Full Itinerary of Peru Grand Journey 19 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Peru — Arrive in Lima

A warm welcome at Lima airport and a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Miraflores. Today is all about resting after your flight, getting settled, and feeling the first calm of Peru’s coast.

• Meals: None
• Hotel: Casa Andina Standard (or similar)

Day 2: Lima City Tour + Market Visit & Cooking Class

This day starts with flavor. Your guide picks you up around 9:30 a.m. and takes you to a local market, where you’ll see the ingredients that make Peruvian food famous, fresh produce, grains, spices, and seafood.

Then it’s time for a fun cooking class with a chef. You’ll learn how to prepare classic dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and papa a la huancaína, and of course, enjoy what you make.

In the afternoon, you explore Lima’s historic center: the Main Square, grand colonial architecture, and the impressive San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs. The pace is easy and photo-friendly, with time to take it all in.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Casa Andina Standard (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 3: Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Dunes (Sandboarding) → Nazca

Early start (about 5:00 a.m.) as you travel south to Paracas. After breakfast, you take a boat ride out to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, seabirds, and sometimes dolphins. You’ll also spot the famous Candelabra geoglyph carved into the desert hillside.

Then you continue to Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by massive dunes. This is where the adventure kicks in, perfect for big views and sandboarding fun. After lunch, you drive onward to Nazca for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Casa Andina (Nazca) or similar
• Tickets: Included

Day 4: Nazca Lines Flight + Ica Winery & Tasting → Night Bus to Arequipa

After breakfast, your guide takes you to the airfield for your Nazca Lines flight (about 40 minutes). Seeing these giant figures from the air is the only way to truly understand them, and it’s a moment that stays with you.

Later, you head to Ica for lunch and visit a local winery to learn about Peru’s wine and pisco production, with a tasting included.

In the evening, you board your night bus to Arequipa. On arrival, you’ll be taken straight to your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Casa Andina Select (Arequipa) or similar
• Tickets: Included

Day 5: Free Day in Arequipa

A free day to enjoy Arequipa at your own rhythm. Walk the main plaza, admire the white sillar stone buildings, visit viewpoints, and try the local favorite queso helado (a traditional sweet treat). If you want extra activities, your team can suggest great options.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Casa Andina Select (or similar)

Day 6: Journey to Colca Canyon + Hot Springs Time

Pickup between 7:30–8:00 a.m. Today’s drive is scenic and full of natural beauty. You pass through the Aguada Blanca and Salinas Reserve to spot vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and birds in the wetlands. You’ll also stop at the Volcano Viewpoint (around 4,800 m / 15,748 ft) for huge views of the surrounding peaks.

After arriving in the Colca Valley, you check into your lodge near the river. The afternoon is yours, many travelers love soaking in the thermal baths with canyon views.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Colca Lodge (or similar)
• Tickets: Included
• Note: Lunch today is not included.

Day 7: Colca Canyon (Condors) → Puno

Early departure (around 06:30 a.m.) to the famous Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the best places in South America to watch condors glide on canyon winds.

On the way back, you stop in villages like Maca and Yanque, and at viewpoints that reveal ancient terraces and pre-Inca tombs. After lunch in Chivay, you continue toward Puno, with stops along the route to stretch your legs and enjoy the changing landscapes (often flamingos in lagoon areas). Arrival in Puno is usually around 7:30 p.m.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Tierra Viva Puno (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 8: Lake Titicaca — Uros + Homestay on Amantaní

Pickup between 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. You head to the port and begin your Lake Titicaca experience. First stop: the Uros Floating Islands, where you learn how the islands are built and how life works on the water.

