Discover Peru Package 15 Days / 14 Nights

Welcome to Peru! We know how exhausting international flights can be, so upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, an Inka Trail Backpacker representative will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name to welcome you and comfortably transfer you to your selected hotel.

After check-in, you will have the afternoon free to rest after your trip or explore Lima on your own. You can visit the Miraflores area, walk through Kennedy Park, explore Larcomar, or enjoy Peru’s renowned cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants.

Overnight stay: Lima
Meals included: None

On this tour, you will discover the main historical periods of Peru’s capital: Ancient, Colonial, and Modern Lima.

The tour includes a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a visit to Lima’s Historic Center, the San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, as well as a tour through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

You may also visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum, which displays an important collection of pre-Columbian gold pieces, ceramics, and textiles.

Available departure times: 8:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Note: The Central Reserve Bank Museum is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

Overnight stay: Lima
Meals included: None

4:00 a.m. – Hotel pickup and departure to Paracas

At 4:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the trip to Paracas. We will travel approximately 245 kilometers along the Pan-American Highway South.

During the journey, we will make a brief stop in the city of Chincha, where you can use the restrooms and, if you wish, enjoy a typical local breakfast at your own expense.

We will then continue our journey, arriving in Paracas at approximately 7:45 a.m.

8:00 a.m. – Ballestas Islands Tour

We will begin our excursion aboard a motorboat heading toward the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, we will see the famous Paracas Candelabra, an impressive geoglyph located on one of the slopes of the peninsula.

We will continue sailing offshore to discover the rich diversity of marine wildlife found around the islands. We may observe different species of guano and seabirds, such as Peruvian boobies, cormorants, Inca terns, Peruvian pelicans, and Humboldt penguins, as well as sea lions and, with a little luck, dolphins.

After approximately two hours, we will return to the port of Paracas and continue our journey to the city of Ica.

10:30 a.m. – Departure to Ica

We will depart for the city of Ica to continue with the day’s scheduled activities.

11:00 a.m. – Visit to a winery

We will visit a traditional winery in Ica, such as “El Catador” or “Nieto,” both known for the artisanal production of wines and piscos.

During the visit, we will learn about part of the production process for wine and Peruvian pisco and have the opportunity to taste some of the products made at the winery.

Afterward, you will have time for lunch.

4:30 p.m. – Huacachina Oasis and buggy ride

In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Huacachina Oasis, located approximately five kilometers from the city of Ica. This natural oasis is surrounded by enormous sand dunes and is known for its greenish lagoon and the vegetation growing around it.

Here, we will enjoy an adventure lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes aboard a buggy or dune buggy through the desert dunes.

The ride is ideal for travelers looking for an experience filled with adrenaline, speed, and impressive scenery. During the activity, we will cross some of Huacachina’s largest dunes, with a variety of climbs and descents across the desert.

At the end of the experience, we will transfer you to the bus station to board an overnight bus to Nazca. The trip will take approximately 2 hours.

Upon arrival in Nazca, our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodations.

Overnight stay: Nazca

After breakfast, we will transfer you to María Reiche Neuman Airport in Nazca (NZC), a small airfield located in the Vista Alegre district and used mainly for sightseeing flights in small aircraft and helicopters.

From there, you will take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, where you can admire from the air some of the most representative geoglyphs, such as the Monkey, Hummingbird, and Spider, along with other impressive figures traced across the desert.

After the flight, you will have free time to optionally visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum or explore the city of Nazca on your own.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., you will board a Cruz del Sur bus to Arequipa. The trip will take approximately 12 hours.

Upon arrival at the Arequipa bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to comfortably transfer you to your selected hotel, where you can rest after the journey.

Overnight stay: Arequipa.

After a good night’s rest, you will have the morning free for personal activities, relaxation, or independent exploration of Arequipa’s historic center.

You can visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, surrounded by the Cathedral and its traditional arcades. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, located just a few minutes from the square and considered one of the city’s main historical attractions.

At around 1:00 p.m., we will pick you up from your accommodations or from the Plaza de Armas to begin the tour toward the traditional sillar quarries. Along the way, our professional guide will explain the importance of sillar, a volcanic stone that has been used for centuries in the construction of many of Arequipa’s historic buildings.

