Tour South Peru | From Arequipa to Lake Titica

This roundtrip takes you through the highlights of southern Peru, from the culinary streets of Lima to the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu. You'll explore bustling cities like Cusco and Arequipa, sail on Lake Titicaca and traverse breathtaking landscapes by train, jeep and on foot. Along the way you will see condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, hike a section of the original Inca trail to the Sun Gate and learn about ancient traditions in remote villages. A trip for those who like to discover the real Peru.

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, you'll be met by a local and transferred to your hotel in the artistic Barranco neighborhood. This bohemian neighborhood comes alive at night, with colorful facades, live music and cozy bars. An ideal place for a first introduction to Peru: sample a pisco sour, discover the local street art scene and dine in one of the city's top restaurants.

Day 2: Bike tour Lima

Today you'll explore Lima by bike and on foot with a private guide. You'll start in Barranco and bike along the coastline towards Miraflores, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Along the way you pass parks, murals and old mansions. For lunch you will taste ceviche at a famous cevicheria by celebrity chef Gastón Acurio. In the afternoon, explore the historic center on foot past colonial squares, wooden balconies and the Baroque San Francisco monastery with underground catacombs. In the evening, there will be time for a gourmet finale at one of the world's top 50 restaurants.

Day 3: The white city of Arequipa

A short domestic flight takes you to Arequipa, located between three volcanoes. You'll stay in the colonial center, built out of white volcanic rock. Together with a guide, you will visit the local market, the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery: a colorful, hidden town within the city. Don't forget to taste typical dishes such as "rocoto relleno" or "chupe de camarones."

Day 4: Colca Canyon

After breakfast, you will depart for the Colca Canyon with a guide. On the way you will cross the Salinas y Aguada Blanca nature reserve, where vicuñas and llamas graze among the volcanoes. You ascend to 4,910 meters on the Pata Pampa Pass, with views of the Ampato and Sabancaya volcanoes. In the afternoon you will arrive in Chivay, where you will stay in a hotel with hot springs in the midst of nature. Lunch and dinner are included.

Day 5: Colca Canyon

Get up early for the best chance to spot condors over the Colca Canyon. Then visit small villages and take short hikes past agricultural terraces and viewpoints. In the afternoon you will have free time for an additional hike, horseback riding or just relaxing in the thermal pools of your hotel.

Day 6: Lake Titicaca

Today you travel across the altiplano to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You will make several stops along the way in mountain villages and at Patapampa viewpoints. Before your arrival you will visit Sillustani, an impressive archaeological site with cylindrical tomb structures.

Day 7: Lake Titicaca

Today you choose how to explore Lake Titicaca. Sail to the floating reed islands of the Uros and Unesco heritage site Taquile or explore the lake by kayak, paddleboard or sailboat. In the evening, you can also participate in a stargazing activity or a guided bird-watching hike in the nearby nature reserve.

Day 8: Panorama Train to Cusco

Today you will take a special ride aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train. You will travel in style across the high plains towards Cusco, with live music, lunch on board and a panorama car in the back. Around 6 p.m. you will arrive in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the historic center.

Day 9: Cusco

On foot and accompanied by a local guide, you will discover Cusco: a city where Inca walls, colonial facades and lively plazas blend together. You will visit the Temple of the Sun, the cathedral and the San Blas district, among others. In the afternoon there is time to further explore the city at your own pace.

Day 10: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Today you will trek into the Sacred Valley with a private guide. You will visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress above Cusco, the agricultural terraces and burial complex of Pisac and the lively Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the daily life of the inhabitants and show you hidden places.

Day 11: Moray and Maras

Today you will discover the lesser-known side of the Sacred Valley. You walk along the mysterious round terraces of Moray and visit the salt terraces of Maras, where families still extract salt according to ancient traditions. You have lunch with views of the Urubamba Mountains and visit a hummingbird observation point in the afternoon. Dinner à la carte or explore Urubamba - within walking distance or by local mototaxi.

Day 12: Short Inca Trail

An early train ride takes you to the start of the short Inca Trail. You'll hike in small groups past archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna and reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon, from where you'll see Machu Picchu emerging for the first time among the mountains. A unique moment. After a short descent you will return to your hotel.

Day 13: Machu Picchu

Today you'll explore Machu Picchu up close with a private guide. You will learn about the construction, function and life of the Incas at this site. After the visit, you have lunch in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon you will return to Cusco on the panoramic Vistadome train, where you will be picked up at the train station and transferred to your hotel. For dinner we are happy to reserve a table in a good restaurant in town.