15-day private Peru tour itinerary

Upon your arrival in Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, our team will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the charming Miraflores district, known for its ocean views and cultural ambiance. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the opportunity to relax and recover from your journey or explore the nearby Parque del Amor, the iconic Larcomar shopping center, or stroll along the scenic Malecón de Miraflores, where cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean. Lima, once the most important city in South America during the Spanish Empire, holds a rich colonial history paired with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Your guide will provide insights into the days ahead, help with any questions, and offer dining suggestions—perhaps try Peru’s famous ceviche at a local seafood spot. Overnight stay in Lima.

After breakfast, embark on a guided half-day exploration of Lima's Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, where you'll see the Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop's Palace, all reflecting elegant Spanish colonial architecture.

Next, explore the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its bone-filled catacombs and baroque-style architecture. The tour then continues to Bar Cordano, the oldest bar in the city where politicians, poets, and artists once gathered.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre. Housed in an 18th-century vice-royal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum showcases over 45,000 archaeological artifacts, including pre-Columbian erotic pottery and intricately detailed gold and silver works.

Evening at leisure to dine or walk along the Malecón de Miraflores, offering dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Overnight stay in Lima.

Wake up early for a 5:00 AM departure south along the Panamericana Sur Highway to the coastal town of Paracas (approximately 3.5 hours by road). Enjoy a quick local breakfast en route in Chincha, a town known for its Afro-Peruvian heritage.
At 8:00 AM, board a speedboat for a thrilling tour to the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed "Peru's Galápagos." On the way, view the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into a cliff face. As you circle the islands, observe colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
After returning to the mainland, drive to Ica to visit a traditional pisco distillery such as El Catador or Bodega Nieto, where you’ll learn about the pisco-making process and enjoy tastings of Peru’s national spirit.
In the afternoon, head to the stunning desert oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by towering dunes. Take an adrenaline-filled buggy and sandboarding tour—an unforgettable experience of speed, sand, and spectacular sunsets.
Overnight stay in Huacachina or Ica.

After breakfast, travel approximately 2 hours south to Nazca. Here, you'll board a small aircraft for a 35-minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, massive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor that include figures such as the Hummingbird, Monkey, Astronaut, and Spider.

From the air, you'll appreciate the precision and scale of these ancient artworks, many of which stretch over 300 meters long. Created by the Nazca culture over 1,500 years ago, their purpose remains a mystery—some believe they were astronomical calendars, others say they were ritual pathways.

After landing, enjoy lunch in Nazca and some free time for optional visits, like the Antonini Archaeological Museum or the Chauchilla Cemetery.

At night (around 10:00 PM), board a comfortable overnight bus for a 10-hour journey to Arequipa, known as the "White City."

Overnight onboard bus.

Arrive in Arequipa around 7:30 AM and transfer to your hotel to rest and freshen up. The city sits at 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) above sea level, surrounded by majestic volcanoes like El Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the historic center. Start with a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast 20,000-square-meter complex that was closed to the public for nearly four centuries. Its colorful walls, cobbled lanes, and quiet courtyards evoke a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.

Continue to the Plaza de Armas, bordered by the Cathedral of Arequipa, and visit the ornate Jesuit Church of La Compañía. Later, head to the districts of Yanahuara and Cayma, offering panoramic views of the city and volcanoes. Don’t miss the Mansión del Fundador, a colonial mansion that tells the story of Arequipa’s Spanish legacy.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Arequipa.

After breakfast, depart for the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons. The scenic 4-hour drive crosses through Pampa Cañahuas, part of the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to wild vicuñas, alpacas, and migratory birds. Stop at Patapampa, the highest point of the route (4,910 m/16,108 ft), known as the Mirador de los Andes, for breathtaking views of distant volcanoes. Arriving in Chivay, settle into your hotel and enjoy a visit to La Calera Hot Springs, where thermal waters (up to 38°C) provide soothing relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Andean dinner accompanied by a folk music and dance show featuring performers in colorful costumes. Overnight stay in Chivay.

Rise early and head to Cruz del Condor, a dramatic lookout point offering breathtaking views of one of the world’s deepest canyons—Colca Canyon, which plunges over 3,270 meters (10,725 feet). Here, you'll likely witness the majestic Andean condors soaring on thermal currents. These giant birds, with wingspans of over 3 meters, are sacred symbols of the Andes.

The journey continues with scenic stops in traditional villages such as Yanque, Maca, and Pinchollo, where you’ll observe local life, Inca terraces, and colonial-era churches. After lunch in Chivay, begin the drive toward Puno, passing through the stunning Altiplano at elevations over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Along the way, you may spot wild vicuñas, flamingos, and expansive lagoons like Lagunillas.

Arrive in Puno in the evening (approx. 6:30 PM) and check in to your hotel. Puno sits at 3,827 meters (12,556 feet) above sea level on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

Overnight stay in Puno.

After breakfast, head to the Port of Puno for an unforgettable day on the legendary Lake Titicaca, shared by Peru and Bolivia. Board a motorboat to visit the unique Uros Floating Islands, handwoven from totora reeds by the Uros people for centuries. Learn about their ancient techniques for island construction, fishing, and traditional reed boats, and engage directly with the island families who preserve these ancestral practices.