Our first stop will be the Zamácola Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and see the three volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

We will then continue to the sillar quarries, where the stone that gave Arequipa its distinctive appearance and the nickname “White City” is extracted. Here, you can walk through the quarries and observe the enormous volcanic rock walls worked by generations of stonemasons.

During the visit, you will also learn about the traditional process of extracting and carving sillar, carried out using ancestral techniques that have been preserved over the centuries.

Next, we will continue to Culebrillas Gorge, where you will walk through an impressive canyon formed by sillar walls. Inside, you can see ancient petroglyphs, remnants that provide insight into part of the history and beliefs of the cultures that inhabited this region.

You will also learn about traditional apachetas, small stone structures built as symbols of respect and connection with nature, and you will have the opportunity to build one yourself.

At the end of the excursion, we will return by transportation to downtown Arequipa.

In the evening, you will have free time to explore the city’s restaurants and cafés and sample some specialties of Arequipa cuisine, such as rocoto relleno or adobo arequipeño.

Overnight stay: Arequipa.

Very early in the morning, we will depart from Arequipa for Chivay, the main gateway to Colca Canyon. The trip will take approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Along the way, we will make several scenic stops. One will be at the Pampas de Cañahuas, an expansive high-Andean area where it is possible to observe vicuñas and other Andean camelids in their natural habitat.

We will also visit the Patapampa Viewpoint, one of the highest points along the route, where you can enjoy impressive views of the volcanoes and snowcapped peaks that form part of the Andes mountain range.

We will then continue to the Condor Cross Viewpoint, one of the most iconic locations in Colca Canyon. From this point, you can appreciate the vastness of the canyon and, if conditions are favorable, observe the majestic Andean condor soaring above its deep valleys.

At the end of the day’s activities, we will continue to Chivay, where you will have time to rest. Optionally, you can visit the nearby hot springs and relax in their naturally warm waters.

Overnight stay: Chivay.

After a good night’s rest, you will have the morning free to explore Chivay on your own. You can visit the Plaza de Armas, walk around the surrounding area, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this town in the Colca Valley.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., we will begin the journey to Puno, a trip of approximately 6 hours.

Along the way, we will pass through small Andean villages and expansive plains of the Altiplano, where you can admire impressive high-altitude landscapes and observe llamas, alpacas, and other characteristic features of the region.

Upon arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your selected hotel for check-in and rest after the journey.

Overnight stay: Puno.

After breakfast, we will begin a boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, considered the highest navigable lake in the world.

Our first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, where local families keep their ancestral traditions alive by building their islands and homes with totora reeds, an aquatic plant characteristic of the area.

We will then continue to Taquile Island, known for its important cultural heritage and the extraordinary quality of its handmade textiles, created using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

During the visit, you will enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by impressive views of Lake Titicaca and the high-Andean landscapes surrounding the island.

In the afternoon, we will begin the return boat ride to Puno, where you can rest after a day dedicated to discovering the culture and traditions of the lake communities.

Overnight stay: Puno.

After breakfast, we will depart from Puno for Cusco on a scenic journey of approximately 8 hours.

Along the way, we will make several cultural and scenic stops:

• La Raya Pass: the highest point along the route, where you can enjoy impressive panoramic views of the Andes and the Altiplano landscapes.
• Raqchi: we will visit the archaeological complex where the imposing Temple of Wiracocha is located, one of the most remarkable Inca structures along the route.
• Andahuaylillas: we will visit its famous colonial church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for the richness of its interior decoration.

After the visits, we will continue the journey to Cusco.

Upon our arrival in the afternoon or evening, we will transfer you to your selected hotel for check-in and rest.

Overnight stay: Cusco.

After a restful night, you will have the morning free to relax, take care of personal activities, or explore the city at your own pace.

You can start by visiting the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the heart of the historic center, surrounded by colonial architecture, churches, restaurants, and lively local activity.

Cusco also offers many picturesque corners that are ideal for photography and for experiencing the essence of the city. A good option is to visit the San Pedro Market, where you will find colorful stalls filled with fruit, local products, handicrafts, and traditional textiles.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can head to the San Blas Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

You can also stroll through the picturesque streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artistic atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and small local shops.

At 6:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the trip to Chinchero, located approximately one hour from the city.

During the visit, you will discover this traditional Andean town, known for its adobe houses, cobblestone streets, and residents who continue to preserve many of their ancestral customs. If you wish, you can watch a demonstration of the traditional process of washing, dyeing, and spinning wool using natural plants and minerals.

