The colours of Peru

Day 1
ITALY - LIMA
Departure on an intercontinental scheduled flight to Lima, via Madrid. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 2
LIMA
| Breakfast | Lunch |

Arrival in the morning, transfer to the hotel and immediate accommodation in the rooms. Time at leisure. Lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit of the historical city centre: one of the most important capitals of South America, with a mix of colonial and modern architecture. The visit begins at the Plaza de Armas (the main square), which witnesses not only the founding of the city by the Spaniards, by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, but also Peru's independence movements. Visit the Cathedral, built by the Spaniards in Baroque style in the 17th century, and the Convent of San Francisco with its Baroque-Limeño façade. We then visit the Larco Museum, which houses an important collection of ceramics, textiles, and objects from the Moche and other pre-incaic cultures. Return to the hotel.Overnight stay.

LIMA Lima is one of the most important capitals of South America, a fascinating city with a mix of colonial and modern architecture. Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador, it was first called 'the City of Kings' as it is said that the site of its foundation was decided on 6 January, the day of the arrival of the Three Kings, hence the name 'Ciudad de Los Reyes' (the City of Kings in Spanish). The present name is derived from Quechua, the ancient language spoken by the Incas. The historical centre of Lima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its beauty and originality with its famous balconies, cobbled streets, large squares and beautiful colonial buildings. Noteworthy are the Plaza de Armas, the main square, which bears witness to Peru's founding and independence movements, the Baroque-style Cathedral dating back to the 17th century, the Government Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place every day, and the Church of San Francisco. Contrasting with the old area is the modern, futuristic Miraflores district with its large luxury hotels and the Larcomar, Lima's seafront promenade with famous restaurants and shopping facilities.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
City tour
Archaeological Museum
Larco Museum
Gold Museum
Casa de Aliaga
Magic Water Circuit
Barranco and Museo Pedro de Osma
Ruins of Pachacamac
Peruvian Experience

Day 3
LIMA - PARACAS - NAZCA
| Breakfast |

Departure early in the morning (driver only) for Nazca along the 'Panamericana Sud', which runs along the Pacific coast, and through breathtaking landscapes of sand dunes and mountains. Stop for an excursion by speedboat to the Ballestas Islands to admire "the little Galapagos", islets rich in marine fauna such as penguins, cormorants, sea lions, pelicans and the Huacachina oasis. Continuation to Nazca with a stop to visit the Antonini Museum, opened in 1999, which collects the results of the various excavation campaigns in the Nazca region directed since 1982 by the Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Orefici. Arrival and accommodation in a hotel. Overnight stay.

Please note: In the case of fewer than 4 participants, the transfer from Lima to Nasca is by scheduled bus, without a stop in Paracas. The excursion to the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis and the visit to the Antonini Museum are not included

BALLESTAS ISLANDS The Ballestas Islands are a 30-minute boat ride from the Paracas Hotel pier and are rock formations shaped over time by the water to create caves and caves of singular shapes, inhabited by colonies of Humboldt penguins, pelicans, albatrosses and sea lions. As you leave the bay, you pass the port of Punta Pejerrey and before entering the open sea, you sail two kilometres parallel to the coast to admire the famous Candelabra, a curious figure carved into the side of a sandy hillside, vaguely resembling a tree or a candelabra.

Day 4
NAZCA - AREQUIPA
| Breakfast |

In the morning, we fly over the Nazca Lines (collective service, pilot/guide in Spanish/English), drawn in a desert area 20 km from the city, where we can observe various geometric figures, flowers, bird figures, reptiles and monkeys (the excursion is subject to weather conditions). All this is still shrouded in mystery and a source of study as the ancient signs can only be seen in their entirety from above! Afterwards transfer to Arequipa (Spanish-speaking driver only). Arrival in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Please note: In the case of fewer than 4 participants the transfer from Nazca to Arequipa is by scheduled bus Cruz del Sur. Arrival is late in the evening or the next day (overnight stay on the bus) depending on the bus schedule. Transfer to the hotel upon arrival.

NAZCA The world-famous Nazca lines, only observable from the sky, have given rise to the most varied theories about their origin and purpose, from the most plausible to vagaries about alien visitors. Today, archaeologists are well acquainted with the Nazca Culture, which has left many beautiful ceramics and other artefacts; they have also now understood what methods might have been used to 'draw' these colossal figures that are indecipherable from the ground. Although several hypotheses have been put forward, linked to an almost certain sacral function, it is still unclear what the ultimate meaning and purpose of this immense work was. It has been hypothesised that they were used for special ceremonies (perhaps processional) during which an attempt was made to make contact with the celestial deities; but to date, scholars have not yet been able to formulate certain answers.
There is no doubt, however, that flying over the desert furrowed by these immense geometric lines or in the shape of animals and plants, leaves one with a sense of bewilderment and mystery.

