A stunning view of a coastal cliff in the Paracas National Reserve.

The day starts with a picturesque drive along the Pacific coast as we leave Lima and head toward Paracas, a small town known for its rich natural beauty and fascinating cultural history. Paracas offers a serene escape from the urban hustle of Lima, with its desert-meets-ocean landscapes providing a dramatic backdrop to our adventure. Upon arriving, we’ll journey into the Paracas Wildlife Reserve, an extraordinary region where desert dunes plunge into the ocean, creating a unique habitat for diverse species of birds, sea lions, and other marine life. You’ll have time to walk along the red-sand beaches, take photos of the striking cliffs, and soak in the natural splendor of this one-of-a-kind environment.

Later in the day, we’ll head to Ica, home to the renowned Ica Regional Museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including textiles, ceramics, and the famous elongated skulls that have puzzled researchers for decades. As you explore, you’ll gain insight into the ancient cultures that once thrived in this region, learning about their practices, beliefs, and artistic expressions. The museum provides a deep dive into the area’s archaeological significance and helps set the stage for the mysteries we’ll uncover in the coming days.

In the evening, you’ll settle into your hotel in Ica, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries while preparing for the adventures that await.

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A spider geoglyph from the Nazca Lines and a skull from the Chauchilla cemetery.

Today, we dive deeper into the region’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey south toward Nazca, home to one of the world’s greatest archaeological enigmas: the Nazca Lines. But first, we’ll stop at the Chauchilla Cemetery, a burial site where ancient mummies lie preserved by the dry desert climate. Walking among these ancient tombs, you’ll witness the fascinating remains of a civilization that vanished long ago, and yet left behind such incredible clues to their way of life. The eerie yet captivating atmosphere at Chauchilla offers a unique perspective on the spiritual beliefs and burial practices of the ancient people of the region.

In the afternoon, prepare for one of the highlights of the trip—a flight over the Nazca Lines. From the sky, you’ll witness the massive geoglyphs etched into the desert plains, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes, some stretching hundreds of feet. The mystery of their creation and purpose continues to baffle researchers, and seeing them from above offers a perspective that’s both thrilling and humbling. After our flight, we’ll return to Ica for the evening, filled with awe from the day’s discoveries.

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The mysterious candelabro figure en route to the Ballestas Islands.

On our final day, we embark on an early morning boat trip to the Islas Ballestas, often referred to as the “Galapagos of Peru.” As our boat navigates the sparkling waters, you’ll encounter thriving colonies of seabirds, including pelicans, cormorants, and Humboldt penguins. Sea lions bask on the rocky shores, and dolphins often make appearances in the nearby waters, adding to the experience of being surrounded by pristine wildlife. The biodiversity of the islands is astounding, and the Islas Ballestas are a natural paradise that offers incredible photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.

As we approach the islands, we’ll pass the Paracas Candelabro geoglyph, a giant symbol carved into the hillside. Its mysterious origins and purpose have been the subject of much speculation, adding another layer of intrigue to our journey. After the boat tour, we’ll return to Paracas and begin our drive back to Lima, concluding our pre-tour on a high note. You’ll have the evening free to relax, enjoy a leisurely dinner, or explore more of Lima’s dynamic cityscape as we prepare for the start of the main tour tomorrow.

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A viewpoint overlooking agricultural lands in the Sacred Valley.

We begin our day with a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology, a treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts that span thousands of years of history. This museum houses some of the most enigmatic objects left behind by ancient civilizations, including intricately carved stones and curious ceramic figures. Many of these artifacts continue to baffle researchers, with questions about their true purpose and the advanced knowledge their creators may have possessed. As we explore these exhibits, we will discuss the various theories surrounding Peru’s earliest cultures and the mysteries that remain unsolved to this day.

After a morning immersed in the ancient past, we’ll head to the airport for our afternoon flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic drive to the Sacred Valley, a place steeped in mystery and natural beauty. This fertile valley, framed by the towering Andes, has long been considered a place of deep spiritual significance. Our destination is the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, where we will check into our hotel for the evening. The town, with its mysterious stone structures and ancient pathways, offers a glimpse into a world that predates modern historical accounts. As we settle in for the night, you may wish to reflect on the day’s discoveries and prepare for the mysteries that await us in the coming days.

