2027 Peru & the Festival of the Sun Tour With Carol Alegre

Optional Pre-Tour Day 1 – Saturday, June 12, 2027 | Flights to Lima, Peru

Depart your home cities for Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.

Optional Pre-Tour Day 2 – Sunday, June 13, 2027 (B,L,D) | Lima to Puerto Maldonado

After breakfast, we will check-in for our short flight to Puerto Maldonado, gateway to the Peruvian Amazon. Upon arrival, we’ll travel by bus and boat to Posada Amazonas Lodge, where immersive rainforest experiences, guided excursions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters await. Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, we’ll travel by bus to the river, a journey of approximately one hour, followed by a scenic boat ride through the Amazon rainforest to our Lodge. Surrounded by lush jungle and incredible biodiversity, this immersive eco-lodge offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the beauty and sounds of the Peruvian Amazon.

After lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our first rainforest excursion. During our stay, all meals and guided excursions are included, and guests may choose from a variety of activities designed to explore the region’s fascinating wildlife, waterways, and rainforest ecosystems. Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Optional Pre-Tour Day 3 – Monday, June 14, 2027 (B,L,D) | Exploring the Peruvian Amazon

Today we immerse ourselves in the incredible biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon with a variety of guided rainforest excursions available from our lodge. Activities may include visits to colorful macaw and parrot clay licks, jungle walks, canopy tower wildlife viewing, river and lake excursions, medicinal plant discoveries, and opportunities to spot monkeys, caimans, giant river otters, and countless tropical birds in their natural habitat. Every excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and beauty of one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Optional Pre-Tour Day 4 – Tuesday, June 15, 2027 (B,L,D) | Another Day in the Amazon Rainforest

Today we enjoy another full day immersed in the beauty and wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon. Guests may continue choosing from a variety of guided excursions and activities offered by the lodge, providing additional opportunities to explore the rainforest, observe exotic wildlife, and experience the incredible biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. Whether enjoying a peaceful river excursion, searching for colorful macaws and monkeys, or discovering the sights and sounds of the jungle on a guided walk, each experience offers unforgettable memories deep in the heart of the Amazon. Overnight in Puerto Maldonado.

Optional Pre-Tour Day 5 – Wednesday, June 16, 2027 | Puerto Maldonado to Lima

This morning, we enjoy one final excursion in the Peruvian Amazon, offering another opportunity to experience the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of the rainforest before departing the lodge. Later, we return to Puerto Maldonado by boat and bus for our flight back to Lima. Once we arrive in Lima, our local guide will meet us at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight in Lima.

Optional Amazon Extension Price Includes:

• 4-Nights Hotel Accommodations
• Flights between Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Lima
• Transfers by bus and boat
• Accommodations at a Jungle Lodge
• All meals during the extension
• Guided rainforest excursions and activities
• Services of local naturalist guides
• Tips for guides and drivers throughout the tour
• Digital Travel Documents

Today we begin our exciting journey to Peru! Depart the United States and arrive in Lima in the evening, the vibrant capital of Peru and gateway to one of South America’s most fascinating destinations. Upon arrival, we’ll be met at the airport and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax and settle in before our Peruvian adventure begins. Overnight in Lima.

Meals : In-flight

Welcome to Lima, a city where colonial grandeur and ancient history come together beautifully. Our exclusive city tour explores Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with magnificent architecture, charming plazas, and centuries of history. Wi will visit the impressive Santo Domingo Convent, home to the oldest university in the Americas and a remarkable library containing thousands of rare historic books. Walk through Lima’s Main Plaza, admire the Cathedral and Government Palace, and discover the stories and traditions that shaped Peru’s capital. Later, we will enjoy a visit to the world-renowned Larco Museum, featuring extraordinary treasures from Peru’s ancient civilizations. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner a beautiful restaurant, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, an unforgettable introduction to Peru’s celebrated cuisine and hospitality. Overnight in Lima.

Desert Landscapes & the Nazca Lines

This morning we travel south along the scenic Pan-American Highway toward the coastal desert region of Ica and Paracas. Along the way, we’ll experience dramatically different landscapes as Peru’s coastline unfolds before us.

