Vamos!

Peru Megadiverse

Desert, Andes & Jungle
21 days

overview

Get ready for a 21-day adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Peru, a combination of adrenaline, nature and culture. We start in Lima, where you will lose yourself in the energy of the vibrant metropolis, then travel to Paracas and sail to the Islas Ballestas, home to migratory birds and playful marine mammals. Then in Ica you will enjoy the famous Pisco and Wine Route, with flavors that will connect you to the earth, and in Huacachina you will feel the adrenaline at full speed as you drive over the dunes in a 4x4 jeep. We will fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a mystery that challenges logic and stimulates the imagination. Then, in Arequipa, the so-called "White City", you will explore its architecture before reaching the Colca Canyon, where the majestic flight of the Andean condor will leave you speechless. In Puno, you will sail over the calm waters of Lake Titicaca, discover the fascinating floating islands of the Uros and come into contact with the people and their customs. Cusco, the imperial city, will envelop you in its history before you arrive at the magical Machu Picchu, where the energy of this sacred place will make you vibrate. The grand finale awaits you in the Amazon jungle, in the Tambopata National Reserve. Here you will immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, surrounded by wild animals and breathtaking landscapes, on an adventure that will make you feel more alive than ever before.

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! We've got some amazing insider information about what to expect on a day-to-day basis. Your unforgettable experience starts right here, right now!

To the itinerary

Want more? Our extra activities are waiting for you!

ICA

sandboarding

Dunebuggy ride

Nazca

Cahuachi

pyramids

CUSCO

Hike to Winicunca Rainbow Mountain + refreshments

NASCA

Flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines

AREQUIPA

city tour

Santa Catalina Monastery

CERRO BLANCO

Hike

Sandboarding

PUNO

Kayaking on Lake Titicaca

Chullpas of Sillustani

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

1. NEW MACHU PICCHU REGULATIONS
Please note that new regulations apply to all visitors to Machu Picchu, requiring them to complete different circuits within the site to reduce overcrowding. The new tickets for the circuits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other travelers in some activities. Therefore, it may happen that the staff and some fellow travelers join your tour.

4. YELLOW FEVER
A yellow fever certificate may be required upon entry into the country being visited. Please check with your local health professional about yellow fever and other vaccinations required for this area.

5. WET SEASON
Please note that during the rainy season (January - April) the railway line may be partially closed in case of heavy rainfall.

6. Please note that protocols in Peru may require proof of double vaccination against COVID-19 to be presented along with the passport to board domestic flights and trains and also to access restaurants, museums and tourist attractions. We recommend having this information on hand as these requirements may change without notice.

7. NOTE ON ACCOMMODATION:
Please note that the two-story accommodations we stay in may not have elevators and you will have to climb the stairs with your luggage. 8. Wifi Please note that there will be no wifi and limited cell service for most of the hike.

Included in the price:

All domestic flights: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado / Puerto Maldonado - Lima.
All domestic transport and transfers mostly by private minibus; Juliaca to Cusco by bus and Machu Picchu to Cusco by train.
Overnight stays in double rooms (with shower/WC) in a balanced mix of mid-range hotels, very cosy and local hostals and simple accommodation. In Luquina, overnight stay in very simple and rustic accommodation without running water. During the Inca Trail overnight stay in tents. (Note: single tent only possible on request - surcharge 80,- EUR).
Meals on your trip: 20 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners (varies depending on the trail; see tour programme)
All activities included in the programme (flight over the Nazca Lines, Ballestas Island boat trip, unless marked as optional activities in the itinerary.
Huayopata Valley, cacao, tea & coffee plantation + local living.
Entrance fees for the visits included in the programme, exceptions are indicated in the itinerary
All national park fees.
German-speaking Servus tour guide throughout.
Some additional local guides in English or German depending on location and availability.

Not included in the price:

Costs for any vaccinations such as (yellow fever)
Costs for visa
Admission to the Aeródromo de Nazca (approx. USD 13) Airport fee in Nazca (approx. USD 10) and private extra expenses.
Gratuities.
Meals not listed.
Optional activities.
In the event of a change to the itinerary, the additional costs are to be borne by the traveller.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 Lima

Arrival and welcome meeting

Arrival possible at any time.

