25-Day Individual tour of Peru

Day 1 & 2: Lima

Overnight: Arawi Miraflores Prime

Day 1

Today, you arrive in Lima, the “City of Kings” – Peru’s capital and its cultural and financial heart. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our driver and English-speaking guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.

Arawi Miraflores Prime

You will stay at the Arawi Miraflores Prime hotel. This lovely hotel is located in the trendy Miraflores district, close to the Larcomar shopping center. It offers modern accommodations and a great restaurant where breakfast is served buffet-style.

Day 2

Today, you have a free day to explore Lima at your leisure.

Visit the historic center of the city; around the Plaza Mayor, you will find the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. These stunning buildings are steeped in history and tradition. Next, head to the San Francisco Monastery, arguably the most spectacular church in colonial Lima, featuring catacombs and a beautiful museum showcasing 17th-century religious art.

You may also choose to visit the trendy Barranco district. This artistic neighborhood of painters, musicians, designers, and photographers first gained prominence in the 19th century as a fashionable seaside retreat for Lima’s aristocracy. Families such as the Garcia Bedoyas built grand Belle Époque and republican-style homes around landscaped parks and along elegant avenues. Today, Barranco is a charming district, perfect for wandering and enjoying the stunning architecture, small parks, restaurants, bars, and ocean views.

We are happy to provide tips before your departure or arrange a guided tour if you prefer.

Day 3 - 6: Amazone

Overnight: Pumarinri Amazon Lodge

Day 3

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Lima Airport for your flight via Lima to Tarapoto. Upon arrival at Tarapoto Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from **Pumarinri Amazon Lodge** and transferred to your lodge via the Mayo and Huallaga rivers. Over the next three nights, you will stay amidst the breathtaking nature at the foothills of the Andes and the edge of the Amazon Basin.

Pumarinri Amazon Lodge

A small-scale lodge beautifully located near waterfalls and on the banks of the Huallaga River. Set within a private reserve of 62 hectares, the lodge has only 14 spacious rooms with balconies offering views of the river and the Pumarinri mountains. The rooms are housed in small bungalows spread throughout the garden. The central area includes a restaurant and a refreshing outdoor pool. The lodge’s exceptional location lies at the intersection of the Cerro Escalera Regional Conservation Area and the Cordillera Azul National Park. Along the Huallaga River, you’ll encounter three distinct ecosystems: tropical dry forest, montane forest, and the lowland Amazon rainforest.

Day 4 – 6

Pumarinri Amazon Lodge offers a range of half- and full-day activities, which you can join in a small international group with a lodge guide. Activities vary by day, and here are some highlights:

SELVA Y CATARATAS DE PUCAYAQUILLO
Access the Pucayaquillo waterfalls via a 1.8 km trail surrounded by jungle. This pleasant botanical walk introduces you to various plants and trees, from palms and hardwoods to medicinal plants and climbing vines. You may spot brightly colored poison dart frogs, leafcutter ants, and the fearsome bullet ant. The trail rewards you with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool at the waterfall’s base.

DEL HUALLAGA AL MAYO
This tour focuses on rivers, forests, and birds. Journey past forested mountains, riverside towns, and cattle farms. During the rainy season, rivers are powerful and full, while the summer brings beaches and abundant fishing. Throughout the trip, birds such as herons, toucans, and the colorful hoatzin accompany you. Binoculars and a birdwatching guide help you identify these stunning species.

CHASUTA: LA SELVA DE CHOCOLATE
Visit the transitional zone between the high jungle and the Amazon lowlands to explore a cacao plantation. Learn how cacao is transformed into chocolate and taste the fresh fruit. Chasuta also boasts a rich cultural heritage, showcased in traditional ceramics at the Wasichay Museum. You’ll visit a workshop where local artisans preserve this age-old craft.

MUSHUK LAMAS: CAFÉ Y BOSQUES DE ALTURA
A climb to Mushuk Lamas offers a mix of nature, landscapes, and indigenous culture. As you ascend, enjoy sweeping views of the Huallaga River and Cordillera Azul. Once in the village, experience the simple, warm lifestyle of its residents. Coffee grows in the surrounding forest, with harvesting taking place from February to May. This unique combination of jungle, coffee plantations, and Lamas culture is unforgettable.