Day 5
AREQUIPA
| Breakfast |

The morning is dedicated to visiting the historical centre of Arequipa and the Convent of Santa Catalina, (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000). This colonial jewel, founded in 1580, of particular religious architecture is composed of churches, cloisters, squares, various rooms and still retains its 16th-century colonial charm. In the afternoon, we pay a very interesting visit to the Santuarios Andinos museum, which houses the famous Juanita mummy, a 14-year-old Inca virgin sacrificed 530 years ago near the summit of the Ampato volcano at an altitude of more than 6,300 metres. Her nickname is 'Juanita, the Ice Princess', and she was discovered in 1995 by Peruvian guide Miguel Zarate and American archaeologist John Reinhard. (The mummy Juanita is kept in the dark for preservation from 1 January to 30 April. During these months, the Sarita mummy, also found on the Ampato volcano, is exhibited). Overnight stay.

AREQUIPA
(altitude: 2335 m.a.s.l.) Arequipa, known as 'la ciudad blanca' (the white city), from the colour of the stone with which the buildings in the historic centre were built, was founded in 1540 by Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, who called it La Villa Hermosa del Valle de Arequipa. The city has a beautiful location at the foot of the El Misti volcano at 2335 metres above sea level. It is the capital of the province and the region of the same name and is the second most populous city in the country, after Lima the capital. In the year 2000, the historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the beauty and variety of its buildings and churches, including: the Cathedral, built in neoclassical style using a volcanic stone called sillar, which preserves priceless objects such as the French pulpit and a monumental 15-metre high Belgian organ; the Church and Complex of the Company, a group of buildings erected by the Jesuits as a dwelling and place of worship, one of the most beautiful examples of 17th century religious architecture; the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, considered to be the oldest church in Arequipa with the precious crucified Christ on the high altar.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
City tour
Museo Santuarios Andinos
Convent of Santa Catalina
City tour and Santa Catalina Convent
City tour and Museo Santuarios Andinos
Tambos and Mundo Alpaca

Day 6
AREQUIPA - PUNO
| Breakfast |

Morning at leisure. Transfer to the bus terminal and departure by scheduled bus to Puno. The journey takes in the imposing and wild landscapes of the high plateau. Arrival, transfer and accommodation in the hotel. Free time to acclimatise to the altitude. Overnight stay.

Distance Arequipa - Puno 325 km; travel time: 6 hours

PUNO
(altitude: 3827 m.a.s.l.) Puno is located on the western shore of Lake Titicaca and is the capital of the region and province of the same name. It has pre-Hispanic archaeological sites in the surrounding area with circular stone constructions called chullpas, ancient funerary monuments, while the churches in the historic centre are characterised by a marked colonial architecture. The population is of Quechua and Aymara origin and preserves ancient traditions related to folklore, dances, rituals and festivals, of which Puno is very rich.

Day 7
PUNO - LAKE TITICACA - PUNO
| Breakfast | Lunch |

Full-day excursion (in a group boat with other people and a Spanish-English-speaking guide) to Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, located at 3800 m above sea level, which includes natural and artificial islands and hidden archaeological sites. Visit to the floating islands of the Uros, an ancient local ethnic group, with the possibility of a walk on typical totora boats (optional), the island of Taquile and the indigenous community of Llachòn on the Capachica peninsula. Return to Puno and overnight stay.

TITICACA LAKE
(altitude: 3800 m.a.s.l.) Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, divided between Peru and Bolivia, dotted with natural and artificial islands and hidden archaeological sites. A sacred place of the Incas, it is very important in Andean mythology as legend has it that from its waters emerged Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, sons of the sun god who founded the Inca Empire. The most important islands in the lake are: Taquile Island, where in the highest part one can observe remains dating back to pre-Inca times. During the colony and until the early 20th century, the place was used as a political prison but, since 1970, the island became the exclusive property of the inhabitants of Taquile, a very friendly population that preserves their customs, traditions and clothing according to ancient custom. The Amantaní Island is home to eight communities that are dedicated in particular to the cultivation of potatoes, maize, coca, quinua, broad beans and peas, and their most representative handicrafts are textiles and stone carvings.Natural attractions include two belvederes at the highest point, from where one can admire the lake in all its extension, as well as some pre-Hispanic remains, ceremonial centres and a cemetery of mummies.
The floating islands of the Uros are located in the bay of Puno and are about 20 in number. Among them are Tupiri, Santa Maria, Tribuna, Toranipata, Chumi, Paraíso, Kapi, Titino, Tinajero and Negrone. Each is inhabited by 3 to 10 families of uro-aymaras, who build and cover their houses with roofs of totora, a reed that grows abundantly in the lake. The uros are known as 'the people of the lake' and their origins go back to pre-Inca times. They maintain the tradition of artisanal fishing, particularly for carachi and perch, as well as hunting wild birds. The men are skilled conductors of totora rafts and the women excellent weavers.

