Routes of the Heart – 13 Days in Lima, Nazca, and Puno with a Picnic
About the tour
Rutas del Corazón is a journey through Peru that connects Lima and Cusco through landscapes, history, and emotions. A peaceful and meaningful journey that allows you to discover each destination at a leisurely pace and with a genuine sense of connection.
13 DAYS - 12 NIGHTS
BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE
TICKETS
INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION
Itinerary
- Upon your arrival inLima, a representative will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel in comfort.
- In the afternoon (around 2:00 p.m.), we’ll begin ourcity tour of Lima, discovering the contrast between its modern elegance and its colonial heritage.
- Today's itinerary:
Miraflores Tourist District: with viewpoints facing the Pacific Ocean, perfect for enjoying panoramic views
Historic Center of Lima: tour of the Colonial Lima, surrounded by wooden balconies and colonial-era facades
San Francisco Convent: famous for its catacombs and its impressive Baroque architecture
- Return to the hotel around6:30 p.m. Free evening.
- Accommodations inLima.
- Very early departure (4:00–5:00 a.m.). After breakfast en route, we’ll arrive atthe port of Paracasfor a boat tour of theBallestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds.
- Today's itinerary:
Ballestas Islands: a boat ride where you can observe marine life in its natural habitat
Traditional vineyard in Ica: You'll enjoy a regional lunch accompanied by a tasting of wine and pisco
Huacachina Oasis: a body of water surrounded by dunes, where you'll experience the thrill of tubular and sandboarding
- Return to the hotel inIcaaround6:00 p.m.
- Accommodations inIca.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure for the Nazca airfield for abreathtaking flight(approx. 20 minutes) over themysterious Nazca Lines: the hummingbird, the spider, the monkey, the condor, and more—anarchaeological spectaclethat continues to defy scientific explanation.
- You will then havefree time to have lunch on your own, after which we will return tothe Ica bus terminalto board thetour bus to Lima(arrival around10:00 p.m.).
- Accommodations in Lima.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can stroll through the historic district, stop by a café with a view ofMount Misti, or simply relax before the afternoon tour.
- Pick-up time:2:00 p.m.from your hotel. We will begin thePanoramic City Tour of Arequipa, exploring the most iconic sites of the “White City.”
- Today's itinerary:
Carmen Alto Lookout: breathtaking views of the valley and the volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu
Yanahuara Lookout: a classic viewpoint with ashlar arches and a spectacular view of the city
Arequipa's Main Square: one of the most elegant in the country, lined with colonial facades and the majestic Cathedral Basilica
Santa Catalina Monastery: a small town within the city, with colorful alleyways and 17th-century architecture that offers a glimpse into the lives of the Dominican nuns
- End of the tour:approx. 6:00 p.m.
- Accommodations inArequipa.
- Pick-up time:7:30 a.m.from your hotel inArequipa.
- After breakfast, we will begin our journey toChivay, a picturesque town nestled in the heart ofthe Colca Valley. Along the way, we will passthrough theSalinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a stunning Andean ecosystem where vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas graze freely, framed by the imposing silhouettes of theMisti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.
- As we climb, the landscape changes: the highland shrubs give way to vast plains covered in ichu grass.
- Today's itinerary:
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve: the natural habitat of vicuñas and unique Andean landscapes
Patapampa Lookout (4,900 meters above sea level): known as the “Andes Lookout,” offering views of snow-capped peaks and spectacular panoramic vistas
Chivay: arrival in the village, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local products
- In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to relax at theLa Calera Hot Springs(optional activity), where the pools reach temperatures of up to38°C, surrounded by mountains and open skies.
- Dinner is on your own—the perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine or take a stroll through the quiet streets of the town at sunset.
- Accommodations inChivay.
- Pickup time:6:00 a.m.from your hotel inChivay.
- After breakfast, we will head to theCruz del Cóndor Lookout, one of the most iconic spots inthe Colca Valley.
- From this natural viewpoint, at an elevation of over3,800 meters above sea level, you can witness the majestic flight ofthe Andean condor, a bird considered sacred by ancient pre-Inca cultures. With a wingspan that can exceed3 meters, seeing it glide between the canyon walls—considered one of the deepest on the planet—is a breathtaking sight.
