Tour of the South of Peru
With CROWN, we can help you to plan your own trip to Peru with a certify guide and driver. We will adapte the plan to the lenght of the trip, the number of people, your budget, the differents category of hotels. All the entrances fees are included in the price of the tour.
What we can offer you ! Don't forget we adapt to your demand, your tour can be customize !
South Peru Circuit
Destinations:
Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Chala, Arequipa, Puno, Sicuani, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Category: Tours with private guide
Duration: 18 days / 17 nights
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Your driver-guide will pick you up at Lima International Airport based on your arrival time and take you directly to your hotel. During the transfer, you can ask any questions about your tour. Then, depending on your arrival time, you will have free time to make a first discovery of Lima (for example, you can stroll in the famous Kennedy Park located in the heart of the Miraflores district). Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Lima Tour
In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, your driver-guide will welcome you to start the Lima tour. You will begin with a walk through the historic center of the capital. You will also visit the Plaza de Armas, where you find the 16th-century Lima Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s residence of Lima, and the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then your guide will take you to Plaza San Martin, near Plaza de Armas. After free lunch, depending on the chosen option, you will have the opportunity to visit the Larco Museum, which allows you to discover a large collection of pre-Columbian pre-Inca cultural works. The museum’s warehouse is also open to the public. After the visit, you will have free time. Your driver-guide will of course be at your disposal for advice. In the evening, your driver-guide will take you to visit the Reserva Park (closed on Mondays) to admire the “Magical Water Circuit.” It is a complex of fountains that light up in the evening, and the water show starts with music and laser projections. Overnight in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: From Lima to Paracas (4h drive)
In the morning, you will be picked up by your driver-guide to head to Paracas, a port city famous for its national reserve in the Pisco province. Before heading to Paracas, you will visit the Pachacamac archaeological site, (Closed on Mondays) located not far from Lima. It is a complex of temples and pyramids that was unfortunately not spared by the conquistadors. Once in Paracas, you will explore the Paracas National Reserve. The local fauna and flora are truly very rich and unique. Several species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish are protected in this reserve. During the visit, you will discover one of the richest ecosystems in the world. This visit will also allow you to see the famous Red Beach (Playa Roja). Overnight in Paracas.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: From Paracas to Nazca (4h drive)
Today you will take a 2-hour boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These are located off the Pacific coast and are known for their varied wildlife. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to observe thousands of birds and mammals such as penguins, sea lions, and pelicans. As the islands are protected, it will not be possible to swim with the animals or go onto the islands themselves. During the visit, the boat will stop near the famous “Candlestick of Paracas.” It is a huge glyph carved into the cliff several centuries ago. Then, you will continue your journey to the city of Ica. It is a typical city that is relatively little visited. Once in Ica, you can visit the regional museum with its pre-Columbian artifacts. You will also see mummies and skulls showing traces of trepanation. Then, you will head to Nazca. This is where you will discover the immense geoglyphs better known as the “Nazca Lines.” These lines date back to the pre-Inca Nazca civilization period (2nd century BC - 7th century AD). Overnight in Nazca.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: From Nazca to Chala (3h drive)
Today, depending on the chosen option, your guide will drop you off at the Nazca aerodrome. You will take a flight to admire the mysterious Nazca Lines from the sky (We recommend morning flights to avoid the heat). For 30 minutes, you will observe the majestic lines. The creation and meaning of these geoglyphs representing animals or geometric shapes remain unknown, despite various hypotheses. Then, we will continue the journey to Chala, a stopover town between Nazca and Arequipa. En route, you can stop near the Yauca olive plantation, where there are olive trees over 300 years old. Once in Chala, your guide will take you to your Puerto Inka hotel. Then, your guide will show you the Inca ruins behind your hotel. To this day, there are dryers used to dry seafood as they did in the past. Then, depending on the season, you can also visit the penguin caves where they reside year-round. Overnight at Puerto Inka.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: From Chala to Arequipa (6h drive)
This morning, your guide will take you to Arequipa. During the drive, you can admire unique landscapes as you enter the mythical Andes cordillera. Your driver-guide will gladly stop en route to allow you to meet the locals. Then, you will arrive in Arequipa (called the “White City” because of its many white volcanic stone constructions), which is particularly known for having housed the world’s largest convent, Santa Catalina. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1868, the city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake but was rebuilt afterward in its original form. In the center of Arequipa, many baroque and neo-Gothic buildings have been preserved. Once in Arequipa, you will have free time to stroll through the historic center of Arequipa before your guide accompanies you there the next day. Overnight in Arequipa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Arequipa Tour
Today your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel to take you to discover the Santa Catalina Convent, a true city within a city. It was built in 1579 and housed 450 nuns at the time, who were completely isolated from the outside world. It was only from 1985 that the sisters (now only 25) were allowed to speak and leave the convent. The convent is so large that the visit lasts 2 to 3 hours (as the convent closes at 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the visit can be done in the evening if you wish). Then, you can stroll on the Plaza de Armas while visiting the 17th-century Arequipa Cathedral (housing a small museum inside). After free lunch, you will head to the Santuarios Andinos Museum. This museum is particularly known for having housed the mummy called Juanita, the most important piece in the museum. Before starting the museum visit, you will watch an introductory video. Then you will discover the exhibition featuring objects dating back 550 years. After the visit, if you wish, your guide can take you to the Yanahuara Mirador for a beautiful view of the city. Free evening. Overnight in Arequipa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
from Arequipa to colca Canyon via Chivai
Today we are ready to immerse ourselves into the highland with our amazing trip to the colca canyon, night at colca so the next day we visit the condor cross where you will see the majestic condors flying, and then the next day, off to Puno city.
