Highlights of Southern Peru

Overview

Explore the culinary diversity and rich history of Lima, Peru's Capital City. Gaze at Andean condors as they glide over the dramatic Colca Canyon. Sail across the picturesque Lake Titicaca and visit its traditional communities. Journey into Cusco the heartland of Inca culture and visit the famous Machu Picchu.

We also offer this package on a Comfort, Deluxe and Luxury basis using different accommodation - if you are interested in upgraded accommodation please contact us for a price.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive into Lima

Day 2: Walking Food Tour in Lima’s Historic City Centre

Day 3: Flight to Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

Day 4: Scenic drive to the Colca Canyon

Day 5: Soft hike along Condors viewpoint and journey to Puno

Day 6: Explore Lake Titicaca

Day 7: Titicaca train journey across the highlands to Cusco

Day 8: Saqsayhuaman and Inkiltambo

Day 9: Amaru Community and Pisac Inca Site

Day 10: Morning visit to Ollantaytambo and train to discover Machu Picchu in the afternoon

Day 11: Return to Cusco and cooking class with Seledonia Mesa

Day 12: Return home

If you like this trip but want to extend your holiday and visit the Amazon please click here for Adventure in Southern Peru and Amazon.

*From price based on 2 people sharing a room. For larger groups, solo travellers or children cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Important Information:
All accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.

This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

The Titicaca Train operates only on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

When booking please provide your passport details so we can confirm your Machu Picchu tickets.

Welcome to Lima!

Welcome to Peru and Lima! Upon Arrival, we’ll meet you at Lima Airport and continue together to your hotel, where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace.

After check-in, we’ll hand you your travel kit and have a short briefing to answer any last-minute questions.

Depending on your time of arrival, we have plenty of suggestions for you to make the most of your first day in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Limade

Meals: None

Walking Food Tour in Lima's Historic City Center

Your afternoon tour begins with a walk through Lima’s historic city center. The old streets showcase the city’s colonial past, with buildings that reflect centuries of architectural styles.

As you explore, you’ll sample local street foods. Papa a la huancaína, a dish of boiled potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce, offers a taste of traditional Peruvian flavors. Seco de res con frejol, a beef stew served with beans, demonstrates the hearty nature of Peruvian cuisine.

The tour continues with a stop for combinado, a popular mixed dish that varies but often includes rice, beans, and meat. This staple represents the everyday eating habits of Lima’s residents.

You’ll then try anticuchos, grilled skewered meat that has been a part of Peruvian cuisine since pre-Columbian times. Originally made with llama meat, today’s version typically uses beef heart, showcasing how traditional dishes have evolved.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the history behind these foods and their significance in Peruvian culture. The experience connects you to Lima’s culinary traditions while providing context for the city’s development.

As you walk between food stops, you’ll see notable buildings and landmarks. Your guide will explain their historical importance, giving you insights into Lima’s role in Peru’s past and present.

Accommodation: Hotel Limade

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Flight to Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

After breakfast, we’ll drive you back to Lima airport to take your flight* to the city of Arequipa. Upon arrival, our local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city center.

This afternoon, get ready to explore the best of the stunning white city. First, we’ll walk to San Camilo, the principal market in Arequipa, founded back in 1881, where most Arequipeños shop nowadays. Explore the beautiful surroundings of the main square and stunning façade of Arequipa’s cathedral.

After this delightful visit, continue to La Compañia Church, famous for its interesting baroque style and colorful Cupula of Saint Ignacio. We’ll take a look at El Tambo La Cabezona, a 17th-century apartment built following the classic colonial style, on your way to the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most fascinating colonial and religious buildings in Peru!

Accommodation: San Agustín Posada del Monasterio Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

*Domestic flight not included

Scenic drive to the Colca Canyon

Leaving Arequipa, embark on a 160 km drive to the Colca Canyon. The journey, shortly after departure, offers views of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. The road then ascends into the ‘Salinas y Aguada Blanca’ Reserve, home to many llama, alpaca, and vicuña herds that feed on the vast ‘Ichu’ pastures of the reserve. Along the way, a stop at a small road café allows for tasting warm Inca tea made with local herbs, known for aiding with high altitude.

Next, the route crosses the highest section of the mountains towards ‘El Mirador de Los Andes’, a high pass with panoramic views of this volcanic section of the Andes, where up to six different volcanoes can be spotted. Time here is brief to avoid altitude issues before beginning the descent into the Colca Valley and Canyon, where the hotel is located. Arrival is expected just before lunchtime, with the journey taking 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops.

