Southern Peru Tour Colca Canyon Sacred Valley Machu Picchu

Price

2,477$ per person

Duration

12 Days

Destination

More than 1

Travellers

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Tour Plan
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Enjoy a memorable 12-day to the best of Southern Peru

This 12-day Peru trip itinerary is perfect for those who want to experience the Andes in just over a week. The carefully crafted itinerary is designed to include core cities and sites of interest: Peru’s capital city Lima, flight of condors in the Colca Valley, ‘white city’ of Arequipa, navigate on the highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, visit the city of the Incas, Cusco, visit Andean community, tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas and finally visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, the citadel of Machu Picchu. This 12-day tour package allows you to experience all there is to offer and explore the rich ancient and cultural heritage of Peru.

Highlight

A comprehensive adventure package that covers all of Peru’s main attractions including Lima, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Enjoy the beautiful panoramas surrounding the Sapphire Lakes and the high peaks in the mountainous regions of Peru.
Be part of Peru’s attractive culture and experience the traditions that are followed.
Explore the ancient and incredible regions of Machu Picchu.
Witness Peru’s mix of Incan and colonial architecture.
View the beautiful skies of Machu Picchu when the sun lights them up.

What's included

Destination

Arequipa & Colca Canyon , Cusco , Lake Titicaca , Lima , Machu Picchu , Sacred Valley Discover Destinations

Departure Location

Lima

Return Location

Cusco

Price includes

24 hour support by our local staff
Accommodation in Hotel with breakfast included
All entrance fees and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
All ground transportation
All transfers airport, train station or bus station transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off
All transfers are assisted by English speaking staff
Guided tours by local quality English speaking guides
Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available)
Train tickets

Price does not include

Anything not specified in the itinerary description
Domestic flight tickets
Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Guidance in other languages
International flight tickets
Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Tips for guides, drivers and other staff
VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation

Trip code: ESPE12D02

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12

Day 1

International Arrival in Lima

Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign with your name on it and private transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
Meals included: None.

Day 2

Gastronomic Tour and Lima Colonial Walking Tour

Breakfast at Hotel; pick up from the hotel at 09:00am. This culinary adventure will begin with a visit to the local market. You will see, smell, taste, and experience the infinite variety of textures, colors, aromas, and flavors.
Then, we will take you to our cooking studio where you will have a “hands-on”, learn more about Peruvian cuisine and prepare delicious local dishes. You will make an authentic Peruvian dish to tantalise your tastebuds and later enjoy your achievements.
You have to choose 4 options; FISH; "Sudado de Pescado" steamed fish (Main Course) or Peruvian National dish called "Ceviche". CHICKEN; "Aji de Pollo" in English chili chicken (Main Course) or "Papas a la Huancaina". MEAT; "Lomo saltado" (Main Course) or "Causa Limeña".
Vegetarian option; "Pimento Relleno" (Main Course) and "Solterito".
At the end we will enjoy the lunch prepared by ourselves.
Around 14:00pm pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We'll take you to a fascinating walking tour. We will show you Palaces and castles our city hides, we also going to take you to our great Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs!
Also we visit "The Main Square", Archbishop's Palace and the Municipal Palace, other great places you will visit are: the Train Station Palace, unique old fashioned "Cordano Bar", colorful mansion palaces, Jiron del Union Pathway, Post Office Palace, Dominicans tower, Historical Rimac Bridge and lovely surrounded wooden Balconies and the next big project in the City the Under river subway.
Our historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by the UNESCO; we will show you the Original Spain Mansion Palace and enjoy its great collection of 18th Century paintings, its impressive sculptures, wooden varandas, trendy gilded mirrors and great original terrace.
After the tour we will take you back to your hotel. The tour ends at 18:00pm.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3

Flight to Arequipa and City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

Breakfast at hotel; at 07:00am pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival to Arequipa reception and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel pick-up at 14:00pm. The tour will begin in Carmen Alto where we can see the Chili River. Our next stop will be the Yanahuara Viewpoint. This stunning place is famous for its lovely narrow streets. Afterward we will continue on to the Main Square of Arequipa. The scenery here is one of the most important aspects of the White City’s history since Arequipa´s foundation.
During our visit to the main Square we will visit The Basilica Cathedral, where the Arch Bishop still resides, and the Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus. We will have the opportunity to gaze upon golden alters, beautifully hand painted Polychrome Cupolas, hand painted stained glass cloistered windows, gorgeous 17th century Inca Art and awe inspiring Bell Towers.
Lastly, we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery. The monument´s foundations dates back to 1579 and are one of the most marvelous, important and religiously iconic monuments in Peru. The Monastery has conserved its traditional characteristics for centuries. Its narrow streets and gardens with typical Spanish names bring back memories of the old quarters of Sevilla and Granada.
Overnight at the Hotel in Arequipa.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 4

Excursion to the Colca Valley

Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel at 08:00am land departure toward your exciting excursion towards the Colca Valley. In the route, we will drive across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve. You will be blown away by the magnificent views of the volcanoes named Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
Upon arrival to the reserve, you will be able to first-hand experience the wild vicuñas in their natural habitats, which is considered a national symbol. We then continue on to Vizcachani, Pampas de Toccra, up to the crater of the volcano Chucura and lastly on to the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa (4800m) from where the volcanoes that frame Arequipa can be seen.
Before arriving to Colca Valley our last stop will be at the Mirador, from where gorgeous pre-Columbian terraces that are still being cultivated by native Collaguas can be carefully observed. Once we get to the town of Chivay transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and rest up.
Overnight at the Hotel in Colca Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 5

