Call to speak with one of our Tour Experts 1-877-230-8747
-
Victoria Guestx7121
Offline
-
Alex Williams
Offline
-
Day 1
Arrival in Lima
Arrive at Lima Airport. Transportation service and a representative will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Alternatively, you can choose to book our Optional Tour (not included): Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (shared basis): A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner and amusing folk show. Notes: Shared service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit and Buffet dinner with Folkloric show Overnight in Lima.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Lima 3* (or similar) -
Day 2
Lima
Wake up to breakfast in the hotel before hitting the streets of Lima’s old town; a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historical buildings. Start with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the world’s most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. Continue to a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which originates and spreads out from the Main Square. Here you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire and be amazed by Lima´s Cathedral. Erected in the 16th century, this building took more than 80 years to complete. After the tour, you will be transferred back to the hotel. Overnight in Lima.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Lima 3* (or similar) -
Day 3
Lima - Arequipa
After breakfast at the hotel check out and drive to the airport of Lima to take a flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival at Arequipa Airport, our representative will meet you and take you to the hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer while a guide will inform you about the attractions and services the city offers and will assist you with the check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, it is time to get to know the city. Start your journey in the main square, called 'Plaza de Armas'. Admire its elegant neo-Renaissance basilica cathedral and the sensational Monastery of Santa Catalina, which for centuries was a 'forbidden city' in the heart of Arequipa, closed to prying eyes and the influence of the outside world. The convent was founded in the 16th century, and it was an almost self-sufficient town, made up of houses for nuns and their servants, cloisters, squares and narrow streets, kitchens and refectories, among others. Strolling through its colourful streets will be like going back in time and will allow you to understand colonial Peru. Continue until you reach the Church of the Company, perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Peruvian baroque, where you can analyze its fascinating facade. The sacristy is exceptionally beautiful, thanks to its dome and walls covered with murals that show tropical flora and fauna. The Jesuit seminary is well known for its beautiful main cloister. Finally, head to the neighbourhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Misti volcano, which rises above the city. In the end, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Arequipa.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Arequipa 3* (or similar) -
Day 4
Arequipa - Colca Valley and Canyon
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Arequipa and head to the Colca Valley. The route will take you through the Yura district, an area characterized by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. Cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra and skirt the crater of the now-extinct Chucura Volcano to reach the Mirador de Los Andes at Patapampa, 4,910 metres above sea level. This viewpoint offers impressive views of the numerous volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Chivay (included) before being transferred to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley for a free afternoon. Overnight in Colca Valley.
Hotel: Casa Andina Colca 3* (or similar) -
Day 5
Colca Valley and Canyon
After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a day of high drama with a trip to the breathtaking Condor Cross lookout. Take a deep breath and appreciate the sheer vastness of the Colca Valley, which is one of the world's deepest canyons with a maximum depth of more than 4,160 meters, twice that of the Grand Canyon. The thrill of the experience is enhanced by the natural spectacle of huge condors flying over the canyon. Watch in awe as these graceful birds of prey glide over the canyon, patrolling it with military discipline. Descend to the valley floor to discover some of the rustic towns on the banks of the River Colca such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where quaint colonial churches are as much as part of the scenery as the peaks of the Andes. There are also stops at the lookouts of Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire majestic views of the valley. Lunch included. Continue to the Ocolle lookout to admire ‘the Amphitheatre’, a collection of pre-Inca terraces that demonstrate the impressive agricultural technology of the past, and then visit the Uyo Uyo archaeological site before returning to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Colca Valley.
Hotel: Casa Andina Colca (or similar) -
Day 6
Colca Valley - Puno
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then take advantage of your free morning to enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, we will begin our journey to Puno. The route cuts through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and takes in the stunning stone forests of Patahuasi. The landscapes and scenery are both dramatic and enchanting; you will pass high plains, volcanoes, unusual rock formations and even lagoons, where you can spot cranes drying their wings above the water. There are several viewpoints, remote cafes that offer visitor’s coca tea and artisans selling traditional textiles and handicrafts along the route (own expense). Lunch included. On arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Puno.
Hotel: Hacienda Puno 3* (or similar) -
Day 7
Puno - Uros - Taquile - Puno
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of human-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are regularly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Look around and notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno (included). Overnight in Puno.
