Aymara Baptism Complete 12 Days

An epic journey through Peru's extraordinary diversity, beginning in Lima, the capital that combines colonial history and modernity, then sailing among sea lions and penguins on the Ballestas Islands of Paracas and experiencing the thrill of sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis. The journey continues toward the ancestral energy of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the majesty of Machu Picchu, and the mineral colors of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), at 5,100 m a.s.l.

The journey continues along the Sun Route to Puno, visiting highland towns and archaeological sites, and culminates in the sacred waters of Lake Titicaca, where you will sail to Amantaní Island to experience the Aymara Baptism, an ancestral ritual of purification and connection with the Pachamama. The most complete itinerary, with an extra day of community connection and an exclusive mystical tour through the Dwelling of the Gods and the Forest of the Ents.

Itinerary

Day 1: Reception in Lima – City Tour

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our team will give you a warm welcome and comfortably transfer you to your hotel. At 14 hrs we will begin the Lima City Tour, discovering the elegant modern area of the Peruvian capital. We will visit the exclusive district of Miraflores, where we will walk through the romantic Parque del Amor (Love Park) and the well-known Larcomar, a modern shopping center built on the cliffs with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We will continue with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an important pre-Inca ceremonial center that reveals the fascinating archaeological legacy of the ancient Lima culture.

The tour will continue through the Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where we will admire some of the most emblematic colonial monuments in Peru. 14 hrs We will visit the Convent of San Francisco and its famous Catacombs, one of the most important historical attractions in South America, as well as tour the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the elegant Plaza San Martín, and the historic Casa Aliaga, considered the oldest continuously inhabited colonial residence in the Americas. An ideal experience to discover the history, architecture, and cultural richness of the Peruvian capital before beginning your adventure through the country. Lasts approximately 4 hrs.

Meals: — | Lodging: Night in Lima (Hotel)

Day 2: Lima – Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis – Nazca

Very early, between 04:40 and 05:00 a.m., we will begin our trip from Lima to the beautiful bay of Paracas, one of the main nature destinations on the Peruvian coast. After a box-lunch breakfast, we will board a boat to sail toward the impressive Ballestas Islands, an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary where we will observe the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, as well as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and numerous guano birds in their natural habitat. Afterward we will visit a traditional winery, where we will learn about the artisanal process of making Pisco, Peru's national drink, as well as local wines, enjoying a tasting before having free time for lunch (optional).

In the afternoon we will continue to the spectacular Huacachina Oasis, considered the only natural oasis in South America and one of the country's most emblematic desert landscapes. Surrounded by giant golden dunes, this destination offers the perfect setting to relax by the lagoon or get a dose of adrenaline with an exciting buggy ride and sandboarding, two of the most popular activities in the Peruvian desert. At the end of this unforgettable experience, we will begin the return trip to Lima, arriving approximately between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m., culminating a day that combines nature, wildlife, gastronomy, tradition, and adventure on the Peruvian coast.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Lima (Hotel)

Day 3: Cusco – City Tour

In the morning we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cultural destinations in the Americas. After arriving at more than 3,400 m a.s.l., you will have time to acclimatize before beginning a tour of a city where Inca and colonial architecture coexist in perfect harmony, creating a unique setting declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In the afternoon, 13 hrs, we will begin the Cusco City Tour, visiting the impressive Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun and main religious sanctuary of the Tahuantinsuyo. We will continue to the archaeological park of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, extraordinary examples of Inca engineering and worldview. 18:30 hrs We will finish near the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city and the ideal spot to enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, and essence of the Andes.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Cusco (Hotel)

Day 4: Sacred Valley VIP – Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes

After breakfast between 06:20 and 06:50 hrs, we will begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, one of the most complete and unforgettable experiences in Cusco, Peru. We will discover Chinchero, renowned for its textile traditions and Inca legacy; continue toward the impressive circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory, and the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.

We will enjoy a buffet lunch in the Urubamba valley and visit Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca city. In the afternoon we will board the tourist train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch | Lodging: Night in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Guided Visit – Return to Cusco

Early, in coordination with our guide, we will board the bus to Machu Picchu for a 2.5-hour guided tour of the citadel. After the tour we will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch (not included).

In the afternoon you will take the train back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the train station in Ollantaytambo, we will be waiting for you to take you to your hostel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Cusco (Hotel)

Day 6: The Andes – Community Cultural Experience

We depart from Cusco to an Andean community in the Sacred Valley, where we will be received by local families with a brief harmonization ceremony, thanking Pachamama. We will actively participate in the traditional harvest of Andean grains such as quinoa, beans, or corn (depending on season), learning ancestral techniques and the spiritual role of food in the Andean worldview.