Arrival and welcome meeting Today the adventure begins. You have time to explore on your own, but please don't forget to arrive on time with your group. After the welcome, your German-speaking tour guide will discuss all the details of your trip. The normal check-in times apply in our starting hotels. However, there is luggage storage in the hotel if you arrive earlier.
In the evening we visit El Parke de las Aguas
Accommodation: Britannia Crystal Hotel (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Activity: El Parque de las aguas Lima (water park)

Day 2 Lima / Paracas

You have the morning at leisure in Lima, stroll along the city's seafront and stop at a cafe to try some Peruvian food such as "Lomo Saltado" "Ceviche" and a variety of exquisite dishes.
Embark on a guided tour of Lima city center, where the streets are lined with colonial mansions, palaces and churches.
Board a local bus to travel down the coast to Paracas. The bus to the bus station leaves around noon. Enjoy the
sunset on the beach in Paracas on the seashore.
Accommodation: Hotel Refugio del Pirata (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Transportation: Local bus: get on, sit down and enjoy the ride.
The bus has 160° reclining seats and we reserve the comfort class for the trip.
Lima – Paracas: approx. 4 hours in the afternoon 250 km
Accommodation: approx. 4:50 p.m.

Day 3 Paracas - Oasis Huacachina - Nazca

After breakfast, a fantastic day of activities begins. Nature lovers can visit the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas National Reserve to see pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions, Humboldt penguins and the Candelabro geoglyphs - all during a two-hour boat ride. Then you will board our private transport that will take you to Ica. There we will visit a guided Pisco route where you can taste different liquors made from distilled grapes and learn about the process. After that you will reach the oasis of Huacachina where you will have the opportunity to drive a dune buggy across the desert, do pirouettes over the bizarre shapes of the dunes and try sandboarding. In the afternoon you will continue to your last destination of the day: the city of eternal summer, Nazca. Accommodation: Hotel Alegria (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Transportation: Private transport Paracas - Huacachina - Nazca
Special information
Duration: Paracas - Huacachina: approx. 1.5 hours, Huacachina - Nazca: approx. 2.5 hoursArrival: approx. 6 p.m. in Nazca.
Between June and September the visit to the Ballestas Islands may be closed due to weather conditions. In this case, an alternative land tour to the Paracas National Reserve will be offered instead.

Day 4 Nazca

Today's adventure begins with the flight over the Nazca Lines. Our guide will take you to the Aerodromo María Reiche, where you will be able to observe the mysterious lines and geoglyphs of Nazca from the clear blue sky aboard a Cessna with experienced pilots. Let your imagination fly with these impressive figures. During the 30 minutes of flight, one of the officials will tell you about each figure you fly over with the avioneta. In the afternoon we will visit the Pyramids of Cahuachi, one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the south, built with adobe and extending over 24 km. Then we will visit the Calle family's ceramic workshop. Here you will learn about the production of the different types of ceramics and their purposes, all of which are made by hand. Finally, we will return to the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Alegria (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Activity included: Cahuachi Pyramids
Not included: Flight over the Nazca Lines and air travel tax and municipal tax

Day 5. Free day in Nazca – Arequipa

This day is crucial to recharge your batteries as we have a long night ahead of us. Check-out is at 12 noon. Our stay
includes the option to leave your luggage safely and use the hotel facilities until departure. If you are still feeling adventurous,
discuss with your guide to organize more optional activities or enjoy your free time by the swimming pool. On the bus,
adjustable seats with 160° inclination await you and we reserve the comfort class for a pleasant journey.
Transport: Regional bus: get on, sit down and enjoy the ride.
Travel time: approx. 10 hours overnight bus
Overnight: On the bus
Accommodation: Hotel Arequipa Inn (or similar)

Day 6 Arequipa - Free day

You will arrive in Arequipa in the morning, check into your hotel and after breakfast set out to explore this beautiful colonial city at the foot of the imposing El Misti volcano. Its buildings made of volcanic stone shimmer in the sun, earning it the nickname “The White City”.

Start your day in the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by cafes with the majestic cathedral in the background. Visit the Museum of the Andean Sanctuaries, which houses the famous Inca mummy “Juanita”, or explore the Santa Catalina Convent, a former convent full of stories and secrets, known for the luxurious lifestyle of its nuns in the past.