Located within the Paracas National Reserve, the Julio C. Tello Site Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the ancient Paracas civilization, one of Peru’s earliest and most influential cultures. Through exhibits of beautifully preserved textiles, ceramics, tools, and archaeological artifacts, visitors gain insight into the daily life, beliefs, and remarkable achievements of the people who inhabited this coastal region more than 2,000 years ago.

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, an optional overflight of the mysterious Nazca Lines offers the chance to view these enormous ancient geoglyphs from above, including the famous Monkey, Condor, Spider, and Hummingbird. Later, we’ll visit the breathtaking oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here we’ll enjoy an exciting dune buggy ride across the desert, with the opportunity to try sandboarding for those feeling adventurous. Overnight in Paracas.

Ballestas Islands Adventure

Early this morning we embark on a boat excursion to the fascinating Ballestas Islands, often called the “Little Galápagos” of Peru. Along the way, we’ll see the mysterious “Candelabra” geoglyph etched into the desert hillside.

As we cruise around the islands, we’ll observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and countless seabirds in their natural habitat. After our excursion, we return to Lima by private transportation for an overnight stay.

Cusco & the Heart of the Inca Empire

Today we fly from Lima to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire nestled high in the Andes. Upon arrival, we’ll begin discovering the rich history and beauty of this fascinating city.

Our tour includes the vibrant Plaza de Armas (Main Square), the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, and Koricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun once covered in sheets of gold during the height of the Inca Empire.

We’ll then explore the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco, including the massive stone fortress of Sacsayhuamán and the sacred fountains of Tambomachay, where breathtaking views and ancient engineering showcase the brilliance of Inca civilization.

This evening, we’ll gather for a special group dinner featuring traditional cuisine, live music, and colorful folkloric performances—an unforgettable introduction to the culture and spirit of Peru. Overnight in Cusco.

Today we journey into the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, and some of Peru’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. We’ll visit the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, where massive stone terraces and ancient temples reveal the ingenuity of Inca engineering and offer spectacular views of the valley below. Our adventure continues to Moray, an extraordinary series of circular terraces believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, followed by the stunning Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside creating one of the most unique landscapes in Peru. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

The Lost City of the Incas

Today we travel by train through the dramatic Andes to one of the world’s most legendary destinations: Machu Picchu. As we wind through the Urubamba Valley, breathtaking mountain scenery surrounds us at every turn. Upon arrival, we ascend by bus to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, where we’ll explore ancient temples, terraces, ceremonial sites, and hidden corners of this awe-inspiring Inca masterpiece. After our guided visit, we’ll enjoy lunch before settling in our hotel in Aguas Calientes for the evening.

This morning, we’ll have the chance to return to the breathtaking citadel of Machu Picchu for another opportunity to explore and experience the magic of this ancient wonder. With a second entrance included for all guests, we’ll have additional time to take in the beauty, history, and unforgettable atmosphere of the Lost City of the Incas.

For those seeking an even greater adventure, an optional hike to Huayna Picchu offers a thrilling climb along ancient Inca pathways with spectacular panoramic views overlooking Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes.

Later, we’ll return by train through the scenic Urubamba Valley before arriving back in Cusco for the evening.

Today we experience one of South America’s most extraordinary cultural celebrations: Inti Raymi, the ancient Inca Festival of the Sun. Held only once each year, this spectacular event honors the Sun God with colorful processions, traditional music, elaborate costumes, and dramatic ceremonial reenactments.

We’ll witness the festivities beginning at Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, continuing through Cusco’s historic center before arriving at the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where the main ceremony takes place. This unforgettable celebration is truly one of Peru’s greatest cultural treasures. Overnight in Cusco.

Today we will enjoy the convenience of a day-use hotel room in Cusco, allowing time to relax, explore independently, or enjoy some final shopping before our late afternoon transfer to the airport for flights to Lima and connections home.

Meals: On-flight

Today we arrive home with unforgettable memories of Peru’s ancient wonders, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant traditions, and the new friendships made throughout this extraordinary journey.