Southern Peru Highlights: : Arequipa, Lake Titicaca & Cusco

The tour begins with a timely pick-up from your hotel and a drive to the traditional district of Yanahuara. There, you’ll visit its iconic viewpoint, known for its beautiful white ashlar arches and for offering panoramic views of the city framed by the majestic Misti volcano.

We’ll then head toward Arequipa’s historic city center to explore the Plaza de Armas — the heart of the city — where you'll admire the grand Cathedral, the colonial arcades, and the emblematic Church of the Society of Jesus, known for its elaborate baroque facade and its richly decorated chapel.

Finally, we’ll visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a remarkable architectural complex founded in the 16th century that resembles a miniature city. Walking through its colorful streets, peaceful cloisters, and preserved rooms will give you a unique glimpse into the colonial era and monastic life.

The tour ends at the entrance of the monastery, right in the heart of Arequipa, where you can choose to continue discovering the city on your own or return at your leisure to your accommodation.

Your Colca Canyon adventure begins early in the morning, with a pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa around 3:00 a.m. The drive takes you across the scenic high Andean plateau, where you’ll witness a dramatic change in landscapes—from desert-like plains to snowcapped volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll make a short stop at Patapampa Pass, located at 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), the highest point of the journey. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.

Around 6:30 a.m., you'll arrive in Chivay (3,635 m / 11,926 ft), the capital of the Colca Valley, where a local breakfast awaits. Afterward, the journey continues along the left bank of the Colca Valley. Keep your eyes open for traditional villages, colonial churches, ancient agricultural terraces, and local farmers working the land in colorful traditional dress.

By approximately 8:30 a.m., you’ll reach one of the highlights of the day: the Cruz del Condor Viewpoint (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). This is one of the best spots in South America to observe the majestic Andean condor as it soars effortlessly above the depths of the canyon.

After soaking in the views, the vehicle takes you to the town of Cabanaconde (3,280 m / 10,761 ft), where the trek begins. You’ll start descending into the canyon from the San Miguel viewpoint, following a zigzagging trail carved into the mountain. The descent covers approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and takes about 3 hours, with an elevation drop of over 1,200 meters (3,937 ft). The arid terrain and towering canyon walls create a dramatic backdrop for the hike.

At the base of the canyon, you’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Colca River and arrive at San Juan de Chuccho (2,300 m / 7,546 ft), a small Andean village surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch in a local guesthouse and take a short rest.

After lunch and a brief break, the journey continues as you trek along the inner canyon, passing through the traditional villages of Cosñirhua and Malata. This part of the trail covers approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) and takes about 2 hours, offering stunning views of the canyon, native flora, and glimpses into daily life in these remote communities.

Eventually, you’ll arrive at Sangalle, also known as The Oasis (2,100 m / 6,890 ft), a hidden paradise of palm trees, natural springs, and gardens nestled at the bottom of the canyon. Here, you can unwind and relax in refreshing natural pools, surrounded by peaceful nature and silence. Dinner is served at the lodge, where you'll also spend the night in basic but comfortable accommodations, resting up for the challenging ascent the next morning.

The day begins early, around 4:30 a.m., while the sky is still dark and stars twinkle above the canyon. After a light breakfast, the ascent starts from the Sangalle Oasis (2,100 meters / 6,890 feet above sea level) towards the village of Cabanaconde (3,280 meters / 10,760 feet). This section covers approximately 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) and involves an elevation gain of over 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), usually completed in about 3 hours, depending on your pace and acclimatization. As you climb, the sunrise gradually lights up the canyon walls, offering spectacular views that reward your effort. The trail is steep and winding, demanding determination, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of achievement motivate every step.

Upon reaching Cabanaconde, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast to refuel. Then, the journey back to Arequipa begins with several stops along the way to make the most of the route and appreciate the region’s natural and cultural richness. The first stop is at the Yanque hot springs, where you can relax in natural thermal waters at around 38°C (100°F), perfect for soothing tired muscles after the hike. This visit lasts approximately one hour and is optional.

Next, you continue to Chivay for a buffet lunch featuring traditional regional dishes, a great opportunity to recharge. The route then climbs to the highest point at the Patapampa Viewpoint (4,800 meters / 15,750 feet), offering panoramic views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.

Further along, you pass through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can spot native Andean camelids such as vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat. Before reaching Arequipa, there’s a final stop at Patahuasi to use restroom facilities and stretch your legs before continuing the last leg of the trip.

The journey concludes with your arrival in Arequipa around 5:00 p.m., marking the end of an unforgettable experience in one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world.

The tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Puno, typically between 7:30 and 8:00 AM, followed by a transfer to the main port. Board a motorboat for a 30-minute journey to the Uros Floating Islands, where you'll explore these unique man-made islands constructed entirely of totora reeds. Learn about the Uros people's traditional lifestyle and have the option to take a short ride on a traditional reed boat (additional cost).

