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Greetings from Cuzco,
The Otto's Tours Team
Experience exotic cultures & fascinating landscapes
Experience exotic cultures & fascinating landscapes
Discover Peru, a multicultural land of ancient traditions, cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine and warm-hearted people. This extraordinary journey takes us on a fascinating voyage through Peru’s history, from ancient civilizations to the vibrant culture of today.
Few can resist the wild beauty of snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes. We uncover the mysteries of ancient archaeological sites and wander through desert landscapes, where towering sand dunes lead to hidden oases and forgotten burial sites dating back thousands of years. And before long, we find ourselves paddling by canoe through the dense Amazon rainforest, exploring its remarkable wildlife and untouched wilderness.
Along the way, there is plenty of time to stroll through the colourful streets of charming colonial towns, savour Peru’s renowned cuisine and perhaps enjoy a refreshing Pisco Sour.
Come along and experience the incredible diversity of Peru—from its cultural treasures and Pacific coast to the majestic Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest. Peru at its purest!
Welcome to Peru! Upon your individual arrival in Lima, our guide will be waiting to greet you and
accompany you to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and settle in before our Peruvian adventure begins.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Centro by Casa Andina Standard Benavides or equivalent in Lima (No meals included)
In the morning, we explore the colonial heart of Lima, Peru’s bustling capital. We visit the Plaza Mayor,
surrounded by the imposing Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Government Palace. In the cathedral crypt
lies the tomb of Lima’s founder, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. We also explore the famous San
Francisco Monastery, with its historic library and atmospheric underground catacombs.
Afterwards, we follow the legendary Pan-American Highway along Peru’s wild Pacific coast. Stretching for
more than 25,000 kilometres, this legendary road connects Alaska with Tierra del Fuego across almost the
entire length of the Americas. Our destination is the enchanting desert oasis of Huacachina, nestled among
towering sand dunes reaching up to 100 metres high—the highest in Peru. Numerous legends surround the mysterious
origins of this tiny lagoon, and our guide will reveal some of them when we arrive.
After lunch, we visit El Catador, a traditional pisco producer founded in 1856. Here, the winemaker himself
introduces us to the traditional production of Peru’s national spirit before we enjoy a tasting. Does it remind
you of grapes and raisins? Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into a refreshing Pisco Sour, this distilled grape
spirit is a true Peruvian classic. ¡Salud!
In the late afternoon, those looking for an extra dose of adventure can join an optional all-terrain buggy
ride through the desert dunes. Just ask your guide!
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hosteria Suiza or equivalent in Huacachina (breakfast included)
This morning we set off for the village of witches, Cachiche, where some local women are believed to
possess supernatural powers. The most revered witch of Cachiche was Julia Hernández Pecho, who is
said to have predicted that the city of Ica would one day be destroyed when the famous seven-headed
palm turned green. According to local legend, this happened in 1998—just days before El Niño caused devastating floods across the city!
Those who wish can have their palm read or cards laid by one of the local fortune tellers before we
continue our journey. A rattling tuk-tuk takes us on a short tour through Ica, the “City of Eternal Summer.”
At the Regional Museum, the highlight is undoubtedly its fascinating collection of ancient mummies.
The artificially elongated skulls of the Paracas people are widely interpreted by researchers as
intentional modifications, possibly used to distinguish members of the elite from the rest of society.
After this cultural encounter, it is time for something sweet! At the traditional “Helena” chocolate shop,
delicious Peruvian chocolates and pralines such as Tejas and Chocotejas are handcrafted. Naturally,
we have to sample these irresistible local specialities!
We then board a public bus to Nazca. Those who would like a bird’s-eye view of the mysterious Nazca
Lines and geoglyphs, stretching across several square kilometres of desert, have the opportunity
to take an optional scenic flight this afternoon.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Oro Viejo or equivalent in Nazca (breakfast included)
After a hearty breakfast, we venture deep into the desert. Our destination is the more than
1,000-year-old Chauchilla Cemetery, an ancient burial site and even a filming location for Indiana
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
The mummies were discovered in a seated, crouching position, placed inside burial pits and
facing south. Some display the characteristic elongated skulls associated with the Nazca culture.
