25 Days/24 Nights April - September Moderate
Peru is the country that can completely satisfy all human tastes, preferences and energy! The people there are extremely earthy, humble and kind - a mentality too close to the senses of much of humanity. It is unique to Peru - Nature, mysticism and unparalleled world cultural and historical heritage!
Lima is the capital: of Peru located on the arid Pacific coast of the country. Although its colonial center is preserved, it is an overflowing metropolis and one of the largest cities in South America. The Larco Museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museum of the Nation traces the history of the ancient civilizations of Peru. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th century cathedral are the core of the old center of Lima.
Chachapoyas Tourism - Walks and excursions Selva Alta: Chachapoyas is a city in northern Peru, in a valley surrounded by cloud forests. Its Plaza de Armas has a bronze fountain and colonial buildings, such as the Municipal Palace. The city is an access road to archeological sites such as Kuélap, a walled city with hundreds of buildings of the ancient Chachapoyas culture. To the north of the city, the huge Gocta waterfall is located in the middle of the jungle, which houses toucans and monkeys
Peru's cultural treasures - from the Pacific via Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca
The highlights:
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru
Day 2: Lima - Flight to Tarapoto - Moyobamba Amazone Selva Alta of Peru
Day 3: Moyobamba - Cocachimba
Day 4: Cocachimba - Visiting the Gocta waterfall
Day 5: Cocachimba - Kuelap - Leymebamba
Day 6: Leymebamba Exploring the culture and village
Day 7: Leymebamba - Driving to Cajamarca
Day 8: Cajamarca - Drivint to the cost Chiclayo city
Day 9: Chiclayo - Drive to Huanchaco - Trujillo
Day 10: Huanchaco - Trujillo - Huanchaco
Day 11: Huanchaco - Drive to Caral - Lima
Day 12: Lima - Drive to Pisco
Day 13: Pisco - Paracas - Nazca
Day 14: Nazca - Arequipa
Day 15: Arequipa City tour discover La ciudad Blanca - Santa Catalina & Monastery
Day 16: Arequipa - Chivay - Cabanaconde
Day 17: Cabanaconde - Puno
Day 18: Puno - Capachica
Day 19: Puno - Cusco capital of Incas
Day 20: Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo
Day 21: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Day 22: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 23: Transfer to airport in Cusco - Flith to Lima - Flight back to home or stay in Lima
Day 24: Transfer to airport in Lima - Flight back to home
Day 25: Return flight - Arrival home
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru
Flight from Europe or the country of origin (USA or Canada), etc. Arrival in Lima - Transfer Hotel the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Arrival in Lima. Iberia flight travel starts in the morning. You will then reach Tarapoto on the evening of the day of arrival (day 1) and spend an additional night in Tarapoto before the trip starts the next day.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Lima - Flight to Tarapoto - Moyobamba Amazone Selva Alta of Peru
Today you arrive in Lima and before you fly straight into the Amazon jungle, you will get to know all the participants of the tour in addition to your guide. Then you go by plane to the small town of Tarapoto, a municipality in the middle of the unknown north of Peru. A warm, tropical climate (30 degrees with high air humidity) and lush vegetation await us here. It is not for nothing that Tarapoto is called the city of palm trees. Worth mentioning are the many mototaxis (taxis on three wheels), which are suitable as the first exciting photo motifs. Before we continue to Moyobamba, we get to know each other at a cozy welcome lunch. From Tarapoto (360m) we drive through a lush green, hilly landscape. On the way to our today's destination Moyobamba, rice, coconut palms and cocoa are planted, a completely different world!
Transport: flight (1 h), private bus (4 h)
Breakfast refers to the meal during the flight.Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 3: Moyobamba - Cocachimba
The chances of encountering animals, especially monkeys and parrots, are greatest in the early morning. Therefore, we get up very early today. After a one-hour bus ride, we board a motorboat that we use to drive the wide Mayo River until we turn into a small side arm. Our first goal is a small settlement of farmers. A hearty jungle breakfast awaits us here before we change vehicles and go on an exploration tour with local guides. We glide quietly in several small, traditional wooden boats through the dense, sometimes very narrow river arms and can observe the inhabitants of the jungle. There are over 120 different species of birds in the Tingana Nature Reserve. The background noise is impressive. In the early afternoon we come back to the community, where there is a little refreshment before we say goodbye to the idyllic, dense green of the jungle. We make our way towards Cocachimba, where we spend the night.
