The Andean routes

13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS TOUR

gray concrete road near brown rocky mountain under blue sky during daytime

FROM 1.980€ / PERS.

based on double room, 3 local standard hotel*

LIMA - ICA- NAZCA - AREQUIPA - PUNO - CUSCO

Immerse yourself in Peruvian adventure with our epic tour, traversing the fascinating expanses from Lima to Nazca, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco, along majestic Andean roads. Discover the hidden treasures of this ancient land and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.

Day 1 - Arrival in Lima

Arrival in Lima after international flight. Transfer to hotel and guided tour of the capital of 10 million inhabitants.

Our tour offers 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 on your own - we'll recommend restaurants close to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.

LIMA - ICA- NAZCA - AREQUIPA - PUNO - 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 we've become accustomed to 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 the southern coast of Peru 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 9 - Cusco

After breakfast, a guided tour of Cusco takes in the main square, the cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Koricancha. Every street corner is steeped in history: the ancient capital of Peru (during the Inca Empire) still preserves vestiges of what was the most important power of this ancient civilization. Free time for lunch.

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 10 - 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.

Afternoon 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 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - Lima, return to France

Departure from Cusco and morning flight to the capital Lima. 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

brown and gray mountains under blue sky during daytime

FROM 1.980€ /PERS.

based on double room, hotel 3 local standard*

Day 5 - Bus to Puno

Free morning in Arequipa and afternoon departure by bus to Puno, the main city on Lake Titicaca. Overnight in Puno.

Day 6 - 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 7 - Taquile

After breakfast, you'll have time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the colorful Amantani island. 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 8 - 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.