Time of Departure 07:00am EVERY DAY - The Cultural Route 06:00am EVERY DAY - The Express Route
Pick up Location Any hotel/hostel in Miraflores or Barranco. Selected points in downtown (old town) Lima.
Note: If staying outside of these areas or at a residential address, then please select our central meeting point: MC DONALDS, PARQUE KENNEDY - MIRAFLORES as your pick-up location.
Minimum Time Needed 10 Days / 9 Nights (includes 4 days in Cusco)
Price $228
IMPORTANT:2019 tickets selling faster than ever... Book now to avoid disappointment!
Follow the different ‘Hopstages’ of our route to see the different highlights at each of our destinations.
HOPSTAGE 1: Lima to Paracas
The hot relaxing beach town of Paracas is four hours from the loud busy city of Lima. If you want to travel directly from Lima to Paracas with us read more about our Express Route in Departure Details below. Alternatively, enjoy experiencing the fascinating, authentic Peruvian way of life on our Culture Route – packed with free stops and tours.
The Cultural Route
The cultural route is the extended journey to Paracas and includes free local stops to experience authentic Peruvian culture. Departs at 07:00am. Nothing mentioned below is included in the Express Journey.
First stop, we’ll take you to a unique beach hut bakery, just a bit outside of Lima, for some must-try Peruvian cuisine at prices as cheap as $1!
Finally, we’ll stop at the most fascinating, historical spot yet – Tambo Colorado. 3 acres of Incan ruins located near the coast once a fortress and administrative site between the coast and the highlands!
Top Things to do in Paracas
Rent normal bikes or quad bikes and drive around the desert Paraglide over Peru’s largest protected natural habitat Practice kite surfing on the waves that crash against the desert Chill out by the pool or at the beach that stays sunny all year round
Paracas National Reserve where the desert meets the sea. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot. Note: Free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Enjoy Ceviche, the national dish of Peru, on the rooftop of Restaurant Paracas – with one of the best views of the city. Note: exclusive discounted price when you show your Peru Hop wristband.
Top Thing to Do in Paracas Ballestas Islands: See Paracas wildlife such as penguins, sea lions, marine birds and sometimes even dolphins or whales. The tour of the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’ lasts about 2 hours and begins at 08:00am or 10:00am.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Lima to Paracas – The Culture Route
Departure: EVERY DAY Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in Miraflores or Barranco. Selected points in downtown (old town) Lima. Departure Time: 07:00am Arrival Time: 14:00pm
Note: The Cultural Route is not more time on a bus. The free extra stops and tours on route are the reason for the later arrival time.
Lima to Paracas – Express Route
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures from: Any hotel/hostel in Miraflores or Barranco. Selected points in downtown (old town) Lima. Departure time: 06:00am Arrival time: 10:00am
Note: The Express Route journey has no stops. It is four straight hours on a bus from Lima to Paracas. Ideal for those short on time.
Recommended Nights in Paracas:
We recommend staying at least 1 night in Paracas. This way you will have the chance to experience the Ballestas Islands boat tour, seeing the wild marine animals and visit the Paracas National Reserve, where the desert meets the sea. We can help you book your Paracas accommodation onboard.
Peru Hop Timetable Tips
If you take the express 06:00am bus it is not necessary to spend the night in Paracas. You can arrive at 10am and have 3 hours in Paracas before leaving for Huacacina at 1pm. Enjoy a visit to the Paracas National Reserve (included free stop) OR a boat tour to Ballestas Islands (optional extra) and continue to Huacachina the same day. Note – there is NOT time to do both the Reserva and the Ballestas. However, we strongly recommend the 07:00am bus (Cultural Route) to stop and see more along the way!
Drop off: Paracas is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Hotel Frayles is our drop-off point – 1 minute walk from all popular hotels and hostels.
HOPSTAGE 2: Paracas to Huacachina
Huacachina is only a short one hour 15 min journey from Paracas but feels like travelling from one paradise to another. Leave the quaint cultural home of the National Reserve and arrive to the only desert oasis in all of South America.
