Enigmatic Peru: Lima – Paracas – Ica – Arequipa – Colca – Cusco – Machu Picchu / 13 Days

INTRODUCTION

Aquí está la traducción completa al inglés americano, manteniendo el mismo tono, estructura y cierre de marca:

Thirteen days are enough to cross southern Peru from end to end: the coastal desert, the volcanoes of the high plateau, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the Inca citadel that crowns the Andes. This route combines four landscapes that rarely appear together in a single itinerary, which is why it keeps the name Enigmatic: each stage reveals a different side of Peru than the one before it.

The journey begins in Lima, South America’s culinary capital, and heads south through Ica and Paracas, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean. From there it crosses to Arequipa, a city built from volcanic sillar stone, and descends into Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on the planet, where the Andean condor still flies free. The route continues to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, before reaching Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and closing with a visit to Machu Picchu, the citadel that millions of people dream of seeing at least once in their lives.

At Incredible Peru Tours, we coordinate every transfer, every stay, and every guide throughout these 13 days, so all you have to do is watch, taste, and discover. Check with our team for date availability before spots run out.

Si necesitas también la versión corta para meta descripción en inglés, dímelo y te la preparo con el límite de caracteres correspondiente.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Reserve your excursion in advance as soon as possible.
• Check Personal Items that you will take to the Tour.
• If you have any questions or would like more information about this package, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru, our team will welcome you at the airport, provide personalized assistance, and transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

This first day is designed for you to settle in, rest, and prepare to begin your journey through Peru, a destination full of history, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable landscapes.

Overnight in Lima.

Day 2: Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour

After breakfast, we will begin a complete city tour of Lima, visiting the capital’s most representative landmarks and discovering the contrast between its historical legacy, colonial architecture, and modern urban areas.

We will start with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an important ceremonial and archaeological site built in the 4th century AD and located in the district of Miraflores. From there we will continue to the Historic Center of Lima, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will see the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and one of the city’s most significant convents.

During the tour we will also pass through San Isidro, the residential and financial district and one of the most modern and upscale areas of Lima. Finally, we will visit the tourist district of Miraflores, where we will enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.

Overnight in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: From Lima to Ica: Dune Buggies and Sandboarding in Huacachina

At the scheduled time, transfer to the bus station bound for the city of Ica. Upon arrival, transfer to the Huacachina oasis, where you’ll experience the thrill of crossing the Ica desert and flying over its tall golden dunes aboard a powerful dune buggy, an adrenaline-filled experience you won’t forget. To close out the activity, the vehicle will climb to the top of a large dune, where the instructor will teach you the basics of sandboarding; from there you’ll be able to slide down the sand safely and enjoy this unique sport. At the end of the day, transfer to the bus station to continue the trip to the city of Paracas, where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight in Paracas.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, and Return to Lima

Discover the maritime and ecological richness of the Peruvian coastline by boarding a fast speedboat early in the morning across the waters of the Grau Sea, heading to the Ballestas Islands. This group of islets is home to abundant marine wildlife, including large colonies of guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions, both South American fur seals and common sea lions. Along the way you’ll have the chance to photograph this biodiversity, as well as the famous Paracas Candelabra, a giant geoglyph carved into a sandy hillside and visible from the sea. Back in Paracas, you’ll have free time for activities of your choice. At the scheduled time, transfer to the bus station to return to the city of Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5: From Lima to Arequipa: City Tour and Santa Catalina Convent

At the scheduled time, departure transfer in Lima to board your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, let yourself be captivated by the city known as the White City, named for its buildings made of volcanic stone and sillar. Visit the main square, admire the cathedral and the colonial era churches, and stop at the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints for the classic photo of the city with its volcanoes in the background. To close out the afternoon, visit the Santa Catalina Convent and walk through its cloisters, cells, and sillar fountains set among gardens and narrow streets that seem frozen in time.

