Peru Classic + Huaraz
Description
Discover Peru with a unique itinerary that combines history, nature, and culture. From Lima to Cusco, enjoy guided tours of the Historic Center, Parón Lagoon, Ballestas Islands, Sacred Valley, and the citadel of Machu Picchu. With journeys through the Pastoruri Glacier, Lake Titicaca, and the Route of the Sun, this experience will take you to the most iconic destinations in the country.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima - Hotel.
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting for you at Lima Airport to transfer you to the hotel. Our 24-hour assistance team will contact you beforehand to provide you with all the details of your travel itinerary, as well as recommendations on what to do nearby, where to eat, and the best places to shop.
We suggest you take some time to rest so you can fully experience Lima, or take a little stroll around the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Peruvian cuisine and visit its beautiful districts!
Optional (Magic Water Circuit Tour, Tour to the Pachacamac Archaeological Site).
Day 2: City Tour Lima - Huaraz.
Explore the city of Lima with a guided tour by a local expert. The Historic Center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, is home to over 600 historical monuments from the colonial era, making it an essential stop to discover the cultural and architectural richness of the Peruvian capital.
In the evening, we will pick you up and take you from the hotel to the bus terminal, where you will board a comfortable tourist bus to Huaraz. This trip will be in a first-class bus, equipped with semi-bed seats to ensure your comfort.
Day 3: Huaraz - Laguna Parón.
Upon arrival in Huaraz, our team will greet you and transfer you to the hotel, where you can enjoy the famous coca tea, ideal for alleviating the symptoms of altitude sickness. At 8:30 a.m., we will depart for the city of Caraz, from where our adventure to the stunning Laguna Parón will begin.
Once at Laguna Parón, you will have free time to take photos, walk around, and enjoy this natural wonder. Afterwards, we will return to Huaraz, where you can rest and recover after an exciting day.
Day 4: Lagunas de Llanganuco - Laguna 69.
This day starts early, with a 5:00 a.m. departure from Huaraz, heading north to the village of Cebollapampa, the starting point of our hike to the stunning Laguna 69. This trek will take you through spectacular landscapes where nature shows off its full splendor.
After the hike, we will continue to the Lagunas de Llanganuco, another set of turquoise lakes located within the Huascarán National Park. Here, you will have the option to take boat rides (consult your tour guide for details).
Day 5: Nevado de Pastoruri - Lima.
After breakfast, we will head to Nevado Pastoruri, an impressive mountain located 5,240 meters above sea level in the heart of the Cordillera Blanca. This incredible mountain stands at 5,240 meters and is part of the Cordillera Blanca range.
After lunch, you will have free time to explore the surroundings, enjoy the panoramic views, and go for walks. At the end of the day, we will return to Huaraz, where you can relax or take a stroll before heading back to Lima.
In the afternoon, you will board a comfortable tourist bus with onboard service for your return to the capital.
Day 6: Lima - Paracas National Reserve.
On this day, we will continue our journey south along the Pacific coast to our next destination: Paracas. We will travel alongside the Pacific breeze in a comfortable tourist bus, enjoying the views of dunes and vineyards that adorn the route.
Upon arrival at the picturesque village of Paracas, we will transfer to the hotel and prepare for the next adventure: the Paracas National Reserve. This place, declared a national reserve in 1975, is home to over 400 species of flora and fauna, preserving invaluable wildlife.
We will enjoy a guided visit of this remote and astonishing place, where we will have the chance to observe Humboldt penguins, sea lions, exotic birds, pristine beaches, and much more.
Day 7: Ballestas Islands - Huacachina - Nazca.
We will start the day by exploring one of the most fascinating natural wonders of Peru: the Ballestas Islands. In an exciting boat trip, we will visit this group of rocky formations and islands located off the Paracas Peninsula. This natural sanctuary is home to Humboldt penguins, various bird species, and hundreds of sea lions.
After visiting the "small Galápagos" of Peru, we will head to an oasis in the desert, Huacachina, one of the most exotic places in the region at the heart of the desert. There, we will enjoy an exciting buggy ride over the dunes, in a thrilling experience similar to a roller coaster in the desert.
After this unforgettable experience, we will continue our journey to Nazca, where we will spend the night.
Day 8: Nazca Lines - Arequipa.
This day awaits one of the greatest mysteries in the world: the Nazca Lines, one of the most iconic attractions of Peru. These impressive geoglyphs, created by the pre-Inca Nazca civilization, present an enigma that we still try to solve today.
