Peru Tour: Lima – Arequipa – Cusco

This tour connects the Pacific coast of Lima, the white city of Arequipa at the foot of the Misti volcano, and the Andean heartland of Cusco with the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. You begin amidst cliffs, world-class cuisine, and bohemian neighborhoods; continue with sillar stone cloisters, tranquil convents, traditional markets, and the flight of condors in the Colca Canyon; and culminate surrounded by living history, Inca terraces, and sacred mountains. It’s designed to let you see a lot without rushing: smooth transfers, reasonable acclimatization time, and guided tours that tell stories, not just lists of facts. You’ll eat well, walk just the right amount, and gain a complete overview of Peru in a single trip.

🧭 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Miraflores and Barranco

Airport Reception: Our team will be waiting for you upon arrival to transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco, two of Lima’s most vibrant and popular tourist districts.

Boardwalk Walk: Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Malecón (boardwalk), where you can admire the breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the cliffs, the paragliders that paint the sky, and the roar of the Pacific Ocean on the horizon. This is the perfect place to start falling in love with Lima.

Neighborhood Introduction: You’ll learn about the key points of Miraflores and Barranco: ATMs, souvenir shops, and other places you can explore during your stay. We’ll give you a map and some tips to help you feel at home.

Suggested Dinner: To end the day, we recommend dinner at a nearby restaurant where you can experience the best of Peruvian cuisine without any hassle. Ceviche and empanadas await you!

This itinerary offers the perfect welcome to Lima, showcasing the charm of two of its most famous neighborhoods.

📍Day 2: Historic Lima, Bohemian Style, and Flavors

Exploring the Historic Center: Begin your day with a guided tour of Lima’s Historic Center. Discover the majestic Plaza Mayor, surrounded by colonial buildings, the imposing Lima Cathedral, and the iconic wooden balconies characteristic of Lima’s architecture.

Santo Domingo or San Francisco Convent: Continue with a visit to the Santo Domingo or San Francisco Convent, famous for their beautiful cloisters and underground passages that hold stories and secrets of colonial Lima.

Barranco, the Bohemian District: Cross over to the vibrant Barranco district, where you’ll fall in love with its colorful murals, the historic Republican-era mansions, and, of course, the Bridge of Sighs, one of the city’s most romantic icons.

Guided Peruvian Coffee Tasting or Introduction to Pisco: Enjoy a unique sensory experience with a Peruvian coffee tasting, where you’ll learn about the country’s rich coffee biodiversity, or if you prefer, an introduction to pisco, the national spirit, to discover its origin and secrets.

Afternoon at Larcomar or Love Park: In the afternoon, we suggest visiting Larcomar, a modern shopping center overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or Love Park, an iconic spot to enjoy a beautiful ocean view and sculptures that represent Lima’s romantic spirit.

Gastronomic Recommendations: At the end of the day, we’ll give you restaurant recommendations based on your culinary preferences: whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional Peruvian cuisine, or Nikkei fusion, we have options for every taste.

This day will be filled with history, culture, art, gastronomy, and, of course, Lima’s best bohemian atmosphere. A true feast for the senses!

📍Day 3: From Lima to Arequipa – The White City at Sunset

Flight to Arequipa: Begin your day with a comfortable flight to Arequipa, known as the White City for its architecture built from sillar, a volcanic stone that gives it a unique sheen. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the historic center, where you will be close to the city’s main attractions.

Gentle Acclimatization Walk: Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing walk to acclimatize to the altitude (2,335 meters above sea level). During the walk, you will be amazed by the sillar architecture that adorns the facades of the houses: mestizo baroque doorways, flower-filled patios with bougainvillea, and architectural details that reveal the city’s history.

Santa Catalina Monastery: A must-see is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a religious complex that feels like a city within a city. You’ll be amazed by its narrow passageways, the blue and orange painted cells, and the stone washbasins, which transport you to Arequipa’s colonial past.

Plaza de Armas: The tour will end at the Plaza de Armas, where you can enjoy the city’s majesty while admiring the colonial arcades that surround it. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, which dominate the Arequipa landscape.

📍Day 4: Arequipa in Depth – Market, Sillar, and Viewpoints

Visit to the San Camilo Market: Start the day with a visit to the San Camilo Market, the heart of daily life in Arequipa. Here you’ll have the opportunity to discover high-altitude fruits, local breads, and a variety of cheeses made in the high Andean regions. You can also participate in a demonstration of Andean ingredients, such as quinoa, corn, and chili peppers, essential components of the regional cuisine.

Transfer to Yanahuara and Carmen Alto: Next, you will be transferred to the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints. These spots offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Arequipa Valley, with its traditional andenes (agricultural terraces) and the rivers that give life to the region. From here, you can contemplate the volcanoes that surround the city in all their splendor.

Sillar Workshop or Quarry Visit: We continue the day with a stop at a sillar workshop or a quarry, where you will learn how the white stone that gives Arequipa its identity is carved. You will see the artisans at work and learn the details of the process that transforms sillar into the fundamental stone of the city’s architecture.

