain.
- 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch on the Humantay Lagoon Tour.
- 02 lunches in Puno.
- Tourist transport on the tours.
- Professional tour guide.
- Tourist ticket in Lima.
- BTG (General Tourist Ticket) in Cusco.
- Entrance ticket to Qorikancha.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
- Aguas Calientes bus ticket – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Voyager or Expedition tourist train ticket (Ollantaytambo route – Machupicchu and vice versa).
- Buggie and sandboarding (Ica).
- Slider ride (Boat in Paracas).
- Tax in Paracas.
- Tax in Huacachina.
- Bus ticket Cusco – Puno.
- First aid kit, oxygen balloon in the Tour of the Mountain of Colors and Laguna Humantay (group use).
- Orientation and permanent monitoring of the passenger.
Not included:
- International air tickets.
- Internal air tickets Lima – Cusco /Juliaca – Lima.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Entrance to the Parque de la Montaña de Colores (25 soles).
- Entrance to the Humantay Lagoon Park (20 soles).
- Entrance to the salt mines (10 soles).
- Entrance to the church of Andahuaylillas (15 soles).
- Consumption or personal expenses of passengers.
Recommendations
- Travel documents and money.
- Suitable clothing and footwear.
- Personal hygiene items and medicines.
- Sun protection and water bottle.
- Camera or phone.
- Plug adapter (if necessary).
- Map, travel guide and book.
- Padlock and resealable bags.
- Umbrella or raincoat (depending on the weather).
- Insect repellent (if necessary).
- Travel insurance and copies of itinerary and important contacts.
