Immersion in Peru

21 DAYS / 20 NIGHTS TOUR

aerial view of green trees and river during daytime

LIMA - ICA- NAZCA - AREQUIPA - PUNO - PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO

Discover southern Peru and the Amazon jungle. Explore Peru in 21 days and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Lima, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and the fascinating Amazon jungle, for an authentic adventure in the heart of South America.

FROM 2.650€ /PERS.

based on double room, hotel 3* local standard

Day 1 - Arrival in Lima

Arrival in Lima after international flight. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. We will recommend restaurants close to the hotel where you can dine. On your last day, you will have the opportunity to visit the capital of 10 million inhabitants with a guide. Overnight in Lima.

LIMA - ICA- NAZCA - AREQUIPA - PUNO - PUERTO MALDONADO - CUSCO

Day 2 - Paracas and Ica

Morning transfer to the Ballestas Islands from Lima. 260 km south of Lima, near the town of Paracas, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pink flamingos and other protected species live in harmony. This is the Paracas National Reserve. During the boat trip, a huge geoglyph of uncertain origin called El Candelabro can be clearly seen on a hillside. One more of the enigmas to which we've become accustomed in this part of Peru, and a foretaste of Nazca.

Free time for lunch, then on to an oasis in the middle of the desert: Huacachina. Huacachina means "weeping woman" in Quechua. Legend has it that this lagoon was born from the tears of a beautiful green-eyed woman, mourning the death of her beloved. But the lagoon is full of life: from its palm trees to the birds that rest in its waters, from its fish to the discreet creatures of the surrounding dunes. Enjoy an adventurous afternoon on board the buggies, speeding across the dunes before riding down them on a surfboard! Bus transfer and overnight in Nazca.

Day 3 - Nazca lines

On Peru's southern coast lies one of the most astonishing relics of Andean archaeology: the famous Nazca lines. These immense figures, up to 275 metres long, rest on the ground and give life to one of the world's most arid landscapes. This is not unique to the Andes, as there are forty other sites with similar features on the Peruvian coast alone, but nowhere else can you find such an accumulation of designs: the Nazca lines extend over an area of more than 500 square kilometers.

Bus transfer to Arequipa, overnight on board.

Day 4 - Arequipa

Arrive in Arequipa in the morning. We recommend that you rest for the rest of the morning to acclimatize to the altitude and have lunch at the hotel. After lunch, guided tour of the city and Santa Catalina convent. There's plenty to see and do in Arequipa, but the best place to start is undoubtedly its historic center. Since 2000, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its more than 500 colonial houses made of large white volcanic ashlars have earned it the nickname "white city". Its cathedral is no stranger to this nickname, as it is built of ignimbrite, the volcanic stone that gives the city its color. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 11 - Cusco

After breakfast, guided tour of Cusco, including the main square, the cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Koricancha. Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, excursion outside the city to visit the Inca complexes of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is famous for the enormous carved stones, assembled with astonishing precision, that form the outer walls of the complex. Some of these stones exceed 9m in height and weigh over 350 tonnes. Return to hotel and overnight in Cusco.

Day 12 - The mythical Sacred Valley of the Incas

Located at the foot of the Andes, the valley around Cuzco was of great importance to the Incas, who planted it with palaces, temples and fortresses that are now World Heritage sites. This impressive Andean valley is home to important archaeological sites and picturesque villages; Maras, Moray, Pisac, Chinchero and Ollantaytambo are just a sample of the valley's cultural richness.

Guided excursion on the Vilcanota River, for a panoramic view of the Inca citadel of Pisac and a visit to the village's typical Indian market, where you'll have the opportunity to learn the customs of its inhabitants and haggle with the vendors. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, walk through Calca and Urubamba towards the fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible jungle invasions by settlers. You'll have the chance to stroll through the narrow streets of the village and get a clear idea of what this military, religious and cultural center was like in the days of the Inca Empire.

fternoon transfer to the train for Aguas Calientes, the small village at the foot of Machu Picchu. You'll spend the night here before heading off the next morning to meet this giant.

Day 13 - Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, head to the bus station for a 25-minute drive on a zigzag road to the citadel of Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca city is one of Peru's most precious treasures. Built in the mid-15th century, it is believed to have been one of the residences of the ninth Inca of the Tahuantinsuyo empire, Pachacutec, although it also contains the remains of a sanctuary. Its name, meaning "old mountain", refers to its location at 2453 metres above sea level, on a rocky promontory between the hills of Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

Today, this Inca jewel is one of the country's top tourist attractions. The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. Return to Cusco and overnight.

