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Embark on a 12-day Peru tour package through Peru’s most captivating destinations. The “Highland Wonders” travel program begins in Lima, the vibrant capital, where you can savor its renowned coastal cuisine. From there, travel to the highland city of Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its stunning white volcanic stone architecture, and explore the breathtaking Colca Canyon. We continue to the highest navigable Lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, for an incredible boat tour where you’ll experience the local Quechua and Aymara cultures. Conclude your adventure in Cusco, where you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the Sacred Valley, culminating in a guided tour of the iconic Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.
The 11-day vacation package highlights some of Peru’s most well-known Andean destinations. This includes a city tour of Arequipa and a 2-day trek to the Colca Canyon. After Arequipa, you’ll move on to Puno and Lake Titicaca, where you’ll navigate to the floating Islands of Uros to visit the Aymara people that live there before heading to the spectacularly beautiful island of Taquile for a brief hike and lunch overlooking the majestic Lake Titicaca. On the final part of the trip, you’ll be welcomed into Cusco, The Sacred Valley, and hike Machu Picchu for an all-around experience in the Peruvian highlands.
Welcome to Lima! Upon arrival, one of our representatives will wait for you at the airport to assist with your luggage and escort you to your hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima.
Discover the vibrant history and culture of Peru’s capital on an exciting Lima city tour. Start your journey in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will admire colonial-era architecture and visit iconic landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the majestic Lima Cathedral. Wander through the charming streets to discover the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its beautiful cloisters and intriguing catacombs.
Continue to the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where you’ll experience the contemporary side of Lima. Visit Parque Kennedy, stroll along the scenic Malecón overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. As you explore these neighborhoods, you’ll witness the vibrant atmosphere that makes Lima unique, from bustling markets to tranquil parks.
Your knowledgeable guide will share stories about Lima’s rich heritage, blending ancient traditions with modern influences. Experience the city’s culinary wonders by stopping at a local café or market to sample traditional Peruvian delicacies. Whether it’s the exquisite ceviche or freshly made picarones, your taste buds are in for a treat!
This tour provides the perfect introduction to Lima, showcasing the diverse beauty, history, and culture of the “City of Kings.”
Welcome to Arequipa! One of our representatives will be at the airport to greet you and take you to your hotel in Arequipa. Remember to take it easy upon arrival due to the elevation change. The “White City,” known due to the many buildings made from the white volcanic ash, sits at over 7,700 feet, or 2,335 meters above sea level. Once checked in at the hotel, walk around the city center in the afternoon and see the nearby local sights.
Arequipa Half-Day City Tour
Prepare to be amazed by Arequipa’s local architecture and charm. The first stop will be the Carmen Alto Viewpoint in the Cayma district. From there, you can appreciate the entire Chilina Valley and its terracing; it is an excellent place to view Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes.
Next, we will visit the district of Yanahuara. The main attraction is the Yanahuara Archways, constructed from Sillar stone. We will also see the district’s main square and church.
We continue our journey to the historic center to visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, where we will provide a detailed explanation of the Arequipa Cathedral’s history and the surrounding archways. We will then head to the Church of the Society of Jesus, briefly overviewing the church’s history and construction.
The Cloisters of the Society of Jesus are located in the historic center, next to the left side of the Church of the Society. They feature sculpted sillar archways and beautiful corridors.
Casa Tristán del Pozo is a building that, for many architecture scholars, the pediment of the façade of this house is the best example of the typical ornamentation of Arequipa in Peru.
The Plaza and the Church of San Francisco make up one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
We will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, considered a colonial citadel within another city. There, you can see enclosures built according to religious needs. It has streets and avenues, and it also has its own cemetery.
Travelers will return to their hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 1: Arequipa City to Chivay to Condor’s Cross to Sangalle
We begin our journey from Arequipa to Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon at around 03:00 am to 03:30 am, covering a distance of about 6 hours. Along the way, we’ll
stop for breakfast before proceeding to La Cruz del Condor, an optimal spot for viewing the expansive canyon and observing the majestic Andean condors. After spending some time at the viewpoint, we will take a 20-minute bus ride and then commence a 3 ½-hour trek downhill from 3300 meters to 2100 meters into the canyon.
Upon reaching San Juan de Chuccho, a verdant village dotted with fruit trees, we’ll pause for lunch and a well-deserved rest. Our journey continues through the quaint towns of Cosñirhua and Malata, leading us deeper into the canyon. Our destination for the day is Sangalle, a village nestled at an altitude of around 1900 meters, where a warm swimming pool awaits to soothe our muscles after the trek. We expect to arrive at Sangalle around 5:00 pm. The evening will be spent enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in bungalows by the oasis.
