Discovering Peru – Ja Travel Designer

A Journey Through Peru: Where History Comes to Life

From the vibrant modernity of Lima and the serenity of its culinary traditions to the beating heart of the Andes, this itinerary has been designed for travelers seeking depth, wonder, and an authentic connection with one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations. Feel the sea breeze, explore ancient deserts, watch the flight of the king of the Andean skies, and culminate at the pinnacle of Inca glory: Machu Picchu.

Highlights of the Program

Cuisine in Lima: Enjoy the world’s finest cuisine along the Miraflores boardwalk or in the bohemian neighborhoods.

The Mysticism of the Sacred Valley: Explore the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.

The Train to Machu Picchu: The journey winds along the Vilcanota River, offering views through panoramic windows as the landscape shifts from the arid Andes to the jungle foothills.

Machu Picchu: Entering the citadel at sunrise; an architectural marvel that exceeds all visual expectations.

Arequipa and the Colca Canyon: The contrast between the “White City,” carved from volcanic ashstone, and the depths of the canyon, where you can watch condors soar.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez Airport, our staff will provide you with immediate assistance and a private transfer to your hotel. Take advantage of this first night to rest and acclimate to the lively atmosphere of the Peruvian capital, getting ready for your adventure.
Check-in at the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2

Colonial Lima

Breakfast at the hotel.
We’ll start with a comprehensive tour of the historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore the colonial architecture and end at the San Francisco Convent, where we’ll descend into its eerie catacombs—an underground cemetery that holds thousands of stories.
Lunch at the Bolivariano restaurant.
Free afternoon to explore Miraflores or Barranco.

Day 3

Route to the Huacachina Oasis

Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure toward the Pan-American Highway South. Along the way, we’ll make a key stop in the Ica region to visit the stunning Huacachina Oasis, a lake surrounded by palm trees amid imposing sand dunes. Enjoy the unique scenery before continuing on to Paracas, where you’ll spend the night breathing in the sea air.
Lunch is included during the trip.
Check-in at the hotel.

Day 4

Ica - Paracas

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we’ll board a boat for an exciting excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These rock formations are home to spectacular marine wildlife: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds. You’ll also have the chance to admire the enigmatic “Candelabro” carved into the side of a hill.
Lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Nazca.
Check-in at the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

Nazca - Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel.
The morning will be devoted to solving (or appreciating) the mystery of the Nazca Lines. We’ll visit the Mirador, where we’ll have a panoramic view of some of these figures.
(Optional: We recommend a scenic flight to appreciate the magnitude of the geoglyphs, such as the Hummingbird and the Astronaut.)
Lunch en route. In the evening, you’ll board a comfortable tour bus bound for Arequipa, which will save you time and allow you to wake up in the White City (overnight on the bus).

Day 6

City tour Arequipa

Upon your arrival, we will pick you up and take you to your hotel. In the morning, we will explore the splendor of Arequipa. The guided city tour includes the magnificent Plaza de Armas and a visit to the fascinating Santa Catalina Monastery, a colonial citadel built of red and white stone.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Free afternoon to enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere.

Day 7

Arequipa - Colca

Breakfast at the hotel.
Early morning departure to take the road that winds through high-altitude landscapes toward the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. We’ll travel through the national reserve, where we’ll see vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat. We’ll make stops at the scenic overlooks.
Lunch en route. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the picturesque town of Chivay.
Check-in at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8

Cruz del Condor - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel.
At sunrise, we’ll head to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, a prime spot to witness the unforgettable sight of the Andean condor gliding gracefully over the cliff. You’ll feel the immensity of the landscape. Lunch en route.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to the mystical city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Check-in at the hotel.

Day 9

Lago Titicaca - Luquina

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full-day excursion to the highest navigable lake in the world. We’ll board a boat to visit the incredible floating islands of the Uros, built entirely of reeds, and meet their inhabitants. Next, we’ll sail to Luquina Chico Island on the Chucuito Peninsula, where we’ll enjoy a hike and a traditional lunch with panoramic views of the lake. Return to Puno in the afternoon.

Day 10

Sun Route

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the station to board the TURISMO MER luxury tour bus bound for Cusco.

The tour can also be taken on a luxury tourist train, a route that crosses the Puno highlands toward Cusco.
(The tour is offered in English and Spanish).
This trip is not just a transfer, but a guided tour with key stops that reveal the pre-Inca and Inca legacies. Stops include La Raya (the highest point of the trip), the majestic archaeological site of Raqchi, and the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” in Andahuaylillas. Buffet lunch included

durante el trayecto.

A su llegada a Cusco, será trasladado a su hotel.

Day 11

City tour Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, we’ll take the classic Cusco tour. We’ll visit the impressive Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun, now the Santo Domingo Convent) and continue on to the four imposing ruins surrounding the city: the ceremonial fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the temple of Qenqo, the fortification of Pukapukara, and Tambomachay.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Free afternoon.

Day 12

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Breakfast at the hotel.
We’ll explore the ruins of Pisaq and its lively artisan market.
We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch along the way.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, a stone Inca fortress that also serves as a living Inca village. In the late afternoon, you’ll board the INCA RAIL train (4:36 p.m.) to begin your magical journey to the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes), where you’ll be greeted upon arrival.

Day 13

Machupicchu

Breakfast at the hotel.
At the scheduled time, we’ll board a bus to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the world. You’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2.5 hours that will reveal the secrets of the citadel.
Lunch is included in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we’ll take the INCA RAIL train (2:30 p.m.) back to Ollantaytambo. A private vehicle will be waiting to take you directly and comfortably to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 14

Moray - Maras

Breakfast at the hotel.
Half-day excursion to two of the valley’s gems. We’ll explore Moray, a mysterious agricultural amphitheater with circular terraces believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. Next, we’ll head to the incredible Maras salt mines, thousands of salt pits that create a stunning white mosaic on the valley’s hillside.
Lunch on your own.
Return to Cusco in the afternoon, leaving you with free time for shopping or a farewell dinner.

Day 15

Departure and Farewell

Breakfast at the hotel.
Scheduled transfer from your hotel to the Cusco airport, with assistance from our staff, to catch your flight to Lima or your final destination.
The end of an unforgettable adventure.

Inclusiones

Todo lo que necesitas

Transportation

All ground transfers upon arrival, departure, and between tours/destinations, ensuring your comfort and punctuality. VIP overnight bus from Nazca to Arequipa (reclining seats). TURISMO MAR Puno-Cusco sightseeing tour (Ruta del Sol) with a guide and cultural stops.

Tickets

All admission tickets to the tourist attractions and archaeological sites mentioned.

Train

Train to Machu Picchu: round-trip tickets on the INCA RAIL service (Tourist or Executive class).

Guides

Guide to all the routes mentioned in the program

Meals

Meals: 14 breakfasts at the hotel. 8 meals included: Lima (Bolivariano), Arequipa (Picantería), Colca (roadside), Titicaca (Luquina), Ruta del Sol (buffet), Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu (town). 2 dinners included (Nazca and Chivay).

Hotels

Accommodations (14 nights): 13 nights in selected hotels + 1 night aboard a tour bus (Nazca–Arequipa).

Airline Flights

Flight from Cusco to Lima (full fare, including carry-on luggage and one 23-kg checked bag).