As an elongated head was considered a beauty ideal, infants were sometimes fitted with boards tied to their heads to gradually shape the skull.
The extremely dry climate and the high salt and nitrate content of the desert sand naturally
preserved the remains. For centuries, skulls, bones, mummies with long hair, colourful textiles,
tools and ceramic vessels remained remarkably intact. Chauchilla is the only site in Peru where
mummies can still be viewed in their original tombs.
We then visit a small gold workshop, where local miners explain how this precious metal is extracted.
We also meet Tobi, a master ceramicist specialising in Nazca-style pottery. He inherited his
knowledge from his father, who lived to be more than 100 years old, and continues the family workshop today.
After a long but fascinating journey through changing landscapes, we arrive late in the evening in
Arequipa, Peru’s elegant colonial city at 2,335 metres above sea level. Known as the “White City,”
Arequipa is built largely from the distinctive white volcanic stone known as sillar.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard or equivalent in Arequipa (breakfast included)
During our morning city tour, we explore some of Arequipa’s highlights, including the lively San Camilo Market,
the Cathedral and the Museo Santuarios Andinos. Here we encounter the remarkably well-preserved mummy known as
Juanita, the “Inca Ice Maiden,” or one of her sister mummies. We also visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery,
built in the second half of the 16th century. Open to the public only since 1970, the monastery is virtually a city within a city, where up to 400 nuns once lived.
During the Spanish viceroyalty, Santa Catalina operated almost entirely independently from the outside world.
Along the way, a language teacher introduces us to some fascinating basics of Quechua and Spanish,
giving us a glimpse into the linguistic heritage of the region.
In the afternoon, we visit a social project providing a home for children in need.
Depending on their age, we can help with homework, spend time with the children or simply share a few moments with them.
In the evening, it's time to put our hips to the test! During a one-hour salsa lesson, we learn the basic
moves before heading to a small local dance bar for the ultimate practical test on the dance floor.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard or equivalent in Arequipa (breakfast included)
Because the communities of the picturesque Colca Valley were only connected to the outside world in the 1970s,
many traditional customs, clothing and ways of life have survived to this day. This is particularly true
of agriculture, which is still practiced on ancient terraced fields dating back around 1,000 years.
Around midday, we reach Chivay before continuing to the nearby village of Coporaque, where an
indigenous farming family welcomes us into their home. We share a traditional meal and experience
rural life firsthand before spending the night in very simple but authentic accommodation with our hosts.
If we're lucky, we may even get to taste the ancient Inca drink “Chicha”—a fermented beverage made from maize.
A simple, genuine encounter that offers a rare glimpse into everyday life in the Colca Valley.
Our overnight stay will be with local farming families in the Colca Canyon (full board included)
After an early breakfast, we head deep into the spectacular Colca Canyon, which stretches for more
than 100 kilometres and reaches a depth of around 3,400 metres at its deepest point—more than
twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. At the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, we may be
lucky enough to watch majestic Andean condors soaring effortlessly above the canyon.
Known as the “King of the Skies,” the condor has played an important role in Inca and
pre-Inca mythology and continues to hold deep cultural significance for the indigenous communities of the Andes.
We then continue our journey through the highlands towards Puno and Lake Titicaca.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Qelqatani or equivalent in Puno (breakfast included)
Today we set out across the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca to the famous floating reed islands,
traditionally built from the native Totora reed. According to local tradition, the inhabitants took
refuge on the lake centuries ago during conflicts with the Colla people and have maintained their
unique way of life here ever since.
