Physical Level

Easy

Trip Style

Max Altitude

Group Size

INQUIRY ABOUT THIS TREK

Peru Tour Package: Explore Cusco, Puno, Arequipa and Nazca
Experience a journey through Peru that takes you across striking landscapes, distinct cultures and unparalleled experiences without frills or exaggerated language This trip begins in Lima (505 ft/154 m), the city of kings where you will visit downtown museums and historical sites After spending time in Lima we board a flight to Cusco (11,144 ft/3,399 m), known as the Imperial City Here you will explore key archaeological sites and then drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to reach Machu Picchu one of the seven wonders of the world where every corner of this impressive citadel is open for you to discover Later the itinerary directs you south along the Sun Route to Puno (12,549 ft/3,827 m) where you will tour Lake Titicaca and its floating Uros Islands as well as Amantani and the Chullpas of Sillustani You will also visit the Colca Canyon and explore the Paracas Reserve along with the Ballestas Islands to observe the varied local wildlife before concluding with an aerial tour over the Nazca Lines A trip like this is a must-see for those who want to hit the road and see a real gem of South American history no worries about missing key details

Itinerary

DAY 1:

RECEPTION IN LIMA (505 ft/154 m) – CITY TOUR

AM pickup at Lima airport and transfer to the hotel
On arrival you will have free time to rest and have lunch before the city tour begins at 2:00 PM In Lima you will visit the Historic Center including the Plaza de Armas the Government Palace the Lima Cathedral the Archbishop’s Palace and other significant sites Later a walk will lead you to the oldest bar in Lima the Bar Cordano and then to the San Francisco Museum which displays 17th century religious art and features a notable library and mysterious catacombs with human bones Afterwards the tour continues to the Pueblo Libre district to see the Larco Private Museum showcasing over 45,000 original ceramic pieces in an 18th century mansion built on a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid Take note of the extensive treasures exhibited including the famous collection of pre-Columbian erotic ceramics finally at 6:00 PM transfer back to the hotel
Overnight in Lima

DAY 2:

FLIGHT LIMA – CUSCO (11,144 ft/3,399 m) – CITY TOUR

Morning boarding of the flight from Lima to Cusco (approximately 1 hour of travel)
Upon arrival you will be received at the Cusco airport and transferred to the selected hotel where a stimulating cup of coca tea is served to help adjust to the altitude After some rest and lunch the city tour starts at 1:30 PM covering the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) the Plaza de Armas main streets and the Central Market (San Pedro) as well as visits to two nearby ruins including the Sacsayhuamán Fortress and finally “Kenko” Transfer back to the hotel at 6:00 PM
Overnight in Cusco

DAY 3:

CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS – AGUAS CALIENTES (HOTELS)

After breakfast the tour departs at 7:30 AM with pickup from the Cusco hotel to begin the Sacred Valley tour You will visit the traditional Pisaq market to see its famous artisan fair and then the archaeological complex at Pisaq showcasing picturesque terraced fields carved into the mountains Later the trip continues to the town of Urubamba for an optional lunch (at an extra cost of USD 20 per person) followed by a visit to the Ollantaytambo fortress where Inca descendants still inhabit houses originally built by the Incas Finally transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train departing at 3:37 PM The train journey lasts about 2 hours arriving at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) around 5:00 PM
Overnight in Aguas Calientes

DAY 4:

MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This day begins early after breakfast with a transfer to the bus station to take a 30-minute ride to Machu Picchu The guided tour lasts 2 hours covering the most important areas of the site Following the tour there is free time to further explore Machu Picchu on your own – you might choose to walk to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge (note that climbing Huayna Picchu is optional at an extra cost of USD 70 per person) At an appropriate time return by bus to Aguas Calientes where lunch is available at one of the local restaurants In the afternoon the return train is taken to Cusco via Ollantaytambo where a company representative will meet you for a 1 hour and 30 minute car transfer
Overnight in Cusco

DAY 5:

CUSCO – PUNO (TOUR BUS)

After a good breakfast pickup from the hotel and transfer to the bus station Board a tour bus for approximately a 9-hour journey with 4 guided excursions at notable points along the southern highlands corridor Highlights include a visit to the Andahuaylillas Temple (often called the “Sistine Chapel of America”) the Inca temple of Raqchi and a midday buffet lunch in Sicuani The tour also includes a stop at the Raya Pass at 14,215 ft/4,330 m and the Inca-Aymara Museum of Pukara where each stop lasts between 20 and 40 minutes allowing time for questions photos and short walks
Upon arrival in Puno a representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel
Overnight in Puno

DAY 6:

PUNO – LAKE TITICACA (UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS)

