Ballestas, Nazca & Inca culture

Today is departure day, where you will fly to Peru, with connecting flights along the way. You will land at Lima Airport, where you will be met by a representative of our partner in Peru, who will accompany you to your hotel. The journey from the airport to the hotel takes around 1 hour and on the route your guide will answer any questions you may have regarding your trip. The rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish.

The day starts with a half-day tour of the Peruvian capital city, which was founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. The itinerary will take you to the magnificent, bustling central square called Plaza Mayor, which is decorated with rose gardens, tall palm trees and a famous fountain capped with a representation of the city’s guardian angel. The square is lined with beautiful buildings in colonial style, including the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and the city’s impressive cathedral which dates back to 1555 and contains the earthly remains of Pizarro himself. You will then have the chance to visit the San Francisco Monastery and its church from 1674 – which happens to be the most attractive Baroque church in the city. The monastery is decorated with delightful mosaic tiles from Seville and fresco paintings that were rediscovered when an earthquake destroyed parts of the outer wall. Particularly worthy of note are the monastery’s museum of religious art, the library of more than 25,000 books, and the catacombs beneath the church.

Next stop on the itinerary is the San Isidro district, with its attractive parks, and the modern Miraflores quarter, with its fine beaches, gardens and squares, as well as charming cafés and restaurants.

The guided tour rounds off with a visit to the Larco Museum, one of Lima’s best-known museums. Dedicated to pre-Columbian art, it houses an extensive collection of intriguing objects from various pre-Columbian cultures, including Moche, Nazca, Chimú and Inca.

The late afternoon and evening are yours to do with as you wish.

However, it would be a good idea to have an early night, as you will be continuing on your way early in the morning.

Bright and early in the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel and driven to the bus station in Lima. From here, you will head south to Paracas, where you will experience the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. The drive from Lima takes approximately 4 hours, so you can lean back in your chair and have a snooze.

Islas Ballestas offers outstanding wildlife, earning it the nickname “Mini Galapagos”. The archipelago consists mainly of cliffs eroded by the sea to form beautiful rock formations.
The archipelago is the country’s most important bird and marine reserve and has a sizeable population of seabirds including cormorants, seagulls and the blue-footed booby, which is also found on Galapagos. Sea lions, which occasionally swim close to the boats, and Humboldt penguins, carried from Antarctica by the powerful Humboldt Current, can also be spotted on the islands. Landing on the islands is not allowed as they are protected, but the boat trip allows you to see the animals right up close.
You will also see “La Candelabra” from the boat, on the northernmost point of the Paracas peninsula. La Candelabra is a huge geoglyph in the dry desert sand, depicting a three-armed candelabra or a cactus, which was a symbol of power in the Chavin culture. It is not known who created the geoglyph or what purpose it had.

After the trip to Islas Ballestas, you hop back on the bus and drive towards Nazca where you arrive late afternoon and are driven to your hotel. The drive to Nazca also takes about 4 hours.

Distance: Lima – Paracas – Nazca approx. 460 km

Transport time: around 8 hours

The small town of Nazca is like a lush green oasis surrounded by desert and high dunes. The town features on the international map due to its mysterious geoglyphs of animals and geometric figures in the desert sand. The figures have been there for more than 2,000 years and have not been erased by weather or wind due to the minimal rainfall in the area.

There are many theories about the purpose of the Lines, but archaeologists and other researchers are not yet in full agreement about their function.

As the figures are best seen from above, you will be going on a short flight over the impressive lines to give you an impression of the scale of them. Look forward to seeing some of the most famous figures which, among other things, depict an “astronaut”, a giant lizard, a hummingbird, a monkey, a spider and a condor with a 130-metre wingspan.

After viewing this amazing sight, you return to terra firma and are driven to the bus station where you board the bus to the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa. It’s a long drive to Arequipa, giving you a good sense of just how big the country is. Arequipa is located in the Andes at an altitude of almost 2,400 metres, with the volcanoes Misti (5,822 m), Chachani (6,057 m) and Pichu-Pichu (5,669 m) as a beautiful backdrop.

