We Love —
- Discovering the ancestral magic of Machu Picchu, the intense flavours of its gastronomy and the warmth of its people.
- Visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, enjoying the panoramic views of Carmen Alto, and discovering the Plaza de Armas.
- Opting for a 12 night tour and ending your trip in the lush Amazon, where nature thrives and every sunrise becomes a jungle adventure.
Customer reviews —
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With this private 10-night journey, I invite you to discover southern Peru in a different light. While exploring some of the country’s most iconic sites, you'll also get a taste of the local cuisine, which is gaining increasing recognition on the international stage.
Your trip begins in the capital, Lima, where you'll visit museums and bustling markets. You’ll then continue on to Arequipa and Puno, where you’ll explore the floating islands of Taquile and Uros and even spend a night there.
Next, you’ll travel up to Cusco to discover the Sacred Valley, before reaching the highlight of this wonderful itinerary – a visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the heart of Peru on this tour through Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu. From city life and rich gastronomy to the serenity of Lake Titicaca’s floating islands and the majesty of ancient Inca sites, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Opt for the extended tour and end your adventure in the Amazon rainforest.
Choose the length of your stay:
10-night tour
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Day 2: Lima - Arequipa
Day 3: Arequipa
Day 4: Arequipa – Sillustani - Puno
Day 5: Puno - Uros Island - Amatani
Day 6: Amatani - Taquile Island - Puno
Day 7: Puno – Cusco
Day 8: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes
Day 9: Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Day 10: Cusco
Day 11: Cusco - Lima
12-night tour
Days 1-10: Same as 10 night tour
Day 11: Cusco - Lima - Puerto Maldonado
Day 12: Puerto Maldonado
Day 13: Puerto Maldonado - Lima
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
- Touch down at Jorge Chávez International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend your first evening unwinding and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 2: LIMA - AREQUIPA
- Begin your full-day food and history tour in Lima, exploring the colourful Surquillo Market, rich with diverse fruits and vegetables from across Peru.
- Continue through the artistic districts of Miraflores and Barranco, and witness a culinary demonstration at Señorío de Sulco, including the preparation of a Pisco Sour.
- In the afternoon, visit Lima’s Chinatown and the historic city centre before flying to Arequipa.
Breakfast included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 3: AREQUIPA
- Embark on a half-day tour to the Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa.
- You'll be mesmerised by panoramic views from the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints, showcasing the Chilli River and surrounding volcanoes.
- Explore the Plaza de Armas and delve into the history of the Santa Catalina Monastery.
- Return to your hotel for the evening.
Breakfast included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
*Dress code for visiting churches: pants, long shorts, or skirts that cover the knees; otherwise, entry will not be permitted.
DAY 4: AREQUIPA – SILLUSTANI - PUNO
- Embark on an 8-hour journey from Arequipa to Puno, traversing the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, home to vicuñas and other Andean wildlife.
- From Patahuasi, take the road towards Sillustani, passing through Imata, Lagunillas, and Santa Lucía.
- In Sillustani, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the largest necropolises in the world, featuring over 90 gigantic chullpas and stone mausoleums that reach over 12 meters in height.
- Conclude the day with your arrival in Puno, passing through high-altitude plains and scenic lagoons.
Breakfast + lunch box included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 5: PUNO - UROS ISLAND - AMATANI
- Depart from Puno to the remarkable floating islands of Uros, where an ancient culture thrives atop handwoven layers of totora reeds.
- Marvel at the ingenious reed architecture, from homes to outdoor kitchens, as locals share insights into their unique way of life.
- Continue across Lake Titicaca to Amantaní Island, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into a traditional family home for an authentic overnight stay amidst Andean hospitality.
Breakfast + lunch + dinner included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 6: AMATANI - TAQUILE ISLAND - PUNO
- After breakfast with the locals, take a boat from Amantaní to Taquile Island, where, unlike other islands on the lake, people here speak Quechua, reflecting their Inca heritage, still visible in the architecture.
