Peru 12 days: Lima, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco

Overview

1. Day 01

   Welcome to Lima

   Your journey through Peru begins in Lima, where our team will welcome you at the airport and take you to your selected hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro. You will have the afternoon free to relax and get ready to discover some of the country’s most impressive destinations.

2. Day 02

   Colonial and Modern Lima

   Discover both sides of Peru’s capital on a tour that combines history, architecture and ocean views. Visit Miraflores, the Love Park, Huaca Pucllana and the elegant district of San Isidro before exploring Lima’s Main Square, the Cathedral and San Francisco Monastery with its famous catacombs.

3. Day 03

   From Lima to the White City of Arequipa

   After breakfast, fly to Arequipa, one of the most charming cities in Peru. In the afternoon, visit Carmen Alto Viewpoint, Yanahuara, Santa Catalina Monastery, the Main Square and the Church of the Society of Jesus, all framed by views of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

4. Day 04

   Journey to Colca Canyon

   Travel from Arequipa to Colca Canyon through spectacular Andean landscapes, protected natural areas and regions inhabited by wild vicuñas. From Patapampa Viewpoint, admire an extraordinary chain of volcanoes before arriving in Chivay, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

5. Day 05

   Condor Flight and Journey to Puno

   Experience one of the most memorable moments of the tour at the Condor Cross, one of the best places to watch these majestic Andean birds in flight. You will also visit traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and ancient agricultural terraces before continuing to Puno across the dramatic Altiplano.

6. Day 06

   Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca

   Cruise across Lake Titicaca and visit the floating Uros Islands, built from totora reeds by local families. Continue to Taquile Island, where you will enjoy beautiful landscapes, traditional textile culture and a local lunch prepared by the community.

7. Day 07

   Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco

   Travel along one of the most scenic and cultural routes in southern Peru. During the journey, visit Pukara, La Raya Pass, the Raqchi archaeological complex and Andahuaylillas Church before arriving in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

8. Day 08

   Living History in Cusco

   Enjoy a free morning to rest and explore the city at your own pace before beginning a guided tour of Cusco’s main attractions. Visit the Cathedral, Qoricancha and the impressive archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.

9. Day 09

   Sacred Valley of the Incas

   Discover the Sacred Valley through mountain landscapes, traditional villages and ancient Inca sites. Visit Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba and learn more about the textile traditions preserved by local communities.

10. Day 10

    The Magic of Machu Picchu

    Experience the most anticipated day of the journey with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes and a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Explore its temples, plazas, terraces and viewpoints while discovering the history of one of the world’s most admired archaeological wonders.

11. Day 11

    Rainbow Mountain

    Set out on an unforgettable adventure through the high Andes to Rainbow Mountain. Along the trail, admire llamas, alpacas and dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint and taking in its remarkable natural colours.

12. Day 12

    Farewell from Cusco

    After twelve days exploring Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, you will have free time until your transfer to the airport. You will leave Peru with unforgettable memories of its coast, mountains, culture and history.

Itinerary

• 1

  DAY 1Arrival in the city of Lima

  Arrival and welcome in the Peruvian capital

  Reception at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport by our representative. Private transfer to the selected hotel in the districts of Miraflores or San Isidro.

  Free afternoon to rest after the international flight and acclimatize.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima

  Includes: Private airport–hotel transfer

• 2

  DAY 2City tour of Lima – Colonial and Modern – UNESCO World Heritage Site

  Discover historic and contemporary Lima

  After breakfast, we will begin our complete city tour of Lima, visiting the main attractions of the area:

  MODERN LIMA: We start in Miraflores with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial center dating back to the 4th century. We will visit the romantic Parque del Amor along the cliffs, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Next, we will visit the elegant district of San Isidro and its historic olive grove, the Olivar of San Isidro.

  COLONIAL LIMA (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE): Explore Lima’s Historic Centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes:

  • Plaza de Armas of Lima
  • Government Palace (Pizarro’s Residence)
  • Lima Cathedral
  • Archbishop’s Palace
  • San Francisco Convent: interior visit to the famous 17th-century underground catacombs, colonial library, and cloisters

  Optional visit to the Larcomar shopping center with ocean views or direct return to the hotel.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima.

