Peru is an incredible destination with stunning scenery, fascinating history, delicious food and friendly people, not to mention the natural wonder of the Amazon Rainforest and the world wonder Machu Picchu. There’s so much to see and do, but there are many tour companies who can show you the highlights in around 2 weeks. These companies are pretty great, but Creed and I think we can do it better! We’re planning an unofficial group tour, based on years of experience travelling and working in the travel industry. We will be travelling through Peru heading to all the hotspots, and we’re inviting you to join us.
We are experts at organising accommodation and transport, so we’ll take care of all of that for you, and you’re welcome to join us for any or all of the exciting historical, cultural, gastronomical, adventurous or relaxational activities that we have found in each location. You’re also welcome to do your own thing! This tour is going to be completely flexible and tailored to you. There are two of us, so depending on your preferences we can split into two groups, or we can give you some tips and recommendations and let you fly solo. We will be asking for some of your opinions and preferences closer to the time, but for now, here is a rough outline of the trip and some of the options available at each stop.
DAY 1: Arrive into Lima
You are welcome to arrive a few days earlier to enjoy the capital city of Lima more – we only have one full day included once the tour starts, but there’s so much Lima has to offer! We will be in the city for about a week before, so if you have the time, please do join us sooner.
If you are short on time then don’t worry, we will give you the perfect introduction to the country on our first full day all together as a group. Today, it is best if you are able to arrive by mid-afternoon, as in the evening we will all meet up for our first dinner of the trip, and introduce you to our favourite Peruvian foods!
We will be more than happy to help you find the flights best suited to you.
Hotel: INNSiDE by Melia Lima (or similar)
DAY 2: Lima
We will take you all on a walking tour of the historic downtown area today to introduce you to the cultural hotspots of the lively Peruvian capital. Lima is a foodie hotspot, so this tour will include many culinary delights as we make our way past the plazas and churches at the heart of the city. Don’t feel like this tour with us is compulsory, but the downtown district is well worth a few hours of exploration, and a must-do in our opinion is a visit to the catacombs under San Francisco Church.
The district of Miraflores, where our hotel is located, is also worth some exploration. Here you will find the best views, parks and restaurants in the whole city. Parque del Amor and the Miraflores Lighthouse are particular highlights, as is the ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana.
We can give you a whole host of recommendations for how to spend your time in Lima, so that you can tailor today to your own personal preferences.
Hotel: INNSiDE by Melia Lima (or similar)
DAY 3: Paracas and Huacachina
An early start this morning as we head south toward Paracas where the dunes meet the ocean. We will spend a couple of hours here, giving you the option to either visit the Paracas National Park to view the stunning scenery, or take a boat ride out to the Ballestas Islands where you can view sealions, seals, penguins and seabirds galore. Afterwards we continue to Huacachina, an oasis in the desert where we will spend the night. We will end the day with sundowners on the dunes overlooking the lagoon.
Total drive time: 5.5 hours
Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero (or similar)
DAY 4: Huacachina
Today is a free day to enjoy the peaceful oasis, a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Lima. Marvel at the towering dunes surrounding the palm-fringed lagoon and enjoy a leisurely brunch at one of the many cafés or restaurants lining the waterfront. If you’re feeling adventurous, you have the option to join a dune buggy tour, and even try sandboarding! In the afternoon we will head out on a winery tour to learn about and taste the local red wine and the traditional Peruvian brandy known as Pisco. Alternatively, if all you want to do is laze around and perhaps take a short boat ride on the water, that’s fine too!
Hotel: Hotel El Huacachinero (or similar)
DAY 5: Huacachina to Nazca
After a relaxed morning in the oasis we will board the bus again to Nazca, home of an ancient civilisation. We will visit the Cantalloc Aqueducts and the Chauchilla Cemetery before arriving to our hotel and settling in for the rest of the evening. Tonight we enjoy a group dinner at an authentic Peruvian restaurant.
Drive time: 3 hours
Hotel: Hotel Algeria Nasca (or similar)
DAY 6: Nazca to Arequipa
This morning we have the opportunity to take a short flight over the awe-inspiring Nazca lines, the ancient line drawings etched into the earth on such a massive scale that they can only truly be appreciated from the air. Historians still can’t agree on how the ancient Nazca civilisation created this artwork! If small planes aren’t your thing, there is a viewing tower that gives you the chance to see a few of the pictograms, and we can arrange a visit here for you. Afterwards we are back on the bus for one of the longer journeys of the trip, so make sure you have a good book or an interesting travel companion to sit next to!