Day 9: From Chivai to Puno (5h drive)
Today you will head to discover the famous Titicaca Lake located on the edge of Puno city. En route, you will pass through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve, where you can admire spectacular landscapes alternating between green plateaus and snow-covered volcanoes. You will have the opportunity to pass by herds of alpacas and the famous vicuñas, whose wool is very soft and very expensive. It produces only 300 grams of wool per year. We recommend bringing your own picnic; your driver can stop at lunchtime. Once in Puno, considered the cradle of the Inca civilization, you will immerse yourself in Peru’s folkloric atmosphere. Lake Titicaca is the city’s main attraction. However, depending on the chosen option, you can visit the Museo de la Coca y Costumbres de Puno, which is especially interesting for its collection of traditional clothing. Overnight in Puno.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Titicaca Lake Excursion FULL DAY
This morning you will depart for a full-day boat excursion to visit the Uros and Taquile Islands. This excursion will allow you to discover the inhabitants and local life on the mysterious Titicaca Lake. Early in the morning, your guide will take you to the port where you will start your boat tour towards the floating Uros Islands, successors to one of South America’s oldest civilizations. Then, you will head to Taquile Island to explore this authentic island where traditions are still alive. You will hike along a pre-Inca trail to reach local families whose main occupation is weaving. You can participate in the local dance and visit the village center before heading to a local restaurant to taste a typical island dish. Lunch is included in the excursion. In the late afternoon, you will return to Puno. Free evening for rest. Overnight in Puno.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: From Puno to Sicuani (4h drive)
This morning, you will continue your journey to Sicuani, located between Puno and Cusco. Before arriving, you can make some interesting discoveries. The first stop will be the pre-Inca archaeological site of Sillustani. It is a necropolis perched at over 4,000m altitude. The site’s peculiarity is that the tombs are erected like round or square towers. The site is also known as the Sillustani Chullpas. The next stop will be the Pukara archaeological complex. The site dates back to the second millennium BC, offering a breathtaking view of the valley. Before arriving in Sicuani, you will also cross the picturesque La Raya pass. We recommend bringing your own picnic; your driver can stop at lunchtime. Overnight in Sicuani.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: From Sicuani to Cusco (3h drive)
This morning, you will take the road to Cusco. En route, you will visit the San Pedro Church in Andahuaylillas. The 16th-century church surprises with its beautiful frescoes, which is why it is often compared to the Sistine Chapel. The last stop before reaching Cusco will be the Pikillaqta archaeological site. It is an off-the-beaten-path site where archaeological digs continue to reveal more information about its ritual purpose. After visiting Pikillaqta, you will head to Cusco city. This city is at 3,400m altitude and has a rich Inca cultural heritage to discover not only within the city but also in its surroundings. You will still find original Inca walls there, which served as bases for monuments during the Spanish colonization. After arriving at the hotel, you will have free time to start discovering Cusco’s historic center. Overnight in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Cusco Tour
Today you will have the whole day to discover Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. Visits are generally done on foot. You can start your visits at the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption from the 16th century. In the morning, your guide will take you to visit Coricancha, a sacred Inca site. Cusco’s streets are full of beautiful colonial houses that you can admire while strolling through the city center. Your guide will also take you to Hatun Rumiyoc street, which is especially known for its Inca foundations and the extraordinary 12-angle stone. Constructions from that era were truly extraordinary due to their seismic-resistant design. After visiting Cusco’s historic center, your guide will take you to discover the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca capital. You will stop at Tambomachay, which was dedicated to the water cult. It is a series of aqueducts, canals, and various waterfalls designed in an extremely symmetrical manner. In Inca times, royal gardens were irrigated using this canal system. Then you will visit Puka Pukara, where you will discover the ruins of an Inca military fortress. Next, you will continue to Qenko, another important Inca sanctuary called a “labyrinth” by the conquistadors because of its underground galleries resembling labyrinths. The site has a semi-circular shape, which is why it is also called an “amphitheater.” Finally, your guide will take you to the last stop, Sacsayhuaman. Some researchers think it was a temple, others a fortress. But the surprising aspect of the site is the gigantic stones perfectly fitted together. It was the House of the Sun, and only Incas could enter. Free afternoon and evening. Overnight in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: From Cusco to Ollantaytambo (2h drive)
