Hidden Gems in Peru 15 Days / 14 Nights

Lima the City of Kings

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our tour in Lima known as the City of Kings. Go to Pueblo Libre to visit Larco museum, a colonial house from eighteenth century which exhibits a fascinating collection of Pre-Columbian art.

Historical Center & Cultural Sites

Then, we go to the center area of Lima where we will have a panoramic view of the colonial monuments, highlighting, the Main Square, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral and others. After that, we will visit the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the most important religious and cultural places, known for its Catacombs that served as a cemetery in colonial time. Next, we will stroll through Larcomar, the heart of the Miraflores district.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Magical Overflight Experience in Peru’s Desert

This morning take our private vehicle and let’s head towards Paracas bay. Let’s stop at the airport of Pisco to take our flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines and be able to see enormous figures of animals engraved in the dessert such as monkey, spider, pelican even a hummingbird, these lines with geometric and zoomorphic shapes were made around 550 years AD., some theories refer they were used as solar and lunar calendar.

Flight Experience & Leisure Time

Once, the experience in the air is over, we will have time for lunch and then get back to the hotel of your preference and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Paracas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Admire and Learn about the Wildlife

Another day to enjoy the Peruvian coast line, we will take a boat ride to the Ballestas island, favorite destination for nature enthusiasts. The area is recognized for its wealth of marine wildlife including migratory birds and endemic species of mammals, that take place to feed and nest.

Natural Wonders & Return to Lima

It is also possible to observe rock monuments carved by strong winds a truly mysterious earthwork. Return to the hotel and have lunch after head back to Lima and be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Flight to Arequipa. City Tour in the White City

Transfer from your hotel in Lima to the airport to board your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival to the White city, named for its attractive architecture built from the local sillar, you will be assisted and transported to your hotel so that you can acclimatize and be prepare for a new experience.

Arequipa City Exploration

In the afternoon, our tour begins at one of the most impressive view points of the city called Carmen Alto, from here we will have a magnificent view of agricultural terraces, have the opportunity to see the three most important volcanos surrounding the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Then, we will visit the picturesque district of Yanahuara known for its arches of the 19th century. Afterwards, we head to the Monastery of Santa Catalina a gorgeous little town within a city built of ashlar, with many gardens, chapels and cloisters. Take a glimpse into the place that was inhabited by nuns for many years.

Historical Monuments

The Plaza de Armas waits for us where we can appreciate the Cathedral of neoclassical style. We will finish the tour with a visit to the Temple of the Society of Jesus, highlighting its cloisters and the famous dome of San Ignacio.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Arequipa.
Meals: Breakfast.

Get Amazed with the Deepest Canyon in the World

We leave the hotel to start our trip. On the road pass through the wonderful scenery towns, then stop at the extensive plain National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas, place for South American camels, highlighting the vicuña known for having the finest fiber in the world.

Scenic Journey & Chivay Arrival

We will be surrounded by important snow-hatted volcanic peaks, as well as flora and fauna of the place. Afterwards, we arrive at the picturesque town of Chivay where you will enjoy lunch. Check-in into the hotel of your preference and enjoy the amenities or visit the hot springs of La Calera.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Chivay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Get to Know the Colca Canyon Up Close – Travel by Private Transportation to Puno

After, enjoying our breakfast, we head to the Cruz del Condor to witness the breathtaking scenery Colca canyon, it is considered the fourth deepest canyon on the planet with 4160 meters (13 648 ft.) Spending time in this place will gives us the natural morning show of the majestic flight of the condors.

Village Visits & Journey to Puno

Then, we will visit the picturesque villages that surround the area to learn about their traditions and before we continue our trip, lunch will be waiting for us. Get comfortable in our private transportation and enjoy the beauty of the Andes. In the afternoon, we go to Puno our next destination which is 5 hours driving. Finally, you will be assisted by our staff to the hotel.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Puno.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Explore Lake Titicaca

In the morning, we embark on a boat to explore some islands, the first one is the bizarre made-man floating Islands of Uros, its origin dates from pre-Inca times, considered as the oldest population of the Collao plateau. These islands are inhabitable surfaces made of totora reeds which grow in the shallow of the lake.

Taquile Island Experience

Continue, we head to visit the Island of Taquile, noted for the art of weaving which can still be seen in the ancestral traditions. The Island also stands out for its beauty and quietness. Our lunch will be prepared by local people. Later, we return to the city of Puno (Ask for our special tour which involves to kayak, paddle and camp in beautiful scenarios).

Overnight: Selected hotel in Puno.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

The Route of the Sun

In the morning, after breakfast, we start our guided tour that will take the route from Puno to Cusco, on the way will be few stops to stretch legs and visit few important spots such as the Pukara archeological site, don’t miss to get into the local museum.

Scenic Stops & Cultural Sites

Then, we will stop at La Raya, the highest point on the route located at 4,338 masl or 14 232 ft. Be amazed by the snow-capped mountains as well as flora and fauna. We will have an enjoyable lunch on route, then we keep our traverse passing by Raqchi, highlighted place considered as the principal temple of the god Wiracocha, built with clay and small rocks forming huge walls.

Andahuaylillas Temple

Last stop will be our visit to the Temple of Andahuaylillas also well known as the Sistine Chapel of Americas. Construction dating from the late sixteenth century. An extravagance place which on the interior has a variety of canvases, polychrome ceilings, walls, as well as carved wood finished in gold leaf. Final destination Cusco city, be transferred to your hotel of choice and have a good rest.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Explore the Archaeological Capital of America

The attractive city of Cusco is located in the heart of the Andes; it was the capital of the Inca Empire 500 years ago being the most powerful city in South America. Nowadays, Cusco is a cosmopolitan place, with cobblestone streets that preserves Incan stone walls mixed including Spanish architecture. The city has a great vibrant atmosphere and many places to delight in.

Archaeological & Historical Sites

Today be guided and wander among the archeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a construction made of giant blocks of stone prodigiously joined together. Then, we return to the city to walk through its streets that are full of history. Visit the charming neighborhood of San Blas, known as the district of artisans, characterized by its narrow streets. On the way, you will see the famous stone of 12 angles which belongs to an old incan – palace. Take a picture at the famous stone of the 12 angles.

Cultural Immersion

Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and stop at the Cathedral of Cusco, which preserves the best expressions of colonial goldsmithery and a precious collection of canvases of the local School of Art. Explore the most important Inca temple that dates back to the 15th century, built in honor to the Sun God, Qoricancha. Mingle with locals in the emblematic San Pedro Market, where you can see, taste and learn about Peruvian cuisine.

At the end of your tour, your guide will give you options of restaurants where you can have lunch, shop or visit museums according to your personal interests.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.

Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

The Sacred Valley is waiting for you. Prized for its climate, geography and production of corn. We will start our guided tour with a stop at the South American camelid center where you will learn more about llamas, vicuñas, alpacas.

Pisaq Exploration

Then, we head to the colorful town of Pisaq, visit the artisanal market and learn about the work they do in silver. Be amazed by the Pisaq Archaeological Complex, characterized by the presence of terraces, water channels, religious enclosures, as well as one of the largest Inca cemeteries in the area. Enjoy lunch en route surrounded by impressive mountains.

Ollantaytambo Visit

We continue to Ollantaytambo, known as the living city of the Incas, it is a perfect example of urban planning that the Incas made with impressive stonework. Once, we have explored the place, we will go to our hotel located in the Sacred Valley to rest after a long day of learning and experiences.

Overnight: Selected hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

The Other Side of the Sacred Valley

Today, our journey will cross the other side of the sacred valley, begin with a visit to Chinchero, the rainbow town. Here women are masters of weaving as they still use ancestral techniques to design their textiles, they keep on extracting the natural colors of plants, rocks, tree barks to dye the fiber of the camelids.

Moray & Maras Salt Mines

After a short drive through lovely landscapes we arrive to Moray, a natural depression that Incas used to build concentric terraces creating different microclimates, they carried out cultivation experiments at different elevations. After our lunch with taste of the Andes we continue to Salineras of Maras, ancient salt mines, its pools are filled with salty water that comes from a natural spring creating salt crystals by evaporation.

Pottery Experience

We end the day in the House of Pottery where we will observe decorative and utilitarian pieces based on the ancient cultures in Peru with contemporary contribution.

Overnight: Selected hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Train Ride through the Cloud Forest. Visit the Lost City of the Incas, Machupicchu

Be ready for the most exciting day of your life! This experience begins by boarding the train of your choice to the town of Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the incredible scenery through the panoramic windows of the train, we dive into a canyon that takes us into the cloud forest and granite mountains.

Machupicchu Exploration

Before we ascend to the Citadel, we have an early lunch. Then, board the bus that will take us to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, Machupicchu, considered a masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture, not only provides the cultural legacy of a vanished civilization but also hosts ecosystems of the rainforest with natural beauty and exceptional aesthetic importance. After exploring with your private guide and connecting spiritually with this place, we board the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes, we settle into the hotel of your choice.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Aguas Calientes Town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Machupicchu with Optional Hikes – Train Back to Cusco

We know exploring the Last City of the Incas is not enough, return with your guide to Machupicchu for two optional hikes to Huaynapicchu Mountain or Machupicchu Mountain, you will have spectacular views of the Machupicchu Citadel. Please note that in order to climb these mountains you must reserve your entrance tickets in advance.

Return Journey

After your visit return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes to board your train back to Ollantaytambo station and transfer to the city of Cusco.

Overnight: Selected hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.

Depart Cusco to Lima. Flight Home Via Lima

After visiting Cusco, it is time to say goodbye to your private guide. At the coordinated time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your domestic flight to Lima, and then home.

There is still time to find the perfect trip in “Peru’s Hidden Gems”. Contact Belcheri Travel and we will help you to personalized your Peru travel experience.

Accommodation: None.
Meals: Breakfast.