Peru in 15 Days: From the Pacific Coast to the Amazon - Tour

Your exciting journey starts upon your arrival in Lima at Jorge Chávez International Airport. A member of our local team will be there to welcome you and arrange a private transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like! You can take a moment to relax after your flight, have a cozy evening at the hotel, or venture out to start discovering the capital on your own. If you’re up for it, this is a great opportunity to explore Lima’s renowned culinary scene at your leisure. There’s no formal sightseeing on the agenda today, so you can ease into your trip before we embark on a guided tour of the city. Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima (Dazzler, Jose Antonio Exc. or similar).

Once you’ve had your breakfast, it’s time to dive into the heart of Lima, exploring a route that connects its ancient pre-Inca history, colonial landmarks, and lively modern coastal neighborhoods. Start with a breathtaking view of Huaca Pucllana, where the grand adobe pyramid tells the story of the Ichma and Lima cultures. Next, you continue, stroll through the charming Olivar de San Isidro and make your way across Lince and Cercado, taking in sights like the Palace of Justice, the Lima Art Museum (MALI), and the lively Plaza San Martín. In the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, don’t miss the chance to visit Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the Government Palace, Municipal Palace, and the iconic Lima Cathedral. Your journey will take you to the Santo Domingo Convent, home to the relics of Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres. To finish your day, by heading to the Parque del Amor and the Larcomar viewpoint, where you can take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima (Dazzler, Jose Antonio Exc. or similar).

Depart Lima before sunrise, with pickup taking place between 4:10 and 4:40 a.m., and travel to Paracas Bay. Here, board a speedboat for a visit to the Ballestas Islands. During the excursion, view the Candelabro geoglyph and look for local wildlife, including guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions. After returning to the pier, enjoy some free time before heading inland to Ica. Visit a traditional winery, learn about artisanal wine and pisco production, and take part in a tasting. After an optional lunch featuring regional cuisine, continue to Huacachina. Ride across the desert dunes in a buggy and take the opportunity to try sandboarding. In the evening, board the 7:00 p.m. bus to Nazca, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Accommodation: Nazca Oasis

After enjoying breakfast, you will head over to the Nazca airfield for one of the highlights of your trip, a breathtaking flight over the Nazca Lines. From up in the air, you'll get a chance to see massive figures etched into the desert floor, including the Spider, Hummingbird, and Monkey. Once you land, the afternoon is yours to unwind or explore Nazca at your own pace. Later in the evening, your adventure continues. At 10:20 p.m., you'll board a comfortable tourist-class bus bound for Arequipa. The journey will take place overnight, with cozy accommodations on the bus as you travel toward the stunning White City. Accommodation: Overnight bus

Arrive in Arequipa in the morning and meet up with the local team at the station for your hotel transfer. You’ll have some time to unwind before the sightseeing adventure kicks off at 2:00 p.m. Your first stop will be Plaza de Armas, where you can admire the stunning cathedral and the charming bronze fountain that add to the city’s historic charm. Next, head over to the cloisters of the Compañía de Jesús, known for their difficult stone carvings that are truly impressive. After that, make your way to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a sprawling 17th-century religious complex bursting with vibrant passageways, lush gardens, and serene cloisters. Later on, you’ll visit Carmen Alto and the Yanahuara viewpoint, where you can soak in breathtaking views of Arequipa and the majestic Misti, Pichupichu, and Chachani volcanoes. Spend the night in Arequipa. Accommodation: Casona Solar or similar in Arequipa

Start your day with breakfast in Arequipa before setting off toward Chivay, taking in the breathtaking high-altitude landscapes of the Andes. Your journey will take you through Yura and along the slopes of the majestic Chachani Volcano, leading you into the stunning Pampa de Arrieros and the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for vicuñas roaming freely in this protected area. As you continue through Viscachani and the Pampas de Toccra, you might also spot some fascinating Andean birdlife. The road then winds around the Chucura crater and ascends to Patapampa, which sits at an impressive 4,800 meters above sea level. This spot, known as the Andes Viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes near Arequipa. After soaking in the scenery, you'll make your way down to Chivay for lunch on your own. Once you've checked into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy, with the option to relax at La Calera hot springs, available at an additional cost. Accommodation: Colca Trek Hotel or similar in Chivay

Start your day bright and early as you embark on a 41-kilometer journey from Chivay to the breathtaking Cruz del Cóndor. This iconic viewpoint not only offers stunning views of the Colca Canyon but also gives you the chance to spot majestic Andean condors. As you make your way, take the time to explore the charming villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, and do not miss the scenic viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico. After soaking in the sights, head back to Chivay for lunch on your own dime, then set off toward Puno via the Patahuasi route. This roughly six-hour drive takes you across the stunning Peruvian Altiplano along a well-paved road, where you will encounter unique stone forests, picturesque lagoons teeming with birdlife, and quaint settlements like Imata and Santa Lucía. The journey also leads you through Juliaca before finally arriving in Puno, where a transfer to your hotel awaits you. Accommodation: Selected hotel in Puno