Day 15 - The mountain of seven colors

Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this mountain offers its colors to travelers from all over the world in the form of a rainbow blanket. Known as the Mountain of 7 Colors or Vinicunca, it is formed by the sedimentation of several colored minerals: turquoise, lavender, gold and others.

The journey starts at 3.30 a.m. towards the village of Pitumarca, then on to Queshouno at an altitude of 4,200 m (approx. three hours' journey), where you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast. After a restorative rest, the adventure in the Cusco Andes begins. You'll hike to the Colorado mountain, with a distant view of Apu Ausangate, a mountain sacred to Andean man. The hike to the summit takes an average of 3 hours, or around 7 km, at an altitude of between 4200m and 5100m. The ascent is gradual, with spectacular views of a unique landscape of mountains, lagoons, llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Once at the top, you'll have a spectacular and magical view, where our guide will teach you more about this environment.

After a break, return along the same trail to the village of Queshouno for lunch before heading back to Cusco. The last stop is at the Pitumarca colonial bridge, where you can take some photos of this magical place. Arrival late afternoon, overnight in Cusco.

Day 21 - Back to France

International flight.

END OF OUR SERVICES

The order of visits may be modified to suit local requirements. Excursions and visits may be cancelled and/or replaced in agreement with our local service provider. Itinerary subject to change according to sanitary conditions in force on the day of departure, concerning the countries included in the program.

aerial photography of town in the middle of the desert

a group of four buggies driving through the desert

wide angle photography of brown cliff near body of water

a narrow alley with red walls and potted plants

multicolored painted city buildings near green mountain

aerial view of city buildings during daytime

people standing beside yellow train during daytime

green and brown mountain under white sky during daytime

FROM 2.650€ /PERS.

based on double room, hotel 3 local standard*

Day 5 - Colca canyon

Early in the morning, you'll embark on an incredible 4-hour bus journey to the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons (3,400 meters), passing through the Pampa Cañahuas into the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas and alpacas. The highest point of the route is 4,900 metres above sea level. Along the way, you can appreciate the pre-Columbian terraces still cultivated by the indigenous Collaguas.

On arrival in the Colca Valley, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we recommend that you rest and acclimatize to the altitude. If you're in good physical condition, you'll have free time to stroll around the lodge or take a refreshing bath in the nearby hot springs. Overnight in your chosen accommodation in the Colca Valley.

Day 8 - Titicaca and its islands

Early in the morning and after breakfast, depart with a guide for a two-hour motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of the Uros, located some 6 kilometers off the coast. During the cruise, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the world's highest navigable lake. The inhabitants of the Uros periodically lay down new layers of a unique species of reed in the region called "totora"; their houses and boats are made from this material. After discovering some of the ancient traditions of the local population, you'll continue your excursion to the island of Amantani. Lunch box on arrival.

Amantani is one of the largest islands on Lake Titicaca. It lies some 38km northeast of the city of Puno. The island is mainly mountainous, with hills offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding mountains. Amantani is inhabited by an indigenous population, mainly Quechua, who make their living from farming, fishing and tourism. You'll be welcomed into the homes of local people to spend the night and enjoy an immersive experience of life on the island. The guest houses are simple but comfortable, giving you the opportunity to share traditional meals, learn about local customs and take part in community activities.

Day 9 - Taquile

After breakfast, you'll have time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the colorful island of Amantani. In the late morning, you'll take a motorboat to the island of Taquile, also inhabited by Quechua natives who have developed weaving techniques from generation to generation. On arrival at the center of Taquile, lunch, then a walk through the hills and archaeological sites of this 6km-long island, offering breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca. You'll discover the island's natural beauty, its agricultural terraces and peaceful traditional villages. Afternoon departure for Puno, overnight in Puno.

Day 10 - The road of sun, from Puno to Cusco

Morning departure by bus for a day's journey to Cusco. The Sun Route is renowned as one of Peru's most beautiful itineraries. You'll enjoy breathtaking views aboard a fully-equipped bus, accompanied by an on-board guide, as you visit some amazing places. An exciting tour, rich in history and culture, between Puno and Cusco.