Accommodation: Arequipa Inn (or similar)

Meal Included: None

Day 7 Arequipa - Chivay

Today we will travel by private transport to the town of Chivay at 3,635 m. Along the way you will see llamas, alpacas and vicuñas - how can you tell these adorable animals apart? Your guide will explain the differences between these animals. We will also stop to take breaks, take photos and try the local coca tea, which helps to cope with the altitude. The third stop will take you to the highest point of the tour in Patapampa (4,800 m above sea level) before you descend to your destination Chivay. Enjoy your lunch break in the town and then visit the hot spring, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers breathtaking views. Here you will see terraced fields that were cultivated by local villages in pre-Inca times. This is also the home of the Andean condor. Observe one of the world's largest flying birds from a prime vantage point above the canyon.
Accommodation: Hotel La Casa de Lucila (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Not included: Lunch and dinner
Transportation: Private transport: hop in, sit down and enjoy the ride
Travel time: Approx. 5 hours

Day 8 Colca Canyon - Arequipa

After breakfast we will travel by bus to the "Mirador de la Cruz del Condor" where we can see the king of birds soaring in the morning thermals. At the same time our eyes will delight in the breathtaking scenery of picturesque villages, Andean landscapes and the majestic mountains of Chivay. The Colca Canyon is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers spectacular views. Here you can marvel at terraced fields that have been cultivated by the locals since pre-Inca times. This is also the home of the Andean Condor. At a prime viewpoint above the canyon you have the opportunity to observe one of the largest flying birds in the world. After our visit to the majestic canyon we return to Arequipa. In the evening we make our way to Puno in a comfortable bus. Return to Arequipa. Accommodation: Hotel Arequipa Inn Meal included: Breakfast Free day in Arequipa

Day 10 Puno - Lake Titicaca Los Uros

After breakfast, we head to the port of Lake Titicaca, full of anticipation, where an unforgettable adventure awaits us. On an exciting boat trip to the floating reed islands of the Uros, we enjoy the breathtaking landscape and immerse ourselves in the fascinating culture of this unique community.

Our first destination is the Uros Islands, which are about 7 km from Puno. There we will visit two of more than 90 islands and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. We will learn more about their way of life, history, customs and the main activities such as handicrafts, tourism and traditional fishing. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the deep-rooted traditions and the joy of life of the Uros.

Finally, we take a scenic walk to the main port of Taquile, where our boat is already waiting for us to take us safely back to Puno.

Accommodation: Hotel Sol Plaza (or similar)

Meal included: Breakfast

Day 11 Puno - Cusco

Today we will be taken to the bus station to board our bus to Cusco, the Inca capital. The bus ride takes about 7 hours.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Welcome to Cusco! (3,399 m) Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru
Free day to explore the city with its traditional markets, squares, cathedrals and archaeological sites.
Accommodation: Estancia San Pedro Hotel (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast
Transportation: Regional Bus

Day 12 Cusco - Free day

This day offers you the perfect opportunity to either relax and recharge after your hike or to continue exploring the fascinating city of Cusco. If you choose to relax, you can unwind in one of the cozy cafes or perhaps enjoy a soothing spa experience. However, if you still feel energetic and adventurous, you could go on an exciting hike or a city tour through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes around Cusco. The city not only offers impressive views of the impressive nature, but also the opportunity to discover hidden corners and charming villages that are often off the beaten track. Whichever option you choose, your last day in Cusco will certainly be unforgettable. Meal included: Breakfast

Day 13 Cusco - Huayopata - Lucumayo Lodge & Plantations

Today our exclusive excursion to the village of Huayopata begins. At 7 a.m. you will be picked up by our local guide at your hotel. After that we will drive for four hours to the valley of Huayopata. On the way there we will cross the sacred valley of the Incas and later make a short stop near the majestic mountain "Veronica". Finally we will reach the magnificent valley of Huayopata, where you will spend the night at the Lucumayo Lodge. During this two-day tour you will learn about the cultivation, harvesting and processing of organic tea, cocoa and coffee. The aim of the tour on this day is to see the cultivation of the tea plants so that you can understand the entire production process. Accommodation: Lucumayo Lodge Meals included: Breakfast 2x, lunch 2x and dinner 1x.