Then you continue by boat to Amantaní, where you stay with a local family. The accommodation is simple, but the experience is rich, real life, real culture, real connection. In the afternoon, you hike up to the Pachatata Temple for sunset. Later, there’s often music and dancing with locals.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Local family homestay (basic)
• Tickets: Included

Day 9: Taquile Island + Return to Puno

After breakfast with your host family, you travel to Taquile Island, known for strong textile traditions and community-run tourism. Enjoy the walk, the views, and a relaxed lunch by the lake. Return to Puno around 3:30 p.m., with a free evening to rest.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Tierra Viva Puno (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 10: Tourist Bus from Puno to Cusco (Full Day)

Early pickup (6:00–6:20 a.m.) and transfer to the bus station. This is a comfortable tourist bus journey with guided stops along the way, including historical sites and viewpoints. Lunch is included. On arrival in Cusco, your representative meets you and takes you to your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast + lunch
• Hotel: Tierra Viva Centro (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 11: Free Day in Cusco + Evening Briefing

A full free day to enjoy Cusco however you like—wander cobblestone streets, visit San Pedro Market, explore artisan neighborhoods, or relax with a slow lunch.

In the evening (around 6:00 p.m.), you’ll have a short briefing to review the next days: pickup times, tickets, what to pack, and how the schedule flows.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Tierra Viva Centro (or similar)

Day 12: Sacred Valley Tour → Train to Aguas Calientes

Pickup around 7:00 a.m. Today is packed with classic Sacred Valley beauty: a camelid farm visit, the Taray viewpoint, Pisac ruins, and time at the market. After a buffet lunch in Urubamba, you visit Moray and the Maras Salt Mines, then finish with a guided visit in Ollantaytambo.

In the evening, you board the Expedition train (around 7:00 p.m.) to Aguas Calientes and check into your hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel) + lunch
• Hotel: Ferre Machu Picchu (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 13: Machu Picchu Guided Tour → Return to Cusco (Arrive ~7:30 p.m.)

The big day. After an early breakfast, you take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu. Entry is timed and controlled, so bring your original passport.

Your guide leads a 2–3 hour tour through the best parts of the citadel, usually on Circuit 2 (if sold out, the best available alternative circuit is arranged). After the guided tour, you can stay longer for photos or add an optional hike (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, must be booked in advance).

In the afternoon, you return to Aguas Calientes, take the train back, and continue by private transport to Cusco. Arrival is typically around 7:30 p.m.

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Hotel: Cusco hotel (as scheduled in your booking)
• Tickets: Included

Day 14: Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley (Day Trip)

Early pickup (4:00 – 4:30 a.m.) and a scenic drive to the trailhead. Your chef prepares a hot breakfast with coffee, tea, eggs, bread, and fruit—perfect for the cold morning.

Then you hike to Rainbow Mountain (high altitude, slow and steady is the secret). After enjoying the view, you take a different route to see the stunning Red Valley, then descend to a fresh lunch prepared by the team. Return to Cusco mid-afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast + lunch
• Hotel: Tierra Viva Centro (or similar)
• Tickets: Included

Day 15: Fly Cusco → Puerto Maldonado + Tambopata Ecolodge

Today you fly to Puerto Maldonado (aim to arrive by 12:00 p.m.). On arrival, you meet your naturalist guide and travel by canoe up the Tambopata River to your ecolodge. Lunch is provided.

In the afternoon, you take an introductory rainforest walk to learn about the “terra firme” ecosystem, giant trees, and wildlife. After dinner, you go out again for a night walk, many jungle creatures are active after dark.

• Meals: Breakfast + lunch + dinner
• Hotel: Tambopata Ecolodge
• Tickets: Included

Day 16: Amazon Jungle (Lake System + Night River Search)

After breakfast, you travel by canoe to explore the lake system of Condenado, a rich area for birds and aquatic life. Giant otters are sometimes seen here. Later, you return for lunch and have free time to relax, explore nearby trails, or swim in a clear stream.

After dark, head out by motorized canoe to look for caiman and other nighttime wildlife along the riverbanks.