On your arrival in Arequipa, you will be picked up and driven to your hotel.

Please note: Flights over the Nazca Lines may be cancelled by the Peruvian authorities in poor weather. However, this is rare.

Distance: Nazca – Arequipa approx. 567 km

Transport time: Approx. 10-11 hours

Arequipa is almost exclusively built of white volcanic rock, hence its nickname “The White City”.

Today, you’re going on an interesting guided tour of the city, on which you’ll experience the highlights of Arequipa. On the tour, you’ll see the many stately mansions and colonial buildings from the 18th century with their carved doors, French windows and cosy courtyards. You will also visit the central square, Plaza de Armas, with its palm trees, old gas lanterns, fountains and, of course, the city’s huge cathedral. The city is almost exclusively built of white volcanic rock, hence its nickname “The White City”.

You’ll then visit Arequipa’s biggest attraction, the Santa Catalina Monastery, which once housed more than 400 nuns. Santa Catalina was founded in 1580 by a rich widow named Maria de Guzmán. It was primarily aimed at the upper classes, for whom, during colonial times, it was customary for the family’s second child to serve the church. The girls were brought to the monastery at the age of three and never ventured outside the walls again.

The monastery has been hit several times by earthquakes but has been rebuilt in its original style, and the historic buildings still stand to this day. Although the monastery is open to the public today, there is still a small religious unit living at one end of the complex. Today, however, the nuns are free to receive visits and leave the Monastery of Santa Catalina whenever they want.

The last stop on the tour is Yanahuara Plaza, where you have every opportunity to take some beautiful pictures of the city’s breathtaking volcanic surroundings.

You have the evening to yourself in Arequipa.

Early morning, you head for the fascinating Colca Colca Canyon. Around 3,400 metres deep, the canyon is one of the deepest in the world. By comparison, it is around twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US.

You’ll cross the spectacular Altiplano plateau, which is characterised by its dry, barren landscape with vast open expanses where you can spot grazing llamas and alpacas. You really get to experience the mighty Andes Mountains on this tour, and in several places, you’ll be driving at an altitude of over 4,000 metres. The highest pass and vantage point on the route is called Mirador de los volcanes, and on a clear day, you have a fantastic view from here of the surrounding volcanoes. The vantage point is located at an altitude of around 4,900 metres, and you’ll notice immediately that the thin air at this altitude affects your breathing. So, it will just be a brief stop to take photos before continuing down towards the town of Chivay, which serves as the entrance to Colca Canyon.

In the afternoon, it’s time for a spot of pampering with a visit to Chivay’s thermal baths, which are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. Chivay is surrounded by the volcanoes Sabancaya (5,976 metres) and Ampato (6,288 metres).

Distance: Approx. 167 km

Transport time: around 4 hours

You’ll be getting up early today, too, and heading to Mirador Cruz del Condor, a magnificent vantage point overlooking one of the deepest sections of Colca Canyon. Standing here, looking down and out over the vast canyon, is an amazing experience. If you’re lucky, you might see condors gliding silently above your head. The condor is the world’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan of up to 3 metres. It hovers on the warm air currents that rise from the canyon.

After this breathtaking nature experience, you’ll go for a short walk in the valley, where you’ll discover the ancient agricultural terraces that have been in use for centuries. There will also be ample opportunity to buy a colourful souvenir to take home with you. You then drive back to Chivay for lunch before boarding the bus to Puno.

Puno is located on Lake Titicaca, which is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. The city was of great historical significance to the Incas. It was here that the first Inca, Manco Capac, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca to start the Inca Empire, becoming the first king of Cusco. Today, Puno is an agricultural city specialising in the breeding of llamas and alpacas, so wool products can be bought here at a good price.

Distance: Chivay – Cruz del Condor return + Chivay – Puno: Approx. 385 km

Transport time: around 9 hours

Today, you’ll enjoy a full-day excursion on Lake Titicaca, which stretches between Peru and Bolivia. Here, an exciting encounter awaits with two very different highland communities, where ancient traditions are still proudly upheld.

