An opportunity to explore the highlights of Peru, and appreciate stunning landscapes, Incan cities and natural wonders such as Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. Arriving into the capital of Peru, Lima, you will experience a rich colonial heritage and enjoy a guided tour of the city before heading to the stunning city of Arequipa, the White City, due to the white volcanic rock that the city is built using. Arequipa has a backdrop of Misti Volcano and is a good place to acclimatise before further ascending to the stunning Colca Valley where you will stay in an ecolodge and see the majestic Andean Condor with its huge wingspan. Next stop is Lake Tititcaca and Puno, opportunities to visit the Uros floating islands made of totora reeds. Depart Puno for Cusco by bus with opportunities to see museums, chapels and views along the way.
Enjoy the beauty and culture of Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley and its Incan fortresses, markets and local towns, before you head to the highlight of this itinerary, the lost city of Machu Picchu. High in the Andes this Incan city will astonish you with its terraces, dwellings and ceremonial shrines.
This is a sample itinerary that can be tailored to your timings, guide price is based on double occupancy and includes domestic flights.
Day to Day
Below is an example day by day itinerary
Day 1
Met on arrival in Lima and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Antigua Miraflores Hotel.
Day 2
A guided tour of the city will start at Love Park in Miraflores, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient ceremonial centere of the Lima culture. From there, you’ll head to the Plaza de Armas, home to the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace. You’ll visit the Cathedral and then stroll to the Convent of Santo Domingo, where Saints Martin de Porres and Rose of Lima once walked in the 17th century and where their remains now rest. You tour will continue to the Aliaga House, where you’ll uncover the fascinating history of this traditional family spanning 17 generations. Overnight at Antigua Miraflores hotel (B)
Day 3
Transferred to the airport for your departure to Arequipa, the second most populous city in Peru. Known for its stunning architecture and named the White City due to its buildings made of white volcanic stone. Overnight in Hotel Casa Andina (B).
Day 4
Enjoy a guided tour of Arequipa beginning at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, where you will take in sweeping views of agricultural terraces and the three majestic volcanoes that guard the city, Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. You’ll then explore the Yanahuara neighborhood, known for its beautiful Andalusian style church and scenic viewpoint framed by elegant sillar stone arches.
Next, you will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a 16th century building that remained closed to the public for nearly 400 years. Its narrow streets, peaceful plazas, and vibrant gardens offer a glimpse into a cloistered past. You will continue to Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, surrounded by arcades and home to the impressive Cathedral. Your visit will also include the Church of the Society of Jesus, where the intricate cloisters and the famed San Ignacio dome stand out. You will conclude your tour with a visit to the renowned San Camilo Market, where the city’s flavours, colours, and daily life come alive. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Select (B).
Day 5
Today you will transfer to the Colca Valley, enjoying breathtaking landscapes along the way with views of the Chachani, Misti, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes. As you cross the Pampa Cañahuas reserve, you’ll have the chance to spot vicuñas (wild animals smaller but similar to llamas) grazing freely in the highland plains. Your route will also take you through charming traditional villages, each with its own unique character. You will stop for lunch en route before continuing to you hotel. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the lodge or take an optional visit to the nearby thermal baths. Overnight stay in Colca Lodge (BL).
Day 6
Rise early and enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon. You will then make your way to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, one of the best places to witness the awe-inspiring flight of the Andean condor, an endangered species and a powerful symbol of the Andes. As you watch these magnificent birds soar through the sky, feel the refreshing breeze and take in the vastness of the canyon, recognized as one of the deepest in the world. Your journey continues with visits to the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque, both home to charming colonial era churches that have stood the test of time. You'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the lodge. Overnight stay at Colca Lodge (BL).
Day 7
Another early rise, you will visit the villages of Coporaque, Achoma and Lari along the right side of the Colca Valley, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. After your visit, you will begin your journey to Puno on the banks of Lake Titicaca, a scenic drive that takes approximately seven hours. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Puno (B).
Day 8
Enjoy a full day tour exploring the wonders of Lake Titicaca. Your first stop will be the Uros Islands, where you will meet the warm and welcoming locals who live on these unique floating islands made entirely of totora reeds. You will then continue to Taquile Island, known for its preserved ancestral traditions and vibrant traditional clothing. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the island’s scenic trails and take in some of the most stunning views of the lake. A typical local lunch will be served on the island before you return to the city in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Puno (B).
Day 9
You will depart on a scenic bus journey to Cusco (shared tourist bus), making several enriching stops along the way to explore the cultural and natural treasures of this beautiful route. Your first visit will be to the Pukara Museum, where you can admire pre-Incan artifacts and perhaps pick up one of the region’s iconic bull shaped ceramics. Next, you’ll stop at La Raya, the highest point on the route and the natural border between Puno and Cusco, offering breathtaking views of the Andes. After lunch, you will continue to the impressive archaeological site of Raqchi, dedicated to the god Wiracocha, where towering walls and ancient passageways reveal the grandeur of Inca architecture. Before reaching Cusco, you will make one final stop at Andahuaylillas to admire its stunning colonial-era chapel, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes." You will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).
Day 10
Today you will explore Cusco and its surrounds, starting at Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial Incan fortress known for its massive stone walls and breathtaking views, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape. Followed by a panoramic view of Qenqo, an ancient Inca sanctuary dedicated to the Puma, featuring a ritual altar used for ceremonial sacrifices. Your journey continues to the watchtower of Puca Pucara and then to Tambomachay, a remarkable site of architectural brilliance believed to be a key part of the Andean spiritual world view. The tour continues with an exclusive city visit, starting at the magnificent Koricancha Temple which was once known as the Temple of the Sun. Its name in Quechua means "Golden Precinct" and its walls were once covered in sheets of gold. From there, you will stroll through the historic San Blas neighborhood, Cusco’s artisan district, passing by the Inca Roca Palace, now home to the Archbishop’s Palace. Along the way, you’ll stop to admire the famous Stone of the Twelve Angles which is an example of Inca masonry. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco (B).
Day 11
The Sacred Valley of the Incas welcomes you with its rich history and stunning landscapes. Your first stop will be the vibrant Pisac Market, where you’ll have free time to browse handcrafted goods and, if you’re in the mood, sample a traditional treat fresh from the wood-fired oven, perhaps a warm empanada or rustic bread. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing in the afternoon to Ollantaytambo, a charming town that has been continuously inhabited since Inca times. There, you will explore its impressive main temple, once used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. . Overnight stay at Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay.
Day 12
A scenic train journey brings you to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, our staff will be there to assist you in boarding the bus that ascends the winding road to Machu Picchu, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River and its dramatic canyon along the way. The legendary Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu awaits you with its remarkable terraces, ceremonial shrines, stairways, and residential dwellings. After a guided tour that reveals the secrets of this ancient city, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Overnight stay at El Mapi by Inkaterra.
Day 13
Early in the morning, your guide will lead you back to the legendary Lost City of the Incas for a more intimate and meaningful exploration of the ancient complex. You will also have free time to wander the citadel at your own pace, soaking in its magic and mystery. At the scheduled time, you will board the train for your return journey to Cusco. Overnight stay at Casa Andina Premium Cusco.
Day 14
Depending on your departure flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Met on arrival and transferred to Antigua Miraflores Hotel for your overnight stay.
Day 15
Transferred to the airport for your international flight home.