Andean Journey

Upon arrival at Jorge Chavez 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 rest after your flight or begin exploring Peru’s capital. Lima, once known as the “City of Kings” during Colonial times, was the political and religious heart of Spanish Peru. Its historic centre is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the city itself is a vibrant metropolis undergoing significant cultural and economic growth. If you wish, you can join an optional evening excursion to the Magic Water Circuit – a spectacular display of fountains recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind. This shared tour includes pick-up and drop-off, a bilingual guide, admission to the park, and dinner, lasting approximately four hours. Please note this option is not available on Sundays or Mondays and departs 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, set in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a pre-Columbian temple dating back to the seventh century. The museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver artefacts, pottery, and notable erotic art. Next, we visit Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, continuously inhabited by the Aliaga family since it was granted to Jerónimo de Aliaga by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. The tour continues through Lima’s historic centre, where we explore the impressive Plaza de Armas, the city’s 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, an open-air shopping centre perched on a sea cliff with numerous restaurants and shops, or return to your hotel to relax. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at 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, enjoy 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 Lagoon—known as the “Oasis of America”—to 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 board a boat for a cruise to the Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky islets just off Peru’s western coast. These islands provide a natural habitat for a variety of bird species and larger wildlife including sea lions, boobies, pelicans, seals, and the endangered Humboldt penguin. As we sail close to the islands’ dramatic cliffs, you’ll observe large colonies of sea lions resting on the rocks and birds in flight. There’s also a chance to spot dolphins near the boat. While we do not disembark, the boat brings you remarkably close to this diverse wildlife. On the return journey, we pass the Paracas Candelabra—a vast 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, join a guided tour of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Begin at the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop Coricancha—an important Incan temple dedicated to sun worship, once adorned with gold-covered walls depicting scenes of nature. Next, visit the impressive cathedral in the Plaza de Armas before heading to the surrounding hills. Here, explore the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, offering panoramic views of the city, then continue to Qenqo, an archaeological site believed to have been used for religious rituals to enhance harvests. The tour concludes at Puka Pukara, an ancient military complex featuring rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. After the tour, 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 Peru’s most significant archaeological site. Machu Picchu is believed to have been built around 1450 as a retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacútec. Abandoned just over a century later—likely due to the Spanish Conquest—the site remained hidden beneath dense jungle until its rediscovery in 1911. Your guided tour will explore the origins of this remarkable citadel and take you to some of its most iconic monuments. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Aguas Calientes. You can explore the town’s restaurants, bars, shops and craft market at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to return to Machu Picchu for a deeper look at the site—this requires a second entrance ticket and bus transfer, both subject to availability. 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. 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 Peru’s most captivating sights. This marks the end of your journey by sea, land and air through a country rich in history and culture. We trust the experiences you’ve enjoyed will leave lasting memories. Breakfast is included.