Day 8
PUNO - CUSCO
| Breakfast | Lunch |

Transfer (collective with Spanish/English guide) to Cusco with a stop to visit Pucara, Raqchi or Viracocha Temple, built in the 15th century, considered by historians to be an important example of the different architectural techniques of the Incas and Andahuaylillas, with the Church of San Pedro, built by the Jesuits over an Inca construction in the late 16th and early 17th centuries and characterised by the splendid frescoes covering the walls and roof, so that it is considered the 'Sistine Chapel of the Americas'. Lunch on the way. Arrival and accommodation in the hotel. Overnight stay.

ANDAHUAYLILLAS The main tourist attraction in Andahuaylillas is the Church of San Pedro, built by the Jesuits probably over an Inca construction between the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century with the classic structure used in small villages with very thick walls made of sun-dried bricks and a rather modest exterior. The interior, on the other hand, leaves the visitor astounded: in fact, the quantity of frescoes covering the walls and roof is impressive, with geometric patterns and floral motifs covered in very thin gold leaf. Also noteworthy are the baptistery, the Baroque altar, the large organ and a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusqueña school.

RAQCH'I The archaeological complex of Raqchi, built in the 15th century, is considered by historians to be one of the most daring Inca constructions, with the temple of Viracocha, 100 metres long and 20 metres wide, consisting of walls over 5 metres high, built of adobe on foundations of volcanic stone, an important example of the different architectural techniques of the Incas.

Day 9
CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - CHINCHERO - MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |

Full day visit to the Sacred Valley with a visit to the Chinchero market, which takes place every Sunday (on other days you will visit the market in Pisac) with colourful ponchos, jumpers and blankets made of alpaca wool, where the inhabitants wander around wearing their traditional clothes. There is also a demonstration of wool processing: from washing to spinning and dyeing with natural dyes from local plants. Afterwards, visit of the Maras salt mines (during the rainy season, from the end of November to the beginning of April, the visit of Maras is replaced by a visit to Moray) and the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, the imposing fortress that protected the entrance to the Sacred Valley. Lunch during the excursion. Departure by Expedition train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Accommodation in a hotel. Accommodation in hotel. Overnight stay.Please note: For the overnight stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo passengers will have to leave with a backpack with all the necessary for 2 days and 1 night, as on the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo only hand luggage up to a total weight of 5 kg is allowed. Suitcases will be kept in the hotel in Cusco.

SACRED VALLEY
(altitude: 2900 m.a.s.l.) The Sacred Valley, not far from Cuzco, runs along the course of the Urubamba River, between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, among beautiful terraces where one can appreciate the technological development achieved by the Incas in agriculture. The landscape is spectacular with typical villages, archaeological sites and the richness of the inhabitants in their folklore, handicrafts, lifestyle, ancestral customs and rituals dating back to the ancient Incas. A place that will leave unforgettable memories visiting Pisac, which includes the archaeological area dating back to the 10th century and its market, with its colourful textiles and typical handicrafts; Ollantaytambo the imposing fortress that protected the entrance to the Sacred Valley, a typical example of an Inca village that has preserved its original houses, streets and canals of the time; Chinchero with its typical Sunday market frequented by the Indians; Moray and the archaeological area of circular terraces that were used for agriculture and apparently also as a place for astronomical observation; the Maras salt pans with thousands of puddles exploited as salt pits already during the period of rule of the Incas in Peru.

Day 10
MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO - MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
| Breakfast |

Morning dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it is the symbolic place of Peru and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, built at the highest point of the mountain in the 15th century by the Inca Pachacútec, it includes terraces, canals, temples, made of large dry stone blocks. In front of "Machu Picchu" (meaning old mountain), there is "Huayna Picchu", a peak that can be reached by a one-hour walk, from which one can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire archaeological area (optional - book in advance). Return to Cusco by train in the evening and overnight stay. Accommodation in a hotel and overnight stay.

MACHU PICCHU (altitude: 2430 m.a.s.l.) Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is the iconic site of Peru and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In July 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham, during one of his frequent travel in the Urubamba Valley, he met the peasant Melchor Arteaga who told him that, not far away, there were great ruins, on 24 July, Bingham together with Arteaga and Sergeant Carrasco, reached the Fortress and were enchanted by what they saw. Even today, it is still a great thrill when, having got off the train at the Puente Ruinas station and taken the bus to reach the Ruins, one can see high up on the mountain and surrounded by huge granite walls, Machu Picchu, the 'lost city' of the Incas. The archaeological site was built at the highest point of the mountain in the 15th century by the Inca Pachacútec and includes terraces, canals, temples, made of large blocks of dry stone. In front of 'Machu Picchu' (meaning old mountain), is the 'Huayna Picchu' (young mountain), a peak that can be reached on foot in an hour's walk and from which one can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire archaeological area.

