16 Days

Peruvian Highlights 16 days

Dificulty:
Intermediate

Altitude:
3000 m.as.l

Explore the best of Peru in this complete 16-day journey from the Pacific coast to the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest. Discover ancient Inca cities, colonial architecture, vibrant local markets, and breathtaking natural wonders. From flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines to navigating the Amazon jungle, this tour offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural exploration. Highlights include Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon Rainforest.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Lima

At arrival to the Lima airport, an Edgar Adventures representative will meet you and transfer you to One of Lima´s most traditional Districts.

Explore the Lima streets by your own and observe the Pacific Ocean from the coastal areas.
accommodation and overnight in Lima.
- Included: Private transport, guide assistance at arrival, 01-night accommodation

Day 2: Lima´s city tour

Have a relaxing time at your hotel or spend some time exploring more of the city on your own.
Then you’ll meet your English-speaking guide for an exciting Lima´s city tour:
Visit the city’s main historical, religious, and contemporary sites. Such as: The pre-Incan Pyramidal temple of Huaca Pucllana at hearth of the Miraflores district. We then head to Lima´s historic center and visit to the colonial Plaza Mayor, the Government Palaces, See the Cathedral where Francisco Pizarro is buried. At the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs where over 250,000 human bones are still on display. You’ll then check out some modern, upscale areas, including Larcomar, and return to your hotel in the early evening.
Overnight in Lima.
- Included: Transport, entrances, expert guide English spoken. 01-night Hotel.

Day 3: Paracas & Nazca Lines Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be taken from your hotel to the bus station to take a comfortable first-class bus to Paracas, a city located 3 ½ hours south of Lima. The Paracas port town is in a bay, near the famous Paracas National Marine Sanctuary.

After checking in the Hotel, we continue to the Pisco town airport, located about 30 minutes by car from your hotel. Here you’ll take off on an exciting hour-long flight over the world-famous Nazca Lines. Created by the Nazca Culture between 500 BC and 500 AD, the Nazca Lines are a World Heritage Site, Observe the gigantic designs of: The Monkey, the Spider, the whale and many others, that only can be seeing from above still remain in the mystery and continues to perplex researchers despite for more than half a century. After landing you’ll be taken back to your Paracas hotel. In the afternoon relax walking the Paracas town boulevard.
Overnight at Paracas Hotel
- Included: Comfortable Bus tickets, entrances, guide assistance, Nazca lines flight tickets, 01-night accommodation.

Day 4: Ballestas islands Tour & return to Lima

After breakfast be ready for and exiting day on an adventurous boat trip to the nearby Ballestas Islands (20k), It is a sanctuary for marine life. Observe: see sea lions, fur seals, Humboldt Penguins, guano birds, and possibly even Green Sea Turtles and dolphins. On the way to the islands, you’ll also see the “Candelabro”, a gigantic land lines design a nearly 595-foot (181-meter) long, etched into the side of a hill.
After your nearly 2hour boat excursion, have some free time at your hotel before we take you to the bus station to return to Lima again in a 3h30min comfortable bus ride. After you check in to your hotel, you’ll then have the evening in Lima to enjoy at your leisure, Don does not miss the chance to explore the famous Peruvian cuisine dinning in some of the finest restaurants in the world.
Overnight in Lima
- Included: Ballestas Island tour: speed boat transport, entrances, guide assistance, transfers, return Bus ticket to Lima, 01-night accommodation.

