Peru Highlights Trip by rental car

Day 2 | Lima

This day is free to spend as you wish. The Peruvian capital is a bustling metropolis with many interesting neighbourhoods. You can visit the historic city centre, where you’ll find the Presidential Palace, the main square (Plaza de Armas) and the Cathedral, amongst other sights. This makes Lima the perfect blend of past and present. Be sure to pop into the historic Cordano bar on the corner of Plaza de Armas, as a visit here will take you back 100 years in time. Also visit the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, starting at the Puente de los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs). You’ll find plenty of history at the Larco Museum or the Gold Museum. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of activities on offer, such as paragliding along the coast.
Accommodation: Libre Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 3 | Lima – Paracas

(approx. 250 km | 4-hour drive)
Your rental car will be ready for you today. You’ll leave the capital and head towards Paracas. You’ll follow the coast southwards via the Panamericana Sur, passing through various small villages and towns. The desert-like landscapes are occasionally interrupted by green riverbeds that line the banks of rivers flowing from the Andes. Paracas is situated close to Paracas National Park. Paracas National Park covers a large part of the Peruvian desert that stretches along the coastline. Off the coast lie the Ballestas Islands, also known as the Peruvian Galápagos or the ‘Galápagos of the poor’, due to the abundance of marine mammals and seabirds.
Accommodation: Posada del Emancipador | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Paracas – Nazca

(approx. 220 km | 4.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive your rental car further south, towards Nazca. On the way, you’ll pass through the town of Ica, amongst other places. From Ica, you can take a short detour to the oasis of Huacachina, which is situated just outside Ica. This oasis is surrounded by high sand dunes, where sandboarding is very popular. Just before entering the town of Nazca, you’ll see watchtowers on your right. From these towers, you can view the world-famous figures carved into the landscape. Of course, you can also see them from a small aeroplane
Overnight stay: Casa Andina Standard Nazca | bed and breakfast

Day 6 | Nazca

Nazca has become world-famous for the enormous figures created by an ancient civilisation in the arid landscape. The main attraction near Nazca is the so-called ‘Nazca Lines’. These ‘Nazca Lines’ are geoglyphs – drawings in the sand of the Jumana and Nazca pampas. The dozens of animal figures, hundreds of geometric shapes and thousands of lines and line patterns have been preserved for a long time in the desert sand of the Peruvian highlands. The plateau is one of the driest regions on Earth and has an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. It is almost always windless there, which is why the lines have been preserved for thousands of years. The clearest and most famous are the animal drawings: birds ranging from 25 to 275 metres in length (hummingbirds, condors, a pelican, a seagull, parrots and others), a monkey, a spider, a snail, a lizard, an iguana, a snake, a dog with a long tail and legs, two llamas and even an orca. The lizard was cut in half during the construction of the Panamericana Sur motorway. Many of the drawings feature spirals and other (straight) lines. Today, you can choose to visit the Nazca viewing towers. These offer a magnificent view of the enormous figures. In total, the Nazca culture created more than 300 figures in the landscape, and despite intensive research, it is still not entirely clear what purpose these lines served.
Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Nazca | bed and breakfast

Days 8 & 9 | Arequipa

These days are free to spend as you wish. Arequipa is also known as ‘The White City’, as many of its buildings are constructed from the silvery-white tuff known as sillar, which was spewed out by the Misti volcano. Arequipa is Peru’s second-most populous city (after Lima), with just over a million inhabitants. The Plaza de Armas is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Peru; the cathedral and numerous colonial buildings adorn the square. You will be staying close to the city’s colonial centre. Today you can visit the Santa Catalina Monastery; this enormous complex is a city within a city in its own right. Also highly recommended is the museum dedicated to Juanita, the ‘Ice Girl’. This mummy of a young girl, dating from the 15th century, was discovered by the famous high-altitude archaeologist Johan Reinhart on the summit of the El Misti volcano. You should also be sure to take a look inside the cathedral on the central square, the Plaza de Armas.
Accommodation: La Maison d’Elise | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Arequipa – Colca Valley

