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Highlights of Southern Peru

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic Machu Pichu with spectacular views
  • Private boat trip at Lake Titicaca
  • Experience the local and authentic flavours to Peru with the a walking food tour and cooking class
From £2722 pp*
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11 nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Explore the culinary diversity and rich history of Lima, Peru's Capital City. Gaze at Andean condors as they glide over the dramatic Colca Canyon. Sail across the picturesque Lake Titicaca and visit its traditional communities. Journey into Cusco the heartland of Inca culture and visit the famous Machu Picchu.

Experience Peru to its fullest potential with this 15 day adventure. Take the opportunity to explore range of destinations including Lima, Arequipa, Colca, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arriving to Lima

Day 2: Walking Food Tour in Lima’s Historic City Centre

Day 3: Flight to Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

Day 4: Scenic drive to the Colca Canyon

Day 5: Soft hike along Condors viewpoint and journey to Puno

Day 6: Private boat at Lake Titicaca

Day 7: Unique Titicaca Train to Cusco

Day 8: Saqsayhuaman, Llamas and off-the-beaten-path Cusco

Day 9: Amaru Community and Pisac

Day 10: Morning at Ollantaytambo and afternoon at Machu Picchu

Day 11: Return to Cusco and cooking class with Seledonia Mesa

Day 12: Return home

If you like this trip but want to extend your holiday and visit the Amazon please click here for Highlights of Southern Peru and Amazon Extension trip.

*From price based on 2 people sharing a room. For larger groups, solo travellers or children cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

*Please note:
All accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.
This is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Welcome to Lima!

Welcome to Peru and Lima! Upon Arrival, we’ll meet you at Lima Airport and continue together to your hotel, where you are free to relax and wander around at your own pace.

After check-in, we’ll hand you your travel kit and have a short briefing to answer any last-minute questions.

Depending on your time of arrival, we have plenty of suggestions for you to make the most of your first day in the city.

Accommodation: Innside Miraflores

Meals: None

 

Walking Food Tour in Lima's Historic City Center

Your afternoon tour begins with a walk through Lima’s historic city center. The old streets showcase the city’s colonial past, with buildings that reflect centuries of architectural styles.

As you explore, you’ll sample local street foods. Papa a la huancaína, a dish of boiled potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce, offers a taste of traditional Peruvian flavors. Seco de res con frejol, a beef stew served with beans, demonstrates the hearty nature of Peruvian cuisine.
The tour continues with a stop for combinado, a popular mixed dish that varies but often includes rice, beans, and meat. This staple represents the everyday eating habits of Lima’s residents.

You’ll then try anticuchos, grilled skewered meat that has been a part of Peruvian cuisine since pre-Columbian times. Originally made with llama meat, today’s version typically uses beef heart, showcasing how traditional dishes have evolved.

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the history behind these foods and their significance in Peruvian culture. The experience connects you to Lima’s culinary traditions while providing context for the city’s development.

As you walk between food stops, you’ll see notable buildings and landmarks. Your guide will explain their historical importance, giving you insights into Lima’s role in Peru’s past and present.

Accommodation: Innside Miraflores

Meals: None

Flight to Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

After breakfast, we’ll drive you back to Lima airport to take your flight* to the city of Arequipa. Upon arrival, our local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city center.

This afternoon, get ready to explore the best of the stunning white city. First, we’ll walk to San Camilo, the principal market in Arequipa, founded back in 1881, where most Arequipeños shop nowadays. Explore the beautiful surroundings of the main square and stunning façade of Arequipa’s cathedral.

After this delightful visit, continue to La Compañia Church, famous for its interesting baroque style and colorful Cupula of Saint Ignacio. We’ll take a look at El Tambo La Cabezona, a 17th-century apartment built following the classic colonial style, on your way to the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most fascinating colonial and religious buildings in Peru!

Accommodation: Tambo Acolpacha

Meal: Breakfast

*Domestic flight not included

Scenic drive to the Colca Canyon

Leaving Arequipa, embark on a 160 km drive to the Colca Canyon. The journey, shortly after departure, offers views of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. The road then ascends into the ‘Salinas y Aguada Blanca’ Reserve, home to many llama, alpaca, and vicuña herds that feed on the vast ‘Ichu’ pastures of the reserve. Along the way, a stop at a small road café allows for tasting warm Inca tea made with local herbs, known for aiding with high altitude.

