Peru

Cusco & the Andes

Huaraz & Cordilleras

  • Trek in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash, some of the world's best trekking destinations.
  • Consider the classic 4-day Santa Cruz trek.
  • Experience the challenging 10-day Huayhuash Circuit.
  • Explore all the other amazing day/overnight hikes such as: Laguna 69, Laguna Paron, Laguna Churup, Ishinca, Wilcacocha, Laguna Llaca, Laguna 513, Alpamayo, Cedros.
  • Hike to the Pastoruri Glacier.

Machu Picchu & Trekking

  • Hike the 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. This will include a stop in Laguna Humantay, and take the Llactapacta route on the 4th day of the trek.
  • Hike Huayna Picchu for panoramic views of Machu Picchu. This extra hike offers stunning views of the ruins and surrounding mountains.
  • Book your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu in Cusco before leaving for the hike, and try to go in the earliest possible time to avoid the big crowds.

Cusco: Inca Heartland

  • Explore Cusco's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Plaza de Armas.
  • Visit Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha, and other Inca ruins within and around Cusco.
  • Wander the vibrant San Pedro Market for local goods and food.
  • Take a day trip to the Rainbow Mountain or Palccoyo.

Sacred Valley Exploration

  • Explore the towns of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, each with unique Inca ruins and markets.
  • Visit the agricultural terraces and ruins of Moray.
  • Explore the salt mines of Salineras.

Lake Titicaca & Puno

  • Visit the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.
  • Explore Taquile and Amantani Islands and their unique cultures.

Arequipa & the South

Arequipa: The White City

  • Explore Arequipa's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Plaza de Armas.
  • Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery.
  • Discover the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, home to the Ice Maiden Juanita.
  • Enjoy Arequipa's unique cuisine, including rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones.
  • Explore the Yanahuara viewpoint for stunning views of the city and volcanoes.

Colca Canyon Adventures

  • Trek in the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons.
  • 3 days is plenty of time to see the best parts, spend your first night in Termales de Chacapi and the second night in the Oasis.
  • See condors soaring at Cruz del Condor.
  • Explore traditional villages like Chivay and Yanque.

Southern Highlands & Beyond

  • Visit the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto.
  • Explore the Valley of the Volcanoes.

Lima & Central Coast

Lima's Urban Exploration

  • Explore Lima's UNESCO-listed historic center, including Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
  • Visit the San Francisco Monastery with its catacombs.
  • Experience the bohemian vibe of Barranco, with its street art and nightlife.
  • Enjoy the coastal beauty of Miraflores, strolling along the Malecón and Parque del Amor.
  • Savor the world-renowned Peruvian cuisine, from Michellin start restaurants to more simple but amazing little places like "Al toke pez".
  • Visit the Larco Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History to see pre-Columbian artifacts.
  • Explore the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History.
  • Enjoy surfing or paddleboarding at Lima's beaches.

Paracas National Reserve Adventures

  • Rent a bicycle, motorcycle, or ATV and explore the stunning coastal landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
  • Discover hidden beaches and remote areas of the national park.
  • Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the "Poor Man's Galapagos," to see penguins, sea lions, and birds.

Huacachina Oasis Adventure

  • Take exhilarating dune buggy rides through the desert.
  • Enjoy sandboarding down the massive dunes.
  • Relax by the lagoon and enjoy the sunset.
  • Explore the surrounding desert dunes and landscapes.

The North & The Amazon

Huanchaco: Surfing & Tradition

  • Experience the traditional reed fishing boats, known as "caballitos de totora."
  • Enjoy world-class surfing along the coast.
  • Visit the nearby archaeological site of Chan Chan.

Chicama & Pacasmayo: Surfing Hotspots

  • Surf the world's longest left-hand wave in Chicama.
  • Enjoy surfing and kitesurfing in Pacasmayo.
  • Explore the beaches and coastal landscapes.

Lobitos: Surfer's Paradise

  • Surf the world-class waves of Lobitos.
  • Enjoy the laid-back beach atmosphere.
  • Explore the surrounding desert landscapes.

Iquitos & the Amazon Rainforest

  • Explore the Amazon rainforest from Iquitos, the largest city inaccessible by road.
  • Take a river cruise or jungle lodge stay to experience the Amazon's biodiversity.
  • Visit the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, one of the largest protected flooded rainforests.
  • Spot wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, caimans, and colorful birds.
  • Experience indigenous cultures and learn about traditional Amazonian lifestyles.

Northern Peru's Archaeological Wonders

  • Explore the ancient city of Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian mud-brick city in the Americas.
  • Visit the Lord of Sipán's tomb at the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.
  • Discover the pyramid complex of Túcume.
  • Explore the Gocta Waterfall, one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
  • Visit the Kuelap Fortress, often called the "Machu Picchu of the North."

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Peru Mainland - 12 Weeks

Days 1-10: Lima, Paracas, & Huacachina

  • Arrive in Lima.
  • Explore the Historic Center (Plaza Mayor, churches, museums).
  • Indulge in Lima’s cuisine (ceviche, etc.).
  • Explore Miraflores and Barranco.
  • Travel to Paracas and explore the national park on a bike.
  • Travel to Huacachina to do some sandboarding and go on a dune buggy adventure.
  • Travel back to Lima.

Days 11-35: Huaraz & Cordillera Blanca

  • Travel to Huaraz.
  • Acclimatize to altitude.
  • Santa Cruz trek (4 days).
  • Laguna 69, Laguna Paron, Laguna Churup hikes.
  • Huayhuash Circuit (10 days).
  • Laguna Llaca and Wilcacocha day hikes.
  • Pastoruri Glacier hike.

Days 36-48: Cusco & Machu Picchu

  • Travel to Cusco.
  • Explore Cusco’s historic center, Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro market.
  • Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu (5 days, including Laguna Humantay & Llactapacta).
  • Visit Machu Picchu & do the Huayna Picchu hike (optional). Book tickets in advance.
  • Visit the towns in the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero.
  • Check out the Pink Salineras and the Moray Archeological site.
  • Day trip to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.

Days 49-55: Arequipa & Colca Canyon

  • Travel to Arequipa.
  • Explore Arequipa’s historic center, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Andean Sanctuaries Museum.
  • Do the 3 day Colca Canyon trek.
  • Arequipa cuisine experience.
  • Yanahuara viewpoint.

Days 56-65: Huanchaco & Chicama/Pacasmayo

  • Travel to Trujillo/Huanchaco.
  • Explore Huanchaco (caballitos, surfing).
  • Chicama surfing (day trip, or stay overnight).
  • Pacasmayo wind/kite surfing.
  • Explore Trujillo city and Chan Chan.

Days 66-71: Lobitos & Northern Coast

  • Travel to Lobitos.
  • Surf in Lobitos and the nearby towns.

Days 72-84: Iquitos & Amazon

  • Travel to Iquitos.
  • Amazon rainforest exploration.
  • River cruise or jungle lodge stay.
  • Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.
  • Wildlife and indigenous culture experiences.
  • Kuelap Fortress and Gocta Waterfall.
  • Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum and Túcume visit.