Experience the magic of southern Peru on a complete 14-day journey through Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco, combined with unforgettable natural wonders. This itinerary includes visits to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, the impressive Salkantay Lagoon, and the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, offering a perfect balance of culture, landscapes, and adventure.
An ideal route for international travelers seeking to discover Peru’s diversity and beauty before returning to Lima after an unforgettable two-week experience.
14 days 13 nights
Group size 2-12
Starting Point - Lima
March to December
Reception at Jorge Chávez International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.
Overnight in Lima.
Important notes:
If your flight arrives at 6:00 am, you may take the city tour at 9:30 am or 2:30 pm.
If you arrive later, the city tour can be scheduled on the day you return from Cusco.
If you wish to access your hotel room immediately upon arrival, the previous night must be paid, which includes breakfast.
Hotel pickup to begin a 3 hour and 30 minute city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru, beautifully bordered by the Pacific Ocean. We drive along the Malecón of Miraflores and stop at the iconic Park of Love, where you will enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Lima’s coastline.
We then continue to the Huaca Pucllana, an impressive adobe pyramid that rises like a sleeping giant among modern buildings. The guide explains how, centuries before the Incas, sacred rituals were performed at this ceremonial site. (Entrance not included.)
Next, we head to the Historic Center of Lima. Walking through its colonial streets, the guide takes us to the Plaza Mayor of Lima, surrounded by the Lima Cathedral, the Government Palace of Peru with its solemn balconies, and the Municipal Palace.
We then continue to the San Francisco Convent, a true architectural treasure. Its cloisters decorated with Sevillian tiles, paintings from the Cusco School of Art, and underground passages lead us to the famous catacombs, offering a fascinating encounter with Lima’s colonial past.
On the return, we pass by Plaza San Martín, where pigeons and elegant republican-era façades add a nostalgic atmosphere.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Lima.
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to take the flight to the Arequipa, known as The White City. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the selected hotel.
Between 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm, hotel pickup to begin the city tour at the Yanahuara Viewpoint, famous for its elegant sillar stone arches that frame the imposing silhouette of El Misti Volcano. We then continue to the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, where the Chili River winds through lush green agricultural terraces. The fresh air and panoramic views remind visitors that Arequipa is a city where agricultural heritage and modern life coexist.
We return to the historic center to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a true city within a city. Its narrow stone streets, vividly painted blue and deep red walls, and silent courtyards transport visitors back in time. Walking through this monastery feels like stepping into a living history book—once a place of strict enclosure, today it opens its secrets to travelers.
The tour continues to the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, considered one of the most beautiful main squares in Peru. We also visit the Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía), with its impressive cloisters and dome, and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, an outstanding example of colonial architecture.
Return to the hotel at approximately 5:00 pm.
Overnight in Arequipa.
Passenger pickup between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, followed by departure from Arequipa toward the Colca Valley via the Yura route, passing through Pampa Cañahua and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we will have the opportunity to observe vicuñas in their natural habitat.
We stop at Patahuasi to enjoy a traditional Inca tea, then continue through the Toccra Plains, where birdwatching is possible in the high-altitude wetlands (bofedales). We also visit the Volcanoes Viewpoint, the highest point of the route at 4,910 meters above sea level (16,109 ft), offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Arrival in Chivay at approximately 12:00 pm.
In the afternoon, guests staying in Chivay will visit the La Calera Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic and medicinal waters.
For guests staying at Colca Lodge, the hotel features private thermal baths, where lunch will be served.
Included: Lunch.
At 6:30 am, we depart to the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, a strategic observation point offering breathtaking views of the canyon and the spectacular flight of the Andean condor.
On the return journey, we stop at the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque, known for their beautiful colonial churches. We also visit the viewpoints of Antahuilque Viewpoint, Huayrapunko Viewpoint, and Peña Blanca Viewpoint, from where we can admire the stunning landscapes of the Colca Valley and its impressive pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
Lunch is served in Chivay.
After lunch, transfer from Chivay to Puno. Along the route, we may stop at Lagunillas, where several lagoons can be seen along with a variety of migratory bird species.
Arrival in Puno between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
Included: Lunch in Chivay.
Between 7:00 am and 7:30 am, pickup directly from your hotel to begin a journey across the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. A local guide awaits at the port and invites you to board the boat that will sail across the calm waters of the lake.
