Lima & Coastal Adventure (Pre-Trip Extension) Nov. 9-13
Begin in Lima, where colonial architecture and pre-Columbian artifacts tell the story of Peru’s rich history. A guided city tour takes you through San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, and the San Francisco Church, where underground catacombs reveal layers of history beneath the city. At the Larco Museum, explore 3,000 years of artifacts, from intricate ceramics to golden headdresses. In the evening, there’s time to visit Lima’s Magic Water Circuit, a spectacular display of fountains and lights.
Leaving the city behind, journey down Peru’s Pacific coastline to Paracas, where a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines offers a bird’s-eye view of the ancient geoglyphs—hummingbirds, monkeys, and mysterious symbols etched into the desert floor thousands of years ago.
In the Ballestas Islands, often called the "Galapagos of Peru," sea lions bask on rocky shores, Humboldt penguins waddle along cliffs, and thousands of seabirds swirl above. A boat tour takes you past the Candelabra of the Andes, a massive geoglyph carved into a desert hillside. A dune buggy ride on the largest sand dunes in South America
The adventure continues with a pisco and wine tasting in Ica, where local vineyards produce Peru’s most famous spirit. Before returning to Lima, explore the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the Pacific Ocean in one of the country’s most striking landscapes.
Sacred Valley & Cusco: The Heart of the Incan Empire
From Lima, fly to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. At 11,000 feet in altitude, it’s a city of contrasts—Spanish cathedrals built atop Incan temples, bustling markets filled with vibrant textiles, and narrow stone streets where history feels alive.
Descending into the Sacred Valley, the air grows warmer as you reach Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining Incan towns still inhabited today. The ancient terraces and royal estate of Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site showcase the ingenuity of Incan builders, and from here, the adventure truly begins.
Rafting down the Urubamba River, you'll float past towering Andean peaks, ancient terraces, and remote villages. After a traditional Pachamanca meal, cooked underground with hot stones, a local shaman welcomes you into an Andean Mother Earth offering, a ceremony that has been performed for centuries to honor Pachamama.
Later, at Distilería Andina, craft your own Andean elixir, blending local herbs and botanicals into a traditional Peruvian spirit.
The next morning, mountain biking through the Sacred Valley offers an off-the-beaten-path way to explore the region, following ancient trails past farming terraces, small villages, and Incan ruins. After lunch, participate in a community service project, helping with a reforestation initiative or volunteering at a local school.
In Chinchero, a town famous for its textiles, weavers continue their centuries-old craft, using natural dyes and hand-spun wool. Nearby, explore the Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside, and the Moray agricultural terraces, an Incan engineering marvel believed to have been an agricultural testing ground.
Machu Picchu & the Inca Trail
Boarding an early morning train, you'll disembark at Trail Marker 104 for the short Inca Trail hike. The journey ascends 2,300 feet, winding through cloud forests and past the ancient ruins of Wiñayhuayna, before arriving at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, Machu Picchu appears, framed by the surrounding peaks, an unforgettable sight for those who arrive on foot.
After an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, return to Machu Picchu at sunrise for a guided exploration of its temples, terraces, and sacred sites. For those seeking a challenge, hiking Huayna Picchu offers panoramic views of the lost city.
In the afternoon, travel back to Ollantaytambo before continuing the journey.
Pisac, Cusco & Rainbow Mountain
The adventure continues in Pisac, home to one of the most impressive Incan ruins in the valley. Overlooking the town, these mountaintop terraces, aqueducts, and temples showcase the ingenuity of the Incan civilization. The Pisac Artisan Market is one of the best in Peru, offering handcrafted textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry made by local artisans.
Back in Cusco, explore its rich history with visits to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the San Pedro Market, where locals sell exotic fruits, fresh bread, and handmade goods. A cooking class in Cusco offers the chance to prepare Peruvian specialties alongside expert chefs.
For those seeking an even greater adventure, the optional extension to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) takes you to one of Peru’s most striking landscapes. After a drive through the South Valley, hike to 16,535 feet, where layers of mineral-rich soil create vivid streaks of red, gold, and turquoise. Nearby, the Red Valley unveils a surreal, otherworldly terrain rarely seen by travelers.