Lunch Suggestion: To continue your immersion in the local gastronomy, we suggest enjoying a delicious lunch of rocoto relleno and ocopa arequipeña, two emblematic dishes of the region that combine intense flavors and culinary tradition.

Preparation for the Colca Canyon Departure: In the afternoon, you’ll pack your luggage for the next destination: the Colca Canyon, one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Remember to get a good night’s rest, as the following day promises more adventures.

📍Day 5: Heading to the Colca Valley – Villages, Hot Springs, and Open Skies

Departure for Chivay: Start your day early with a journey to the Colca Valley, crossing the Peruvian Altiplano. During the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to see vicuñas in their natural habitat and the bofedales (wetlands) that adorn this high-altitude landscape.

Stops to See Apachetas: We’ll make stops along the way to admire the apachetas, small piles of stones that Andean peoples build as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here you’ll learn about the ancestral markings that the ancient inhabitants used on the high-altitude paths, a fascinating cultural legacy.

Arrival in the Colca Valley: After a fascinating journey, we will arrive in the Colca Valley, where you will settle into your hotel or lodge, surrounded by natural landscapes and the mystical Andean environment. Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and connect with the tranquility of the place.

Afternoon of Relaxation and Outdoor Hot Springs: In the afternoon, you have the option of relaxing in the outdoor hot springs of La Calera or Chivay, whose thermal waters will offer you a revitalizing experience while you enjoy the mountainous landscape that surrounds the area.

Walk through a Colca Village (Coporaque or Yanque): Afterward, we invite you to stroll through a picturesque Colca village, such as Coporaque or Yanque. Here you can observe the colonial layout of its streets, admire the stone churches dating back to the viceroyalty era, and marvel at the traditional clothing still worn by its inhabitants, in an environment full of history and culture.

📍Day 6: Colca Canyon and Condor Flight, Return to Arequipa

Early Departure to Cruz del Cóndor: Start your day very early with a scenic drive to Cruz del Cóndor, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the canyon, and if you’re lucky, witness the impressive flight of the condors as they take advantage of the thermal currents to soar majestically.

Photo Stops: On the way to Cruz del Cóndor, we’ll make strategic stops at several viewpoints along the way. Here you can capture images of the pre-Incan terraces, a legacy of the ancient civilizations that created these endless terraces on the canyon walls. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the landscape and take photos of the grandeur of the place.

Return to Arequipa: After a morning filled with natural wonders, the return journey will be leisurely and relaxed, with views of small Andean communities along the way. Along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to see local handicrafts and observe the daily life of the villagers in the valley.

Arrival in Arequipa and Light Dinner: You’ll arrive in Arequipa in the afternoon, where you can relax at your accommodation. To end the day peacefully, we recommend enjoying a light dinner that reflects the freshness of Arequipa’s cuisine, ideal for recharging your energy after such an impressive day.

Rest: After a day full of adventure and breathtaking landscapes, we invite you to rest and prepare for the next day of exploration.

📍Day 7: Arequipa to Cusco – Welcome to the Inca Capital

Flight to Cusco: Begin the day with an early flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the historic center, located in the heart of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage city.

Acclimatization Time: Cusco is at an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level, so it is important to take some time to acclimatize. We recommend resting and enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings, ensuring you are well-prepared for your upcoming adventures.

Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center: After some rest, you will enjoy a guided walking tour through some of Cusco’s most iconic streets. We will begin at Hatun Rumiyoq, famous for its twelve-angled stone, an impressive example of Inca mastery in construction. Then we will head to San Blas, a traditional neighborhood filled with artisan workshops and small galleries, where you can admire local art and experience the city’s living traditions.

Introduction to Local Infusions: On this tour, we’ll introduce you to local infusions like coca tea and muña tea, ancestral plants with medicinal and energizing properties, perfect for acclimatizing and learning more about Peruvian customs.

Tips for the Next Day: At the end of the hike, we’ll give you practical tips for the following day, ensuring you’re well-prepared to explore more of Cusco and its surroundings. We’ll recommend things to do, how to adapt to the altitude, and some key points to enjoy.

📍Day 8 — Sacred Valley of the Incas and Train to Aguas Calientes

Departure for the Sacred Valley following the Vilcanota River. Stop in Pisac: agricultural viewpoints, cliffside cemeteries, and a ceremonial site with sweeping views; descend to the artisan market to experience friendly bargaining and recognize authentic alpaca fibers.

Continue to Urubamba for an Andean lunch featuring garden produce cooked in clay ovens.

Afternoon in Ollantaytambo: staircases, temples aligned with the sun, and lively alleyways that preserve Inca irrigation channels. Board the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes, with the river roaring alongside the tracks and walls of high jungle closing in around you.

Arrival, check-in, and a brief logistical briefing for your visit to Machu Picchu.

📍Day 9: Machu Picchu with Expert Guide and Return to Cusco

Ascent by Eco-Friendly Bus: Start your day early with an ascent by eco-friendly bus along the old mule track that will take you to the entrance of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. During the journey, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape surrounding the ancient Inca city.

