The great classics of the South | 15 days
Peru's ancestral heritage in all its splendor, from Lima to the sacred terraces of Machu Picchu
Duration
15 days
From
US$2,430/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover the multiple facets of Pérou through an itinerary that combines major sites, spectacular landscapes and encounters with local communities. From Lima to the vast deserts of the Pacific coast, you'll reach the mysterious Nazca lines before gaining altitude towards the Andes and the vertiginous Colca canyon.
The journey continues on the shores of Lake Titicaca, in contact with Andean traditions, then in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Villages, archaeological sites and mountain landscapes tell a millennial history still deeply present in daily life.
At Palcoyo, the reliefs with striking colors offer another facet of the mountain range before reaching the mythical Machu Picchu. Between pre-Columbian heritage, grandiose nature and human experiences, this itinerary allows you to explore Pérou's must-sees while taking time to understand its cultures and traditions. A comprehensive first discovery of a country with striking contrasts.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Lima
Welcome upon your arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.
Night at Hotel El Patio in standard room.
Included: private arrival transfer, room & breakfast
Route to Paracas and Discovery of Laguna Morón
Today, discover the treasures of the city once named Ciudad de los Reyes, founded by Pizarro on Epiphany Day in 1535. Former capital of the Viceroyalty of Pérou, Lima stands out for its exceptional colonial architecture, inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage since 1991. You will explore the bohemian district of Barranco, modern Lima in Miraflores, as well as the historic centre, witness to many significant events in Peruvian history.
Transfer to Cruz del Sur bus terminal.
The bus journey from Lima to Paracas takes approximately 4 hours.
Night at Paracas Guest House in standard room.
Included: private excursion, private transport, site entrance(s), English-speaking guide, departure private transfer, bus ticket, room & breakfast
Ballestas Islands
Early in the morning, we will board for the Ballestas Islands, renowned for hosting numerous birds and marine mammals, including the famous Humboldt penguin. We will return to port around 10 a.m.
The journey from Paracas to Nazca by private bus includes stops at a vineyard producing the famous Pisco and at the Huacachina oasis. This experience allows you to discover Peruvian wine culture and enjoy the unique landscapes of the oasis.
Discovery of the museum dedicated to Maria Reich, famous for having studied and preserved the Nazca lines.
Night at Hotel Alegria in a standard room.
Included: entrance(s) to site(s), group excursion (English-Spanish), guide (local language), private transport, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast
Nazca Lines Overflight
You will embark on a spectacular flight over the lines of Nazca, a unique experience to admire these mysterious geoglyphs from the air.
You will immerse yourself in Nazca civilization by visiting the Cahuachi ceremonial site, whose function remains mysterious. You will also be impressed by their advances in agronomy, illustrated by their vast irrigation systems. Finally, you will discover their ceramic art by visiting a workshop that reproduces ancestral manufacturing techniques.
Before leaving for Arequipa, take the opportunity to visit the Maria Reiche Planetarium, located inside the DM Nazca hotel, approximately 100 meters from the bus terminal. This visit will provide you with enriching information about the sources of inspiration for the Nazcas when creating their famous lines. The entrance fee is 20 soles, at your expense.
We will then travel by bus from Nazca to Arequipa.
Included: excursion, transport, airport taxes, site entrance(s), private excursion, private transport, English-speaking guide, bus ticket
Arequipa
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival in Arequipa.
Welcome to Arequipa, the white pearl of the Andes!
Named thus because of its architecture built in Sillar, a white volcanic stone from the surrounding volcanoes, Arequipa was conquered by the Incas, who developed flourishing agriculture in the heart of the desert.
Its pleasant climate and colonial buildings, notably the famous Santa Catalina convent, a veritable city within a city, will surely seduce you. You will also discover the Juanita mummy, a fascinating witness to Inca rites dedicated to the Apus, the protective spirits of the mountains.
Night at Hotel Mirador del Monasterio in a standard room.