Transport: boat (4 h), private bus (6 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 4: Cocachimba - Visiting the Gocta waterfall
After breakfast we set off towards the Gocta waterfall with the local guide. First we hike through rocky terrain. In the meantime there is an extended hiking trail that leads us through mountains and jungle and on which we master about 500 meters of altitude. During our march we can see orchids, banana palms, sugar cane fields and the surrounding table mountains. This forms a strong contrast to the thick cloud forest. At the beginning of our hike we can already see the waterfall from a distance. Again and again the tropical plants give us the view of the imposing third highest waterfall in the world until we stand in front of it and marvel at it from very close. The upper part of the cascade falls about 200m, the lower falls over 500m. On the hike we have a nice picnic in nature at noon. The afternoon is at our leisure to relax and enjoy the wonderful view.
The air humidity is high, the sun is strong (height approx. 1,500m-2,000m). On the way you descend approx. 500 meters to the waterfall, which you ascend on the way back. You run a total of 10km. You should therefore be in good condition. Simple wooden sticks for the hike can be hired on site for just under USD 1. Those who don't want to hike can rest all day in the lodge and enjoy the wonderful view.
Transport: hike (6 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 5: Cocachimba - Kuelap - Leymebamba
Today a highlight of northern Peru awaits us: the ruins of Kuelap. The second most important archaeological sight in the country after Machu Picchu! In the early morning we leave our lodge and drive to the small village of Tingo (1,750m), which lies at the foot of the Kuelap ruins. Then it's up to the cable car. We enjoy unique views of the mountain landscapes as we approach the ruins of Kuelap. The ruins, located at 3,000m, only visit a few tourists, which gives us the opportunity to enjoy the historic site in peace. The fortification is surrounded by a wall 1.5 kilometers long and 10 to 20 meters high. A local, German-speaking guide will bring us closer to the history and secrets of Kuelap. After visiting the facility, we make our way through the hilly, mountainous landscape to Leymebamba (2210m), which lies on the upper reaches of the Utcubamba River in the province of Chachapoyas. We end the evening comfortably with many impressions while eating together.
Kuelap ruins, Ride on the cable car, Ascent to Leymebamba
Transport: private bus (6 h), hike (3 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 6: Leymebamba Exploring the culture and village
After breakfast we head north again and drive with our local guide to the rock tombs of Revash, the starting point of our hike. The rather steep climb leads us to high limestone cliffs in which the Revash culture built a city of the dead that was only discovered around 30 years ago. Mummies were found in the burial chambers, which looked like houses, at around 800 years old. After our hike we return to Leymebamba. In the afternoon we visit the Museum of Leymebamba, in which some of the approximately 200 mummies in the Chachapoya region are exhibited. Here we learn more about the burial techniques of past cultures. Across from the museum is a private hummingbird park. If you feel like it, you can visit it and admire various hummingbird species in a sea of exotic flowers (no entry, but grateful for small donations).
For the hike to Revash, walking sticks can be borrowed for 3 soles (approx. USD 1) each.
Transport: private bus (4 hours), hike (2 hours)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 7: Leymebamba - Driving to Cajamarca
Today we go to Cajamarca in the early morning. We can expect a long, but very varied drive over some of the most spectacular valleys and peaks that the Andes have to offer. Catering is provided: We take a box lunch for today. When we arrive in Cajamarca in the afternoon, we take a look at the regional capital, which is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, which cannot be found anywhere else in Peru. The baroque churches, of which Cajamarca can also list a few others in addition to the volcanic stone cathedral, have the special feature of the incomplete towers. We learn about the eventful history of the city, including the special capture of the Inca ruler Atahualpa, who resided there, when we climbed the 300 steps of the Apolonia hill to the 'Silla del Inca'. In the evening we end the day together on the plaza, embellished with an illuminated water fountain. Maybe you have an appetite to try the 'Manjar Blanco' cheese? Cheese is a regional specialty and is now very popular across the country.
Transport: private bus (9 h), hike (2 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 8: Cajamarca - Drivint to the cost Chiclayo city
A full day program is waiting for us and begins with the journey from Cajamarca to the hot and dry Chiclayo. On the way, we will surely still be impressed by the Peruvian street art After lunch we deal with the Moche culture. We take the tour bus to the Moche archaeological site Huaca Rajada. These royal tombs were only discovered in 1987 and are considered the most sensational find in South America in recent decades. Many archaeologists compare the graves to those of Howard Carter (Tutankhamun - Egypt). It is the prince's tomb of the ruler of Sipan. A priest and his military commander are also buried in other side graves so that they can still serve him after his death. Afterwards we visit the Sipan Museum, perhaps the best museum in Peru. Here we learn the background to the previously visited graves and can get a detailed picture of one of the most important pre-Inca cultures, because the whole museum is dedicated to the treasures found in the graves. In the evening we check in at the hotel and review the experiences of the day.
