Day Trips & Excursions in Peru

Expand your awareness of Peruvian nature and culture on this tour to the Ballestas Islands from Lima. Take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands and tour the Paracas National Reserve before heading to the historic tunnels at Chincha, an important site in Peruvian history.

Don't let limited time in Lima stop you visiting Huacachina and Paracas. See the desert oasis and natural hotspots on an 18-hour tour, ideal for travelers short on time. After traveling to Paracas, you'll embark on a 2-hour boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, regularly compared to the Galapagos Island, to see colonies of sea lions and seals. Then, explore Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go sand boarding. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Marvel at the architectural and archeological majesty of Cusco on a 4-hour tour of the city's most significant sites. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit fascinating ruins of Qenco; the sacred temples of Puca Pucara and the ecclesiastical structure of the Cusco Cathedral. Admire exquisite architecture and gain insight into Peru's alluring history on this enriching excursion.

Explore the idyllic floating islands of Lake Titcaca on an exciting full-day tour from Puno. Visit Uros and Taquil to gain insight into the indigenous inhabitants of the unique islands; ride the gentle waters of the world's highest lake on a boat; and enjoy an authentic experience of culture untouched by mainland modernity. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off is included in this tour.

Travel back in time aboard the elegant Belmond Hiram Bingham train, enjoying the ultimate in luxury train transportation on a 13-hour tour of the world-famous Machu Picchu. Climb aboard the train's richly appointed 1920s Pullman cars to enjoy fabulous views of the Andes, white tablecloth dining and high-end wine. Then explore Machu Picchu with an expert guide, followed by afternoon tea at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. This VIP Machu Picchu experience also includes welcome drink at the station, appetizers, lunch and dinner, full drink service, entrance fees at the site, live on-board entertainment and round-trip transport to your hotel.

Discover the rural tranquility of the Uros and Taquile Islands on an enriching full-day excursion from Puno. Cruise the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest lake, and spend some leisurely free time exploring the beautiful islands. Marvel at the majestic floating islands, made entirely of reeds, as you wander and watch locals go about their daily business. Learn about the rich culture and history of the region from your expert guide and feast upon a complimentary lunch when hunger strikes.

Set out on a 4-hour tour from Chiclayo to explore the world of the ancient Sicán people, a Peruvian civilization that flourished from 750 to 1300 AD. Visit Batan Grande, an old sugar plantation and known archeological site where archaeologists discovered an important Sicán tomb in 1992. Take a guided stroll among the area's dozens of Sicán-built ancient pyramids. then head off to the Sicán National Museum in the town of Ferreñafe for a 1.5-hour guided tour. Here you'll see artifacts recovered from the 1992 excavation, including feathered funeral masks.

The best of Peru in only 10 days: Lima; Cusco, the ancient Inca capital; the lost citadel of Machu Picchu; the mythical Sacred Valley with Pisac, Moray, Maras; and the spectacular Lake Titicaca with local families!

Uncover the fascinating architecture and culture of the ancient Incas during this 8- to 10-hour day trip covering the highlights of Peru's Sacred Valley from Cusco. Check out the market in Pisac, stopping on Sundays to observe its famous mass. You'll also visit the Inca settlement at Ollantaytambo and explore the ruins of its fortress and the Temple of the Sun, a mysterious structure composed of giant 12-foot (3.5-m) stones. Your Sacred Valley tour also includes a guide, lunch, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport.

Learn about two ancient Peruvian cultures and visiting related archeological sites on this day-long private tour from Chiclayo. Your guided excursion begins at Huaca Rajada, where archeologists discovered the Moche civilization's Lord of Sipán mummy in 1987. You'll also explore Túcume, an 8th century site encompassing dozens of mounds and pyramids once belonging to the Sican culture, and the Lord of Sipán Royal Tombs Museum, home to Moche artifacts including jewelry and headdresses.

Your sightseeing tour explores the modern districts of Lima and its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. As you wander the main plaza and Plaza San Martin it is hard not to wonder about its diverse architecture. Your guide will introduce you to the city's architectural heritage. You then proceed to Santo Domingo Monastery boasting fine carved choir stalls, the oldest of Lima. It was here that San Marcos University, the first in South America, was founded in 1551. Your next stop is at the Larco Herrera Museum. The collection allows the understanding of 3,000 years of the Peruvian pre-Columbian history in an intuitive way. Its masterpieces are considered worldwide icons of pre-Inca art and have been displayed in the world's most renowned museums.

Discover the sandblasted splendor of the pre-Incan Pachacamac Itshma Temple on this private 9-hour tour from Lima, which includes lunch on a local ranch. Ideal for history enthusiasts, this tour reveals ancient cultures that existed before the Incan empire. Visit site highlights including the Temple of the Sun, the Palace of Taurichumbi, and the Pilgrimage Plaza, and enjoy a Peruvian lunch on Los Ficus farm, located in the Lurin Riber Valley. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lima are included.

Explore two of Peru's most fascinating sights in one day as you visit the majestic Ballestas Islands, a marine sanctuary, before taking an aerial tour of the famous Nazca Lines during this 16.5-hour, full-day tour from Lima. Spot for sea lions and exotic sea birds during your Ballestas visit, then continue south to the Peruvian town of Ica where you'll board a Cessna aircraft for an aerial experience above the Nazca Lines. This full-day experience also includes a guide, lunch and round-trip transportation from your hotel.