Top Things to do in Huacachina
Explore the only desert oasis in South America Visit a Pisco Vineyard and learn all about how the national drink of Peru is made Camp overnight in the dunes and gaze at the stars Relax by the pool and soak in the heat of the desert
Paracas National Reserve where the desert meets the sea. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot. The bus to the reserve departs at 11:00am everyday before the bus to Huacachina. Note: Free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Top Thing to Do in Huacachina Dunebuggy and Sandboarding in Huacachina: Guaranteed to be one of the biggest adrenalin rushes you will have in your life! Dune Buggy through the dunes of the desert, sandboard down and finish it all off by taking some stunning snaps of the desert sunset at the end. The tour begins at 16:30pm and lasts 2 hours.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Residencial Los Frayles (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Paracas). Departure Time: 13:00pm Arrival Time: 14:15pm
Recommended Nights in Huacachina:
We recommend staying 1 night in Huacachina. This way you can enjoy looking at the stars from the desert oasis during the night and also experience the fun day time activity of a dune buggy and sandboarding tour! We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop off:Huacachina is a small town, where the bus can only drive on one street. Wild Rover Hostel is our drop-off point and is less than a 5 min walk from all other popular hostels and hotels.
HOPSTAGE 3: Huacachina to Nazca to Arequipa
After the incredibly hot and picturesque Huacachina it’s time for the next leg of the journey. Walk through an alluring Pisco Vineyard, and see the famous Nazca lines for yourself from the viewing tower. Finally arrive in the stunning volcano surrounded, white city of Arequipa.
The Culture Route
Once departed from Huacachina, it can feel like a long journey ahead to Arequipa. However, we’ve found the perfect local destinations just off the beaten track where you can learn about and experience some of the most interesting parts of Peruvian culture.
First stop is the Pisco Vineyard, only 15 mins from Huacachina. Take a tour of a boutique vineyard to discover how Pisco, the national drink of Peru, is made. Best of all, get lots of free samples of pure pisco, sweet wine, and Pisco baileys! This tour lasts an hour long.
Approximately 3 hours after leaving Huacachina (including tours), it’s time for our next pitstop, the Nazca Lines Viewing Tower. The Nazca lines are an age-old mystery of giant etches left on the earth. No one knows who left them or how! We’ll spend an hour here where you can climb the Viewing Tower and see 3 of the biggest Nazca Lines free with your Peru Hop pass.
Finally you’ll arrive to Arequipa, probably Peru’s most beautiful city. It is surrounded by 3 volcanos and is known as ‘The White City’ because many of it’s buildings are constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone. We highly recommend taking time to explore this incredible place.
Top Things to Do in Nazca & Arequipa
Colca Canyon Trek – requires more time to adjust to the altitude but is considered a must-do activity when staying in Arequipa Go white water rafting – a fun activity for people of all ages Explore the marvelous snow-capped volcano, Misti Mountain
Top Thing to Do in Nazca Nazca Flights Information: If you want to do the Nazca Lines Flight, you can take a public bus from Huacachina to Nazca at 08:00am, take the flight, and we will pick you up at 07:00pm in Nazca. Just ask your guide if you want more info. on booking.
Top Thing to Do in Arequipa Colca Canyon Tour: A relaxed mix of bus rides and walking for those who cannot stay 4 or 5 days in Arequipa to do a difficult trek.
Extra Colca Canyon Tour Info:
Colca Canyon 2 day tour begins at 08:00am (can be done on the same day as arrival).
Full day tour begins at 03:00am (stay 1 night Arequipa, do this tour the next day).
2 and 3 day treks that begin at 03:00am are available also.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures from: Wild Rover Hostel (within close walking distance of most hotels/hostels in Huacachina). Departure time: 13:00pm Arrival time: 05:30am (next day)
Recommended Nights in Arequipa:
We recommend staying 2 nights in Arequipa. This way you can do a quick tour or trek of Colca Canyon and spend some time exploring the stunning city. We can help you book your accommodation.
Note: We do not recommend spending time in Nazca as there is not much to do, but your ticket does allow you to hop off in Nazca and get on the next bus if you so wish.
Drop offs: Any hostel/hotel in central Arequipa (within 1km of Plaza de Armas).
HOPSTAGE 4: Arequipa to Cusco
Cusco is our next stop after the beautiful white city of Arequipa. Only a few hours away, this enthralling city is famously known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. Full of culture and history, Cusco is a city not to be passed through quickly.
The Cultural Route
The journey to Cusco from Arequipa is broken up by our stop at Marangani. At this non-touristy town you’ll get to enjoy an authentic Peruvian lunch and local prices.