Transport: private bus (7 h)
Overnight Lodge. Overnight Lodge (B/-/-)
Day 9: Chiclayo - Drive to Huanchaco - Trujillo
Today we drive south on the Panamericana. We conclude with the Moche culture by visiting the most famous pyramids of Trujillo, the sun and moon pyramids. The Moche culture developed here around 2,000 years ago. They built their buildings out of clay or mud bricks. The sun pyramid is therefore the largest adobe building in the world. The inside of the pyramid is unfortunately not accessible to the public, but the view from outside does not fail to have an effect. We can also look at the moon pyramid from the inside. It has been preserved for years, but has never been artificially reconstructed. Inside the pyramid there are wide, richly decorated passages and tombs. Our local guide tells us everything about the history of this Moche building. In the afternoon we move into our hotel in Huanchaco, which is located directly on the sea. On the Pacific beach of Huanchaco, we can try seafood specialties in one of the many good restaurants. The evening is at leisure. If you want, you can use the time for a walk on the beach or a visit to one of the nice bars.
Transport: private bus (5 h)
Overnight Lodge. Overnight Lodge (B/-/-)
Day 10: Huanchaco - Trujillo - Huanchaco
In the morning we take a trip to the Chan Chan ruins. Chan Chan was the capital of the pre-Columbian Chimú empire and is still the largest mud brick city in the world. It impresses with its skilful urban planning and the artfully decorated buildings. In the heyday, the city housed up to 60,000 inhabitants. In 1986, Chan Chan was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Our journey continues to Trujillo, where we get to know one of the most beautiful cities in Peru on a city tour. The city that the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro founded in 1534 still shines in its former colonial charm. Due to the pleasant and mild climate, Trujillo is also called the 'City of Spring'. We end the evening again in our hotel on the Pacific beach.
Transport: private bus (2 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 11: Huanchaco - Drive to Caral - Lima
To today's destination, the Peruvian capital Lima, we need a day's drive. Back on the Panamericana, the landscape becomes significantly drier. On the way we pass Caral, the oldest known urban settlement on the American continent at around 5000 years old, which was probably abandoned due to a devastating flood in this barren coastal desert. The tour through the uncovered remains of temples and pyramids not only impresses those who are passionate about archeology among us. We continue our journey to Lima and, after arriving in the evening, move into our hotel in the modern Miraflores district. Depending on the time of arrival, the evening can be used to stroll through the busy streets or to drink a cold beer in one of the numerous bars.
Transport: private bus (day of travel)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 12: Lima - Drive to Pisco
In the morning we explore the historical center of the Peruvian capital on a city tour and get an impression of the typical flair of a South American city at the Plaza de Armas at the latest. When visiting the San Francisco Monastery with its imposing cathedral, we also roam the narrow underground passages of the connected catacombs and see some of the over 70,000 bones and skulls. Afterwards we can convince ourselves why Peru is considered the gourmet country of South America: We go for a special gourmet lunch in the restaurant 'La Trastienda', where we taste Peruvian specialties. Then we say goodbye to the capital and make our way to Pisco. At the latest here you should try a Pisco Sour, the Peruvian national drink, which originated here.
Transport: private bus (4 hours), hike (2 hours)
Overnight Hostal. Overnight Hostal (B/L/-)
Day 13: Pisco - Paracas - Nazca
From Pisco we drive via Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, which are known primarily for their wildlife. Here live among others Sea lions, dolphins, penguins, pelicans and tons of guanot boobies, which we all hope we can get our eyes on. Then our journey continues directly to the sea to Ica, where we are shown the typical production of the national drink in a pisco distillery. If you want, you can take the opportunity and taste different varieties. The Huacachina Oasis is very close to Ica. The oasis is surrounded by a seemingly endless sea of dunes and is a wonderful place to relax. In the evening we arrive in Nazca, the starting point for exploring the Nazca lines, which were studied by the Dresden woman Maria Reiche.
Optionally, you can take a tour of the desert landscape. With a buggy it goes through the dunes at a rapid pace! And don't worry if your driver unpacks the sandboards: almost everyone slides down the dune lying on the board! If you just want to experience the view of the desert and the oasis, please speak to your guide, who will then organize a trip at a moderate pace. (about $ 20).
