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 —
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 → Taquile Island
Day 6: 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 - Departure
12-night tour
Days 1-10: Same as 10 night tour
Day 11: Cusco → Puerto Maldonado
Day 12: Puerto Maldonado
Day 13: Puerto Maldonado → Lima - Departure
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 (LIM) and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend your first evening unwinding and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Overnight stay in Lima.
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.
- Later, join a cooking class in a local tavern, where you'll discover and taste the main dishes of Peruvian gastronomy during lunch.
- In the afternoon, visit Lima’s Chinatown and the historic city centre before flying to Arequipa.
Breakfast included.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
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.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
*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.
Overnight stay in Puno.
DAY 5: PUNO → TAQUILE ISLAND
- Depart from Puno to the remarkable Taquile Island, 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.
- In the evening, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a traditional family home for an authentic overnight stay amidst Andean hospitality.
Full board included.
Overnight stay on Taquile Island.
DAY 6: TAQUILE ISLAND → PUNO
- After breakfast, start the morning leisurely and stroll by the quaint streets of this colourful island.
- In the afternoon, take a motorboat excursion on Lake Titicaca to explore the unique floating islands of the Uros, where an ancient culture thrives atop handwoven layers of totora reeds.
- After lunch, you will go to the harbour for the trip back to Puno.
Breakfast included.
Overnight stay in Puno.
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.
Overnight stay in Cusco.
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 artefacts.
- 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.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
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.
Overnight stay in Cusco.
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 and lively markets, Cusco represents Peru’s rich cultural heritage.
Breakfast included.
Overnight stay in Cusco.
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 New Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), 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, settle in at Inkaterra’s private Ecological Reserve, Peru’s first, preserved since 1975.
- After lunch, relax in your cabin or unwind in the hammock before setting off on guided excursions such as exploring the Trail System to learn about Amazonian biodiversity or observing impressive trees and wildlife
- Keep your camera ready for possible sightings of sloths or monkeys.
- In the evening, discover how the jungle transforms at night, spotting species adapted to darkness, including nightjars, owls, capybaras, and caimans along the riverbanks.
- Later, enjoy dinner in the main dining room featuring Amazonian-inspired dishes and a complimentary Pisco Sour toast.
- Return to your cabin to rest, lulled by the symphony of the surrounding jungle.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Overnight stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.
DAY 12: PUERTO MALDONADO
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast before setting off on a morning excursion to Lake Sandoval in Tambopata National Reserve.
- Board a carved wooden canoe and paddle through serene channels flanked by palm trees.
- Observe wildlife, including endangered river wolves, howler monkeys, macaws, anacondas, turtles, black caimans, and various bird species.
- Enjoy a unique, close-to-nature experience before returning to Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica for lunch.
- In the afternoon, explore the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, an ecological system of hanging bridges 38 meters above the rainforest.
- Spot toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys, and sloths while enjoying panoramic views.
- Upon descending, take a 30-minute walk along the Anaconda Walk, an elevated wooden platform 200 meters long, built over a flooded aguajal forest.
- Back at the lodge, enjoy a hearty dinner.
Full board included.
Overnight stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.
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.
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 —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected Superior or Luxury category hotels.
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)
Taquile Island: 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)
Taquile Island: 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: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica or similar
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Single rooms available at an extra cost. Maximum room capacity: 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay. You'll also enjoy lunches (excluding drinks) on days 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 and 2 dinners on days 11 and 12 for the 12-night tour (excluding drinks).
Your included extras —
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Your optional excursions —
Excursion to Laguna Humantay - 2 people
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 Seven Colours - 2 people
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 Seven Colours - 2 people
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 - 2 people
Discover the magic of ancient Inca civilisations on an 8-hour private guided tour to Balcón del Diablo, where nature blends harmoniously with Inca architecture, offering an immersive experience combining history, culture and breathtaking landscapes.
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 —
Peru
A land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Peru captivates travellers with its extraordinary diversity. From the soaring Andes and Amazon rainforest to the arid beauty of the coastal deserts, the country offers a wealth of experiences for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. With ancient ruins, colourful markets, and world-renowned cuisine, Peru promises unforgettable journeys at every turn.
Must-sees:
- Machu Picchu: Explore the iconic Inca citadel perched high in the Andes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological wonders.
- Cusco: Wander through this historic city, once the capital of the Inca Empire, with its colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and rich cultural heritage.
- Sacred Valley: Discover picturesque villages, ancient ruins, and terraced landscapes that showcase traditional Andean life.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the world’s highest navigable lake and its floating reed islands, home to the indigenous Uros people
- Nazca Lines: Marvel at the mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert, best seen from a scenic flight above.
Culinary culture
Peruvian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its diversity and bold flavours. Sample ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos, or enjoy traditional Andean dishes like quinoa stews and roasted guinea pig (cuy). Sweet treats such as alfajores and lucuma desserts are complemented by local beverages like pisco sour and fresh tropical juices.
Dive deeper
Trek the Inca Trail, hike the Colca Canyon to spot majestic condors, or explore the Amazon basin for wildlife and rainforest adventures. Visit local markets to experience colourful textiles, artisanal crafts, and traditional festivals. Peru’s landscapes and cultures offer endless opportunities for discovery and immersion.
Good to know
The currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN). Peru is best explored by a combination of flights, trains, and guided tours for remote areas. The dry season from May to September is ideal for trekking and exploring the Andes, while the Amazon region is best visited during the warmer, wetter months for optimal wildlife viewing.
