Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll arrive at Lima Airport and get transferred to your hotel in Miraflores, a modern coastal area. After settling in, the day is yours to explore the capital on your own schedule and get a feel for the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore Lima city at leisure
- Day 2
Lima to Arequipa
Start with a guided walk through Lima's city centre, checking out the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and government palace. Then it's off to the airport for a flight to Arequipa, the southern colonial city known for its white-grey volcanic stone buildings. You'll have the rest of the day free to wander around and try some local Peruvian food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Lima city centre including Plaza de Armas, cathedral, and government palace
- Flight to Arequipa
Optional Activities
- Explore Arequipa at leisure
- Dine at local restaurants and enjoy Peruvian delicacies
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de Armas Lima Cathedral - Day 3
Arequipa
This day is open for you to explore Arequipa at your own pace. Walk through flowery plazas and shaded lanes to see the Spanish colonial architecture throughout the city. Head to Santa Catalina Convent with its winding cobbled streets and cloisters, and if museums interest you, the Museo Santuarios Andinos has preserved Inca mummies on display.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Santa Catalina Convent
- Visit Museo Santuarios Andinos to see preserved Inca mummies
- Explore Arequipa's colonial architecture and plazas
Landmarks/POIs Santa Catalina Convent Museo Santuarios Andinos - Day 4
Arequipa to Colca Canyon
You'll drive through Colca Valley passing traditional towns, natural lagoons, and volcanic peaks. Watch for vicunas, alpacas, llamas, and flamingos in the reserve along the way. The route goes around an extinct volcano crater and up to the canyon rim where the views are really something. Later, soak in the warm natural hot springs to end the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive through Colca Valley
- Dip in hot springs
Landmarks/POIs Colca Canyon - Day 5
Colca Canyon
After breakfast, head along the canyon rim to Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint overlooking the deepest part of the canyon. From there you'll watch Andean condors soar over the tawny-colored valley landscape. Stop at small villages where local women wear intricately embroidered traditional clothing. If you want to stay active, there's an optional hike following ancient paths between adobe villages and old aqueducts.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Travel to Cruz del Condor viewpoint
- Stop at small traditional villages
Optional Activities
- Follow ancient footpaths linking adobe villages
- Walk ancient aqueduct paths with views to canyon floor
Landmarks/POIs Cruz del Condor - Day 6
Colca Canyon to Puno
Head out early after breakfast toward Puno on Lake Titicaca's shores. The 6-hour journey climbs over 3,805m/12,500 feet through snow-capped mountain scenery. You'll pass farmers working corn and potato fields with oxen, then cross the Altiplano plains where women in bowler hats herd llamas and alpacas near market towns.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Puno
Landmarks/POIs Lake Titicaca - Day 7
Puno
Take a motorboat across Lake Titicaca to the Uros Islands, which are built entirely from the lake's tortora reeds. When you step onto these floating islands, you'll feel the ground shift beneath your feet. Later, visit the Chullpas at Sillustani, stone tombs on a remote highland lake that are believed to be ancient burial sites for Hatun Colla chiefs.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Motorboat journey to Uros Islands
- Visit Uros Islands
- Guided excursion to Chullpas at Sillustani
Landmarks/POIs Uros Islands Sillustani - Day 8
Puno to Cusco
Spend the day on a scenic train journey from Puno to Cusco, one of the continent's best routes. Cross the Altiplano with views of herded llamas and alpacas, then climb to La Raya pass at 4,200m/13,780 feet. As the mountains close in, the train descends through increasingly fertile valleys of corn and potatoes into Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Luxury full-day train journey from Puno to Cusco
Landmarks/POIs La Raya - Day 9
Cusco
Cusco was the centre of the Inca Empire and remains vibrant with great craftsmanship. A guided tour takes you to Q'oricancha, the most significant Inca temple, and Sacsayhuaman fortress with its massive zigzag walls on the hillside above the city. Afterward, you have free time to walk the cobbled streets, shop at handicraft stalls, grab drinks at cafes, and check out restaurants and bars.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cusco
- Visit Q'oricancha (Sun Temple)
- Visit Sacsayhuaman fortress
Optional Activities
- Stroll around cobbled streets of Cusco
- Shop at handicraft stalls
- Dine at local restaurants and bars
Landmarks/POIs Q'oricancha Sacsayhuaman - Day 10
Cusco to Sacred Valley
Leave Cusco and drive over high plains down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You'll pass villages and temple fortresses throughout this densely populated imperial landscape. Explore the Pisac complex built on terraced hillsides, stop at Pisac village, then continue to Ollantaytambo temple with its mountain views. Spend the night in this tranquil valley.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Drive to Sacred Valley
- Explore Pisac complex
- Visit Pisac village
- Visit Ollantaytambo fortress
Landmarks/POIs Pisac Ollantaytambo - Day 11
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Take a 2-hour scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, set on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest. The ancient Inca city sits in a remarkable location that's one of the world's most fascinating archaeological sites. After a guided tour of the ruins, you'll stay in the spa village of Aguas Calientes. There's also an optional mini Inca Trail hike if you want to add that to your day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Train journey from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Optional Activities
- Hike the mini Inca Trail section
Landmarks/POIs Machu Picchu - Day 12
Machu Picchu to Cusco
You have the choice to go back to the ancient citadel this morning and hike one of several trails around the site. Take the steep path to Huayna Picchu for incredible views, or trek to the Inca Bridge carved into the cliff face. If you'd rather relax, stay at your hotel before heading back to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Return train journey to Cusco
Optional Activities
- Hike to Huayna Picchu
- Trek to Inca Bridge
- Revisit Machu Picchu with morning trails
Landmarks/POIs Huayna Picchu Inca Bridge - Day 13
Cusco
The day is yours to spend at leisure in Cusco. Stroll around the city at a relaxed pace, or try one of several optional activities in the area. Visit Moray's ancient circular irrigation paths with Sacred Valley views, then walk to the white salt ponds at Maras. Alternatively, you could do white-water rafting, cycling, or horse riding if you want something more active.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Trip to Maras and Moray
- Hike around Moray ancient agricultural paths
- Visit salt pans at Maras
- White-water rafting
- Cycling
- Horse riding
- Explore Cusco at leisure
Landmarks/POIs Moray Maras - Day 14
Cusco to Lima
Fly back to Lima where your tour concludes upon arrival.
Included Activities
- Flight to Lima