- Today's itinerary:
Condor Cross Lookout: a stunning viewpoint for watching condors in flight
Viewpoints of the Colca Valley: photo stops to admire agricultural terraces and Andean landscapes
Maca: a traditional town with colonial churches and a vibrant culture
Coporaque: an Andean community where ancestral customs and local crafts are preserved
Chivay: Return to enjoy a buffet lunch
- We will then board thetour bus to Puno(approximate travel time:6 hours). During the trip, you’ll be able to enjoy the landscapes of the Altiplano: endless grasslands, vicuñas, and a horizon that blends into the sky.
- Estimated time of arrival in Puno:7:00 p.m. Our staff will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
- Accommodations in Puno.
- Afterbreakfast at the hotel, we headed tothe shore of Lake Titicaca, where the cold waters reflected the first light of day.
- Aboard a motorboat, we’ll sail to theFloating Islands of the Uros, ingenious platforms made of totora reeds that seem to float among the clouds and the water. There, we’ll meet their inhabitants, the heirs to a millennia-old tradition.
- Later, we will continue on toAmantaní Island, a place of silence and peace where time seems to stand still. A local family will welcome us into their home, sharing their table, their history, and their way of life.
- The day ends with ahome-cooked dinner in Amantaníunder a star-filled sky.
- Accommodations in Amantaní.
- Breakfast at the family home.
- Boat trip toTaquile Island, known for its stunning viewpoint and traditional textiles, recognized by UNESCO asIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch made with ingredients from Lake Titicaca, surrounded by serene scenery and panoramic views.
- In the afternoon,return to Puno (around 5:00 p.m.) and free time.
- In the evening,we’ll board the overnight tour bus to Cusco (10:00 p.m.) so we can rest during the trip.
- Bus trip from Puno to Cusco.
- Arrival inCusco(approx. 5:00 a.m.), the city that bids travelers farewell as if it wanted to keep them there just one more day.
- Upon your arrival, our team will welcome you and escort you to the hotel to check in.
- You'll have themorning freeto acclimate to the altitude of majesticCusco, located at3,399 meters above sea level—don't worry, breathing is a bit of a struggle at first, but it's worth every breath.
- In the afternoon (2:00–6:00 p.m.), theCusco City Tour begins, offering a deep dive into the living history of the ancient Inca Empire:
- Today's itinerary:
Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha): the holiest site in Tawantinsuyo
Sacsayhuamán: the imposing ceremonial fortress with cyclopean walls that seem to defy logic
Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: ancient ritual sites dedicated to water, the moon, and the spiritual protection of Cusco
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Between8:00 and 8:30 a.m., we’ll set off for some of the most photogenic landscapes inthe Sacred Valley, where history, nature, and Andean tradition blend together in a harmony that even your most stable relationships couldn’t achieve.
- Today's itinerary:
Chinchero: a visit to an artisanal community where you’ll learn about the ancient craft of weaving with alpaca wool, dyed with natural dyes and woven with centuries of patience
Moray: Marvel at its circular terraces, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory that harnessed the microclimate to cultivate sacred plants
Maras Salt Flats: includes more than 3,000 salt pans which have remained active since pre-Inca times, glistening in the sun like mirrors of the past
Mountain View Experience: Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by llamas and panoramic views of the Snow-capped peaks, in a setting that looks as if it were painted by the gods
Ollantaytambo: From here, you'll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes
- Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
- Accommodations inAguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
- Breakfast at the hotel.
We begin the most anticipated day of the trip: the ascent to the legendaryMachu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. - Depart by bus for the Inca citadel(tour subject to availability),enjoying the views that open up among mist-covered mountains and wild orchids.
- Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy aprivate guided tour(available exclusively for groups of two or more; if you’re traveling alone, you’ll join a small group of up to four people), during which you’ll visit the most iconic temples, agricultural terraces, and natural viewpoints from which the Incas used to watch the sunrise.
- You'll have free time to explore, meditate, or simply let yourself be enveloped by the energy of the place.
- Afterward, you’ll take a bus down toAguas Calientesto enjoy alocal lunchbefore boarding the train back toOllantaytambo.
From there, you’ll be transferred byprivate vehicle to Cusco, where this unforgettable day will come to an end. - Accommodations in Cusco.
- Departure between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.bound forCusipata.
- Breakfast on the go.
- Start of the hike to theMountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca, 5,036 m.a.s.l.), one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes, where shades of red, turquoise, and gold paint the earth like a divine masterpiece.
