Discover the wonders of southern Peru on an unforgettable 13-day journey until you reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Incas. Immerse yourself in the colonial past in Lima and Arequipa, two of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty era, with a rich architectural heritage. Marvel at the grandiose landscapes of the Colca Valley and Puno, with Lake Titicaca and its traditional communities. End your tour in Cusco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, and immerse yourself in the Inca universe and its incomparable vision of the world.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Lima: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Peruvian capital is a showcase of history and modernity. Its historic centre preserves the colonial architectural ensembles that coexist closely with the Pacific Ocean and a characteristic bohemian essence.
Colca Valley: Admire the elegance of the condors that fly over this valley and its 4,000-meter-deep canyon, one of the deepest on the planet.
Lake Titicaca: A boat ride takes you to the island of Taquile as well as the man-made floating islands of the Uros, true wonders of local ingenuity.
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian past and Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills in which amazing sites such as Sacsayhuamán and Qenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay are hidden.
Machu Picchu: The "Lost City of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people come to Peru. It is hidden in the vegetation. Discover our past through its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites, built in communion with the surrounding landscape.
1 giorno: ARRIVAL LIMA
Upon arrival at Lima's Jorge Chávez International Airport, a chauffeured vehicle and a representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Overnight in Lima.
2 giorno: LIMA
Your guide will greet you at your hotel and take you to explore the historic heart of the city. You will be amazed by Casa Aliaga, a colonial house of more than 5 centuries, considered the oldest house in South America. Next, you'll explore the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor, where you'll have the opportunity to discover the majestic Lima Cathedral. Your day will end on a high note at the Larco Museum, housed in a sumptuous eighteenth-century colonial house, where you will immerse yourself in more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history through an exceptional collection of ceramics, gold and silver. This excursion is done in a group with other participants.
Overnight in Lima.
3 giorno: LIMA – AREQUIPA (90 min by plane; not included)
A private transportation service will take you from your hotel to Lima Airport. Domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa (not included). Upon arrival at Arequipa Airport, a representative and vehicle will meet you to take you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, we'll set off to discover the most remarkable attractions of Arequipa. You'll start at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the city, the Chile River, and the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Then, we'll go to the Yanahuara viewpoint, famous for its Sillar architecture. We'll continue our tour through the Plaza de Armas, the beating heart of the city, and finally, we'll explore the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a real labyrinth of streets, squares and cloisters.
*Dress code for churches: During the tour, the use of short-sleeved polo shirts, tank tops, shorts above the knees is not allowed, under penalty of being refused entry. Please note that for shared transfers, there is a maximum waiting time of 30 minutes.
Overnight in Arequipa.
4 giorno: AREQUIPA – CANYON DE COLCA
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel to start the drive to Chivay. The route follows an asphalt road through the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, in the Cañahuas pampas, a vast plain where vicuñas can be seen in their natural habitat. A short stop is planned in Patahuasi, where you'll have the opportunity to taste local infusions and use the sanitary facilities before continuing. The journey continues through Viscachani and the Toccra Marshes, populated by alpacas, vicuñas and various species of migratory birds. You will then reach Patapampa, the viewpoint of the Andes (4,910 m above sea level), from where you can admire the impressive volcanic range. Then, descend to the town of Chivay (3,635 m above sea level), where you will arrive around noon. After lunch, transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace. The evening is also free to dine according to your desires.
Overnight in Colca.
5 giorno: CANYON DE COLCA
Today, you'll have the privilege of visiting the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor, an incredible spot to watch condors fly over the canyon. You'll then descend to the valley floor to explore charming rural villages along the Colca River, such as Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque. We'll also make stops at the viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire other breathtaking panoramas of the majestic canyon. After lunch at a local restaurant in Chivay, transfer to your hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free to acclimatize.
Overnight in Colca.
6 giorno: CANYON DE COLCA – PUNO
In the late morning, you'll be driven to Chivay for lunch. After lunch, continue the journey to Puno, through beautiful Andean landscapes, on a journey of about five and a half hours. Along the way, a stop is planned in Patahuasi, where you will find sanitary facilities and can enjoy a short break. Later, from the Lagunillas lookout, admire stunning high-altitude lagoons and watch migratory birds, such as flamingos, glide gracefully over the water. Finally, arrive in the city of Puno, where you will be transferred to your hotel to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
Overnight in Puno.