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The megalithic walls of the sun temple at Ollantaytambo.

Today, we’ll delve deeper into the mysteries of Ollantaytambo, a site whose origins and purpose remain subjects of intense debate. While many attribute the construction of the town’s massive stone terraces to the Incas, alternative theories suggest that the true builders may have been a far older civilization, long forgotten by mainstream history. As we explore the site, you’ll witness the precision stonework and colossal stones that have led many to question how such feats were accomplished with ancient technology. Your guide will walk you through the various sections of the site, sharing insights into its alignment with celestial events and its possible role as a sacred ceremonial center.

After lunch, there will be an option to embark on a hike to Ñaupa Iglesia, a lesser-known yet equally mysterious site located a short distance from Ollantaytambo. Carved into the mountainside, this ancient temple is believed to have been a place of worship or a gateway to other realms. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provides a chance to further explore the hidden spiritual aspects of this region. The mysteries of Ñaupa Iglesia, with its finely hewn stone altar and enigmatic carvings, will leave you contemplating the lost knowledge of its creators. As the day comes to a close, we return to our hotel in Ollantaytambo to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

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The iconic site of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes.

Today is the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu, a site that continues to mystify archaeologists and travelers alike. After a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley, we’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to this ancient city perched high in the clouds. As we ascend to Machu Picchu, the first sight of its terraced hills and stone structures against the backdrop of misty mountains is nothing short of breathtaking. Though widely believed to have been constructed by the Incas, many question whether they were truly the original builders, given the site’s precise engineering and alignment with astronomical events. Our guide will take us through the most significant areas of the site, sharing the various interpretations of its purpose—was it a royal estate, a spiritual center, or perhaps something even more mysterious?

Our guides will give you a thorough tour of the site as you explore its most iconic and important sectors. The perfectly aligned stones, the lack of mortar, and the site’s remarkable preservation suggest that its builders possessed knowledge far beyond what was previously understood. After our exploration, we’ll descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before returning to Ollantaytambo by train. The questions raised by Machu Picchu—about its true origins and the people who built it—will stay with us long after we leave its hallowed grounds.

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The temple of Coricancha with the convent of Santo Domingo built atop.

After breakfast, we’ll depart from Ollantaytambo and make our way to Cusco, a city where ancient and modern worlds collide. Cusco, long considered the heart of Andean civilization, is home to some of the most enigmatic stone structures on the planet. Upon arriving, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch before embarking on an afternoon tour of the city. Our first stop is Coricancha, whose original foundations still stand beneath the colonial Church of Santo Domingo. The exact purpose of Coricancha remains unclear, though its alignment with solar events suggests it may have played a central role in ancient ceremonies. Even today, its finely cut stones leave experts wondering how such precise construction could have been achieved without advanced tools.

We’ll continue our tour of Cusco with a visit to the famous 12-sided stone, a marvel of stone-cutting technology that has confounded researchers for centuries. Some believe that this stone, along with others throughout Cusco, points to a civilization predating the Incas, one that possessed lost knowledge of engineering and cosmic alignment. Our day will conclude with a visit to a local museum, where ancient artifacts tell the story of a people deeply connected to both the earth and the stars. As the day draws to a close, you’ll have the evening to explore the city or relax at your hotel, pondering the mysteries we’ve uncovered.

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Tourists standing in front of the massive stones at Sacsayhuaman.

Today, we’ll venture beyond the city limits to explore some of the most mysterious sites in the hills above Cusco. Our first stop is Sacsayhuaman, a massive stone fortress that defies conventional explanations. The size and precision of the stones used in its construction have led many to believe that an ancient and advanced civilization must have built it, using techniques that are still unknown to modern engineers. Your guide will lead you through the site, sharing various theories about its purpose—was it a fortress, a ceremonial site, or perhaps something even more mysterious? As you walk among the giant stones, you’ll feel the deep connection between this place and the forces of nature that shaped it.

After Sacsayhuaman, we’ll visit the Temple of the Moon, an ancient sacred site carved into a natural rock formation. The significance of this temple, like many in the region, remains shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been used for lunar worship and other spiritual rites. The atmosphere here is charged with an ancient energy, and you’ll have time to explore the hidden chambers and carvings that make this place so unique. We’ll also stop at the nearby sites known as Zone X and the Temple of the Monkeys where we will explore more mysterious stone carvings and symbols. Finally, we will return to our hotel where we will have the rest of the evening free.

