Uncover the Magical Andes

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  • Peru tour package to Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Puno & Lake Titicaca, Cusco & Machu Picchu
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Explore the many man-made and natural wonders that the Peruvian Andes have to offer: World Wonder Machu Picchu, imperial Cusco, the Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca are just a few of them. Visit these awe-inspiring sites and uncover the magical Andes.

You will start this exciting Peru package through the Andes in Arequipa, known as the White City because of its buildings made from white volcanic stone. Nearby awaits the majestic Colca Canyon, where you will witness the soaring condors and incredible panoramas of agricultural terraces. You will spend a night in the Colca Canyon, relaxing in the natural hot springs amidst stunning pastoral scenery. Continue on to tranquil Puno and tour the magnificent Lake Titicaca, home to the incredible floating islands of Uros and Taquile, among many others.

From Puno, you will travel to Cusco, capital of the former Inca Empire. Explore the nearby ruins, check out museums, and enjoy the popular Cusco nightlife before venturing out into the Sacred Valley of the Inca. After a tour of the Sacred Valley, you’ll head to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. This Peru vacation package is a perfect combination for those wanting to experience the incredibly diverse world of the Andes in just over a week. 

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour
Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour
Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Arrival to Puno
Day 4 : Lake Titicaca Tour
Day 5 : Arrival to Cusco
Day 6 : Cusco Tour
Day 7 : Sacred Valley Tour
Day 8 : Machu Picchu Tour
Day 9 : Departure from Cusco

Day 1 : Arrival to Arequipa & Arequipa Tour

  • Upon arrival in Arequipa, you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who will take you to your confirmed Arequipa hotel where you can relax and take some time to acclimatize to the altitude. The city’s unique cultural and architectural integration of both European and native features is what placed this city center on the World Heritage map in 2000.
  • Meet your guide at your hotel for your Arequipa tour. The tour begins at the bustling Camilo Central Market where you can to mingle with locals as they do their daily shopping. Next, you will visit Cupula de San Ignacio de Loyola, as well as the beautiful main square, the Plaza de Armas, which is bounded on one side by the neo-classical Cathedral. Your tour will end at one of two famous miradores (lookout points), Mirador de Yanahuara or Carmen Alto.
  • After you are dropped off at your hotel, we highly recommend a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery during your free time. Alternatively, simply enjoy your beautiful surroundings and try the delicious Arequipeña cuisine.
  • Spend the evening at your leisure, and make sure to try the delicious Arequipeña cuisine, the pride of the region. Check out our Arequipa Travel Guide for great restaurant ideas. 

Day 2 : Colca Canyon Tour

  • Start the day early with a filling breakfast at your Arequipa hotel before setting off on a scenic drive to the Colca Canyon, by way of Chivay. This ride takes you through spectacular highland landscapes and is one of the highlights of your journey to the canyon. As the road climbs up to Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, keep your eyes open for wild vicuñas and viscachas, small rodents similar to rabbits.
  • As you descend from the Patapampa, the highest pass on this journey situated at 15,300 feet (4,820 meters) above sea level, you’ll begin to see pre-Inca agricultural terraces as well as the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Mismi volcanoes.
  • In Chivay, you will visit the main square and stop for lunch (not included) at the lodge, La Casa de Mamayachi.
  • After lunch, ride to the Calera hot springs, where you can take a dip in the natural thermal baths.
  • You’ll be taken to your Colca Canyon hotel and have the afternoon to relax amidst the pastoral beauty of this unique Andean landscape.

Day 3 : Colca Canyon Tour & Arrival to Puno

  • Meet your guide early for the journey to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, one of the best viewpoints of this deep canyon, which is home to the famed condors that gracefully soar on the wind currents. The road leads past picturesque villages and pre-Inca ruins dominated by the glaciers Ampato and Hualca visible in the distance. Once you reach Cruz del Condor, you can stand at the viewpoint and gaze into the canyon’s depths, stretching nearly 4,000 feet below. 
  • After you have had your fill of the canyon, you will return to Chivay where you can enjoy lunch or browse the local market before transferring by land to your Puno hotel, enjoying spectacular views of the Andes on the way.
  • Puno is at a higher altitude than Arequipa, and if you haven't already sufficiently acclimatized, it is a good idea to take it easy and rest for a couple of hours after arriving. In the evening you’ll have some free time to explore the area around your Puno hotel and eat in one of the many nearby restaurants. Check out our free Puno Travel Guide for suggestions of great restaurants. 