Drive time: 10 hours
Hotel: San Augustin Posada del Monasterio (or similar)
DAY 7: Arequipa
Arequipa is known as the White City, thanks to its beautiful architectural sites built from white volcanic rock. There are many many churches to visit here, as well as the impressive Basilica Cathedral and historic Monasterio de Santa Catalina. Spend the day wandering through the attractive streets and plazas, explore the fascinating museums and art galleries, or enjoy the local cafes and bars. As always, feel free to ask us for recommendations on how to spend your day.
Hotel: San Augustin Posada del Monasterio (or similar)
DAY 8: Colca Canyon
This morning we drive a few hours to Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon. We are now halfway through the tour, so as a treat we will stay at a luxurious hotel and spa, with plenty of relaxation time and hot springs to provide a break from the backpacker lifestyle! The hotel offers plenty of activities if you’d like to fill up your day, but we recommend taking the time to rest up and recover, ready for the second week of excitement and adventure.
Drive time: 3 hours
Hotel: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (or similar)
DAY 9: Colca Canyon to Cusco
Today we make an early start to head to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, a stunning lookout at 3270 meters above sea level offering an incredible view of the canyon and the best opportunity to see condors during their morning hunt. We will then continue on to Cusco via a few more scenic stops such as the traditional villages of Tuti and Sabayo, and a viewpoint of rock formations that resemble medieval castles. It’s another long drive today, but the final destination is so worth it!
Drive time: 10 hours
Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico (or similar)
DAY 10: Cusco
A free day in the historic town of Cusco gives you the prefect opportunity to introduce yourself to this ancient capital of the Incan Empire. There are many archaeological sites mixed in amongst the Spanish colonial architecture, as well as museums, churches, markets and a thriving gastronomical scene. Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400m above sea level, so you may prefer to simply chill and get used to being at this elevation. This is the highest point of the trip – despite being at the top of a mountain, Machu Picchu is in fact significantly lower than the city of Cusco at 2430m above sea level.
Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico (or similar)
DAY 11: Sacred Valley
Today we head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region jam packed with archaeological sites and Inca ruins. There are plenty of hiking trails and local markets, as well as a wildlife sanctuary and even a craft brewery to visit here. We plan to visit some of the most famous archaeological points of interest such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Afterwards we will board a train and enjoy the panoramic views as we make our way to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Unsurprisingly, Aguas Calientes, which literally translates to ‘hot water’, is an excellent spot for enjoying some hot springs before the big day tomorrow.
Hotel: Hatun Inti Boutique (or similar)
DAY 12: Machu Picchu
The main event! No trip to Peru is complete without visiting this world wonder, the incredible ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you can make an early start and hike up to Machu Picchu, a challenging but rewarding route that will take 1.5 – 2 hours. Alternatively there is a bus that will take you directly up to the entrance. There are a few ticket types for the visit, and we will secure you the option that allows you to explore the full circuit around the citadel. If you’d like to hike one of the mountains while you’re here you will need to let us know in advance as these permits sell out early. We will leave you all to wander through this world wonder at your own pace, and make your way back down to the town whenever you’re ready. Just be aware that there is a strictly enforced one way system around the site, so make sure you’ve had your fill and taken all your photos at each point before moving on, as you can’t go back! In the evening we will take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco, with a chance to enjoy the scenery through the panoramic windows as the sun sets on this magical day.
Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico (or similar)
DAY 13: Cusco
One final free day, to explore more Inca ruins, historic sites or cultural museums. Make sure to get your fill of your favourite Peruvian foods while you still can! A trip to the stunning Rainbow Mountain is an optional activity today, if you’re up for one last early morning. Whatever you decide to do, we will be on hand to help as always. In the evening we will all meet back up for one final group dinner, to reminisce on our fantastic trip, and perhaps to start planning the next one!
Hotel: Hotel Hacienda Cusco Centro Historico (or similar)
DAY 14: Departure day
Depart at any time. We will stay in Cusco for a few more days if you haven’t had your fill here and would like to stay a little longer. We are happy to help you plan your return trip home. Alternatively, if you’ve got time and flexibility, this doesn’t have to be the end! We are considering an add on trip of a few days to the Amazon Rainforest, which you are welcome to join us for. We will also be heading on to Bolivia after Cusco, via Lake Titicaca, the highest in the world, the Bolivian capital of La Paz, and the incredible Uyuni Salt Flats. If any of this is of interest to you, please do ask us about it!
Drop a comment if you’re interested in finding out more about this trip, or send me an email at rosroundtheworld@gmail.com