Our destination is the idyllic Isla Amantani, where we become part of the local community for a
truly authentic cultural encounter. We are divided into pairs and welcomed into the homes of
indigenous families. Communication may be a little unconventional, as our hosts speak mainly
Quechua and Spanish—so smiles, gestures and a few words go a long way!
In the afternoon, we hike together to one of the island’s two sacred peaks, Pachamama or Pachatata.
From the temple at the summit, we enjoy breathtaking views as the sun slowly sets over the vast
waters of Lake Titicaca.
Later, we share dinner with our hosts and experience the warmth of island life through traditional
music, dancing and conversation—a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the living culture of the Andean highlands.
Our overnight stay will be in simple accommodation with an indigenous family on Amantani Island (breakfast and dinner included)
In the morning, we say goodbye to our friendly hosts and take a boat to Taquile Island, famous for
its remarkable textile traditions—and especially for its knitting men. The men create distinctive
knitted caps whose colours and patterns reveal at a glance whether the wearer is single,
looking for a partner or already married.
The Taquileños are organised in a cooperative and consciously uphold the traditional Inca principles
“Ama suwa, ama llulla, ama qilla”—do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy. Community life is
based on these values, so the island has traditionally managed without a permanent police presence.
A fascinating glimpse into a living Andean culture where centuries-old traditions remain an integral part of everyday life.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Qelqatani or equivalent in Puno (breakfast and lunch included)
Today we continue by coach across the Altiplano, the vast high plateau of the Andes, towards Cusco,
the former capital of the Inca Empire. The journey takes us through an authentic and spectacular
landscape of rugged mountain ranges, remote villages and grazing alpaca herds. At altitudes of up
to 4,500 metres, we may literally find ourselves breathless—whether from the thin air or the breathtaking scenery is up to you!
Along the way, we visit the ruins of Pukara, known for the distinctive ceramic bulls traditionally
placed on rooftops. The ancient inhabitants of the region created numerous ground drawings, or geoglyphs,
in the fertile soil. Unlike the famous Nazca Lines, some of these were also integrated into local irrigation systems.
We then continue to the remarkable church of Andahuaylillas, built around 1580 and known as the
“Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Inside, colourful murals, exquisite frescoes and a magnificent
golden altar reveal the extraordinary artistic heritage of Peru’s colonial period.
Our journey continues through a dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks and traditional
Andean villages to the pre-Inca site of Raqchi. The enormous, slender columns immediately
catch our eye, rising up to 12 metres into the sky despite their relatively rough construction.
Raqchi was an important ceremonial centre dedicated to Wiracocha, the Inca creator deity.
Our guide will share fascinating stories and legends surrounding this mysterious figure and the impressive temple complex.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard or equivalent in Cuzco (breakfast and lunch included)
Early in the morning, we take the bus to the railway station in Ollantaytambo. From there, the train
takes us to Km 104, where our adventure begins: we set off on the famous Inca Trail.
Our approximately three-hour hike leads us through the spectacular Andean landscape to the archaeological
sites of Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. From here, we continue to the legendary Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol),
where our first breathtaking view of the ruins of Machu Picchu awaits.
At 2,400 metres above sea level, the mysterious citadel suddenly appears before us. For more than a
century, researchers have wondered why the Incas chose to build a city in such a remote and seemingly
inaccessible location—and why Machu Picchu was abandoned and gradually reclaimed by the surrounding jungle.
Hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, the site remained known only to a few local inhabitants until
its rediscovery in 1911. Thanks to this, much of its impressive architecture has survived to this day.
During an in-depth guided tour, we explore the fascinating ruins and learn about the history,
architecture and mysteries surrounding this extraordinary Inca citadel—one of South America’s greatest archaeological treasures.
Afterwards, we return to Cusco by bus and train.
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard or equivalent in Cuzco (breakfast and box lunch included)
Early in the morning, we head to the lively and colourful San Pedro Market.
From tropical fruits brought in from the vast Amazon region to dozens of varieties of corn
and potatoes, quinoa and coca leaves, the market offers an unforgettable glimpse into
the incredible culinary diversity of Peru.