Hotel: Hacienda Puno 3* (or similar) -
Day 8
Puno - Pucara - La Raya - Rachi - Andahuaylillas - Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will transfer you to the bus station, where a representative will help you catch your bus to Cusco. On the way, you will make some interesting stops. The first is the town of Pucara and the Pucara Lithic Museum. This was the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D. After a brief break at La Raya, the highest point of the trip between Puno and Cusco at the dizzying altitude of 4,313 meters above sea level, the bus stops at Sicuani for lunch (included). We then head on to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site built in honour of a powerful Andean god. The rectangular construction boasts thatched rooftops 20 metres above the ground; these are thought to be the highest in the Inca Empire. Later, visit Andahuaylillas, a town located around 40 kilometres away from Cusco. The main attraction here is the local church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” owing to the high quality of art found inside. The church was built during the 16th century on top of Wari remains. Afterwards, a last 40-kilometre drive gets you to Cusco, today’s final destination. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco 3* (or similar) -
Day 9
Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestoned streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings square, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco 3* (or similar) -
Day 10
Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo
During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean tradition interpretation centre with demonstrations of the production of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware, following the techniques used by the ancestors. In addition, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Visit the town of Ollantaytambo upon your arrival, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca time, and have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant (included). Fell the true spirit of the Sacred Valley, transmitted in a cosy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain and then you are transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.
Hotel: AVA Spots 3* (or similar) -
Day 11
Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. Here you board a coach for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is believed to have been built in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they brought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel, presenting its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Hotel: Hatun Inti Classic 3* (or similar) -
Day 12
Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Delicious breakfast at the hotel is followed by a relaxing morning at leisure. We strongly recommend waking up early today to spend the morning over Machu Picchu and discover its secrets (Second entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and bus from/to Aguas Calientes available as an optional extra). The best views are from Huayna Picchu (Entrance to Huayna Picchu and bus from/to Aguas Calientes available as an optional extra), which is about 360 meters above Machu Picchu with an underground temple complex; and from Inti Punku, which offers even better views from about 390 meters above the citadel (access not included and subject to availability). Another option is the Inca Bridge, a secret military trial, which controlled access to the citadel (on your own). In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station and take the train back to Ollanta station. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Hotel: Tierra Viva Cusco 3* (or similar) - Day 13 Cusco - Return After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Cusco’s Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
Included
Operated with English-Spanish speaking local guides on a shared basis during the activities (Day 2 3 5 7-11)
12 nights’ accommodation
12 breakfasts
7 Lunches (6 at local restaurants; 1 boxed)
Private arrival transfer from Lima Airport (Day 1)
Private arrival transfer from Arequipa Airport (Day 3)
Shared transfer from/to bus station in Puno (Day 6 8)
Shared transfer from the bus station in Cusco (Day 8)
Shared transfer to/from the train station in Ollantaytambo (Day 10)
Shared bus from Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (Day 11)
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category (Day 11)
Private departure airport transfer to the airport in Cusco (Day 13)
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Lima city tour (Day 2); Arequipa city tour and Monastery of Santa Catalina (Day 3); Colca Valley: Chivay Pinchollo Maca Achoma Yanque and Condor Cross lookout Uyo Uyo archaeological site (Day 5); Uros and Taquile Islands (Day 7); Pucara Pucara Museum La Raya Racchi Andahuaylillas (Day 8); Cusco city tour and nearby archaeological sites (Day 9); Chinchero tour Living Museum of Yucay Ollantaytambo (Day 10); Machu Picchu tour (Day 11)
Meet & Greet (Day 1 3)
Exclusions
Visa fees
Domestic flights: Lima – Arequipa on Day 3 it is advised to book the first flights in the morning
International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
Optional tours (if any)
City tax not included payable on the spot
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
PERU, A LAND OF CONTRASTS AND DIVERSITY
Peru is a country of many faces, where landscapes and cultures unfold with remarkable intensity. From the arid Pacific coastline to the lush depths of the Amazon rainforest, passing through the imposing Andes mountain range with some of the highest peaks on the continent, travelers are constantly amazed. Peru is also an encounter with communities that have preserved their ancestral traditions, the result of an exceptional historical and cultural blend. Its cuisine, widely recognized as one of the finest and most diverse in Latin America, plays a key role in this sensory journey. At the heart of this fascinating country stands one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World: the legendary Machu Picchu.
MAIN REGIONS
LIMA
Located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Lima was once known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” In pre-Hispanic times, the valley where the capital now stands was a fertile oasis that supported agriculture and fishing. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the city flourished with elegant colonial mansions adorned with intricately carved wooden balconies, reflecting its political, strategic, and economic importance within the Spanish Empire. Discovering Lima today means grasping the complexity of a vast metropolis where each neighborhood tells a different story. Marked by strong contrasts, the city strives to reconcile rural traditions with urban modernity. Despite its apparent disorder and social challenges, Lima charms visitors with its vibrant energy, distinctive character, and the warmth of its people, always eager to share their culture and joie de vivre.
AREQUIPA
About one thousand kilometers south of Lima lies Arequipa, set at the foot of the majestic Misti volcano. Known as the “White City,” it is renowned for its elegant colonial architecture built from sillar, a pale volcanic stone. Founded in 1540, Arequipa enjoys a dry, temperate climate and a spectacular natural setting. With nearly 700,000 inhabitants, it is Peru’s second-largest city. Many religious and civic buildings, carefully restored, are now open to visitors. The Santa Catalina Monastery, a true city within a city, reveals a maze of colorful streets steeped in history. Beneath an almost perpetually blue sky, Arequipa captivates with the harmony of its architecture and the gentle rhythm of daily life.
