Highlights of Peru
A grand tour of Peru's mountain civilisation
This popular route covers the best of Peru's southern highlands, a region of remarkable natural and historical heritage. Starting from Lima you'll head south to Arequipa, Peru's elegant second city and gateway to the Colca Canyon. From here you'll travel to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on earth and cradle of the Aymara pre-Colombian cultures. Finish the epic trip in the Sacred Valley, exploring Cusco and, of course, Machu Picchu.
Key information
| Destinations | Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca |
|---|---|
| Activity | Luxury, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Mild |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested itinerary
Arrival to Lima
Day 1 in Lima
Depending on your flight arrival time you'll either stay at a nearby airport hotel or, time permitting, transfer to the modern Miraflores district to see some more of the city.
Colonial Arequipa
Day 2–3 in Arequipa
Peru's second city is an elegant, refined counterweight to Lima's grey skies and frequently frenetic streets. A colonial-era city constructed from sillar, a type of white volcanic stone, Arequipa is home to some outstanding architecture, fantastic cuisine, and a fiercely independent spirit. And the year-round sunshine makes it very tempting to linger.
The sillar is the product of nearby volcanic activity. From most points in the city, you can see the conical and still active stratovolcano Misti, a wonderful if slightly disconcerting presence, as it last erupted in 1985. The main tourist attractions in the “White City,” as it is known, include the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, a picturesque monastery that covers an entire city block. Then there’s the Museo Santuarios Andinos, a modern museum that contains the eerily well-preserved mummy of Juanita, a 12-year-old Inca girl sacrificed to the gods in the 1450s. Arequipa is also the main starting point for tours to the nearby Colca Canyon.
Don't miss
Explore the White City
Take a guided tour of Peru’s historic second city, la Ciudad Blanca (the White City). Arequipa is distinguished by its UNESCO-listed colonial era architecture, fiery cuisine and dramatic setting in the shadow of snow-capped volcanoes.
Sample cocina Arequipeña
With numerous quality cafes and restaurants, Peru’s second city is deeply proud of its fiery culinary tradition, cocina Arequipeña. Look out for spicy rocoto relleno, pastel de papas (potato pie) and a delicious seafood stew called chupe de camarones.
Plumb the depths of Colca Canyon
Day 4 in Colca Canyon
Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon but a fraction of the width, Colca Canyon cuts a dramatic scar across Peru's southern Andes. Located about 70 miles northwest of Arequipa, it’s one of the most visited natural attractions in Peru. People head to Colca for two main reasons: to watch Andean condors as they glide on the thermals close to the canyon walls, and to trek down to the canyon floor. Many tours combine both, creating a fascinating mix of wildlife spotting, cultural engagement and trekking.
The trek down into the canyon is comparatively leisurely, but be prepared for a gruelling trek back up. This is, after all, one of the deepest canyons in the world. If you are going all the way down, you’ll stay in one of the small villages dotted along the canyon floor. In some cases, you’ll find yourself near a thermal spring, the perfect place to relax while drinking a cold beer.
Don't miss
The flight of the condor in Colca Canyon
Head to the second-deepest canyon in the world to see the endangered Andean condor. The Incas thought of the condors as God’s messenger and references to this majestic bird are often found within Incan architecture.
The islands of Lake Titicaca
Day 5–6 in Lake Titicaca
A tranquil expanse of turquoise water seemingly at the roof of the world, Lake Titicaca was revered as the birthplace of Peru's original civilisations and the centre of the indigenous cosmos. Puno, on the lake's western shores, is a functional but pleasant enough city and makes a good springboard for the islands that dot the shimmering waters.
The Floating Islands of the Uros people are Lake Titicaca’s most famous attraction, at least on the Peruvian side (the eastern half of Titicaca is located in Bolivia). The islands are made from reeds, and have been continuously rebuilt and maintained by the indigenous Uros people for hundreds of years. It’s a total tourist trap, but an interesting sight nonetheless. For a more relaxed cultural experience, spend a night or two on Isla Taquile or Isla Amantaní, two enchanting islands inhabited by indigenous Quechua speakers, including master weavers who produce some of the finest textiles in Peru.
Don't miss
Stay in an eco-lodge on Lake Titicaca
Isla Suasi, in a quiet corner of Lake Titicaca, is the only privately-owned island on the lake and is home to an incredible eco-lodge. Suasi promises the soothing isolation of island life, gentle strolls, and exploring the shoreline by canoe.
The lake at the top of the world
Lake Titicaca, on the shores of the town of Puno, is the world’s highest navigable lake. A quality tour will show you some incredible views, a storied indigenous history and beautiful remote islands, while avoiding some of the over-visited tourist traps.
Land of the Inca
Day 7–8 in Cusco
Once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire, Cusco is today the beating heart of Peru's tourism industry. Millions of tourists arrive each year en route to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, and most stay at least a few days in Cusco. With layers of archaeology built on top of each other (often literally), the city is a stunning mix of Inca architecture and later colonial constructions. Packed with excellent restaurants serving both traditional and international cuisine, as well as hostels and hotels for every budget, Cusco has something for everyone.
Some of the most important Inca sites lie within or just outside the city. The most revered temple in the Inca Empire, the Qurikancha (or Coricancha), sits in the historic centre, a short walk from the lively Plaza de Armas with its seemingly endless parades and traditional activities. And overlooking the city is Saksaywaman, a huge complex with some of the most impressive Inca stonework you’ll see, its massive carved blocks interlinking with incredible precision. Then there are the colourful markets of Cusco, where locals sell fresh produce and intricate crafts brought in from across the region, just as they did back in the days of the Inca Empire.
