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Peru Side by Side Complete Tour – 12 Days

  • Duration: 12 Days
  • English, Spanish

Details

From the desert dunes of the Pacific ocean, the deepest Colca Canyon, to the highest navigable Lake on the planet, this complete side-by-side experience of Peru will cover everything you need to know in a single package. Join our expert Guides on an exploration that will make you pack right away.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Embark on a 12-day private vacation covering the most important highlights of Peru
  • Take part of a culinary experience in Lima and follow the coast for a Boat Safari in Ballestas Islands
  • Visit the White City of Arequipa and take in the views at the rims of spectacular Colca Canyon
  • Tour over Machu Picchu and take the optional hike to the famous Huayna Picchu
  • Sail on Lake Titicaca to explore the Islands of Uros and Taquile

Tour Info

  • Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
  • Included Activities: Popular places, Outdoor, Sightseeing
  • Min Age: 10+
  • Group Size: Min 1 – Max 7
  • Availability: All Year

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Lima (D)

Welcome to the cosmopolitan Lima. Walk-in your airs and in your times and enjoy one of the best cuisines of the world

Arriving in the morning or afternoon, our hosts will be at the airport ready to take you to any of our handpicked hotels. Take advantage of the morning for a free-roam across some of the city sights.

In the evening, get a taste of Lima with dinner included, consisting of exotic dishes with a wide range of ingredients to choose from. Maybe a Lomo Saltado, Causa, or Ceviche, the options are countless.

Day 2 Lima Food Tour & History - Drive To Paracas (B, L)

Few cities can compete with Lima’s Gastronomy and culture. You will indulge in exotic flavors that will make you repeat over and over again.

Begin with a food tour at the busy Surquillo Market, the perfect spot to taste the wide array of products taken from all over Peru. On the approach to downtown, visit “Barrio Chino”, the Peruvian China Town to learn about the mixture of flavors between Peruvian and Chinese gastronomy taken by immigrants for around 100 years! Move on to Historical Center for a sightseeing walk of the most emblematic monuments including Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the classy Government Palace.

For lunch, you’ll meet an award-winning chef for a master class on preparing the classic Ceviche, and toast with the famous Pisco Sour. Follow a final visit to the bohemian district of Barranco for a walk of historical spots such as Puente de Los Suspiros and colorful streets that overlook the coast. End off with the 3-hour evening transfer to Paracas. Take this journey to rest a bit as you arrive at your hotel.

***Overnight stay in Paracas bay area

Day 3 Ballestas Boat Safari & Optional Activities (B)

Dotted with spectacular Marine Life, The coastline of Paracas is the perfect way to  a large Coastline and endless animals species, Paracas is the reunion for enchanting Penguins, Sea Lions and

Sailing from Paracas Bay, today you’ll take a late morning boat safari that guarantees lots of fun. Onboard a private comfortable boat, the first part will give you a perspective of the coastline along with the numerous local ships craftily fishing for decades. Heading down towards the Islands you’ll find the National Heritage “Candelabro“, a giant lampstand sculpted into the sand.

At Ballestas Islands Peninsula, the tour continues to see spectacular marine life only found here. Get your phone out about as the safari includes a visit of the group of islands home to species such as the cormorant, the Humboldt penguin, pelicans, seagulls, and the star of the day: the sea Lion, which enjoys the sunbaths at the rock rims. With a little luck, you might see whales swimming at the surface. Tour ends returning by boat to Paracas. To take the most out of this day, the afternoon is free to enroll at any of the optional activities: Tubular dune crossing, Dunne buggy, or a visit to the Huacachina Oasis up north close to the neighboring city of Ica.  

***Overnight at Paracas.

Day 4 Flight To Arequipa - Day At Leisure (B, D)

Find a beautiful and attractive city, called the White City because of its enchanting architecture made out of white volcanic rocks, and surrounded by the mighty Misti volcano.

Travel from Lima to Arequipa on a morning flight. A View Peru host will take you on a private and smooth transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is to adjust to a higher altitude of Arequipa (2,335m; 7,661ft). By the evening, dinner will be included at a local restaurant. Take this time to stroll the lovely streets of Arequipa since during the night has a different spark.

