13 Days and 12 Nights Discover Peru

Today’s adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel and a scenic 3.5-hour drive south of Lima. As we journey through the coastal desert, you’ll pass through the vibrant towns of Cañete, Chincha, and Ica before arriving in the picturesque seaside city of Paracas.

From here, embark on a thrilling two-hour speedboat tour to the stunning Ballestas Islands. Along the way, take in the dramatic landscapes of the Paracas Peninsula, with its rugged coastline and diverse marine life.

Approximately 15 minutes after leaving the bay, we’ll reach El Candelabro, a mysterious large-scale geoglyph etched into the desert hillside. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the various theories surrounding its origins while you capture breathtaking photos of this enigmatic landmark.

As we continue the excursion, we’ll arrive at the Ballestas Islands, an awe-inspiring collection of rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. These natural sculptures serve as a sanctuary for an incredible variety of wildlife, including playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other seabirds. One of the highlights is the Maternity Beach, where you’ll see sea lion pups frolicking in the water under the watchful eye of their mothers.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide expert commentary on the rich biodiversity of the region, ensuring an informative and immersive experience. After approximately an hour of exploring these incredible islands, we’ll return to the port, leaving you with unforgettable memories and spectacular photos of Peru’s coastal wildlife paradise.

Welcome to Arequipa! One of our representatives will be at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel in Arequipa. Remember to take it easy upon arrival due to the elevation change. The “White City,” known due to the many buildings made from the white volcanic ash, sits at over 7,700 feet, or 2,335 meters above sea level. Once checked in at the hotel, walk around the city center in the afternoon and see the nearby local sights. 

The Arequipa half-day tour starts at 9:00 am when our representatives pick you up at your hotel. Our first stop will be the Carmen Alto Viewpoint in the Cayma district. From there, you can appreciate the entire Chilina Valley and its terracing; it is an excellent place to view Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes.

Next, we will visit the district of Yanahuara, the main attraction of which is the Yanahuara Archways, constructed from Sillar stone. We will also see the district’s main square and church.

We continue our journey to the historic center to visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, where we will provide a detailed explanation of the Arequipa Cathedral’s history and the surrounding archways. We will then head to the Church of the Society of Jesus, briefly overviewing the church’s history and construction.

The Cloisters of the Society of Jesus are located in the historic center, next to the left side of the Church of the Society. They feature sculpted sillar archways and beautiful corridors.

Casa Tristán del Pozo is a building that, for many architecture scholars, the pediment of the façade of this house is the best example of the typical ornamentation of Arequipa in Peru.

The Plaza and the Church of San Francisco make up one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

We will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, considered a colonial citadel within another city; there, you can see enclosures that were built according to their religious needs; it has streets and avenues, and it also has its own cemetery.

At around 1:10 pm, the city tour concludes, and you will return to your hotel.

Day 1: Arequipa City to Chivay to Condor’s Cross to Sangalle

We begin our journey from Arequipa to Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon at around 03:00 am to 03:30 am, covering a distance of about 6 hours. Along the way, we’ll

stop for breakfast before proceeding to La Cruz del Condor, an optimal spot for viewing the expansive canyon and observing the majestic Andean condors. After spending some time at the viewpoint, we will take a 20-minute bus ride and then commence a 3 ½-hour trek downhill from 3300 meters to 2100 meters into the canyon.

Upon reaching San Juan de Chuccho, a verdant village dotted with fruit trees, we’ll pause for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Our journey continues through the quaint towns of Cosñirhua and Malata, leading us deeper into the canyon. Our destination for the day is Sangalle, a village nestled at an altitude of around 1900 meters, where a warm swimming pool awaits to soothe our muscles after the trek. We expect to arrive at Sangalle around 5:00 pm. The evening will be spent enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in bungalows by the oasis.

Day 2: Sangalle to Chivay to Arequipa City

We’ll kick off our day early at 05:00 am, trekking uphill for approximately 3 hours to the town of Cabanaconde, guided by the light of torches. This ascent offers stunning views, especially as we move with the sunrise. Once in Cabanaconde, we will stop for breakfast. Our next destination is Chivay, where, along the route, we’ll encounter magnificent vistas, including pre-Inca terraces, archaeological ruins, and charming colonial towns. We plan to arrive in Chivay around noon, just in time to possibly enjoy the local hot springs, which have soothing temperatures around 38°C (optional).

After a local lunch in Chivay, our afternoon will be spent on the road back to Arequipa. The drive takes us from an altitude of 4830 meters down to 2325 meters, passing through a national reserve and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the four species of South American camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Here, you’ll have the chance to snap that perfect selfie with an alpaca or, if you’re lucky, a vicuña. We aim to return to Arequipa between 17:00 pm and 18:00 pm, concluding our journey at Calle Santa Catalina, adjacent to the Santa Catalina Monastery.