2027 Highlights of Peru with Anthony Sweat

Depart from your home cities for Lima, Peru. Upon evening arrival in Lima, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Lima.

Meals: In-flight

Today’s guided exploration introduces you to the historic heart of Lima, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in colonial architecture and cultural heritage.

Your day begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, built during Lima’s founding. The convent once housed the historic National University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas. Inside, you’ll see the country’s oldest choir chairs and an extraordinary library of more than 25,000 volumes, including works dating back to the 15th century. The convent also holds the remains of three of Peru’s most beloved saints: Martin de Porres, Juan Macias, and Rose of Lima.

Continue to the historic Plaza Mayor, surrounded by landmarks including the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace of Lima. Nearby stands the impressive Lima Cathedral, home to remarkable religious art and historic paintings that tell the story of the city’s colonial past.

Later, visit the renowned Larco Museum, located about 30 minutes from the city center. Recognized by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 25 Museums in the World, the Larco Museum offers a captivating overview of Peru’s ancient civilizations. Its collections include exquisite gold and silver artifacts, intricate ceramics, and a vast storage gallery showcasing thousands of pottery pieces that reveal the daily life, beliefs, and artistry of ancient Peru.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the elegant Miraflores district, dining beside the beautifully illuminated ruins of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid that creates a truly unforgettable setting.

After breakfast, depart Lima for a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to Ica, a journey of approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. Along the way, take in views of Peru’s dramatic coastal desert landscapes.

Upon arrival, enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the stunning Huacachina Lagoon, a natural desert oasis encircled by towering sand dunes. Here, embark on an exhilarating dune buggy adventure across the golden sands. For those seeking even more excitement, try sandboarding down the sweeping slopes — an unforgettable desert experience.

Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to relax. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Optional Experience: Nazca Lines Flightseeing

Take an unforgettable scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, one of Peru’s greatest archaeological enigmas. Etched into the desert floor more than 2,000 years ago, these massive geoglyphs can only be fully appreciated from the air.

From above, marvel at the enormous figures of the Monkey, Hummingbird, Condor, Dog, and Spider — each stretching hundreds of feet across the desert landscape. Your flight also offers sweeping views of the Ocucaje Valley and the ancient cultural sites of Paracas and Nazca, home to civilizations that flourished between 800 BC and AD 700.

This extraordinary aerial perspective provides a deeper appreciation of one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological wonders.

Price: $330 per person.

This optional experience is very popular and can fill quickly. If you would like to participate, we encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Early this morning, travel to Paracas and embark on a boat excursion to the remarkable Ballestas Islands, often called the “Little Galápagos” for their extraordinary wildlife.  En route, witness the mysterious El Candelabro (“The Chandelier”), a massive geoglyph etched into a sandy hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, reminiscent of the Nazca Lines. As you cruise around the rocky islands, observe sea lions basking on the shores, Humboldt penguins nesting among the cliffs, and large colonies of pelicans and other seabirds thriving in their natural habitat. The rich marine ecosystem makes this a highlight of Peru’s coastal region.

Next, we visit the Julio C. Tello Museum, the main archaeological museum of the Paracas National Reserve.  The museum showcased an important collection of artifacts from the Paracas culture, including textiles, ceramics, funerary objects, and exhibits that explain the history, biodiversity, and archaeological significance of the region.

After the excursion, enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant (set menu; beverages not included). Later this afternoon, return by road to Lima.

Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Lima.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for lunch and to begin acclimating to the altitude.

This afternoon, visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán, a monumental archaeological complex constructed with enormous precisely fitted stone blocks. Continue to Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial center, and Tambomachay, known as the Inca’s sacred fountains of life and health. Along the way, enjoy a panoramic view of Puka Pukara, a reddish fortress believed to have served as a military checkpoint.

Return to the city to explore Korikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire and originally covered in sheets of gold. Then visit the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, home to an extraordinary collection of colonial-era artwork.

This evening, enjoy a memorable group dinner at Tunupa Restaurant Bar & Grill, located on the Main Square. Savor a buffet of Novo-Andean cuisine accompanied by live music and traditional dance performances, all overlooking the beautifully illuminated plaza.

Important Luggage Note:

Tonight, please pack a small bag for our upcoming journey to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. For all train journeys, each passenger may bring one bag or backpack not exceeding 5 kg / 17 lbs and/or 157 cm / 62 inches (length + height + width).

Baggage exceeding these limits will not be permitted onboard. We kindly ask that only essential items be packed; your remaining luggage will be securely stored at our hotel in Cusco.

Today, discover the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley, once the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire.

Begin your day at the vibrant Pisac Market, where colorful stalls overflow with handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, alpaca goods, ceramics, and local crafts. Take time to browse, interact with local artisans, and perhaps sample a warm empanada or freshly baked bread from traditional wood-fired ovens.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining Inca towns that has been continuously inhabited since pre-Columbian times. Explore its remarkable temple and fortress complex, where massive stone terraces rise dramatically above the valley. Once a strategic stronghold of Inca resistance against the Spanish, the site offers extraordinary architecture and breathtaking panoramic views — perfect for unforgettable photos.

Later, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley.

This morning, transfer to the train station for a scenic rail journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Upon arrival, staff will assist you in boarding the shuttle bus that winds its way up the mountain to Machu Picchu. As you ascend, take in breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the dramatic canyon landscapes that surround it.

At the summit, explore the magnificent “Lost City of the Incas.” Wander among its remarkable terraces, temples, ceremonial stairways, and sacred spaces — all set against a backdrop of lush Andean peaks. The site’s extraordinary architecture and spiritual atmosphere create an unforgettable experience.

After your guided tour, descend to the village for lunch at Café Inkaterra, an intimate riverside restaurant overlooking the Vilcanota River — the perfect setting to relax and reflect on your visit.

Overnight in Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes). Dinner is on your own this evening.

Early this morning, enjoy a second entrance to Machu Picchu for a more intimate experience of this extraordinary sacred site. Explore the citadel at your own pace or join your guide for deeper insight into its hidden corners, architectural precision, and spiritual significance.

After descending by shuttle bus, return to Aguas Calientes for free time to enjoy lunch and browse the local artisan markets before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by private transfer back to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Optional Activity: Huayna Picchu Hike

For those seeking adventure, Huayna Picchu is the dramatic, steep mountain you see rising behind Machu Picchu in the classic postcard photo. It is one of the most sought-after add-on hikes because the summit gives you that breathtaking “bird’s-eye view” of the citadel, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding green peaks.

The hike is short but intense. It usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours round trip, depending on pace and crowds, but the trail is steep, narrow, and includes old Inca stone steps. Some sections feel almost like climbing a stone ladder, and there are drop-offs, so it is not ideal for anyone with vertigo, knee problems, balance issues, or a fear of heights.

Price: $90 per person.

Please note: Huayna Picchu permits are limited and non-refundable and must be reserved well in advance

Enjoy a free morning in Cusco to explore at your own pace. Wander its charming cobblestone streets, relax in lively plazas, and browse for local handicrafts, alpaca textiles, silver jewelry, or handmade chocolates. Take time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic Andean city.

You will have access to your hotel room until it is time for your transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, connect with your late evening overnight flights to the United States.

Arrival in your home cities, bringing with you unforgettable memories of Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and new friendships formed along the journey.

Welcome home!