Observe the flight of the Condors and Journey to Puno

Breakfast at hotel; pick up at 06:00am we will make our way to the awe inspiring Cruz del Cóndor to gaze upon the Colca Valley (the second deepest canyon in the world, 4km at its deepest point!) and be blown away with amazement as we marvel at the great and majestic condors soaring only a few meters away.
Afterward we will make our way to the town of Pinchollo as well as the Antahuilque Viewpoint to see an amazing terrace built 1500 years ago. On our way back to Chivay we will stop at the viewpoints of Choquetico and Tumbas Colgantes, meaning ¨hanging tombs¨ where hundreds of Inca & Pre-Inca souls have been laid to rest.
The we continue to the towns of Maca and Yanque where you will be able to set eyes upon the valley’s most beautiful church and have lunch the towns’ quaint small town square.
After arriving in Chivay again you can enjoy a hearty lunch at a local eatery.
At 13:30pm, take the private transportation to Puno.
On the way, we will see the stone forest and stop at the lagoon called Lagunillas that is home to a great wild variety of birds and flora. This journey will take around 6 hours.
Upon arrival, you will be received and transferred to your Puno hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 6

Lake Titicaca (Uros Floating Islands & Taquile)

Breakfast at hotel; you will be picked up from your hotel at 08:00am and transferred to Puno´s port. Our journey will begin with the Uros Floating Islands. The Uros are the native people who live on these man-made islands made with cattail which is grown on Lake Titicaca. The houses are built atop, while the cooking is done outside to avoid fires.
After spending an hour on the Island of Uros, you will proceed to the Island of Taquile. Here you will become aware that these locals speak Quechua instead of the predominant Aymara. The Island of Taquile was once a part of the Inca Empire, which still influences the style of the buildings today.
Upon arrival to the island, you will receive some brief information as well as a tour until lunchtime. In the afternoon, the boat will take you back to Puno.
From Puno´s port, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7

Visit Sillustani and Flight to Cusco

Breakfast at hotel; at 08:30am you will be collected from your hotel in Puno and transferred to Juliaca airport.
En route to the airport you will visit the Chullpas at Sillustani, where you will be able to visit one of the largest cemeteries in the world which is home to almost 100 Chullpas (ancient funerary towers)! The specifics suggest that each of these towers stands at about 12 meters high with the width increasing from bottom-up. In keeping with ancient rites, objects such as jewelry, food, and stoneware were also placed in the tombs.
Once you are done visiting the necropolis, you will continue on to the Juliaca airport.
At 13:50pm our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign with your name on it and private transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 8

Visit the Andean Community of Taucca and Chinchero

Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel at 09:00am and transfer to Chinchero area.
Today we have the opportunity to visit the community of Taucca populated by 20 families and located at an elevation of 3,850 meters. From that height, you will have a most incredible view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the surrounding landscape, and snowcapped mountains.
The villagers will share with you their traditional Andean way of life through different activities you can engage in, like weaving demonstrations, plowing with Andean tools, etc. In addition, you will see them spin and dye wool thread using natural dyes as well as weave fabric following their ancient techniques. Finally you enjoy a traditional lunch made by the community women from ingredients organically grown in their fields.
After lunch our private transport drives us to Chinchero archeological site, a quaint little town that houses an important late 1400´s Incan outpost as well as a charming, traditional church. The locals are well-known for their preservation of traditional Andean spinning and weaving techniques. For this reason, they set up a market in the town square to sell their handmade crafts to visitors. Then back to Cusco and drop-off at your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9

Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Breakfast at hotel; Pick up from your hotel at 08:00am. We will embark on a journey back in time to the Inca´s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco.
Our first place of visit will be Awanacancha, where we can observe and feed the Andean camelids like llamas and alpacas; here the local people will show us their techniques of weaving and dyeing traditional textiles.
Later we visit Pisac; the ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
Afterward you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully hand crafted products.
Afterward lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Then we will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress, administrative and urban center.
After the tour we will make our way to the Ollantaytambo train station where we will catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10

Visit to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco

Breakfast at the hotel; around 06:00am you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site (2,430m/7,972ft) declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the hilltop citadel deserved every bit of its fame.
Around 07:30am the guided tour begins, the guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered to be the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. The guided tour takes around two hours.
From 10:00am to 12:00pm once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own.
From 12:30pm to 13:30pm take bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30pm to 15:00pm take lunch on you own.
Return to Cusco: later board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at the Poroy station and then be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 11

Colorful San Pedro market and Cusco Walking Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Pick up from the hotel at 09:00am – walking tour will begin at Colourfull San Pedro market, there's probably no better market to experience Cusqueñan life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how local residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide will explain the history of this market as you wander through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, breads, crafts, shaman stalls, etc.
After we visit Cusco's main square, a busy and vibrant space that marks the colonial center of the city; which features wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
Then we walked towards the street of Hatun Rumiyoc. The walls of the palace have a Snake and Puma on it. Moreover, there you can observe the well-known 12 angle stone which is a symbol of perfection in Incan Architecture.
After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here!
Around 13:00pm back to hotel.
Free time in the afternoon.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 12

Departure from Cusco and International flight at home

Breakfast at hotel; at 08:50am pick up from the hotel and transfer to Cusco airport, take flight to Lima. At same Lima airport take International flight at home.
Meals Included: Breakfast.