Next, the route crosses the highest section of the mountains towards ‘El Mirador de Los Andes’, a high pass with panoramic views of this volcanic section of the Andes, where up to six different volcanoes can be spotted. Time here is brief to avoid altitude issues before beginning the descent into the Colca Valley and Canyon, where the hotel is located. Arrival is expected just before lunchtime, with the journey taking 3 to 4 hours, depending on stops.

The afternoon is free for relaxation and enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Options include a leisurely countryside walk or exploring the many local hot springs in the area.

Accommodation: Killawasi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast

Soft hike along Condors viewpoint and journey to Puno

Start your second day in the Colca Canyon with a visit to the La Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you’ll have the chance to witness the flight of the condors and take in the depth of the canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for up to 10 condors soaring just a few meters away on clear, sunny days. However, please note that this experience is weather-dependent and the condors may not appear in rainy conditions.

Next, we’ll head to Chivay, making stops at the village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint. Here, you’ll marvel at the terraces constructed by the pre-Inca Collaguas culture 1500 years ago. Our journey continues with visits to Choquetico, the Andean community of Maca, and Yanque, where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the colonial church of the Valley.

After, you will have some time for lunch (not included) in Chivay. Then embark on a 6-hour drive to Puno, offering views of lagoons, stone forests, and Andean farmhouses. As we arrive in Puno around 7pm.

Accommodation: Sonesta Puno

Meals: Breakfast

Private boat at Lake Titicaca

Your full day at Lake Titicaca begins with a journey to Taquile Island. The tour takes you to the southern side of the island, an area less frequented by large groups.

On arrival, you’ll notice the rocky shoreline and clear waters of Lake Titicaca. The landscape combines the blue of the lake with the towering Andes in the background, creating a unique visual contrast.

As you explore the island, you’ll interact with the local community. Taquile is known for its textile traditions, which UNESCO recognizes as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Your host family will demonstrate their weaving techniques, showing how they create intricate textiles using methods passed down through generations.

The tour allows time to walk around the island, taking in views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You’ll see how the islanders have adapted to life at high altitude, with terraced fields and traditional stone buildings dotting the landscape. Throughout the day, your guide will explain the customs and daily life of Taquile’s inhabitants. You’ll learn about the island’s social structure and how textile making plays a central role in the community.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin the return journey to Puno. The boat ride back offers a different perspective of the lake and its islands as the day winds down.

Accommodation: Sonesta Puno

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Unique Titicaca Train to Cusco

You have a remarkable train journey ahead of you today. After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the train station to embark on a journey aboard the Titicaca Train to Cusco. This train, reminiscent of the famous Pullman trains of the twenties, offers a unique travel experience. You’ll enjoy the elegance of dining cars and an outdoor observatory, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort as you make your way to Cusco.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to stunning views of villages, rivers, pastures, and snow-capped peaks. The observatory cart allows you to take in the scenery as you relax. Indulge in a three-course lunch and take part in a Pisco Sour Demonstration, adding a touch of local flavor to your experience aboard the train. Upon arriving to La Raya, the midway and highest point of the journey, the train will make a short pause, and you will be allowed to disembark and explore the surroundings shortly.

Upon arriving in Cusco, your guide will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the city center.
Note that the Titicaca Train operates only on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Saqsayhuaman, Llamas and off-the-beaten-path Cusco

Strap on your walking shoes and prepare for a guided stroll around the less frequented side of Cusco’s countryside.

Your day begins with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, an Inca fortress overlooking Cusco. This site features massive stone walls, showcasing the Incas’ advanced construction techniques. From here, you can see panoramic views of Cusco city below. After exploring Sacsayhuaman, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at one of the alpaca and llama farms in the area. Here, you can learn about these animals that have been integral to Andean culture for centuries. You’ll see alpacas and llamas up close and learn about their importance in local traditions and economy.

Next, you’ll travel to Puca Pucara, an ancient Incan outpost. This smaller site provides insight into the strategic defenses of the Inca Empire. Your guide will explain its function and significance within the broader Incan network.

