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Peru – Inti Raymi Festival In the Sacred Land of the Incas | 13 days
Of all the trips we’ve taken, Peru is definitely one of our favorite destinations. Perhaps it’s the history of the Incas that captivates us, the ever-changing landscapes of unparalleled beauty, the world-renowned Peruvian cuisine with its award-winning restaurants, the exhilarating activities, the majestic Machu Picchu, and the locals who never forget their culture and traditions. Although it sounds like a cliché, trust us—it’s no coincidence that it’s on the list of trips every true traveler wants and needs to take. No matter how many places in the world you’ve traveled to, nothing compares to the thrill Peru will give you!
Check out the map, explore the sights, and you’ll see why this itinerary is perfect. Departures from Thessaloniki, Athens, and Larnaca. Choose the “no flight” option and travel with us from the airport of your choice. Includes 2 domestic flights in Peru to avoid long bus rides.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
If you're a travel addict, you definitely know what it means to be excited before a trip! Especially when that trip is to Peru. We totally get it. Dress comfortably for the long journey and get ready to experience the trip of a lifetime! We’ll meet at the airport and depart for Peru’s capital, Lima.
We arrive in Lima very early in the morning. Since you can’t check in at the hotel yet, and to avoid a long drive and the hassle, we take a domestic flight and head straight to Cusco, which is located at an altitude of 3,399 meters. Our local friend will be waiting for us at the Cusco airport. We board our bus and head to Ollantaytambo, which is located at an altitude of 2,792 meters. This will help you acclimate better to the altitude. According to the locals, coca leaves may help with this; you can either chew them or drink them as tea. The picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, known to locals and visitors alike as Ollanta, reveals the design of an Inca city, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been inhabited since the 13th century. Ollantaytambo was also an exceptional fortress and a ceremonial center of the Incas. The rest of your day will be free for you to relax. Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the internationally renowned Peruvian cuisine.
Today we’re enjoying our breakfast, which includes, among other things… coca leaf tea. But don’t worry… It’s an unprocessed product, and the only effect it has on you is to help you adjust to the altitude. We head to the train station, where we’ll board the train to take us to the village of Aguas Calientes. As travelers ourselves, we’ve taken many trains… But none can compare to this one. The magnificent landscapes you’ll see help you enjoy the journey to Machu Picchu (not Machu Pitshu), as the locals have corrected us. Machu Picchu is the site of an ancient Inca city, high in the Peruvian Andes. It sits at 2,430 meters and is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas.” It is one of the most famous and impressive sights in the world; no matter how many times we’ve been there, it inspires the same awe as the first time. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, receives over a million visitors annually, and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Our local friend will share such fascinating insights into the captivating Inca culture that you’ll become even more excited about Machu Picchu. You’ll also spot cute alpacas grazing carefree in the surrounding area… In fact, if they feel bothered, rest assured they’ll spit at you!
An integral part of this culture is… cocoa! Here, if you’d like, you can take part in a chocolate-making workshop. We’ll learn every step of the process, from harvesting the cocoa beans to turning them into chocolate. Of course, you’ll make your own, which you’ll take home with you afterward. Before we board our bus to head to Cusco, where we’ll spend the night, you’ll have free time to wander through the Ollantaytambo market and buy souvenirs. Next, we’ll stop in the village of Chinchero, where you’ll learn how they naturally dye the yarn, as well as the entire process of creating handmade textiles. There, you’ll have the chance to feed alpacas and see the cute guinea pigs (cuy).
