Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima & City Tour

Arrival & Transfer to Historic Center

Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, your private Apple Travel representative meets you outside the terminal for a smooth transfer to your hotel.

Historic & Modern Lima Tour

In the afternoon, begin your guided exploration of Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, and the historic San Francisco Convent with its famous underground catacombs. Afterward, drive toward the coastal districts of Miraflores and Barranco to take in panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean.

Pro Traveler Tip: World-Class Gastronomy

Lima is recognized as the culinary capital of South America. If you wish to elevate your first evening, we recommend reserving a table in advance at one of these top-ranked dining spots:

• Central: Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, offering an altitude-based tasting menu.
• Maido: World-class Nikkei cuisine blending Japanese precision with traditional Peruvian ingredients.
• Astrid y Gastón: A pioneer of modern Peruvian fine dining set inside a historic hacienda.
• Meals Included: None (In-flight/Independent)
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lima

Day 2: Lima to Paracas, Huacachina & Ica

Ballestas Islands Marine Wildlife

Depart early in the morning traveling south along the Pan-American Highway toward the coastal town of Paracas. Board a speed boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s mini-Galapagos. Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and thousands of marine birds nesting on rocky cliffs.

Sand Dunes & Pisco Vineyards

Continue south to the famous Huacachina Oasis. Board a dune buggy for an exhilarating ride across massive desert dunes, with optional sandboarding down the sandy slopes. Conclude the afternoon at a traditional vineyard in Ica to sample regional wines and authentic Peruvian Pisco before returning to Lima for the evening.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Lima

Day 3: Flight to Arequipa & Cooking Class

Flight to the White City

Take a morning flight from Lima to Arequipa (2,325 m / 7,625 ft), famous for its volcanic sillar stone architecture. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take time to rest before your afternoon walking tour. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas and the sprawling Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant city-within-a-city frozen in time.

Hands-On Culinary Experience

In the evening, enjoy an interactive cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to prepare traditional southern Peruvian dishes such as Adobo Arequipeño (slow-cooked pork marinated in chicha de jora) and fresh Peruvian Ceviche. Learn about native mountain ingredients and Andean spices before enjoying your creations for dinner.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (Cooking Class)
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Arequipa

Day 4: Arequipa to Colca Canyon & Hot Springs

Crossing Patapampa Pass

Depart early from Arequipa into the high Andes toward Colca Canyon. Drive over the impressive Patapampa Pass at 4,910 meters (16,109 feet), offering dramatic views of snowcapped volcanoes like Sabancaya and Misti. Keep your camera ready as you pass vast high-altitude plains populated by wild vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.

Condors & Thermal Baths

Arrive at Cruz del Cóndor to observe wild Andean condors soaring on thermals above one of the deepest canyons on earth. In the afternoon, head to Chivay to relax in the thermal mineral waters of La Calera hot springs before checking into your hotel.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Chivay (Colca Valley)

Day 5: Colca Canyon to Puno

Altiplano Scenic Journey

Enjoy a relaxed morning taking in the terraced agricultural landscapes of the Colca Valley. Afterward, board your comfortable vehicle for a scenic drive across the high Andean Altiplano toward Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

High-Altitude Crossing

Pass through remote highland communities, mirror-like mountain lakes, and sweeping high-altitude tundra. Arrive in Puno (3,812 m / 12,500 ft) in the late afternoon and check into your hotel to acclimatize for your lake adventure.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Puno

Day 6: Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands & Local HomestayUros Floating Islands

Board a boat across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world. Your first stop is the famous Uros Floating Islands, constructed entirely out of woven totora reeds. Learn how local islanders build, maintain, and live on these floating structures.

Cultural Homestay on Amantaní or Taquile Island

Continue across the lake to a rural island community for an authentic homestay experience. Meet your host family, share a homemade meal prepared with native crops like quinoa and native potatoes, and spend the afternoon walking ancient stone paths. Enjoy a quiet evening far away from city lights under the Andean night sky.

• Accommodation: Traditional Family Homestay on Lake Titicaca
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Puno to Cusco (The Route of the Sun)

The Sun Route Journey

Depart Puno for a full-day guided bus journey across the Andes to Cusco, stopping at historic and archaeological landmarks along the famous Route of the Sun.

Historic Landmarks

• La Raya Pass: The highest point of the route at 4,335 meters (14,222 feet), marking the geographic divide between the Titicaca basin and the Sacred Valley.
• Raqchi Temple: Explore the massive Temple of Wiracocha, an impressive Inca ceremonial complex built with stone and mud-brick walls.
• Andahuaylillas: Visit the town church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” due to its intricate golden baroque frescoes and decorated ceilings.

Arrive in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Cusco

Day 8: Cusco City Tour & Free Afternoon

Ancient Capital Exploration

Begin your morning tour at Qorikancha (The Inca Temple of the Sun), where Spanish colonial structures were built directly on top of polished Inca stone foundations. Continue to the massive megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuamán overlooking the city, as well as the nearby archaeological sites of Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Afternoon Independent Exploration

Enjoy a free afternoon exploring Cusco at your own pace. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the San Blas artisan quarter, browse handcrafted textiles at local markets, or enjoy a coffee overlooking the historic Plaza de Armas.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in Cusco

Day 9: Flight to Puerto Maldonado & Amazon Canopy Walk

Transition to the Jungle

Take a short morning flight from Cusco down into the Amazon Basin at Puerto Maldonado. Meet your local rainforest guides at the airport and transfer to the river port for a motorized boat trip along the Madre de Dios River to your Amazon eco-lodge.

Treetop Canopy Walkway

After checking into your lodge, stretch your legs on an elevated canopy walk. Walk across suspension bridges suspended high above the jungle floor for panoramic views of the Amazon treetops and early bird sightings.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Rainforest Eco-Lodge in Tambopata

Day 10: Macaw Clay Lick & Night Wildlife Exploration

Sunrise at the Macaw Clay Lick

Wake up early to board a boat to a natural clay lick along the riverbank. Watch hundreds of colorful macaws, parrots, and parakeets gather at sunrise to ingest minerals from the clay walls, creating a vibrant visual display.

Wildlife Tracking & Night Hike

Spend the rest of the day exploring jungle trails with expert naturalists to spot capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths. After dark, head out on a guided night walk to discover nocturnal species, including tree frogs, tarantulas, and night birds.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Rainforest Eco-Lodge in Tambopata

Day 11: Departure from Puerto Maldonado

Final Jungle Morning & Airport Transfer

Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge listening to the morning jungle sounds. Board the boat back to Puerto Maldonado port, where our private transport transfers you to the airport for your onward flight to Lima or your next destination.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Transfer Included: Private transfer from lodge to Puerto Maldonado Airport (PEM)