EXTRAORDINARY ACTIVE CIRCUIT 21 DAYS & 20 NIGHTS
Classic Service
From $2500.00 USD per person
- Excellent value, competitive prices, and high-quality experiences.
- Combination of public and private transport to ensure maximum comfort and optimal sightseeing of the Sacred Valley’s historical and captivating sites.
- All major highlights are covered, with ample time for personal exploration.
Overview
Among the main highlights of this tour are the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis, the Nazca Lines, Santa Catalina Convent, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail, the Machu Picchu Citadel, and Lake Sandoval.
This extraordinary itinerary offers unique experiences, including a buffet dinner featuring traditional Creole cuisine and a spectacular display of local dances in the City of Kings.
As the journey continues through southern Peru, we will visit the Ballestas Islands, explore the Huacachina Lagoon with its captivating legend, and marvel at the mysterious Nazca Lines. A visit to the white city of Arequipa will allow us to tour its beautiful cityscape, followed by an excursion to Colca Canyon to witness the majestic flight of the condor and enjoy its breathtaking scenery.
Our travels will take us to Puno, where we will be enchanted by the expansive highland lake and floating islands. The journey proceeds with the Route of the Sun, featuring notable stops at key destinations.
The adventure culminates in Cusco, where we will explore its marvels, including the Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, nearby ruins, and the Sacred Valley with its impressive fortresses. We will trek the Inca Trail and conclude our tour at the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu, offering a fresh perspective on the world.
No trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to Lake Sandoval in Puerto Maldonado.
- Flight to Lima.
- Welcome, reception, and transfer to the chosen hotel.
- Overnight stay in Lima.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free morning for relaxation.
- Buffet dinner and traditional Peruvian dance show.
- At 20:00, pick-up from the hotel to La Dama Juana Restaurant.
- Our driver will transfer you to the restaurant.
- Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes.
- Experience the dance show along with your meal.
- Return to the hotel at 23:00.
- Overnight stay in Lima.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day.
- Overnight stay in Lima.
Departing from the hotel at 2:50 am, we will board the bus to Paracas. The bus is scheduled to leave at 4:00 am, and after a 3-hour journey, we will arrive in Paracas.
At 8:00 am, we will be picked up in Paracas to start the Ballestas Islands Tour. From the Paracas pier, we will take a boat to explore the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, guano birds, penguins, and a variety of marine life. On the way, we will see the Candelabro, a geoglyph on a hillside formed by wind and sea erosion, also known as Tres Cruces or Tridente. The best view of this figure is from the water.
At 12:00 pm, we will board a bus from Paracas to Ica, which takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival in Ica, we will embark on a Tubular ride adventure through the desert, where you can experience the thrill of high and low dunes on these desert roller coasters.
In the high desert areas, you can also try sandboarding. Our official driver will provide instructions to ensure a safe experience, especially if you are new to the sport.
At 6:00 pm, we will take the bus to Nazca for an overnight stay and prepare for the Nazca lines overflight the following day.
Overnight in Nazca.
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning will pick you up from the hotel and leave for the aerodrome where we will board a light plane for a memorable air excursion over the Nazca Lines. A bilingual guide (Spanish/ English) will assist you at all times until you board the plane. This overflight over the Nazca Lines will cover the extension of the Nazca desert stone, whose surface is marked by gigantic drawings
and geometric figures.
The overflight to the Nazca lines takes approximately 35 minutes and is the best way to see these fascinating lines and drawings that have intrigued people for years. Here, you will be able to see the different figures traced on the stone surface of the Nazca desert, representing stylized animals and plants, distributed in a huge maze of lines, trapezoids, triangles and spirals that have been preserved for almost 2000 years.
It is one of the most incredible legacies that a culture has left behind and that can only be seen from the sky at an altitude of 1500 feet. After the overflight we will have time to have lunch and take a bus to Arequipa at 02:30 pm arriving at our destination at 11:30 pm. We will be assisted upon arrival in Arequipa and transferred to the hotel where we will spend the night.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Free morning.
At 2:00 PM, the City Tour will start in the historic part of the city, including: the Main Square, the Selva Alegre residential area, the Yanahuara viewpoint, and other attractions.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Departure at 08:00 am - 08:30 am to Chivay. We will begin our journey on the road to Yura, where we will admire the natural and cultural landscapes of the area. We will then travel along the edge of the Chachani volcano and pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, arriving at Pampa Cañahuas. Here, our guide will provide information about the local flora and fauna, including the natural habitat of South American camelids such as the vicuña.
