Arequipa, Puno & Cusco

We begin with a pickup from your hotel in Arequipa, where your journey through the city’s historic heart will unfold. First, we’ll visit the charming neighborhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the mighty Misti volcano. These areas offer a perfect introduction to Arequipa’s landscape and its connection to the natural beauty surrounding it.

Next, we’ll head to the Plaza de Armas, where your guide will reveal the fascinating history behind the iconic architecture, including the colonial-era structures that line the square. From there, we’ll visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, home to stunning colonial artwork and architecture, before moving on to the Santa Catalina Monastery. This incredible site is often described as a “city within a city,” with its beautifully preserved convent offering a glimpse into the past. After this comprehensive tour, you’ll be returned to your hotel, where the afternoon is yours to explore Arequipa at your own pace, soaking in the city’s vibrant culture and streets.

Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Arequipa to Chivay, the gateway to the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean highlands, with rolling hills, rugged terrain, and distant mountain peaks. Keep an eye out for the region’s diverse wildlife, including the elegant vicuñas grazing in the high plains and a variety of vibrant bird species soaring overhead.

Upon arrival in Chivay, you’ll check into your hotel and have the afternoon free to relax. Take your time to enjoy lunch at your leisure before heading to the famous La Calera thermal baths, where you can unwind in the naturally heated waters. In the evening, indulge in a traditional dinner, accompanied by lively folkloric performances that capture the spirit of the region. The perfect way to end a day immersed in the culture and beauty of the Colca Canyon.

Start your day with an early breakfast before traveling to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon. This is also the perfect spot to witness the flight of the Andean condors, one of the largest flying birds in the world, soaring gracefully above the canyon’s dramatic cliffs. The natural beauty of the canyon and its inhabitants will leave a lasting impression as you take in the expansive views.

On your return journey, explore the charming villages of Maca and Yanque, each known for its colonial-era churches and traditional architecture. As you travel, stop at several scenic viewpoints to admire the striking contrasts of the canyon’s steep cliffs and fertile valleys below. After a leisurely lunch, continue your journey towards Puno, with a possible stop at Lagunillas, a region renowned for its picturesque lagoons and abundant birdlife. By evening, you’ll arrive in Puno, bringing to a close your unforgettable exploration of Colca Canyon.

Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, offers a captivating journey through unique cultures and breathtaking landscapes. This tour provides the perfect opportunity to discover the wonders of the lake, including the man-made Floating Islands of the Uros and the serene beauty of Amantani Island. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the rich traditions, history, and hospitality of the indigenous communities that call the lake home, making it an unforgettable experience.

Your adventure begins with a boat ride from Puno to the Uros Islands, where you’ll discover the fascinating lifestyle of the Uros people, who have lived on floating islands made of reeds for centuries. After exploring their floating homes and, if you wish, taking an optional ride on a traditional reed boat, you’ll continue on to Amantani Island. Here, a short hike will lead you to the main square, where your guide will share the island’s history and customs. A delicious local lunch will follow, giving you a chance to savor the flavors of the region. Afterward, you’ll have free time to relax and take in the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere. As the tour draws to a close, you’ll descend by a different route, enjoying one final glimpse of the island before returning to Puno, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.

Your exciting adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Puno, where you’ll start your overland journey to Cusco. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Pukara Culture Lithic Museum, a fascinating site that sheds light on the ancient Pukara civilization. Here, you’ll admire a collection of artifacts, including the famous Hatunñaqac sculpture, which offers insight into the culture’s rich history. The next stop is the Raya Pass, situated at a remarkable 4,335 meters (14,219 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of Chimboya Mountain and is considered the birthplace of the Amazon River. Be sure to capture the stunning views and take in the cultural significance of this dramatic landscape before enjoying a delightful lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.

As the journey continues, you’ll visit the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, a remarkable Inca site dedicated to the supreme Inca deity. The temple’s impressive stone and adobe structures will captivate you as you learn about the history and purpose of this sacred site. Finally, the day concludes with a visit to the Andahuaylillas Chapel, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Marvel at the stunning murals and intricate gold leaf work from the Cusco School of art. After a day of exploration, you’ll arrive in Cusco, where you’ll be escorted to your hotel for check-in, ready to rest and reflect on the incredible sights you’ve experienced.

