Complete Peru Grand Tour 15 Days: Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Tambopata Amazon
Experience Peru at its finest: the coast, mountains, and the Peruvian Amazon.
TRIP SUMMARY
Experience the most comprehensive Peruvian adventure on a 15-day tour designed to explore its three natural regions: coast, mountains, and jungle. We begin with pickup at the Lima airport for a city tour of the capital. We continue to Paracas and Ica for a tour of the Ballestas Islands and the impressive Huacachina.
We fly to Cusco to explore its charming colonial streets on a VIP city tour and discover the mystical Sacred Valley. We visit the world wonder of Machu Picchu, as well as the Humantay Lagoon and the colorful Rainbow Mountain. We then travel to Puno for a two-day experience on the islands of Lake Titicaca and a visit to the Sillustani Chullpas.
We conclude the tour in the Tambopata National Reserve with four days and three nights of connecting with nature in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. We conclude with a transfer to the Puerto Maldonado airport.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Lima – City Tour
Reception at Lima airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, city tour of the Historic Center: Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, Convent of San Francisco, and catacombs. Panoramic views of Miraflores and the Costa Verde.
Day 2: Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Huacachina – Lima
Departure to Paracas to visit the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and guano birds. Then, transfer to Huacachina Lagoon with time for buggy tours and sandboarding. Return to Lima in the evening.
Day 3: Flight Lima – Juliaca – Chullpas de Sillustani – Puno
Flight from Lima to Juliaca. En route to Puno, stop at the Chullpas of Sillustani, impressive pre-Incan funerary towers. Arrival in Puno, check into your hotel and rest.
Day 4: Lake Titicaca – Uros and Amantani Islands (Experiential)
Excursion to Lake Titicaca to visit the floating islands of the Uros people. Continue to Amantaní Island for a hands-on experience with local families. Traditional dinner and overnight stay in a local’s home.
Day 5: Taquile Island – Return to Puno
Breakfast in Amantaní and sailing to Taquile Island, famous for its textile tradition, recognized by UNESCO. We will hike and enjoy a traditional lunch. We will return to Puno in the afternoon and stay overnight.
Day 6: Cusco City Tour
Tour of the main attractions of Cusco: Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Rest of the afternoon free for acclimatization or optional activities.
Day 7: Sacred Valley VIP – Aguas Calientes
Explore the Sacred Valley: Chincheros archaeological center and textile zone, Moray circular terraces, and Maras salt mines. Visit Ollantaytambo, the last surviving Inca city. Train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 8: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Free time for photos or to climb Huayna Picchu (optional). Return to Cusco by train and transfer to your hotel.
Day 9: Humantay Lagoon
Early departure to Soraypampa to begin the hike to the beautiful Humantay Lagoon. Time to explore and enjoy the Andean landscape. Return to Cusco in the afternoon.
Day 10: Scenic Cusco (Bus 180°)
Discover the best of Cusco with this unique city tour. Start with a walk from your hotel to the Plaza de Armas and the main streets of the historic center. Then, board the panoramic Bus 180 to enjoy spectacular views and a stop at the Mirador de Cristo Blanco. Visit an Andean community where typical Paucartambo characters will captivate you with their music and dances. End the experience by learning how to make a delicious Pisco Sour, Peru’s signature drink.
Ideal for those seeking culture, tradition, and fun in a single afternoon.
Day 11: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Trekking to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a natural icon of Cusco. Observe Andean landscapes and local wildlife. Return to Cusco to rest. In the evening, depart by bus to Puerto Maladonado..
Day 12: Arrival in Puerto Maldonado – Entrance to Collpas Tambopata Inn
Reception at the airport or bus terminal in Puerto Maldonado and transfer by bus and boat to the Collpas Tambopata Inn lodge, located on the edge of the National Reserve. In the afternoon, an introductory walk through the primary forest will feature medicinal plant, monkey, and bird watching. Optional: nighttime alligator watching on the Tambopata River.
Day 13: Collpa de Guacamayos Chuncho – Kayak – Night Hike
Early morning visit to the famous Chuncho clay lick to observe macaws and parrots in their natural habitat. Breakfast at the viewing area. In the afternoon, kayak adventure with the chance to see capybaras, turtles, and waterfowl. At night, night walk in search of insects, frogs, tarantulas, and snakes.
Day 14: Mammal Clay Lick – Fishing in the Tambopata River
Excursion to the Mammal Clay Lick through the Amazon rainforest, where you may see howler monkeys, capuchins, peccaries, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy traditional fishing on the Tambopata River with a chance to catch piranhas, pacu, and other local fish.
Day 15: Sandoval Lake – Return to Puerto Maldonado
Departure to Lake Sandoval within the Tambopata National Reserve. A 3-km hike through the forest and a boat ride on the lake offer the chance to see giant otters, monkeys, and exotic birds. Lunch will be served on the shore and return to Puerto Maldonado for transfer to the airport or bus terminal.
WHAT DOES THE TRIP INCLUDE?
Includes
- Tourist transportation
- Bilingual guide
- Admission to all sites
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- First aid kit, including a small oxygen tank
- Breakfast and lunch for the mountains and Humantay Lagoon.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (Tambopata-Puerto Maldonado tour).
- Camping at a jungle lodge.
Not included
- Accommodation in Cusco and Lima.
- Water and snacks.
- Horseback riding available upon request (Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain).
- Flights
- Dinners
- Not mentioned in the program
- Interprovincial bus ticket.
Recommendations
- Water.
- Raincoat – poncho – long-sleeved shirt.
- Trekking shoes.
- Winter hat and gloves.
- Waterproof pants.
- Snacks.
- Sunscreen, SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Camera with spare batteries: batteries drain faster at high altitudes.
- Binoculars.
- Cash for extra cats (souvenir or horse rental is optional).
- Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents; can be rented from us).