Today you will leave Cusco to head to Ollantaytambo, one of the main attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before reaching Ollantaytambo, you will stop at Chinchero to meet the locals still wearing their colorful traditional clothes. You will discover textile making, the main occupation of the village women who learn to weave from age 6. Chinchero also has Inca agricultural terraces still in use today. You will also meet locals selling their crafts along the road. Once in Ollantaytambo, your guide will show you the fortress ruins with its famous wall of 6 monoliths. There are also ruins of the sun temple and baths. A breathtaking view opens over the Valley from the fortress. The town has a typical charm. You can soak in this special atmosphere by strolling through its narrow streets and witnessing local life scenes. You will also see Peruvian women walking their llamas. During your free time, you can also visit the local covered market. Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: From Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (by train)
Today, depending on your train departure time, your guide will accompany you to the Ollantaytambo station to reach Aguas Calientes, the starting point for the famous Machu Picchu (“Old Mountain”), an Inca citadel from the 15th century located on a rocky promontory. It is often also called the “Lost City.” Once at Aguas Calientes station, you will take the bus to reach Machu Picchu. Note that the journey to the site can also be done on foot via the ancient Inca trail (1h walk). Here you are at the sacred Inca site: a breathtaking moment. Note that the visit is limited to 4 hours according to current regulations. The visit is always accompanied by a local guide. There are different hypotheses about the site’s function. Some scientists believe it was the last Inca city where they fought against the Spanish conquistadors. Others say the monument was dedicated to the Virgins of the Sun (women who dedicated their lives to the sun god). According to another hypothesis, it was a royal palace. After exploring this extraordinary site, you will return to Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: From Aguas Calientes to Cusco (by train)
Today you will return to Cusco. En route, you will stop at Moray, famous for its circular agricultural terraces from the Inca civilization era. As in many other Inca culture monuments, Moray had a complex irrigation system to provide water to the plants. After discovering Moray, you will also see the impressive Maras salt mines, used since Inca times to this day to obtain salt. Currently, there are over 3,000 pools. Then, you will arrive in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 17: From Cusco to Lima (by plane)
Today, depending on your flight time to Lima, your driver-guide will take you to Cusco Airport. Once in Lima, you will be welcomed by another driver who will take you to your hotel. You will have free time to stroll in Lima’s bohemian neighborhood, Barranco, if you wish. You will find several restaurants, bars, and beautiful villas there. A special atmosphere reigns in this lively neighborhood. Overnight in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast
Internal flight is included in the price.
Day 18: Lima and Departure
Today, your private guide will take you to Lima International Airport for your flight. Beforehand, you have free time. If you wish, you can buy souvenirs from the country before departure by going on your own to the Inka Market, or visit the great Huaca Pucllana pyramid (9th-10th centuries), located in Miraflores. This archaeological site is relatively less visited by travelers. Following archaeological digs, dismembered women’s bodies were found there. This suggests it may have been a place of sacrifice at the time. Pre-Columbian mummies are also found there. This will conclude your Peruvian adventure.
EXTENTION POSSIBLE BY REQUEST : LARCO MUSEUM, Mirador de Yanahuara, COLCA CANYON, Flight of NASCA LINE, PUERTO MALANDO, Overnight on the TITICACA Lake, cooking class, food tour, Pisco Tasting… . We are open to your suggestion and will do everything that we can to make it possible.
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