Continuing the tour, we will make a brief stop at Patahuasi (house on top) to enjoy coca tea. We will then proceed to the wetlands, where we will observe various species of birds, both local and migratory, depending on the season. Our journey will then take us to Patapampa, the highest point of the trip at approximately 4,900 meters above sea level. Also known as the Mirador de los Andes, this viewpoint offers a panoramic view of several volcanoes, including Misti, HualcaHualca, Sabancaya, Ampato, Ubinas, and Chachani.
Around noon, we will arrive in the town of Chivay, where we will have lunch and then proceed to our hotel. After some rest, we will visit the Calera thermal baths. These outdoor baths, with their thermo-medicinal waters, provide a relaxing experience after our morning bus tour.
Overnight in Chivay.
Leaving at 06:00 am after breakfast, we will set off towards the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor to witness the majestic flight of the condors and the impressive depth of the canyon.
En route, we will stop in the town of Yanque to admire its colonial church, Wititi dances, and traditional costumes of the area. On our return to Chivay, we will visit the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Achoma, where our guide will explain the local customs, as well as the lithic models, colonial churches, and terraces.
We will arrive in Chivay at approximately 11:30 am, followed by lunch at around 11:45 am. At about 01:30 pm, we will board the bus to Puno. The bus will make several stops along the way, allowing us to appreciate more of the local fauna and flora as we travel towards Lake Titicaca.
Overnight in Puno.
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 7:00 am, we will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the port of Lake Titicaca, where our local guide will be waiting with a boat to begin our adventure on the lake. Shortly after departure, our guide will share important information about this great lake. In a few minutes, we will reach the famous floating islands of Los Uros.
Here, we will stop at one of the islands to visit its inhabitants and learn about the customs of these highland communities. We will then return to the boat and proceed to Taquile Island. The boat ride takes about 3 hours. Taquile is known for its exquisite textiles. Visitors can see how the islanders create ponchos, belts, gloves, and other traditional Andean garments, all handmade. To reach the top of the island, we will walk along a beautiful, gently sloping path offering stunning views of the lake.
We recommend walking slowly and taking your time, as the altitude is over 3800 meters. After about 45 minutes, we will arrive at the center of Taquile, where we can rest and visit a small museum displaying important aspects of Taquile's culture through photos.
Our group will have lunch at a typical restaurant in the plaza. After lunch, visitors will have free time to explore the weaving workshops and take photos with the islanders. Later, we will descend to the pier and begin our return trip to Puno, arriving back in the city around 5:00 pm.
Overnight at the hotel in Puno.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure from the hotel at 6:15 am, with a transfer to the bus station in Puno.
Our tour, lasting about 10 hours, includes four excursions with guided visits to the tourist attractions of the southern corridor of the altiplano. We will visit the Andahuaylillas temple, known as the Sistine Chapel of America, the Inka temple of Raqchi, the Raya Pass at 4335 meters above sea level, and the Inka Aymara museum in Pukara.
Each stop will last between 20 to 40 minutes, giving passengers the opportunity to ask questions, take photos, and explore the sites at their leisure, making for an unforgettable experience.
We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 4:30 pm, where we will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for the night.
Overnight in Cusco.
Free morning for acclimatization or shopping.
Traditional City Tour in Cusco.
Departure at 1:00 pm with a pick-up from your hotel. The city tour begins at 1:30 pm, led by our professional guide who will provide detailed information about all the tourist attractions we visit and will be attentive to any questions or needs you may have.
The tour includes visits to:
- The main temple of the Sun, also known as the "Qoricancha"
- "Sacsayhuaman," referred to as the head of the Puma, as the city of Cusco was shaped like a Puma in Inca times, with Sacsayhuaman being the head
- "Qenqo," a temple dedicated to mother earth or Pachamama
- "Pucapucara," which served as an entrance control center to the sacred city of Cusco
- "Tambomachay," an Inca resting place and temple dedicated to the natural element of water
Overnight in Cusco.
Early breakfast at your hotel.
