Your bags are packed – off you go! Today you fly to Peru full of anticipation. After landing in Lima you are warmly welcomed and taken to the hotel. Here, after the long flight, you can first relax in the comfortable beds. Today you travel about 30 km. If you organise your own arrival, your tour guide will contact you in good time to let you know when and where the welcome meeting takes place. Hotel José Antonio Lima: the Hotel José Antonio Lima is located in Miraflores, a district of Lima with many parks, restaurants and bars, not far from the sea and the local market. It has spacious, modernly furnished rooms with air conditioning, and the restaurant serves Peruvian specialities.

On a discovery tour of the »City of Kings« you see, among other things, the Plaza Mayor, framed by the mighty cathedral and the Archbishop's and Government Palaces, and the San Francisco Monastery. You then drive to the picturesque Paracas Peninsula, about 250 kilometres south of Lima. The Pan-American Highway takes you through a landscape full of contrasts: deserts and fertile valleys alternate. In the afternoon, stretch out at your resort and unwind. By then at the latest, the strains of the long flight should be forgotten. Breakfast is included. Today you cover about 270 km. Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa: the modern Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa in Paracas lies right by the sea and has two beautiful swimming pools and a spacious spa area. The cosy rooms are air-conditioned and all have a balcony with pool or garden view. In the restaurant you can enjoy fresh seafood as well as local and international cuisine. Enjoy your meal!

Don't forget your camera, because you'll definitely want to capture this day! A motorboat takes you to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the Little Galápagos. Thousands of seabirds and sea lions live in this nature reserve. You'll be amazed how close you can get to the animals. After a walk at the picturesque Huacachina lagoon, with its pretty promenade, lush palms and high sand dunes in the background, you drive to Nazca, which became famous above all for the legendary Nazca Lines. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Today you cover about 220 km. In rough seas, the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands is cancelled to ensure your safety. What might also interest you: For many, flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines remains just a dream. You can make it come true! There are many theories about the origin and meaning of the geoglyphs, which can only be recognised from the air. The lines cover an area of around 350 km² and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flight lasts 30 minutes and costs approx. USD 120 per person (plus airport security and conservation fee of approx. USD 10 per person). Registration and payment take place locally. In bad weather the flight is cancelled for safety reasons; it can be made up on the morning of day 4. As there have been isolated accidents on flights over the Nazca Lines, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. On the one hand, the Nazca Lines are among the highlights of a trip to Peru and unfortunately can only be seen well from the air. On the other hand, the safety of our guests is very important to us. The airline Nazca Airlines, with which some accidents occurred, no longer exists. We think each traveller should decide for themselves whether to take the flight at their own risk. Casa Andina Standard Nazca: just a short walk from Nazca's historic main square lies the Casa Andina Standard Nasca, where the friendly team led by manager Lizbeth Hualpa takes care of you. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped courtyard with its refreshing pool and shady palm trees, or indulge in the in-house restaurant with a wonderful view of the garden.

For many, flying over the mysterious Nazca Lines remains just a dream. You can make it come true! There are many theories about the origin and meaning of the geoglyphs, which can only be recognised from the air. The lines cover an area of around 350 km² and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flight lasts 30 minutes and costs approx. USD 120 per person (plus airport security and conservation fee of approx. USD 10 per person). Registration and payment take place locally. In bad weather the flight is cancelled for safety reasons; it can be made up on the morning of day 4. As there have been isolated accidents on flights over the Nazca Lines, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. On the one hand, the Nazca Lines are among the highlights of a trip to Peru and unfortunately can only be seen well from the air. On the other hand, the safety of our guests is very important to us. The airline Nazca Airlines, with which some accidents occurred, no longer exists. We think each traveller should decide for themselves whether to take the flight at their own risk.

Following the famous Pan-American Highway, you drive along the Pacific coast to Arequipa, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dune landscapes and oases appearing again and again as if out of nowhere captivate your gaze. On the way you take a short walk by the sea – best barefoot, to feel the sand between your toes! In the evening you reach the city of Arequipa, a little inland and surrounded by volcanoes, which enchants with its predominantly white colonial buildings. Breakfast and lunch are included in the price. Today you drive about 580 km. Arequipa lies at an altitude of about 2,235 m. San Agustín Posada del Monasterio: the San Agustín Posada del Monasterio is located in the historic centre of Arequipa, just a few minutes' walk from the main square, the Plaza de Armas, and directly opposite the Santa Catalina Monastery. The rooms are rustic but cosily furnished. Fuel up at the breakfast buffet in the morning and look forward to an exciting day in Arequipa.

