Classic Peru

Today you will fly to Arequipa to explore this charming city and see all that it has to offer – from its Andalusian-style churches, breathtaking viewpoints, beautiful plazas dating back to the XVIII century and its famous Santa Catalina Monastery.

On your second day in Arequipa, you will visit 3 of the most authentic picanterías in Arequipa. At each one you will have the opportunity to try a typical, regional dish such as stuffed Ricoto chili or fried cuy (guinea pig) as well as a refreshing glass of chicha de jora. This tour offers an incredible opportunity to experience the intense gastronomy of the Arequipa region while visiting some of the most renowned picanterías in Arequipa.

Today we will depart early, passing through the small towns and the Vicuñas National Reserve of Aguada Blanca, with plenty of opportunities to spot a large variety of migratory birds.

The trip continues through Chuccura and Patapampa, and we will make a stop at the Viewpoint of Volcanoes. We will then arrive at the little town of Chivay where we will have lunch and rest before visiting the local market and nearby hot springs of La Calera.

Early the next morning, we will depart for the Cruz del Cóndor, the deepest part of the canyon, believed to be deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States. At this point we may have the opportunity to view the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat or spend an hour trekking into the canyon. The rest of the day will be spent visiting further Andean towns, beautiful view points and there are plenty of options for more trekking if you like keeping active.

After a short visit and trek to the ruins of San Antonio, we continue our journey to Puno. The route is characterised by beautiful highland landscapes and rock formations. This trip will take approximately six hours and you will arrive at your hotel in Puno in the late afternoon. 

Your time at Lake Titicaca will be guided by Hotel Titilaka’s expert guides and there are many options for a memorable stay in this part of the country, such as birdwatching, rafting through the reeds, nautical sports or a visit to the Aymara Constellation Observation. 

One option will take you by car and boat to visit the legendary Uros floating islands located near the protected Titicaca National Reserve. Here you will meet one of the traditional families that inhabit these unique islands. A must for travellers to the area, expect to see many visitors here. 

Today you’ll enjoy the fabulous Titicaca train journey to Cusco, offering unforgettable panoramic landscapes that can be enjoyed from the comfort of this great day train.

The train features an open-air observatory car where you can relax, breathe fresh Andean air and appreciate the stunning mountain views. The two dining cars, decorated in 1920’s style, are the perfect place to wind down and enjoy a gourmet meal and personalised service.

In Cusco, enjoy a guided walking tour, during which you’ll visit an authentic market, and then visit the legendary Koricancha, which is the most important temple with walls once plated with sheets of gold and devoted to worshipping the Sun deity. Continue to the Plaza de Armas or main square to visit the Cathedral, and end your tour in the bohemian quarter of San Blas. 

This morning, you will be transferred to the Sacred Valley and along the way, visit the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman. Continue for lunch at a local Hacienda, where we invite you to learn how the Incas developed such a unique corn variety, and how their ancestral techniques have survived along with the modern production of corn. Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious 4-course set menu lunch based on both indigenous ingredients and cuisines brought in during Colonial times.

For your full day in the Sacred Valley, you’ll enjoy a fun biking tour on an extremely versatile route visiting both the Moras salt mines and the Moray archaeological complex, offering excitement, culture, spectacular scenery and a great picnic lunch.

For your second full day in the Sacred Valley, you’ll embark on a kayaking adventure! You will paddle around the Huaypo lagoon in sea kayaks for about two hours. While on the lake, you will be able to appreciate the nature surrounding you in all its dimensions and have beautiful views over the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain range. After your boxed lunch, head to Ollantaytambo and visit this thriving Inca village that is set below an ancient Inca fortress and temple.

Today you will be driven to the train station to board the train that will take you to km.104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad where you can begin your hike.

You will start by visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex to then embark upon a 8 km (5 miles) ascending trail, which after four hours will bring you to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna.

On the way up you can enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river. You then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, you can contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Intipunku you descend to Machu Picchu and then by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.