Duration: 5 days
Experience an unforgettable journey from Cusco to Lima, traveling through the most breathtaking landscapes of southern Peru. With “Peru by Land,” connect the Andes, Lake Titicaca, Nazca, Huacachina, and Paracas in a single experience. Enjoy cultural stops, included activities, unique views, and free time to explore at your own pace—from the floating islands of the Uros to the oasis of Huacachina, each destination reveals a different side of Peru. This is an ideal itinerary for travelers who want to travel overland, discover more places, and fully immerse themselves in the journey.
Peru by Land Includes:
Day 1: CUSCO TO PUNO
9:30 p.m. | Departure from Cusco
Departure from Cusco. Passengers must go to the designated private terminal to begin the trip to Puno, the gateway to Lake Titicaca.
Important Note:
Because some streets in Cusco are narrow and cannot accommodate large tour buses, the departure takes place from the private terminal located at Alameda Pachacuteq 499, very close to downtown Cusco.
Day 2: PUNO, LAKE TITICACA, AND ROUTE TO NAZCA
5:00 a.m. | Arrival in Puno
Arrival in Puno, known as the main gateway to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Floating Islands of the Uros
Recommended optional activity. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros, a community that lives on floating islands made of totora reeds. During the experience, you’ll learn about their traditions, their way of life, and how they build and maintain these unique islands.
9:30 p.m. | Departure from Puno
Departure from Puno to continue the journey toward Nazca and Huacachina.
Day 3: NAZCA AND ARRIVAL IN HUACACHINA
1:00 p.m. | Lunch stop
Time for lunch along the route before continuing on to Nazca.
5:00 p.m. | Nazca Lines Viewing Tower
Activity included. Enjoy a view of three of the famous Nazca Lines: Las Manos, El Árbol, and El Lagarto. These ancient geoglyphs are over 1,500 years old and can be seen from above.
7:15 p.m. | Arrival in Huacachina
Arrival at the famous desert oasis, one of the most stunning landscapes on Peru’s southern coast.
Day 4: HUACACHINA TO PARACAS
11:00 a.m. | Departure for the vineyard
Meet at Wild Rover Hostel to begin the visit to the vineyard.
11:30 a.m. | Pisco Vineyard Tour
Activity included. Visit a local vineyard to learn about the production process of Pisco, Peru’s national drink. During the experience, you’ll learn how Pisco is produced, from grape to bottle.
Tasting is available only to passengers of legal drinking age.
Optional activity not included
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Dune Buggies and Sandboarding
Recommended optional activity. Enjoy 2 hours of adventure in the Huacachina dunes, riding dune buggies and sandboarding in one of South America’s most famous deserts.
7:00 p.m. | Departure from Huacachina
Departure from Huacachina en route to Paracas.
8:30 p.m. | Arrival in Paracas
Arrival in the coastal town of Paracas, the perfect place to rest before continuing with the next day’s activities.
Day 5: PARACAS TO LIMA
Optional, not included
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Ballestas Islands
Optional boat tour to observe sea lions, penguins, and seabirds in their natural habitat. The Ballestas Islands are known as a smaller Peruvian version of the Galápagos.
12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Free time for lunch
Free time in Paracas for lunch and to rest before continuing on the tour.
2:30 p.m. | Paracas National Reserve
Included activity. Guided tour of one of South America’s most impressive protected desert reserves. During the visit, you’ll see desert landscapes, cliffs, Playa Roja, and views where the ocean meets the desert.
4:30 p.m. | Departure from Paracas
Continuation of the trip to Lima.
5:30 p.m. | Secret Slave Tunnels in Chincha
Activity included. Exclusive guided tour of the ancient underground tunnels of Chincha, linked to a little-known part of Peru’s history.
10:30 p.m. | Arrival in Lima
Arrival in Lima. The service concludes with a transfer to the passenger’s hotel or hostel, depending on the package selected.
Because some streets in Cusco are narrow and do not allow tourist buses to enter, the tour departs from our private terminal located at Alameda Pachacuteq 499, very close to downtown Cusco.
Peru by Land Does Not Include:
1. Is this tour a direct transfer from Cusco to Lima?
No. It is a scenic overland tour that connects Cusco with Lima, passing through Puno, Nazca, Huacachina, and Paracas. The idea is to travel toward Lima while visiting several major destinations in southern Peru.
2. Does the tour include lodging?
The ticket covers tourist transportation and the activities listed as included. Lodging is not typically included, so passengers must book their own accommodations based on the itinerary and stops along the way.
3. Where does the trip start in Cusco?
The trip begins at the designated private terminal in Cusco. Due to the narrow streets of the historic center, the bus does not pick up directly from hotels in Cusco. The designated departure point is Alameda Pachacuteq 499.
4. Is the tour to the Floating Islands of the Uros included?
No. The tour to the Uros is a recommended extra. It’s ideal for those who want to make the most of their stop in Puno and explore Lake Titicaca before continuing on to the southern coast.
5. Is the visit to the Nazca Viewing Tower included?
Yes. The visit to the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower is included and allows you to see some of the figures—such as Las Manos, El Árbol, and El Lagarto—from an elevated platform.
6. Is the Nazca Lines scenic flight included?
No. The scenic flight is not included. If you wish to take it, you must book it as an additional activity and keep in mind that it may require an extra night’s stay or special coordination, depending on availability.
7. Are dune buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina included?
No. Dune buggy rides and sandboarding are recommended optional activities. They are among the most popular experiences in Huacachina, especially because of the dunes and the desert sunset.
8. Is the tour to the Ballestas Islands included?
No. The Ballestas Islands tour is a recommended optional activity in Paracas. It’s a great way to see marine wildlife such as sea lions, penguins, and birds in their natural habitat.
9. Is the Paracas National Reserve included?
Yes. A visit to the Paracas National Reserve is included in the itinerary. It is one of the tour’s highlights due to its desert landscapes, beaches, cliffs, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
10. Where does the tour end in Lima?
The tour ends in Lima. Depending on the package booked, passengers can be dropped off at their hotel or hostel within the areas specified by the tour operator.