We will also visit the Chinchero archaeological complex and its colonial church, structures that reflect the blend of Inca and colonial heritage in the area.

We will then continue to Moray, a fascinating archaeological complex made up of concentric circular terraces. It is believed that the Incas used this site as an agricultural experimentation center, where they studied different climatic conditions and adapted various crops. During the visit, our guide will explain the purpose of the terraces and their advanced drainage system.

Next, we will travel approximately 20 minutes to the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive collection of hundreds of salt pools built along a mountainside. These pools are fed by a natural saltwater spring and have been used since pre-Inca times for the artisanal extraction of salt.

After the visit, we will continue to Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we will head to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Its narrow stone streets, water channels, and original structures offer a glimpse into urban planning during the Inca period.

In the upper part of town, we will visit its impressive archaeological complex, featuring terraces, ceremonial enclosures, and structures that served religious, strategic, and defensive purposes.

Finally, at around 4:30 p.m., we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, passing through beautiful Andean scenery.

Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, our staff will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

In the evening, you will receive a brief explanation about the schedule and details of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Overnight stay: Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, there are two ways to reach Machu Picchu:

Hiking:
If you prefer a more active experience, you can hike from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Bus:
This is the fastest and most comfortable option. Buses depart from Aguas Calientes and take you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu in approximately 25 minutes. The bus ticket is included in the tour package.

Machu Picchu entrance time

Your entrance time will depend on how far in advance the reservation was made and the assigned circuit at the time the entrance ticket was purchased.

Guided tour inside Machu Picchu

Once inside the Inca citadel, you will take a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.

During the tour, you will visit some of the most important areas of Machu Picchu, including temples, enclosures, terraces, and agricultural sectors. Our guide will explain the history, architecture, and extraordinary engineering techniques developed by the Incas.

After the visit

At the end of your Machu Picchu tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Once in town, you will have free time to rest and have lunch at one of its restaurants. Afterward, you should head to the train station with enough time to board your return service.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu?

Yes. It is possible to hike Huayna Picchu, provided there is availability and the corresponding entrance ticket has been purchased in advance.

Entrance times are in the morning and are organized into two groups:

Group 1: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Group 2: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Depending on availability and the time assigned on your ticket, the hike may be completed before or after your scheduled visit to Machu Picchu.

Important: The archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu are different attractions. Entrance to the mountains requires an additional ticket and is subject to availability.

If you would like to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must let us know in advance so we can check ticket availability.

Highlights of the day: Visit Cusco’s main archaeological and colonial attractions.

At 9:00 a.m., we will meet you at the main entrance of the Cusco Cathedral to begin the tour.

We will start with a visit to the Cathedral, one of the city’s most important religious monuments. We will then walk from the Plaza de Armas along ancient streets of Inca origin until we reach Qorikancha, known as the Temple of the Sun.

At Qorikancha, you can appreciate the combination of Inca architecture and colonial construction. This site was one of the most important religious centers of the Inca Empire and was symbolically connected to the four regions of Tahuantinsuyo.

After the visit, we will walk along Avenida El Sol, where we will board our transportation and head to the archaeological sites located around Cusco.

Our next stop will be Sacsayhuamán, an impressive archaeological complex known for its enormous stone blocks fitted together with remarkable precision. Our guide will explain the history, purpose, and main features of the site, and then you will have time to explore and take photographs.

Next, we will take a short drive to Q’enqo, an Inca ceremonial site known for its altars and carved stone formations.

We will then continue to Puca Pucara, a small archaeological complex believed to have served control and surveillance functions at one of the entrances to the city of Cusco.

Our final stop will be Tambomachay, known as the Temple of Water, where you can observe stone channels and fountains associated with water worship during the Inca period.

At the end of the visit, we will return to Cusco, and the tour will conclude near the Plaza de Armas.

Afterward, you will have the afternoon free for lunch, exploring the historic center, shopping, or returning to your hotel to rest.

Overnight stay: Cusco.

The day will begin with pickup from your accommodations in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. From there, we will travel by tourist transportation south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will enjoy breakfast before continuing toward the access area for Rainbow Mountain. This second segment will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Along the way, you can admire beautiful high-Andean landscapes and, with a little luck, observe some of the local wildlife.