Included: private arrival transfer, private excursion, site entrance(s), room & breakfast.
Colca Canyon: Chivay, Yanque and Uyo Uyo Ruins
We set off early in the morning to Chivay, enjoying magnificent views of the volcanoes of the mountain range along the way. We will cross the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where we can observe herds of vicuñas. Once we arrive at the village, nestled in the heart of lush terraces over 1,500 years old, we will have lunch, then settle into the hotel.
In the afternoon, if you wish, we will set off for a short walk in the surrounding countryside.
We will depart from the hotel to visit the Uyo Uyo ruins, an ancient Inca village located at 3,000 meters altitude. After this exploration, we will return towards the hotel, with the possibility of making a detour to the hot springs.
Shortly after our departure from Arequipa, we will stop at the Añashuayco quarries, where you will have the opportunity to observe the work of stone cutters on sillar, this white volcanic stone widely used in the region.
Colca Zip-lining Circuit Monster: Get ready for an impressive zip-line descent of more than 2,000 meters long, perched at 160 meters high!
Night at Hotel Killawasi in a standard room.
Included: site entrance(s), private excursion, group excursion (English-Spanish), English-speaking guide, transportation
Condor's Cross
Early in the morning, we will first reach the Condor's Cross, an excellent viewing point over the Canyon de Colca, where we may have the chance to admire the majestic flight of condors, lords of the Peruvian sky.
Next, we will follow the canyon to visit the villages of Pinchollo and Maca.
After lunch, we will resume our journey to our next destination.
Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Islands
We will board a boat in a Spanish-English speaking group to visit the Uros Islands, entirely built from reeds. After visiting one of the islands and a presentation of the way of life of the inhabitants in this unique environment, we will continue to Taquile.
At Taquile, we will walk to the central square, where you can explore the local textile market, a specialty of the island. Then, we will have lunch in a community restaurant run by the inhabitants.
After the meal, we will return to the port to board the boat heading to Puno, with an expected arrival in the late afternoon.
Night at Hotel Hacienda Plaza de Armasen standard room.
Included: lunch, group excursion (Spanish), transport, English-speaking guide, room & breakfast
From Puno to Raqchi: discovery of Andean landscapes
This morning, we depart from your hotel in private transport to reach the small village of Raqchi, where our hosts will welcome us.
Along the way, we will make a stop at Pukara, with the possibility of visiting the small lithic museum.
We will then continue to the Tinajani geological site, where we will admire superb rock formations as well as a Puya Raimondi forest, a plant endemic to the Andes.
Arrival expected at the end of the day.
Night in the Raqchi community.
Included: private transport, dinner, room & breakfast, lunch
Discovery of the Colorful Mountain of Palcoyo
Today, we continue our journey towards the colorful mountains of Palcoyo, where you will be able to admire an exceptional landscape. We will reach our destination at the end of the day.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Included: private transport, room & breakfast
Cusco
In Cusco, we offer you various tours and tourist activities, enriched by our local knowledge to help you discover the city from within.
We will explore the Inca temples overlooking the city, then the colonial historic center, where the meeting of Andean and Western cultures is expressed in magnificent mansions.
According to your interests and available time, we will organize a personalized visit, taking you through the streets lined with Inca walls to discover the city, its museums, churches and palaces.
Night at Hotel Rumi Punku in a standard room.
Included: lunch, general tourist ticket, site entrance(s), English-speaking guide, private transport, room & breakfast
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Chinchero → Sacred Valley
This morning, we will pick you up at your accommodation to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We will begin our visit by going to the village of Chinchero, where we will attend an in-depth demonstration in a textile workshop. We will discover the ancestral techniques of weaving and dyeing that have persisted since the time of Inca culture.
After lunch, we will continue our exploration of the sacred valley by going to the Moray agronomic laboratory, which you will discover with your guide.