The afternoon is free for relaxation and enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Options include a leisurely countryside walk or exploring the many local hot springs in the area.

Accommodation: Killawasi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Soft hike along Condors viewpoint and journey to Puno

Start your second day in the Colca Canyon with a visit to the La Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you’ll have the chance to witness the flight of the condors and take in the depth of the canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for up to 10 condors soaring just a few meters away on clear, sunny days. However, please note that this experience is weather-dependent and the condors may not appear in rainy conditions.

Next, we’ll head to Chivay, making stops at the village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. Here, you’ll marvel at the terraces constructed by the pre-Inca Collaguas culture 1500 years ago. Our journey continues with visits to Choquetico, the Andean community of Maca, and Yanque, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the colonial church of the Valley.

After, you will have some time for lunch (not included) in Chivay. Then embark on a 6-hour drive to Puno, offering views of lagoons, stone forests, and Andean farmhouses. As we arrive in Puno around 7pm.

Accommodation: Sonesta Puno

Meals: Breakfast

Private boat at Lake Titicaca

Your full day at Lake Titicaca begins with a journey to Taquile Island. The tour takes you to the southern side of the island, an area less frequented by large groups.

On arrival, you’ll notice the rocky shoreline and clear waters of Lake Titicaca. The landscape combines the blue of the lake with the towering Andes in the background, creating a unique visual contrast.

As you explore the island, you’ll interact with the local community. Taquile is known for its textile traditions, which UNESCO recognizes as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Your host family will demonstrate their weaving techniques, showing how they create intricate textiles using methods passed down through generations.

The tour allows time to walk around the island, taking in views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You’ll see how the islanders have adapted to life at high altitude, with terraced fields and traditional stone buildings dotting the landscape. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the customs and daily life of Taquile’s inhabitants. You’ll learn about the island’s social structure and how textile making plays a central role in the community.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin the return journey to Puno. The boat ride back offers a different perspective of the lake and its islands as the day winds down.

Accommodation: Sonesta Puno

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Unique Titicaca Train to Cusco

You have a remarkable train journey ahead of you today. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the train station to embark on a journey aboard the Titicaca Train to Cusco. This train, reminiscent of the famous Pullman trains of the twenties, offers a unique travel experience. You’ll enjoy the elegance of dining cars and an outdoor observatory, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort as you make your way to Cusco.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to stunning views of villages, rivers, pastures, and snow-capped peaks. The observatory cart allows you to take in the scenery as you relax. Indulge in a three-course lunch and take part in a Pisco Sour Demonstration, adding a touch of local flavour to your experience aboard the train. Upon arriving to La Raya, the midway and highest point of the journey, the train will make a short pause, and you will be allowed to disembark and explore the surroundings shortly.

Upon arriving in Cusco, your guide will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the city centre.

Note that the Titicaca Train operates only on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Saqsayhuaman, Llamas and off-the-beaten-path Cusco

Strap on your walking shoes and prepare for a guided stroll around the less frequented side of Cusco’s countryside.

Your day begins with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress overlooking Cusco. This site features massive stone walls, showcasing the Incas’ advanced construction techniques. From here, you can see panoramic views of Cusco city below. After exploring Sacsayhuaman, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at one of the alpaca and llama farms in the area. Here, you can learn about these animals that have been integral to Andean culture for centuries. You’ll see alpacas and llamas up close and learn about their importance in local traditions and economy.

Next, you’ll travel to Puca Pucara, an ancient Incan outpost. This smaller site provides insight into the strategic defenses of the Inca Empire. Your guide will explain its function and significance within the broader Incan network.

The journey continues along an old trail following a stream. You’ll notice signs of Inca engineering along the way, such as stone channels and terraces. This path leads through fields and gently descends, offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Your exploration brings you to Inkilltambo, a recently restored Inca site. Unlike the more famous ruins, Inkilltambo remains relatively unknown to most visitors. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore Incan structures without large crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience of the site’s history.

After exploring Inkilltambo, a short 10-minute descent brings you to your transport. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive back to Cusco city center, where you’ll return to your hotel.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast

Amaru Community and Pisac

Today, you’ll venture away from the tourist routes to explore the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. The first stop will be at the Andean community high in the mountains slopes above Pisac. This traditional village has kept its ancient traditions alive, farming methods, and weaving techniques. Your local hosts will be happy to share and teach you, first-hand, about their traditions. Amaru is a farming community that is slowly becoming known for its agricultural practices, particularly for their tubers. They can grow over hundreds of different types of potatoes in their fields. Take part in the sowing or harvesting, depending on the season. You’ll also find various Andean superfoods, such as quinoa, kiwicha, and medicinal herbs. Afterward, join your hosts at the table and share a typical Andean meal.

