Peruvian Andes to Sea Explorer

Welcome to Puno! Upon arrival at Inca Manco Capac International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and English-speaking assistant and driven approximately an hour and a half to your accommodation in Puno. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.  

Lake Titicaca is home to unique communities with which we will share unforgettable moments learning about their culture and traditions. The Uros are a people who have lived on the floating islands of the lake for more than 3,000 years and their ancestral practices were declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2013. They have developed the ability to live among the reeds and have adapted to the environment, using this aquatic plant to build their rafts and houses. Its inhabitants will be our guides, explaining to us about the formation of the islands, the way of life on the islands and the creation of their traditional fabrics using reeds. In Taquile, we will witness another unique lifestyle of Lake Titicaca. As we hike to the top of the island, we can see different types of crops with the lake and the Illimani Mountain range in the background, a fascinating combination of green and blue. The residents of Taquile are known for their textile technique (named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), where each color and design captured on the fabric has a special meaning, permitting social coexistence. After touring the island and connecting with its customs, we will share a moment with the community amidst dances and traditional music. (B, L)  

After picking you up at your hotel, we will stop in Lagunillas to marvel at the flight of different types of birds, while enjoying the majestic Andean flamingos of the lagoon. Then we’ll continue to Pampa Cañahuas where you can try coca or muña tea which has been used since the time of the Incas.  Here you’ll also have the opportunity to observe vicuñas, camelids that inhabit the Andean highlands. From here we’ll continue to Patapampa at 4910 m.a.s.l., otherwise known as the viewpoint of the volcanoes, where you’ll soak in the unforgettable view of the Misti, Ampato, Hualcahualca and other volcanoes. (B, L)  

Today we will visit Colca Canyon, passing through the Cruz del Condor, where you’ll appreciate the stunning view of one of the deepest canyons in the world. And with some luck, you will witness the majestic flight of the condor. Afterwards, we’ll visit Yaca and Maca, with its beautiful colonial church and artisan market, before arriving in Chivay for a delicious local lunch. (B, L)  

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the region at your own pace. You may want to consider an optional tour of the city, including the Santa Catalina Convent. Start the day with a visit to the districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara for an unbeatable view of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, as well as a magnificent view of the city of Arequipa. Later, visit the Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1580, where you can appreciate the cloisters, picturesque streets and squares. Lastly, we’ll walk to the Historical Center stopping at the Main Square, where you’ll see the most iconic examples of architecture in the city. (B)  

Following breakfast, your private driver and English-speaking guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Paracas. The journey to the south along the Pacific Ocean will show you various landscapes of Peru including desert areas with sporadic oases. Your guide will show you vestiges of different civilizations as well as the villages that are along the route. If you wish, you may take an optional tour of the Paracas National Reserve where you’ll see many of the endemic flora and fauna of Peru, including pelicans, gulls, an array of fish and seals. (B)  

Today you will witness one of South America’s greatest mysteries – the enigmatic Nazca Lines. We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Pisco airport for your flight over these iconic lines that can only be viewed from the air. You will see the many geoglyphs representing stylized animals and plants, among trapeziums, triangles and spirals cut into the earth and preserved for around 2,000 years. After your flight, you will return to Paracas where your private transfer will take you to your hotel in Lima. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)  

Today you’ll discover two distinct sides of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro; and the historic one, encapsulated in its historic center declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour, you’ll see how the old and modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, Palace of Justice, Museum of Lima, and Plaza San Martín, among others. We will discover the center of Lima by foot, with the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photography, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. We'll enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. We’ll then leave the historic center and return to modern day Lima for a fascinating view of the Pacific Ocean that we can enjoy from the iconic Park of Love, with its famous sculpture created by national artist Víctor Delfín. (B)  

Say farewell to Peru as you check out of your hotel and meet your driver and English-speaking assistant for the transfer to the airport where you will check-in for your onward flight. (B)