Day 5: Arequipa city tour

After breakfast at your Lima hotel, we will transfer you to the Airport for a short flight to Arequipa city the second most important in Peru, known as the “Withe city” due to its buildings made with volcanic stones. Our guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel.
Then your guide will take you in an Arequipa city tour. You’ll visit San Ignacio Chapel, the Plaza de Armas main square, the Cathedral, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, a beautiful colonial convent that once housed 500 nuns. The tour will end at one of two famous miradores (lookout points), to appreciate views of the city dominated by nearby Misti Volcano. We recommend sampling the delicious local cuisine in some of the traditional local restaurants.
Overnight in Arequipa.
- Included: Transfers, Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 6: Chivay & Colca

After breakfast your guide will take you in a bus ride from the Arequipa Valleys towards the endless highland plains, stop at a high lookout point to see the many volcanoes that domain the views over the Observe herds of wild Vicuñas a type of Andean camelid. At arrival to Chivay city. Transfer to your elected hotel. Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon enjoy a deserved relaxation at the thermal waters of la Calera.
Optional: By night dinner accompanied with a folkloric show.
Overnight at Chivay Hotel.
- Included: Transfers, Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 7: Colca canyon tour & Puno

Early this morning, your guide will drive you to the “Mirador Cruz del Condor”, one of the best viewpoints over the canyon and to observe the flight of the giant Andean condors.
The road traverses’ picturesque villages and pre-Inca ruins dominated by the Ampato and Hualca glaciers in the distance.
After lunch in Chivay, you will start a 5hour-30minutes journey by car from Colca Canyon to Puno city. The views on the way are spectacular. We stop at a lookout to spot the beauty of the “Lagunillas Lagon” surrounded by snow caps, before descending to the Altiplano highlands. At Arrival in Puno, you get a transfer to the elected hotel
Overnight in Puno
- Included: Tourist bus transport, entrances, guide, 01-night accommodation

Day 8: Titicaca Lake day tour

Early transfer to the port. Then by motorboat we visit the Uros floating Islands. Stepping on them feels very much like a waterbed, but it is quite safe. We see the houses, the islands and meet its friendly inhabitants. Uros people are descendants of one of the oldest South American groups. Rides on traditional reed boats can be arranged. We visit two of the 90 islands before continuing to Taquile Island.
There a unique community can be observed. visit the communal cooperative where you will find handy craft textiles of high quality. Lunch at one of the many local restaurants. The views are magnificent. depart back to Puno City. Transfer you to your Puno hotel.
- Included: Transfers, Boat Transport, guide, entrances, Lunch.

Day 9: Tour Bus to Cusco

Transfer from your Puno hotel to the Bus Terminal to board the Tour bus Coach.
Later we traverse the altiplano highlands slowly scending to la Raya pass, the highest point in then we descend to the valley, enjoy of the great Andes landscapes, Buffet lunch close to Sicuani town
Visit the Rajchi Inca temple the tallest Incan construction, our journey continues with another visit to Andahuaylillas Church known as the Sistine chapel of the America’s. Late
Finally, you arrive to Cusco the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Transfer to the elected hotel. Enjoy exploring Cusco and its narrow streets plenty of history and great dinnig options
Overnight in Cusco
- Included: Transfers, Tour Bus Transport with guide, entrances, Buffet Lunch.

Day 10: Cusco city tour

In the early afternoon experience the Cusco city tour that includes the visit to impressive Incan temples & ceremonial sites around Cusco city Like; Sacsayhuaman and its megalithic constructions, Qénko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay a temple dedicated to the water.
Then Visit the Cathedral & observe some of the finest Inca stonework at the Koricancha, the holiest Incan ritual site in the area. Return to your hotel and free time at leisure to explore the ancient capital of the Incas, its picturesque streets, souvenirs shops, splendid Cusco restaurants. Don’t forget warm clothing.
Overnight at Cusco Hotel.
- Included: Transport, guide, entrances, 01-night accommodation.

Day 11: Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + Overnight at Machupicchu