- Enjoy a brief introduction and a guided tour of the island before lunch.
- After lunch you will go to the harbour for the trip back to Puno.
Breakfast included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 7: PUNO – CUSCO
- Embark on a scenic journey to Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire, as you traverse the breathtaking Andean highlands.
- Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Pucará, a pre-Inca settlement dating back to 200 B.C.–300 A.D.
- Pause at La Raya, the highest point of the route, standing proudly at 4,313 metres above sea level – a perfect photo stop.
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a picturesque setting, offering a taste of local cuisine and warm hospitality.
- Continue your adventure with a visit to Raqchi, famed for the imposing Temple of Wiracocha, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Inca civilisation.
- Discover the quaint town of Andahuaylillas and step inside its beautifully adorned church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its extraordinary murals and baroque frescoes.
- Arrive in Cusco and enjoy a seamless check-in at your hotel, with assistance provided to ensure a comfortable start to your stay.
*Due to the shared nature of this service, the pickup window is 30 minutes from the scheduled start time.
Breakfast + lunch included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 8: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES
- Take a guided tour of the Cusco hills, exploring the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress.
- Then, head to the Pisac market, where stalls sell products created by the local artisans, such as alpaca textiles, musical instruments, paintings, carvings, jewellery, and replicas of ancient Inca artifacts.
- Visit the ruins and the Inca astronomical observatory, then explore the terraces known for their irrigation system.
- After lunch in a local restaurant, head to Ollantaytambo, where Inca urban planning remains visible. The Ollantaytambo Fortress once served as a rest stop for travellers.
- Finally, board the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
Breakfast + lunch included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 9: AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
- Aguas Calientes, nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu, features a craft market, restaurants, and accommodation.
- Just 25 minutes by bus, Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an architectural marvel believed to have served as a retreat for Inca Pachacutec.
- After exploring, return to Aguas Calientes by bus before heading back to Cusco.
Breakfast + lunch (Café Inkaterra) included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 10: CUSCO
- Enjoy a day at your own pace in Cusco.
- Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes, where colonial architecture meets ancient ruins. With its cobbled streets, lively markets, Cusco represents Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
Breakfast included & night in a Standard, Superior or Luxe category hotel.
DAY 11: CUSCO - LIMA
- Sit back and relax as our private transport collects you from your chosen hotel and takes you comfortably to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure.
- Arrive at Lima Airport, where you take your international return flight.
Breakfast included.
12 NIGHT TOUR
DAYS 1-10: SAME AS 10-NIGHT TOUR
DAY 11: CUSCO - LIMA - PUERTO MALDONADO
- Touch down in Puerto Maldonado, the biodiversity capital of Peru, and begin your jungle adventure with a warm welcome at the airport.
- Travel by bus to Capitania Port, where you'll embark on a scenic boat journey along the Madre de Dios River, keeping an eye out for alligators, turtles, herons and other fascinating wildlife lining the riverbanks.
- On arrival at the lodge, refresh with a tropical fruit nectar before settling into your comfortable private bungalow nestled in the heart of the rainforest.
- Enjoy a hearty lunch in the lodge’s charming, rustic-style dining room before heading out in the afternoon with a specialist guide to explore Cocha Caimán, a tranquil lagoon home to both black and white caimans.
- Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, followed by a relaxing evening at the bar, where you can unwind with your favourite drink or enjoy a lively game in the entertainment area.
*The flight to Puerto Maldonado is not included. *Only medium-sized luggage is allowed during your stay in the Puerto Maldonado lodges. The maximum weight of luggage allowed in the lodge is 8 kg. Larger luggage will be stored during your stay.
Lunch + dinner included & night in at Ecoamazonia Lodge.
DAY 12: PUERTO MALDONADO
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a deep jungle trek led by an expert local guide.
- Venture through lush forest trails and across well-maintained bridges, discovering the extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon.