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Stone walls and doorways at the ruins of Tambomachay.

After a relaxed morning where you are free to wander the vibrant streets of Cusco or simply rest and reflect on the journey so far, we’ll regroup to have lunch before embarking on an afternoon steeped in intrigue. Our first stop will be the enigmatic site of Q’enqo, a mysterious complex of subterranean passageways, carved altars, and stone features whose true purpose remains a subject of debate. Some theories suggest that the site may have been used for ceremonial rituals, while others point to its astronomical alignments. As we move through the labyrinthine paths, you can sense the ancient energy that permeates the stones, beckoning further contemplation of what this site was really used for.

From Q’enqo, we will continue our exploration to Little Q’enqo, a nearby site that mirrors some of the same puzzling architectural features as its larger counterpart. Although smaller in scale, Little Q’enqo offers a similarly perplexing array of carved stone formations and natural rock channels that evoke the same questions about its original purpose. As we continue, we’ll visit Tambomachay, often referred to as the “Bath of the Inca,” though it remains unclear what its true function was. Was it a place of ritual purification, a sacred water temple, or something even more mysterious? We will round off the day at Puca Pucara, a fortress-like structure whose strategic placement suggests defensive purposes, yet little is known about who truly built it or why. The mysteries continue to unfold as we return to Cusco for the night, leaving you with more questions than answers about these enigmatic sites.

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The impressive Temple of Viracocha in Raq’chi.

Our journey to Puno begins with a visit to the village of Huaro, where we encounter the intriguing Wayqui mummy. This remarkable specimen is notable for its small stature and elongated skull, sparking curiosity and speculation among researchers and historians alike. The significance of the Wayqui mummy lies in its unique physical characteristics, which have led to various interpretations about the ancient peoples of this region. As we examine this enigmatic figure, we are reminded of the countless mysteries that surround the ancient inhabitants of the Andes and their practices.

After our enlightening stop in Huaro, we continue to the expansive archaeological site of Raq’chi, famous for its impressive Temple of Wiracocha. This monumental structure, with its towering walls made of stone and adobe, reveals the advanced engineering skills of its builders. As we wander through the site, we’ll encounter numerous circular storehouses, which may have served as storage for offerings or supplies. The purpose of Raq’chi remains a topic of debate among scholars, as some believe it was a religious center while others suggest it was an administrative hub. The sense of wonder and connection to ancient spiritual practices fills the air as we explore this significant site.

Following our exploration of Raq’chi, we will pass over La Raya Pass, the highest point on our journey, before arriving at Pucara in the late afternoon. At Pucara, we’ll visit the archaeological site and its on-site museum, where unique artifacts and carvings from the pre-Inca Pucara culture are displayed. The distinctive statues and relics we encounter deepen our understanding of this ancient civilization, as we ponder the mysteries surrounding their beliefs and practices. After a full day of exploration, we will arrive in Puno, ready to unwind and reflect on the fascinating discoveries we’ve made.

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The towers of Sillustani near Lake Titicaca.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the mysterious funerary towers of Sillustani, located on a peninsula overlooking the serene Umayo Lagoon. These towering structures, known as chullpas, are believed to be ancient burial sites, but their construction raises more questions than answers. The massive stones used in the towers’ construction fit together with incredible precision, reminiscent of other megalithic sites across Peru. Some speculate that these towers were not just tombs, but possibly energy centers or astronomical observatories. As we walk among the towering chullpas, you can sense the connection this site has to both the heavens and the earth.

After lunch, we’ll visit the enigmatic Inca Uyo Temple of Fertility, a site shrouded in local legends and spiritual significance. This temple, with its phallic-shaped stones and mysterious carvings, is believed to have been used in ancient fertility rituals, though much about its origins and purpose remains unknown. Some say it was a place of healing, while others believe it held the power to influence the forces of nature. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option of taking a boat tour to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, where indigenous communities continue to live in harmony with the lake’s natural rhythms. We’ll return to Puno for the night, reflecting on the ancient energies that still linger in these sacred places.

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Ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku.

