There are many ways to explore Peru, but certainly one of the most rewarding is through an overland trip, especially aboard an all-terrain 4WD, which gives you the total freedom to travel the country at your own pace, stopping at the places you want for as long as you need. Just a few months ago, our colleague Lenny, Destination Specialist for Western Europe at LimaTours, ventured on an exciting tailor-made tour with a group of travelers, this being her first experience on a multi-day road trip in Peru. Each group of travelers embarking on this unique adventure can customize it according to their preferences and time availability. In this story, we will take you on a 9-day trip where the landscapes and little explored corners along the way stand out. Get ready for an off-road journey that will take us through a variety of climates and ecosystems in a matter of hours, offering an unforgettable visual experience.
The adventure begins in Lima, where we prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey by picking up our passengers at their respective hotels. Our cars are ready and equipped to take us through a fascinating route to Nazca. To make the most of the day, we recommend leaving early, ideally before 06:00 hrs. This precaution allows us to take full advantage of every moment of the trip and allows us to make strategic stops along the way. One of the delicacies not to be missed in the south of Lima are the classic stuffed breads that we find on the road in the district of Chilca. And if we are looking for a more substantial breakfast, nothing better than bread with crunchy pork and onion sauce before reaching the district of Asia.
As we leave the bustling capital behind and pass through Chincha, we enter the Ica region, where a stop at the Paracas National Reserve is a must. Here, nature surprises us and invites us to explore its wonders. If time permits, we can opt for an exciting boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. Continuing the journey, we arrive in Ica, where the magical Huacachina Oasis awaits us with its impressive dunes, perfect for sandboarding and an adrenaline-filled ride in sand carts through the desert, an adventure that awakens the senses and takes us through a valley of endless sand. As the day comes to an end, we approach our final destination in Nazca. Here, the chance to fly over the enigmatic lines awaits, offering a unique perspective of these mysterious hieroglyphs. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, a visit to the lookout point offers a panoramic view of the area, especially beautiful at sunset. At dusk, we retire to our hotel in Nazca, ready to rest and recharge our batteries to continue our exciting route the next day, which will take us to the charming town of Chalhuanca in Apurimac.
The second day of the trip is surprising from the start, as the landscape gradually changes as we leave the coast behind and enter the imposing Andes. Here, you find yourself ascending one of the highest points of the entire route, crossing the majestic scenery of Pampas Galeras in Ayacucho. Before reaching this point, it's recommended to pause for lunch in the cozy community of Puquio. The opportunity to enjoy the views and explore the surroundings is simply fascinating.
After recharging your energies, you will continue your journey by road until you reach the town of Chalhuanca, where you will have a well-deserved rest in the comfort of a hotel. The next morning, the road trip continues until you reach the city of Abancay, the capital of Apurimac. There, it is recommended to stop to enjoy a delicious lunch and contemplate the city from the local viewpoint, which offers an impressive panoramic view.
Continuing with the journey, before reaching the final destination of the day in Cachora, we will find another viewpoint to contemplate and admire some of the snow-capped mountains of the region. This experience becomes even more magical with the warm light of the sunset painting the horizon. Cachora, known as the picturesque supply town before the trek to Choquequirao, welcomes visitors with its rustic charm and the promise of adventures to come.
The road to the historic city of Cusco is what follows and takes us on a journey full of wonders and unforgettable experiences. From the beginning of the journey, several stops offer unique opportunities to explore and be amazed. One of the most impressive experiences of the route is at the Capuliyoc viewpoint, the official starting point of the trek to Choquequirao. From here, a spectacular view of the majestic snow-capped mountains and the imposing canyon of the Apurimac Valley opens up before everyone, a vision that lingers in the memory. Before arriving in Cusco through Poroy, we stop to admire the famous snow-capped Salkantay, another breathtaking natural spectacle. Once in the ancient Inca capital, we dive into its charming streets, exploring its temples, markets and all the corners that this city steeped in history and culture has to offer. The varied offer of bars and restaurants invites us to taste the best of local cuisine and enjoy the vivid nightlife.
Leaving Cusco, we begin the journey back with final destination Andahuaylas, although here we are still in the middle of the trip. A recommended stop on this route is San Luis de Salhuite to visit the famous Salhuite stone, located in the archeological center of the place, surrounded by impressive Inca terraces. On this route, we pass through picturesque authentic villages, where traditions are deeply rooted. In February, during the Pukllay Festival, we can appreciate colorful parades and regional dances that celebrate the local culture. During other times of the year, we delight in the delicious local food and refreshing drinks, such as chicha de jora and frutillada, readily available in the small villages we visit along the way.
As we start the drive to Ayacucho, the next stop, the journey invites us to enjoy both the road and the breathtaking scenery along the route. Still in Andahuaylas, there are opportunities to stop and explore fascinating places. One of these stops takes us to the archeological center of Sondor, with an antiquity that takes us 2,000 years back in time. Immersing ourselves in its history and contemplating the ruins is an enriching experience that connects us with the ancestral past of the region. In addition, in the surroundings of the Pacucha Lagoon, glamping areas await us, a perfect option to enjoy nature and the serenity of the valley. Once in the heart of Ayacucho and settled to rest until the next morning and continue to Huancavelica, you can continue exploring the area. Depending on the season, we can venture to visit the impressive waterfalls of Milpo, where the force of the water is breathtaking, or immerse ourselves in the history and greatness of the archeological center of Vilcashuamán, a place that awakens the imagination and amazement at the grandiosity of ancient civilizations.
The route to Huancavelica begins by following the trail along the Mantaro River, an ideal journey for those who enjoy excitement and are familiar with driving in terrain where only a 4x4 truck can venture. In this section of the trip, we experience an evident change of landscape and vegetation, marked by the transition from the Andes to the jungle. Here, we can observe how the eucalyptus-covered mountains give way to lusher and more exuberant vegetation.
The road continues passing through picturesque villages in the town of Huanta, until reaching the next resting point in Pampas. In this charming place is the wonderful San Juan hacienda, where a comfortable and unforgettable stay is offered. We recommend to stay more than one day to enjoy experiential tourism, such as visiting the stable and witnessing the process of making dairy products, as well as horseback riding in the surroundings and enjoying the amenities offered by the place, such as bonfires, fireplaces and relaxation areas. For the more adventurous, nearby is the Pamuri Andes Lodge, specialized in adventure tourism and with an impressive mountain bike circuit. Although the road to Pampas does not present many tourist attractions, the pleasure of arriving and enjoying the hacienda and the lodge makes the trip by car completely worthwhile.
Once you decide to leave Pampas behind to continue the route to Oxapampa, the long road begins, passing through Huancayo, La Merced and Tarma, where you have the option to spend the night at the Santa Maria hacienda or another nearby lodge. Once in Oxapampa, famous for its stunning natural beauty surrounded by lush forests and mountains, you can enjoy various activities such as visiting the Anana waterfall, exploring the Maripoxa Ecological Park, touring the Queen Bee Honey Circuit and discovering the Anibal Ruffner ranch, among other options, depending on your time and availability before starting the return to Lima.
As we close this exciting journey, it is clear that the true essence of Peru is revealed in every kilometer traveled, taking you from the heights of the Andes to the depths of the jungle. This journey immerses you in a diversity of landscapes, cultures and unforgettable experiences, discovering the hidden treasures of this beautiful country and leaving traces both on the land and in our memories. If you are ready to immerse yourself in this exciting adventure and explore Peru's most breathtaking landscapes, contact us for more information and personalized attention.
Discover the true essence of the country as you explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience!