Best of Peru and Beach Relaxation

12 days | USD 2480 | Easy

Experience the ultimate adventure in Peru by visiting famous sites such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy the stunning views of Colca Canyon, the Nazca Lines, and the Huacachina oasis, and then relax on the beautiful Paracas Beach. This trip offers a perfect mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant culture, and moments of peace, making it an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation.

Season: All year long.

Trip details

Highlights

Cusco

Explore the ancient Incan capital, a vibrant blend of colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage, nestled high in the Andes with charming streets and bustling markets.

Sacred Valley – Moray Salineras

Discover the stunning Moray terraces and the ancient salt mines of Maras, showcasing the ingenuity of Incan agriculture and breathtaking views.

Machu Picchu

Experience the mystical Lost City of the Incas, perched high in the mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into ancient Incan civilization.

Rainbow Mountain

Explore Rainbow Mountain with an exciting quad bike ride or horseback tour.

Colca Canyon

Marvel at one of the world’s deepest canyons, home to the majestic Andean condor, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes of rugged beauty.

Nazca Lines

Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting animals and shapes visible only from the air, shrouded in mystery.

Itinerary

Our Peru beach holiday tour will take you through Machu Picchu, the capital of Inca Empire Cusco that was home to many important events in Peruvian history. Next up: Lake Titicaca which offers beautiful views from multiple locations around it’s shoreline; after all we can’t forget our adventure into one deep canyon called Colca Canyon and reserved for the end a visit to Paracas. This beautiful paradise has pristine blue waters that will make your heart skip a beat in pure bliss! With 4 days of relaxation on its white sand beaches or engaging in exciting activities, you’ll never want to leave this wonderland behind.

Llamas at Sacsayhuaman Fortress – A must-visit on Cusco tours
Day 1: Arrival in Lima

You will arrive in the beautiful Peruvian capital of Lima, and be transferred to your hotel by our local River Explorers representative. Have us organize an activity for you or enjoy a free day roaming the bustling streets before relaxing at one of Lima’s many parks and eating some incredible food! Your first taste is guaranteed not only wake up all senses but leave them feeling refreshed as well

  • Meals: No meals
    Accommodation: Hotel in Lima 3 stars

Start your day with a private car service that picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the airport. After checking in, you will board a plane for a scenic 60-minute flight over the Andes Mountains, lakes, and canyons. Upon arriving in Cusco, our guide will meet you and transfer you directly to the Sacred Valley. Since Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400 meters, we recommend heading to the Sacred Valley first to help your body acclimate to the high altitude gradually, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness.

Your tour begins with a visit to Moray, an intriguing archaeological site famous for its circular terraces. The Incas used these terraces as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with various crops at different altitudes. The innovative design and engineering of Moray showcase the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas.

Next, you will explore the salt mines of Maras, a breathtaking network of salt evaporation ponds that have been operational since Inca times. The shimmering pools create a stunning patchwork against the surrounding landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities. Your guide will share the history and significance of salt production in this area.

After visiting Moray and Maras, you will continue your journey to the town of Ollantaytambo.

In the afternoon, you will board a train to Aguas Calientes. We guarantee that you will be captivated by the beauty of the landscapes during the hour and a half journey. We provide a service with panoramic windows, allowing you to fully enjoy the incredible views along this route, which will be a new experience for you!

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel in the sacred Valley ***

A 25 minute bus ride brings us to our destination -you cannot help but marvel at all that lies before your eyes: Your guide will take you on an insightful and captivating journey into the ruins of Machu Picchu exploring intricately designed buildings, terraces made from stones fitted together so perfectly, water canals carved deeply into the rocks, temples and palaces. You’ll learn about how it was discovered, what life would have been like for its citizens in Incan times.

The Urubamba River below us flows wildly as we marvel at tall peaks with lush jungle vegetation spread out before our eyes – some which gives off such incredible views; there can’t help but pinch oneself that this truly does exist in real life!

In the afternoon you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Tierra Viva 4****

Behold the stunning Mountain Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, showcases a vibrant and colorful landscape. The hues, including reds, oranges, purples, and greens, tell a tale of millions of years of geological history, creating a mesmerizing masterpiece that will captivate you.