LAGUNA AZUL DE SAUCE
Laguna de Sauce, or Laguna Azul, is one of Tarapoto’s most popular destinations. Travel down the Huallaga River to El Sauce, where you’ll enjoy walking and relaxing around the lagoon. Stop at the best beaches for swimming and savor freshly caught fish prepared by the locals. The lagoon is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a perfect retreat.

PUMARINRI – LA SELVA DE DÍA
Explore the jungle around Pumarinri on guided walks. Discover colorful poison dart frogs, vibrant blue morpho butterflies, and unique trees like the walking palm with aerial roots. Learn about the region’s history, including remnants of coca maceration pits from the 1980s. Visit fish farms and cacao fields that integrate sustainably with the jungle for low-impact agriculture.

PUMARINRI – LA SELVA DE NOCHE
Nighttime in the jungle reveals a different side of nature. Mammals, owls, and nocturnal insects become active. During a night tour, spot unique wildlife like spiders, poison dart frogs, and sleeping animals. On clear nights, enjoy the constellations of the southern hemisphere.

This blend of adventure and tranquility ensures an unforgettable Amazon experience.

Day 7 - 9: Gocta

Overnight: Gocta Andes Lodge

Day 7

A shared transfer, accompanied by the lodge, will take you back to Tarapoto today and then gradually into the cloud forest region of Chachapoyas. For the next few days, you will stay at the beautifully located Gocta Andes Lodge.

Gocta Andes Lodge

Gocta Andes Lodge offers spectacular views of the Gocta Waterfalls in the heart of the Chachapoyas region. The lodge is located on the edge of the village of Cocachimba and features 16 rooms and two suites. All accommodations are simple yet spacious, with private bathrooms and amenities such as a hairdryer and a safe. Each room has a terrace or balcony facing the waterfalls, perfect for relaxation. The property is surrounded by gardens with an outdoor pool where llamas and alpacas graze. Guests can unwind on lounge beds, while the restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, serves Peruvian classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Day 8 – Cloud Forest Hike and Gocta Waterfall with English-/Spanish-Speaking Guide

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike to the stunning **Gocta Waterfalls**. The starting point of the hike is in the village of Cocachimba. The 5.5 km trail winds through beautiful forest, with sections that ascend, descend, and level out, interspersed with stone steps.

Along the way, you may spot various species of hummingbirds, including the elegant marvellous spatuletail, which is endemic to the Amazon region. You might also catch a glimpse of the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird. Flowering orchids and bromeliads adorn the path. As the jungle gradually opens up, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the breathtaking Gocta Waterfalls (771 m). The sheer size of the falls will make you feel small as you gaze upward at this natural wonder. During the rainy season, the water volume is significantly higher, but the falls are equally worth visiting during the dry season. You’ll have time to take impressive photos before hiking back to Cocachimba.

Day 9 – Kuélap Excursion with English-/Spanish-Speaking Guide

Today, you’ll visit the impressive fortress of the Chachapoyan culture. After breakfast, you’ll head to Nuevo Tingo (a 30-minute drive), the starting point for your Kuélap excursion. Here, you’ll board a bus to the cable car station Anden de Salida. The Telecabinas, Peru’s first cable car system, will take you on a 20-minute ride, ascending from 2,000 to 3,000 meters. From the La Malca station, a short 2 km walk will lead you to the citadel of Kuélap.

Kuélap
Often referred to as the “pre-Inca Machu Picchu,” Kuélap is a walled city located at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This ancient city features over 400 buildings and overlooks the Utcubamba Valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding cloud forest. Once the main administrative, cultural, and military center of the Chachapoyan culture, also known as the “Cloud People” (800 AD – 1530 AD), the site is rich in history. Many structures within the complex have walls adorned with friezes depicting eyes and birds.

Note: This excursion is not available on Mondays due to weekly maintenance of the cable car.