Departure at 8:00 am from your hotel to begin our tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will leave the city and pass through the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park, reaching the Taray viewpoint, which offers a wide view of the beautiful Inca terraces and the current farmlands surrounding the sacred river of the Incas, "Willcamayuc." Next, we visit the archaeological park of Pisaq and the vibrant indigenous market of Pisaq, where locals sell and buy essential products.
The Pisaq indigenous market is the best place for buying handicrafts and souvenirs. After some free time, we will continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city.
Ollantaytambo is famous for a dramatic love story where General Inca Ollantay rebelled against the Inca's royal army to be with the beautiful princess Cusi Qoyllor, "beautiful star."
We proceed with our guided tour and arrive at Chinchero, where the colonial and Inca temples reflect the blending of these two great cultures. Chinchero is also known for its exceptional weavers who create beautiful works using Inca techniques.
Lunch is included during this tour in the village of Urubamba. We continue our journey back to Cusco, passing through rich farmland. We will arrive in Cusco around 7:00 pm, at which time you will be dropped off at your hotel or a location of your choice.
Overnight in Cusco.
Your adventure of a lifetime begins early. We will pick you up from your hotel in our private van at 5:30 am and transfer you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our journey takes us to Piskacucho, also known as kilometer 82, the starting point of the Classic Inca Trail.
We will stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo from 6:30-7 am to fuel up for the hike. (Please note, breakfast is not included.) Upon reaching kilometer 82 at 11:30 am, we will take some time to get organized. At the first control point of the Inca Trail, be prepared to show your entrance tickets, passports, and student card (if applicable for student rate).
Starting at the trailhead (2720m/8923ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its path to the right. The first day is relatively easy, with a gentle walk along the Inca flat terrain. You will witness great views of the Incan Fortress ‘Huillca Raccay,’ the vast and impressive Inca site of Llactapata (officially known as ‘Patallacta’), and the stunning snow-capped peak ‘W’akay Willca’ (5860m/19225ft), also known as Veronica.
Our first campsite is in Wayllabamba (3000m/9842ft), located in a temperate, green valley of the same name. Night temperatures can drop to around 5ºC, depending on the month. Throughout the day, enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Veronica mountain (5860m/19337ft), the lush green valley, and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
After waking up between 5:00 and 5:30 am and enjoying a hot breakfast, we start a steep ascent towards the highest pass, Abra de Warmihuañusca, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass,’ at 4200m/13779ft. Reaching the top gives you a real sense of achievement! After a well-deserved rest, we begin the descent to Pacaymayu (3,550m/11,646ft) for lunch.
On the way up to the pass, you will see a variety of hummingbirds and other bird species. You'll also have plenty of time to appreciate the incredible variety of native plants and the ´Polylepis´ or Q’ueuña trees growing in the astonishing cloud forest at 3650m/11972ft!
After lunch, we begin the second steep climb, lasting about two hours, to Runkuraqay Pass (almost 4,000m/13,123ft). We arrive at our campsite by 5:00 pm, where nighttime temperatures are around 4ºC.
This is the most impressive day so far; keep this in mind as you ascend on day three! We wake up for breakfast at 6:00 am and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ (meaning ‘Town in the Clouds’).
Here we reach the third highest point on the Inca Trail (3680 meters). The views of the mountains, canyons, and surrounding areas are spectacular! The Inca site of ‘Phuyupatamarca’ is just a few minutes' walk from the third pass.
After visiting this site, we continue descending 3000 steps through the cloud forest to the impressive agricultural Incan site of ‘Intipata’. After taking some time to visit this site, we continue until we arrive at our third campsite, Wiñay Wayna (2680m/8792ft).
Today, we will only walk for about 4 to 5 hours, reaching the camp by lunchtime. Nighttime temperatures are around 12ºC. A short walk from our campsite is the famous Incan site of ‘Wiñay Wayna’ (‘Forever Young’). Even if you feel tired after the day’s trek, it’s a moment you cannot miss, as it is the most impressive site on the Inca Trail.
Around 4:00 am, it’s time to wake up, have breakfast, and start the fourth day of the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu on schedule. This is the final stretch of your journey, arriving by 6:00 am to reach Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate.
At this point, the breathtaking Machu Picchu Citadel unfolds before us in all its splendor—a truly magnificent sight. This moment gives us a glimpse of what the Inca people might have experienced on their arduous journey to this grand temple. From here, we descend towards the Machu Picchu Citadel (2400m/7872 ft).
