Immersive Vacation to Lima: Peru’s Capital City

In the morning, you will wake with a creamy cup of coffee or a Peruvian tea that is known as mate de coca. Then, you will meet your knowledgeable guide in front of your hotel for a customized tour of the city's highlights. Together, you will amble down picturesque stone streets that are flanked by intricate balconies and shady palm trees. You will soon come to the bright yellow facade of the Church and Convent of San Francisco. Once inside, you will marvel at the lavish wood carvings and meticulous hand-painted artwork as you learn about the influence of the Spanish conquistadors in Peru. The church's basement level offers a fascinating look at the catacombs where more than 30,000 people were buried in the early 1800s.

As you return to street level, you will notice gorgeous post-colonial balconies as they hang over the downtown city streets. Your guide will lead you to excellent examples of this exquisite architecture, which will only be two of the nearly 1,600 Spanish-style balconies that are scattered throughout the city. Finally, you will come to the prestigious Plaza de Armas where vibrant facades pop against the muted stone streets, and shady palm trees offer relief from the heat as you learn more about Peru's recent past and politics since its founding as a Republic in 1821.

In the afternoon, your taste buds will water during an authentic ceviche cooking class that will be led by a world-renowned chef. You will learn about the origins of this delectable meal and Peru's most famous dish before rolling up your sleeves to put your newly developed culinary skills to the test. You will begin by marinating fresh shrimp with the tantalizing flavors of zesty lemon and lime. Your instructor will then lead you in chopping tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro to add a satisfying crunch into the mix. You can finish your dish off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before relaxing on a gorgeous, moonlit patio to indulge in your masterpiece.

Steamy temperatures of the hot desert climate will subside as thrill-seekers whiz across the undulating sand dunes of Huacachina. On your third day in Peru, you will break away from the hectic bustle of downtown Lima and prepare for the thrill of a lifetime atop the dunes in the Ica province.

Once a resort town for Lima's elite, the Huacachina desert oasis of today is surrounded by high-end hotels and swanky restaurants. When you arrive in the base town, your private guide will welcome you and give you a brief history of the city. Then, you and your adventure guide will hop into your all-terrain dune buggy for the day. Your dune buggy will traverse the massive sand dunes while wind whistles through your hair with a refreshing breeze present. In the distance, you will spot the shimmering oasis lagoon as it sparkles with the sun's rays. When you have had all the thrill you can take, you can pause for some photos opportunities at the summit of several dunes. Around midday, you can catch your breath as you recover from the hair raising adrenaline rush as you descend on the charming lagoon oasis. Here, you can relax and indulge in a bite to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants in the vicinity. You can also refresh with a freshly squeezed mango or maracuya juice, which are both endemic fruits of Peru.

In the afternoon, you will be enchanted by the rolling, green hills of Ica's countryside as you make your way to a lovely vineyard. As you arrive, lights will illuminate an idyllic, outdoor tasting room that is complete with a lush vineyard in the background. Verdant pastures will disappear along the illuminated horizon, and here, you can sample the illustrious, sweet, and dry wines from the region that are famous. Late this evening, you will be escorted to your luxury accommodation in Ica's countryside before an exciting boat cruise tomorrow morning.

Peru’s ocean waters will glisten as the sun rises in the sky, and gulls may swoop down without warning as they search for something to eat. Beachgoers will set out brightly colored towels and blankets for a peaceful day of rest while cobalt sea waters teem with vivacious marine life.

Today, you will relocate your adventures to the sea when you board a luxurious boat cruise to the Islas Ballestas. Peru is well-regarded for its incredibly diverse plant and animal life, and you will soon see why. As you navigate the rolling waves of the sparkling Pacific Ocean, you will soon come to a rocky alcove where dozens of native sea lions, which are also known as the "Sea Wolf" or "South American Sea Lion," have taken refuge. On the rocky cliffside, you will be sure to spot the easily recognizable and waddling feet of the Humboldt penguin. Then, you can check out the myriad of seabirds that may be circling overhead, including gulls, pelicans, and terns. You may even spot the native Guanay. Not all sea animals are visible at first glance, though. You may need to scan the deep blue waters for such unique creatures as the Humpback whale, which makes the migration north to warmer temperatures. Although you will have a chance to see the whales, there is no guarantee that they will be spotted. The marine otter also often hides itself away here, so consider yourself lucky if you happen to catch a peek of either of these creatures.

