Wonders of Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 2 Lima – Arequipa

The white city, its beautiful European-style historic center. Condors and deep canyons will be waiting for us today! But first, you’ll enjoy a comfortable breakfast with delicious fresh ingredients in your Lima hotel. Later, at a predetermined hour, our host will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Lima International Airport, where he’ll dispatch you on a direct flight to Arequipa.

Through your Airplane’s window, you will see the immense Pacific Ocean collapse against the desert coast that gradually becomes thinner until giving way to mountains typical of the Andes. And suddenly, an imposing volcano called Misti will occupy all your vision with its white peak, and you will realize that a charming city lies at its feet, Arequipa.

Once you arrive in the White City, our local host will welcome you and transport you to your Arequipa hotel, chosen previously. Take a rest, and prepare yourself to begin our fantastic Arequipa City Tour! Your local guide will pick you up a few hours later to begin this magical experience.

Known as “La Ciudad Blanca”, Arequipa is famous for its numerous magnificent temples, convents, colonial houses, and palaces constructed from a white volcanic stone called Sillar. It is a white-toned volcanic stone with which most of the central, historic buildings are made.

First, you will find a colonial mini-city lost in time in the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of Peru’s most fascinating colonials and religious convents. The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena is different from other colonial heritages in this part of Latin America due to its fusion of Spanish and Andean elements that is clearly observed. Its charming, colorful alleys are mixed with cozy squares, lithic water fountains, and the cells of the novices who once lived there.

Continuing this wonderful Andean experience, we’ll then journey around its beautiful central districts like Mirador Carmen del Alto, Yanahuara, Sachaca, Tingo, Mansion del Fundador, Sabandia, and Paucarpata. They are perfect examples of the European architectural influence in charming buildings at the foot of a volcano.

Finally, our local guide will return you to the hotel. He’ll give you some recommendations to avoid altitude sickness and about the best restaurant in the city to enjoy a wonderful lunch or dinner on your own. After the afternoon, you will be free to explore Arequipa’s trendy downtown districts or wherever you choose.

Overnight in Arequipa.
Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 Arequipa – Colca Canyon

This day, the fourth deepest canyon in the world, will be waiting to be explored! Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast provided by your Arequipa hotel, our tour guide will pick you up to start your magical journey through Colca Canyon.

On the way, we will have fantastic views of the Misty, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, which, like lithic giants, will cover our journey to the famous canyon.

We’ll make a first stop at the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where we can appreciate vicuñas, huanacos, and other wild Andean species in their natural environment. This will be a real luxury since Andean camelids are considered endangered, and there are very few places in the world where you can see them freely.

Later, we will pass through many quaint little Andean villages distributed along the canyon, where we’ll see the ancient style of life, traditions, and even charming handicrafts made by their inhabitants.

After, we will stop to enjoy a tasty lunch in an enchanting place inside the canyon, strategically chosen by our tour guide.

Later, we’ll drop you off at your hotel in the middle of the Colca Canyon. Consequently, you will have the rest of the afternoon to rest and enjoy a comfortable dinner on your own or explore the surrounding areas of your hotel at your leisure. Optionally, you may want to visit, on your own, the local hot springs, La Calera.

Overnight in Colca Canyon.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 4 Colca – Puno

Today, we’ll have an incredible journey from Colca Canyon to Puno. We will wake up very early for a gorgeous breakfast at the hotel.

Later, once you check out, our local tour guide will pick you up to continue your trip to the Condor Cross Viewpoint. There, we can admire the flight of the majestic condors, one of the biggest birds of prey in the world, like winged deities furrowing the highest of the Andean skies. Furthermore, these vast and beautiful birds symbolize the Andes Mountain Range. Their bare reddish necks, red crests, completely dark plumage, and strong claws will delight any spectator lucky to be there.

As if that were not enough, we will also be able to appreciate the depths of what is considered the fourth deepest canyon in the world. Approximately 4,160m or 13,650ft deep, this is double the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA!

But our visit will not end there! We will then go to the charming towns of Maca and Yanque; where we will find typical colonial architecture and get to know a typical Andean village, which you can find throughout the entire Peruvian Andes. You can interact with its inhabitants and buy the beautiful crafts they made.

Next, we’ll taste a delicious lunch made of local ingredients and totally included in our program as a tasty farewell to such a beautiful place.

A couple of hours later, your private tour guide will dispatch you, in your private transportation, directly to Puno City. The trip will last 5 hours across impressive mountains, snow, and high plateaus.

Once you arrive in Puno, another local Peruvian Luxe host will wait for you to welcome you and take you to your Puno hotel. You will only have to enjoy your accommodation and have a delicious dinner on your own in some of the best Puno restaurants recommended by our staff.

Overnight in Puno.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5 Puno – Lake Titicaca

Welcome to the highest navigable freshwater lake in the world! Lake Titicaca is located right beside Puno therefore, to get the most from this day, you should start with a delicious breakfast provided by your hotel early in the morning. Later, your host will pick you up from your hotel to the local port, meet up with our tour guide and begin our magic journey through Lake Titicaca!

We will navigate by cool waters while the sky’s deep blue blends with the water’s color on the horizon, and an imposing sun shines on us while our tour guide tells us about the legend of the Inca origins. Some minutes later, we’ll run aground on some drifting, floating islands, handmade from reeds, called Uros. Its friendly locals will show us their lifestyle and customs and tell us about its extensive history of over 2,000 years!