After enjoying breakfast, get ready for a hotel pickup at 7:30 a.m. to head over to the port of Puno. Once there, you will hop on a high-speed boat and set off across the stunning Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands. These unique islands, crafted entirely from totora reeds, are home to the Uros people. While you’re there, you’ll get a glimpse into their daily lives and have the chance to admire traditional handicrafts like wool textiles and intricate reedwork. The adventure continues as you make your way to Taquile Island, where the community proudly upholds its ancestral customs and textile traditions. You'll be treated to a delicious local lunch and have some time to stroll along the island’s scenic paths. Don’t forget to stop by the community center, where you can buy beautiful handicrafts directly from the talented local artisans. In the afternoon, you’ll make your way back to Puno. Accommodation: Brisas del Sur hotel or similar in Puno

After breakfast, transfer to the tourist bus terminal and leave Puno at 7:00 a.m. for a guided overland journey to Cusco. Your first stop is the Pukara Lithic Museum, home to the Hatun Ñan Qac sculpture and exhibits related to ancient cultures of the region. Continue to La Raya, the natural boundary between Puno and Cusco and the highest point of the route. After taking in the mountain scenery, enjoy an included buffet lunch. Next, explore the Raqchi Archaeological Complex and the monumental Temple of the God Wiracocha. The final stop is Andahuaylillas, where you will visit the chapel known for its 17th-century murals. The bus is expected to arrive in Cusco at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by a transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Abittare hotel or similar in Cusco

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, then enjoy a leisurely morning in Cusco. At 12:30, get ready for an exciting guided tour of the city and its archaeological wonders. Your adventure starts at the Main Square, where you can admire the stunning Inca stonework alongside colonial buildings that tell the story of Cusco’s rich history. Next, you’ll visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral and then head over to Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, which now serves as the foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent. Afterward, you will venture out to explore four fascinating archaeological sites just outside of central Cusco. Discover the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán, the ritual limestone formations at Qenqo, the military history of Puca Pucara, and the ceremonial water features of Tambomachay. Your excursion wraps up with a return to Cusco in the late afternoon, leaving you with unforgettable memories. Accommodation: Abittare hotel or similar in Cusco

Your Sacred Valley tour begins with pickup from the hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. Travel first to the Pisac Archaeological Complex to see Inca engineering integrated into the mountain terrain. Continue to the Pisac Artisan Market, where local handicrafts and textiles are displayed. From Pisac, follow the Vilcanota River toward Urubamba and enjoy the changing views of the valley along the way. An included buffet lunch is served before the afternoon visit to Ollantaytambo. This town maintains its original Inca street layout and features a major archaeological complex with large stone terraces. The final stop of the day is Chinchero, where Inca and colonial influences coexist and traditional weaving techniques continue to be preserved. Return to Cusco later in the afternoon. Accommodation: Abittare hotel or similar in Cusco

Depart early for Wanchaq, Poroy, or Ollantaytambo station, with the departure point determined according to the season. Board the train and travel toward Aguas Calientes while following the course of the Urubamba River. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, receive assistance for the bus transfer up the winding road to the archaeological sanctuary. A professional guide will accompany you for an approximately two-hour visit through the circuit assigned at the time of booking. The visit includes terraces, ceremonial areas, stairways, and urban sectors within the citadel. Circuit 2 is prioritized, followed by Circuit 1 and then Circuit 3, subject to availability. After leaving the sanctuary, return to Aguas Calientes for an included lunch. Later, board the train back and transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Accommodation: Abittare hotel or similar in Cusco

After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport and board your flight to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival, receive a welcome and take a short bus ride through the city before continuing to Puerto Capitanía. From there, travel by motorboat along the Madre de Dios River toward the lodge. Keep watch for animals such as capybaras, caimans, turtles, herons, and cormorants during the journey. Once at the lodge, enjoy a tropical fruit drink and settle into your private bungalow. A rustic lunch featuring Amazonian flavors is served before the afternoon excursion. Accompanied by a specialized guide, walk along an interpretive trail to Caiman Cocha, where white and black caimans may be observed in their natural environment. End the day with sunset over the river, dinner, and a relaxing evening at the lodge. Accommodation: Ecoamazonia Lodge

Following breakfast, venture into the rainforest with a local guide for a day focused on Amazonian ecosystems and wildlife. Walk through natural jungle terrain to Cocha Perdida, located within the Ecoamazonia Ecological Reserve. The area supports a wide variety of animals, with possible sightings that include giant otters, caimans, turtles, tapirs, colorful birds, and jaguars. Continue to the Amazon Viewpoint for a panoramic view over the rainforest canopy, then enjoy a canoe ride across the lake. After returning to the lodge for lunch, take a short five-minute boat trip to Monkey Island. Walk through the area while looking for spider monkeys, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, lion monkeys, coatis, sloths, and tropical birds. The final evening in the jungle includes sunset and a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Ecoamazonia Lodge

Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before beginning the return journey to Puerto Maldonado. Board a motorboat and navigate back toward the city after completing the Amazon portion of the itinerary. Once you arrive, ground transportation will take you to the airport in time for your onward travel. The program allows you to continue by flight to Lima or make your international connection. Airport drop-off marks the official end of the travel services included in this 15-day itinerary.