Overnight in Arequipa.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6: From Arequipa to the Colca Valley

Today you’ll set out very early toward the impressive Colca Canyon. The route invites you to take in high altitude landscapes and get an early glimpse of the condor’s flight over this canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world. The roughly 4 hour drive will take you to Chivay, the first town in the Colca Valley; along the way you’ll enjoy remarkable views of towering volcanoes, wide highland wetlands, snowcapped peaks, and lagoons inhabited by various high altitude bird species. Once in Chivay, restore your energy with lunch (drinks not included). Afternoon free for activities of your choice.

Overnight in Colca.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 7: From the Colca Valley to Puno

Enjoy a high altitude sunrise as you travel along the Colca Canyon to the Cruz del Condor, an observation point where you can watch these enormous birds in flight, their wingspan reaching up to 3 meters. From here you’ll also get a privileged view of the canyon, an ideal spot for memorable photographs. Afterward you’ll head back to the town of Chivay for a hearty lunch (not included). In the afternoon you’ll board a tourist bus bound for the city of Puno; upon arrival, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Puno.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8: Puno: Lake Titicaca, the Uros Islands, and Taquile

Sail across the waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,810 meters above sea level. The visit begins on the floating islands of the Uros, an Aymara people who live on platforms built from totora reeds; from there the tour continues to Taquile Island, home to some of the most beautiful scenery on the lake, with gentle hills and archaeological remains scattered across the landscape. On Taquile, the main activity of the local residents is textile weaving, with garments made using techniques passed down through generations and designs that reflect their daily life. To close out the day, enjoy a typical lunch made with local ingredients at a restaurant in the area before boarding the boat back to your hotel.

Overnight in Puno.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 9: From Puno to Cusco via the Route of the Sun

Board a comfortable tourist bus and cross high altitude landscapes on the way to the city of Cusco. Along the route you’ll visit the town of Pucara, where a guided tour of the site museum will let you see archaeological remains from the cultures that once inhabited the altiplano. Further along you’ll reach La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,335 meters above sea level, where you’ll have about 10 minutes to take photos. The journey continues to the town of Sicuani, where you’ll have a traditional lunch, and then on to the archaeological site of Raqchi, an Inca complex built in honor of the god Wiracocha. To close out the day, visit the town of Andahuaylillas and its Church of San Pedro, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas for the richness of its mural paintings. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 10: Cusco: City Tour and Archaeological Parks

Morning free for activities of your choice. In the afternoon, discover the pre-Hispanic and colonial legacy of the city of Cusco on a tour that includes Koricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, the former center of sun worship for the Incas on top of which the present-day Santo Domingo Convent was built, as well as the iconic Plaza de Armas. The tour continues through the outskirts of the city, where you’ll see the Sacsayhuaman fortress and its walls made of enormous stone blocks fitted together with striking precision, the Kenko shrine, the Puka Pukara lookout, and finally Tambomachay, a former Inca site dedicated to the worship of water.

Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11: From Cusco to the Sacred Valley

Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a route filled with archaeological remains, varied landscapes, and living traditions. The first stop is Awanacancha, a center dedicated to traditional textile weaving, where you can get a close look at different South American camelids. Next, visit the town of Pisac and its craft market, perfect for shopping and getting to know the customs of its residents, before admiring the Pisac archaeological park, built high on a mountainside. The tour continues by bus along the right bank of the Vilcanota River, passing through various towns in the valley until reaching Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a pleasant lunch at a local restaurant (drinks not included). In the afternoon, visit the Ollantaytambo fortress: walk through its original streets and climb to the top of the fortress to take in the surrounding scenery.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 12: From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and Back to Cusco

Experience one of the most anticipated moments of the entire trip: Machu Picchu. The day begins aboard one of the most distinctive train routes in the country, crossing high altitude landscapes before descending into the warm vegetation of the cloud forest on the way to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, board the bus that winds its way up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll be able to take a moment to take in the view of the citadel of Machu Picchu, named in 2007 one of the most iconic structures on the planet by global vote. Walk through its passageways and narrow lanes, witness the precision with which the Incas built every wall, and carry with you the satisfaction of having stood before a truly one of a kind place. Afterward, descend back to Aguas Calientes to recharge with lunch (drinks not included), before boarding the return train to Cusco at the scheduled time.

Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 13: Departure from Cusco with Connection to Lima

Meals: Breakfast.
End of services.

At the scheduled time, departure transfer in Cusco to board your flight to Lima and connect to your home country.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

Lima

• Inbound and outbound transfers.

• 3 nights accommodation in Lima (3 breakfasts).

• Lima City Tour.

Ica & Paracas

• Inbound and outbound transfers.

• Standard bus Lima/Ica.

• Sandboarding & Buggy

• Regular bus Ica/Paracas.

• 1 night of accommodations in Paracas (1 breakfast).

• Maritime Excursion to the Ballestas Islands.

• Standard bus Paracas/Lima.

Arequipa

• Inbound and outbound transfers.

• 1 night of accommodations in Arequipa (1 breakfast).

• 1 night of accommodations in Colca Valley (1 breakfast).

• Half Day Visit tour of Arequipa City + Santa Catalina Convent.

• 2D/1N Colca Canyon (1 lunch included).

• Standard bus Colca Canyon/Puno.

Puno

• Inbound and outbound transfers.

• 2 nights accommodations in Puno (2 breakfasts).

• Full Day Isla de los Uros and Taquile (1 typical lunch included).

• Puno/Cusco bus “Route of the Sun” (1 typical lunch included).

Cusco

• Inbound and outbound transfers.

• 3 nights accommodations in Cusco City (3 breakfasts).

• 1 night of accommodations in the Sacred Valley (1 breakfast).

• Cusco City tour & Sacsayhuaman Fortress Archaeological Park.

• Full Day Sacred Valley of the Incas (1 lunch included).

• Full Day Machu Picchu on standard category train (1 lunch included)

NOT INCLUDED

• Personal insurance.
• Domestic or international air tickets.
• Food not specified in the itinerary.

LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING

Many people assume that the weather in South America is always warm, but in the higher altitude areas of southern Peru, temperatures can feel quite cold, especially at night. By contrast, on the coast, where the altitude is much lower, the heat is felt more intensely during the day. With that in mind, we’ve put together the following packing list so you can start organizing your bag now. If you don’t have any of these items or accessories, you can purchase them ahead of time; and if that’s not possible before your trip, don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of stores in the cities you’ll be visiting where you can buy whatever you need.

Please check this list required for your ENIGMATIC PERU tour and remember that everything is very important for the success of this Trip.

Documents

• Original passport
• Student ID, if you are a student
• Travel insurance (some copies)

Essential

• Day pack.
• Bottle of water for tours.
• Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
• Money belt and some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from the Tour.

Clothes and shoes

• Comfortable sneakers and sandals.
• Warm clothing: especially for the nights such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat.
• Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, T-shirts).
• Swimsuit
• Sun hat

Pharmaceutical products

• Anti-inflammatory tablets
• Insect repellent.
• Sunscreen
• Lipstick

Personal hygiene items

• Small towel.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Body Wash Soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Body spray deodorant
• Toilet paper

Other items

• Flashlight (headlamp recommended)
• Sunglasses
• Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
• Rubber tipped hiking canes (optional).
• Pocket knife

* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the tour, please contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking any questions, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, fast and practical way.

IMPORTANT:

• The available tickets shown on our website are always updated and in real time.
• We recommend you book the Excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great Experience.
• If you are interested in doing this route and would like to book, or want more information, contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
• If, there is no longer availability for your Travel Date, you can search for other similar packages such as: the CHARMING PERU Route or the FANTASTIC PERU Route.

PRICES

IMPORTANT:

• The package price is calculated according to the chosen hotel category.
• Prices are per person, in US dollars and without IGV (Peruvian Sales Tax).
• Accommodations in all rooms are based on double and/or triple occupancy, according to your requirement.
• Minimum 2 people. Discounts apply from 5 passengers on ( -5%).

TO CONSIDER:

• Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, please get in touch to offer our promotions.
• Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Please contact us to receive our offers.
• Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.
• For more information, contact us at: (+51) 984 525 006 / (+51) 984 683 047

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