Following breakfast, transfer to the Puno port at Lake Titicaca where you board a boat for a 1 hour 30 minute visit to the Floating Uros Islands to observe local customs and craftsmanship Next, another boat ride takes you to Taquile Island which is noted for its scenic landscapes cultural and archaeological significance The boat returns to the Puno port where you will be picked up and transferred back to the hotel or, if preferred, dropped off in downtown Puno
Overnight in Puno

DAY 7:

PUNO – CHIVAY – COLCA CANYON

After breakfast depart from Puno around 6:15 AM toward Chivay a town located near Colca Canyon renowned for its religious celebrations cultural heritage and traditional festivals The route includes visits to three spots: Lagunillas Lagoon, Pampa Cañahuas and the Patapampa Volcano Overlook where the natural beauty is evident and travelers might remark “it really hit the road” during the journey
Overnight in Chivay

DAY 8:

CHIVAY – COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA (7,658 ft/2,335 m)

After breakfast the tour proceeds to the “Cruz del Cóndor,” the point marking the start of the canyon where you can observe its depth and the condors in their natural habitat After a brief stop at Cruz del Cóndor the journey continues through Colca Canyon passing through small villages such as Pinchocclo, Madrigal, Lari, Maca, Achoza and Yanque Following a return to Chivay for lunch the transfer to Arequipa begins with an expected arrival around 5:00 PM
Overnight in Arequipa

DAY 9:

AREQUIPA – CITY TOUR – NASCA

After breakfast a guide meets you at the hotel to start the tour of the “White City” Arequipa The tour includes a visit to the Santa Catalina Convent which has been open to the public since 1970 after 400 years of seclusion and contains numerous pieces of colonial art Also included are stops at the Plaza de Armas the Jesuit cloisters and the neighborhoods of Cayma and Yanahuara which offer a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano and a visit to a traditional colonial mansion known as the Mansión del Fundador
In the afternoon free time is given to explore Arequipa independently and later in the evening transfer to the bus terminal to board an overnight bus (a 10-hour journey in a comfortable sleeper service) heading to Nasca

DAY 10:

OVERFLIGHT OF NASCA LINES – ICA

Upon arrival in Nasca, a representative will meet you at the bus terminal and transfer you to the Nasca airport For the next 45 minutes an overflight is arranged over the Nasca Lines where ancient pre-Inca cultures created enormous figures of animals and plants with purposes that remain uncertain – examples include the monkey, the spider and the hummingbird In the afternoon the bus departs for the city of ICA (approximately 2 hours of travel)
Overnight in ICA

DAY 11:

ICA – BALLESTAS ISLANDS – HUACACHINA

From 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM after breakfast transfer to the Paracas port where the tour of the Ballestas Islands begins including a stop by “El Candelabro” a huge image etched on a hillside Upon arrival at the islands you will tour for 2 hours observing sea lions, seals, penguins and various seabirds In the afternoon following lunch, transfer to the Huacachina Oasis located 5 km from downtown ICA where visitors can enjoy the calm atmosphere and stroll around the area with vast sand dunes offering the opportunity for sandboarding – a favorite among those who travel off the beaten track
Overnight in ICA

DAY 12:

ICA – LIMA (505 ft/154 m)

In the morning pickup from the hotel for transfer to the bus terminal to board the bus from ICA to Lima (approximately 3 hours of travel) Upon arrival at the Lima bus station assistance will be provided for transfer to the selected hotel or directly to the airport for your return flight home
Service End

Inclusions

• Airport pickup in Lima and transfer to the hotel (Private Transportation) – reliable and straightforward
• Excursion: Lima City Tour (private transportation, guide, entrance fees) – ensures you see all key sites
• Airplane flight from Lima to Cusco (including 23 kg baggage allowance)
• Transfers between Cusco airport and hotel (Private Transportation)
• Excursion: Cusco City Tour (private transportation, guide, entrance fees)
• Excursion: Sacred Valley Tour (private transportation, guide, entrance fees)
• Excursion: Machu Picchu Tour
• Roundtrip train from Ollanta to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) via either Expedition Train or Inka Rail
• Bus transfers for ascent and descent at Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• Guide at Machu Picchu
• Return transportation from Ollanta to Cusco
• Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno (40-passenger bus, guide, entrance fees, buffet lunch)
• Tour: Lake Titicaca (20-passenger boat, guide, entrance fees, lunch)
• Tourist bus from Puno to Chivay (40-passenger bus, guide, entrance fees, buffet lunch)
• Tour: Colca Canyon (group transportation, guide, entrance fees)
• City tour in Arequipa (private transportation, guide, entrance fees)
• Bus from Arequipa to Nasca (sleeper service)
• Tour: Nasca Lines Overflight (transfers, small plane, guide, entrance fee)
• Bus from Nasca to ICA (panoramic bus)
• Tour: Ballestas Islands (bus, guide, entrance fees)
• Tour: Huacachina (tubulares, guide, entrance fees)
• Bus from ICA to Lima (panoramic bus)
• Transfers between bus station and airport (Private Transportation)
• All transfers during the 12 days
• Hotel accommodations: 1 night in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, 2 nights in Puno, 1 night in Chivay, 1 night in Arequipa, 2 nights in ICA

