Scenes from the Paracas National Reserve.

Start your day with an early departure to Paracas, a charming coastal town renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich natural diversity. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation, where you’ll enjoy modern amenities and a convenient location near the ocean.

In the afternoon, venture into the Paracas National Reserve, an awe-inspiring natural reserve where desert meets sea. As you explore, you’ll encounter breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, and an array of wildlife, including sea lions and a variety of seabirds. The striking red sands and vivid blue waters provide stunning contrasts for photography and scenic walks.

Later, visit the Julio C. Tello Museum, which presents a fascinating collection of artifacts from the region. While some aspects of the area’s history are still debated, the museum displays textiles, ceramics, and other relics that shed light on the mysterious history of the ancient inhabitants of this land.

Return to your hotel in the evening for a relaxing night by the coast, preparing for the next day’s activities.

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A skull from the Ica Regional Museum, the “Candelabro” geoglyph, and the Huacachina Oasis.

Begin your day with a morning boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galapagos of Peru.” Here, you’ll witness an abundance of wildlife, including sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds in their natural habitat. On your way, you’ll see the enigmatic Candelabro, a massive geoglyph carved into the desert cliffs, whose origins and purpose remain a captivating mystery.

After the tour, continue to Ica, a region known for its vast sand dunes and historical significance. Visit the picturesque Huacachina Oasis, a serene lagoon encircled by towering dunes. Here, you can relax by the water or experience adventure sports like sandboarding or riding dune buggies.

Next, explore the Ica Regional Museum, which showcases a fascinating array of ancient artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and the famous elongated skulls. These artifacts provide a window into the region’s ancient inhabitants, though there are varying interpretations about the origins and cultural significance of these relics, adding to their allure and mystery.

Later in the day, travel to Nasca. Upon arrival, check into your accommodations where you can unwind and relax after a full day of exploration.

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

Today marks the culmination of our pre-tour as we explore Nazca, a land shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Our day begins with a visit to the Chauchilla cemetery, where ancient mummies and artifacts whisper tales of a bygone era. Next we will embark on an exhilarating overflight of the Nazca Lines, marveling at the intricate patterns etched into the desert floor, their origins still cloaked in uncertainty. As we bid farewell to Nazca and begin our return journey to Lima, we carry with us memories of awe-inspiring landscapes and the tantalizing allure of ancient enigmas, forever etched into our hearts and minds. In Lima we will check into our hotel and relax for the night before starting the main tour tomorrow.

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Coricancha, the 12-angled stone, and the Plaza de Arms in Cusco.

Start the day with an early transfer to the airport in Lima for your flight to Cusco, where you’ll land in the heart of the Andes. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel, allowing you some time to settle in and adjust to the high altitude.

After lunch, our first stop is Coricancha, the famous Temple of the Sun. While its precise stonework and design are undeniable marvels, the origins of this site remain shrouded in mystery, with various interpretations and theories about its construction.

Next we’ll visit the Inca Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and elongated skulls. These relics offer insight into the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region, though the true origins of many of these items remain a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.

Finally, we will embark on a walking tour of Cusco’s historic center, strolling through its charming, narrow streets and bustling plazas, where colonial architecture blends with much older structures.

After a day of historical discovery, return to your hotel for a restful evening in preparation for the next day’s adventures.

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The Temple of the Moon, Temple of the Monkeys, Zona X, and Balcony of the Devil in Cusco.

Today we will visit some of the lesser-known but just as impressive megalithic buildings of the Incas located near the city of Cusco. We will have the chance to visit the following sites:

Templo de la Luna

The “Temple of the Moon” was carved from rock and used for ceremonies dedicated to the moon, which was very important in the Andean worldview.

Balcón del Inca

Explore this mysterious cave located up a steep hill near the Templo de la Luna.

Templo de los Monos

Known as Cusilluchayoc in the Quechua language, the Templo de los Monos (Temple of the Monkeys) is a large carved rock featuring ancient reliefs of monkeys and other animals, which is what gave the place its name.

Zona X

This intriguing site is characterized by its intricate stone structures which exhibit advanced engineering techniques that defy conventional explanations, as well as rumored entrances to secret underground caverns.

You will return to your hotel in the early evening and will have the rest of the night free.

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The spectacular megalithic sites of Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo.

Begin your day with a visit to Qenqo, an intriguing archaeological site just outside Cusco. Featuring carved rock formations and underground passageways, this enigmatic site holds deep cultural significance. While the purpose and origins of Qenqo are debated, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious past of the region.

Next, visit the imposing ruins of Sacsayhuamán, a massive complex known for its remarkable stonework, with some stones weighing over 100 tons. The precision with which these enormous blocks were cut and fitted together continues to spark curiosity and debate about the advanced techniques used to construct this site. Regardless of how and when it was built, the grandeur of Sacsayhuamán is undeniable.