Top Things to Do in Cusco
Explore the historic city of Cusco Venture to the Sacred Valley and walk through one of the many trails set out by the Incas long ago Go white water rafting (Urubamba/Apurimac rivers) Go quad biking by the fascinating Moray terraces and Maras salt flats Go horseback riding to local places such as Kenko, Temple of the Moon, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and more
Top Thing to Do in Cusco Machu Picchu Tour – Do either a trek (Classic Inca Trail or Salkantay), or maybe a combined trek/biking tour (Inka Jungle Trek) or take the train in and back (can be done as a full day but 2 days staying the night before in Aguas Calientes is advised).
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departure From: Any hotel/hostel in central Arequipa. Departure Time: 05:45am Arrival Timee: 18:30pm
Recommended Nights in Cusco:
We recommend staying 3-4 nights in Cusco (not including nights allocated to touring/trekking Machu Picchu). There are many interesting, culture-based activities to do in and around Cusco. 3-4 nights is the perfect time to try a few of the different activities before moving on.
Drop-off: For legal reasons, big buses cannot drive in the historical centre of Cusco. Peru Hop Private Terminal is the drop off point. Click here to view map.
HOPSTAGE 5: Cusco to Puno
Puno is the next stop after Cusco, the enthralling city famously known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. It is only a few hours away and is right by the highest lake in the world – Lake Titicaca, a must-visit for anyone in Peru.
The Culture Route
Upon arrival in Puno, we’ll enjoy a delicious yet cheap Peruvian breakfast. Afterward, for those that wish, we recommend the early morning boat ride out to the famous floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca (optional extra tour).
Top Things to Do in Puno
Night Stay on Isla Amantani at a local homestay. For more info. just ask your guide. Visit the captivating Sillustani burial towers. Kayak on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Top Thing to Do in Puno Floating Islands Tour – See how locals build and live on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Peru Hop Private terminal just 10/15 minutes from hotels (address will be provided on booking confirmation). Departure Time: 22:00pm Arrival Time: 06:00am (next day)
Recommended Nights in Puno:
We recommend staying 1 night in Puno. Puno is a small place with not much to do apart from visiting the Uros floating islands, Isla Taquile, and Isla Amantani on Lake Titicaca. Overnight stays on Isla Amantani are possible for those who want to explore more of the islands. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Any hostel/hotel in central Puno (within 1km of Plaza de Armas).
HOPSTAGE 6: Puno to Copacabana
The next part of our journey takes you from Puno to Copacabana. Both popular for being by Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world, yet both in different countries.
The Cultural Route
This scenic part of the route is arguably one of the most beautiful. It is also the only part of our journey where you’ll cross from one country to another! For the Peru/Bolivia border crossing, our guides will assist you with the necessary paperwork and immigration processes for crossing. Check with our office before departure for nationalities that may require additional VISA requirements. Please have your passport and immigration slips in order. Overstay fines should be paid before leaving.
Top Things to Do in Copacabana
Climb ‘El Calvario’ hill for amazing panoramic views of Lake Titicaca (sunset). Visit the sacred church and pilgrimage centre of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana. Hire a kayak or duck-shaped pedalow and head out onto the lake. Relax lakeside with a cold beer and dine on the local speciality of freshly caught lake trout.
Top Thing to Do in Copacabana Isla Del Sol (Island of the Sun) – According to Inca legend this small island in the middle of Lake Titicaca was home to their most revered god, Inti, and was the mythical birthplace of the first Inca ancestors. A 4 hour round trip in our private boat takes you out to see the ancestral terracing and ruins of the southern part of the island as well as the existing island communities (includes a 1 hour walk from the original sun temple to the small island town of Yumani). Includes island entrance fee.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: Any hotel/hostel in central Puno. Departure Time: 08:30am Arrival Time: 13:30pm
Recommended Nights in Copacabana:
We recommend staying 1 night in Copacabana. There’s not too much to do here but one night is optimal for any tours or activities you might be interested in doing around Lake Titicaca. We can help you book your accommodation.
Drop-off: Copacabana is a small village. Central drop-off/pick-up point used in Copacabana due to its small size and limited access. Meeting point is the White Anchor by the port, within a few minutes walk of all major hotels/hostels.
HOPSTAGE 7: Copacabana to La Paz
Leave Copacabana, the beautiful little town on Lake Titicaca and venture further into Bolivia to the huge spellbinding city of La Paz.