Today we journey across the border into Bolivia to visit some of the most mysterious and ancient sites in the Andes. Our first stop is Tiwanaku, a sprawling complex that many believe predates even the Inca civilization by thousands of years. This site is known for its monumental stone structures and finely carved statues, which some researchers suggest point to a forgotten civilization with advanced technological and astronomical knowledge. As we walk among the massive blocks of stone, we’ll explore the mysteries surrounding their origins and purpose, including theories that suggest this may have been a center for cosmic worship or an ancient portal to other realms.

Next, we’ll visit the nearby site of Puma Punku, a place that defies explanation with its precisely cut stones that fit together so seamlessly that not even a blade of grass can fit between them. The level of sophistication seen at Puma Punku challenges the mainstream understanding of ancient engineering, leaving many to wonder if its builders possessed knowledge that has since been lost to time. In the afternoon, we’ll stop at Chiripa, an even older site that offers further insight into the early cultures of this region. The on-site museum contains artifacts that shed light on the people who once inhabited these lands, though many questions remain about their true identity and capabilities. After a full day of exploration, we’ll return to Puno for the night.

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The mysterious portal of Aramu Muru near Lake Titicaca.

Our day begins with a visit to one of the most mysterious and spiritually significant sites in southern Peru: Amaru Muru, often referred to as the “Stargate.” This enigmatic stone doorway, carved into a remote cliffside, is believed by some to be a portal to other dimensions or a place of connection with higher realms. Local legends tell of shamans and spiritual seekers using this gateway to transcend the physical world, and even today, the site is considered a place of powerful energy. As we stand before the massive stone structure, you can feel the deep sense of mystery and wonder that surrounds it. Whether it was a ceremonial site, a portal, or something even more profound, Amaru Muru continues to captivate those who visit.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the ancient Quenuani Inca Steps, a series of stone staircases that seem to lead up into the heavens. These steps, carved into the mountainside, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and have long been considered a place of spiritual pilgrimage. While their true purpose remains unknown, many believe that they were part of an ancient ceremonial route, used by those seeking to connect with the gods or gain deeper understanding of the mysteries of the universe. As the day ends, we’ll return to Puno for one last evening in this mystical land.

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We wish you safe travels!

Today, you’ll bid Peru farewell after our incredible journey. Those of you who are completing your journey here will fly to Lima to connect with your flights home, while those of you joining us for our optional Easter Island Extension (see itinerary below) will fly to Santiago to begin the next phase of our trip.

A sunset off the coast of Hanga Roa, the main town on Easter Island.

After breakfast, we depart for our flight to the enigmatic Easter Island, a place that has fascinated explorers and researchers for centuries. Upon arrival, we will transfer directly to our hotel to rest after the journey, allowing time to absorb the energy of this remote island before our explorations begin. In the late afternoon, we’ll head to the Museo Antropológico Padre Sebastián Englert, home to artifacts that offer only glimpses into the island’s past, many of which remain shrouded in mystery. Among the highlights is the enigmatic “female” moai statue, an anomaly that raises more questions than answers about the civilization that once thrived here.

The museum houses an array of artifacts, each contributing to the puzzle of Easter Island’s history. Who were the original builders of the moai? Why were they constructed, and what purpose did they serve? As we ponder these questions, the museum’s collection will offer us valuable clues, but much remains open to interpretation. We will retire for the night, our minds buzzing with the possibilities of what we might uncover in the days ahead.

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The coastal site of Ahu Tahai on Easter Island.

Our first full day on the island will be spent at the spectacular Ahu Tahai complex. This site, with its moai statues facing out to sea, exudes a powerful energy, and the precision with which the moai were positioned suggests that these figures held profound significance. Yet, the true purpose of these statues remains elusive. Were they guardians, astronomic markers, or something else entirely? These are just a few of the mysteries we will ponder as we walk among the towering statues that continue to watch over the island.

In the afternoon, we’ll ascend to the Rano Kau Volcano and explore the ancient village of Orongo, where strange stone structures and petroglyphs have been found. The low-lying stone houses are unlike anything else, their construction defying easy explanation. Some of the petroglyphs depict what is known as the Birdman, a figure associated with strange competitions. Were these connected to ancient rites, or perhaps something more celestial? We will also visit the Vinapu area, which features some of the most finely cut stonework on the island—stonework so precise that it evokes comparisons to the megalithic ruins of South America. This craftsmanship suggests a mastery of stone that seems out of place in its time.