Transport: private bus (4 hours), boat (2 hours)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 14: Nazca - Arequipa
The highlight of the day begins early, the flight over the Nazca Lines, which is included, as well as airport taxes. From the top we have the best view of the huge and impressive desert scrabbles. The meaning and origin of the lines are still not exactly clear. Would you like to get your own picture? The attempts to explain go from purely scientific theses to the participation of extraterrestrials. We have a box lunch with us for the long day ahead of us. In the late morning, our private bus continues to the white city of Arequipa. At night we finally reach Arequipa (2,335m).
If there is a lot of traffic at the airport, we have to plan some waiting time. The flight does not take place in bad weather for safety reasons. You can decide on the spot whether you want to take part in the flight. However, reimbursement of the flight costs is not possible.
Transport: private bus (day of travel), flight (1 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 15: Arequipa City tour discover La ciudad Blanca - Santa Catalina & Monastery
Sleeping in is on the program today. For the early risers among you, then we go together through the San Camilo market, Arequipa's oldest market. In the afternoon we start a city tour through the beautiful center and visit, among other things, the pretty monastery of Santa Catalina, the main square of the city, and the beautiful cathedral. Our guide explains why Arequipa is also called the white city of Peru. The evening is at leisure. Perhaps you would like to go out to eat in the Plaza de Armas overlooking the illuminated main square. Or you can have fun in one of the discos in the center with an Arequipeña beer. Your guide will be happy to give you further tips.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 16: Arequipa - Chivay - Cabanaconde
We say goodbye to Arequipa and head for two days into the Colca Gorge, known as one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way we pass the Chachani and Misti volcanoes. After crossing the highest point of this trip, a 4,921m high pass, you will take a spectacular road to Chivay (3,650m). Here we can visit the traditional market and marvel at the many different types of potatoes. Then we continue to the spectacularly located Colca village of Cabanaconde. For dinner we recommend the alpaca steaks typical of this area!
As an option, you can relax in the La Calera thermal springs! There you can relax in a hot water spa (approx. 5 EUR). Those who don't want to take a bath can find out more in the small ethnological museum at the thermal baths.
Transport: private bus (6 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 17: Cabanaconde - Puno
Since we don't want to miss the Condor's climb at Cruz del Condor, the day starts very early. From the observation deck, we have an impressive view of the depth of the canyon, here we will most certainly meet the 'King of the Andes', the condor, who is circling above our heads. From Cruz del Condor, we can take a little hike along the beautiful Colca Valley. But if you want to rest a bit, you can of course also take the bus. Via Chivay (3,650m) we drive directly towards Lake Titicaca to Puno. With a little luck we can see Andean flamingos on the scenic route. Once in Puno you can stroll through the small Peruvian town, enjoy the view of the lake and treat yourself to a delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants in the city.
Transport: private bus (6 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 18: Puno - Capachica
After breakfast, we leave Puno and take the boat to the Uros. This people lives on floating islands, although their very own culture is unfortunately increasingly forgotten and many Uros are completely devoted to tourism. Our local guide tells us about the nature of the islands and the way people live. The Peruvian farming families on the Capachica peninsula are our next destination. Because even on this trip you will meet people and cultures at eye level. We get to know our warm host families and we move into our simple but lovingly decorated mud huts in the farming community. They let us participate in their lives today and show us their traditions. Together with VSocial, viventura supports various schools on the peninsula. There has recently been electricity and occasional running water. In the evening we have the opportunity to exchange ideas with our hosts and learn about their lives.
Today you pack only the most necessary things for the night in Capachica in a daypack. The main luggage stays on the bus. Don't forget: warm clothes and a flashlight!
Transport: boat (3 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 19: Puno - Cusco capital of Incas
With a little melancholy we say goodbye to our host families today and leave Lake Titicaca in the early morning to drive in our private bus towards Cusco. We cross the Altiplano and the Vilcanota massif on an impressive route. We take a short break on the La Raya Pass at 4,313m. Near San Pedro are the Raqchi ruins, a pre-Inca cultural site. Here, too, we can stretch our legs briefly. If you want, you can have a look at the sun temple made of volcanic rock (admission including local tour approx. 3 euros). In the late afternoon we reach the Inca capital Cusco. After moving into our centrally located hostel, we can go on a first tour through the historic city center on our own. In the evening, Cusco offers you a variety of culinary and cultural highlights - your guide will be happy to give you tips!
