A 10-Day Cultural Journey Through Peru’s Wonders
Price
Duration
Min Age
Tour Type
Peruvian Panorama: A 10-Day Cultural Journey Through Peru’s Wonders
Join our “Peruvian Panorama” tour for a 10-day expedition that encapsulates the soul of Peru. Starting in Lima, uncover the city’s rich colonial legacy before flying to Arequipa, the stunning White City. Be awestruck by the soaring condors in Colca Valley, and cruise on the majestic Lake Titicaca. Journey to Cusco, the heart of the Incan empire, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Andean community. Explore the lush Sacred Valley, visiting the ancient sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The highlight is the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, a marvel of ancient architecture and beauty. This intimate small-group tour promotes sustainable and safe travel, ensuring authentic experiences while contributing to local communities and environmental conservation.
Highlights
- Arequipa’s Colonial Charm: Discover Arequipa’s White City, adorned with historical architecture and cultural richness.
- Colca Valley’s Natural Splendor: Experience the majesty of the Colca Canyon, home to the iconic flight of the condors.
- Lake Titicaca’s Serenity: Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca, visiting the unique Uros Floating Islands and Taquile.
- Cusco’s Incan Heritage: Delve into the rich history of Cusco, the ancient Incan capital, and its vibrant culture.
- Machu Picchu’s Mystique: Be mesmerized by the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, a testament to Incan ingenuity.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Starting Your Peruvian Adventure
- Day 2: Exploring Colonial Lima – Unveiling Lima’s Historical Gems
- Day 3: Arequipa’s Wonders – Journey to the White City
- Day 4: Colca Valley Exploration – Into the Depths of Natural Beauty
- Day 5: Condors & Journey to Puno – Witnessing the Flight of the Condors
- Day 6: Lake Titicaca Discovery – Uros Floating Islands & Taquile
- Day 7: Scenic Bus to Cusco – En Route to the Incan Heartland
- Day 8: Sacred Valley Insights – Exploring Pisac & Ollantaytambo
- Day 9: Machu Picchu Revelation – The Lost City Awaits
- Day 10: Departure from Cusco – Farewell to the Land of the Incas
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 1480 | US$ 271 |
Tourist | US$ 1643 | US$ 311 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1885 | US$ 467 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 9 nights in Lima, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Puno, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Andean Community, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According to the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: BSP10D01-SIC
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
- Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting at Lima airport with a customized sign with the client’s name.
- Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- No scheduled activities exist, so check into lodging and restore the energy.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2 – Lima Colonial Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; enjoy a free morning to explore the city alone.
- At 14:00, pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We will take a fascinating walking tour. We will show our clients the palaces, castles, magnificent Saint Francisco Monastery, and spectacular subterranean Catacombs throughout our city.
- We visit the main square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, the train station Palace, the unique old-fashioned “Cordano Bar,” colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union Pathway, the Post Office Palace, the Dominicans Tower, and the Historical Rimac Bridge, as well as the lovely surrounded wooden Balconies.
- The historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by UNESCO.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Flight to Arequipa – City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:30, picked up from the hotel and escorted to the airport to Arequipa.
- Upon arrival in Arequipa, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- Hotel pickup at 14:30. The excursion will begin at Carmen Alto, where the Chili River is visible. The Yanahuara Viewpoint is our next destination, and this magnificent location is well-known for its charming, winding lanes. Following that, we will go to Arequipa’s Central Square.
- During our journey to the main square, we will see the Basilica Cathedral, which still houses the Arch Bishop and the Jesuits’ Church of the Company of Jesus.
- Finally, we will visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina. The monument’s foundations date back to 1579, and it is one of Peru’s most magnificent, significant, and spiritually famous landmarks. The Monastery has conserved its traditional characteristics for centuries. Its narrow streets and gardens with typical Spanish names bring back memories of the old quarters of Sevilla and Granada. The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Arequipa.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 4 – Excursion to the Colca Valley
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30 and land departure toward exciting excursion towards the Colca Valley. In the route, we will drive across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Our clients will be blown away by the magnificent views of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.
- Upon arrival at the reserve, they will experience the wild vicuñas in their natural habitats, which is considered a national symbol. Then we continue to Vizcachani, the Pampas de Toccra. Finally, to the Mirador de Los Andes at Patapampa (4800m), we can view Arequipa’s volcanoes.
- Before entering the Colca Valley, we stop in the Mirador. We can admire the magnificent pre-Columbian terraces that indigenous Collaguas are still farming.
- Once we get to the town of Chivay, transfer to the hotel.
- There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Colca Valley.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 5 – Observe the flight of the Condors and Journey to Puno
- Hotel breakfast; 06:00 pick up and transfer to the Cruz del Cóndor for panoramic views of the Colca Valley, the world’s second-deepest canyon, measuring 4 kilometers at its deepest point.
- Be taken aback by the enormous and beautiful condors flying just a few meters away.
- Afterward, we will make our way to the town of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque Viewpoint to see a fantastic terrace built 1500 years ago. On our way back to Chivay, we will stop at Choquetico and Tumbas Colgantes.
- Then we continue to Maca and Yanque, where we will set eyes on the valley’s most beautiful church and have lunch in the quaint small town square. Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- At 13:30, take the bus to Puno.
- We will see the stone forest and stop at the lagoon called Lagunillas, which is home to a tremendous wild variety of birds and flora. This journey will take around 6 hours.
- Upon arrival in Puno, assistance at the Bus station and transfer to the lodging.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 6 – Lake Titicaca (Uros Floating Islands & Taquile)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:00 and transfer to Puno’s port. Our journey will begin with the Uros Floating Islands. The Uros are the native people who live on these artificial islands made with cattail grown on Lake Titicaca. The houses are built atop, while outside cooking to avoid fires.
- After an hour on the Island of Uros, we will proceed to the Island of Taquile. Here become aware that these locals speak Quechua instead of the predominant Aymara. The Island of Taquile was once a part of the Inca Empire, which still influences the style of the buildings today.
- Upon arrival on the island, we will receive some brief information and a tour until lunchtime. In the afternoon, the boat will take back Puno.
- The clients will be transferred back to the hotel from Puno’s port.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Puno.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 7 – Bus journey from Puno to Cusco with stops
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 06:00. Transfer to the bus station, and take the bus to Cusco. The trip from Puno to Cusco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery through the high Altiplano region.
- Have numerous brief pauses for panoramic views and a visit to a historical ruin at Pucara, La Raya, Raqchi, and Andahuaylillas.
- Stop in Sicuani town to have lunch. Then we continue our trip to the city of Cusco.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the Bus station and transfer to the lodging.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 8 – Colorful Andean Village, Moray & Ollantaytambo
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 08:00. The tour will begin in Chinchero, a hamlet famous for preserving traditional Andean spinning and weaving skills.
- Today we have the opportunity to visit the community of Taucca, populated by 20 families and located at an elevation of 3,850 meters. The villagers will share their traditional Andean way of life with us. In addition, we will see them spin and dye wool thread using natural dyes and weave fabric following their ancient techniques.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch made by the community women from organic ingredients in their fields.
- After lunch, we will move on to Moray. In circular and semi-circular terraces, this fantastic structure was used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas.
- Our last stop will be in Ollantaytambo, an impressive military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of the mountain.
- Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 9 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 10 – Colorful Cusco Walking Tour – Flight to Lima
- Hotel breakfast; hotel pickup at 09:00. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s central square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
- After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
- Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
- The tour ends around 13:00.
- At 15:00, transfer from the hotel to the Cusco airport.
- Meals Included: Breakfast