In the afternoon, the sandy shores of Paracas will be the perfect spot to relax as you look out on the shimmering coastline. You can dig your toes into the sandy shoreline before choosing from several authentic dining options, each with idyllic coastal views. Later, you will indulge in one of many coveted Peruvian dishes like escabeche de pescado or arroz con mariscos. You will then spend the night at your cozy villa, which will be a five-star accommodation in Ica's countryside.

Birds may let out their early morning songs as the sun's rays burst through your window’s blinds. Today, you will board your private ground transportation and make your way back to Lima. The majority of your day will be spent alongside your expert guide for a more in-depth look at the invigorating neighborhoods of Miraflores and the Barranco District. Your tour will begin at water's edge in the charming neighborhood of Miraflores. Here, pristine white skyscrapers line the cliffside, and paragliders often glide to the sandy beaches. You will begin with a stroll through the scenic gardens of Park Grau, which are punctuated with palm trees that hug the cliffside. Then, your guide will lead you to the towering Miraflores Lighthouse, which was rebuilt as a replica of an original 1900 lighthouse in the city of Punta Coles. Finally, you can meander through the Parque del Amor, which is marked by a renowned, central statue of an enamored couple that is wrapped in an intimate embrace. Not only is this frequent destination for couples, but this park is also beloved by tourists and locals alike because of its beautifully tiled mosaic benches that provide the perfect sunset vantage point.

In the afternoon, your tour guide will lead you to the electric hues of the Barranco District. Here, vibrant facades of buildings and whimsical street art are highlighted against the concrete. The central bridge, which is known at Puente de los Suspiros, boasts the best views for pedestrians who meander through the city's downtown. When hunger strikes, you can settle into a quaint, outdoor cafe as you overlook Barranco's downtown.

While the buzzing energy of modern life is in full swing in the nation's capital, hints of a storied past are also tucked behind nearly every corner, spanning thousands of years. Remnants of ancient civilizations, even those that pre-date the Inca Empire, exude from every corner. Despite the Spanish conquest of the 16th and 17th centuries, many of these relics remain largely intact. You will visit one such example on today's trip to the Pachacamac District. This archaeological site along the Lurin River has been inhabited since as early as 200 AD. Here, you can tour the massive compound of this ancient civilization. Shallow stone steps of the Temple of the Sun span 30,000 meters and will lead you to the former site of ritualistic offerings. Here, you can take a look at the Tauri Chumbi Palace, Calle Norte Sur, and the carefully constructed gravesites.

In the afternoon, you will experience the best of Peru's ecotourism. Considered one of the most geographically diverse regions in the world from towering mountain peaks to low-lying valleys and from grassy plains and sparkling coastlines to the hidden wonders of the Amazonian Jungle, Peru is an ideal location for a scenic hike among luscious green foliage. You will venture to Lomas de Lucumo, where you can trek through the dense cloud forest along well-established trails. You should also keep watch for bursting flowers, mossy green cliff sides, and hilly terrain. At the peak of the rainy season, a mystic fog may descend on the region and beckon you to indulge in a closer look. At each bend in the road, new beauties are unveiled. In the evening, you will return to Lima for your final evening in the city. Water's edge will set the scene for an idyllic last night in the city while you bite into citrusy ceviche and sip on sweet chica morada juice.

As your journey comes to a close, you can enjoy one last cup of mate de coca tea from atop your balcony or at a nearby open-aired cafe. You will breathe in the salty seaside air and let the cool breeze wash over you. By mid-morning, your private transfer will arrive at your hotel and accompany you to the Jorge Chavez International Airport, where you will connect to your international flight home.