After breakfast we travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the amazing landscapes and Andean mountains views accompany us in our journey, as we see traditional villages, farming scenes & colorful clotting. Then we descend to the sacred Valley of the Incas and note that Incan people found in this as a paradise for farming and develop advanced irrigation techniques. Later in Pisac town on a side of the Urubamba River visit the Pisac traditional food market and the handy crafts market one of the best and recognized in Peru. We continue exploring the Valley, Lunch at a very nice place in Urubamba before we reach The Ollantaytambo Village an authentic Inca living town we ascend to The Ollantaytambo ruins an outstanding ritual site, formed by enormous beautifully carved stones, and wonder how come they could transport megalithic blocks at such a location. Enjoy of the same impressive views, Pachacuteq the great Inca emperor had over the valley. Later it was used as a fortress by Manco Inca Yupanqui in the final inca’s rebellion against the Spanish invasion. Breathe the Incan history and unique architecture.
At 15:45pm approximately we finish the Tour in Ollantaytambo. Have a small walk at the Village before to catch a 1h.30min. train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the bottom of the Machupicchu Mountain. At Arrival get contacted at the train station and conducted to the Elected Hotel at Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- Included: Transport, guide, entrances, 01 buffet Lunch, 01-night accommodation

Day 12: Machupicchu Full day Tour and return to Cusco

Early after breakfasting Your guide will lead, you to take a 20-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu. There you have a guided walking tour through this true marvel of the ancient world. Visit its many ritual areas and observe the exquisite Incan architecture amongst a surreal environment formed by the surrounding mountains. After the tour feel free to explore the site or climb to the Huayna Picchu peak (recommended only for fit travelers - And needs to be reserved due to a limit number of hikers, it is a great experience). Before head into town for a late lunch. Then we take the train back to Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station from there we transfer you to your elected hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
- Included: Bus up-down to Machupicchu, entrance fee, guide, return train , transport to Cusco, 01-night accommodation.

Day 13: Puerto Maldonado & transport to the Amazon lodge

Early transfer to the airport for a flight from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, the gate way city to the Amazon rainforest.
Upon arrival our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the port for a transfer by boat to your jungle lodge, it might take 45minutes to 3 hours depending on which lodge you have elected. Soon the relaxing rainforest sounds will surround you. Extra walks some time is necessary.
Upon arrival at the lodge, your naturalists’ guides will brief you about the variety of included activities for an unforgettable & enjoyable stay. Many of the lodges are located at the boarder of the national park, within the territory of the Ese’eja native community and are built with the same materials and architectural techniques as those used by native communities throughout the Amazon.
Enjoy dinner and have the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight at the Lodge
- Included: Transport, guide assistance, entrances to the national park, 01 Night accommodation with full board & Lodge program and activities.

Day 14: Amazon excursion & Activities

Be ready at dawn for your first Amazon adventure. With the first day light you may be able to spot turtles, hoatzins, toucans, caimans, many types of monkeys and if you’re lucky the endangered giant river otters. Return to the lodge for lunch, after a short rest your expert naturalist guide will take you into the forest to observe the flora and numerous indigenous plants.
After a delicious dinner. Be ready as Jungle comes to life again. you’ll head out into the jungle for a night walk. And try to spot the nocturnal creatures that come out. Experiencing the jungle on a dark trail with only a flashlight, is an incredible experience.
Alternatively, you can simply relax to the sounds of the jungle in your cabana hammock.
Note: The rainforest experiment’s different seasons that might affect the order of activities. Then Your Amazon naturalist guides will inform of the activities that you will enjoy each day.
- Included: Jungle activities, expert naturalist guides, 01 Night accommodation will full board.

Day 15: Amazon excursion & Activities

After breakfast, enjoy of a jungle hike to learn about the local native communities that inhabit the rainforest and how they live in harmony with their environment. As well spot some of the rare amazon birds, you may see toucans as well as numerous other different species of monkeys and if we are lucky some sloths.
Return to the lodge for lunch based on the local jungle products and will have time to rest and relax before setting out for another tour. To learn about the fruits and vegetables that local communities grow.
Return before dark to the jungle lodge to have lunch with the amusing melodies of the rainforest, that will surely remain as a lifetime memory in the Peruvian rainforest.
- Included: Jungle activities, expert naturalist guides, 01 Night accommodation will full board.

Day 16: Departure

After breakfasting our guide will take you to the airport in Puerto Maldonado city: Leaving the lodge is an experience for you to fly to Lima city.
- Included: Transport, guide assistance.
- Not Included: International & Domestic flights: Lima – Cusco – Lima, Meals not mentioned