- Encounter a wide range of plant life, from vibrant ornamental species to fruit-bearing and medicinal trees essential to both the environment and the people who inhabit it.
- Keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife: majestic jaguars, playful tapirs, giant otters, capybaras, armadillos, and howler monkeys; alongside reptiles, amphibians, and a spectacular assortment of birds including macaws, partridges and golden parakeets.
- Reach the enchanting Lost Lake (Cocha Perdida), where you’ll climb to an elevated viewing platform to admire panoramic vistas over two distinct palm swamps, vital wetland habitats teeming with life.
- Return to the lodge for a well-earned and flavoursome lunch before embarking on an afternoon visit to nearby Monkey Island.
- Wander through lush foliage and spot agile monkeys in their natural surroundings – including black spider monkeys, tamarins, squirrel monkeys and South American coatis – as well as an abundance of tropical birdlife.
- Round off your jungle adventure by witnessing one final, unforgettable Amazon sunset.
- Back at the lodge, enjoy an exquisite farewell dinner as you reflect on an extraordinary day in the heart of the rainforest.
Breakfast + lunch + dinner included & night in at Ecoamazonia Lodge.
DAY 13: PUERTO MALDONADO - LIMA
- After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the Puerto Maldonado Airport.
- Flight to Lima is included.
Breakfast included & night in at Ecoamazonia Lodge.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary. Please note that can only choose one of the excursions offered in Cusco, as there is only one day free in Cusco and each excursion lasts between 8 and 12 hours.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected Standard, Superior or Luxury category hotels.
Standard category hotels:
Lima: Arawi Miraflores Express or similar (Standard Room)
Arequipa: Casa Andina Standard Arequipa or similar (Traditional Room)
Puno: Casa Andina Standard Puno or similar (Traditional Room)
Amantaní: Homestay or similar (Standard Room)
Cusco: Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi or similar (Standard Room)
Machu Picchu: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu or similar (Standard Room)
Superior category hotels:
Lima: Arawi Miraflores Deluxe or similar (Standard Room)
Arequipa: Hampton or similar (Standard Room)
Puno: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno or similar (Standard Lake View Room)
Amantaní: Homestay or similar (Standard Room)
Cusco: Sonesta Cusco or similar (Standard Room)
Machu Picchu: El Mapi or similar (Superior Deluxe Room)
Luxury category hotels:
Lima: Iberostar Selection Miraflores or similar (City View Room)
Arequipa: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa or similar (Superior Room)
Puno: GHL Titicaca Puno or similar (Superior Room)
Amantaní: Homestay or similar (Standard Room)
Cusco: Casa Andina Premium Cusco or similar (Superior Room)
Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar (Superior Room)
Accommodation for Amazon stay:
Puerto Maldonado: Ecoamazonia Lodge or similar (Bungalow)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Enjoy a bed and breakfast stay from day 2 to day 11. You'll also enjoy lunches (excluding drinks) on days 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 and a full-board day (excluding drinks) on day 5.
Your optional excursions —
Excursion to Laguna Humantay
Explore the spectacular scenery and rich culture of the Andes on a 12-hour guided excursion to Laguna Humantay. Enjoy an unforgettable trek from Cusco, including lunch by the lagoon and breathtaking views of the Salkantay and Humantay mountains, before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Excursion to Vinicunca: the Mountain of 7 Colours
Explore Vinicunca, the mountain of 7 colours, on a private full-day excursion with an early start, panoramic hike and lunch included, before returning to Cusco in the evening.
Excursion to Palcoyo: the Mountain of 7 Colours
Set off on an unforgettable adventure with this 10-hour excursion to the colourful Palcoyo mountain, where you can admire the magnificent hues created by minerals accumulated over millions of years, while enjoying the tranquillity of the place.