You start by sailing out of the harbour to the floating reed islands, Islas Uros, which are still inhabited by the Uros people. The Uros use the lake’s strong totora reeds to build islands, houses and boats. Despite the islands having become a little commercial, it’s still fascinating to learn about the culture and ancient traditions of the Uros people and not least to see their impressive craftsmanship.

You then sail on to the island of Taquile, which is known especially for its colourful crafts and its “knitting men”. Here on the island, it’s the men who knit – and they’re good at it! The pattern on a man’s hat, called a chullo, not only shows his creativity, but his civilian status, too. It’s women’s job to spin the yarn and weave. The women weave the beautiful belts for the men’s costumes. Their craftsmanship is considered some of the finest in the entire country.

Together with your guide, you walk up to the highest point of the island, from which there is a breathtaking view of Lake Titicaca, with high mountains in the background.

Before heading back to Puno, you enjoy a traditional lunch at a cosy restaurant, and there’s also time to go exploring on your own and perhaps buy a beautiful souvenir to take home with you.

Once back in Puno, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening to yourself.

Get ready for a long but eventful day! You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the bus station, where a coach is waiting to take you to Cusco, which was once the official capital of the Inca Empire, and is now an elegant, thriving and multicultural city.

En route, you will cross Altiplano, where you may well see some vicuñas, an animal that is related to the camel but looks more like a lama or alpaca. Several stops will be made on the way, and you’ll be given a guided tour of old ruins and monuments such as those found at the Pukara Museum. Pukara, the first regional town closest to Lake Titicaca, dates back to 500BC. The museum is part of an archaeological area where impressive stone sculptures, ceramic pieces and other archaeological excavations have been found, providing an exciting insight into the history of Andean civilisation. The coach will subsequently take you over La Raya – the highest point on the route at 4,319 metres above sea level – before descending into a beautiful valley used to cultivate a variety of crops including corn and potatoes. You will then arrive in Raqchi, where you can view the ruins of Viracocha Temple, one of the most sacred sites of all to the Incas. The last stop before Cusco is at the famous colonial age church Andahuaylillas, better known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’ on account of its magnificent painted ceilings and other fine art.

On arriving in Cusco, you will have time to check into your hotel before spending the evening exploring the city and its excellent restaurants.

Distance: Approx. 390 km

Transport time: Approx. 10 hours incl. stops

There is nothing scheduled for today until the afternoon, when a guided tour of Cusco and its surroundings has been arranged. You start at the city’s central square – the Plaza de Armas, which was known as Hucaypata or ‘The Warriors’ Square’ during the age of the Incas. It was here that many of the most important events in the history of Cusco took place.

This is also where you will find Cusco Cathedral, built of stone from the Sacsayhuamán Inca complex on top of the Inca Viracocha Palace during the colonial era. The cathedral is therefore a wonderful mix of Spanish Renaissance architecture and the Incas’ masterful stone masonry. The street next to the cathedral leads to Santo Domingo Church, which is built on top of what was once one of the most important temples of the Inca empire, Koricancha. The magnificent earlier sun temple forms the foundation of the church and is built without the aid of mortar, with each stone fitting perfectly instead.

Next on the itinerary is Kenko, another sacred Inca site marked with a 5-metre-high stone block which is said to resemble a puma. This site is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth and features water channels carved in solid rock and a subterranean room. Farther along the road stands a small fortress called Puka Pukara, which is believed to have been used to guard the road and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here you will see terraces carved into the side of the mountain, as well as steps, tunnels and towers. Continuing north, you will come to Tambomachay, a sacred bathing site for the Inca conquerors and women of the royal household The system is a masterpiece of construction, and is still able to deliver water to this day.

The last stop on the tour is the military complex of Sacsayhuaman, which enjoys a magnificent location with a wonderful view out over Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is a fascinating example of the architectural skill of the Incas. It is an impressive construction, with double walls of carved granite, where the heaviest block weighs more than 125 tonnes.

