Classic Peru

Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca,

Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

This example itinerary from

$13,300pp

16 days

DESTINATIONS > LATIN AMERICA > PERU > Classic Peru

This example itinerary from

$13,300pp

16 days

Highlights

Experience the bustling markets with an expert guide in Lima and taste some of Peru’s best delicacies
Visit the breathtaking Colca Canyon and experience the majestic Condors soaring above you
Learn about ancient indigenous traditions on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.
Kayak on the magical Huaypo Lake in the Sacred Valley
Hike your way to one of Latin America’s most incredible highlights: Machu Picchu

What’s Included

All transfers with English speaking representative
All 5 star accommodation
Private culinary experience in Lima with visit lunch at a local restaurant
Half day visit to Old Colonial Lima
Private gastronomic tour of Arequipa city
Visit to Sacsayhuaman, and lunch at a local hacienda
3 days/2 night excursion to Colca Canyon
Mountain biking activity in Maras, Moray with catered lunch and Ceremony Tribute to Mother Earth
Kayak activity in Lake Huaypo, with a visit to Ollantaytambo town and fortress
2 days/1 night Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with tickets for access
Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco

Example Itinerary

Day 1-2 Day 3 - 4 Day 5 - 6 Day 7 - 9 Day 10-12 Day 13 - 14 Day 15 Day 16

Days 1-2

Lima

Enjoy a culinary adventure with samples of Peru’s native ingredients and lunch served by famous chef Hector Solis
Half day with a guide to explore Lima’s old colonial architecture

You’ll start your exploration of Peru’s capital city with a visit to some of the most iconic and picturesque markets in Lima where we can see, taste and purchase the most popular ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine.

In the hands of our culinary expert, we will have the chance to try fruits from the coast, mountains and jungle – such as chirimoya, mango, passion fruit, aguaymanto and more. We will then continue to a traditional restaurant; owned by famous chef Hector Solís. The restaurant reproduces the rustic, traditional atmosphere of a classic “picantería,” with menus varying according to what’s best in the market that day, be it fish or meat.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a half day tour in Lima, visiting the historical centre and the Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace are located. Continue to visit the San Francisco Monastery and step inside Casa Aliaga, a house as old as Lima itself.

Stay at Atemporal, Lima

Days 3-4

Arequipa

Visit three of the most authentic and renowned picanterías in Arequipa
Discover the lesser known landscapes of the area whilst sampling regional cuisine with your private culinary guide

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.

Stay at Cirqa, Arequipa

Days 5 – 6

Colca Canyon

Take a dip in the thermal hot springs of La Calera
Trek through the Colca Canyon and spot native wildlife in its natural habitat

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.

Stay at Colca Lodge

Days 7 – 9

Lake Titicaca

Take part in birdwatching, rafting, water sports or even constellation observation alongside expert guides
Spend time with a local family living on the legendary Uros floating islands

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.

Stay at Titilaka Lodge

Days 10 – 12

Cusco

Observe panoramic views from the windows of the iconic Titicaca train as you travel between Puno and Cusco
Enjoy a privately guided walking tour of Cusco

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.

Stay at Casa Cartagena

Day 11-12

Sacred Valley

Dine at a local hacienda for a four course lunch and an insight into their long held ancestral farming techniques
Explore the salt mines of Moras and archaeology of Moray on two wheels with a private cycling tour
Kayak around the Huaypo lagoon with stunning views across rolling mountains

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.

Stay at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Day 15

Machu Picchu

Hike the world famous Machu Picchu
Access the magnificent views of the Urubamba River Valley and surrounding archaeological complexes

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.

Stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Day 16

Cusco

Enjoy a privately guided tour of the Inca citadel
Choose to hike Machu Picchu for spectacular views

We wake up early and board a bus, which will take us up to Machu Picchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. Then, if you would like, you can choose to climb the Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it.

After the visit, head back to Aguas Calientes to enjoy some free time at leisure.

In the afternoon, take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

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From Joe

You will thank your lucky stars.

True Travel did a fantastic job with every detail of our trip. From hotel accommodations and tour guides, to train tickets, luggage service, restaurant recommendations, must see points of interest and the choice of cities to include everything we would want. It was a brilliant itinerary from start to finish.