Day 5 Arequipa – The Colca (B, D)

It’s not just the vastness and depth of the Colca that make it so fantastical but also to cross through the ancient terraced farmland of Yanque and Chivay

Waking up with sunlight, follow the northwest journey towards Chivay. The 3-hour trip by private car is a complete observatory of typical Andean scenery, which involves a natural show of beautiful vicuñas, and alpacas running freely. Arrive in the little but most important village along the Colca, Chivay is the gateway for an extraordinary Canyon adventure, and home to three ethnic groups: the Kollawas, the Cabanas, and Ccaccatapay.

You’ll be taken to your lodge and what is left of the amazing afternoon is yours to explore on your own.  You can indulge yourself in some spa treatments at your hotel, or soak in La Calera hot springs. By the evening, you’ll delight in dinner served at your hotel.

Day 6 Explore Colca Canyon - Trip To Puno (B, L)

Let’s prepare us to know the second deepest canyon in the world toward the cruising condors riding warm air currents

From Chivay continue with the Guide to the mighty Colca Canyon, which is, in fact, the second deepest in the world. Ranging from 1000 up to 4000 meters, it’s even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Reach the famous Cruz del Condor lookout for a birdwatch experience, you’ll see the renowned Condors flying over and crossing from side to side. The wings of these extraordinary creatures can reach up to 3meters. After taking in the magnificent views at the rims, the journey continues by private car to Puno over the Altiplano, passing by part of Pampa Cañahua Reserve, a special place created to preserve the “vicuñas” from hunters.

Evening arrival at Puno. You’ll be met a View Peru host and transfer to your hotel. We recommend you rest to acclimatize faster.

Day 7 Islands Of Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile (B, L)

Let’s discover the world of Aymara with its beautiful islands in the lake made of reeds. Experience the traditions and customs of these incredible people

On a private and comfortable vehicle, leave Puno to sail across Lake Titicaca. A private boat will take you to the hundreds of floating islands made purely of reeds. The beautiful Uros is home to nearly 1000 families. Why do they live here? How did they build the islands? These are some of the questions that you’ll be asking all the way on a tour accompanied by the friendly locals and onboard a Totora reed boat.

Next is the enchanting Taquile, the biggest on the Lake and inhabited by nearly a thousand people. Hosting the island, the locals will take you part in a rural experience, having lunch with ingredients found at the islands followed by a weaving demonstration on traditional clothing. End of at the islands by taking the magical pictures of the stone arch that overlooks the Lake. Transfer back to the port with Lake views, the tour ends at around 5:00 pm

***Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 8 Hop-On Private Ride To Cusco (B)

From the Altiplano to the navel of the world. Cusco is more than just Inca Sites. It’s about rich and overwhelming 

This day is to cross the famous “Ruta del Sol” heading up the Altiplano road. This 10-hour journey will lead you to extraordinary pre-Inca and Inca towns all the way to Cusco. Begin with the village of Pucara for a visit to its museum and complex and the popular Toritos clay bulls, an amulet found in every roof of the area. Further along, is the impressive Raqchi, the only Inca settlement build in adobe and stone in the area. Along with the ride, you’ll pass through several villages that served as rebellion spots against the 18th century Spanish Crown like Checacupe, Combapata, and Tinta.

At this point, the altitude lowers to find the unmatched Andahuaylillas Church. Dotted with frescoes depicting the conquer of Religion and amazing organs are found here. Right next to the church you’ll find a hidden museum that hosts the “Wayki” said to be an extraterrestrial. In hands of the Guide, you’ll reveal the past on Pikillacta, the final spot before Cusco for extraordinary street walks on its ancient walls. Arrive in Cusco and complimentary transfer to your hotel.

***Overnight stay in Cusco.

Day 9 Cusco City & Saqsayhuaman (B, L, D)

Today you will be part of the deep Cusco, knowing its people, its likes and customs.  Enjoy their streets with a popular space and taste our drinks

Day 10 A Day At The Sacred Valley (B, L, D)

Today ignite the depths of your feelings and feel new winds of colors and beauties

The experience turns northeast to the Sacred Valley, which is a must-do for every visitor. Start at the town of Chinchero to take part in a weaving workshop with the local women. Further along is Ollantaytambo, to explore the only Inca town surviving the Spanish takeover. Find gorgeous remaining houses, terrace fields, water channels, and the impressive fortification reached by steps. You’ll learn about the fascinating architecture and theories with the Guide as you soak in the gorgeous views.