In Arequipa, the Spanish colonial influence on the architecture is still particularly evident. On the city walk in the morning you admire the beautiful cathedral and the Jesuit church of La Compañía. The Santa Catalina Monastery is the most important example of 16th-century colonial architecture. Gain an insight into the strictly religious life of that time. After the cultural programme you visit the San Camilo vegetable market in the old town and can feast your way through exotic varieties of vegetables. The afternoon is for shopping. How about a cuddly soft alpaca scarf or jumper? Arequipa is famous for its many shops selling high-quality alpaca goods. In addition to breakfast, today you are also served an excellent dinner at the best restaurant in town. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

The picturesque Colca Valley was only connected to the outside world by road in the 1970s. You drive across a high plateau where llamas, alpacas and wild vicuñas live, whose wool is used for the soft scarves. In the villages of the Colca Valley, the women's traditional colourful costumes are still part of everyday street life. Hike through a landscape shaped by agricultural terraces more than 1,000 years old and admire the view. As a crowning finale to the day, you can enjoy a soak in the wonderful thermal pools near Chivay. Oh, how good the warm water feels! The beautiful open-air thermal baths are surrounded by high mountains. Today breakfast and lunch are prepared for you. Today you drive about 180 km. You reach the highest point of the day when crossing the Patapampa Pass by bus at 4,910 m; Chivay in the Colca Valley lies at about 3,600 m. In the Colca Valley you hike up and down for about an hour (gentle inclines) at around 3,400 m. As this is your first hike at altitude, it's easy to get out of breath. Just take your time and drink plenty of water. For the visit to the hot springs in the Colca Valley, your accommodation provides towels. You only need to remember your swimwear. Casa Andina Standard Colca: the Casa Andina Standard Colca hotel lies in the middle of the small town of Chivay in the Colca Valley. The stone bungalows with the guest rooms are simply furnished in country style and, as a special service for cold nights, offer electric blankets in the beds. Relax on the terrace with its fountain or by the fire in the cosy lounge.

The time has finally come! You will see the legendary condor. From the »Cross of the Condor« you have an impressive view into the 1,200-metre-deep gorge. This is the best place to watch these huge birds, which live only in the Andes. It is an impressive experience when the condors gain lift from the warm air and circle high above the Colca Valley – it can really give you goosebumps. The road to Puno first leads through a strange volcanic landscape, then you cross a high plateau where only pampas grass grows. Endless expanses and majestic mountains shape the landscape, where herds of alpacas and llamas graze. In the evening you reach Puno on the highest navigable lake in the world. Breakfast and lunch are included today. Today you cover about 350 km. Puno lies at an altitude of about 3,830 m. Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno: the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno lies right on majestic Lake Titicaca. From all the rooms, tastefully furnished in Andean style, you enjoy a beautiful view over the impressive lake. The sunsets with their mountain and lake backdrop are also spectacular and can be admired from the restaurant and terrace too. On the lawn you're sure to meet the friendly llama family and the guinea pigs happily scurrying around.

A motorboat takes you to the floating reed islands of the indigenous Uros. Here you stretch your legs on the swaying ground, greet the islanders and admire their artfully built reed huts. You continue by boat to the Capachica peninsula, where farmers in a total of eight communities still live in a very traditional way, and get to know some traditions of the indigenous Quechua in the community of Llachón. At the port of Llachón-Santa María, friendly locals welcome you and accompany you to the Simeón family's dining room. On a walk of about an hour and a half across the peninsula with its idyllic beach, you admire the beauty of nature. In the afternoon you are taken back to Puno by boat. In addition to breakfast, today a family on Capachica serves you a typical local lunch. Your visit supports the local hosts, who earn income from the encounter and the hospitality. Today you travel about 5 hours by boat. You stay at the same accommodation as the previous day.

The full-day drive to Cusco takes you across the vast Altiplano, past sleepy indigenous villages, to the highest pass, La Raya, where wonderful views open up. Through the fertile valley of the Vilcanota River you reach Raqchi, where you visit a temple that the Incas dedicated to their creator god Viracocha. In Andahuaylillas you visit the colonial church which, because of its rich interior decoration, is called the »Sistine Chapel of the Americas«. In the evening you arrive in beautiful Cusco, the former Inca capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breakfast and lunch are included today. Today you cover about 430 km. The La Raya Pass lies at about 4,300 m, and Cusco at about 3,400 m. We recommend leaving your suitcase at the hotel when you travel to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu (days 10 to 12). Your luggage will be kept safely in a storage room. For this tour you only need to take what you need for the two or three days. PeruRail only allows one piece of luggage per person: a backpack of max. 8 kg (max. 100 cm in total dimensions) or a piece of hand luggage of max. 12 kg (max. 115 cm in total dimensions). It's best to take a backpack – so leave behind everything you don't need. Sonesta Cusco: the Sonesta Cusco is excellently located, just 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. All rooms have a lovely view of the city or the mountains. The rooms are modernly furnished and have a private bathroom with bathtub. You can also look forward to a good restaurant where you can taste Peruvian and international cuisine. A small bar invites you to linger and welcomes you with regional drinks.

