Essential Peru – Coast, Andes & Sacred Lake Titicaca – 12 D/ 11N

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This exclusive twelve-day journey through Peru blends Lima’s cultural heritage, the mysteries of the Nazca desert, the imperial beauty of Cusco, the harmony of the Sacred Valley, and the spirituality of Lake Titicaca. An itinerary crafted for discerning travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

Throughout this journey, you will explore iconic destinations shaped by history, tradition, and natural beauty. From coastal sanctuaries and desert wonders to ancient temples, vibrant cities, and living Andean cultures, every moment is designed to inspire. Private services, expert guides, panoramic trains, curated hotels, and top-tier gastronomy ensure a seamless, enriching, and luxurious experience that captures the true essence of Peru.

Highlights
  • Discover Lima’s historic and modern contrasts through culture, architecture, and world-class cuisine.
  • Sail the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands surrounded by dramatic rock formations and marine life.
  • Experience Huacachina’s magical oasis with golden dunes and unforgettable sunset views.
  • Fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines and admire precise ancient geoglyphs.
  • Enjoy immersive gastronomic experiences showcasing authentic Peruvian flavors and culinary heritage.
  • Explore Sacred Valley temples, markets, and fortresses in a private, exclusive environment.
  • Reach Machu Picchu aboard a panoramic train and explore with an expert guide.
  • Wander Cusco’s historic center, blending Inca stonework and elegant colonial architecture.
  • Navigate Lake Titicaca and visit communities preserving centuries-old cultural traditions.
  • Relax in hand-selectedcurated 4★ and 5★ hotels offering premium comfort and style.
Itinerary

1 Day - Arrival in Lima – Welcome to the Capital

Upon your arrival at the Lima airport, you will be greeted by our representative and privately transferred to your hotel, located in one of the city’s most beautiful neighborhood. Along the way, enjoy the contrast between modern Lima—with its oceanfront towers—and the historic center, known for its striking colonial architecture.
The rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the internationally acclaimed restaurants that have placed Lima at the forefront of South American cuisine.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: JW Marriott Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores

2 Day - Lima City Tour & Larco Museum Experience

Begin your journey in Lima, the “City of Kings,” with a guided city tour through its historic center. Starting at San Martín Square, stroll along elegant streets until reaching the Plaza de Armas, where you’ll admire the Presidential Palace, City Hall, and the Cathedral from the outside. Along the route, you’ll also see the Church of La Merced and visit the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its impressive catacombs.
Afterward, head to Miraflores for a relaxing stop at Parque del Amor, known for its ocean views and romantic mosaics. Later, continue to the Larco Museum, set inside an 18th-century viceregal mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens. Here, enjoy a delicious lunch at its renowned restaurant before exploring 5,000 years of pre-Columbian history. The museum’s extraordinary collection of gold, silver, and ceremonial artifacts—along with its iconic erotic gallery—reveals the cultural richness and spiritual traditions of ancient Peru, offering a memorable and immersive experience.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: JW Marriott Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

3 Day - Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis & Sunset on the Dunes

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel by private vehicle south along the Pacific coastline, following the Pan-American Highway. As the landscape shifts, we will enter the desert region of Paracas, after approximately five hours on the road.
From this charming seaside town, we will begin our visit to the Paracas National Reserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, from the local pier, we’ll board a speedboat for a two-hour tour to the Ballestas Islands (no disembarkation). During the ride, you’ll observe thousands of seabirds, humboldt penguins, sea lions, and unique rock formations in an area often called the “Galápagos of Peru.”
After the tour, we will continue to Huacachina, a natural oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy an exciting adventure with a dune-buggy and sandboarding circuit, followed by a breathtaking sunset from the top of the dunes—one of the most spectacular views in the Peruvian desert. Enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight in Huacachina.

