Today you depart from Lima at 05:00 a.m to head toward the charming resort area of Paracas (near sea level 0 ft 0 m) where calm breezes and a tranquil sea set the scene. A motorized boat ride takes you to the Ballestas Islands where you will observe the famous Candelabro geoglyph an ancient guano extraction port along with a diverse group of marine animals such as sea lions Humboldt penguins and various seabirds; no kidding these sights are impressive. In the afternoon the journey continues to Ica where you will learn about the traditional process of producing Peruvian wine and pisco a craft dating back to 1856; there will be time to enjoy an optional lunch (not included). Next you travel to the Huacachina Oasis and its surroundings where those interested can try buggy rides on Ica’s sand dunes and experience sandboarding from the heights; for real it is a desert adventure. Later you will return to Lima for the night.

Upon your arrival in Cusco (11,150 ft 3,400 m) a representative will meet you at the airport with a sign showing your name and transfer you to your selected hotel. It is recommended to fly in by 9 or 10 in the morning so you have time to rest and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Between 12:30 and 12:50 the tour begins as your guide leads you to visit the Cusco Cathedral also known as the Church of Triumph built in 1539 on the foundations of the Inca palace of Viracocha; today it functions as an auxiliary chapel. Next you will visit the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun where you will spend about one hour learning the technical details of Andean symbolism the connection with celestial bodies and its importance in the Inca calendar. Then the group will board a tourist vehicle to travel to the renowned ruins outside the city. The first stop is the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park where you can examine massive stone walls inspired by the deity Rayo. Later the tour includes visits to Q’enqo to observe the principal ceremonial huaca followed by a stop at Tambomachay to admire ceremonial fountains that have operated flawlessly since Inca times. The tour concludes with a visit to Puka Pukara a military fortress used as a control point during the Inca era offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes; at the end of the day you might say “it really adds up.”

This exceptional day begins with an early pick-up from your Cusco hotel (time depends on the scheduled train departure) to transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station where you will board a train to Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m). During the train ride you can appreciate panoramic views that capture the essence of the surrounding landscapes; you know what, these views are quite something. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes our staff will meet you and escort you to the bus boarding point for transport to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. The bus journey gives you extra time to enjoy the natural environment. At Machu Picchu you will have approximately 2 hours to explore under the guidance of an expert who explains the significance and technical achievements of the Inca constructions that combine security sustainability and meticulous planning on high mountains. After this detailed exploration you return by bus to the town where you have the opportunity to enjoy a hearty local lunch at one of the restaurants and time for shopping. At the scheduled time you must be at the Aguas Calientes train station 30 minutes before departure. Following an approximately 2‑hour train journey you return to Ollantaytambo and are transferred by road back to Cusco where you will spend the night.

You must wake up early between 04:30 and 05:00 a.m to fully appreciate this natural marvel. You will be collected from your Cusco hotel and driven south. The first leg takes about 1.5 hours to the first stop near the district of Cusipata (10,860 ft 3,310 m) where you will enjoy a substantial breakfast at a local restaurant. Next the journey continues for approximately 1 hour to Fulawasipata (15,292 ft 4,660 m) where detailed route information is provided. At the base of the sacred Ausangate mountain the guided hike begins. Over about 2 hours you will ascend to the Mountain of 7 Colors also known as Vinicunca (17,060 ft 5,200 m) where along the way you may see various South American camelids such as llamas alpacas and vicuñas; for real the colors are striking in red pink turquoise and yellow. At the designated time the return trip begins to Fulawasipata where a vehicle will take you to a restaurant for a revitalizing lunch. You then return to Cusco with an estimated arrival of 16:30 hours; believe me the effort is well rewarded.

Around 06:15 hours you will be picked up from your hotel to be taken to the bus station for this culturally rich experience. The journey begins at the impressive Andahuaylillas Chapel an architectural gem from the 17th century also known as “La Sixtina de los Andes” noted for exceptional murals gilded details and paintings of the Cusco school. Next you travel to Raqchi known as the “Temple of the god Wiracocha” where you will observe a significant concentration of storage structures (Colcas) and impressive constructions built of stone and adobe. The tour continues with a scheduled stop for a basic buffet lunch in the charming city of Sicuani. The final leg takes you to the Paso de la Raya a geographic point located above 14,215 ft (4,335 m) marking the border between Cusco and Puno; from this altitude the imposing snow-capped Chimboya mountain is visible as the origin of the Amazon River. The last stop is the Pukará Lithic Museum where you will examine a fascinating collection of ceramics and sculptures mainly depicting zoomorphic figures. The day ends with your arrival in the beautiful city of Puno (13,123 ft 4,000 m) at approximately 17:00 hours; assistance is provided at the terminal and you are transferred to your selected hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet at 07:00 a.m to start a day of exploration. You will be transferred to the port in Puno where a motorized boat awaits to begin the journey. This boat trip first takes you to the remarkable Floating Islands of the Uros located on Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft 3,810 m). During this excursion your guide will explain the fascinating lifestyle of the communities living on these man-made islands; you will have free time to walk around take photographs and optionally ride on traditional totora reed boats (this ride is not included). Continuing this unique experience you will sail to Taquile Island a UNESCO‑recognized gem celebrated for its textile art. Once at the island’s pier a guided walk begins including one or more stops to explore local traditions customs and history. Along the route you will have the opportunity to observe various medicinal plants native to the area witness local residents in their daily activities and see indigenous animals; no kidding these insights add depth to the experience. The excursion concludes with a visit to a local tourist restaurant where a satisfying lunch is served before embarking on the return to Puno; the trip finishes at approximately 17:00 hours.

After breakfast at your hotel and according to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport 3 hours in advance to catch your flight back to Lima ensuring a smooth and timely departure; at the end of the day you carry with you lasting memories of an essential Peruvian adventure.