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Perú Package: Lima, Cusco and Arequipa – 12 Days

Cusco, Peru ES / EN
Duration
12 Days
Max. Altitude
4,100 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Moderate

Overview

Discover the best of Peru in 12 days!
Start in Lima, exploring its main historical and cultural sites; continue on to Cusco and the iconic Machu Picchu; and finish in Arequipa, the charming “White City”!
Throughout your journey, experience breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in the culture of the Quechua people!

Itinerary

1 DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LIMA

VIP Reception at Lima Airport

Upon arrival in Lima, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind from the very first moment.

The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the charming Miraflores neighborhood, where you can enjoy free, must-see attractions such as:

Miraflores Malecón—a beautiful promenade along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Kennedy Park—bustling with life, craft fairs, and the famous Miraflores cats.

Parque del Amor – a romantic setting with colorful murals and sculptures by the sea.

Miraflores Cliffs – perfect for watching the sunset and taking incredible photos.

In addition, you can visit the elegant Larcomar, an open-air shopping center overlooking the ocean, ideal for strolling, shopping, and enjoying the bars and restaurants that offer everything from Peruvian cuisine to international options.

A lighthearted and charming way to welcome you to Lima and start your trip in style!

Overnight: Hotel in Lima.

2 DÍA 02: ISLAS BALLESTAS, VIÑEDOS EN ICA & OASIS DE HUACACHINA

Incredible Tour: Paracas, Ica & Huacachina

At 4:45 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel and head to Paracas for a day full of discoveries and unique landscapes.

Ballestas Islands – Peru’s Mini Galápagos Hop aboard a boat and be dazzled by the wildlife of the Ballestas Islands: exotic birds, sea lions, penguins, and even dolphins call this natural sanctuary home. During the tour, we’ll also catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, a geoglyph over 2,500 years old, carved into the sandy hillside and shrouded in mystery and legend.

Flavors of Ica We’ll continue on to Ica, a region famous for its vineyards. It’s the perfect stop to sample wines and artisanal pisco, experiencing the tradition and passion of local producers.

Huacachina Oasis We’ll end the day at the dazzling Huacachina Oasis, a haven in the middle of the desert surrounded by golden dunes. Here, you can embark on thrilling buggy rides and try sandboarding, experiencing moments of pure adrenaline (included).

After a day full of exciting activities, we’ll begin our return to Lima, with an estimated arrival time of around 11:00 p.m. You can relax, reminisce about the incredible moments you experienced throughout the tour, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

3 DAY 3: COLONIAL AND MODERN CITY TOUR

Start of the Day: Begin with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to fuel up. At 9:00 a.m., our shuttle will pick you up to begin a tour rich in history and culture.

City Tour Itinerary

Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Complex – a testament to ancient pre-Inca cultures. Main Square & San Martín Square – symbols of Lima’s historic center. Government Palace – the imposing seat of the Peruvian government. San Francisco Church – famous for its catacombs and colonial architecture. San Isidro – an elegant neighborhood full of green spaces. Miraflores – where we’ll visit the romantic Parque del Amor and the sophisticated Larcomar, with a breathtaking view of the ocean.

The tour will end around 1:00 p.m.

Evening Suggestion (optional): In the evening, you can visit the fascinating Circuito Mágico de las Aguas, an unmissable spectacle of lights and colors.

Overnight: Hotel in Lima

4 DAY 4: DEPARTURE FROM LIMA & ARRIVAL IN CUSCO

Leaving Lima Start with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. We’ll then transfer you to the Lima Airport, picking you up at the hotel 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Arrival in Cusco Upon landing in Cusco, our team will be ready to give you a warm welcome and take you to your hotel, where you’ll be staying.

Acclimatization to Altitude (3,400 m) Take advantage of this time to adjust to the Andean climate and ensure your well-being:

Rest for 2 to 3 hours after arrival.

Drink a traditional coca tea.

Stay well hydrated.

Opt for light meals.

This way, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to fully enjoy the next day’s experiences.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

5 DAY 5: PRIVATE TOUR OF THE SACRED VALLEY WITH A STOP IN AGUAS CALIENTES

At 7:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up at your hotel. Before departure, please check out and leave your luggage at the front desk, bringing only a backpack—remember that large suitcases are not allowed on the train to Machu Picchu.

Andean Women – Chinchero In the heart of Chinchero, master weavers reveal the secrets of an ancestral craft. Using traditional techniques, they demonstrate the entire wool-processing journey—from washing with natural ingredients to dyeing with organic pigments—culminating in symbolic patterns that express the Andean worldview with rare delicacy.

CHINCHERO – Where Heaven Touches Earth Known as the “land of the rainbow,” Chinchero enchants with its majestic landscapes and historical legacies. The ancient palace of Túpac Yupanqui and the Church of the Virgin of the Nativity—a landmark of the fusion between the Inca world and the colonial Baroque—reveal the spiritual and architectural richness of the place. Agricultural terraces and ingeniously constructed aqueducts are vivid testaments to the Incas’ hydraulic sophistication.