The journey continues along an old trail following a stream. You’ll notice signs of Inca engineering along the way, such as stone channels and terraces. This path leads through fields and gently descends, offering views of the surrounding landscape.
Your exploration brings you to Inkilltambo, a recently restored Inca site. Unlike the more famous ruins, Inkilltambo remains relatively unknown to most visitors. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore Incan structures without large crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience of the site’s history.

After exploring Inkilltambo, a short 10-minute descent brings you to your transport. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive back to Cusco city center, where you’ll return to your hotel.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast

Amaru Community and Pisac

Today, you’ll venture away from the tourist routes to explore the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. The first stop will be at the Andean community high in the mountains slopes above Pisac. This traditional village has kept its ancient traditions alive, farming methods, and weaving techniques. Your local hosts will be happy to share and teach you, first-hand, about their traditions. Amaru is a farming community that is slowly becoming known for its agricultural practices, particularly for their tubers. They can grow over hundreds of different types of potatoes in their fields. Take part in the sowing or harvesting, depending on the season. You’ll also find various Andean superfoods, such as quinoa, kiwicha, and medicinal herbs. Afterward, join your hosts at the table and share a typical Andean meal.

After leaving Amaru, we’ll head to Pisac Archaeological site, one of the most amazing Inca sites in the area. If you fancy a walk, we can descend through Inca stone steps from the archaeological site to Pisac village, known for its colorful streets and charming atmosphere. Alternatively, we can opt for a return to our hotel via private transport. It’s a day filled with unique cultural experiences and natural beauty, offering an authentic taste of life in the Andean highlands.

Accommodation: Casona de Yucay

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Morning at Ollantaytambo and afternoon at Machu Picchu

Brace yourselves for an exciting day discovering two fascinating sites: Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. An early set-off is required today to be among the first to visit Ollantaytambo in the early morning. This charming town has preserved much of its Inca heritage.

First, you’ll enter Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site, known for its impressive stonework that can rival Machu Picchu itself. Time permitting, you can then stroll around the streets of the village before heading to Ollantaytambo train station a little later this morning. Once ready, set off aboard the scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes. As you travel alongside the Urubamba River, you’ll witness the transition from fields, eucalyptus forests and snowpeaks to lush cloud forest. A tasty box lunch is included so you can enjoy it during the train ride.

On arrival, a 5-minute walk leads to the shuttle buses. From here, a 25-minute bus ride up a steep mountain slope takes you to Machu Picchu. After ticket control, you are now ready to begin! With our guide by your side, you’ll embark on a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Inca citadel, uncovering its history and hidden corners.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu, you’ll take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodation: Casona de Yucay

Meals: Breakfast and boxed lunch

Return to Cusco and cooking class with Seledonia Mesa

At a coordinated mid-morning time, you’ll check out of your hotel in the Sacred Valley and enjoy a scenic drive back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your Cusco hotel and have some free time to settle in or explore the area.

This afternoon, your culinary adventure with chef Seledonia Mesa begins. The tour starts with a visit to San Pedro Market, a hub of local commerce in Cusco. Here, you’ll wander through colorful stalls filled with products from the Andes and nearby Amazon.
Seledonia guides you through the market, introducing you to exotic fruits like lucuma, chirimoya, and granadilla. You’ll learn about these and other key ingredients in Peruvian cuisine, gaining insight into the diverse produce used in local cooking.

After the market tour, you’ll proceed to Seledonia’s Kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. In this intimate setting, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes or experiment with local ingredients to create something new.

During the class, Seledonia shares cooking techniques and explains the cultural significance of various ingredients and dishes. This adds depth to your understanding of Cusco’s culinary traditions.

The class focuses on both learning and creativity, encouraging you to explore flavors while developing skills in Peruvian cooking. Your day concludes with a meal featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, allowing you to savor the results of your culinary efforts.

Accommodation: Tierra Viva San Blas

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Departure

Enjoy a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets. After, at the coordinated time, we’ll head to the airport to board your international flight back home. Hopefully, you will be heading home full of happy memories, new friends, and great pictures of your time with us!

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 11 Nights Luxury Accommodation
  • 11 x Breakfast and 6 x Lunches
  • 2 nights - Lima
  • 1 night - Arequipa
  • 1 night - Colca
  • 2 nights - Puno
  • 3 nights - Cusco
  • 2 night - Sacred Valley
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private Transportation throughout the tour
  • Expedition Trains to/from Machu Picchu
  • All entrance fees necessary for our services on this trip

Accommodation

Innside Miraflores (or similar)

Innside Lima Miraflores features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar.