Peru's most beautiful Inca terraces and many important Inca sites lie in the Urubamba Valley, also known as the »Sacred Valley of the Incas«. But it's worth a visit not only for its Inca heritage – it is also refreshingly green, and touchingly warm-hearted people live here. You visit a typical Andean village where time seems to have stood still and gain an insight into the villagers' everyday life and the social conditions in Peru. In return, lend a hand by helping the women prepare a traditional lunch. While the food is heated in the ground, you hike with your tour guide, accompanied by one or two villagers, through the beautiful landscape to a viewpoint on the mountain with a fantastic view of the village. Once you've eaten your fill, you can watch weaving, look at a collection of home-made textiles and, under the guidance of the villagers, gather herbs for dyeing fabrics. Perhaps one or two of you will discover a new hobby here. In addition to a delicious breakfast, today you have a typical local lunch in the Andean village. Pachamanca, Quechua for »earth pot«, consists of meat, potatoes and vegetables cooked in a hole lined with hot stones and covered with earth – an ancient cooking method used above all at big festivities. Your visit supports the local hosts, who earn income from the encounter and the hospitality. Today you drive about 90 km. The Andean village lies at about 3,775 m. The hike itself is not strenuous, but walking is harder at this altitude. If you don't feel up to the hike, you are welcome to wait for the group in the village and use the time to get to know its kind people. La Casona de Yucay: La Casona de Yucay lies in the heart of the small town of Yucay in the Urubamba Valley. In the friendly rooms, wooden floors and warm colours create a cosy atmosphere. Relax in the quiet, beautiful garden with a view of the mountains, or enjoy the many treatments in the spa. The Don Manuel restaurant serves national and international dishes; some ingredients come from the hotel's own vegetable garden. Over a cool drink in the bar on the second floor, you end the day in a relaxed way.

You set off in good time so as not to miss the Andean train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes is the starting point for the highlight of every trip to Peru. After dropping off your small bag at the hotel, a bus takes you in about 30 minutes up the winding road to the legendary Inca city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view of Machu Picchu, the Andean ranges and the Río Urubamba about 700 metres below is fabulous. On a tour you discover the impressive stone testimonies of this special place, trace its history and let the atmosphere of this magical place sink in. You will surely find that in reality it is even more beautiful and mysterious than in photos and films. In the afternoon the bus takes you – no doubt blissfully happy – back down into the valley. Breakfast and dinner are included. Today you travel about 40 km by train. Aguas Calientes lies at 2,040 m and Machu Picchu at about 2,360 m. To protect the sensitive site, fixed visitor routes and rules apply, from which no deviation is allowed. Today, accompanied by your tour guide, you visit the Inca site in detail on one of the various circuits. Tomorrow you will then have time to take in the citadel once more on your own. This gives you enough time to experience Machu Picchu twice, offering a comprehensive insight into this fascinating ruined city. Hotel El Mapi: the Hotel El Mapi is located in the centre of Aguas Calientes, the small village at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain. The hotel combines modern design with classic architecture. The cosy rooms have large windows, some with a view of the mountain. Enjoy the atmosphere at the bar or in the cafeteria.

And because time at Machu Picchu flew by so quickly yesterday, you get to go up again today. Early in the morning, when the Inca city of Machu Picchu is often shrouded in mist, you have the extraordinary opportunity to see the ruined city in a completely different light once more. Then, with a heavy heart, you say goodbye before the bus takes you the short way back down into the valley. Around midday you begin the return journey to Cusco by train and bus. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Today you travel about 110 km. Sonesta Cusco: the Sonesta Cusco is excellently located, just 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. All rooms have a lovely view of the city or the mountains. The rooms are modernly furnished and have a private bathroom with bathtub. You can also look forward to a good restaurant where you can taste Peruvian and international cuisine. A small bar invites you to linger and welcomes you with regional drinks.

In Quechua, the language of the indigenous people, Cusco means »navel of the world«. In the morning you explore the historic city of Cusco on foot, where indigenous and colonial building styles mix. Among other things, you see the artists' quarter of San Blas with its many little lanes and the famous twelve-angled stone in a wall of the former palace of the ruler Inca Roca. The huge, precisely cut stones of the Coricancha sun temple also hold together without mortar and bear witness to the impressive building skills of the Incas. In the afternoon you are taken to the airport and fly over the Andes to Lima, where you check in at your hotel. Breakfast is included today. The schedule for the domestic flight from Cusco to Lima will be given to you by our local partner agency. Hotel José Antonio Lima: the Hotel José Antonio Lima is located in Miraflores, a district of Lima with many parks, restaurants and bars, not far from the sea and the local market. It has spacious, modernly furnished rooms with air conditioning, and the restaurant serves Peruvian specialities.

Start the day at a leisurely pace and enjoy your last hours in Lima before your departure. Perhaps you feel like heading out at your own pace, having a coffee or buying a few last bits and pieces. If you fancy a relaxed walk, your tour guide will happily take you along and – depending on mood, time and weather – show you some of their favourite spots, e.g. in Miraflores, or lead you along the coast, always with a lovely view of the sea. In the afternoon you are taken to the airport and begin your return flight. Breakfast is included in the price. Today you travel about 30 km.

After landing, you continue individually to your home town. Look back on the trip at your leisure at home. You will treasure the incomparable memories for a long time.