On the way, you'll pass by the Wacarpay lagoon, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Then on to the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas, where you'll visit the temple of San Pedro, dubbed the Sistine Chapel of America for its wealth of colonial art and frescoes covering the walls, wainscots, ceilings and doors. On the way, a stop at Racchi to visit the spectacular Inca sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, dedicated to the great Inca god Wiracocha. Around 70km further on, you'll pass through the La Raya ranch, where you'll see herds of vicuñas and llamas. You'll then cross the Collao plateau, stopping at Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile center. Visit the Kalasaya temple, part of the ancient Pucara culture.

Stop for a buffet lunch before resuming your journey. Arrive in Cusco late afternoon, transfer to hotel and overnight in Cusco.

green trees near mountain during daytime

Day 6 - Colca canyon

Morning departure for La Cruz del Condor, where the world's largest bird can usually be seen in flight. On the way back, visit the villages of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. A good opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the inhabitants of these villages, which hasn't changed much since Inca times.

In the afternoon, transfer to the Chivay (Colca) bus station with connecting train to Arequipa. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 7 - Bus to Puno

Morning bus journey to Puno, main city on Lake Titicaca. Transfer to hotel and overnight in Puno.

Day 14 - Maras Moray

This humble village is proud to offer the world a priceless treasure, the famous Maras salt. A visit to the salt pans is impressive, with hundreds of white "pools", a network of terraced basins dating back to pre-Inca times. These basins, carved into the mountainside, are filled with salt water from a natural spring. Every imaginable product is made from this precious salt, even chocolates! Maras is also home to the Moray archaeological complex, made up of several terraces built on different levels and used by ancient civilizations to experiment with and cultivate a wide variety of plants. A true testament to the agricultural ingenuity of the Incas.

Transfer to hotel and overnight in Cusco.

beige and purple boat decor outdoor during daytime

brown and white boat on water during daytime

Day 16 - Free day in Cusco

A free day in Cusco offers a multitude of opportunities to explore this fascinating city and its surrounding region. Every street corner is steeped in history, as Peru's ancient capital (during the Inca Empire) still preserves vestiges of what was the most important power of this ancient civilization. Overnight in Cusco.

Day 17 - Puerto Maldonado, the amazon jungle

Morning flight from Cusco. On arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Peru's biodiversity capital, you'll start with a city tour by bus. Then on to Puerto Capitanía, where your boat will be waiting to take you up the Bajo Madre de Dios River to your lodge, located 30 km from the town of Puerto Maldonado. On the way, you'll be able to observe the rich vegetation, the giant Heliconias flowers, and have the chance to spot animals such as capybaras, caimans, aquatic turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds, etc...

Transfer to the lodge, greeted with a delicious nectar of Amazonian tropical fruit. Installation and lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you'll be led by your guide along a trail to Cocha Caiman, a small lagoon where you'll have the chance to observe the black caiman and white caiman, efficient predators at the top of the food chain, who live off the lagoon's abundant aquatic fauna. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 18 - A day in the heart of the Amazon jungle

After breakfast, hike through the jungle, following safe, marked trails. Our guide will show you a variety of medicinal plants, giant trees, exotic birds and small animals. Along the way, you'll identify species of fruit, forest and medicinal trees that sustain animal and human populations in Amazonian forests. You'll spot larger mammals like the Amazon tapir and peccary; rodents like the giant otter, capybara (the world's largest rodent), armadillo; primates like the howler monkey, and many more. You'll then arrive at the majestic Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by immense swamps and gigantic trees, with a mirador where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. On the way back, a refreshing lunch awaits you.

In the afternoon, visit Monkey Island with our guide. Located just a few minutes from the lodge, in the heart of the Madre de Dios River, this island boasts an enormous variety of flora and is home to numerous primate specimens. Finally, you'll end your visit to the island by enjoying the most impressive sunset in the jungle. Return to the lodge, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 19 - Return to Lima

After a restful night's sleep, the howler monkeys' powerful vocalizations will remind you that you're still in their domain and that it's time to leave. Breakfast before returning to Puerto Maldonado. Return flight, overnight in Lima.

Day 20 - Day in Lima

Free morning, afternoon guided city tour. Our tour presents the best combination of Lima's diverse attractions in its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary. Lima was home to various pre-Columbian cultures dating back thousands of years. It was part of the Inca Empire until it was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535 as the capital of the Spanish Empire's Viceroyalty of New Castile. During this guided tour, you'll take a journey through its thousand-year history. Dinner at leisure, overnight at hotel.