7 giorno: PUNO
In the heart of the city of Puno, perched in the heights, nestles Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. This is where the Uros, an ancestral community, live on artificial islands built from braided totora reeds, directly from the lake. The tour begins with a transfer to the port of Puno, where a boat is waiting to take you to the beautiful islands of Uros. After an enchanting excursion of an hour and a half, we'll continue our way to the island of Taquile, renowned for its ancestral culture and traditional way of life. Once there, you will attend a presentation on the island and a cultural activity. After a delicious lunch, we'll start our return trip to Puno.
Overnight in Puno.
8 giorno: PUNO – CUSCO
Journey from Puno to Cusco in shared service with an English-speaking guide. Discover Cusco, the former Inca capital, through breathtaking Andean landscapes, meeting typical villages and wildlife. Your itinerary includes a stop at the archaeological site of Pucará, dating back to the second and third centuries BC. We'll then take a short break at La Raya, the highest point of the route at 4,313 meters above sea level. After this tour, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch. Continuing on your way, you will discover the village of Raqchi, famous for its temple of Wiracocha, and then the charming village of Andahuaylillas, known for its church nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America". Finally, we'll arrive at your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
9 giorno: CUSCO
Discover the magic of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Your tour will begin with the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the ruins of the Temple of the Sun, the Coricancha. You will then be amazed by the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, a masterpiece of religious art. Then, we'll set off to discover the surrounding hills of Cusco and their archaeological sites. You'll visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, the mysterious Qenqo Complex, and the Puca Pucará site, among others. We'll finish at the ruins of Tambomachay, also known as the Inca Baths. After this unforgettable day, we'll return to your hotel, full of new discoveries.
Overnight in Cusco.
10 giorno: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
A vehicle will pick you up in the morning to take you to the picturesque village of Chinchero. We'll discover its agricultural terraces and its 17th-century colonial church built on an ancient Inca palace also recognized as one of the first Catholic constructions in Peru. Along the way, we'll stop at a lookout point to admire the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, we'll visit the Living Museum of Yucay, where we'll be able to witness the creation of textiles, adobe objects, ceramics, and silver objects using ancient Inca techniques. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch typical of the Sacred Valley. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a delicious typical lunch. After lunch, we'll head to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, an important ceremonial center known for its impressive agricultural terraces that stretch across the sides of the surrounding mountains. At the end of this full-day tour, you'll return to your hotel to relax and soak up the renewed Inca spirit. This tour is shared with other travelers.
Overnight in Urubamba.
11 giorno: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU
A transport will pick you up from your hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) to take you to the Ollantaytambo train station. This transfer is shared with other passengers. Board the train from Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes Station (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you'll receive assistance upon arrival. For your return, you will make the same journey. Each route lasts approximately an hour and a half, and schedules are subject to availability.
Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, offers a bustling handicraft market, a variety of restaurants, and accommodation options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away, you'll find Machu Picchu, a marvel of engineering and architecture, which is said to have served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacútec. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," captivates with its historical brilliance and natural majesty. After the tour, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Cusco. This tour is shared with other passengers.
You will enjoy a delicious lunch at Café Inkaterra, with a unique view of the Vilcanota River. This restaurant combines Andean cuisine and architecture with contemporary trends, creating dishes with an original taste and fusion style.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
12 giorno: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Enjoy a free and quiet morning in Aguas Calientes. If you wish, you have the option to return to Machu Picchu to explore other attractions offered by the citadel. We recommend that you get up early to watch the sunrise over the mountain, a truly unforgettable experience. In the afternoon, we'll start our return to Cusco. After your train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, transportation will be available from the train station to take you to your hotel in Cusco. This transfer will be shared with other passengers.
Overnight in Cusco.
13 giorno: CUSCO DEPARTURE
Your Peruvian adventure is coming to an end. A driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Cusco Airport.
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while warm clothing is recommended for the high-altitude Andean regions. It is not recommended to wear tank tops, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