Day 10 & 11: Chiclayo

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo

Day 10

Today, our driver will take you in a private car from Gocta to Chiclayo, a journey of approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Casa Andina Select Chiclayo

Casa Andina Select Chiclayo is a large, modern hotel located in the heart of the city. With 130 simple yet contemporary rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a sauna, it offers a comfortable stay. The hotel’s restaurant, La Plaza Bar & Grill, serves a mix of traditional Peruvian and European dishes.

Day 11 – Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán and the pyramid complex of Túcume

Today, you will take a half-day tour with your guide to the Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán and the pyramid complex of Túcume.

The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán is considered one of the best archaeological museums in Peru. Shaped like a Moche pyramid, it houses a collection of gold masks, scepters, jewelry, and other artifacts from the royal Moche tomb discovered in 1987. The exhibition brings to life the grandeur and advanced civilization of the ancient Moche culture (100-900 AD), which is hard to imagine when visiting the now-eroded adobe pyramids.

You will also visit Túcume, a once densely populated center and likely the capital of each of the successive cultures of the area: the Lambayeque culture (800 to 1300 AD), the Chimú culture (1350 to 1450), and the Inca culture (1450 to 1532). From the viewpoint at Cerro Purgatorio, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire complex, which includes 26 eroded adobe pyramids. The local museum displays photographs and artifacts from the excavations.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 12 - 14: Trujillo

Overnight: Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro

Day 12 – El Brujo

Today, you will travel by private car with a driver and guide to Trujillo (approximately 222 km). Shortly before reaching Trujillo, you will take a detour to visit the El Brujo complex, meaning “The Sorcerer.” This name stems from the fact that for centuries, healing masters gathered here to perform shamanistic rituals. The archaeological complex consists of three pyramids: Huaca El Brujo, Huaca Prieta, and Huaca Cao.

Of the three, Huaca Cao is the only one open to visitors. It was here, in 2006, that a well-preserved mummy of a woman was discovered, along with a rich array of burial artifacts, including exquisite jewelry and weapons. You will have the opportunity to see the multicolored friezes and reliefs of Huaca Cao, which depict the Moche deity Ai Apaec, warriors, prisoners, and sacrificial scenes. The on-site museum houses the mummy, believed to be the first known female ruler in Peru, nicknamed “Señora de Cao.” The museum also showcases artifacts from various cultures that inhabited this area, documenting 5,000 years of history.

Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro

This hotel, with 73 rooms, is grandly located on the central square, overlooking the cathedral. The stunning colonial architecture, style, and design of the mansion have been preserved, including wooden balconies, vaulted ceilings, and a grand entrance. The furniture is elegant and stylish, and the atmosphere is welcoming. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, fitness facilities, or spa. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, while the bar, with views of the Plaza de Armas, is perfect for a drink before or after dinner.

Day 13 – Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna

Explore the Temples of the Sun and the Moon during this half-day excursion. Both temples played vital roles in the lives of the Moche civilization (100-900 AD). The intricately decorated Temple of the Moon served as a spiritual center for the Moches. Within the site, archaeologists have uncovered numerous ceremonial artifacts and around 40 skeletons of sacrificial victims. Some walls are adorned with colorful murals depicting scenes that illustrate the community’s warlike nature and frequent sacrifices to appease the gods.

As you walk through the Temple of the Moon, you will have panoramic views of the Temple of the Sun, considered one of the largest adobe structures in Latin America. It is estimated that 50 to 100 million adobe bricks were used in its construction. The adjacent 1,700-square-meter museum displays artifacts unearthed in the temples, focusing on items from the tombs of the “Blind Priest,” the “Master of Prisoners,” the “Moche Weaver,” and the “Moche Shaman.”

Day 14

Today, you have a free day to spend in Trujillo as you wish.

Day 15 - 17: Cajamarca

Overnight: Laguna Seca Hotel & Spa

Day 15

In your private car with a Spanish-speaking driver, you will travel from Trujillo to Cajamarca, approximately 290 km.