Day 11
CUZCO
| Breakfast | Dinner |

In the morning visit of the historical centre of Cusco (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983): the Plaza de Armas, where, according to legend, the Inca Manco Capac's golden staff was thrust, indicating to him the exact spot where he founded the city that was to become the capital of the Empire; the 17th-century cathedral and Koricancha, the famous temple of temples. Afterwards, visit of the ruins in the surroundings: the amphitheatre of Kenko, a religious temple of complex shape, Puka Pukara, the red fortress, built by the Incas and composed of steps and terraces. Tambomachay also called 'bath of the Inca' and Sacsayhuaman, the cyclopean fortress that defended Cusco.Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beautiful city.In the evening dinner with folkloric show. Overnight stay.

CUZCO
(altitude: 3399 m.a.s.l.) Cusco, whose name derives from the Quechua language 'Qosqo', is a city of impressive beauty, magical, seductive, with its history living on the streets, squares, beautiful buildings and archaeological sites. The historical centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 for its uniqueness and importance and includes numerous architectures: the Plaza de Armas, where, according to legend, the golden staff of the Inca Manco Capac was thrust, indicating the exact spot where the city that was to become the capital of the Empire was founded; the same square was also a ceremonial site at the time of the Incas and the place where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of the city on 15 November 1533; the 17th century cathedral built on the palace of the Inca Viracocha with its Renaissance-style façade and inside the beautiful choir, pulpit and a collection of paintings from the Cusqueña school and silver objects, Koricancha, a famous temple of temples built on the ancient Inca palaces symbolising the union of the two cultures.
The ruins around the city are also very interesting: the amphitheatre of Kenko, a religious temple of complex shape, Puka Pukara, the red fortress, built by the Incas and consisting of stairways and terraces, Tambomachay also called 'bath of the Inca' and Sacsayhuamán, the cyclopean fortress that defended Cuzco.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
City tours and nearby ruins
Walk in the San Blas district
Chinchero, Maras and Moray salt marshes
Pisac and Ollantaytambo

Day 12
CUZCO - LIMA
| Breakfast |

Transfer to the airport and departure for Lima. Arrival and accommodation in a hotel inside the airport. Overnight stay.

Day 13
LIMA - ITALY
| Breakfast |

Transfer to the airport and departure on an intercontinental scheduled flight via Madrid. Meals and overnight on board.

Day 14
ARRIVAL IN ITALY
End of the journey.

 

The fee includes:

Intercontinental Flights
Internal Flights
Hotels mentioned or if not available others of the same category on a double standard room basis Treatment indicated in the programme
Transfers to and from the airport with private service and assistance in Italian.
Private transfers with Spanish-speaking driver on the Lima/Paracas/Nazca and Nazca/Arequipa routes, from 4 participants. From 2 to 3 participants, transfers will be made by scheduled bus.
Transfer by scheduled bus from Arequipa to Puno. From 10 participants, the transfer is by private transport and guide in Italian.
Visits and excursions as per programme with local guides in Italian (except where indicated otherwise). In Machu Picchu, starting from 10 participants, the guide in Italian is private and accompanies passengers from Cusco.
Train to Machu Picchu (Expedition on the outward journey and Vistadome on the return)
Exclusive local Tour2000Americalatina Italian-speaking escort from Lima to Lima from 15 people
Medical/baggage insurance.
Zero risk travel insurance.
Gadgets provided and information documentation
Entry fees
24-hour assistance

The fee does not include:

Airport taxes (subject to reconfirmation at time of ticket issue)
Policy covering travel cancellation penalties
Price Safe Guarantee
Drinks, tips, personal extras

 

Planned hotels (or similar)
Lima / Dazzler Lima Miraflores****
Nazca / Casa Andina Standard***
Arequipa / Casa Andina Select****
Puno / Lake Titicaca Puno***
Cuzco / Xima Cuzco****
Machu Picchu Pueblo / El Mapi***.
Lima / Costa del Sol Airport***

 

Departures:

14 June 2025 the visit to Cuzco will be brought forward to day 9
21 June 2025
5 July 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
12 July 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
19 July 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
2 August 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
9 August 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
16 August 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
23 August 2025 - SUMMER DEPARTURE
6 September 2025
4 October 2025
18 October 2025
8 November 2025
15 November 2025
29 November 2025
13 December 2025