To appreciate the full scale of the Nazca Lines, a flight is essential, as most of these geoglyphs are only visible from the air. During the flight, you will be able to observe the most famous geoglyphs of the region, such as the Monkey, the Hummingbird, the Astronaut, the Spider, and others.
After the flight, we will embark on a night journey to Arequipa, a city known as the "White City."
Day 9: City Tour Arequipa.
After lunch, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city, famous for its beautiful historic center. Most buildings in the center are made from sillar, a white volcanic stone extracted from the Chachani volcano quarries.
During the tour, we’ll visit the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, offering views of the majestic Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes, as well as the city valley. We’ll continue to the Yanahuara viewpoint and plaza, a picturesque district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Historic Center of Arequipa. We’ll also visit the Solar de la Familia, an old “Tambo” or inn that once welcomed travelers.
Next, we’ll stop at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa’s social life, where you can observe the local daily routines and admire the stunning Cathedral façade, one of the most beautiful in Peru. Finally, we’ll visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a fascinating complex that has been home to over 400 nuns since its founding in 1579, many from high Peruvian society.
Optional: Discover the history of Juanita, the "Ice Maiden," a mummy found in 1995 and carefully preserved since then, now on display at the Andean Sanctuary Museum. Please note that entrance fees to these attractions are not included in the package.
Day 10: Arequipa - Puno.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Arequipa bus terminal to board a comfortable tourist bus to Puno. Along the way, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes.
Upon arriving in Puno, our team will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. You’ll be offered traditional coca tea to help with any altitude sickness. After checking in, our team will provide you with a map of the city, along with recommendations for nearby restaurants, currency exchange offices, stores, and main tourist attractions.
Day 11: Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands and Taquile.
We’ll head to Puno’s dock to begin our tour of Lake Titicaca. The first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, a set of over 100 artificial islands made entirely from totora reed. These islands are inhabited by the Uros people, and they stand as a living testament to their ancient engineering.
After visiting the Uros Islands, we’ll continue to Taquile Island, where you’ll get a chance to learn about the rich traditions and culture of the locals, renowned for their textile craftsmanship passed down through generations.
After exploring the island and enjoying a delicious lunch, we’ll return to Puno for some relaxation and free time to enjoy the evening.
Day 12: Puno - Cusco (Sun Route).
Today, we depart for Cusco on a comfortable tourist bus, traveling along the famous Sun Route. The journey takes us through impressive pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial settlements, giving insight into Peru’s ancient cultures and some of the most important periods in Peruvian history.
Our first stop is the Pucará Archaeological Site, a pre-Inca structure belonging to the Pucará culture, which flourished between 400 BC and 200 BC. Next, we’ll visit Raqchi, the Southern Valley, and other important archaeological sites before reaching Cusco.
Day 13: City Tour Cusco.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., you’ll enjoy an exclusive tour of Cusco’s main attractions in the historic center, accompanied by a local guide. This exclusive tour is available only to Viagens Machu Picchu passengers.
In the afternoon, we’ll start the Archaeological City Tour, visiting the main archaeological sites within Cusco and its surroundings. Highlights include the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and the majestic Coricancha Temple.
Day 14: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes.
Today we begin with an exciting tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the Taray viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the valley.
Next, we’ll visit Pisac, a picturesque town known for its authentic culture and impressive archaeological site. After the visit, we’ll head to Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, for a delicious lunch.
We’ll finish the tour at Ollantaytambo, one of the oldest towns in the valley, famous for its impressive archaeological site. After exploring this fascinating location, we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, a charming town nestled in the mountains and surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Day 15: Machu Picchu - Cusco.
The wait is over; it’s time to live the dream! Our team will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the bus for Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the citadel.
Our professional guide will provide you with all the details about this world wonder, sharing fascinating insights and mysteries of Inca culture. After our visit to Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Cusco.
If you’d like to enhance your experience at Machu Picchu, consider these additional services:
♦ Exclusive lunch at the hotel located at Machu Picchu’s entrance. ♦ Return on the panoramic train with first-class seats. ♦ Entry to Huayna Picchu Mountain. This additional hike is the most sought-after experience at Machu Picchu, offering exceptional views of the citadel and excellent photo opportunities.
For more information, contact our sales team.
Day 16: Hotel - Cusco Airport.
Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport two hours before your flight’s departure. This will be the last of our services on this unforgettable adventure through Peru.
Includes
- Tourist transportation.
- Official tourism guide.
- Admission Tickets.
Excludes
- Others, not listed in the program.
- Additional expenses.
- Snacks.