Our team will pick you up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon to begin your half-day tour of the city of Cusco. Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere and was once the heart of the Incan Empire during the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the city showcases a unique blend of ancient pre-Inca and Inca architecture with Spanish colonial influences, offering a fascinating journey through history. On this tour, we will visit some of the city’s most remarkable sites, where you’ll have the chance to appreciate its extraordinary cultural heritage.

Our first stop will be the Cusco Cathedral, the city’s main temple, located on the Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll admire its impressive architecture and view several masterpieces from the Cusco School of art. Next, we’ll head to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti. On top of this sacred site, the Santo Domingo Convent was built, yet much of the original Inca stonework remains intact. We’ll then visit Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial fortress with megalithic stone walls, offering a panoramic view of the city of Cusco. Our next stops will be Q’enqo, a mysterious site with underground passageways, Puca Pucara, a fortress showcasing Inca military architecture, and finally, Tambomachay, a stunning site featuring aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, highlighting the Inca’s mastery of water manipulation. After exploring these incredible sites, we’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore.

Begin your journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley with a morning pickup from your hotel. Your first stop is the impressive Pisac archaeological site, perched high on a mountain ridge with sweeping views of the valley below. Explore ancient Inca terraces, ceremonial structures, and watchtowers with your guide before descending to the colorful Pisac market, where you’ll have time to browse handcrafted textiles, local produce, and artisan goods.

Then continue through the valley to Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. Enjoy a relaxing lunch made with fresh local ingredients before exploring the Ollantaytambo archaeological site—a remarkable complex of temples, terraces, and fortifications that once served as a strategic Inca stronghold. After your visit, board the train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

After a restful night in Aguas Calientes, your guide will meet you at your hotel early in the morning to begin your visit to Machu Picchu. From there, you’ll take the short bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of the awe-inspiring citadel. Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu showcases the incredible architectural and engineering mastery of the Inca civilization. As you explore its temples, plazas, and agricultural terraces, you’ll gain insight into its historical significance and marvel at the ingenuity that has allowed it to endure for centuries amid earthquakes and harsh mountain weather.

Following your guided tour, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy Aguas Calientes at your own pace—whether that means lunch, souvenir shopping, or a visit to the town’s namesake hot springs (optional, not included). Later in the afternoon, you’ll board your return train, and upon arrival at the station, you’ll be met by your driver for your transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.

Explore the breathtaking multi-colored Vinicunca Mountain on this classic day hike from Cusco. Located at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft above sea level, this stunning natural wonder and the nearby Red Valley showcase some of the most impressive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. We will depart early from Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft), heading south toward the Cusipata District (3,310 m / 10,860 ft, approx. 75 km / 46 mi – 2 hours by car), where we’ll make a brief stop for any last-minute supplies. As we continue our journey, we’ll pass through picturesque Andean villages, spotting llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. After reaching the village of Chirihuani (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), we will enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast prepared by our chef.

From here, we continue to the trailhead at 4,626 m / 15,177 ft, where we begin our ascent toward Vinicunca. The hike covers approx. 7 km / 4.3 mi round trip (1.5 hours up, 1 hour down) through an ever-changing landscape of mineral-rich mountains and glacial streams, gradually revealing the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain. At the summit (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), we’ll have time to soak in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos. After enjoying this spectacular sight, we begin our 3.5 km / 2.1 mi descent (about 1 hour) back to the trailhead, where our transport will be waiting to take us to a nearby town (Cusipata) for a delicious buffet lunch. Recharged and refreshed, we return to Cusco in the late afternoon (approx. 3 hours by car, 100 km / 62 mi), bringing home lasting memories of this high-altitude adventure.

As your adventure in Peru comes to a close, we’ll ensure your departure is smooth and stress-free. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel at the designated time and escort you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Once there, you’ll have ample time to check in for your flight and prepare for your journey home or onward.

We hope that your time in Cusco has been filled with unforgettable experiences. As you bid farewell to the Inca imperial capital, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.