As the engine starts, the boat gently makes its way through the tranquil waters. Gradually, in the distance, small floating islands made entirely of totora reeds appear—these are the Uros Floating Islands.
Upon arrival, the local inhabitants welcome you with warm smiles and colorful traditional clothing. They share the story of how their ancestors built the islands using layers of totora reeds and how, even today, they must be constantly renewed to prevent them from sinking. Walking on the soft surface, you can hear the reeds gently crunch beneath your feet. Families show you their homes, explain their way of life, and may even invite you to take a ride on the famous totora reed boats.
After the visit, the guide announces that the adventure continues. You return to the boat and head toward Taquile Island, with a journey of nearly two hours by boat.
Once on the island, you begin an uphill walk along a path surrounded by green agricultural terraces and wildflowers. At the main square, local residents welcome you with music and explain their strong community-based organization—on Taquile Island, everyone actively participates in the social and economic life of the island.
Lunch is served overlooking the lake and includes a hot quinoa soup, fresh trout, and muña herbal tea, offering an authentic taste of traditional Andean cuisine.
After the visit, the guide announces the return. You board the boat again with the feeling of having experienced a day rich in culture, landscapes, and living traditions.
Overnight in Puno.
Included: Lunch on Taquile Island.
Departure at 7:00 am aboard a tourist bus traveling along the Manco Cápac Tourist Corridor, which connects the cities of Puno and Cusco. The bus is operated with professional guides, allowing travelers to discover the most important attractions along the route.
Visits include the Pukara Lithic Museum, followed by La Raya Pass, where we enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, alpacas, and vicuñas. Lunch is served in Sicuani.
In the afternoon, we visit the Raqchi Archaeological Complex, an important Inca site dedicated to the god Wiracocha, and the Andahuaylillas Church, renowned for its extraordinary colonial murals and baroque decoration.
Arrival in Cusco at approximately 4:30 pm. Reception and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Included: Lunch.
ADDITIONAL OPTION: Departures on MONDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SATURDAYS aboard the PeruRail Titicaca.
Additional cost: USD 265 per person.
Departure at 7:30 am – Arrival at 5:50 pm.
This exclusive 10-hour luxury train journey crosses breathtaking landscapes between Cusco and Puno, featuring serene waters and dazzling peaks of the Peruvian Altiplano. The experience is enriched with live Andean music and traditional dances, a welcome Pisco Sour, and a carefully prepared gourmet lunch on board.
Between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm, we visit the heart of the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo: the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. Surrounded by colonial churches and finely carved wooden balconies, its atmosphere vibrates between the Inca past and the Spanish legacy. We enter the Cusco Cathedral, where Cusco’s Baroque art seems to dialogue with hidden Andean symbols subtly embedded in golden brushstrokes.
Just a few steps away, we visit Qorikancha, where perfectly assembled stone walls recall the greatness and advanced engineering of the Incas.
We then leave the historic center and ascend to the archaeological sites that dominate the city. Our first stop is Sacsayhuamán, a monumental fortress built with cyclopean stone blocks so massive they seem to have been carved by giants.
We continue to Qenqo, a ceremonial site where stone passageways once guarded the secrets of ancient rituals. Finally, we visit Tambomachay, where the gentle murmur of flowing water speaks of the sacred connection between the Incas and nature.
Return to the hotel at approximately 6:00 pm.
Overnight in Cusco.
Between 7:20 am and 8:00 am, pickup from your hotel to begin our excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This beautiful valley is shaped by numerous rivers flowing through lush green ravines and fertile small valleys, creating one of the most scenic landscapes in the Andes.
Our first stop is the Pisaq Archaeological Site, an impressive complex built during the height of the Inca Empire. Here, we admire the extraordinary achievements of the Incas through the endless agricultural terraces that virtually cover the surrounding mountainsides.
We then visit a picturesque artisan market, followed by lunch at one of the traditional local restaurants in the village.
Later, we continue to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we explore the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, an outstanding example of Inca architecture and urban planning.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Ollantaytambo Train Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes.
The train journey lasts approximately 2 hours and offers spectacular scenery along the route.