  • Accommodation in Huacachina
  • 4★: Las Dounas
  • 4★: El Huacachinero
  • Meals: Breakfast

4 Day - Nazca Lines Overflight & Return to Lima

After breakfast at your hotel in Huacachina, we will transfer you early to Nazca for the famous Nazca Lines overflight, one of the most fascinating archaeological mysteries in the world.
During the flight aboard a small aircraft, you’ll admire the geometric and biomorphic figures etched into the desert, such as the Hummingbird, the Monkey, the Dog, and the Astronaut—appreciating their scale and precision from the sky. Our team, both on the ground and in the air, will ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
After this unforgettable adventure, we will return to Lima in private transport. Spend the evening resting and relaxing at your hotel.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: JW Marriott Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores
  • Meals: Breakfast

5 Day - Lima Gastronomic Experience – Private Cooking Class

Our culinary adventure begins with a visit to a traditional Peruvian market, a vibrant place filled with colors, aromas, and fresh ingredients that form the foundation of the country’s cuisine. Here, we will discover a wide variety of products used in traditional dishes, unique local fruits, and learn about the incredible seafood from Peru’s Pacific coast.
We will then head to La Sirena Restobar, located in Chorrillos, where we will enjoy a hands-on class to learn how to prepare three iconic Peruvian creations: Ceviche, Causa Limeña, and Pisco Sour. Guided by a local chef, we’ll explore the techniques, secrets, and flavors that have made Peruvian cuisine famous worldwide. To conclude the experience, we will savor a delightful lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, tasting the dishes prepared during the class and enjoying the freshness and incredible flavors of Peruvian food. A delicious and culturally immersive experience.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: JW Marriott Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

6 Day - Cusco Arrival & Pisac Discovery

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before a private transfer to the Lima airport. After a short flight, you will arrive in Cusco, where you’ll receive a warm welcome before heading directly toward the Sacred Valley, where the lower elevation will help you acclimate. On the way, you’ll visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca fortress known for its massive stone walls, followed by Tambomachay, a ceremonial site dedicated to water and Andean spirituality. You will then continue to the traditional Pisac Market, a vibrant place where local artisans showcase textiles, ceramics, silverwork, and colorful Andean art. The morning concludes with a visit to the majestic Pisac Archaeological Site, featuring terraces, ceremonial areas, and panoramic views that highlight the brilliance of the Inca civilization.
After visiting the ancient ruins, enjoy a relaxing lunch in Pisac, prepared with fresh local ingredients and authentic Andean flavors. Finally, continue to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll have the afternoon free to rest and acclimate in a calm natural setting. A serene and cultural experience, perfectly designed to begin your Andean journey with comfort and harmony.

  • Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
  • 5★: Tambo del Inka
  • 5★: Inkaterra Hacienda
  • 4★: Casa Andina Premium
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

7 Day - Sacred Valley Exploration: Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo + Private Pachamanca

Begin the day surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Cusco highlands. Visit the ancient circular terraces of Moray, an ingenious Inca agricultural laboratory that reveals their mastery of microclimates. Continue to the Maras salt mines, a dazzling network of thousands of salt pools that glisten under the sun, creating one of the Sacred Valley’s most photogenic settings.
Later, enjoy a true Andean culinary tradition: the Pachamanca, a ritual meal that honors Mother Earth, combining flavors and ancestral cooking techniques passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, explore the Ollantaytambo fortress, a remarkable archaeological complex that preserves its original Inca layout and offers insight into the empire’s architectural genius. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for a well-deserved rest.

  • Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
  • 5★: Tambo del Inka
  • 5★: Inkaterra Hacienda
  • 4★: Casa Andina Premium
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

8 Day - Machu Picchu – Private Guided Tour

Early in the morning, you will board the panoramic Vistadome train for a scenic and enriching journey through the Sacred Valley toward Aguas Calientes. After enjoying breakfast, your private guide will meet you to take the shuttle bus to the legendary Machu Picchu citadel. Upon arrival your private guide will lead you through its temples, terraces, and sacred sites—revealing the harmony between Inca architecture, nature, and the surrounding mountains.
After your guided visit, you will have free time for lunch, photography, or exploring the charming town of Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, you’ll take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, enjoying panoramic views and a comfortable ride. Upon arrival, our team will meet you and transfer you seamlessly to your hotel in Cusco, concluding an unforgettable full-day experience.

  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • 5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
  • 5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
  • 4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco
  • Meals: Breakfast

9 Day -Cusco Highlights & Private Lunch Cooking Class

Begin your day with a guided tour of Cusco’s stunning historic center, visiting two of its most emblematic landmarks. Start at the Cusco Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece blending Andean and colonial artistry, home to remarkable works from the Cusco School. Then continue to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important spiritual site of the Inca Empire, renowned for its exquisite stonework and sacred legacy. Your guide will reveal the cultural and historical significance these sites hold within the Andean and Inca legacy.
At midday, you will be transferred to your hands-on cooking class, immersing yourself in the flavors of Peruvian gastronomy. The experience begins at the traditional San Pedro Market, exploring the local ingredients, aromas, and colors that reflect the richness of Peru’s culinary heritage. Guided by a professional chef, you will prepare an authentic Pisco Sour and two iconic Peruvian dishes. The activity concludes with a refined lunch paired with white wine—an ideal blend of culture, flavor, and creativity.

  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • 5★: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco
  • 5★: Belmond Hotel Monasterio
  • 4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

10 Day - Route of the Sun – Cusco to Puno

Embark on a fascinating overland journey along the Route of the Sun, connecting the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with the highland city of Puno, the city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Throughout the day, enjoy guided visits to historical and cultural landmarks.
Begin at Andahuaylillas, home to the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” famous for its baroque murals and gilded altarpieces. Continue to Raqchi, where the grand Temple of Wiracocha stands as one of the most significant Inca constructions. After lunch in Sicuani, ascend to La Raya Pass (4,335 m / 14,222 ft), the highest point of the route, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes.
Finally, visit the Pukara Museum, showcasing artifacts from one of the region’s earliest pre-Inca civilizations, famed for its iconic ceramic bull figurines. As evening falls, arrive in Puno, on the serene shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world.

  • Accommodation in Puno
  • 5★: GHL Lago Titicaca
  • 5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno
  • 4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

11 Day - Uros & Taquile – The Culture of Lake Titicaca

Experience the mystical allure of Lake Titicaca, a sacred body of water shimmering at over 12,500 feet above sea level. Begin your navigation toward the Uros Floating Islands, man-made islands crafted entirely from totora reeds — the same material used for their homes, boats, and crafts. Here, the Uros people share their ancient traditions, preserved through centuries.
Continue by boat to Taquile Island, celebrated for its remarkable community organization and UNESCO-recognized textile art. Discover their customs, admire the intricate handwoven garments, and enjoy a traditional lunch with sweeping views of the lake’s endless blue horizon.
This day is a journey through time, where the vastness of Titicaca and the warmth of its people reveal the true spirit of the Andes.

  • Accommodation in Puno
  • 5★: GHL Lago Titicaca
  • 5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno
  • 4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

12 Day - Farewell in Juliaca – Return to Lima

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to the Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima. As you leave the highlands of Puno, take with you the unforgettable memories of Peru’s vibrant culture, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and the warmth of its people. This final farewell marks the end of a remarkable journey that will stay with you long after your return home.

  • Meals: Breakfast

A complete journey through the heart of Peru: coast, desert, Andes, and sacred lake—blending history, culture, and spiritual connection.

Price Includes

  • Premium private tours
  • Selected 4★ and 5★ hotels.
  • Machu Picchu ticket
  • Private bilingual professional guides.
  • Vistadome panoramic train
  • Round-trip shuttle bus ticket
  • All private transfers included.
  • Personalized assistance throughout.

Price Excludes

  • Domestic and international flights.
  • International flights
  • Dinners not included
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Complementaries

  • Premium welcome kit.
  • Special touches for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons.
  • Assistance coordinating unique romantic or special moments (including proposals)
  • Farewell kit with an Andean gift.
  • Small festive-season surprises.
CRAFT YOUR OWN

Private Peru Tours Crafted for Discerning Travelers

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best time to travel?

    The itinerary is enjoyable year-round. Dry season (May–October) offers clear mountain skies, while green season (November–April) provides lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

    Is the Nazca Lines overflight safe?

    Yes. We partner with airlines that follow strict safety protocols, with certified pilots and well-maintained aircrafts. Flights operate only under optimal weather conditions.

    Do I need to acclimatize for Cusco and Puno?

    Yes. Since the journey continues from Cusco to the even higher elevations of Puno, the itinerary builds altitude progressively to ease the adjustment. Staying hydrated and resting on your first day is highly recommended.

    What type of hotels are included?

    Hand-selected 4★ and 5★ hotels known for comfort, service, and premium standards. Hotels are chosen based on your preferences and availability.

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