Changing the date may be possible subject to availability and provided that the terms of the package/suppliers allow it. There may be an additional charge and/or a price difference. Please contact us to check availability and for further details.
Peru – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca 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 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. 3 exclusive guaranteed departures (July 28, August 25, and October 21). 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 layout 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 Peru’s world-renowned cuisine.
Today we’re enjoying our breakfast, which includes, among other things… coca leaf tea! But don’t worry… The only effect it has on you is to help you adjust to the altitude, since it’s an unprocessed product. 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 Pichu), 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 market in Ollantaytambo 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). This hike seems easier than Rainbow Mountain to some and harder to others. 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 altitude 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 don’t wish to join this excursion can enjoy free time in Cusco.
Today we’ll start our day at the San Pedro Market to get a glimpse of daily life in Cusco. As soon as you step into the market, your senses will be overwhelmed. Local women will be calling out their wares to catch your attention! Here you’ll find handicrafts, souvenirs, and stalls where Peruvians buy their groceries. Don’t hesitate to try a freshly squeezed juice! Next, we’ll take a guided tour of the historic center, the main cathedral, the Santo Domingo monastery, and Plaza San Francisco. A few blocks away is Plaza de Armas, where you’ll find many lovely shops selling clothing and souvenirs. In addition to its historical significance, Cusco is a city with a vibrant culture and a world-renowned cuisine that we won’t miss the chance to try!
This morning we’re heading to Puno. Just 45 kilometers outside of 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, with a surface area of 8,562 square kilometers and a depth of 281 meters. The lake is divided into two parts: the larger lake, called Chucuito, with a surface area of 6,450 square kilometers, and the smaller lake, called Huiñamarca, with a surface area of 2,112 square kilometers. 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. While the story about the blood may not be true, the Uros have an incredible tolerance for the cold, since the dried reeds that make up their homes prevent them from heating their houses due to the risk of fire. There, we’ll learn even more about the locals’ daily lives, 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,” where clay pots are used to prepare the best stuffed peppers, shrimp, and other local delicacies. We then head to the airport, where we’ll catch our flight to Lima, where we’ll spend the night.
Today will be particularly tiring, but it’s worth it! We’ll depart at 4:30 a.m. for Paracas, and we’ll likely be back in Lima around midnight. This excursion is included in the itinerary, but if anyone doesn’t want to join, they can enjoy their day in Lima. As soon as 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. Rumor has it that aliens created it. Sailors have used it for hundreds of years as a coastal landmark. Once we arrive at the Ballestas Islands, you’ll see scenes straight out of National Geographic. This unique area is home to hundreds of fish species, many types of migratory birds, and endangered species such as the sea lion, Humboldt penguins, and Pacific sea lions. We then head to Ica and the Huacachina oasis. After relaxing and having lunch around the oasis, and taking the necessary photos, we’ll board 9-seater buggies. With an experienced driver at the wheel, he’ll pick up speed and perform stunts on the golden sand dunes. On one of the world’s largest sand dunes, you’ll go sandboarding. Trust us… today will be unforgettable!
Our day gets off to a lively start. We begin with a stroll through the historic center and the beautiful, colorful Plaza de Armas, home to the Government Palace and the stunning Baroque cathedral dedicated to St. John. If you want to see Lima from above and soar over the Pacific Ocean, then get ready for paratriking. It’s a bit like hang gliding, except you have the help of a motor. Together with an instructor, you’ll wait for the right wind. Leave the rest to your guide and just enjoy the view. At first, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush through your body, and what you see next will more than make up for it.
Since all good things must come to an end, we head to the airport early in the morning to catch our flight home. We’re sure this destination won’t disappoint you and that you’ll look back on it fondly for a long time to come. So hold on to the memories of this unique trip and get ready for your next Dream Trip!
The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the time of cancellation, and the relevant suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.
The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available schedules 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.