  Includes: breakfast, guided city tour, and entrance fees.

• 3

  DAY 3Lima – Arequipa – City Tour of the White City

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa.

  Reception and transfer to the hotel in Arequipa, the White City.

  Arequipa City Tour (14:00):

  • Carmen Alto viewpoint: panoramic views of the Chilina Valley
  • Yanahuara viewpoint: classic postcard view of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes
  • Santa Catalina Monastery: 16th-century colonial citadel, known as a “city within the city”
  • Plaza de Armas of Arequipa: one of the most beautiful in Peru
  • Arequipa Cathedral (exterior view)
  • Church of the Company of Jesus: a jewel of mestizo baroque architecture

  Return to the hotel.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Arequipa

  Includes: Transport, domestic flight, city tour, and entrance fees.

• 4

  DAY 4Arequipa – Colca Canyon (Chivay) – Hot Springs

  After breakfast

  • Journey to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Early departure crossing:
  • Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve
  • Vicuñas in Pampa Cañahuas
  • Volcano Viewpoint in Patapampa (4,800 m a.s.l.) with views of the Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes
  • Arrival in Chivay, lunch included.

  Free afternoon: We recommend visiting the La Calera hot springs (optional).

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Chivay

  Includes: breakfast, lunch, and tourist transport.

• 5

  DAY 5Cruz del Cóndor – Condor Flight – Travel to Puno

  The majestic flight of the Andean condors

  Early morning departure to Cruz del Cóndor, the best viewpoint to observe the flight of the Andean condors. These majestic birds take advantage of the morning thermal currents for their ceremonial flight.

  Visit to traditional Colca Valley villages:

  • Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque: colonial architecture and ancestral traditions
  • Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints: views of the canyon and Inca agricultural terraces
  • Hanging tombs and pre-Columbian terraces

  Return to Chivay for lunch. In the afternoon, we will travel to Puno along the highland route, passing unique puna landscapes, high-altitude lagoons, and traditional villages.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Puno

  Includes: breakfast and tourist transport.

• 6

  DAY 6Lake Titicaca – Uros and Taquile Floating Islands

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  At 7:00 am, pick-up from the hotel and transfer to the dock or main port to board our boat and visit the Uros Islands, currently considered part of the Lake Titicaca National Reserve – the highest navigable lake in the world.

  Uros Floatign Island (morning):

  • Navigation to these artificial islands built with totora reeds
  • Interaction with the Uros families who maintain their ancestral traditions
  • Learning about their unique floating architecture, one of a kind in the world

  Taquile Island (afternoon):

  • Navigation to this natural island inhabited by Quechua communities
  • Hike along traditional trails with panoramic views of Lake Titicaca
  • Typical lunch with lake trout prepared by the local community
  • Observation of traditional weaving recognized by UNESCO
  • Learning about their customs such as “ayni” (Andean reciprocity)

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Puno

  Includes: breakfast, lunch, lake tour, and entrance fees.

• 7

  DAY 7Sun Route Puno – Cusco – Tourist Bus

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Transfer to the bus terminal.

  At 07:00 am, departure to the city of Cusco on a tourist bus service. Scenic journey through the southern Peruvian highlands (Altiplano).

  We will make tourist stops at:

  • Pucará: Lithic Museum and ceramic center famous for the “Toritos de Pucará”
  • La Raya (4,335 m a.s.l.): highest point of the route and continental divide
  • Buffet lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant
  • Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha: Inca archaeological complex dedicated to the creator god
  • Andahuaylillas: “The Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” with its colonial church of San Pedro
  • Finally, arrival in the city of Cusco. Reception and transfer to your selected hotel.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: breakfast, buffet lunch, tourist bus, and entrance fees.

• 8

  DAY 8Cusco City Tour

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Free morning for acclimatization to the altitude (3,400 m a.s.l.).

  Pick-up from the hotel between 13:00 and 13:20 to begin the city tour and nearby archaeological sites.

  The Cusco City Tour will show the impressive colonial city built on Inca foundations. We will visit the Cathedral, a Renaissance-style structure with beautiful paintings from the Cusco School, and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), known as the Royal House of the Sun of Cusco.