COLCA VALLEY
A few hours north of Arequipa lies the spectacular Colca Valley. Surrounded by ancient agricultural terraces, it is carved by the Colca River, which flows through one of the deepest canyons in the world. Numerous villages dot the valley, preserving their traditional layouts, richly decorated colonial churches, and age-old festivals. The highlight of any visit is the famous Cruz del Cóndor, a natural lookout point from which visitors can observe the majestic flight of condors soaring above the canyon, with the Coropuna and Ampato volcanoes rising in the distance.
CUSCO
The Cusco region is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating areas in South America. As the former capital of the Inca Empire, it impresses with the richness of its historical heritage and the vitality of its living traditions. Today, agriculture and tourism are the region’s main economic drivers. Nearby lies the Urubamba Valley, better known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This strategic territory once played a central military, religious, and agricultural role. Powerful fortresses built into the mountainsides protected access to the valley. Among the most remarkable sites are Pisac and Ollantaytambo, striking examples of Inca engineering. Further along, at nearly 2,900 meters above sea level, the citadel of Machu Picchu emerges from the heart of lush tropical vegetation.
SACRED VALLEY
Stretching just a few kilometers from Cusco, the Sacred Valley benefited from a mild climate and fertile land that made it the breadbasket of the Inca Empire. The valley also held strategic importance as the gateway between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. Its atmosphere is truly unique, blending the serenity of cultivated landscapes with the power of dramatic mountain scenery. Here, the glorious past of Inca civilization coexists with a present that remains rural, authentic, and deeply alive.
MACHU PICCHU
Visiting Machu Picchu evokes an emotion comparable to standing before the pyramids of Egypt. Even before catching sight of the citadel, travelers are immersed in a sense of anticipation, as the site reveals itself only at the last moment. Considered one of the greatest masterpieces of landscape architecture in the world, Machu Picchu is divided into two distinct areas. The agricultural sector consists of vast terraced fields and storage facilities used to preserve food supplies. The urban and sacred sector contains temples, plazas, and royal mausoleums crafted with extraordinary precision. The harmony between human ingenuity and the surrounding natural environment gives this place an unforgettable aura.
PERUVIAN CUISINE
Peruvian cuisine enjoys international recognition and is considered one of the richest in Latin America. It delights visitors with iconic dishes such as ceviche, pachamanca, chupe de camarones, ají de gallina, and juanes. This culinary wealth is rooted in the country’s exceptional ecological diversity, which encompasses a large proportion of the world’s known life zones. Abundant marine resources provide exceptionally fresh fish and seafood, while the Andes supply an astonishing variety of potatoes, corn, and chili peppers. The Amazon rainforest contributes unique ingredients, including river fish, game, and tropical fruits. This gastronomic heritage is the result of remarkable cultural blending, combining Spanish, African, Arab, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Today, a new generation of chefs is reinterpreting these traditions with creativity, giving rise to a refined and innovative contemporary cuisine.
TRANSPORTATION
Peru continues to develop its transportation infrastructure, both by land and by air. The domestic airline network allows travelers to quickly reach the country’s main tourist destinations. Road transportation, primarily provided by interprovincial buses, covers nearly the entire territory, with the exception of some remote areas of the Amazon. Travelers choosing a self-drive itinerary must carry a valid driver’s license, a copy of their passport, and their vehicle rental agreement. Taxis are widely available in Peruvian cities, though it is recommended to use official taxi companies for safety reasons.
FACT SHEET
Peru covers an area of 1,285,215 km² and, in 2015, had a population of over 30 million people, the majority living in urban areas. Spanish is the most widely spoken language, alongside Quechua, Aymara, and other Indigenous languages. The population is predominantly Catholic, although other religious affiliations are also present. Peru is a democratic republic, with the president and members of Congress elected every five years. The national currency is the Peruvian sol. Electrical current is 220 volts, with type A, B, or C outlets. Peru can be visited year-round, although certain seasons are more favorable depending on the region. The country is divided into three major geographical zones: the Pacific coast, the Andes mountains, and the Amazon rainforest.
The Embassy of Canada is located in Lima.
Name: The richness of Southern Peru
Brand: Pathways of the World
Quality: First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Lima
End City: Cuzco
Vacation Overview:
Explore the wonders of southern Peru for thirteen incredible days until you reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Incas. Discover the colonial past in Lima and Arequipa, two of the most important cities during the Viceroyalty with a rich architectural history of the time. Delight the view with breathtaking landscapes in the Colca Valley and Puno, with Lake Titicaca and its communities. Culminate your route in Cusco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, and immerse yourself in the Inca universe and its unsurpassed cosmology.