Day 14 Huayopata - Coffee and Cocoa Plantations - Aguas Calientes Pueblo

Early in the morning, before breakfast, we take a walk to the Catarata del Oso (Bear Waterfall). On the way we can observe various birds, such as the cock of the rock, the swallow-tailed hummingbird, the red-billed finch and various flycatchers. After returning to the ecolodge, we enjoy a typical breakfast of the region. Afterwards, we visit some coffee plantations where we can work. Our local guide explains the different types and forms of coffee and the way it is cared for. Then we go on to the harvest and the subsequent process of peeling and drying the coffee. Then we visit Martin's house where we learn about the artisanal roasting process. This is followed by tasting and enjoying this organic coffee compared to green (unroasted) coffee. After that, we return to the lodge where lunch is served. Later, we visit some cocoa plantations where we collect cocoa beans. Our
local guide will explain the cultivation process and then show us the chocolate making process. After that comes the most popular activity:
tasting this delicious organic product. Between 5 and 5:30 pm we will travel to Aguas Calientes Pueblo where we will spend the night.
Take your time to enjoy the magic of Aguas Calientes Pueblo.
Accommodation: Vilas Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Train ride to Aguas Calientes village or hike from Hidroelectrica station to Aguas Calientes Pueblo. Please let us know which alternative you
like best.

Day 15 Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Take a bus to Machu Picchu at 5:30am. The city was built around 1440AD as a retreat for the Inca nobility, but there is evidence that the land was a sacred Inca site for much longer. Take a guided tour of the ruins of temples, palaces and residential quarters, then enjoy free time to wander on your own before the group returns to Cusco. After the Machu Picchu tour, we meet at Aguas Calientes Pueblo. Breakfast time: At 5am Bus departure: At 5:30am Train departure: At 2pm Accommodation: Cusco Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 Cusco - Free day

This day offers you the perfect opportunity to either relax and recharge your batteries after your hike or to continue exploring the fascinating city of Cusco. If you decide to relax, you can relax in one of the cozy cafes. However, if you still feel energetic and adventurous, you could go on an exciting hike or a city tour through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes around Cusco. The city not only offers impressive views of the impressive nature, but also the opportunity to discover hidden corners and charming villages that are often off the beaten track. Whichever option you choose, your last day in Cusco will certainly be unforgettable. Meal included: Breakfast

Day 17 Cusco - Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Jungle)

Flight to Puerto Maldonado, located in the tropical forest of the Amazon lowlands, and continue by motorized boat to the comfortable and exclusive Tambopata Lodge. After a short stop in the city to store larger luggage, you will continue to the pier and then take a covered motorboat to the jungle lodge. On the way you can observe bird species typical of the river bank or the forest edge. The Tambopata rainforest holds the world record for the most bird sightings in one region. Most of the lodge's staff are from the local community. This includes multilingual nature guides. Here you have the opportunity to not only learn about the lush flora and fauna of the region, but also learn about the many practical ways in which various medicinal plants and other plant resources of the forest are used using traditional methods for building, fishing and hunting. At night we take an exciting jungle walk in the dark! Accommodation: Tambopata Lodge
Boat trip: approx. 2.5 hours
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included: National park entrance fee and local guide
Not included: tips and drinks at the bar

Day 18 Tambopata National Park

After an excellent buffet breakfast, we set off early to explore the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). After a slow walk through the forest trying to spot wildlife and a short morning boat ride, we set off to explore Lake Condenado by canoe. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the wetlands are some of the best places in the forest for birdwatching and viewing a variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals. As we continue, we see tree species such as the strangler fig tree and the mighty kapok towering high above the treetops. Back at the ecolodge, after an excellent buffet lunch in our restaurant, you will have time to hike on your own on our extensive trail system, explore our gardens or take a dip in our nearby swimming hole where you can enjoy the cool waters of the Gallocunca stream. Or you can simply relax in a hammock on the veranda of your cabin. After the buffet dinner, your guide will give a talk about the caiman species found in the forests of Tambopata.
After that, we will go in search of caimans and other nocturnal species of the rainforest that fill the night air of the tropical forest with their sounds.
Buffet meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Not included: Tips and drinks at the bar.

Day 19 Tambopata - Lima

Our stay in the Amazon forest ends on this third day, enjoy a delicious Amazonian breakfast for the last time before returning to the airport by
motorboat and minibus. On the way you can enjoy a magical morning river cruise back to your flight from
Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. This is an excellent time of day for wildlife viewing as the forest awakens and observing the
rainforest fauna from our boat with the help of your naturalist guide is the perfect way to say goodbye to the tropical forests of Peru. Puerto
Maldonado – Lima1h30m-2h
Accommodation: Hotel Britannia Crystal (or similar)
Meal included: Breakfast