Departure at 3:35 pm – Arrival at 5:00 pm.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Departure from the bus station to board the shuttle that takes us uphill to the ruins of Machu Picchu. This short 20-minute bus ride follows a steep, unpaved, zigzagging road through a lush jungle-covered mountain, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Morning mist welcomes us at the entrance of Machu Picchu, as if the surrounding mountains were still guarding the secret of the Lost City. With the guide leading the way, we move forward slowly until—through the fog—the unmistakable silhouette of the stone terraces and walls appears. The murmur of visitors fades away, replaced by a heartfelt realization: we are standing before one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
ADDITIONAL: Entrance to Huayna Picchu (subject to availability).
Guests who wish to hike Huayna Picchu must purchase an additional entrance ticket, USD 60 per person.
Guide not included
Hike is done independently
Approximate hiking time: 2 hours
In the afternoon, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where there will be free time for lunch (lunch not included).
Return by train and bus to Cusco. Reception and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
On this day, you may choose one of two adventure and nature excursions. Both options offer breathtaking landscapes; however, please note that they require significant physical effort, which should be taken into consideration.
Departure from Cusco: 5:00 am
Return: 5:00 pm
Humantay Lake:
Approximate hiking time: 2 hours
Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 ft)
Destination: Humantay Lake
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca):
Approximate hiking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Altitude: 5,000 meters (16,404 ft)
Destination: Rainbow Mountain
Both routes include moderately steep uphill sections and gradually ascending plains.
For either hike, horses can be rented on site, led by local muleteers.
Included: Basic breakfast and lunch.
Experience Cusco through the eyes of a local. Feel the city’s energy and be captivated by its living history on this unforgettable guided walking tour through the imperial city.
During this 3-hour walking tour, you will explore the most iconic landmarks of the historic center, including the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the charming San Blas neighborhood, and the impressive Inca stone walls, surrounded by colonial streets and historic architecture.
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel; overnight stay in Lima.
Transfer to the bus station to depart for Ica. Departure on a regular bus at 8:00 am, arriving at 12:30 pm. The journey runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, featuring stretches of desert landscapes and scenic ocean views.
Upon arrival in Ica, reception and transfer to a traditional artisanal winery for lunch (at the travelers’ own expense).
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Huacachina Oasis desert. Board a powerful dune buggy equipped with safety belts as the engine roars, setting the tone for an adrenaline-filled experience. The driver accelerates and races up and down the dunes like a roller coaster, lifting clouds of sand along the way.
Next, the guide provides sandboards. In front of you, a steep dune rises endlessly. You lie back on the board, push off, and slide down amid laughter, feeling the sand brush your arms until you reach the bottom—this is the thrilling experience of sandboarding in the Peruvian desert.
At the end of the afternoon, private transfer to Paracas (approximately 1 hour).
Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Paracas.
The day begins early in Paracas as you board a speedboat equipped with a life jacket to navigate calm seas under fresh coastal air. As the boat heads offshore, the impressive rock formations of the Ballestas Islands come into view.
The first surprise is the soundscape: hundreds of seabirds calling loudly, mixed with the unmistakable barking of sea lions. You will see entire colonies resting on the rocks—some asleep, others swimming freely around the boat. This wildlife experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
At the end of the tour, the boat returns to the Paracas pier, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and one last look at the horizon.
In the afternoon, return by tourist bus to Lima at 2:00 pm, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm. Reception and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Lima.
OPTIONAL: Overflight of the Nazca Lines from the Pisco Aerodrome.
Includes assistance and transfers.
Cost: USD 290 per person.
Not included:
Aerodrome taxes
Nazca Lines entrance fee (approximately S/ 77 or USD 25)
At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for departure to the planned destination.
| HOTELS | DOUBLE ROOM |
|---|---|
| Tourist Hotels | $1770 |
| Superior Tourist Hotels | $1920 |
| First Class Hotels | $2140 |
| Superior First Class Hotels | $2335 |
| Luxury Hotels | $2820 |
| DESTINATION | SCHEDULES |
|---|---|
| Lima-Arequipa | Departs 10:30 Arrives 12:00 |
| Cusco-Lima | Departs 11:30 Arrives 12:45 |
| PRECIO | EQUIPAJE |
| $255 | Full Fare - Checked Baggage 23K |
Travel agency and tour operator with 30 years of experience with RUC No. 20102006365.
Address:
Luis Felipe Villarán 320, San Isidro, Lima – Perú
Email: clubvac@clubdevacacionesperu.com
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