PERU SEPTEMBER 2025: DESERTS, ANDES & MACHU PICCHU

📌 September 15 – Welcome to Peru!
Arrival in Lima, airport pickup, and transfer to your hotel in the lively Miraflores district. Take time to rest or start exploring the Peruvian capital: stroll along the Malecón, taste local dishes, or discover the artsy Barranco neighborhood.

📌 September 16 – From Lima to the Desert: Ballestas Islands & Huacachina
Early morning departure to Paracas, where we’ll take a boat tour to the spectacular Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galápagos of Peru.” Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Huacachina desert, where we’ll spend the night under the stars in a tent/room with twin beds. Optional activities include sandboarding or a thrilling buggy ride through the dunes.

📌 September 17 – Nazca Lines & Night Bus to Arequipa
In the morning, those who wish can take an optional scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, the enormous desert geoglyphs that continue to baffle archaeologists.
Free afternoon to explore Nazca before boarding a comfortable overnight bus to Arequipa.
🚌 Night on the road in reclining, spacious seats.

📌 September 18 – Relax & Explore Arequipa
Arrival in Arequipa around 5:00 a.m. After check-in at the hotel, enjoy the day exploring this charming colonial city, also known as “The White City.” You can visit the Santa Catalina Monastery or relax at a café on the stunning Plaza de Armas.

📌 September 19 – Lake Titicaca & Floating Islands
Departure at 5:45 a.m. for Puno, crossing high-altitude landscapes filled with volcanoes and pastures.
Upon arrival, we’ll take a guided tour of the Uros Floating Islands, made entirely of totora reeds—one of Peru’s most fascinating indigenous cultures.

📌 September 20 – Across the Andes: Puno to Cusco
At 10:00 a.m., we depart by panoramic bus to Cusco, passing through breathtaking Andean landscapes and remote villages.
Arrival around 6:30 p.m. and check-in at our centrally located hotel.

📌 September 21 – Free Day in Cuzco
Day dedicated to free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. You can shop at local markets, relax with an Andean massage, or simply wander through the colonial streets and soak up Cuzco’s magical atmosphere.

📌 September 22 – Rainbow Mountain
Early morning departure for the excursion to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). After the bus transfer to the starting point, we’ll begin the trek (moderate level, with the option to rent a horse). Reaching the summit will reward us with breathtaking and unforgettable views.
🍽 Lunch included.

📌 September 23 – Panoramic Train to Machu Picchu
Departure at sunrise on a panoramic train along the Urubamba Valley: a stunning journey through mountains and subtropical jungle. We’ll arrive early in Aguas Calientes (around 8:00 a.m.), the village at the foot of the archaeological site. Here, we’ll have the chance to queue for an upgrade to Circuit 2 of the citadel, purchasing one of the 1,000 tickets available on-site (daily limited spots). The rest of the day is free to explore the town, relax at the hot springs, or stroll along the river.

📌 September 24 – Machu Picchu: The Dream Comes True
At sunrise we’ll enter Machu Picchu with Circuit 1 – lower terrace, the most iconic viewpoint from which the postcard photos of the citadel are taken. After the guided visit, we’ll experience the unique hike up Machu Picchu Mountain (medium-high difficulty), offering spectacular views of the site and the surrounding Andes. In the afternoon, return to Cuzco by train and bus.

📌 September 25 – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today we’ll explore the enchanting Sacred Valley: Pisac market, agricultural terraces, and the ruins of Ollantaytambo, among the most iconic sites of the Inca Empire.
🍽 Lunch included in a local restaurant.

📌 September 26 – Return to Lima
Morning flight to Lima (not included). Free afternoon to explore the historical center, visit the Love Park, or enjoy a sunset walk along the coast.

📌 September 27 – End of the Trip & Return Flight
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final breakfast with the group. Airport transfer and… ¡Hasta pronto, Perú!