After a 40-minute walk, we enter the citadel from above through the "House of the Guardians." We then proceed to the control point to register and drop off our belongings. Your guide will lead you through the remarkable ruins and main streets. You’ll have the chance to explore the town squares and ascend the intricately carved stone stairways. Machu Picchu is regarded as the world’s spiritual center in esoteric beliefs.
After the guided tour, you'll have free time to explore the site on your own. You may also choose to:
- Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to enjoy stunning views of the citadel.
- Visit the new local museum or relax in the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (activities not included in the price).
Returning to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes and board the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo Train Station. Train departure times may vary based on the schedule and availability. In Ollantaytambo, you will meet our private van for transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free day in Cusco to shopping or rest.
- Overnight in Cusco
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer from hotel to airport.
- Flight Cusco – Puerto Maldonado.
- Arrival to Puerto Maldonado.
- Transfer to Lodge.
We will begin early, before sunrise, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our first stop will be at the clay lick, where we’ll observe Amazonian ambassadors—macaws, parrots, and parakeets—feeding on nutrient-rich, salty clay from palm trees. After this, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast.
Next, we’ll board a boat to explore giant trees, some 100 to 200 years old, and learn about the medicinal plants used by local people. After lunch, you can either relax or take a swim in the lake with our guide. In the afternoon, we’ll search for the highly valued giant otters, which are accustomed to human observation, providing excellent photographic opportunities. We’ll also look for the five monkey species living by the lakeside. Howler monkeys are often seen resting in the treetops, while the friar and stump-tailed monkeys are closer and easier to spot as they search for a tree to spend the night.
In the evening, we may spot the famous Arapaima, which surfaces to breathe and creates a noticeable splash with its large fin. After dinner, we’ll embark on a night tour to search for the elusive black caiman, which can grow up to 4 meters long. We’ll also listen to the sounds of nature on the lake and observe the constellations, making for an unforgettable experience.
We will wake up early at 5:00 am for a walk around the lake to search for river otters and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the majestic Lake Sandoval. This final walk will give us the chance to capture memorable moments from our tour. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before heading back to Puerto Maldonado. To make the most of this tour, please remember to bring:
- Rain poncho
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Flashlights
- Long-sleeved shirts
- A hat for sun protection on the lake
- Swimwear
Please avoid bringing alcoholic drinks.
- Transfer to the Lima airpot
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- At the appropriate time, transfer out to Csco airport – Lima.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Includes
LIMA
- Transfers to/from Lima airport and hotel
- 3 nights at a hotel in Lima with breakfast
- Dinner and folkloric show in Lima
PARACAS, ICA, NAZCA
- Transfer from the hotel to the bus station
- Bus from Lima to Paracas
- Ballestas Islands tour
- Bus from Paracas to Ica
- Tour of the Huacachina Oasis and sandboarding
- Bus from Ica to Nazca
- 1 night at a hotel in Nazca with breakfast
- Overflight of the Nazca Lines
- Bus from Nazca to Arequipa
AREQUIPA
- Transfer from Arequipa bus station to hotel
- 1 night at a hotel in Arequipa with breakfast
- 1 night at a hotel in Chivay with breakfast
- 2-day/1-night Colca Canyon tour
- Entrance fee to Colca Canyon
- 2 lunches and 1 dinner in Chivay
- Tourist bus from Chivay to Puno
PUNO
- Transfers to/from Puno bus station and hotel
- 2 nights at a hotel in Puno with breakfast
- Full-day tour of Lake Titicaca with buffet lunch
- Route of the Sun tour from Puno to Cusco
CUSCO
- Transfers to/from Cusco bus station and airport
- 5 nights at a hotel in Cusco with breakfast
- Afternoon city tour with entrance fees to Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Pukapukara
- Full-day Sacred Valley tour with buffet lunch, including entrance fees to Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero
Pre-departure briefing:
- Meet your royal Inka Trail guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek.
- Duffle bags will be provided, to be carried by our Porters.
- Meeting time: 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. Please inform us if you cannot attend at this time to coordinate another arrangement.
Touristic Transport:
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco and private transportation to PISCACUCHO, the starting point of the Royal Inka Trail to Machupicchu.
