13-Day Peru Explorer from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

Begin your day with a boat trip from Paracas harbor at 8 am to the Ballestas Islands, a haven for marine wildlife. This 2-hour excursion offers a chance to see hundreds of sea lions, as well as cormorants, Peruvian boobies, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins. Keep an eye out for dolphins too!

After your wildlife adventure, travel to Nasca (about a 3-hour journey). Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time in the afternoon.

Today, you'll set off on a scenic 600-kilometer drive to the colonial city of Arequipa, a journey that takes about ten hours.
Once you arrive, check into your hotel and rest up for a night before starting your adventures in Arequipa the next day.

Start your day with a walking tour of Arequipa, known for its white volcanic stone buildings. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, an oasis of beautiful gardens, patios, and fountains. Wander its cobblestone paths, discovering hidden alcoves and nuns' cells.

The rest of the day is yours to explore. Consider strolling around Arequipa's main square, surrounded by colonial buildings, or visit the Yanahuara District for stunning views of the city and the Misti volcano.

Begin your half-day tour to the Colca Valley, home to the stunning Colca Canyon. Set out at dawn for a 4-hour drive to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. There, you'll witness the breathtaking panorama of the canyon, terraced fields, and traditional villages. If you're lucky, you might see the majestic Andean condors soaring in the sky.

Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the tranquility of the Colca Canyon.

Today, journey to the ancient site of Sillustani. Marvel at the towering burial towers (chullpas) that stand guard over the remains of the pre-Inca Colla people.

As you walk the winding path to the towers, the stones blend with the natural landscape. Looking up at the Andean peaks, feel a deep connection to the ancient civilization that once inhabited this sacred place.

Begin your day on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the unique Uros floating islands, made from tortora reeds. Meet the inhabitants who maintain their ancestral way of life on these buoyant homes.

Next, travel to Taquile Island, often called a living museum of Incan culture. Here, locals wear traditional clothing and speak Quechua, preserving their heritage under the Andean sun.
As the day ends, watch the lake turn golden with the setting sun, a perfect end to your exploration of these sacred waters.

Travel to Cusco by tourist bus, making a stop for a buffet lunch in the historic town of Sicuani.
Visit the Pukara Museum to see artifacts from three millennia ago. Explore the Raqchi ruins, a sacred ceremonial complex dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha. Admire the chapel of Andahuaylillas, known for its golden interiors and baroque carvings.

Upon arriving in Cusco, be greeted by its ancient cobblestone streets and impressive Inca stonework. Get ready to explore this city, known as the navel of the world, where history is alive at every turn.

Immerse yourself in Cusco's Inca heritage, starting with the sunlit Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Marvel at the majestic Cusco Cathedral and the imposing Sacsayhuaman fortress. Venture to nearby ancient sites like Q'enqo's mysterious chambers, Puca Pucara's strategic ruins, and Tambomachay's ingenious waterworks.

The rest of the day is yours to soak in the vibrant culture and history of Cusco.

Today, you'll explore the Sacred Valley. Start with the colorful Pisac Market, where you can see local crafts and foods. 
Then, visit the ancient ruins of Ollantaytambo, an old Inca fortress. In the afternoon, take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu.

Get ready to visit Machu Picchu, the famous lost city of the Incas. After breakfast, take a bus up to the ruins. You'll have a guided tour to learn all about this amazing place. 
After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Cusco.

Today, you'll fly from Cusco back to Lima. Once you're in Lima, you'll catch your flight home. We hope you had a great time in Peru!