After leaving Amaru, we’ll head to Pisac Archaeological site, one of the most amazing Inca sites in the area. If you fancy a walk, we can descend through Inca stone steps from the archaeological site to Pisac village, known for its colorful streets and charming atmosphere. Alternatively, we can opt for a return to our hotel via private transport. It’s a day filled with unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, offering an authentic taste of life in the Andean highlands.

Accommodation: AVA Valle Sagrado Spot

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning at Ollantaytambo and afternoon at Machu Picchu

Brace yourselves for an exciting day discovering two fascinating sites: Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

An early set-off is required today to be among the first to visit Ollantaytambo in the early morning – this charming town has preserved much of its Inca heritage.

First, you’ll enter Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site, known for its impressive stonework that can rival Machu Picchu itself. Time permitting, you can then stroll around the streets of the village before heading to Ollantaytambo train station a little later this morning. Once ready, set off aboard the scenic train* journey to Aguas Calientes.

As you travel alongside the Urubamba River, you’ll witness the transition from fields, eucalyptus forests and snow peaks to lush cloud forest. A tasty box lunch is included so you can enjoy it during the train ride.

On arrival, a 5-minute walk leads to the shuttle buses. From here, a 25-minute bus ride up a steep mountain slope takes you to Machu Picchu. After ticket control, you are now ready to begin! With our guide by your side, you’ll embark on a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Inca citadel, uncovering its history and hidden corners.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes.

In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll board the train* back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodation: AVA Valle Sagrado Spot

Meals: Breakfast and boxed lunch

*The trains for this itinerary will either be with PeruRail on the Expedition or with Inca Rail on the Voyager (both standard service).
You can upgrade your train experience each way or both ways as follows:
Upgrade to Vistadome or The 360 which have larger windows and includes a snack
Upgrade to First Class Service which includes lunch and/or dinner, bar and live music
Upgrade to Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train Relax in Pullman-style carriages from the 1920s, adorned with polished wood and brass, and enjoy gourmet meals and drinks, vibrant entertainment, and unmatched views.

Return to Cusco and cooking class with Seledonia Mesa

At a coordinated mid-morning time, you’ll check out of your hotel in the Sacred Valley and enjoy a scenic drive back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your Cusco hotel and have some free time to settle in or explore the area.

This afternoon, your culinary adventure with chef Seledonia Mesa begins. The tour starts with a visit to San Pedro Market, a hub of local commerce in Cusco. Here, you’ll wander through colorful stalls filled with products from the Andes and nearby Amazon.
Seledonia guides you through the market, introducing you to exotic fruits like lucuma, chirimoya, and granadilla. You’ll learn about these and other key ingredients in Peruvian cuisine, gaining insight into the diverse produce used in local cooking.

After the market tour, you’ll proceed to Seledonia’s Kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. In this intimate setting, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes or experiment with local ingredients to create something new.

During the class, Seledonia shares cooking techniques and explains the cultural significance of various ingredients and dishes. This adds depth to your understanding of Cusco’s culinary traditions.

The class focuses on both learning and creativity, encouraging you to explore flavors while developing skills in Peruvian cooking. Your day concludes with a meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, allowing you to savor the results of your culinary efforts.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Departure

Enjoy a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets. After, at the coordinated time, we’ll head to the airport to board your international flight back home. Hopefully, you will be heading home full of happy memories, new friends, and great pictures of your time with us!

Meals: Breakfast

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Highlights

11 Nights

Trip Dates

Guests

What you'll do

Overview

Itinerary:

Itinerary:

Welcome to Lima!

Walking Food Tour in Lima's Historic City Center

Flight to Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

Scenic drive to the Colca Canyon

Soft hike along Condors viewpoint and journey to Puno

Private boat at Lake Titicaca

Unique Titicaca Train to Cusco

Saqsayhuaman, Llamas and off-the-beaten-path Cusco

Amaru Community and Pisac

Morning at Ollantaytambo and afternoon at Machu Picchu

Return to Cusco and cooking class with Seledonia Mesa

Departure

What's included

Included

Accommodation

Lima: Hotel Limade (or similar)

Arequipa: San Agustín Posada del Monasterio Hotel (or similar)

Colca: Killawasi Lodge (or similar)

Puno: Sonesta Puno (or similar)

Cusco: Tierra Viva San Blas (or similar)

Sacred Valley: AVA Valle Sagrado Spot (or similar)

Your local host

Diego

Diego

Location

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