Following your journey, your trip to Puno will be smooth with private transportation. Passing through the scenic highlands, you will witness Peru’s diverse terrains, from verdant plains to rugged mountains, on your way to Lake Titicaca. This blend of nature and culture presents a unique and thrilling Peruvian experience.

(Note: The Rainbow Mountain tour is subject to weather conditions, with safety being our top concern. In the event of rain or lightning, alternate plans will be put in place to guarantee your safety and pleasure.)

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Puno ***

Today’s is easy. You will have the whole morning to rest. In the afternoon we will take you for a city tour.

The City tour in Cusco, which begins at Plaza de Armas and continues through the Temple of the Sun (QoriKancha) before finishing up outside city limits with visits to Sacsayhuaman temple; Ritual Center Q’enko as well as Puka-Pukará complex. From all this remains is worth noting that Sacsayhuaman is some of the biggest Inca Constructions.

The amazing megalithic walls of this ancient ruin rise high in the middle of a dry grassland. The giant stone blocks, some weighing up to 200 tons each and fitted together perfectly like puzzle pieces, gives an appearance that is generous yet protective at once.

Night flight to Arequipa

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arequipa***

After an enjoyable breakfast, get ready for a 4 hour tourist bus towards Chivay and then to Yanque. The drive is breathtakingly beautiful with lakes that are deep blue in color as well as charming Andean villages on each side of us! You may even spot some adorable alpacas, llamas or vicuñas grazing in front yards during your ride!

Upon arriving in Chivay, our guide will escort you to your lodge in Yanque, a beautiful destination with hot springs situated near the Colca River. We recommend setting aside the afternoon for a leisurely hike along the river or exploring the nearby ruins!

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Colca Lodge 4***

The scenic drive from Yanque to Cruz del Cóndor in the Colca Valley will take away your breath.

Choose to go for a hike in Colca, with options ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours; remember that everyone needs to agree to the hike.

Immersed in these incredible landscapes, you arrive at Cruz del Cóndor in the Colca Valley at 3800 meters of altitude, the famous viewpoint, known by the locals as Chaglla is the highlight of the tour. Enjoy the long-awaited flight of the condors and outstanding views of the canyon. 

We take the bus to Chivay for lunch and then back to Arequipa stopping along the way for pictures and rest.

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arequipa ***

Today, you have the morning all to yourself. Use it wisely and enjoy Arequipa- known in Peru as a beautiful city! Not just because of its white volcanic rock buildings made by Spanish settlers centuries ago (Spanish: La Ciudad Blanca).

Arequipa is a beautiful, lively city that has an enchanting atmosphere. On your stroll through town you should definitely take in the sights of la Plaza de Armas which sits at its center . Other popular attractions include visiting 1580 Santa Catalina Monastery which can be found just minutes away by foot from the Plaza de Armas. An amazing walk that will lead you past the markets is Mercado San Camilo. You can find fruits, vegetables, meat and crafts as well as refreshing freshly squeezed juices in small stalls!

You will enjoy a peaceful journey while traveling by bus to Nazca. Experience luxurious VIP service with 160-degree reclining seats and onboard entertainment!

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nazca ***

Experience an unforgettable flight tour over the mystical Nazca Lines, marveling at the enigmatic figures etched into our coastal desert floor, each shrouded in centuries-old mystery and intrigue.

Late afternoon we will take a public bus to Paracas, where you’ll witness the unparalleled beauty of its coastal landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich culture and warmth of the local community.

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Paracas 4***

The Paracas National Reserve is a unique area for its biodiversity. It has both hydrobiological species and marine mammals, birds and other incredible wild life to be seen in this vast stretch of land along the entire shoreline!

It is the ideal destination to see the dunes of the Peruvian desert, observe the life of marine animals and enjoy diving and kitesurfing activities. In the Paracas National Reserve it will not be difficult to find recreational activities for the lonely, couples and families. You can take long walks inside the park to see the beaches that surround it or you can swim in several of its beaches.

Ballestas Islands Tour: Explore the Ballestas Islands, teeming with wildlife! Witness playful sea lions, vibrant seabirds, and Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat, set against dramatic rock formations and sea arches.

Huacachina Oasis Tour from Paracas: Visit Huacachina Oasis, a desert paradise. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, this picturesque lagoon offers thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding adventures, creating unforgettable memories.