After the tour, you will return to Cusco where the evening is yours to do with as you wish.

Today, you’ll explore the Urubamba Valley – the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Your first stop is Pisac, famed for its vibrant markets, where you can browse everything from Peruvian wool sweaters and musical instruments to paintings, textiles, and jewellery. The town is also renowned for its impressive ruins perched above the village. Though built from smaller stones than those at Sacsayhuaman, the precision with which they have been carved and fitted is simply astonishing – as is the view.

After lunch, you will continue on your way to Ollantaytambo, another charming village in the heart of the valley, which is considered to be an open air museum, in that all residents observe the old traditions and laws that can be traced back to the their earliest forefathers. The town is probably best known for the complex of the same name, which comprises temples, baths and impressive military installations.

You will then return to Cusco, where the rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish.

Distance: Approx. 160 km

Transport time: Approx. 10 hours incl. stops

This morning, the tour proceeds from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The means of transport is a combination of bus and train – depending on the season. Aguas Calientes is buzzing with life from the many visitors who travel here to experience the impressive Machu Picchu ruins. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be met and accompanied to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at your free leisure, where you can explore Aguas Calientes on your own. You can enjoy your lunch and perhaps visit the thermal baths, also called hot springs, and relax in the naturally heated water. Remember swimwear. These hot springs have given the town its name, Aguas Calientes, which means hot water.

Distance: Approx. 125 km

Transport time: Cusco – Aguas Calientes (bus + train): around 4 hours

Today, you’ll head for one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – the highlight of your tour – the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu, enchantingly perched on a steep, green ridge in the Urubamba Valley and encircled by cloud forest, lush peaks, and, on the horizon, snow-capped mountains. A guided tour awaits, taking you to the narrow terraces that cling to the mountain’s steep sides and to areas once used as burial grounds, prisons, small settlements, and temples.

It is said that Machu Picchu was rediscovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham on 24 July 1911. This is not strictly true, but he is certainly responsible for spreading the news of this truly remarkable place to all corners of the globe. The Inca city was built in around 1462 – i.e. during the Golden Age of the Inca Empire – but was abandoned less than a century later, probably on account of a smallpox epidemic. As Machu Picchu was never discovered and plundered by the Spanish invaders, it retains major cultural significance and is considered a sacred site. Machu Picchu was home to priests, highly ranked civil servants, craftsmen, servants and virgins selected to devote their lives to the Sun God. It was a city with streets, aqueducts – which still carry water to this day – fountains and walkways, and it fulfilled a variety of religious functions.

As an add-on, you can also purchase a hike to the top of one of the surrounding Andes Mountains and experience fantastic panoramic views down over the Inca Empire. Choose from three different mountains: The Huchuy Picchu Mountain, the lowest and easiest to climb; the Huayna Picchu Mountain, which is steep and more challenging; and, finally, the Machu Picchu Mountain, which is regarded as the most demanding hike of the three.

Your train back to Cusco leaves late in the afternoon. Your guide will let you know the exact time after the Machu Picchu tour.

On your arrival in Cusco, you will be driven back to your hotel.

Distance: Approx. 125 km

Transport time: Aguas Calientes – Cusco (train + bus): around 4 hours

Today, there are no planned excursions, so the day is at your disposal. Perhaps you would like to head out and buy some final souvenirs, or just take a stroll around this gorgeous, historical city.

If you would like to experience even more of the magical Andes Mountains, we recommend purchasing an excursion to the magnificent Rainbow Mountain. This mountain is just one of the many beautiful, rainbow-coloured mountains just outside of Cusco, whose colours are due to the mountains’ combination of colourful minerals. It is a truly unique experience to see a mountain in so many wonderful colours.

We also offer an excursion to the Inca ruins at Moray and the salt mines in Maras, or how about trying your hand at a small cookery class where you gain an exciting insight into Peruvian cuisine?

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport to catch your flight home, which will feature connecting flights along the way.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after a wonderfully eventful holiday.