  We continue with visits to the four nearby archaeological sites:

  • Sacsayhuamán: ceremonial fortress with megalithic stone blocks
  • Qenqo: natural amphitheater and ceremonial center
  • Puka Pukara: Inca military complex
  • Tambomachay: temple dedicated to water and ceremonial fountains

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: breakfast, city tour, and entrance fees (Tourist Ticket).

• 9

  DAY 9Sacred Valley of the Incas – Pisac and Ollantaytambo

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  7:30 – 7:45 AM: Pick-up from the hotel to begin our Sacred Valley of the Incas tour.

  First stop: Pisac

  During the journey, our first destination is the Pisac Archaeological Park. We will start by exploring the picturesque colonial town, a result of cultural blending, and then ascend to the impressive Pisac archaeological site. Here we can admire magnificent agricultural terraces and extraordinary Inca architecture harmoniously integrated with the mountain landscape.

  Visit to traditional villages

  We continue our journey visiting the charming villages of Ccoya, Lamay, Calca, and Urubamba, each with its own character and local traditions.

  Lunch: Buffet in Urubamba

  Second stop: Ollantaytambo

  In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, an impressive Inca fortress strategically built to control and protect the entrance to the valley against possible invasions from the Amazon rainforest.

  Last stop: Chinchero

  We finish the day visiting Chinchero, world-famous for its traditional textile centers, where local communities keep ancestral weaving techniques alive.

  Optional alternative: Machu Picchu

  As an alternative, there is the possibility of traveling to Aguas Calientes at the end of the Sacred Valley tour to visit the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu the following day.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco or Aguas Calientes

  Includes: breakfast, buffet lunch, transport, and entrance fees.

• 10

  DAY 10Train to Machu Picchu

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Train transfer and journey

  Transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo to begin our memorable journey to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.

  During a scenic 1 hour and 45 minute train ride, we will pass through spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley until reaching Aguas Calientes, where a representative from our travel agency will be waiting. You will then be transferred to the bus station to take the bus that ascends the mountain to the mythical “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu, the majestic citadel rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.

  Guided visit

  We will enjoy a complete guided tour of the most emblematic structures of this archaeological wonder:

  • The Viewpoint: a strategic point with incomparable panoramic views
  • Temple of the Three Windows: a ceremonial structure of great astronomical significance
  • Intihuatana: the sacred Inca solar clock
  • Main Plaza: the central area of the citadel
  • And other important archaeological sites

  You will have free time to take memorable photos and quietly contemplate this wonder of the world, absorbing the energy and mystery that emanates from each perfectly carved stone.

  Return and lunch

  We descend back to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting traditional regional cuisine.

  Return to Cusco

  In the afternoon, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport team will be waiting to take you comfortably back to the city of Cusco.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: breakfast, lunch, round-trip train, bus, Machu Picchu entrance, and guide.

• 11

  DAY 11Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)

  In this program we will visit one of the natural attractions of the city of Cusco: Rainbow Mountain.

  We will begin with pick-up from your respective hotel between 4:00 and 4:30 am, then travel for approximately 2 hours south until reaching the district of Cusipata, where we will enjoy breakfast and a short rest.

  We will continue for about 1 more hour to the bus station, where the hike to Rainbow Mountain (4 km) will begin.

  The trek lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the route we will observe flora and fauna, including llamas and alpacas. We will also see mountains such as Apu Sarinini and Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco at 6,372 m a.s.l.

  After the hike, we will reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), where we will have enough time to enjoy this beautiful landscape and take photos.

  After a brief explanation from our professional guide, we will return by the same path to the starting point of the hike, where we will take transportation back to Cusipata. There we will enjoy a buffet lunch.

  After lunch, we begin the return trip to Cusco, ending this beautiful experience at approximately 4:30 pm.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: breakfast, lunch, transport, entrance fee, and guide.

• 12

  DAY 12Cusco – Departure Transfer

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Free time until the scheduled transfer to Cusco airport for your return flight or international connection.

  End of our 12-day Peru tour.

  Includes: breakfast, departure transfer.

Includes

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