Laguna Seca Hotel & Spa

Hotel & Spa Laguna Seca is located just a short drive from the center of Cajamarca, in Baños del Inca, known for its natural thermal waters. The hotel is surrounded by gardens that stretch across the Peruvian countryside, offering a relaxing base for exploring the charming center of Cajamarca. There are two outdoor pools where you can enjoy the thermal waters, and each room has a private jacuzzi-style bath that also uses the thermal waters. Accommodation is simple but charming. Facilities include pools, a spa, and a Turkish steam bath. There is a restaurant and a café where breakfast is served.

Day 16 – Cajamarca

This morning, you will explore Cajamarca. Colonial architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich history define what this city, nestled in a fertile valley of the northern Andes, has to offer. Several key events that shaped the history of Latin America took place here. The last Inca, Atahualpa, was captured here by Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro and later executed.

Atahualpa’s death marked the fall of the Inca Empire and the beginning of Spanish colonial rule. Spanish influence is still evident in the city’s layout and many buildings, such as the Cathedral and the churches of San Francisco, Belen, and Recoleta, as well as old mansions. The visit also includes a stop at El Cuarto del Rescate, the room Inca Atahualpa promised to fill with gold and silver in exchange for his freedom.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish in this delightful city.

Day 17 – Cumbemayo

We travel along unpaved roads past remote villages to Cumbemayo. After an hour, a stunning landscape with enormous natural rock formations unfolds, known as the Stone Forest. Some of these fascinating formations resemble the silhouettes of pious monks, earning them the nickname frailones, or “giant monks.”

A bit further, we encounter the canal built by the Cajamarca culture over 1,000 years ago, a true engineering marvel. Carved from volcanic stone with perfectly straight edges and precise geometric lines, the aqueduct stretches 9 km, designed to collect and redirect water from various sources. Surrounding caves are adorned with mysterious rock carvings. This afternoon, you will again have time to spend as you wish.

Day 18 - 20: Sacred Valley

Overnight: La Casona de Yucay

Day 18

It is time to say goodbye to northern Peru. Our driver will take you to Cajamarca Airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

La Casona de Yucay

Surrounded by imposing mountains, this hotel will amaze you with spectacular views and beautiful gardens. Located in Yucay, a picturesque village, the hotel features 54 comfortable rooms. The colonial house, built in 1810, takes you back in time to a place where history, nature, and warm hospitality come together.

Day 19 – Moray & Maras

Today, we hike from Moray via Maras to the Sacred Valley. The circular terraces of Moray, hidden among the hills, resemble a Greek amphitheater, surrounded by a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It is believed that the Incas transformed four natural depressions in the landscape into terraces, creating an agricultural laboratory. This innovation allowed them to simulate Peru’s diverse climatic zones, making it possible to grow crops and fruits from all regions in one place. The knowledge gained here was then applied in other parts of the empire.

From Moray, you will continue walking to Maras, a series of salt mines in the Sacred Valley. The mines consist of around 3,000 small pools built into a slope of the mountain. Salt has been harvested here since Inca times. During the dry season, people fill or “irrigate” the pools; as the water evaporates, salt is trapped and solidified. You can walk among the pools and observe the salt harvesting process. After the tour, you will hike for about an hour to the Sacred Valley, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Walking time: approximately 5 hours
Altitude difference: 600 meters (mainly downhill)
Moray to Maras (village): approximately 2.5 hours
Maras (village) to Maras (salt mines): approximately 1 hour
Maras (salt mines) to Sacred Valley: approximately 1 hour

Day 20

Today is a day to relax. Enjoy the hotel facilities and the surrounding area. Perhaps you might consider horseback riding (not included), or take the time to unwind completely and prepare for tomorrow’s hike.

Day 21 & 22: Alternative Inca Trail

Overnight Day 21: El Mapi by Inkaterra

Overnight Day 22: Antigua Casona San Blas

Day 21

Your 2-day Inca Trail adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel by our guide, who will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Accompanied by your guide, you will disembark at ‘Kilometer 104,’ the starting point of the hike toward Machu Picchu. Along the way, you will stop at the Inca ruins of Chachabamba (2,150 m), known for its intricate irrigation channels and expert stone masonry.