After a buffet lunch in the countryside, you’ll go for a visit to the Pisaq village, known for its crafted markets. From here we’ll head up to the impressive hilltop ruins of  Pisaq featuring spectacular terraces, enclosures, towers, and the Sundial. Tour around includes a walk across the alleys set all the way. Enjoy the many insights of this stunning place the expert guide before heading back to Cusco by private transport.

***Overnight in Cusco or Sacred Valley.

Day 11 Tour Of Machu Picchu & Spectacular Huayna Picchu (B, L)

The senses and new sensations are awakened today with a spectacular route, enter into history, and live great experiences. You will never forget this day!

Continue tripping to Ollantaytambo station. Onboard the Tourist-class or Vistadome train the journey to Machu Picchu will take around 1.4 hours. The arrival station of Aguas Calientes is the spot for hundreds of tourists prior to Machu Picchu. Here, you’ll join our local guide for a ride to Machu Picchu gate, which is crossing a 30-min road. 

The tour at The Citadel is a complete feast to the eyes as it includes the main strong points such as the Observatory, the Condor Temple along with dramatic scenery. Now awarded as a Word top destination, each building, each detail has way more significance than ever. With the tour, you can opt to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain which grants you access to astonishing views on the summit, or you can take the scenic hike towards Machu Picchu mountain. By the early afternoon, a buffet lunch will be served back in Aguas Calientes. Take the outbound train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco as you end today’s adventure. Private transfer to your hotel and evening at leisure.

***Overnight stay in Cusco

Day 12 Depart Cusco (B)

It is time to say “I will be back very soon”. Collect your memories and to tell your people all the amazing adventures and experiences you had with the promise to come back

After a leisure breakfast, you’ll be assisted by a representative for a transfer to the Airport at the most suitable time for your flight schedule.

Price Includes

  • 11 nights in our handpicked hotels
  • All private tours and activities
  • All indicated pick-ups and transfers in private service with an English-speaking guide
  • Meals indicated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
  • Round trip train transport to Machu Picchu
  • All entrance fees and permits

Price Excludes

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Domestic flights
  • Meals not indicated
  • Additional and personal expenses, such as extra transportation, laundry, telephone calls, snacks, etc.
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Gratuities

Practical Info & Recommendations

  • If you wish to include the hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains, please send us en enquiry to check availability and book spots at extra cost. Note that these hikes do not include a Guide.
  • Cancellation Policies: Please consult our Flexible Booking and Conditions of Sale

Value-Added Services that you will receive with us:

  • EXPERTISE We have a expert team of travel specialists, who have all turned their passion for travel into a vocation. Between them, they have visited nearly every corner of Peru and Bolivia.
  • FLEXIBILITY We curate tailor-made, truly individual travel experiences for our clients. View Peru approach leaves our travellers with unforgettable memories.
  • 24/7 ASSISTANCE At every stage of your holiday, from inception to conclusion, a View Peru hand will be there to guide you.
  • WE ARE THE OPERATORS View Peru is the Operator of all your experiences in Peru and Bolivia, This ensures a seamless holiday experience.
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What our customers say

  • Our experience with ViewPeru, its guides, drivers, porters and all other employees was outstanding. They planned a Peru tour for us including Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco, the classic Inca Trail and the Amazon.

    Bronwyn K
    Family
  • Wonderful Tour of Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu. I am an experienced world traveler and don’t often sign up for a tour, but am so glad I did.

    Betsy W
    Family
  • View Peru is a class operation providing full scenic itinerary, super guides and gourmet dinning in Lima, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley and points between. Arranged an eccellent, independent excursion into Amazon Basin through Rainforest Expeditions to Amazona Refugio.

    Charles J
    Couples
  • We had a once in a lifetime experience with View Peru!!! I can’t say enough good things and reflecting on the experience now, it still seems surreal. In addition to the epic experience of the hikes, scenery, and Machu Picchu, everything we needed, every little detail was thought of and then some. It was a luxury camping, and cultural experience that I highly, highly recommend and want to do again!

    Joanne G
    Friends
  • View Perú organized an 18 adventure on my behalf for my travels through Perú and Bolivia. I traveled solo and found the entire trip to be very well organized. 

    Barry C
    Alone

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