Magic of Peru Tour - Regular

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and privately escorted to your hotel.

In the morning (or afternoon) your sightseeing tour explores Miraflores and San Isidro, the modern districts of Lima and its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The tour includes a visit of San Francisco, the city's most visited church (1674). Its underground tunnels lead to catacombs that served as a cemetery until 1808 and still contain bones and skulls. Our next stop is at the Larco Herrera Museum. The collection allows the understanding of 3,000 years of the Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Your visit to the Museum is crowned with a delicious snack in Café del Museo. Transfer to the bus station to board the tourist bus to Paracas (unescorted, approx. 3.5 hours); where you will be picked up on arrival and transferred to the hotel.

Morning transfer to the Ballestas Islands, aboard a speedboat. Once you arrive you will enjoy close-up observations of dozens of sea lions as they swim near the boat or sun themselves on shore. You can also watch marine bird species, like the Guanay Cormorant, Peruvian pelicans and with some luck Humboldt Penguins. Then head to Nazca. You first stop will be Huacachina which is surrounded by giant sand dunes and palm trees. Then head to Maria Reiche small house museum, who was a mathematician and archaeologist that dedicated her life to study the Nazca lines.

Morning at leisure or optional flight over the Nazca Lines (at extra cost). Transfer to the bus station to board the tourist bus to Arequipa (unescorted, approx. 12 hours); where you will be picked up on arrival and transferred to the hotel

Half day walking city tour of Arequipa, where some of the building materials out of white volcanic material have given this city the name of white city. The tour continues to Santa Catalina Convent , built in the 16th century, that once served as a town within itself housing 450 nuns. The convent complex has been beautifully refurbished, bringing the past vividly alive once more.

Early in the morning, you will leave Arequipa and head towards the valley. On your way you will pass Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas, Vizcachani and Torja, a good place to spot Andean Birds. The majestic volcanoes Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca, provide panoramic views as you enter the Colca Valley. Then you will arrive to Chivay, where you will make a stop to explore the local market. Then continue your journey to the hotel.

Early in the morning drive to the observation point "Mirador Cruz del Condor", located between Maca and Cabanaconde, one of the deepest parts of the canyon. Its here that the legendary condor, the bird with the largest wingspan in the world, can be seen rising and circling on the morning thermals, silhouetted against the magnificent backdrop of the mountain scenery. Afterwards you will make some stops in some of the picturesque towns in route to visit their colonial churches. You then say goodbye to Colca in order to continue your trip across Altiplano landscapes to Puno (only transportation), city on the shores of Lake Titicaca

Our excursion by speed boat starts with a visit to one of the floating reed islands of the Uros before heading to island of weavers, Taquile. Unlike in the classic tour, this option offers a reduced time in route (e.g. 75 min from Taquile to Puno versus 2 hrs. 30 min aboard the traditional boat) making your experience in the lake more pleasant. Your boat tour includes a meal prepared with local fish and fresh produce from the Andes.

A ten- hour bus trip (optional train trip at extra cost) takes you through picturesque Andean landscapes. You make three important stops along your way: the first one is Andahuaylillas known by its baroque church from the 17th century. Your bus will climb to La Raya Pass to enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-caped Andes. Then you continue to Viracocha Temple. Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant in Sicuani. Upon arrival to Puno, transfer to your hotel.

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, your comprehensive city tour includes the beautiful Koricancha or Sun Temple, the Cathedral as well as the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a most remarkable Inca building, and the amphitheater of Kenko. This is followed by a visit to Puca Pucara, a strategically located 'red fortress' that dominates the entire area before visiting Tambomachay, with its two distinctive aqueducts that to this day continue to provide clean water to the area.

The day begins with a trip to Pisaq market in the Sacred Valley, one of South America's most famous souvenir markets. Afternoon visit to the fortress of Ollantaytambo where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out. You make a stop in Awana Kancha, a breeding center of South American camels. Lunch with a local family in Urubamba. For the most adventurous of the group there is a chance to taste crispy guinea pig. This experience offers a great opportunity to interact with locals in a not-touristy environment as to directly contribute to the community.

Transfer from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to Ollanta train station (only transportation). The train ride takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to Machu Picchu (unescorted). Upon arrival a small coach takes you up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. During a guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction, making this Inca site one of the seven new wonders of the world. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes with dinner included.

Morning at leisure OR optional second visit to Machu Picchu citadel (at extra cost, must be booked in advance). In the afternoon, return by train from Aguas Calientes to the station of Poroy (or Ollanta) (unescorted). Arrival and transfer to your hotel (only transportation)

In the morning transfer to the airport in Cusco, or you may wish to stay extra time in Cusco to explore the city more.