- We’ll have somefree time to take in the surroundings, take photos, and connect with the energy of the place.
- Return toCusipatafor abuffet lunch, then back toCusco (approx. 5:00 p.m.).
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Depending onyour flight schedule, we’lltake you to the airport, our hearts filled with memories: the sunrises over the highlands, the echoes of the Inca temples, and the silence of the mountains.
- Every step of this journey leaves an indelible mark, becausePeru isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to experience.
- End of our services.
INCLUDES
Transfers and Transportation
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Lima and Cusco.
- Tour transportation for all tours and excursions.
- Interprovincial tourist buses: Nazca–Arequipa and Arequipa–Puno (sleeper bus).
- Interprovincial tourist buses: Puno–Cusco (sleeper bus).
- Tourist train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Shuttle buses to and from Machu Picchu.
- Tourist boats on Lake Titicaca (Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile).
Tickets
- Admission to all attractions listed in the itinerary:
- Lima (City Tour and Catacombs)
- Arequipa: Tickets to the Monastery of Santa Catalina
- Colca Canyon
- Cusco (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay)
- Machu Picchu
- Maras and Moray
- Mountain of Seven Colors
- The Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile Islands.
Food
- Daily breakfasts at hotels or along the route.
- Lunches included in: Ica (Huacachina), Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Mountain of Colors, Amantaní, and Taquile.
- Traditional home-cooked dinner on Amantaní Island.
- 01 three-course lunch at Mountain View (appetizer, main course, and dessert)
Activities and Experiences
- City Tour of Lima and Cusco with a professional guide.
- Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis (sand dunes and sandboarding included).
- Scenic flight over Nazca (approximately 20 minutes).
- Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
- Guided hikes to Colca Canyon and the Mountain of Seven Colors.
- Cultural experience in the communities of Maras, Moray, Chinchero, and Amantaní.
- Horseback riding.
Additional Services
- A professional guide in Spanish will accompany you on all tours.
- Hiking poles, a basic first-aid kit, and oxygen for high-altitude tours.
- Support available throughout the entire trip.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
- International airline tickets (country of origin – Peru – country of return).
- Domestic flights (Lima–Cusco–Lima).
Additional food
- Dinners and lunches not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages or personal snacks during the tours.
Insurance and personal expenses
- Travel insurance or international medical assistance.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Optional activities
- Vistadome Train (USD 40 one-way / USD 70 round-trip).
- Hike up Waynapicchu Mountain (USD 60).
Not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or have breathing difficulties.
Other positions
- Bank fees or transfer fees for international payments.
- Expenses not listed as included in the itinerary.
- Hotels
- Original passport valid for at least 7 months. This is required for entry; without this document, you will not be able to take the tour.
- Full sun protection: a cap or hat, sunglasses, andsunscreen. The Andean sun is intense even on cloudy days.
- Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. Ideal for walking safely on uneven terrain.
- A small backpack with the essentials:water, snacks like candy, cookies, chocolate, or nuts to keep your energy up during the hike.
- A camera or cell phone with enough battery life. You don't want to miss the best views or the most special moments of your trip.
Routes of the Heart – 13-Day Tour from Lima to Cusco via Nazca and Puno, Featuring an Andean Picnic and Horseback Riding
Experience the essence of Peru on a tour that combines history, culture, and nature. Explore the heart of the Inca Empire, from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with the comfort and security of an all-inclusive service. This tour is available every day of the year, with guaranteed departures for both group and private tours.
- Price
Group rate:US$1,329.00 per person
- Easy booking:
Secure your spot with a deposit of 20% of the total amount.
- Payment of the balance:
You can pay the remaining 80% upon arrival by:
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
- Cash (soles or dollars)
- Pix
Access to Machu Picchu is organized through three official routes:
- Tour 1: Panoramic View (Classic Photo)
- Tour 2: The most comprehensive tour (panoramic views + temples)
- Tour 3: Temple Tour (no panoramic views)
Availability is limited and subject to demand, so we recommend booking in advance.
If we are unable to find availability for your travel dates, Andean Peru Exploor will assist you in purchasing your ticket in person in Aguas Calientes. This process involves waiting in line at the official ticket office, always accompanied by our team.
Important: This option is subject to daily availability and does not guarantee admission.
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