Your journey continues along misty forest trails, moss-covered steps, and numerous breathtaking viewpoints before arriving at the well-preserved and impressive Wiñay Wayna. After a lunch break, the trail ascends further, leading you to Inti Punku, the famous ‘Sun Gate,’ where you will have your first magnificent view of Machu Picchu. Before nightfall, a secondary path will take you to the village of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night at your hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Total distance: 13 km
Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
Starting elevation: 2,150 m
Maximum elevation: 2,650 m

El Mapi by Inkaterra

El MaPi by Inkaterra is a welcoming hotel located in the heart of Aguas Calientes. It features modern rooms and a cozy atmosphere. The food is organic and of excellent quality. Guests enjoy a hearty breakfast and à la carte dinner. You can also book a relaxing massage in the beautiful spa with views of the surrounding area.

Day 22

An early start this morning is essential to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu (a 20-minute ride) and enjoy the best views of the citadel in the early morning sunlight. The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a technical marvel—a city in the clouds surrounded by steep cliffs. The site contains 140 structures, including temples, palaces, ritual baths, and residences. There are agricultural terraces and more than 100 stone stairways. Much of the masonry is so finely crafted that it seems to emerge organically from the rock.

During a two-hour guided tour, your guide will share stories of the Incas who lived here, bringing the city to life. In the afternoon, you will return by bus to the station and take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco. If you left luggage at the hotel in the Sacred Valley, it will be picked up along the way.

Hotel Antigua Casona San Blas

Antigua Casona San Blas is centrally located in Cusco and exudes historic charm. The original casona has been restored to its former glory, featuring hand-carved wooden balconies, stone patios, and archways. The rooms are comfortable and decorated in a local style with traditional features and furnishings. Guests can enjoy the bar and restaurant and relax in the lounges by the cozy fireplace.

Day 23 - 25: Cusco & Palcoyo

Overnight: Antigua Casona San Blas

Day 23 – Cusco

Today, you have a free day to explore Cusco, a city with much to see and experience. Visit the impressive cathedral, built over 450 years ago, and Koricancha, the most lavish temple of the Inca culture, dedicated to sun worship.

Take a stroll along Hatunrumiyoc Street, named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what was once the palace of Inca Roca. A visit to the artisan district of San Blas is also highly recommended. Its steep, cobblestone alleys offer spectacular views of the city and are home to many workshops and galleries, providing a fantastic way to enjoy Cusco’s artistic atmosphere. The city comes alive at the bustling San Pedro Market, where you can literally taste authentic Peruvian culture.

Day 24 – Palcoyo

Your journey in Peru concludes with a spectacular view of the three Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain peaks, also known as the “Alternative Rainbow Mountain” – the colorful mountains without the crowds.

You will be picked up early in the morning at 5:00 a.m. from your hotel and take a drive through the South Valley to the Palcoyo trailhead (approximately 3.5 hours). Along the way, you’ll pass the Rio Rojo, a river that, depending on the weather, flows with red-colored water. From the trailhead, you’ll begin a short uphill walk of about 45 minutes to the Palcoyo Pass (5,000 m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the multi-colored landscapes of the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain peaks and the highest mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate.

You’ll spend about an hour at the pass taking photos and soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery before descending along the same trail (approximately 20-30 minutes). At the end of the trail, your transfer will take you to the village of Checacupe, where you’ll have a packed lunch and the opportunity to explore an Inca rope suspension bridge. After taking your time to walk across the bridge, snap photos, and enjoy the stunning surroundings, you’ll return to your hotel in Cusco (expected arrival around 5:00 p.m.).

Total distance: 5 km
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude: 5,000 m
Important: Due to the altitude of this hike, acclimatization in Cusco beforehand is required.

Day 25

After this diverse and unforgettable journey, it is sadly time to say goodbye to Peru. At the appropriate time, we will pick you up from your hotel for your flight to Lima, where you will connect with your flight to Europe (intercontinental flight booked independently).