We then continue our exploration of the ancient Inca world in a rather spectacular
way and drive up to Sacsayhuamán. This impressive Inca fortress is famous for its
enormous stone blocks, precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. How the
Incas transported and positioned these massive stones without using the wheel
remains one of the enduring mysteries of Inca engineering.
After lunch, we explore the historic heart of Cusco on foot, including the charming
artists’ quarter of San Blas and the enigmatic Stone of the Twelve Angles, whose
perfectly fitted masonry is a remarkable testament to Inca craftsmanship.
After dinner, we visit the Museo del Pisco, where we get to mix our very own Pisco Sour—the perfect way to toast our final evening in Cusco!
Our overnight stay will be at the ***Hotel Casa Andina Standard or equivalent in Cuzco (breakfast included)
Today our journey takes us from the high Andes down into the steaming Amazon Basin.
Upon arrival at Puerto Maldonado Airport, our transfer is waiting to take us to the river port.
From there, we enjoy an approximately one-hour boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to our jungle lodge.
Once we arrive, there is some time to settle in and acclimatise to the tropical climate.
A freshly squeezed exotic fruit juice provides the perfect refreshment.
In the afternoon, we head out on our first excursion to Monkey Island. Several species of friendly
monkeys live here in the wild, surrounded by the lush rainforest of the Madre de Dios.
With a little luck, we can observe them at close range as they move through the trees and search for food.
After dinner, as darkness falls, we set off once again with our guide for a night-time jungle adventure.
We scan the riverbanks of the Madre de Dios with our flashlights, looking for the glowing eyes of caimans.
We may even spot capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—as they emerge near the river.
Tonight, the mysterious sounds of the rainforest will accompany us into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Our overnight stay will be at Corto Maltes or equivalent in Tambopata (Breakfast and dinner included)
Please note: The programme at the lodge is arranged locally and may vary depending on weather conditions and the situation on site, as determined by the nature guides.
After a delicious breakfast, we set off on a hike through the rainforest to Lago Sandoval,
one of the largest oxbow lakes in the Tambopata National Reserve. Once we reach the water,
we take to our canoes and paddle quietly across the lake, keeping our eyes open for the incredible wildlife.
With a little luck, we may spot hoatzins, jacanas, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys,
black capuchins, tamarins and even sloths moving through the dense vegetation.
The lake is also home to a family of giant river otters, which can grow to almost two
metres long and are considered endangered. If we're lucky, we may see them sunbathing on the banks or hunting for fish.
Swimming is not recommended here—the lake is also home to caimans and piranhas!
We return to the lodge for lunch, followed by some free time to relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
After dinner, we head back into the rainforest for an exciting night walk. With our guides,
we search for the fascinating creatures that emerge after dark—from colourful insects and
amphibians to reptiles and other nocturnal wildlife.
Our overnight stay will be at Corto Maltes or equivalent in Tambopata (Full board included)
Please note: The programme at the lodge is arranged locally and may vary depending on weather conditions and the situation on site, as determined by the nature guides.
Early risers can start the day with a cup of coffee or hot tea before we set off at 5:30 a.m.
for one final jungle adventure. After a short hike of around 20 minutes, we reach a spectacular parrot clay lick.
Here, colourful parrots gather to feed on a special type of mineral-rich clay found naturally in
certain areas of the region. The clay is thought to play an important role in their diet and mineral intake.
With a little luck, we can observe three to five different parrot species gathering at the clay lick—a vibrant and unforgettable natural spectacle.
After breakfast, we take the boat back to Puerto Maldonado, where it is time to say goodbye to our guide and the Amazon rainforest.
A wonderful journey comes to an end, leaving us with unforgettable memories of Peru’s deserts,
Andes, ancient cultures and Amazon jungle. From Puerto Maldonado, we fly via Lima back to Europe.
(Breakfast included)