After cordial farewells, we will continue our journey until we reach the island of Taquile. A place where time has stood still and whose residents still live by their ancestral customs and traditions, even dressing according to your marital status! In Taquile, we will enjoy a delightful traditional lunch included in our program while relaxing.

After, we will have an excellent opportunity to explore the island, see its inhabitants’ charming fabrics and handicrafts, and even enjoy the best views of the entire Titicaca Lake.

Finally, our boat will return to the Puno local port, where our host will bring you back to your hotel that afternoon to rest, have dinner on your own, and begin to make beautiful memories of that day.

Overnight in Puno.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 6 Puno – Cusco

On the sixth day, your Andean adventure to Cusco begins with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Puno. Following breakfast, your guide and private transportation will meet you to embark on the journey along the famous Route of the Sun. This historical route was once used by the Incas as they traveled from the southern Altiplano to the Inca capital, Cusco. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Pucara Museum, where you can admire the traditional Pucara bulls, a famous ceramic figure in Peru and South America. Afterward, we’ll continue toward La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco at more than 4,319 meters (14,170 feet), where you can enjoy the crisp mountain air and stunning views.

We will then head to a scenic spot near the Andean plateau to enjoy a traditional lunch, included in the itinerary, while soaking in the beautiful high-altitude landscape. As we approach Cusco, our first major stop will be Raqchi, the Temple of Wiracocha, an ancient Incan site with remarkable architecture and fascinating stories. Continuing the journey, we’ll visit the Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” where you’ll be amazed by the magnificent colonial paintings that blend Andean and Catholic iconography.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can unwind after the journey. Your guide will also provide a brief overview of your upcoming days in Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. If you wish, you can enjoy a dinner in one of Cusco’s many fine restaurants.

Overnight in Cusco.

Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 7 Cusco

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up for a day exploring the fascinating city of Cusco. Known as the “Rome of America,” Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and it’s a place where ancient Andean culture meets colonial architecture. You’ll begin by visiting the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco, where you’ll admire the Cathedral of Cusco, a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture with its incredible collection of religious art. Nearby, you will also visit Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important Inca temples, now part of the Santo Domingo Convent, where Inca stonework merges with Spanish architecture.

Your tour continues with a visit to the archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca site known for its massive stones perfectly fitted together. From there, your guide will take you to Qenqo, an Inca ceremonial center, where you’ll explore the ancient sacrificial altars, followed by a visit to Puca Pucara, an Inca military site. Finally, the day concludes with a visit to Tambomachay, the “Baths of the Inca,” where you can see the stunning water fountains that were once used for ceremonial purposes.

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore more of Cusco on your own, perhaps visiting the San Blas neighborhood or shopping for local handicrafts in the bustling markets.

Overnight in Cusco.

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Cusco – Sacred Valley

Today, you will venture into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region filled with stunning landscapes and ancient Inca sites. Your first stop is Awanacancha, an Andean Camelid Zoo, where you’ll learn about South American camelids like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Here, you’ll have the chance to interact with these animals and see how the locals use traditional weaving techniques to create beautiful textiles from their wool.

Next, we’ll head to Pisac, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Located on a hilltop, Pisac features impressive terraces and Inca structures, including temples, enclosures, and a cemetery. After exploring the archaeological site, you’ll visit the Pisac market, known for its vibrant handicrafts, including textiles, jewelry, and ceramics, all made by local artisans.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal made from locally sourced ingredients at a charming restaurant in the Sacred Valley. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to your hotel, where you can rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the valley. In the evening, you can choose to relax or explore the area around your hotel.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 9 Sacred Valley

Another exciting day in the Sacred Valley awaits you as we begin with a visit to Ollantaytambo, an ancient Inca fortress that played a significant role in the Inca resistance against the Spanish. Here, you’ll wander through narrow alleys, temples, and plazas, all built with perfectly cut stones that have withstood the test of time. Your guide will share the fascinating stories and myths associated with this site, including a legendary love story involving an Inca general and a princess.

After exploring Ollantaytambo, we’ll visit the Maras Salt Mines, a series of small salt ponds that have been in operation since Inca times. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the salt extraction process and purchase some of the locally harvested salt, which is considered one of the best in the world for grilling.

Next, we’ll head to Moray, an agricultural site known for its unique circular terraces. These terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with different crops at varying altitudes. The site is an ancient Inca laboratory, where they perfected their agricultural techniques to adapt to the diverse climates of the region.

After a day of exploration, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a quaint restaurant in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by stunning views. You’ll return to your hotel in the evening to rest and relax.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 10 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

The long-awaited day has arrived – your visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu! After a fulfilling breakfast, we’ll take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. During your 90-minute train ride, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lush Peruvian jungle, as the Vilcanota River flows alongside the train tracks.

Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you’ll meet your local guide and board a bus that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu, located at the top of a mountain. After a short 35-minute bus ride, you will arrive at the world-renowned Inca citadel. Your guide will take you on a two-hour guided tour, exploring the hidden secrets of Machu Picchu, from its ancient temples to its perfectly aligned stone structures. You’ll have plenty of time to take in the panoramic views and capture your perfect photo.

After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for a delightful lunch in one of the town’s best restaurants. Afterward, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 11 Cusco – Lima

On your final day in Peru, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. Whether you’re heading home or continuing your travels, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your adventure in Peru.

Included meals: Breakfast.