MARAS SALT FLATS – The White Gold of the Andes Nestled on the mountainsides, the salt flats form impressive white terraces. Passed down from generation to generation, the ancient technique of salt extraction through the evaporation of brine is a natural and cultural spectacle of the Andes.

MORAY – The Empire’s Agricultural Laboratory With its concentric terraces and visionary architecture, Moray is considered an ancient center for agricultural experimentation. Each level replicates distinct microclimates, allowing the Incas to adapt and perfect the cultivation of various plant species—a remarkable feat of pre-Columbian agronomy.

OLLANTAYTAMBO – The Living Fortress of the Incas The last Inca stronghold to resist the Spanish invasion, Ollantaytambo is simultaneously a sanctuary, an administrative center, and a masterpiece of engineering. Its monumental terraces and the imposing Temple of the Sun, carved from perfectly fitted granite monoliths, stand as eternal testaments to Inca grandeur.

TRAIN RIDE – Destination: Aguas Calientes At the end of the tour, we’ll proceed to the train station, where you’ll embark on a scenic and relaxing journey through the Andean valleys, heading to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

ARRIVAL IN AGUAS CALIENTES Upon arrival in the town, a host will be waiting for you outside the station to accompany you to your hotel. Then, your local guide will conduct a personalized tour to go over all the details of your long-awaited experience at Machu Picchu.

Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

6 DAY 06: MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

THE BIG DAY!

Your day will begin early, filled with anticipation and excitement. At the scheduled time, you’ll head to the boarding point, where the tour bus will wind its way up through the Andean mountains toward the entrance to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Exploring Machu Picchu Get ready for one of the most magnificent moments of your life. Accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll spend approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes immersing yourself among stone temples, ceremonial plazas, suspended agricultural terraces, and breathtaking viewpoints. Each explanation will reveal the spiritual, astronomical, and historical secrets that make Machu Picchu a true wonder of the world. More than just a visit, it is a profound encounter with the ancestral wisdom of the Incas and the sacred energy of the mountains surrounding this mystical place.

Return to Aguas Calientes After the tour, the bus will take you back to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, have lunch at one of the local restaurants, and soak up the unique atmosphere of the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

The Train Ride—A Spectacle in Its Own Right At the scheduled time, head to the train station (arrive 30 minutes early). The return journey to Ollantaytambo is a true treat: the train glides smoothly past towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and the lush greenery of the Sacred Valley. A moving spectacle that transforms a simple trip into a memorable experience.

From Ollantaytambo to Cusco Upon arrival, your transfer will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, a trip of approximately 2 hours. When you arrive at the hotel, only one feeling remains: the certainty that you’ve experienced a magical day at Machu Picchu—an experience that will stay with you forever!

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

7 DAY 7: VINICUNCA COLORFUL MOUNTAIN BY ATV

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin our day. We’ll pick you up around 8:00 a.m. (time subject to confirmation, depending on availability). Get ready for an exciting, adrenaline-filled experience!

This ATV tour offers a unique and thrilling way to explore the Andean landscapes, taking you to the breathtaking Vinicunca Mountain of Colors, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.

Along the way, you’ll traverse valleys, traditional villages, and scenic trails, surrounded by majestic mountains and dreamlike scenery—a true immersion in the nature of the Peruvian Andes. This option is ideal for those who want to AVOID long hikes or minimize physical EXERTION at high altitudes, allowing you to enjoy the trip with greater comfort and energy.

Upon reaching the end of the ATV route, we’ll take a roughly 20-minute walk to the main viewpoint—from where you can admire, up close, the multicolored bands that make Vinicunca one of Peru’s most fascinating destinations.

After enjoying the scenery and taking beautiful photos, we’ll return along the same route, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to Cusco. We’ll arrive in the city around 8:00 p.m.; our van will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas so you can continue exploring this historic and charming city.

Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

8 DAY 8: FREE DAY & OVERNIGHT TRIP TO AREQUIPA

Farewell to Cusco: Take advantage of your last few hours to relax at the hotel until check-out time at 11:00 a.m. After that, you can leave your luggage at the front desk and take your time saying goodbye to the charming city of Cusco.

Transfer to the Bus Terminal At 8:00 p.m., our team will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the bus station.

Overnight Trip to Arequipa At 8:30 p.m., board a comfortable sleeper bus—perfect for resting and getting some sleep during the trip.

Overnight: On board the sleeper bus.

9 DAY 09: AREQUIPA - PANORAMIC CITY TOUR

Welcome to Arequipa – The White City!