Transport: private bus (7 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 20: Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo
In our private bus and with an additional local guide, we set out to explore the treasures of the Sacred Valley on a less touristy route. A stopover is Chinchero at 3,760m, an old estate of the Inca king Tupac Yupanqui, which ruled at the time of the conquest. Here we also get to know Peruvians who show us their craftsmanship in dyeing and weaving their colorful textiles. We also stop in Moray, where the Inca 'research center', a terraced, circular arable farm. After a two-hour hike, we come to Maras, a huge salt crystal basin, where salt has been mined in a traditional way since the Incas. In the afternoon we explore the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and learn more about the legend of this place. If you want, you can later stroll through the picturesque streets of the old Inca town.
We only take part of our luggage with the essentials for the next two nights. We recommend packing a small foldable extra travel bag for this, which is brought to Aguas Calientes. A small backpack is useful for the provisions during the hike. The main luggage stays in the hotel in Cusco. The participants in the 4-day Inca Trail only continue to travel with reduced luggage.
Transport: private bus (5 hours), hike (2 hours)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 21: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
Another unforgettable highlight is on the program today. By train we drive along the Sacred Valley towards Machu Picchu (2,400m). On the famous Inca trail - which is frequented by many travelers - we make our way through the mountain gorges and reach the fascinating ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,650m) after about three hours. After a short tour of these Inca ruins, we continue through the cloud forest to the famous sun gate 'Puerta del Sol' (2,750m), from where we enjoy a wonderful view of Machu Picchu. The ruins are visited by very few tourists at this time of the day, so we have the unique opportunity to take pictures of Machu Picchu without visitors. The detailed tour of the Inca site takes place the next day. After a short descent we reach the bus that takes us to our hostel in Aguas Calientes. If you feel like it, you can relax in the warm thermal springs of Aguas Calientes after the hike. The very sporty among you have the opportunity to hike on the Inca Trail for four days. More information about this extension can be found below.
Important: If a new passport is required for the trip, the Inca Trail can only be booked when the new passport number is available. Furthermore, the capacities on the Inca Trail were extremely limited due to external regulations. Booking is only possible with early registration (3-5 months, depending on the season).
Please note that the advertised daily routine for this day changes as soon as the marking 'no longer an Inca Trail' under Dates and Prices
Transport: train (1 h), hike (7 h), public bus (1 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 22: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu is waiting for us, so we take the bus to the ruined city right after breakfast, because we want to experience the Inca site at sunrise. Our guide will tell us about the history of the site. How did the Inca manage to put the huge stones perfectly on top of each other? What did they use the city for in a difficult to access area in the middle of the Andes? We can then hike to the Inca Bridge (opt.), For example. A signposted path leads us through a small bamboo forest peppered with rubber trees, orchids and butterflies to a viewpoint (path is blocked from here). From here we have a view of the Puente Inca. Mark wooden beams where the suspension bridge used to be. In the afternoon we go back to Cusco by train and bus. In the evening we meet for a farewell dinner with a part of the Peru Expeditions Tours team and review the past few days with the many experiences and impressions. 'Peru Expeditions Tours is personal' is one of the core values and we can punch the employees with questions about South America. Afterwards, the many small bars around the main square 'Plaza de Armas' are ideal to end the evening.
If you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, please let us know when booking so that we can reserve the hike for you. In this case, please take into account that after the ascent there is only a limited time to hike to the Inca bridge.
Customize your trip with our optional modules!
Ascent of the Huayna Picchu 75 USD
Transport: public bus (2 h), train (4 h)
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 23: Transfer to airport in Cusco - Flith to Lima - Flight back to home or stay in Lima
In the morning we explore the city and its surroundings with our local guide. The first goal, just outside the city center, are the ruins of Saqsayhuaman. At this ruin complex, huge stones were put together to form a perfect Inca wall. The plant raises many questions that we get answered today. Then we visit the ruins of Q'enqo and Tambomachay. Back in the city center of Cusco we visit the Coricancha sun temple. Then we drive together to the airport, where the journey unfortunately ends.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 24: Transfer to airport in Lima - Flight back to home
Morning city tour of the historic center with cathedral, government square and catacombs. Afternoon free at the hotel or a stroll through Miraflores. In the evening transfer from the hotel to the airport. Return. Departure return flight to Switzerland, USA, Canada, Europa, etc. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 25: Return flight - Arrival home
Go back home - end tour in Peru / South America. Overnight fligh (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: April - September
Difficulty: Moderate
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