Peru: See & Experience it all in 12 days, Luxury Tour

Explore Lima, originally founded as Ciudad de Los Reyes (City of the Kings), a city with a vibrant tourism scene. Highlights include the historic center, archaeological sites, museums, art galleries, nightlife, festivities, and popular traditions. The historic center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, boasts numerous architectural treasures, including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Plaza Mayor, Lima Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, and Palacio de Torre Tagle.

Please note that a guided sightseeing tour is available only if you arrive before 4:00 pm.

Travel by land from Lima to Ica, where you visit two local wineries. Peruvian wine dates back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Sample some of the finest wines and spirits the region has to offer before heading to Huacachina, a village built around a small oasis and surrounded by towering sand dunes. Enjoy the thrill of dune bashing and sand boarding amid this stunning desert landscape.

Before returning to Lima by land, take a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, an important sanctuary for marine wildlife such as the blue-footed booby. On the way, spot El Candelabro, a large geoglyph that may have served as a beacon for mariners. Next, enjoy a flightseeing tour over the Nazca Lines, created between 500 BC and 500 AD. Learn about the various theories behind these mysterious geoglyphs as you marvel at their scale and precision from above.

Fly from Lima to the colonial city of Cusco, Peru’s cultural showcase. Known for its rich Inca and Spanish heritage, Cusco features charming architecture left by both empires. While the city is a gateway to Machu Picchu, it is a popular destination on its own. Enjoy a guided tour to explore its historic streets and landmarks.

Take a day trip by land from Cusco to the Sacred Valley, an area first cultivated by the Chanapata civilization around 800 BCE for its rich agricultural soil. The Qotacalla civilization lived here from 500 to 900 CE, followed by the Killke from 900 until the Incan Empire took control in 1420. The Inca ruled the region until the arrival of the Spanish. Today, you can explore the remains of citadels and markets scattered throughout this historic valley.

Take a day trip by land from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Famous for its vibrant stripes caused by mineral deposits on its slopes and summits, the mountain has drawn mass tourism since 2015. Once capped with glaciers, these have largely melted due to global warming. Enjoy horseback riding as you explore the stunning and colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain.

Before traveling by train to the village of Aguas Calientes, visit the salt mines of Maras and the archaeological site of Moray. Maras is famous for its over 5,000 salt evaporation ponds, in use since Inca times. At Moray, explore the terraced circular depressions, the largest reaching approximately 30 meters (98 feet) deep, complete with an intricate Inca irrigation system.

Before returning to Cusco by train, enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel. Built around 1450, it was abandoned a century later during the Spanish Conquest and remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

Before flying to the colonial city of Arequipa, enjoy free time to explore Cusco’s charming streets. Wander along whitewashed, narrow lanes, admire the beautiful main square, and take in grand historic sites and red-tiled roofs. Cusco is widely regarded as one of Latin America’s most picturesque historic cities.

Take a day trip by land from Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Home to Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, Andean geese, Chilean flamingos, mountain caracaras, rabbits, deer, foxes, and alpacas, the canyon is teeming with wildlife. Colca Canyon is Peru’s third most popular tourist destination, and its stunning landscapes make it easy to see why.

Before flying back to Lima, enjoy a guided tour of Arequipa. Although it is Peru’s second-largest city, it has a welcoming, compact feel. Explore colonial-era churches and mansions, and stroll through the charming historic center, known for its distinctive architecture and relaxed atmosphere.

Transportation will be arranged to take you to Lima Airport.

If you wish to extend your trip, consider adding extra days to explore Lake Titicaca, which is best experienced over two days, or the Peruvian Amazon for an unforgettable wildlife adventure.