The Cultural Route
Copacabana to La Paz is not a very long journey however it does include the Tiquina lake crossing. Here you’ll get a short break from the bus to enjoy a passenger ferry across the Strait of Tiquina where you can also get some stunning snaps form the water. Boat fare is included with your Peru Hop pass.
Top Things to Do in La Paz
Take the newly constructed city Teleferico (cable car) for the most stunning views of the city. Visit the infamous witch market and buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Learn the history of the coca leaf and its continued use in indigenous culture in the Coca Museum. Feel on top of the world scaling the infamous peak of Huayna Potosi – 6000+m (3 days).
Top Thing to Do in La Paz Bike the Infamous Death Road – One of Bolivia’s biggest attractions, this activity is not for the faint hearted. Death Road is perfect for any adrenaline-loving travellers and is among the most challenging activities you can do in South America.
Peru Hop Departure Details
Departures: EVERY DAY Departures From: White Anchor in Copacabana port Departure Time: 18:00pm Arrival Time: 22:30pm
Recommended Nights in La Paz:
We recommend staying 2-3 nights in La Paz. This will give you the chance to fully explore the beautiful city and do any of the many activities available in La Paz.
Drop-off: Any hotel/hostel in central La Paz. Click here to view map. (Cannot include districts such as Sopocachi, Zona Sur, airport)
Note: If you’re looking into following Salar de Uyuni, make sure to check out our detailed guide on how to visit the salt flats here!
Simply choose your preferred departure date and get your personal timetable within a second. Follow that recommended schedule to see and do it all at the perfect pace or hop off and stay anywhere longer! Feel free to download, print and share it with your friends!
NOTE: The itinerary planner does not factor in any break periods we have (e.g. around Christmas and the fact that we do not operate buses in February). Please check the important notes section under each pass for more information about this.
1. Read DOWN ↓ for recommended bus plan based on our expertise. Example: Leave Lima on a Monday and arrive to La Paz on Thursday the following week.
2. Read ACROSS → for next bus if you want to stay longer (hop off).
HOP STAGE 1
A: LIMA TO PARACAS (FREE EXTRA STOPS)
EVERY DAY
LIMA (DEPART)
07:00
GUIDED TOUR TAMBO COLORADO (INCA RUINS)
12:30
PARACAS (ARRIVE)
14:00
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PARACAS:Ballestas Islands – Stay 1 night in Paracas and take the Ballestas tour the next day at 08:00am. Tours last 2 hours. Possible to then do the trip into the National Reserve (FREE) at 11am before departing to Huacachina.
B: LIMA TO PARACAS (EXPRESS NON-STOP)
EVERY DAY
LIMA (DEPART)
06:00
PARACAS (ARRIVE)
10:00
EXPRESS: Taking the direct 06:00am bus from Lima it is possible to arrive to Paracas at 10:00am and leave again at 13:00pm on the SAME day for Huacachina. Allows time to visit the National Reserve (FREE) OR the Ballestas Islands (EXTRA). This may suit people very short on time although we do recommend the 07:00am bus where possible.
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PARACAS:Ballestas Islands – Tours at 10:00am. Arrive into Paracas and go straight out to the Ballestas Tour. Tours last 2 hours.
HOP STAGE 2
PARACAS TO HUACACHINA
EVERY DAY
PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE
11:00
PARACAS (DEPART)
13:00
HUACACHINA (ARRIVE)
14:15
MAIN ACTIVITY IN HUACACHINA: Dune Buggy and Sandboarding – Tours at 16:30pm. Tours last 2 hours. It is possible to do it on the same day as arrival.
PARACAS NATIONAL RESERVE: not possible for those who want to do the Ballestas Islands at 10:00am and leave Paracas the same day.
HOP STAGE 3
HUACACHINA TO NAZCA TO AREQUIPA
EVERY DAY
HUACACHINA (DEPART)
13:00
PISCO VINEYARD TOUR
13:15
NAZCA VIEWING TOWER
17:30
NAZCA DINNER STOP
18:00
NAZCA (ARRIVE/DEPART)
19:00
NEXT DAY
AREQUIPA (ARRIVE)
05:30
MAIN ACTIVITY IN AREQUIPA:Colca Canyon Tours and Treks. 2 Day Tours begin at 08:00am, and are possible to do on the same day as arrival. 1 Day Tours and Treks begin at 03:00am.