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Moai heads sticking out of the ground at the Rano Raraku quarry.

Our journey continues at the Rano Raraku Quarry, a site where over 200 moai lie in various states of completion. This quarry seems to hold the key to understanding how these colossal figures were carved, yet it leaves us with more questions than answers. Some of the moai here appear to have been abandoned mid-creation, while others, much larger than those seen elsewhere, suggest that their creators might have been attempting to push the limits of their abilities—or perhaps the limits of the material itself. Among the unfinished statues is one estimated to weigh around 250 tons, challenging even modern engineers to explain how it could have been transported.

After a lunch break, we’ll visit the famous Ahu Tongariki complex. This site is home to the largest group of moai that have been re-erected, standing in a row against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. These statues convey a sense of timelessness, as if guarding secrets from a bygone era. The eastern coastline, which we will explore afterward, is home to yet more moai, their presence only adding to the enigma of who created these statues and why. As evening falls, we will gather for a lecture to discuss our findings and the many theories that have arisen over the years about the true origins of Easter Island’s stone giants.

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Several moais overlooking Anakena Beach.

This day takes us to Anakena Beach, where we will not only enjoy the beautiful white sands but also explore the strange and fascinating Ahu Nau Nau. This site is particularly unusual, as almost all of the moai here still retain their mysterious headpieces, or pukao, whose purpose remains a topic of debate. Why were only certain moai adorned with these large, cylindrical stones? And what significance did these headpieces hold for the people who created them? As we relax by the beach, we’ll also reflect on the possibility that this area may have been one of the earliest settlements of the island’s original inhabitants—whoever they might have been.

Nearby, we’ll visit Te Pito Te Henua, a large, smooth stone known as “the navel of the world.” Some believe this stone holds magnetic properties or even spiritual power, but its true function remains a mystery. From there, we will continue along the North Coast to visit Ahu Maitake Te Moai, a site where an older moai has been intriguingly reused in the construction of the ahu wall. This reworking of materials raises intriguing questions about the possible layers of history present on the island, suggesting that different groups may have inhabited and re-purposed these sites over time.

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The magnificent Ahu Akivi on Easter Island.

The day begins at the Puna Pau quarry, where the iconic red stone pukaos—the headpieces of the moai—were crafted. As we walk through this quarry, we’ll ponder the incredible effort it must have taken to transport these stones to their respective moai, and why such adornments were deemed necessary in the first place. Were they markers of status, or did they have a more esoteric meaning? These questions linger as we continue to Ahu Akivi, a site that stands out from the rest of the island.

Ahu Akivi is unique in that its moai face the ocean, unlike the others on the island. The purpose of this orientation remains unclear, adding to the intrigue surrounding this site. Were these moai connected to celestial navigation, or did they serve some other purpose lost to time? After exploring these sites, we’ll visit the nearby Te Pahua caves, natural formations that were used by ancient inhabitants for shelter. These caves, like much of the island, are filled with a quiet, almost eerie atmosphere, as if they still hold the echoes of the past. The day concludes with a visit to Hanga Ho’onu Bay, where ancient ruins mingle with modern developments, a reminder of the island’s continuing evolution.

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Toppled moais on Easter Island.

Today, we’ll visit the ancient ruins of Akahanga, one of the most intact and mysterious villages on the island. The structures here are remarkably well-preserved, giving us a glimpse into what life might have been like for the people who once inhabited this remote island. Yet, the question remains—who were they? The precision of the stonework and the layout of the village suggest a highly organized society, but the evidence left behind is sparse, leaving much to the imagination.

Our journey continues to Vaihu, a site that offers a deeper look into the possible everyday life of these ancient builders. Here, a reconstruction of a traditional village allows us to immerse ourselves in the experience of what living on Easter Island might have been like long ago. We will also visit the Ahu Huri A Urenga, which features a moai with four hands—a rare and intriguing feature that adds to the complexity of the island’s history. The day will end with a farewell dinner, where we can share our thoughts and theories on the many mysteries we’ve encountered during our time on Easter Island.

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The sun shining over moai statues on Easter Island.

Bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of Easter Island as you catch a flight to Santiago, Chile, connecting with your homeward-bound journey. Reflect on the unique cultural encounters, ancient mysteries, and natural wonders that have defined your time on this remote Pacific island.