(approx. 180 km | 3.5-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive to the Colca Valley, said to be the deepest canyon in the world. It’s a colourful region with Inca villages discovered by the Spanish. The local people, however, still adhere to their ancient traditions and way of life. You have a journey of around 180 km ahead of you, heading towards the town of Yangue, which lies at an altitude of 3,651 metres. The route takes you through a stunning volcanic region, across vast fields and through magnificent landscapes. The route runs right through the heart of the Andes, taking you up to altitudes of 4,700 metres. It’s a fantastic route, but do take it easy, as you’re now reaching some seriously high altitudes. You’ll be staying at the Colca Lodge, situated at an altitude of 3,250 metres on the banks of the Colca River. It is surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca agricultural terraces that have been designated a National Heritage Site of Peru.
Overnight: Colca Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Colca Valley

On this day, you can go on spectacular excursions from your lodge, subject to an additional charge payable on site. You can relax in one of your accommodation’s four natural thermal baths, each of which has a different temperature. Only local materials were used in their construction: stone, earth and straw. The pools are fed by natural springs with temperatures of up to 80 °C and are rich in minerals that are beneficial to health – particularly lithium, an element that promotes relaxation.
Accommodation: Colca Lodge | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Colca Valley – Puno

(approx. 310 km | 5-hour drive)
Today’s journey takes you from the Colca Canyon to Puno. Along the way, you’ll travel through stunning countryside dotted with small traditional mountain villages. You’ll also pass a number of beautiful mountain lakes, such as Lago Lagunillas. Via Juliaca, you’ll eventually reach Puno, a city on Lake Titicaca. This enormous lake lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia and, at an altitude of almost 4,000 metres above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world. The landscape is truly magnificent. The clear blue lake is surrounded by some of the most imposing mountains in the entire Andes. From a historical perspective, this place is hugely significant. According to legend, the first Inca king was born on the Island of the Sun, an island situated in the Bolivian part of the lake.
Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno | bed and breakfast

Day 15 | Puno – Sacred Valley

(approx. 430 km | 7.5-hour drive)

Today you’ll set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing various ruins along the way. First up are the ruins of Sillustani, a pre-Inca burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs are built above ground and resemble small turrets. Next come the ruins of Raqchi, also known as the Temples of Wiracocha, one of the inhabitants. The site consists of several sections, each of which had its own function. Here you can still see the baths, food storage areas and houses in good condition. Your journey then continues to Andahuaylillas, known locally as ‘pradera de los celajes’, which means ‘prairie of the coloured clouds’. Today’s route runs for the most part at an altitude of between 4,000 and 4,500 metres, but is gently undulating and fairly easy. With a few minor exceptions, the road is in excellent condition. The highest point of the route is at La Raya, at around 4,500 metres above sea level. After the town of Andahuaylillas, you’ll need to pay attention. In the village of Huacarpay, you must take Ruta 28 towards Paucartambo and Pisac. This will take you straight into the Sacred Valley. In Pisac, cross the bridge and turn left, then follow the road to the village of Yucay.
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay | bed and breakfast

Day 16: Sacred Valley

This day is open-ended and you are free to plan your own itinerary. For example, you could explore the Sacred Valley. This fertile region, the catchment area of the Urubamba River, was of great importance to Inca culture, both economically and spiritually. Broadly speaking, the entire area between the village of Písac and the ruined city of Ollantaytambo, running parallel to the Urubamba River (‘sacred river’), is considered part of the Sacred Valley. The valley is fed by many rivers, which flow down through neighbouring valleys and gorges, and contains countless archaeological remains and villages. The valley was highly valued by the Incas for its specific geographical and climatic advantages. It was one of the most important centres for agriculture and remains the best place for growing maize in Peru.
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay | bed and breakfast