HOP STAGE 4
AREQUIPA TO CUSCO
EVERY DAY
AREQUIPA (DEPART)
05:45
BREAKFAST STOP
08:00
LAGUNILLAS VIEWPOINT
09:30
MARANGANI LUNCH STOP
14:00
CUSCO (ARRIVE)
18:30
AREQUIPA PICK-UPS:Between 05:15-05:45am. Be ready at reception at 05:15am.
MAIN ACTIVITY IN CUSCO:Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley Tours and Treks.
MAIN ACTIVITY IN PUNO:2-Hour Floating Islands Tour at 6:30am at Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating islands and continue with bus to Bolivia the same morning or hop off in Puno and stay longer… Full Day or Homestay Tours (1 night) are also available.
Basic breakfast stop on arrival to Puno.
HOP STAGE 6
PUNO TO COPACABANA
EVERY DAY
PUNO (DEPART)
08:30
PERU/BOLIVIA BORDER
11:00
COPACABANA (ARRIVE)
13:30
*MAIN ACTIVITY IN COPACABANA:Isla del Sol boat trip (4hr round trip). Departs 14:00pm from the White Anchor. Returns in time for our bus the same day. Or stay on the island and return the next day.
HOP STAGE 7
COPACABANA TO LA PAZ
EVERY DAY
COPACABANA (DEPART)*
18:00
TIQUINA FERRY CROSSING
19:00
LA PAZ (ARRIVE)
22:30
*DEPARTURE POINT FROM COPACABANA: WHITE ANCHOR – Please don’t be late or you will miss this bus!
26, 27, 28 & 29 JULY 2019 - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS (PERU)
Hotel/hostel prices will increase during this period. MUST book accommodation in advance! Accommodation in larger dorm room sizes may apply.
The departure times for the buses and Nazca shuttle will be changed as follows:
- Express Route (6:00 am bus) departing at 5:00am
- Cultural Route (7:00 am bus) departing at 6:00am
- PARACAS-HUACACHINA will depart at 12pm
Tours will be shortened with all tour operators as follows: Ballestas Islands Tour: 1 hour and a half and Sandboarding & Buggies: 1 hour
Access to the oasis may be limited. It might be necessary to walk a short distance in and out of the oasis. Please consult your guide regarding your luggage.
15 JUNE 2019 - NO BUS (LA PAZ TO COPA & COPA TO LA PAZ)
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no buses from La Paz - Copacabana and Copacabana - La Paz on Saturday 15th June.
15th of June is the festival of El Gran Poder in La Paz, the biggest religious celebration of the year in La Paz. The entire city centre is completely closed off for 24 hours due to the enormous parade with thousands of costumed dancers accompanied by brass bands.
Rent normal bikes or quad bikes and drive around the desert
Paraglide over Peru’s largest protected natural habitat
Practice kite surfing on the waves that crash against the desert
Chill out by the pool or at the beach that stays sunny all year round
Paracas National Reserve where the desert meets the sea. Check out our Instagram for some pics of this unbelievable spot. Note: Free with your Peru Hop wristband.
Enjoy Ceviche, the national dish of Peru, on the rooftop of Restaurant Paracas – with one of the best views of the city. Note: exclusive discounted price when you show your Peru Hop wristband.
Explore the only desert oasis in South America
Visit a Pisco Vineyard and learn all about how the national drink of Peru is made
Camp overnight in the dunes and gaze at the stars
Relax by the pool and soak in the heat of the desert
Colca Canyon Trek – requires more time to adjust to the altitude but is considered a must-do activity when staying in Arequipa
Go white water rafting – a fun activity for people of all ages
Explore the marvelous snow-capped volcano, Misti Mountain
Explore the historic city of Cusco
Venture to the Sacred Valley and walk through one of the many trails set out by the Incas long ago
Go white water rafting (Urubamba/Apurimac rivers)
Go quad biking by the fascinating Moray terraces and Maras salt flats
Go horseback riding to local places such as Kenko, Temple of the Moon, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay and more
Night Stay on Isla Amantani at a local homestay. For more info. just ask your guide.
Visit the captivating Sillustani burial towers.
Visit the sacred church and pilgrimage centre of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Copacabana.
Relax lakeside with a cold beer and dine on the local speciality of freshly caught lake trout.
Take the newly constructed city Teleferico (cable car) for the most stunning views of the city.
Visit the infamous witch market and buy souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
Learn the history of the coca leaf and its continued use in indigenous culture in the Coca Museum.