Our 13-day Classic Peru itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s most iconic destinations in a single trip.
The adventure begins in Lima, where you’ll enjoy a taste of Peru’s capital before heading south to Paracas for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands and to Nazca to see the mysterious geoglyphs. From there, you’ll travel to Arequipa, the “White City,” and venture into the stunning Colca Canyon to watch condors soar above the Andes.
Continuing across the highlands, you’ll arrive at Puno to explore the legendary Lake Titicaca, visiting the floating islands of the Uros people and Taquile Island. The journey then follows the scenic Route of the Sun to reach Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. Here, you’ll explore archaeological wonders, the Sacred Valley, and finally take the train to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
To complete your experience, you’ll have a free day in Cusco with the option to hike to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) or Humantay Lagoon.
This program blends history, culture, and adventure, offering an unforgettable journey through Peru’s most remarkable landscapes and traditions.
Day 1 – Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Miraflores district. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a panoramic drive along the Pacific coast or explore the vibrant streets of Lima.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2 – Lima – Paracas – Ica
Early departure south along the Pan-American Highway to Paracas. Visit a traditional vineyard in Ica to learn about pisco production, and later continue to the Huacachina Oasis. Enjoy an exciting dune buggy and sandboarding adventure at sunset.
Overnight in Ica or Paracas.
Day 3 – Ballestas Islands – Nazca
In the morning, embark on a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds. After lunch, continue to Nazca. Optional overflight above the Nazca Lines (weather permitting).
Overnight in Nazca.
Day 4 – Nazca – Arequipa
Morning at leisure or optional local visits. Later, travel by bus or flight to Arequipa, known as the “White City.” Evening free to stroll through its colonial streets.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 5 – Arequipa City Tour
Discover Arequipa’s colonial heritage with a guided city tour. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the impressive Cathedral, and the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery. Enjoy breathtaking views of El Misti volcano from the Yanahuara viewpoint.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 6 – Colca Canyon
Depart early towards the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Stop at scenic viewpoints and Andean villages before reaching the famous Cruz del Cóndor, where you can observe the majestic flight of condors. Relax in nearby hot springs before returning.
Overnight in Chivay or Colca Valley.
Day 7 – Arequipa – Puno
Journey across the Andean highlands to Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca. En route, admire snowcapped mountains and high-altitude landscapes. Optional stop at Sillustani burial towers before arrival.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 8 – Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Islands
Take a full-day boat excursion on the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people and continue to Taquile Island, known for its traditional weaving and panoramic views. Return to Puno.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 9 – Puno – Cusco (Route of the Sun)
Travel to Cusco along the scenic Route of the Sun. Visit fascinating sites along the way: Andahuaylillas Church (the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”), the Inca temple of Raqchi, and the Pukara Museum. Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10 – Cusco City Tour / Sacred Valley
Morning free to acclimatize. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Cusco’s highlights: the Cathedral, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
(Alternatively, you may choose to explore the Sacred Valley this day.)
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11 – Machu Picchu
A magical day awaits! Take the train to Aguas Calientes, then board the bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon, return to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 12 – Cusco Region / Optional Excursion
Enjoy a free day in Cusco for shopping and relaxation. Optional tours available: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), Humantay Lagoon, or an additional day in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 13 – Cusco – Lima – Departure
Transfer to Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. Depending on your international flight, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a short city tour. End of services.
Tour Includes
- All transfers (airport – hotel – stations)
- Accommodation in 3★/4★ hotels (upgrades available)
- Guided tours with professional English-speaking guides
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned sites
- Train to/from Machu Picchu
- Daily breakfasts, some lunches (according to program)
Not Included
- International flights
- Nazca Lines overflight (optional)
- Some lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance
- Original passport (mandatory to enter Machu Picchu)
- Personal luggage for Machu Picchu (5 kg max allowed in the train)
- Daypack for personal items
- Money in soles for entrance fees, water, snacks and other expenses during each tour
- Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended)
- Waterproof clothes and rain cover
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water (1.5L per day)
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or hat in order to protect against the intense sunlight
- Warm jacket for the evening/wind
- Personal medications
Flexible cancellation/ change
- Cancel your tour 48 hours in advance and be reimbursed for the full amount of the tour. If you cancel the tour after these 48 hours prior to your tour no refund will be processed.
- The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 5 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 30th, 2022.
- The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice
Accommodation, transfers, and flights are included?
The lodging and transfers in Tambopata are included as part of the tour and cannot be excluded. For the other days, you can choose if you want to hire only the tours or tours + lodging. Flights are not included but we will give you recommendations for airlines and schedules.
Why is the tourist ticket not included?
The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket.
What to do with my luggage during the trip to Machu Picchu?
The maximum volume allowed on the trains is 5 kg per person, so you should travel with as little as possible, as all the rest of your luggage should stay at your hotel in Cusco during the two day trip. If you check out when you travel to Machu Picchu, you can leave your luggage in the hotel’s storage room.
What time will I enter Machu Picchu?
The entrance times for this tour is from 7am on, but it may vary according to ticket availability at the time of booking. Remember: the earlier you make your reservation, the more likely you are to get the best times.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to visit the Peruvian Amazon?
The yellow fever vaccine is not required for your entry into Peru but may be required upon your return to your country. For more information, please contact the health authorities in your home country.
Can I reverse the order of the itinerary?
Yes, our itinerary is 100% customizable and you can change the order of visits according to your travel plans and schedule. Please note that some flights are restricted to specific days of the week and this will directly affect your itinerary.