Don't miss
Explore historic Cusco
Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, combines pre-Colombian heritage with colonial-era architecture and vibrant contemporary city life. You can (and should) spend some time exploring solo, but a good quality guided tour will visit the popular sites of Sacsayhuaman, Koricancha and Cusco Cathedral, while avoiding the tourist traps and giving you an insight into the stories behind this fascinating city.
Tour the Sacred Valley
Day 9 in Sacred Valley
The Urubamba River descends from Cusco, eventually connecting with tributaries of the mighty Amazon. Over immense periods of time, this river has carved out a deep valley whose beauty defies the imagination. Little wonder then that the Inca chose this stunning and fertile location as their spiritual and agricultural heartland. Scattered with ruins, towns and villages where Quechua is still commonly heard, the Sacred Valley is much more than a mere stop-off before Machu Picchu. It’s a destination in its own right, and one that is easily explored from Cusco or by staying in the valley itself.
Standout attractions in the Sacred Valley include the Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and the towns that sit beneath them. Here you’ll find traditional markets selling beautiful textiles and handicrafts made by the locals. Two other popular sites, located in close proximity to each other, are Maras and Moray. Moray features a series of terraced circular depressions, used by the Inca for crop experimentation at different altitudes and microclimates. Maras, meanwhile, is home to thousands of salt evaporation ponds that have been in use since Inca times. In more recent years, the Sacred Valley has become a destination for trekking, rafting, rock climbing and paragliding.
Don't miss
Take a private tour of the Sacred Valley
The glorious Sacred Valley connects Cusco with Machu Picchu and is dotted with ruins, agricultural terraces, and historical towns, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moras, Moray, as well as many lesser-visited spots. Get under the surface with a full-day private tour and explore the ruins, villages and bustling markets, all set amidst incredible landscapes.
Meet Andean culture in the Sacred Valley
Despite the Spanish colonial influence, Peruvian indigenous culture thrives in the Sacred Valley. The village of Ollantaytambo has been inhabited since the 13th century, and nearby Pisac has a vibrant (if somewhat touristy) market. A good guide will help you branch off the tourist trail for a better perspective.
And finally...
Day 10 in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is the top attraction in Peru and, in 2007, was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. More than 1.5 million tourists visit Machu Picchu each year, and for good reason. It’s an archaeological gem and one of the finest examples of Inca architecture, stonework and planning. Adding to that is the citadel’s breath-taking location atop a lush mountain ridge, between the two peaks of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu, with the steep sides of the mountain plunging down into the misty river valleys below.
The most famous route to Machu Picchu is the classic Inca Trail, a four-day trek through the mountains, cloud forest and alpine tundra. Alternative treks have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and trails like Lares and Salkantay offer different experiences, both geographically and culturally, to the classic trail. Or you can take the train to Aguas Calientes, the lively town below Machu Picchu, and from there a short bus ride up a zigzagging road to the Inca citadel.
Don't miss
Take a guided visit of Machu Picchu
Yes it’s famous and busy, but for a perfectly valid reason: Machu Picchu remains one of the world’s preeminent archaeological sites. In spite of the crowds, an expert guide will bring the place to life and help you make sense of the Inca’s incredible ingenuity. You’ll have the option of climbing the adjacent Huayna Picchu for spectacular views, and can return for a second day exploring if you wish.
See another side to Machu Picchu
For a different perspective of the ruins and a bird’s eye view of the surrounding mountains and valleys, try the moderate hike up adjacent Huayna Picchu. Additional permit is required, our recommended tour operators will be happy to assist.
Departure from Lima
Day 11 in Lima
Return to Lima to meet your flight home or, better still, stay a few days longer and get underneath the skin of Peru's fascinating capital city.
Don't miss
Eat like a king in Lima
Lima’s chefs cook up a storm with the fruits of the sea, mountains and jungle. But it’s not all fine dining and exclusive restaurants: Peru’s is an egalitarian cuisine and you’ll find excellent food at street stalls, local markets and neighbourhood cantinas.
Explore Lima's arts scene
Frequently seen as little more than a transit hub for Machu Picchu, Lima is in fact one of Latin America's great cities. World-leading gastronomy jostles with a flourishing arts scene, easily filling several days of deep cultural immersion.
Where to stay
Classic
Casa San Blas
Right off the main pedestrian fare in the San Blas district and less than three blocks to the main square, Casa San Blas Boutique offers exceptional location and comfort. Inside, the well-appointed rooms make for a great night's rest, and the family-style suites are perfect for families.
Superior
Isla Suasi
A luxurious eco-lodge located on the only private island in Lake Titicaca. Lodging includes all food and beverages and the opportunity for activities on the lake. The 24 rustic and appealing rooms all have expansive views of Lake Titicaca as does lunch, which is served on the bluff overlooking the lake.
Deluxe
Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hidden in 12 acres of seclusion, the Pueblo Hotel provides a paradise of individual bungalows with stone paths leading you through the gardens and natural fountains. The Pueblo is laid out in the traditional Andean Village style and consists of 85 luxury cottages, a naturalist centre, a natural Andean sauna, and an exquisite restaurant that overlooks the Vilcanota river below.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from $3,990pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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In-depth discovery of Peru's culture and history
13 daysFrom $2,959| Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Nazca | |
|
Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
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Family, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Culinary, Food |
Your adventure awaits
Speak to SA Expeditions for expert advice
This tour is operated by
SA Expeditions
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