Adventure Experienced Royal Inka Trail Tour Guide:
- English-speaking, professionally educated, and certified tour guide.
- Passionate about teaching the heritage and culture of the region.
- Guides will explain the culture and surroundings, lead ancient ceremonies, and ensure safety and comfort throughout the trek.
Tour Guide in Machupicchu:
- English-speaking, professionally educated, and certified tour guide for visiting Machupicchu.
Private Campsites:
- Each campsite is selected for a local experience.
- Night 1: Wayllabamba with 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents (4-man tents, but sleep 2 for extra comfort).
- Night 2: Pacaymayo with 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents (4-man tents, but sleep 2 for extra comfort).
- Night 3: Wiñayhuayna with 4-season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents (4-man tents, but sleep 2 for extra comfort).
- Note: Campsites may vary due to government regulations, weather conditions, or visitor physical conditions. Changes will be communicated by ITEP travel.
Camping Equipment:
- Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (carried by porters and horses).
- Entry ticket to the Royal Inca Trail.
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu Inka Site.
- 1 Duffle Bag: Provided for personal belongings; extra porter available for an additional charge.
Professional Trekking Chef:
- A professional chef specialized in trail cooking, with an assistant, will prepare all meals on the trek.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus available at no extra cost; 1st breakfast and last lunch are not included).
Boiled Water:
- Supplied from first lunch to last breakfast, boiled, filtered, and cooled. Bring your own water bottles or camelback (3L recommended). Refilled at each meal.
Wake Up Tea:
- Coca tea served every morning at the campsite, delivered to your tent.
Tea Time Daily:
- Afternoon tea with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, and teas before dinner.
Products for Hygiene:
- Small towel provided before each meal for hand cleaning.
- Bucket with warm water for personal hygiene every morning.
Medical Kit and Oxygen Bottle:
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle provided by the crew.
Train Tickets:
- From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (departure time confirmed the day of briefing, subject to availability).
Transfer Back to Cusco:
- Private touristic transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4).
24-hour Guest Service:
- Telephone service available 24 hours/day for communication and preparation with the agency.
PUERTO MALDONADO
- Transfer to/from airport and lodge.
- 2 nights at Maloka Lodge – Sandoval Lake.
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners included.
- Entrance fee to the Natural Reserve of Tambopata.
- Transportation by boat on the Madre De Dios River.
- Professional tour guide.
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flight tickets
- Meals not specified
Sleeping Bags: If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from us. Our sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-style and come with a sleeping liner. Each bag is cleaned after every use.
Bus to Machu Picchu: The wait time to board the bus to Machu Picchu typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours. We recommend deciding the day before whether you prefer to take the bus or hike the final stretch, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your fitness level after the trek.
Walking Sticks: You have the option to rent walking sticks from us if needed.
Day 1: Breakfast costs approximately USD 5 to 10, depending on your choice.
Last Day: Lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes will cost around USD 20 to 25, subject to your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Our staff is well-compensated, but tips are appreciated at your discretion. We recommend USD 6 to 8 per day for each trek staff member, though tipping is optional and based on your satisfaction.
Additional costs: Be aware that there may be extra costs or delays beyond our control, such as changes due to weather, itinerary adjustments for safety, illness, government policy changes, or political issues.
PRICES
Essential elements
- Passport
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sweater, gloves, and hat
- T-shirts and shirt
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camelbak or water bottle
- Water
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
- Camera
- Flashlight
- Shorts
- Walking poles
- Cash
There are several optional upgrades available for your trip. Below is a brief list, but please refer to our overview section for more detailed information.
- Sleeping Bag – $25.00 USD per person per trek (Clean and warm)
- Walking Poles – $12.00 USD per pair per trek (Extendable professional poles)
- Vistadome Train Upgrade "Panoramic Train" – $50.00 USD per person (Return journey only)
- Huayna Picchu Sacred Mountain – $75.00 USD per person (Please request when booking your trek)
- Machu Picchu Sacred Mountain – $75.00 USD per person (Please request when booking your trek)
- Buffet Lunch Celebration at Sanctuary Lodge on the final day in Machu Picchu – $40.00 USD per person (Includes all fresh drinks)
Don't miss this amazing hike! Permits are sold out at least 6 months in advance.
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I loved the tour provided by the agency. It was a wonderful experience with people who explained to us about each of the places visited.