If you enjoy hiking and unique landscapes, then today you have the option of joining local guides who will take you to Lake Humantay at 4,200 meters. Lake Humantay takes its name from the nearby mountain (Humantay, 5,473 m) and is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Cusco. Its turquoise waters, with the snow-capped peaks of Salkantay (6,270 m) in the background, create an incredible sight. It is one of the many hidden gems of Peru’s mountainous region. We’ll leave very early in the morning to head to Lake Humantay (122 km, about 3.5 hours from Cusco). Some people find this hike easier than Rainbow Mountain, while others find it harder. You can ride a horse part of the way. You negotiate the price there. If you’re into hiking, this activity is worth doing. Alternatively, you’ll have free time in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain should be on the checklist of everyone visiting Cusco. It has even been featured in National Geographic’s “100 Places To Visit Before You Die.” The mountain stands at an elevation of 5,036 meters and offers a landscape bursting with colors from the region’s minerals. It was recently discovered due to melting glaciers in the mountains. One of the reasons we consider Peru a wonderful destination is undoubtedly Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca Mountain offers a dreamlike landscape with the colors of the rainbow layered one on top of the other, reminiscent of a colorful cloak or a reflection of the rainbow on Earth. Early in the morning, we’ll drive for about an hour and a half, stopping briefly in the Cusipata area (3,310 meters above sea level). We’ll continue toward Fulawasipata for another hour (4,660 meters above sea level). From there, at the foot of the sacred Ausangate Mountain, we’ll begin our hike, which will take about 2 hours to reach our destination, Vinicunca (5,036 meters). Along the way, we’ll have the chance to spot alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. If hiking isn’t really your thing, for a few soles you can ride a horse to reach the summit. Once we reach the summit, you’ll have time to rest, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and take photos of the mountain with its stunning colors: red, pink, turquoise, and yellow. Our descent will take about an hour. After this unique experience, we’ll board the bus and return to Cusco. Those who do not wish to join this excursion can enjoy free time in Cusco.
Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, is one of Peru’s most spectacular festivals and an experience you’ll surely never forget. Every year on June 24, the streets of Cusco fill with color, music, and dance in a spectacular reenactment of one of the most important Inca traditions. The festival honors Inti, the Sun God, who was a central figure in the Inca religion. During Inti Raymi, participants wear traditional costumes, perform historical reenactments, and dance to the rhythms of traditional music, transporting visitors back to the golden age of this legendary empire. The festival’s climax takes place at the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site (tickets must be purchased), with a spectacular ceremony that fills every spectator with awe! You can watch the Inti Raymi for free in the main square.
This morning we’re heading to Puno. Just 45 kilometers outside Cusco, we make our first stop in the village of Andahuaylillas. The village is famous for its church, the Iglesia de San Pedro, also known as the Cusquenian Sistine Chapel or the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. The Baroque interior is filled with sculptures and paintings. Many are “covered” in gold leaf. The church has a 24-hour guard to protect all the gold and silver treasures said to be kept there. During the drive to Puno, we’ll make some beautiful stops for photos.
The name Titicaca comes from two Quechua words: "Titi," meaning puma, and "Caca," meaning mountain. This name is a reminder of the felines that lived in the area for many centuries. Lake Titicaca is located on the Central Andean plateau, at an elevation of 3,812 meters above sea level, between Peru and Bolivia. It is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to one of the most fascinating indigenous groups on the continent. The Uros are a unique indigenous tribe that migrated to Lake Titicaca approximately 3,700 years ago. Due to political uncertainty in the region, especially with the arrival of the Incas, the Uros built a mobile floating city to evade their enemies. Unfortunately, the Incas eventually found their settlement and forced many Uros to work for them. According to tradition, the Uros have black blood that protects them from the cold and from drowning. There, we’ll learn even more about the daily life of the locals, and the sights you’ll see will be unforgettable! We’ll then continue on to Arequipa, where we’ll spend the night.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our tour of Arequipa, also known as the White City. It is Peru’s second-largest city, built with white volcanic stone sourced from the four surrounding volcanoes, and is renowned for its architecture. More than 500 large colonial-era houses in the historic center transport visitors to another era. Arequipa also offers many culinary options at its famous traditional restaurants, or “picanterías.” We then head to the airport, where we’ll catch our flight to Lima, where we’ll spend the night.
Today is going to be particularly tiring, but it’s worth it! We’ll depart at 4:30 a.m. for Paracas. Once we arrive in Paracas, we’ll take a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the “Little Galápagos.” On the way to the islands, you’ll see “The Candelabro,” a massive geoglyph shaped like a trident. Once we arrive at the Ballestas Islands, you’ll see scenes straight out of National Geographic. This unique area is home to hundreds of species of fish, migratory birds, and endangered species. Next, we head to Ica and the Huacachina oasis. After relaxing, we’ll hop into 9-seater buggies for a ride through the golden sand dunes. On one of the world’s largest sand dunes, you’ll go sandboarding.
Our day gets off to a lively start. If you want to see Lima from above, then get ready for paratriking over the Pacific Ocean. If you don’t want to participate in the optional activity, you can take a stroll through the historic center and the beautiful, colorful Plaza de Armas, home to the Government Palace and the stunning Baroque cathedral.
Since all good things must come to an end, we head to the airport early in the morning to catch our flight home. So hold on to the memories of this unique trip and get ready for your next Dream Trip!
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The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip due to operational reasons and/or unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.