Continue with a 2.5 to 3-hour boat ride to Amantani Island, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet). Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by local Quechua-speaking families and escorted to their homes for a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a hike to the island's highest points, Pachatata and Pachamama, to visit ancient temples and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. After dinner with your host family, participate in a cultural evening featuring local music and dance.

After breakfast, depart Amantani for a 1-hour boat ride to Taquile Island. Upon arrival, undertake a moderate uphill walk to the main village, located at approximately 3,950 meters (12,959 feet) above sea level. Explore the island's rich textile traditions, recognized by UNESCO, and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by local residents. In the early afternoon, descend to the port for the return boat trip to Puno, arriving around 3:30 to 4:00 PM.

The Half-Day City Tour in Cusco offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Depending on the agreed schedule, the tour can be booked in the morning (typically between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM) or in the afternoon (usually from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM), providing flexibility to fit your travel plans.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in central Cusco, followed by visits to key landmarks such as the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), renowned for its impressive Inca stonework and colonial architecture. Next, the journey continues to Sacsayhuamán, an archaeological complex offering panoramic views and insight into Inca military engineering.

Other notable stops include Qenqo, known for its ceremonial carvings and underground labyrinths, and Puka Pukara, a strategic military fortress. The tour finishes at the Tambomachay, famed for its aqueducts and fountains, symbolizing Inca water worship.

Throughout the tour, a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) provides detailed historical context and cultural insights. Transportation is provided via a comfortable vehicle with hotel transfers included.

This half-day experience is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Cusco, balancing cultural immersion with other activities such as visiting Machu Picchu or trekking.

Your journey begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco around 7:00 a.m., as you set off towards one of the most historically and culturally rich regions of the Andes. The Sacred Valley, located at a lower altitude than Cusco (averaging 2,900 meters / 9,500 feet), offers a gentler climate and breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.

Your first stop is Pisac, known for its vibrant handicraft market and impressive archaeological site that clings to the mountainside. Here, you’ll explore ancient agricultural terraces, ceremonial sites, and sweeping views of the valley below—all while learning about Inca engineering and cosmology. There's time to stroll through the colorful local market, where artisans sell textiles, ceramics, and silver jewelry.

From Pisac, the journey continues along the scenic Vilcanota River. As the valley opens up, you’ll pass small Andean villages and terraced landscapes that have been cultivated for centuries. A typical Andean lunch is included in the town of Urubamba, offering a taste of local flavors with options for vegetarian and special diets.

In the afternoon, you arrive at Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with narrow cobblestone streets and one of the most spectacular archaeological complexes in the region. You’ll climb the ceremonial terraces of the Temple of the Sun and hear stories of ancient resistance against the Spanish conquest. This site also serves as a gateway to Machu Picchu, adding historical depth to your visit.

Before returning to Cusco, there's a final brief stop in Chinchero (depending on time and logistics), a highland village famed for its traditional weaving techniques and colonial church built atop Inca foundations. Here, you’ll witness a short demonstration of natural dyeing and loom work, offering a deeper insight into Andean cultural heritage.

Arrival back in Cusco is around 6:30–7:00 p.m., depending on traffic and weather, ending a full day of discovery through the heart of the Inca civilization.

The Machu Picchu Day Tour by Train begins very early in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cusco, typically around 4:00 AM. From there, you will enjoy a comfortable private van ride of approximately two hours, traveling about 70 kilometers (43 miles) through the breathtaking Sacred Valley to reach the Ollantaytambo train station, which sits at an altitude of 2,792 meters (9,160 feet).

At around 6:10 AM, you will board the Expedition or Vistadome train—both popular options for this journey—heading towards Aguas Calientes, the small town located at 2,040 meters (6,692 feet) and known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. The train ride lasts roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which you will be treated to stunning views of the Urubamba River, verdant mountains, and traditional Andean villages scattered along the way.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes at about 7:40 AM, you will take a 30-minute bus ride ascending a winding road that climbs 600 vertical meters (1,968 feet) up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, perched at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. This shuttle bus ride is essential, as the ruins themselves are inaccessible by private vehicles.

Your guided tour of Machu Picchu typically starts around 8:15 AM, led by an experienced, English-speaking guide who will reveal the secrets of this ancient Incan citadel over the course of approximately two hours. You will explore iconic landmarks such as the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone, all while learning about the cultural and historical significance of each site.

After the guided segment, you’ll have about an hour of free time to wander independently, take photographs, or simply soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Andean peaks and cloud forests.

At around 11:30 AM, you will descend by shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have the option to enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the small town’s markets and hot springs if time permits.

The return train departs Aguas Calientes around 3:20 PM, retracing the scenic route back to Ollantaytambo. You’ll arrive at Ollantaytambo station near 5:30 PM, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. The journey concludes with your arrival at the hotel, typically between 7:30 and 8:00 PM, after a full day of exploration, culture, and natural beauty.

This itinerary covers approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) round-trip and offers a manageable altitude profile, making it accessible for travelers with varying fitness levels while delivering an unforgettable encounter with one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.