After a day of exploring these awe-inspiring sites, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

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Agricultural terraces at the ruins of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Today, you’ll have the entire day to fully explore the fascinating archaeological site of Pisac, located in the Sacred Valley. Known for its expansive terraces and stunning views, Pisac is a highlight of the region. As you wander through the ancient structures, take your time to admire the remarkable stonework and intricate designs that have withstood the test of time.

A key highlight of your visit will be the Intihuatana Zone, where you’ll find the iconic carved stone believed to have been an ancient astronomical tool. This area holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, and its origins continue to be a topic of great interest and speculation.

After a full day of discovery in Pisac, return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

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The sun temple at Ollantaytambo and the mysterious portal at Ñaupa Iglesia (Choquequilla). “Carved Boulder With Chakana Motifs Ñaupa Iglesia” by Greg Will, Modifications: Cropped and added to collage is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Following a restful morning, we’ll embark on a journey to two captivating destinations: Ñaupa Iglesia and Ollantaytambo, both offering intriguing insights into the world of ancient architectural wonders.

Our initial stop brings us to Ñaupa Iglesia, a site of profound mystery nestled at the mouth of a cave within the rugged Andean landscape. Here, we encounter meticulous craftwork etched into colossal stones, an enduring testament to an ancient civilization from a distant era. As we explore these megalithic wonders, our curiosity is piqued by the intricate craftsmanship, leaving us in awe of the skill and precision that went into their creation. Ñaupa Iglesia’s true significance and the purpose of these exquisite constructions remain shrouded in history, compelling us to unravel the secrets concealed within this mystical site.

Continuing our exploration, we arrive at Ollantaytambo, a place where time appears to stand still. This living testament to megalithic engineering reveals awe-inspiring walls, monumental stone terraces, and an intricately designed urban layout. As we delve into Ollantaytambo’s intricate architecture, we’ll contemplate the advanced techniques and ingenious skills employed by the ancient builders of this site.

Finally, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu, where we will spend the night in anticipation of our visit to the Lost City of the Incas tomorrow. Upon arrival, we will head to our hotel where we will have the remainder of the evening to rest.

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The iconic site of Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes.

Today, you’ll explore the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. For a more in-depth experience, you’ll follow two different circuits (dependent on availability), providing you with a fuller understanding of the site’s complex architecture and stunning vistas.

For those up for an extra adventure, there’s an optional hike to see the Temple of the Moon, located on a trail off Huayna Picchu, the peak behind Machu Picchu. This is a very challenging hike and should only be done by those that believe they are physically able. When booking your tour, select “Extra Hikes” to add this option.

After a day filled with exploration, you’ll board the train back to Cusco in the late afternoon. Upon your return, gather for a late farewell dinner, celebrating your incredible journey through Peru.

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We wish you safe travels!

Today, you’ll bid Cusco 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 few of the iconic moai statues on Easter Island

Today we will take a flight to Easter Island, a remote and enigmatic destination in the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel where local guides will warmly welcome you. Begin your exploration by driving to the restored Ahu Akivi, which features seven Moais. Next, visit the unrestored Ahu Hanga Poukura. Then, head to Puna Pau, the topknot quarry made of red scoria stone, where all the Pukaos were crafted. Continue to the ceremonial site of Tahai, which includes three Ahus, restored statues, remnants of boathouses, a boat ramp, and other features. Here, you will see the only statue with eyes. Conclude the day with a traditional ceremony at Ahu Tahai before sunset.

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The sites of Ahu Vaihu, Ahu Tongariki, Ahu Te Pito Kura and Anakena Beach on Easter Island.

Drive to the south coast to explore notable examples of unrestored platforms, including Ahus Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te’e and Akahanga, where the legendary King Hotu Matua is believed to be buried. Continue to Rano Raraku, the quarry with nearly 900 stone statues, 397 of which still lie or stand on the slopes of the extinct volcano with its crater lake.

Next, visit Ahu Tongariki, restored with 15 Moais, the island’s largest and most recent restoration project. Then, drive to the east coast to see Ahu Te Pito Kura and the “Navel of the World.” Finally, visit Anakena Beach, home to the restored Ahus Nau Nau and Ature Huke. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean before returning to your hotel.

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The Rano Kau volcano, Orongo village, Ahu Vinapu and the Ana Kai Tangata Cave.

Drive up the extinct volcano Rano Kau, admiring the panoramic views of the island and its distinct geological features along the way. Stop at an overlook to view the crater lake. Next, visit the ceremonial village of Orongo, where the birdman competition took place, and marvel at the spectacular petroglyphs associated with this culture. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the three islets: Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao, just off the coast. Descend to Ahu Vinapu, an unrestored site that some believe shows remarkable similarities with the architecture found in Peru. The final stop is Ana Kai Tangata cave, known for its ancient paintings. After this we will return to the hotel where we will have the remainder of the evening free.

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