• Meals: Breakfast + lunch + dinner
• Hotel: Tambopata Ecolodge
• Tickets: Included

Day 17: Amazon Jungle (Hidden Lake Walk)

A longer guided hike today, crossing streams and forest terrain to reach a hidden lake where you may spot black caiman, giant otters, and more. Return for lunch, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast + lunch + dinner
• Hotel: Tambopata Ecolodge
• Tickets: Included

Day 18: Return to Lima

Morning plans depend on your flight time (midday flights usually work best). Travel back to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Lima. On arrival, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. Evening is free.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Hotel: Casa Andina Standard Miraflores (or similar)

Day 19: Goodbye Peru — Airport Transfer

At your scheduled time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Lima airport for your departure.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: None needed

Price of Peru Itinerary 19 days

Pricing depends on group size, travel season, room type (double/twin/single), and flight costs for the Amazon segment. Rates are based on double occupancy. Single rooms are available for an additional fee. Hotel upgrades may be available in key cities.

We keep this trip well-paced on purpose: good hotels, smart logistics, and the right mix of guided days and free time. It’s built for travelers who want to see Peru deeply, without feeling like they’re racing the clock.

Price per Person

• From US$[POR DEFINIR] – Adults
• From US$[POR DEFINIR] – Children / Students (if applicable)

Send your travel dates + number of travelers and we’ll reply with a clear quote and a detailed list of what’s included.

Booking & Payment

• Deposit: US$[POR DEFINIR] per person (to secure hotels and reservations)
• Balance: Pay online or at our Cusco office using credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer (alternatives available on request)
• Required traveler info: Full name (exactly as on passport), passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, nationality
• Dietary needs: Please tell us in advance (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.)

Student Discount

• Discount: US$[POR DEFINIR] off for travelers under [POR DEFINIR] or students under [POR DEFINIR] with valid ID
• ID must include: student name, photo, university name, and a valid expiration date
• If ID is rejected, adult rate applies

Packing List of Grand Journey in Peru 19 Days

You’ll travel through very different climates—coast, high Andes, and jungle—so the key is smart layers and a good daypack.

Bag Setup (Important)

• Main luggage: rolling suitcase or duffel for hotels
• Daypack: carry daily essentials (recommended 20–30L)
• Overnight bag for Machu Picchu: small bag for Aguas Calientes (leave larger luggage stored at your Cusco hotel when possible)

Must-Bring Essentials

Original passport

Plastic Rain Coat

Toiletries

Warm down jacket

Peruvian soles cash

Good-quality daypack

Water bottle

Power bank

Lip balm

Sunscreen

Hand sanitizer

Wet wipes and tissues

What to Wear (Layers Work Best)

High-top hiking boots

Sport pants

Walking shoes

Hiking crew sock

Thermal base layers

Moisture-wicking shirts

Quick-dry hiking pants/trousers

Fleece

Daypack Checklist

Waterproof and windproof jacket

Sun hat or cap with neck cover

Sunglasses

Beanie or chullo

Gloves

Buff or bandana

Gaiters

Headlamp

Insect repellent

Camera + extra batteries

Snacks

Trekking poles

Swimming wear

Personal Medication

Travel Information of Peru Grand Journey 19 Days

Altitude Tips (Colca, Puno, Cusco, Rainbow Mountain)

Altitude affects everyone differently. Hydrate, eat light at first, avoid rushing up stairs, and take breaks when needed. Rainbow Mountain is the biggest altitude test, slow and steady wins.

Early Mornings Are Part of the Magic

Ballestas Islands, condors in Colca, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain all start early for the best conditions, better light, and fewer crowds.

Nazca Lines Flight Depends on Weather

Flights can shift due to wind or visibility. If timing changes, your team manages it and keeps you updated.

Amazon Flights Need Smart Scheduling

Try to arrive in Puerto Maldonado by midday so you don’t miss lodge transfers and afternoon activities. For departure, a noon flight usually works best.

Luggage Strategy

You’ll move between hotels often. A rolling suitcase + a daypack works well. Pack a small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes and keep the rest organized for hotel-to-hotel travel.

Machu Picchu Entry + Optional Hikes

Your Machu Picchu visit includes a guided tour (Circuit 2 when available). Optional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain must be booked in advance and depend on availability.

FAQs - Peru Highlights tour 19 days