EMPIRE OF THE SUN
10 DAYS IN PERU
TRIP SUMMARY
On this incredible 10-day journey, you will experience the ultimate adventure through Peru's most breathtaking treasures, from the Pacific coast to the heights of the Andean Altiplano. Your trip begins by immersing yourself in Lima's colonial history before discovering the extraordinary marine wildlife of Paracas, experiencing the thrill of the Huacachina desert dunes, and taking a scenic flight over the mysterious and ancient Nazca Lines.
Your adventure then takes you to the heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco, where you'll explore its magnificent archaeological sites, the Sacred Valley, the remarkable circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the impressive Maras Salt Mines. The highlight of your journey awaits at the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience surrounded by mist-covered mountains.
To conclude your adventure, you'll travel along the spectacular Route of the Sun across the Andes to the enchanting city of Puno. There, you'll cruise across the majestic waters of Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world—and discover the ancient traditions of the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DISCOVERING THE CITY OF KINGS (LIMA)
Welcome upon arrival at Lima Airport and private transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring Huaca Pucllana, Lima's Historic Centre, and the San Francisco Monastery. End the day strolling along the Pacific coastline in Miraflores.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima.
MARINE WILDLIFE & DESERT ADVENTURE (PARACAS & ICA)
Depart early for Paracas. Enjoy a speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Around midday, visit a local winery for a wine and pisco tasting followed by lunch. In the afternoon, experience the excitement of Huacachina with an unforgettable dune buggy ride and sandboarding adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ica. Included: Lunch.
THE MYSTERY FROM ABOVE (NAZCA LINES)
Travel to Nazca for an unforgettable scenic flight over the enormous ancient geoglyphs created by the Nazca civilization. After the flight and a traditional lunch, visit the María Reiche Museum to learn more about these fascinating archaeological wonders before returning to Lima.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lima. Included: Lunch.
WELCOME TO THE INCA CAPITAL (CUSCO)
Transfer to Lima Airport for your domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour including Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
SACRED VALLEY & SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY
Travel through the Sacred Valley to visit the impressive agricultural terraces of Pisac and its traditional handicraft market. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba before exploring the magnificent Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Later, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Included: Buffet lunch.
THE MAGIC OF MACHU PICCHU
Today marks the highlight of your journey. Early in the morning, take the shuttle bus up to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour while uncovering the fascinating history and remarkable engineering of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo before transferring back to Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
ANCIENT TERRACES & SALT MINES (MARAS & MORAY)
This morning, travel to Moray to admire its remarkable circular agricultural terraces, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory. Continue to the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt ponds have been harvested since pre-Inca times. Enjoy a free afternoon in Cusco.
Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
CROSSING THE ANDES (ROUTE OF THE SUN: CUSCO - PUNO)
Travel along the famous Route of the Sun towards Puno. Visit the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," the archaeological complex of Raqchi, and enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery at La Raya Pass. Continue to the Pukara Museum before arriving in Puno.
Accommodation: Hotel in Puno. Included: Lunch.
LIVING TRADITIONS ON LAKE TITICACA (UROS & TAQUILE)
Cruise across magnificent Lake Titicaca. Visit the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros before continuing to Taquile Island, where you'll discover its internationally renowned textile traditions and unique Andean way of life. Enjoy a traditional local lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Puno. Included: Lunch.
DEPARTURE
At the scheduled time, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Juliaca Airport for your domestic flight to Lima, connecting with your international departure. Return home with unforgettable memories of an extraordinary journey through Peru
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
TIKA WASI
PUNDA
TIKA WASI
PUNDA
TAYPIKALA MACHUPICCHU
TEMBO
SONESTA HOTEL CUSCO
SIMBA
INCLUDED
- International flights.
- Private airport-hotel-airport transfers
- Private transfers between airport and hotel and vice versa.
- 9 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels (2 in Lima, 1 in Ica, 3 in Cusco, 1 in Aguas Calientes, and 2 in Puno).
- Shared tourist transportation for all excursions.
- Shared bilingual guided tours (Spanish and English) throughout the itinerary.
- Entrance fees for the Lima City Tour, including Lima Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, and the Magic Water Circuit.
- Speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, plus entrance fees to Paracas National Reserve and Huacachina.
- Winery tour with wine and pisco tasting, plus sandboarding and dune buggy experience in Ica.
- 30-minute scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, including tourist ticket.
- Entrance fees in Cusco: Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
- Entrance fees to the Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero) and Maras & Moray.
- Expedition or Voyager train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
- Round-trip shuttle bus to Machu Picchu and entrance ticket (Circuit 2, subject to availability).
- Entrance fees along the Route of the Sun: Andahuaylillas Church, Raqchi Archaeological Site, and Pukara Museum.
- Tourist boat excursion to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, including entrance fees.
- Lunches included in Ica, Nazca, Urubamba (Sacred Valley), Route of the Sun, and Taquile.
- Ongoing travel assistance throughout your trip.
- Booking fees.
NOT INCLUDED
- Meals not specifically mentioned under "Included."
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Travel, medical, and cancellation insurance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
International flights
Your international arrival is in Lima (LIM). Two domestic flights (not included) are required: Lima–Cusco on Day 4 and Juliaca–Lima on Day 10 to connect with your international departure.
Visa
Spanish passport holders do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Vaccinations and altitude
No mandatory vaccinations are required. As the itinerary gradually ascends to Puno and Lake Titicaca (3,800 m / 12,500 ft), proper acclimatization is essential. Staying well hydrated and enjoying traditional coca or herbal infusions is recommended to help prevent altitude sickness.
Opciones de Tren (Upgrades)
The itinerary includes the standard Expedition or Voyager train service. Optional upgrades are available for an additional supplement to either the Vistadome (panoramic windows and onboard snacks) or the Vistadome Observatory (open-air observation carriage with live music and cultural performances).
Terms and conditions
Here we will include a link to our cancellation policy.