Upon reaching the trailhead, we will begin an ascent of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of mountains, snowcapped peaks, and expansive Andean landscapes.

Finally, we will reach the Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, viewpoint, where you will have time to admire its distinctive natural formations, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs.

After the visit, we will begin the return along the same route with a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

We will then head to the restaurant to enjoy lunch before beginning the return trip to Cusco.

Arrival in the city is expected between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Airport transfer – Cusco – Lima – International flight
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and, at the scheduled time, we will transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima.

If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you will have free time for last-minute shopping, exploring the surrounding area, or enjoying your final hours in Cusco.

Upon arrival in Lima, you will make the corresponding connection for your international flight back to your home country, bringing this Peru experience to an end.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to travel during high season.

Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold for specific times and circuits, and availability can sell out several months in advance.

Booking early allows us to better coordinate your entrance ticket, visit time, available circuit, train tickets, and other services related to Machu Picchu.

If you book on short notice, we can check the available options, but we cannot guarantee a specific circuit or entrance time until the tickets are officially confirmed.

This package combines private or coordinated transfers with group tour services in the different destinations. During excursions, you may share the service with other travelers, while our representatives coordinate the transfers, tickets, and included services according to the itinerary.

Pickup times and the details of each excursion will be confirmed in advance by our team.

The package includes 14 nights of accommodations distributed among Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.

We work with different hotel categories, so you can select the option that best suits your needs and budget. The category and available hotels will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Hotel availability may vary depending on the season and how far in advance you make your reservation.

Yes. The listed times are approximate and may change due to weather conditions, traffic, train or bus availability, entrance tickets, flights, or other operational circumstances.

Any necessary changes will be communicated promptly by our team, with every effort made to maintain all activities included in the program.

The package includes only the meals specifically mentioned in each day’s itinerary.

Scheduled services include breakfasts and lunches on certain excursions, such as the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other tours included in the program.

Any breakfasts, lunches, or dinners not specified in the itinerary must be paid for directly by the traveler.

During the 15-day package, transfers are provided through a combination of tourist transportation, intercity buses, trains, and coordinated transfers between hotels, terminals, and airports.

Our team will inform you in advance about pickup times, meeting points, and the details of each transfer. Where applicable, a representative will be waiting upon your arrival to assist you and transfer you to the selected hotel.

Some segments, such as Nazca – Arequipa, Chivay – Puno, and Puno – Cusco, are operated by scheduled tourist services or buses, while the journey to Aguas Calientes is by train.

We recommend being ready in advance for each departure and following the indicated schedules, especially for bus and train services.

During the trip, you will experience different weather conditions due to Peru’s geographic diversity.

Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Nazca generally have milder or warmer weather, while Arequipa, Colca, Puno, and Cusco can experience considerably lower temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.

At high-altitude destinations such as Puno and Rainbow Mountain, temperatures can drop significantly. For this reason, we recommend bringing lightweight clothing, thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and several warm layers.

Because the program includes overland transfers, tourist buses, trains, and stays at different hotels, we recommend traveling with practical luggage and avoiding unnecessary items.

For daily excursions, we recommend using a small daypack where you can carry water, sunscreen, documents, a camera, warm clothing, and personal items.

Specific luggage restrictions established by the railway company may apply to the train journey to Aguas Calientes. Our team will inform you in advance about the conditions applicable to your service.

During this trip, you will visit several high-altitude destinations, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.

We recommend getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, avoiding intense physical exertion during your first hours at altitude, and following your guide’s instructions.

If you have any medical condition or regularly take medication, we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling and informing us of any relevant information before your arrival.

You do not need to be an experienced traveler, but we do recommend a basic level of physical fitness, as the itinerary includes walks, archaeological visits, and activities at high-altitude destinations.

Most tours are conducted at a moderate pace and accompanied by professional guides. However, some activities, such as Rainbow Mountain, require greater physical effort because of the hike and the altitude.

If you have a medical condition, difficulty walking, or concerns related to altitude, we recommend informing us before booking so we can provide appropriate guidance.

Yes. Depending on availability, some activities can be modified, replaced, or expanded before the reservation is confirmed.

We can also evaluate additional services, different hotel categories, special entrance tickets, or complementary activities.

Any modification may result in a change to the final package price and will be subject to availability.