Day 2: Sangalle to Chivay to Arequipa City
We’ll kick off our day early at 05:00 am, trekking uphill for approximately 3 hours to the town of Cabanaconde, guided by the light of torches. This ascent offers stunning views, especially as we move with the sunrise. Once in Cabanaconde, we will stop for breakfast. Our next destination is Chivay, where, along the route, we’ll encounter magnificent vistas, including pre-Inca terraces, archaeological ruins, and charming colonial towns. We plan to arrive in Chivay around noon, just in time to possibly enjoy the local hot springs, which have soothing temperatures around 38°C (optional).
After a local lunch in Chivay, our afternoon will be spent on the road back to Arequipa. The drive takes us from an altitude of 4830 meters down to 2325 meters, passing through a national reserve and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the four species of South American camelids: llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Here, you’ll have the chance to snap that perfect selfie with an alpaca or, if you’re lucky, a vicuña. We aim to return to Arequipa between 17:00 pm and 18:00 pm, concluding our journey at Calle Santa Catalina, adjacent to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Morning Departure
Begin your day by leaving your hotel in Puno and heading to the dock. Board a motorboat to start your journey across the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Enjoy the crisp morning air and the serene beauty of the rising sun over the lake.
Visit Uros Floating Islands
Your first stop is the Uros Floating Islands, unique islands entirely made of reeds and continuously maintained by the local Uros people. Explore the islands with a local guide who will share insights into their construction, history, and the traditional lifestyle of the Uros community. You may also have the chance to enjoy a short ride on a traditional reed boat (optional, for an additional cost).
Travel to Taquile Island
Continue your journey to Taquile Island, a picturesque destination known for its vibrant community and exceptional handwoven textiles. Upon arrival, begin a moderate hike to the village, enjoying stunning views of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding mountains.
Explore Taquile Island
In the village, engage with the local Taquileños, renowned for their intricate and colorful weaving techniques, which UNESCO has recognized.
Visit the local market to admire and purchase handcrafted textiles. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Andean lunch from local villagers, featuring fresh quinoa soup, grilled trout from the lake, and boiled potatoes.
Afternoon Return
After lunch, make your way down to the main dock of Taquile Island and board the boat for your return trip to Puno. Once you arrive back in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel.
This tour offers an immersive experience of Lake Titicaca’s cultural and natural beauty. It provides fascinating insights into the traditional lifestyles of the island communities and offers breathtaking panoramic views throughout the day.
Your flight to Cusco will arrive at 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) early in the morning. To help your body acclimate to the altitude, taking it easy on your first day is advisable. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals, and rest as needed to ensure a comfortable adjustment to the high altitude.
Embark on a captivating journey through the Sacred Valley, a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Sacred Valley has picturesque villages, ancient Incan sites, and vibrant local markets located between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Begin your adventure in Pisac, where you can explore the bustling market and the impressive archaeological complex, which offers breathtaking views of the Andes. Next, head to Ollantaytambo, renowned as one of the best-preserved Incan towns. Here, you can stroll along cobblestone streets, explore the fortress, and hear fascinating stories about the ingenuity of the Incas.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local artisans and enjoy a traditional lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley.
Your journey begins with private transportation from Cusco to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can relax and enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley along the way. Once in Ollantaytambo, you’ll arrive at the train station to continue your adventure. From there, you’ll board the Perurail Expedition train for a scenic journey through the Andes, arriving at Aguas Calientes, nestled in the cloud forest. After reaching Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to explore this charming town, surrounded by both rainforest and highlands. You may also choose to unwind in the natural hot springs nearby.
The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived! You’ll journey by train along the Urubamba River, passing through the extraordinary Andean cloud forest. Upon reaching the train station, a 20-minute shuttle will take you to the top of the mountain. At an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), you’ll witness the awe-inspiring ancient Inca citadel—a mystical site hidden for centuries. Your professional guide will lead you on a tour of Machu Picchu’s most significant sights. Afterward, you’ll take the train back to Cusco, or, if you prefer, you can opt for an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes and explore the ruins again the following day.
As your journey ends, please pack your bags, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for your transfer to the airport for your return home. Alternatively, you may extend your adventure with one of our captivating excursions to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain. We also invite you to explore our full range of customizable Peru tours, offering further opportunities to enrich your Latin American experience.
| Hotel | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Stars | $1589 | $2139 |
| 4 Stars | $1899 | $2709 |
| 5 Stars | $3099 | $5199 |
It was a wonderful experience to travel across Peru with my family. Thank you Journey Machu Picchu for the once in a lifetime experience!