Continue across the deep blue waters to Taquile Island, renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textile traditions and Inca-era terracing. The islanders speak Quechua and live communally, preserving time-honored customs, clothing styles, and governance systems. Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients like quinoa soup, trout, and native potatoes, while overlooking the lake's endless horizon.

After lunch, explore the island on foot—ascending gently to the main square and admiring panoramic views from 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. Your guide will offer insights into Taquile’s unique social structure and cooperative economy.

By late afternoon, return by boat to Puno, where you can spend the evening exploring the lively Plaza de Armas, home to the Puno Cathedral and vibrant cafés and shops.

Overnight stay in Puno.

After breakfast, embark on the spectacular “Route of the Sun”, a full-day journey from Puno to Cusco aboard a comfortable tourist bus. This 10-hour cultural and scenic route includes five guided stops that highlight Peru’s historical and natural richness.

The first visit is to Pukara, a pre-Inca archaeological site known for its monoliths and ceremonial center, where you’ll explore the Pukara Museum. Continue to La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet), offering snow-capped mountain views and opportunities for breathtaking photos.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch in Sicuani, a small Andean town known for its welcoming ambiance and traditional cuisine. The journey continues with a visit to Raqchi, home to the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous structure with towering adobe walls and intricate stonework built by the Inca.

Finally, stop in Andahuaylillas, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes", for its elaborate baroque interior filled with gold leaf and frescoes. Arrive in Cusco—the historic capital of the Inca Empire—in the late afternoon, and transfer to your hotel in the heart of this vibrant city located at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet).

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before exploring the captivating city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the center of the Inca Empire. Begin at the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), a sacred site where Inca spirituality met colonial conquest. Admire its intricate stonework and learn about its transformation into the Santo Domingo Convent.

Continue to the bustling San Pedro Market, where the scents of Andean herbs, colorful produce, and artisanal crafts offer a vibrant local experience. Walk through Cusco’s historic streets, lined with Inca walls and colonial balconies, until you reach the Plaza de Armas, home to the majestic Cusco Cathedral and Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús.

Next, ascend to the outskirts of the city to visit Sacsayhuamán, a massive Inca fortress famed for its cyclopean stone blocks, some weighing over 100 tons. Explore Q'enqo, a mysterious ceremonial site with carved rock altars, and admire panoramic views of Cusco nestled in the valley below.

Return to the city in the afternoon for time to relax, shop, or try local delicacies such as alpaca steak or chupe de quinua at one of Cusco’s many gourmet restaurants.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Depart early after breakfast for a full-day adventure through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush corridor lined with terraced fields and ancient temples. Your first stop is Chinchero, a highland village known for its colonial church and traditional textile workshops. Watch local weavers dye and spin alpaca wool using ancestral techniques.

Continue to Moray, a fascinating Inca site with concentric agricultural terraces believed to be an open-air laboratory for crop experimentation. Nearby, visit the surreal Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of shallow pools glisten with crystallized salt harvested by hand, a practice dating back to pre-Inca times.

Descend into the fertile valley to enjoy lunch in Urubamba before proceeding to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town and archaeological marvel. Climb its terraced fortress for spectacular views and learn about the last Inca defense against the Spanish.

In the late afternoon, board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the base village for visiting Machu Picchu. Ride along the Urubamba River, passing cloud forests and misty peaks.

Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft).

Wake early for your long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a crown jewel of Inca architecture. After breakfast, board the shuttle bus that winds up the mountain to the sacred citadel perched at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level.

With your expert guide, explore the mysteries of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (solar clock), Temple of the Three Windows, and Royal Quarters. Learn about Inca cosmology, engineering feats, and theories behind the site's purpose—was it a spiritual retreat, a royal residence, or an astronomical observatory?

After the 2-hour guided tour, enjoy free time to take photos, reflect on the magical setting, or opt to hike to Huayna Picchu or the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for panoramic views (advance permits required for hikes).

Descend back to Aguas Calientes and board the afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

This free day lets you tailor your experience. Prefer rest? Enjoy a massage or spa day. Return to Cusco for a final evening of cultural exploration or relaxation.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Rise before dawn (5:00 AM pick-up) for a full-day trek to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), located in the Andes at 5,038 meters (16,522 feet) above sea level. After a 2-hour drive to Cusipata, enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing to the trailhead at Phullawasipata.

Hike for about 1.5–2 hours through otherworldly terrain, passing herds of alpacas and llamas, red and ochre-striped hills, and snow-dusted peaks. Upon reaching the summit, the vivid stripes of Vinicunca—caused by mineral-rich layers—reveal themselves in full glory. The surrounding landscape offers views of the mighty Ausangate Glacier, sacred to Andean cultures.

Optional detour: hike to the Red Valley, a lesser-known gem painted in crimson hues, often missed by crowds. Return to Cusipata for a well-earned lunch before heading back to Cusco by late afternoon.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cusco. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a last stroll through the cobbled streets, a final visit to San Blas artisan district, or a stop at the Chocolate Museum.

At the scheduled time, our team will transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima, where you can connect to your international departure or extend your journey elsewhere in Peru.

With unforgettable memories of ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures, your 15-day Peru adventure comes to a close.

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