Overview

Experience the very best of Peru on this unforgettable 15-day adventure through ancient Inca cities, dramatic Andean landscapes, colonial treasures, volcanic scenery, Lake Titicaca and the legendary Machu Picchu.

From the coastal elegance of Lima and the white-stone beauty of Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, the cultural heart of Cusco and the spectacular Sacred Valley, this immersive journey showcases Peru's extraordinary diversity. Along the way, discover fascinating archaeological sites, colourful local traditions, authentic Andean communities and some of South America's most awe-inspiring scenery.

The adventure culminates with a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu before continuing to Lake Titicaca and the Peruvian Amazon, creating a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of one of the world's most captivating destinations.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Lima!

Arrive in Peru's vibrant capital city where you'll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Enjoy time to relax after your flight or explore Lima's coastal districts, excellent restaurants and lively atmosphere.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included: None

Day 2 | Lima The City of Kings

Today after breakfast, we will head out on out on Lima city sightseeing and cultural tours.

Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, elegant colonial architecture, grand plazas and impressive religious landmarks. Visit important archaeological sites that reveal Peru's ancient past and gain insight into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 | Lima to Arequipa

Fly south to the beautiful city of Arequipa, often known as the "White City" due to its striking volcanic stone architecture.

On this guided cultural trip you’ll learn how the city has changed, and how the first Spanish colonists built upon an area once home to ancient peoples of the Peruvian Andes.

Next, stop to admire some of the city’s most famous buildings, such as the Basílica Catedral de Arequipa. Located on the city’s elegant Plaza de Armas, this huge cathedral has been damaged by earthquakes on numerous occasions over the centuries, but each time it has been rebuilt, becoming ever more impressive.

After exploring the Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets, we’ll head to the famous viewpoint of Yanahuara. With its carved sillar stone arches, this beautiful viewpoint offers sublime views across Arequipa and beyond to the volcanic peaks of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Yanahuara was built in the 19th century and stands next to the pretty San Juan de Yanahuara, a Baroque church built in 1750. Engraved into the sillar stone of Yanahuara are the names of notable people who have lived in Arequipa during the last two hundred years.

After our tour of Arequipa, you will be returned to your hotel for overnight.

Overnight: Arequipa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 | Arequipa to The Colca Canyon

Today begins early in the morning as we leave the White City of Arequipa and set off along the route to the Colca Valley. It’s a beautiful drive, passing snow-capped volcanoes, rugged pampas, traditional terraced farms, and picturesque villages where the old traditional ways of life are still very much alive.

Along the route, we’ll make a few stops along the way, the first at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we can watch innumerable guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas as they graze on the plains.

Apart from the vast herds of camelids, the reserve is also home to the southern viscacha (a large and loveable rodent), foxes, condors and Andean flamingos (also known as parihuanas). In total, 169 animal species have been identified in the reserve, including 23 mammals and 138 species of birds, such as blue-billed ducks, eagles, and kestrels. During their migration period, flamingos also arrive to spend time wading through Salinas Lake. This classic Peru tour is ideal for Peru birdwatching specialist tours, to view high-altitude species on our Peru eco-tourism adventures.

Leaving the reserve, we’ll drive around the edge of Chucura Volcano until we reach the Patapampa Andes viewpoint. We’ll now be at 4,900 meters above sea level, and from here we can look out across the beautiful landscape to the peaks of snow-capped mountains and volcanoes in the Arequipa Region, including Hualca Calca, Sabancaya and Ampato.

The next stop will be the town of Chivay, where one end of the Colca Valley begins. The traditional terrace systems found here, built by indigenous inhabitants of the area, are remarkable for their scale and precise construction. Chivay itself was founded by the Spanish, a fact reflected in its church and other colonial buildings. You can have a traditional lunch in the town (not included) before we check in to our hotel.

You’ll then have the afternoon to explore the town on your own, and, if you like, enjoy Peru Colca Canyon trekking tours or visit the hot springs at La Calera, about 3 km from Chivay. Colca Canyon and the Colca Valley are dotted with natural hot springs and thermal baths, thanks to the seismic activity in the region. La Calera has public thermal baths which are said to have healing properties, with temperatures around 38 C (98 F).

Overnight: Colca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 | Colca to Puno

Early start to visit the lookout point known as Cruz del Condor (Cross of the Condor), near the small villages of Maca and Cabanaconde. Here, strong winds rise up from the canyon, providing a favorite spot for Andean condors. They soar on the thermals, often in pairs, normally in the early morning and late afternoon. There’s a good chance you’ll see these magnificent condors, with their three-meter wingspans, flying very close to the lookout point, and providing a truly majestic sight. From the lookout point, you’ll also have incredible views down into the depths of Colca Canyon. 