Day 17 | Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

After breakfast, you will be taken to the railway station, from where you will board the Vistadome train through the ‘Sacred Valley’ towards the town of Aguas Calientes. This town is the ideal base for visiting the famous Machu Picchu complex, built by the Incas thousands of years ago and never discovered by the Spanish. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll travel by bus to Machu Picchu. At this extraordinary site, you will be shown around by your qualified English-speaking guide. Enjoy this marvellous place, where the Incas managed to build a city on top of this ancient mountain peak with very limited resources. Much of the Inca civilisation can still be seen in this city. From this hidden city, you’ll have a magnificent view of the surrounding subtropical rainforest. The city of Machu Picchu is situated between steep mountains, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain), at an altitude of approximately 2,438 metres. The Incas reached the city via a steep path. The trek took several days, making the city difficult to reach. Scholars disagree on the city’s function. Because the city is so inaccessible, it is thought that it did not serve an ordinary purpose. It is often assumed that Machu Picchu was a country retreat for kings and other high-ranking officials. The city has many residences for nobles, as well as a few dwellings for their servants. Around 750 people could stay in the city at any one time. During the rainy season, when no kings were present, there would have been far fewer people in Machu Picchu. In 1983, the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. After your excursion, you will return by train to the Sacred Valley in the afternoon and be taken to your accommodation.
Overnight: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay | bed and breakfast

Day 18 | Sacred Valley

This day is free to spend as you wish. You can choose to rest and reflect on your visit to Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can choose to explore more of the surrounding area. Your hotel is situated in the heart of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by lush countryside and charming, traditional villages. For example, you could visit the local Pisac market, where the Inca people sell their colourful wares.
Overnight stay: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay | bed and breakfast

Day 19 | Sacred Valley – Cuzco

(approx. 65 km | 1.5-hour drive)
The drive from Yucay via Urubamba to Cuzco is short and straightforward. We recommend taking a brief detour along the way to visit the Maras salt pans and the Moray archaeological site. It’s only a short detour and well worth it.
Accommodation: Palacio Manco Capac by Ananay | bed and breakfast

Day 21 | Cuzco – Chalhuanca

(approx. 315 km | 6.5-hour drive)
Today you begin your return journey to the Peruvian capital, Lima. Over the next few days, you will be travelling through the Andes. The road is in very good condition, but winds up and down with many bends, taking you through subtropical landscapes in the valleys as well as over altitudes of more than 4,500 metres. The scenery is incredibly varied. You’ll start the route by driving back towards Urubamba. Once you have left the town, you should eventually head not towards Urubamba, but towards Abancay and Nazca. Abancay is the largest town on the route and lies about 185 km from Cuzco. Up to Abancay, the road is winding and twists up and down. After Abancay, you’ll enter a valley and follow the course of the Pachachaca River. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the village of Chalhuanca.
Accommodation: Samay Wasi Hotel | accommodation

Day 22 | Chalhuanca – Nazca

(approx. 345 km | 7-hour drive)
Today you’ll continue on to Nazca. After Chalhuanca, the road climbs steeply again and you’ll eventually be driving at an altitude of over 4,500 metres until you finally reach the town of Puquio. After Puquio, the road descends gradually, and the final section of the route involves a steep descent along a winding road with many S-bends. The final stretch of the route takes you back into the desert, and you return to Nazca.
Accommodation: Casa Andina Standard Nazca | bed and breakfast

Day 23 | Nazca – Lima

(approx. 440 km | 7-hour drive)
Today you have your final long drive on the itinerary before your trip sadly comes to an end. It is an easy route, running entirely along the coast from Nazca. You will spend one last night in the Peruvian capital. Enjoy one final evening of traditional cuisine in the culinary capital of Latin America.
Accommodation: Libre hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 24 | Lima – Amsterdam

Unfortunately, your wonderful journey through Peru comes to an end today. In the morning, you will be picked up and taken to Lima airport, where you will board your intercontinental flight to Amsterdam.

Day 25 | Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam today.