Andean Journey Exploration

Upon arrival at Jorge Chvez International Airport in Lima, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel at the arranged time. You will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax and recover from your journey or to begin exploring Perus capital. Lima, known historically as the City of Kings, was the political and religious heart of Spanish colonial Peru and its historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Lima is a vibrant metropolis undergoing significant cultural and economic transformation. If you wish, you may choose to join an optional evening excursion to the Magic Water Circuit a modern park featuring the worlds largest system of fountains, recognised by Guinness World Records. This private tour includes pick-up and drop-off, a bilingual guide, admission to the fountain displays, and dinner at a local restaurant. Please note this option is not available on Sundays or Mondays and lasts approximately four hours, starting at 17:30. Overnight in Lima.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a full-day tour of Lima. Our first stop is the Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a pre-Columbian temple dating back to the seventh century. The museum features an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver artefacts, pottery, and a notable display of erotic art. Next, we visit Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, continuously inhabited by descendants of Jernimo de Aliaga, a close ally of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who was granted the land in 1535. We then explore Limas colonial centre, including the impressive Plaza de Armas, the citys main square, surrounded by fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Here, you will see the Government Palace and the sixteenth-century Cathedral of Lima. You may choose to conclude the tour at Larcomar Shopping Centre, an open-air mall perched on a sea cliff with numerous shops and restaurants, or return to your hotel to relax. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Lima.

After breakfast at your hotel, we transfer you from Lima to the bus station for your journey to Ica. Upon arrival, we visit the Plaza de Armas and explore the main streets of both Ica Antigua and Ica Moderna. Next, we take a panoramic tour of the Temple of the Lord of Luren, an important local religious site. We then visit an artisan winery where you will learn about the production of wine and Pisco, followed by a tasting session. Afterwards, we explore the Regional Museum of Ica, which showcases the development of five key cultures from the region, including Paracas, Nazca, Wari, Ica, Chincha and Inca. Finally, we visit the Huacachina Lagoonknown as the Oasis of Americato admire the striking desert landscape surrounded by towering sand dunes. At the end of the day, we transfer you to your chosen hotel in Paracas for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we transfer you to El Chaco pier to begin a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky islets just off Perus western coast. These islands provide a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, boobies, Humboldt penguins, and numerous bird species. As we cruise close to the islands rugged cliffs, youll observe large colonies of sea lions resting on the rocks and birds in flight. Theres also a chance to spot dolphins swimming near the boat. While we do not land on the islands, the boat tour offers an intimate view of this rich marine ecosystem. On the return journey, we pass the Paracas Candelabra, a large geoglyph dating back to around 200 BC, notable for its mysterious origins. After the tour, we take the bus back to Lima, where you will spend the night at your chosen hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we explore Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop Coricancha, an important Incan temple dedicated to sun worship, once adorned with gold-covered walls depicting natural scenes. Next, visit the impressive cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before heading to the surrounding hills. Here, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamn, offering panoramic views of the city, followed by Qenqo, an archaeological site believed to have been used for religious rituals to enhance harvests. The tour concludes at Puka Pukara, meaning strong red in Quechua, an ancient military complex featuring rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. After the tour, we return to your hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Ollanta station to begin your journey to Machu Picchu. The train ride lasts around two hours, passing through stunning Andean scenery before arriving at Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This town is the gateway to Perus most famous archaeological site. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built around 1450 as a retreat for the Inca emperor Pachactec. Abandoned just over a century laterlikely due to the Spanish Conquestthe site remained hidden beneath dense jungle until its rediscovery in 1911. During the guided tour, we explore the origins of this remarkable citadel and visit its most iconic monuments. After the tour, you return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some free time to relax or explore the town. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Aguas Calientes, where you can explore the local restaurants, bars, shops and craft market at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to return to Machu Picchu for a deeper exploration of this remarkable site. Optional extras include a second entrance ticket and bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. For stunning sunrise views, consider hiking Huayna Picchu, which features a complex of underground temples, or Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), both rising more than 300 metres above the citadel. Another option is the 30-minute trek to the Inca Bridge, a strategic Inca military entrance built along a sheer mountainside with a removable plank bridge. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollanta station, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco for the night.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to conclude your eight-day tour of Perus most captivating sights. This marks the end of your journey by sea, land and air, but the memories you have made will stay with you long after you leave. Breakfast is included.