DESERTS & MOUNTAINS 6D/5N

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Lima to start your journey towards the Ica Region.

Upon arriving in the city of Paracas, we will head to the Marina Turística port, where our guides will provide us with recommendations for wearing safety equipment and boarding modern speedboats. We will sail out to the Ballestas Islands, where we can appreciate the impressive geoglyph known as “El Candelabro” and discover some myths and legends about this mysterious figure in the sand. We will also have the opportunity to observe marine wildlife such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guanay birds. We will visit the seaside resort of Paracas, where you will have some free time to relax.

We will continue our journey to Ica and visit an artisanal winery, where we will receive a detailed explanation of wine and pisco production, the national drinks of Peru. We will also visit the Nohelia chocolate factory, where you can discover traditional “tejas” and “chocotejas”. Next, we will visit the Huacachina Lagoon, also known as the “Oasis of America,” where you will appreciate the marvelous desert landscape surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees. In the desert, we will experience an exciting ride in “buggies,” which are off-road vehicles, and we will also try “sandboarding,” a sport where you slide down the sand dunes on a board. After the exhilarating experience, we will visit the “Racimo de Uva” winery in Chincha, where we will also enjoy an Afro-Peruvian artistic show. Finally, we will return to Lima.

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and transfer you to Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport, where you will board your flight to Cusco (arrangements made on your own). Upon your arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city of Cusco. Here, you can rest, acclimate to the altitude, and have a light meal before starting with the scheduled activities.

In the afternoon we will pick you up from your hotel to start with the visit to Cathedral (optional), where we can explore the Holy Family Temple and the Triumph Temple, a space full of myths and legends that also holds historical importance from the conquest period. Then, we will visit “Qoricancha,” a temple considered one of the most important constructions of the ancient inhabitants. It was adorned with gold sheets and ornaments. Andean priests resided here, who were in charge of worshiping Andean deities such as the sun, moon, stars, lightning, and rainbow.

After finishing we will take the bus to Saqsayhuamán Archaeological Park. That is one of the most significant archaeological sites due to its massive construction composed of enormous stone blocks. The construction of saqsayhuamán took 50 years and involved the labor of over 20,000 men. Later on, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Q’enqo, carved caves by the ancient Incas, which were probably used as a space for the mummification of the Inca rulers. Then, we will visit Puka Pukara, a place designated for access control. The last place to visit is Tambomachay, a ceremonial site where water sources flow. It’s also known to have served as a resting place for the Inca. After the tour, we will return to the city of Cusco.

At the agreed time, we will come to pick you up from your hotel to begin the Sacred Valley tour. We will pass through the archaeological park of Saqsayhuaman and continue until we reach Taray lookout, a beautiful spot from which you can appreciate Inca terraces and extensive cultivated lands surrounded by the “Wilkamayu,” the sacred river of the Incas. We will continue the journey until we reach the artisan market of Pisac, known worldwide for its silver jewelry craftsmanship, and visit the archaeological park of Pisaq, where we will discover distinct neighborhoods, impressive two-level constructions, and one of the most stunning cemeteries in the region. After the visit, we will return to the transportation, which will take us to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we will continue the journey to the last living Inca village, Ollantaytambo, where we can explore impressive terraces and staircases that lead to the ritual area. There, we will find megalithic structures displaying incredible precision in their cutting and some reliefs. Also, facing the archaeological park, you will discover the Qolcas or warehouses. You will also learn about the love story between General Ollantay and Cusi Qoyllor. At the end of the tour, we will board the transportation that will take us to the last site to visit, the traditional village of Chinchero, where you will discover a textile interpretation center. There, they will show you the dyeing and spinning processes of wool, which will eventually be woven. If time allows, we will visit the archaeological site of Chinchero, where a colonial-era church was built under the patronage of the Virgin of Monserrat and features frescoes and paintings from the Cusco art school. Finally, we will return to the city of Cusco.

“Very early in the morning, we will come to pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey towards the world wonder, Machu Picchu. You will board the transportation that will take you to the town of Ollantaytambo, where the train station is located. Then, you will board the train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy impressive Andean landscapes adorned with glaciers, agricultural terraces, and the mysterious jungle.

Upon arriving at the train station in Aguas Calientes, a representative from the company will be waiting for you to guide you to the bus station. There, you will board the transportation that will take you to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel. The guide will provide you with some recommendations before going through the access control to the Inca citadel, and then you will immediately begin the guided tour, which will last approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours. During this time, you will have the opportunity to discover the history of Machu Picchu, visit different temples, squares, and the Machu Picchu quarry. If you’re lucky, you may also get to see orchids and species such as the vizcacha or Andean rabbit. After a memorable photography experience, the visit will conclude, and we will guide you back to the bus station, where you will board the transportation that will take you back to the town of Aguas Calientes. There, you can enjoy lunch and explore the town before heading to the train station, where you will board the train that will take you back to the Ollantaytambo station. A representative from the company will be waiting for you there to guide you to the bus that will bring you back to the city of Cusco.”

At agreed time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco city to start the adventure towards Rainbow Mountain. We’ll head south of Cusco city for 2 Hrs. until reaching Cusipata district, where you’ll enjoy breakfast. Then, we’ll board our transportation to Phullawasipata (4626 m.a.s.l.), where after receiving instructions, we’ll prepare to start the ascent hike to Rainbow Mountain. We’ll walk for 1 ½ to 2 Hrs. In this journey, you can admire the classic high-Andean landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range adorned with snow-capped peaks, local people in traditional costumes, and llama and alpaca breeders. Upon reaching the summit (5036 m.a.s.l.), we’ll have free time for photographs and to enjoy nature’s gifts. Following our guide’s instructions, we’ll begin the descent hike through the same path we ascended until reaching Phullawasipata camp where our transportation will be waiting to take us to Cusipata district, where a well-deserved and delicious lunch awaits. Then, we’ll board the transportation back to Cusco city, arriving between 16:30 and 17:00 Hrs.