Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Peru, exploring its vibrant cities, majestic landscapes, and ancient wonders. This 16-day adventure combines culture, history, and nature: from Lima’s colonial heritage to Arequipa’s White City charm, the breathtaking Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca’s floating islands, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco’s Inca treasures. The highlight is the legendary 4-day Inca Trail, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
Highlights
- Explore Lima’s Colonial and Modern districts, plus the renowned Larco Museum.
- Discover Arequipa’s White City and the Convent of Santa Catalina.
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Colca Canyon and spot soaring condors.
- Cruise across Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island.
- Visit Sillustani’s pre-Inca burial towers and Andahuaylillas’ “Sistine Chapel of Peru.”
- Explore Cusco’s city tour: Cathedral, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, and more.
- Experience the Sacred Valley with Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress.
- Hike the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through breathtaking Andean landscapes.
- Witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Itinerary
Assistance upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
Private transfer to your hotel in the Historic Downtown area.
Free time to rest after your international flight.
Overnight stay in Lima.
Morning private guided tour of Lima, the “City of Kings.”
- Plaza Mayor, Basilica Cathedral, Government Palace (exterior), Plaza San Martín, and colonial balconies.
Continue to modern districts: San Isidro, Miraflores, Central Park of Miraflores, and Larcomar (panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean).
Visit Larco Museum, showcasing pre-Inca and Inca artifacts, textiles, ceramics, gold and silver ornaments with semi-precious stones.
Overnight in Lima.
Morning flight to Arequipa, the “White City” (2,350 m), built from volcanic sillar stone.
Afternoon tour:
- Convent of Santa Catalina, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, colonial churches.
- Cloisters of the Compañía Church, Yanahuara viewpoint, and charming colonial streets.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Scenic drive through Pampa Cañahuas (Vicuña reserve).
Ascend to Patapampa Pass (4,800 m) with panoramic views of the Colca Valley.
Arrival in Chivay, check-in at hotel with private bathroom.
Afternoon visit to La Calera hot springs.
Overnight in Chivay.
Early departure to Cruz del Condor viewpoint, the deepest part of the canyon, to observe Andean condors in flight.
Visit Andean villages such as Maca and Llonque.
Explore colonial churches, Inca terraces, ancient cave paintings, and the active Sabancaya Volcano.
Return to Chivay, then continue to Arequipa.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Morning transfer by private coach to Juliaca.
Stop at Sillustani Archaeological Complex: pre-Inca and Inca funerary towers (Chullpas) by Lake Umayo.
Continue to Puno.
Afternoon boat tour to the Uros Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca, visiting local families and learning about their traditions.
Overnight in Puno.
Motorboat excursion to Taquile Island, home to communities preserving ancient traditions, customs, and weaving techniques.
Panoramic views of Lake Titicaca with Bolivia’s Cordillera Real in the background.
Return to Puno in the afternoon.
Overnight in Puno.
Transfer to bus station for scenic journey to Cusco.
En route visits:
- Pukara Museum (pre-Inca artifacts).
- La Raya Pass (4,335 m) – highest point of the route, marking the natural border between Puno and Cusco.
- Lunch stop in Sicuani.
- Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha).
- Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of Peru.”
Arrival in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Guided visits to:
- Cusco Cathedral (Plaza de Armas).
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), later transformed into Santo Domingo Convent.
Surrounding archaeological sites:
- Sacsayhuamán Fortress.
- Q’enqo, ceremonial labyrinth.
- Puca Pucara, military outpost.
- Tambomachay, ritual water temple.
Afternoon free to rest.
Overnight in Cusco.
Excursion to Pisac, visiting the colorful artisan market and Pisac ruins.
Continue to Ollantaytambo: massive fortress with temples, terraces, and palaces.
Overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Transfer to Km 82 to begin the Inca Trail trek.
Trek along the Urubamba River, with lunch in Miskay.
Visit Llactapata archaeological site.
Continue to Wayllabamba campsite.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Trek through diverse ecological zones to the highest point of the Inca Trail:
- Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m.
Descend to Pacaymayo campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visit Runkurakay ruins and cross the second pass (4,000 m).
Explore Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins.
Final stretch to Wiñaywayna campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Early trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel.
Bus down to Aguas Calientes, then train back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Cusco.
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Lima.
Optional visit to the Gold Museum of Peru (pre-Inca artifacts, goldsmith work, mummies, ceramics).
Overnight in Lima.
Transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport.
End of services.
Includes
The Cost Includes
- All nights accommodation in Hotel (breakfast included)
- All the transfers and land transportations indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic flights in Peru
- All tours in accordance with the official program
- All entrance tickets in excursions indicated in the itinerary
- Professional guides for all excursions indicated in the itinerary
- Touristic Train tickets * Cusco - Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu)- Cusco
- First aid kid
The Cost Excludes
- Airport taxes ($30.25 for international flights and $6.05 for domestic flights)
- Meals (lunch and dinner are included only where stated)
- Services, excursions, hotels and meals not mentioned
- Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
- Baggage excess
- Laundry service
- Personal expenses
- Tips
FAQs
Yes, permits are mandatory and sell out quickly. It’s recommended to book at least 6 months in advance.
The trek reaches 4,200 m at Dead Woman’s Pass. Acclimatization days in Cusco are included before the trek.
The Inca Trail is moderately challenging with several steep climbs and descents. Good physical condition is recommended.
Light trekking clothes, sturdy hiking boots, a warm jacket, rain gear, sun protection, and personal essentials. A packing list will be provided.
Yes, vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be arranged with prior notice.