We will participate in the preparation of the Andean huatia, building the earth oven and burying potatoes and tubers for cooking, and enjoy an ancestral lunch. In the afternoon, we will carry out a practical adobe-making workshop guided by a local master builder, closing with traditional music (quena and charango) before returning to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch | Lodging: Night in Cusco (Hotel)

Day 7: Mystical Tour in Cusco – Dwelling of the Gods & Forest of the Ents

In the morning, we depart from the Main Square of Cusco to begin a mystical tour full of symbolism. We will visit The Dwelling of the Gods, a set of lithic sculptures carved in virgin land, surrounded by stories about the mukis or protective goblins of Pachamama. We will continue to the Valley of the Goblins, with stone sculptures, rock formations, and chinkanas that evoke mythical worlds.

Then we will visit the Huasao Wetland, a natural park recovered by the community, and finally we will explore the Forest of the Ents, inspired by the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, where roots and trunks form natural sculptures in a magical setting. Return to Cusco approximately at 18:00 hrs.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Cusco (Hotel)

Day 8: Mountain of 7 Colors – Vinicunca (Full Day)

Very early, between 04:00 and 04:30 hrs, we will begin our adventure toward the impressive Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. After breakfast we will begin a hike surrounded by mountains, alpacas, llamas, and traditional communities, as we ascend toward 5,100 m a.s.l., enjoying privileged views of the imposing Ausangate Snow-Capped Mountain, considered the most important sacred mountain in the Andean worldview.

Upon reaching the summit we will contemplate the extraordinary mosaic of mineral colors that has made Rainbow Mountain Peru one of the most photographed destinations in South America. After having time to rest and capture spectacular photographs, we will begin the descent to enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco, between 16 and 17 hrs, culminating a perfect experience for lovers of nature, hiking, and unique landscapes near the Plaza de Armas

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Cusco (Hotel)

Day 9: Tourist Bus Cusco – Puno (Sun Route)

After breakfast between 06:30 and 07:00 hrs, we will begin the tour along the famous Route of the Sun, considered one of the most fascinating panoramic routes between Cusco and Puno. During the trip we will discover important archaeological sites such as the Temple of Raqchi, dedicated to the god Wiracocha, and Pukara, the ancient capital of one of the first civilizations of the altiplano. Each stop reveals the historical and cultural richness that characterizes southern Peru.

We will continue through the impressive landscapes of the Andes mountain range until reaching Abra La Raya, the highest point of the route, where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Peruvian altiplano. After a traditional lunch in Sicuani, we will continue our journey to Puno, a city on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca, where we will rest surrounded by the tranquility and magic of the Andes. We will finish at approximately 18 hrs.

Meals: Breakfast, buffet lunch | Lodging: Night in Puno (Hotel)

Day 10: Lake Titicaca – Aymara Baptism & Pachatata

After breakfast, we depart by boat to the Capachica – Llachón peninsula, where we will perform the Aymara Baptism, a purification ceremony and connection with Pachamama and Mamacocha (Lake Titicaca). We continue to Amantaní Island, where we will learn about the daily life of its inhabitants.

In the afternoon, we will ascend to the sacred mountain Pachatata to participate in an Andean ceremony of gratitude to the universe guided by an Andean master. Dinner and night in a family home in Amantaní.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner | Lodging: Family home on Amantaní Island

Day 11: Lake Titicaca – Cochamacho Ceremony

After a typical breakfast, we return by boat to Puno, making a stop at the Floating Islands of the Uros, where we will learn about the ancestral traditions of this millenary people.

Then, we will participate in the Andean Cochamacho Ceremony, a cultural experience full of music, dances, and traditional costumes, dedicated to gratitude to water as a source of life in the highlands.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: Night in Puno (Hotel)

Day 12: Free Day in Puno – Transfer Juliaca Airport – Flight to Lima

You will have a free day to do activities of your preference, such as visiting the Plaza de Armas, visiting museums and craft markets, or buying souvenirs to take a piece of Peru with you.

At the appropriate time, we will head to Juliaca airport to take the return flight to Lima, closing this extensive journey that combined desert, coast, mountains, and highlands.

Meals: Breakfast | Lodging: —

What's Included

Not Included