• Meals for lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
• Optional buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley (USD 20 per person; available upon request)
• Optional buffet lunch at Machu Picchu (USD 27 per person; available upon request)
• Entrance fee for Huayna Picchu (optional USD 70)

What to Bring

• Bring your original passport with an expiration date of at least 7 months
• Wear comfortable sneakers or light shoes or tennis shoes
• Carry a water bottle – staying hydrated is key
• Drink plenty of liquids during excursions
• Pack a waterproof jacket (a long poncho) during the rainy season
• Include long-sleeved shirts
• Pack long pants
• Bring insect repellent
• Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for sunny days
• Consider binoculars for better views
• Sunglasses and plastic bags for protection
• Bring personal medication and items (for example, lens solution for contacts)
• Carry a lightweight backpack or briefcase (maximum weight of 5 to 6 kg)
• Have a camera or camcorder with films
• Keep small denomination cash or coins in soles or dollars handy
• Optional: swimwear for thermal baths

About ISIC Card

Valid Student ID for Classic Inca Trail Hike and Machu Picchu

To qualify for the student discount on Inca Trail Permits, travelers must meet the following requirements:

Age Limit: Students must be 25 years old or younger at the time of entering the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Those over 25 years old cannot enter as a student.
ID Requirements: The student ID must include:
- The name of the university
- The student’s name and photo
- A valid expiration date
ISIC CARD: This card type is no longer valid anymore

Invalid Student IDs for the Inca Trail Discount

Student IDs will not be accepted for the discount under the following conditions:

The traveler is older than 25
The ID is expired
The ID does not have an expiration date
ISIC cards are not valid for obtaining the student discount for Inca Trail permits.

This information is crucial for travelers seeking to benefit from discounted permits for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

Why to Choose

Why choose “ITAN Adventure”?

“ITAN Adventure” is a 100% Peruvian-owned tour operator based in Cusco, with extensive experience in hiking, adventure tours, and customized travel packages. As a completely local company, we’re dedicated to providing travelers with authentic, high-quality experiences.

Our vision as a local company is to deliver personalized travel and hiking journeys, managed exclusively by experienced local professionals, with a strong focus on HIGH-QUALITY and PERSONALIZED SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel agency that upholds RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE practices benefiting both the environment and local communities.

We treat our team like family and ensure they receive fair wages. We are incredibly proud of each member of our team! Their dedication makes it possible for us to provide the top-notch service that our many travelers appreciate.

At “ITAN Adventure,” we understand that our reputation and the feedback from our travelers are essential for gaining the trust of future adventurers. You can check out honest reviews from our guests on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google to see why we’re a reliable choice for creating your Peruvian adventure.

Small Group Travel

To ensure a more personalized experience at “ITAN Adventure,” we keep our group sizes to a maximum of 8 travelers. This approach allows us to offer a tailored experience, unlike companies that operate with larger groups.

About Our Tour Guides

Our guides are our pride. They’re highly knowledgeable and professional, fluent in English, and deeply passionate about Inca culture and history. Each guide is committed to ongoing personal and professional development, allowing them to share accurate insights and fascinating theories about Andean heritage. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with backgrounds in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

Our Inca Trail Porters

Hiking with “ITAN Adventure” ensures a fulfilling experience. Our porters are here to make your journey comfortable and memorable. They carry your equipment, prepare meals, set up camps, and attend to your needs so you can relax and enjoy the adventure. Along the way, you’ll connect with local people, explore stunning sites, and discover historic Inca villages.

We provide our porters with essential equipment at no cost: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. Our porters come from remote communities, and by hiring them, we help improve their economic conditions and support their children’s education. We treat our porters like family!

Our Team and Equipment

Our team—guides, cooks, porters, muleteers—and our equipment make “ITAN Adventure” stand out from the competition. During our hikes, we provide:

Our Tents: We use 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents, designed for four but used by two for extra comfort and storage. They include a small vestibule for boots and poles.
Foam Mats: Insulate you from the ground for added warmth.
Air Mattresses: Available to rent for $20 USD.
Kitchen and Dining Tents: Serve as a common area during meals, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Tables and Chairs: Set up in the dining area, adapted for varying weather.
Travel Bags: Provided the night before the trek.
Additional Items: We offer pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and portable toilets during the trek.

Our Commitment to Social Responsibility

“ITAN Adventure” is committed to giving back to isolated communities. We support social projects and prioritize hiring local staff.

We are proud to support local communities not only by providing employment but also by offering assistance to their families. This holistic approach benefits our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones, strengthening our connection to the local heritage.

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