We’ll then head back to Chivay, first stopping off at the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. This viewpoint (or Mirador, as they are known in Spanish) offers wonderful views of the 1,500-year-old agricultural terraces that curve along the hillsides like an amphitheater. You can also spot some of the enchanting lagoons of the Colca Valley. Stop for lunch in Chivay in the afternoon and then begin the journey to Puno, the Capital of Peruvian Folklore. 

This scenic journey to Puno is spectacular and towards the end of the trip, the magnificent Lake Titicaca will come into view. Finally, you will arrive in Puno at around 18h00.

Overnight: Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 | Uros floating & Taquile Islands

Your day starts at 07:00 when you will be picked up from your hotel in Puno. Then we will go to the port and board our comfortable boat to go to Uros Island, followed by Taquile Island. It is trips to Peru Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca like this one that show you the real Peru!

When we get to the floating islands, you will probably be surprised by the scale of these floating reed constructions. The Uros originally built these islands for defensive reasons: if a threat appeared, they could move their island homes to a safer location. The islands are made from cattail reeds that grow around the lake, and each island is in a constant state of rebuilding, as old reeds are replaced with new ones. Entering the islands is quite an experience, as the reed floor feels strange under your feet. We will explore the main island and see the houses, watchtowers, and other structures, all built from reeds. Then one of the locals will give a short presentation on how the islands are made and then you can meet one of the local families to see how they live.

Next, we head to Taquile, one of the most beautiful islands in Peru, where the traditional way of life is still very much alive. You will meet some of the master weavers of this ancient Andean community, whose textiles are considered among the best in the country. According to legend, the Incas themselves learned to weave from the artisans of this island. In Taquile, the men are the weavers and the women spin the thread.

After seeing the weavers and exploring the beautiful island, we will head to the small port of Taquile around noon where we will enjoy a delicious menu, made with local products.

Finally, we will return to Punoto your hotel.

Overnight: Puno

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 | Puno to Cusco

07h00 pick up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station to catch the bus to Cusco. The bus trip is more like a tour - it stops at four interesting sites along the way where you will have guided tours:

• Pukara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the altiplano. There are interesting sculptures and tombs. 

• La Raya: This is the halfway point between Cusco and Puno and the highest point (4335 meters above sea level). The landscapes here are stunning and it is common to see typical Andean animals like the llama, alpaca, and vicuña. It is also the geographical border between the two cultures - Quechua and Aymara.

• Raqchi (Wiracocha God Temple): This was an Inca church of monumental dimensions; 100 meters long, 26 meters wide, and 14 meters high. The temple is divided into two naves, and each nave has eleven giant columns – huge!

• Andahuaylillas: This is the Sistine Chapel of South America: this church is one of the most beautiful examples of Andean popular religious art.

Arrival time to Cusco will be around 5pm. 

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 | Cusco City Tour

Explore the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Visit impressive plazas, colonial churches, bustling markets and nearby archaeological sites while learning about the remarkable history of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 | Sacred Valley Tour from Cusco - Full Day

Explore the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Visit impressive plazas, colonial churches, bustling markets and nearby archaeological sites while learning about the remarkable history of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included:

Day 10 | Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley.

Discover traditional villages, colourful artisan markets and important Inca archaeological sites surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and fertile valleys.

Overnight: Sacred Valley

Meals Included:

Day 11 | Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Return to Cusco)..

Travel by scenic train through the Andes to reach the iconic Machu Picchu.

Enjoy a guided exploration of Peru's most famous archaeological site, discovering temples, terraces, ceremonial spaces and unforgettable mountain views.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included:

Day 12 | Cusco to Amazon Trip

Transfer to the airport for your flight into the Peruvian Amazon.

Upon arrival, travel into the rainforest and begin discovering one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Overnight: Amazon Lodge

Meals Included:

Day 13 | Amazon Rainforest Exploration!

Spend the day exploring the rainforest with expert naturalist guides.

Search for monkeys, colourful birds, exotic insects and fascinating wildlife while learning about the unique ecosystems of the Amazon Basin.

Overnight: Amazon Lodge

Meals Included:

Day 14 | Puerto Maldonado - Lima

Leave the rainforest and return to Lima.

Enjoy a final evening experiencing Peru's renowned cuisine, shopping districts or beautiful coastal views.

Overnight: Lima

Meals Included:

Day 15 | Lima Final Day

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Depart Peru with unforgettable memories of ancient civilisations, spectacular landscapes and extraordinary cultural encounters.

Meals Included:

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