Sunset Hike to National Reserve of Paracas: Embark on a sunset hike through Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the ocean. Experience stunning coastal views, vibrant sunsets, and serene landscapes that leave you breathless.

Mountain Biking National Reserve of Paracas: Discover the Paracas National Reserve on a mountain bike! Ride through diverse terrains, from sandy dunes to rocky cliffs, while enjoying panoramic ocean views and spotting unique wildlife.

Quad Bike Paracas Reserve: Rev up for an exhilarating quad bike tour through Paracas Reserve. Navigate through desert landscapes, uncover hidden beaches, and marvel at the rugged beauty of Peru’s coastal desert.

  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Paracas ****

Depending on your flight schedule, a convenient bus ride to Lima may be arranged. Once at the Lima Terminal, a private transfer will be readily available to transport you to the Lima airport, ensuring a seamless journey back home.

  • Meals: Breakfast.

Included

What is included?

Meals Included: 10 brekfast and 1 lunch. Peruvian cuisine is exceptionally diverse. Every region, and even certain cities, boasts its own unique specialties and dishes. Throughout this holiday tour in Peru, we will ensure that you sample the finest of our culinary delights.

Accomodation: Accommodation options include double occupancy rooms in both 4-star and 3-star hotels, as well as lodging facilities.

Transportation: Transportation will be provided through a variety of means, including public buses for intercity connections, domestic flights for longer distances, train services, and speed boats for water-based transportation.

Rainbow Mountain: Private transport, guide, entrance fees and hiking.

Colca Canyon: Private guided tour with private transport

Machu Picchu: We provide a thorough 2-hour guided tour of the historic site.

Sacred Valley: Includes a local guide, entrance fees, shuttle bus to and from Machu Picchu complex.

Nazca Lines: Transfer from your hotel to the airport, fly over the famous geoglyphs (Airport taxes not included in the price as they must be paid personally at the gate before boarding the plane)

Guides: We provide English speaking local guides for Machu Picchu, Ballestas Islands, Colca Canyon, Sacred Valley, Raibow mountain, Nazca flight and Lake Titicaca tours.

What is not included?

Accommodation: The standard accomodations provided consists of a three-star hotel and a four-star hotel at Machu Picchu and the coastal location, respectively. Should guests prefer more luxurious accommodations, an upgrade to a four-star or five-star establishment can be arranged upon request. It is important to note that in the event passengers elect to remain at the hotels rather than proceeding with the scheduled itinerary, the cost of accommodations and meals will not be included in the package.

Meals: Meals are not included if passengers choose to stay at the hotels instead of continuing on with the trips.

Gratuities: It is customary to provide a gratuity of 10% to tour guides as a formal acknowledgment of their professional services rendered. This monetary gesture serves to express one’s appreciation for the guide’s expertise and assistance throughout the duration of the tour.

Extra Activities at Paracas: Please be advised that activities available at Paracas beach are not included in the stated price and will incur additional charges. For further details regarding these activities and their associated costs, we kindly request that you contact our office at your earliest convenience.

Customer Testimonial

THERESA B 1 contribution
THERESA B 1 contribution
5 stars isn't enough!!
My wife and I enjoyed an amazing experience with River Explorers in Peru! Our journey lasted around 10 days.
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My wife and I enjoyed an amazing experience with River Explorers in Peru! Our journey lasted around 10 days. We participated in the “Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Multisport” expedition, involving multiple hiking days in Cusco, a visit to Machu Picchu, and several days at Zorritos Beach in northern Peru.

Everyone who worked with us at River Explorers was extremely professional. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the tour guides. They were not only knowledgeable but also enthusiastic, making our day trips enjoyable! Despite encountering a few unforeseen challenges (such as train strikes and COVID requirements), the River Explorers team went the extra mile to ensure our journey was seamless.

Every hotel we lodged in was clean and lived up to its advertisement, each equipped with wifi. The hotel staff were polite and accommodating, and the breakfasts were delightful. River Explorers managed all our hotel and transportation bookings (including cars, trains, and planes), alleviating any concerns during our stay.

Peru is a stunning country, and we are grateful to have partnered with River Explorers for our Peruvian adventure. Our experience was truly memorable!

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