Arrival: You are scheduled to arrive in Arequipa at approximately 6:30 a.m. When you arrive at the bus station, our team will be waiting to welcome you warmly and take you directly to the hotel, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind from the very start of your experience.

Free Morning The morning will be set aside for rest, so you can recharge your energy.

Arequipa City Tour At 1:45 p.m., we’ll pick you up at the hotel to begin a delightful tour of the city’s main tourist attractions:

  • Arequipa Cathedral
  • Carmen Alto Lookout
  • Yanahuara Lookout
  • Incalpaca (llama and alpaca farm)
  • Sachaca
  • Tingo Hot Springs
  • Mansion of the Founder
  • Sabandía Mill
  • Paucarpata Terraces

End of Tour The tour will conclude around 5:30 PM near the Plaza de Armas, leaving you time to enjoy the charm of the historic center.

Overnight: Hotel in Arequipa

10 DAY 10: TRIP FROM AREQUIPA TO CHIVAY

Start of the Day

After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up at 8:00 a.m. to begin the trip toward the majestic Colca Canyon, heading to the charming town of Chivay.

Journey Through the Highlands

Along the way, you’ll see picturesque Andean villages and learn more about the ancient cultures that once inhabited the region. Our guide will share fascinating facts about the Incas and the pre-Inca civilizations that left their mark on these lands.

Arrival in Chivay

Around 12:30 p.m., we’ll arrive in Chivay, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Optional Afternoon Activity

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to relax in the hot springs at La Calera—a revitalizing experience amidst the region’s natural landscapes (optional activity).

Overnight: Hotel in Chivay

11 DAY 11: COLCA CANYON - AREQUIPA

Start of the Day

After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up at 6:30 a.m. to begin this unforgettable day.

Colca Canyon

On the way, we’ll visit the magnificent Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world.

The Flight of the Condors

Get ready to be enchanted by the majestic flight of the condors as they glide on the air currents among the impressive Andean mountains. A natural spectacle that will remain etched in your memory.

Lunch in Chivay

After the visit, we’ll return to Chivay to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included).

Trip to Arequipa

Next, we’ll board our van bound for Arequipa, with an estimated arrival time of around 5:00 p.m.

Overnight: Hotel in Arequipa

12 DAY 12: FAREWELL TO AREQUIPA

Farewell to Arequipa

Weather permitting, before your transfer, you can take the opportunity to explore on foot some charming, free tourist attractions in Arequipa’s Historic Center, such as:

Arequipa Cathedral and the beautiful Plaza de Armas.

The Church of the Society of Jesus and its beautiful cloister.

Callejón del Solar and its colonial-style houses.

Mercaderes Street, a lively street full of shops and cafés.

A special farewell to Arequipa, taking with you unforgettable memories of the White City.

Transfer to the Airport

Our driver will pick you up at your hotel 2 hours and 30 minutes before your flight, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey.

What's Included

Included

  • Airport–Hotel–Airport transfer in Lima.
  • Airport–Hotel transfer in Cusco.
  • Hotel–Airport transfer in Arequipa.
  • Ollantaytambo–Cusco transfer.
  • City tour of the colonial and modern parts of Lima.
  • Visit to the Pachacamac archaeological complex.
  • Tour transportation for each tour.
  • Professional guides for each tour.
  • Tour to Maras, Moray, and the Salt Mines.
  • Tours in Cusco: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
  • Excursion to the Mountain of Colors.
  • Tours in Arequipa: Panoramic city tour.
  • Excursion to the Colca Canyon (2 days and 1 night).
  • Executive bus from Cusco to Arequipa.
  • Arequipa tourist pass.
  • Partial Cusco tourist pass (for admission to the archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley).
  • 1-day admission to Machu Picchu.
  • Round-trip train service Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Tourist Class).
  • Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner.
  • Domestic and international flights.
  • Personal expenses.

Recommendations

  • Bring personal documents (passport or national ID).
  • Students must bring their current university ID and be under 26 years of age.
  • Sunscreen during the sunny season.
  • Insect repellent for Machu Picchu.
  • A poncho or rain jacket for the rainy season.
  • Appropriate clothing for the cold season in Cusco and Puno.
  • An extra battery for your camera.

Optional

  • Magical Water Circuit in Lima (Lima’s most famous fountain).
  • Sillar Route in Arequipa.
  • Portuguese-speaking guide service.
  • Private tour.
  • Other hotel options to choose from.
  • VISTADOME OBSERVATORY TRAIN (additional): For an even more immersive experience, featuring panoramic windows, background music, live dance, and traditional performances. It also includes an observatory bar car and a balcony with spectacular views.
    • Additional fee for round trip: US$ 94.
    • Additional fee for one-way trip: US$ 79.
  • HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN (additional): One of Machu Picchu’s most iconic attractions, offering a challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views. Must be requested in advance, as spots are limited. Additional cost: US$ 70.

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