Day 4 : Lake Titicaca Tour

  • During your full-day Lake Titicaca tour, you will visit two of the Islands of Uros. Uros is composed of about 32 islands constructed of many layers of totora reeds - the number changes as they are man-made and after a period of time, are abandoned. Each island is inhabited by islanders who either work in Puno (generally those who live on the islands close to the shore), live in relative isolation (those far from the shoreline), or who use tourism as their main source of income and allow tourists to visit during the day or spend the night. 
  • While visiting the islands, you will be given the chance to learn about local customs, visit the reed homes, and ride on reed boats.Generally the families inhabiting the island will have a small display of traditional local handicrafts available for sale as well. 
  • Following this exciting tour, you will be led to the Island of Taquile, located about 30 miles from Puno and abundant with numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins.
  • The local islanders still maintain many ancient traditions which are reflected in their time-honored clothing and beautiful handicrafts. You will be led around the island to all of the most important sites such as the main plaza and the market.
  • After the tour of Taquile, you will have time for lunch. Then, you will be board the boat and taken back to Puno.
  • Once in Puno, you have the remainder of the evening to relax at your hotel or enjoy some traditional cuisine in one of the local restaurants. See our Puno Travel Guide for more city information and recommendations.

Day 5 : Arrival to Cusco

  • After breakfast in your Puno hotel, you will be transferred to the airport, bus terminal, or train station for your transfer to Cusco. You will be picked up in Cusco upon arrival and taken to your comfortable Cusco hotel where you can rest before enjoying the Cusco nightlife at your leisure.
  • Learn about the differences between the first-class bus to Cusco and the luxury train to Cusco.

Day 6 : Cusco Tour

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco that takes you to visit some of the many amazing archeological sites and wonders in and around the city. Your exploration of this remarkable city starts in the early afternoon with an expert-guided Cusco tour. You will visit many of the amazing archeological sites and wonders in and around the city, including the Cusco Cathedral, Qoricancha, and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
  • In the late afternoon, you will return to your hotel to enjoy a relaxing evening. Check out our Cusco Travel Guide for suggestions of great Cusco restaurants. 

Day 7 : Sacred Valley Tour

  • Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside during a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First you will visit the town of Pisac, which is known for its lively market. Here you will have the opportunity to browse the beautiful Andean handicrafts, garments, and jewelry displayed for sale.
  • Next you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a tiny Sacred Valley village, and one of the most picturesque. If you climb to the top of its magnificent ancient ruins, you will be rewarded with an incredible view. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire, it later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Incas’ final rebellion against the Spanish.
  • On the way back to Cusco, you will stop in the town of Chinchero. In Inca times, Chinchero was the royal estate of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the Spanish later built a church here, and today the town is recognized for its Sunday market as well as the production of fine textiles.
  • In the evening, you will return to your comfortable Cusco hotel. You will once again be given the opportunity to spend the evening at your leisure in one of the many fine restaurants or bars available in the area. 

Day 8 : Machu Picchu Tour

  • After breakfast at your Cusco hotel you will take a train to the hidden temple of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The train ride is an attraction in itself, as much of the path winds along the river and mountain face, offering passengers dramatic views of the Andes as the train passes through abundant cloud forests. 
  • Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu, you will head to the bus station for a 20-minute ride up to the secluded citadel.
  • Meet your expert English-speaking guide for a 2-hour tour of the most important sites in Machu Picchu, including the Intihuatana (Sun Stone), the Sun Temple, and the Room of 3 Windows. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework of this amazing site. The giant stones were hauled by hand to the top of the mountain centuries ago, and yet their foundations still remain.
  • After your tour, you have the option to explore more of the site on your own and capture some final photos.
  • In the afternoon, you will take a comfortable train back to Cusco. You also have the option to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • Check out our Machu Picchu Travel Guide for more information on what to see and do, as well as Machu Picchu restaurants that we recommend for tasty dining. 

Day 9 : Departure from Cusco

  • After breakfast at your hotel, meet your transfer to the airport for your journey home or on to your next destination.
  • Alternatively, choose one of our additional exciting Cusco tours, or browse our full range of Peru travel destinations to add on to your Peru vacation plans.

Included

  • 1 night in Arequipa, 1 night in Colca Canyon, 2 nights in Puno, and 4 nights in Cusco in Peru Hotels based on US standards
  • All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
  • All transfers and entrance fees
  • All breakfasts
  • Bus transportation from Arequipa to Puno 
  • Train Machu Picchu - Cusco (Vistadome Train for 5-star and 4-star packages / Expedition Train for 3-star packages)
  • Bus Puno - Cusco (ask your travel advisor for upgrades to train or flight options)

 


 
What to Bring
  • Personal documents (passport).
  • Walking stick.
  • Walking shoes.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Flashlight.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Bottle and tablets to purify water.
  • Waterproof clothing.
  • long pants.
  • Short pants.
  • Rain clothing.
  • Slippers or sandals to relax the feet in the camp.
  • A cap or hat.
  • Personal medications
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