All guest rooms comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Each room has a private bathroom with a hair dryer.

Tambo Acolpacha (or similar)

Tambo Acolpacha is a restored old house, located in the historical center renewed to offer you comfort and take you back in time to the colonial era of the city, offering an approach for cultural promotion of our heritage, social responsibility and initiatives for the conservation and preservation of the environment.

There is a restaurant and bar onsite.

Killawasi Lodge (or similar)

A cozy hotel located in the beautiful Colca Valley in the charming town of Yanque, surrounded by panoramic green landscapes, it offers modern accommodations with private balconies.

Hotel Killawasi offers many eco and adventure activities in the area. Guests can go horse riding, hiking, visit the natural springs, spot condors in one of worlds' deepest canyons and learn more about local Inca history and agriculture.

A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant. During the evening, guests can dine and enjoy a variety of dishes, prepared with local fresh ingredients. Drinks and snacks can be ordered from the bar during the day.

Sonesta Puno (or similar)

On the shores of Lake Titicaca, you can enjoy the warm hospitality, the hotel offers you a unique environment, surrounded by beauty and tranquility, to contemplate the wonderful landscape offered by the highest navigable lake in the world; its spacious rooms, restaurant, bar, terrace other environments.

The Inkafé Restaurant, set on the margin of Titicaca Lake, serves a varied menu that features international cuisine and Peruvian specialties as well.

Visit the fascinating floating islands of the Uros built on reeds, the island of Taquile and its traditional weaving, Amantani and its magical sunset, the imposing Chullpas of Sillustani, among others.

Tierra Viva San Blas (or similar)

Set in an old colonial house with an internal courtyard, featuring baby alpacas', this relaxed hotel is a 10-minute walk from Coricancha, a ruined Inca temple, and a 7-minute walk from Cusco Cathedral.

A breakfast buffet is served in an informal dining room decorated with Peruvian artefacts.

Casona de Yucay (or similar)

The Colonial Mansion was built in 1810, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks, the hotel will surprise you with spectacular views and beautiful gardens where you can relax and feel the magic of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Located in Yucay, a picturesque town in the heart of the Sacred Valley, land chosen by the Incas as their resting place, the hotel is the ideal place from which you can visit the main archaeological remains such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Maras, Moray and Chinchero.

Amenities include a formal restaurant, and a cozy bar with a fireplace. There are gardens and courtyards featuring sitting areas. Horseback riding, plus yoga and art classes, are offered.

Your local host

Diego

We are a young and fresh bespoke travel company that offers authentic journeys beyond the most popular sites, including real off-the-beaten-track destinations, and outstanding service. We take price in our team which is all made of avid travelers that love Peru. Being able to be everywhere and do everything, has given us first-hand knowledge about our country, allowing us to craft any kind of itinerary from scratch for our travelers from all over the world.

It all started back in 2009, when we, a pair of young travelers, were amazed by Peru’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and fantastic people while traveling along the Andes of Lima. We thought that we needed to share the incredible places, knowledge, and friends with much ... Read All

We are a young and fresh bespoke travel company that offers authentic journeys beyond the most popular sites, including real off-the-beaten-track destinations, and outstanding service. We take price in our team which is all made of avid travelers that love Peru. Being able to be everywhere and do everything, has given us first-hand knowledge about our country, allowing us to craft any kind of itinerary from scratch for our travelers from all over the world.

It all started back in 2009, when we, a pair of young travelers, were amazed by Peru’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and fantastic people while traveling along the Andes of Lima. We thought that we needed to share the incredible places, knowledge, and friends with much more people. Travelers out there were missing out on what the real Peru is about. That’s when we started running tours and we haven’t stopped sharing the best of our country in the most authentic manner since then.

Diego image

Location

Experience the best highlights of Peru on this once on this memorable trip!

Explore the culinary diversity and rich history of Lima, Peru’s Capital City. Gaze at Andean condors as they glide over the dramatic Colca Canyon. Sail across the picturesque Lake Titicaca and visit its traditional communities. Journey into Cusco the heartland of Inca culture and visit the famous Machu Picchu.

Prepare for a journey of a lifetime as we show you the best of our country.

 

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