Next, we will go to the Maras salt ponds, from where we will begin, if you wish, a magnificent downhill walk to the Urubamba river.
Sacred Valley → Ollantaytambo
After meeting up with our driver, we will end our day at Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the Incan ruins of the village.
Return to Cusco at the end of the day, or possibility to go down to Ollantaytambo to continue your journey to Machu Picchu.
Night at Hotel Tika Wasi Valley in a standard room.
Included: lunch, site entrance(s), English-speaking group excursion, room & breakfast
Discovery of Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
You will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
You will need to reach the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Today marks probably one of the highlights of your trip!
Machu Picchu stands at 2,430 m altitude in the heart of the tropical forest, in an exceptional setting. This site represents probably one of the most impressive urban achievements of the Inca Empire at its peak. Its enormous walls, terraces and ramps seem to be carved harmoniously into the rocky cliffs.
We will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours with our local guide, followed by free time so you can explore this wonder of the world at your own pace.
Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will walk back down to Aguas Calientes, a hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you prefer to take the bus down to the village instead, it is possible to buy your ticket at the exit of the site.
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where the train company will welcome you to board a shuttle bus that will take you to Wanchaq station in Cusco.
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes towards Ollantaytambo.
Night at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
2 hours by shuttle. Upon arrival in Cusco, a transfer to your hotel will be arranged.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Free day in Cusco
Today, enjoy a free day to explore the ancient capital of the Inca empire, Cusco, a city full of hidden treasures.
We recommend the following activities: visit the historic center of Cusco, San Pedro market, the San Blas neighborhood, the 4 ruins, a horseback ride at Devil's Balcony, take a cooking class, attend a pisco demonstration or admire a sunset from the San Blas or San Cristobal viewpoint.
Recommended restaurants: Masha, Inka Grill, Pachapapa, Calle del Medio, Kion, Green Point, Avocado Toast & More, Yaku, Papacho's, Uchu.
Recommended cafés: Pantastico, La Bo'M Crêperie, Three Monkeys, Aulita Café, Indie Coffee Cusco.
Recommended bars: Los Perros, Museo del Pisco, República del Pisco, KM 0, Salvajes, Cholos Cervecería, Aura Restobar.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in standard room.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The international flight to the starting point of the tour and from the ending point.
- Domestic flights unless mentioned as included.
- Airport taxes during the trip.
- Your mandatory travel insurance (accident, repatriation)
- What is not included in the "Price includes" section
Included
- The trip as described in the itinerary
- Guidance by a Pasión Andina escort (if option chosen)
- The services of local teams (guides, drivers, muleteers, etc.)
- Hotel nights, as described, on a double room basis
- Necessary transports for a successful trip (taxis, buses, trains, flights)
- The entrance fees for the activities mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Peru. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. You must verify the visa requirements and any visa exemptions applicable to you with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence.
Generally, immigration authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking for the first nights.
Health and vaccinations
Vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and the regions you plan to visit. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended according to the areas visited:
yellow fever is recommended for travelers going to the Amazon regions and low-altitude areas (below 2,300 m); an international vaccination certificate may be required upon entry if you are arriving from a risk country,
updating routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus) is advised.
Precautions against malaria are recommended in certain regions of the Peruvian Amazon. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, Peruvian authorities may require a notarized parental authorization, ideally translated into Spanish. Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of residence.
Entry requirements verification
Entry conditions may vary according to your nationality. You must check with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence to verify the specific requirements that apply to you.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedure for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Peru without a visa. A valid passport for at least 6 months after entry is required. The immigration form (TAM) is now electronic and must be completed upon arrival. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Peruvian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 270 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros round-trip) are additional. Access to Machu Picchu (permit, train, bus) represents a separate budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each trip to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Lima Pacific Coast
Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds, based in Cusco
Peru often feels like traveling through several worlds in a single trip. Each region tells a different story, with its own landscapes, traditions, and its own way of experiencing time.
— Lionel