Excursion to Balcon del Diablo
Discover the magic of the ancient Inca civilisations on a private, guided 8-hour excursion to the Balcon del Diablo, where nature blends harmoniously with Inca architecture.
Your journey to Peru —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Lima
Welcome to Peru
Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts, where colonial façades meet modern high-rises, and the scent of sizzling anticuchos drifts through grand plazas. Perched on dramatic cliffs above the Pacific, Lima is a place where history hums in the background, from pre-Incan pyramids to baroque churches. With a coastline kissed by the misty garúa and a culinary scene that steals the global spotlight, Lima is the gateway to Peru’s wonders.
Don’t miss:
- Plaza Mayor – The heart of Lima’s colonial past, framed by the ornate Government Palace and cathedral.
- Barranco – The city’s bohemian soul, where colourful murals, indie cafés, and the famed Puente de los Suspiros create an air of romance.
- Museo Larco – A treasure trove of pre-Columbian art, set in a stunning 18th-century mansion.
- Huaca Pucllana – An ancient adobe pyramid nestled in Miraflores, offering a glimpse into Lima’s pre-Hispanic roots.
- El Malecón – A clifftop promenade perfect for paragliding or simply soaking up Pacific Ocean views.
Culinary culture
Lima is a feast for the senses, whether dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or a family-run huarique, Lima’s food scene is pure alchemy. Dive into a plate of ceviche, the city’s signature dish, best paired with a tangy leche de tigre. Savour lomo saltado, a fiery fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavours, or indulge in picarones, golden-fried dough drizzled with syrup.
Dive deeper
Beyond its grand boulevards, Lima hides lesser-known gems. Discover the eerie Catacombs of San Francisco, where thousands of skulls and bones rest in hauntingly symmetrical patterns. Visit the Magic Water Circuit, an unexpected spectacle of choreographed fountains in the heart of the city. Or explore Pueblo Libre, a neighbourhood steeped in history, home to charming colonial houses and hidden peñas where Afro-Peruvian rhythms pulse late into the night.
Good to know
Lima’s climate is mild year-round, though the coastal mist is most persistent from June to October. The local currency is the Peruvian sol, and while taxis are abundant, app-based rides are the safest bet.
Cusco
Welcome to Peru
High in the Andes, where cobbled streets wind past Inca walls and colonial churches, Cusco is a city that feels like a doorway to another world. Once the heart of the Inca Empire, it now thrums with the energy of travellers drawn to its blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and dramatic landscapes. Whether you're here to acclimatise before trekking to Machu Picchu or simply to soak in the city's timeless charm, Cusco is nothing short of enchanting.
Don’t miss
- Plaza de Armas – The beating heart of Cusco, framed by grand cathedrals and lively cafés.
- Sacsayhuamán – These colossal Inca ruins offer sweeping views over the city.
- San Pedro Market – A kaleidoscope of colours, scents, and flavours – from tropical fruits to herbal elixirs.
- Qorikancha – Once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, its golden walls are long gone, but its majesty remains.
- San Blas – A bohemian quarter filled with artisan workshops, hidden courtyards, and atmospheric bars.
Culinary culture
Peruvian cuisine is having a moment, and Cusco is a perfect place to taste why. Try alpaca steak, trout ceviche, or a warming bowl of chupe de quinoa. Sample street snacks like choclo con queso (giant Andean corn with fresh cheese) or sip a pisco sour in a candlelit colonial courtyard. For the bold, cuy al horno (roast guinea pig) is a true local delicacy.
Dive deeper
Beyond the postcard sights, Cusco’s traditions run deep. Time your visit with Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, when Inca rituals take over the city. Seek out a curandero (shaman) for a spiritual coca leaf reading, or visit a textile cooperative in Chinchero to see ancient weaving techniques in action.
Good to know
At 3,400m above sea level, altitude sickness is real – take it slow and drink mate de coca (coca tea) to acclimatise. The best time to visit is the dry season (May–September) when the skies are crisp and blue.