Guided Tour of Machu Picchu: Upon arrival, you will begin your guided tour of one of the most iconic areas of Machu Picchu. You will visit the Guardhouse, the best spot for taking the classic Machu Picchu postcard, and then explore other iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the astronomical sites, including the Intihuatana, the famous stone of “solar time.”

Explanation of Inca Engineering: The expert guide will provide a detailed explanation of the engineering of Machu Picchu, the drainage systems, solar orientation, and the reasons for its strategic location high in the Andes, surrounded by imposing mountains. This knowledge will allow you to fully appreciate the majesty of this archaeological site.

Descent to Aguas Calientes: After the visit, you will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants. Relax and savor Peruvian cuisine in this picturesque town at the foot of the mountain.

Return to Cusco: After a well-deserved rest, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from where you will be transferred by road back to Cusco. This is a relaxing journey, ideal for reflecting on the incredible experience of Machu Picchu.

📍Day 10: Essential Cusco and Farewell

Inca Exploration Morning: Begin the day with a visit to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, where you will understand the importance of sun worship in the Inca civilization. You will admire the perfectly preserved Inca stonework, a masterpiece of engineering and precision. This visit will allow you to delve into the spiritual and religious foundation of the Incas.

Sacsayhuaman: Continue with a visit to Sacsayhuaman, known for its cyclopean walls and the breathtaking view it offers of the Cusco basin. This archaeological site is a testament to the grandeur of the Inca civilization, where important ceremonies and rituals were performed.

Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: The tour continues with a visit to Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, three important archaeological sites that form the ritual triangle of rock and water. In each of these places, you’ll learn about their connection to water, Inca ceremonies, and their importance in the Cusco region.

Afternoon of Shopping or Stroll through San Blas: In the afternoon, you’ll have free time for conscious shopping. We recommend purchasing certified textiles, contemporary ceramics with Inca iconography, or handcrafted souvenirs that support fair trade. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can stroll through the charming San Blas neighborhood, famous for its artisan workshops and galleries.

Airport Transfer: At the designated time, you will be transferred to Cusco Airport for your return flight.

End of Trip: After an incredible journey through the Inca capital and other highlights of Peru, culminate your adventure with unforgettable memories of a trip filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

• Private or shared airport, terminal, or train station pick-up and drop-off/pick-up throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in selected hotels (according to your preference), with daily breakfast included.
• Domestic flights Lima – Arequipa and Arequipa – Cusco to optimize your time and make the most of your visits.
• Comfortable and safe tourist transportation for all excursions and road trips.
• Official tour guides, experts and passionate about the history, culture, and nature of each region visited.
• Entrance fees to all tourist sites included in the itinerary: museums, monuments, archaeological parks, and nature reserves.
• Exclusive guided tours in Lima (historic center and bohemian neighborhoods), Arequipa (Santa Catalina Monastery, viewpoints, markets, Colca Canyon), and Cusco (City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu).
• Panoramic tourist train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo, with comfortable seats and breathtaking views.
• Round-trip bus transportation to the Machu Picchu citadel.
• Lunch at select local restaurants on the Sacred Valley and Colca Canyon excursions.
• Personalized assistance throughout the trip, including booking support, recommendations, and on-site assistance.

❌ What’s not included?

• International flights to and from Peru.
• Meals and dinners not specified in the program.
• Optional entrance fees or extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary (Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, adventure experiences).
• Tips for guides, drivers, or hotel and restaurant staff.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, and alcoholic beverages.
• Travel or medical insurance (highly recommended). Transfers outside of the indicated times or due to itinerary changes beyond the control of the organization.

🌟 Recommendations

• Gradual acclimatization: Upon arriving in Cusco, take it easy for the first few hours to adjust to the altitude. Drinking coca or muña infusions helps prevent altitude sickness.
• Light and functional luggage: Pack comfortable walking clothes, a windproof jacket, non-slip shoes, and warm clothing for the cool nights in Arequipa and Cusco.
• Sun protection and personal care: The Andean sun is intense, even on cloudy days, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat or cap.
• Constant hydration: Stay well hydrated, especially on hikes through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Colca Canyon.
• Local currency: Keep Peruvian soles in cash on hand for small purchases, markets, and tips, as card payments are not always accepted in rural areas.
• Documents and Tickets: Keep your passport or ID, as well as your Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets, in a secure, waterproof document holder.
• Cultural Respect: In each destination, respect local customs and ask permission before taking photos of people.
• Connectivity and Power: Bring a portable charger, as there will be no access to electricity on some long journeys.
• Travel Insurance: Purchasing insurance that covers medical assistance, cancellations, and lost luggage is highly recommended.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best time to take this tour?

The dry season (April to October) is ideal, as it offers clear skies and a lower probability of rain, perfect for enjoying Machu Picchu and the Colca Canyon.

2. Do I need a visa to enter Peru?

Most countries in the Americas and Europe do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. All you need is your valid passport.

3. What type of train is used to get to Machu Picchu?

A panoramic tourist train (Expedition or Voyager) with large windows is used to enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley and the high jungle.

4. Are domestic flights included?

Yes, this package includes flights from Lima to Arequipa and from Arequipa to Cusco, coordinated to optimize your time.

5. Can I customize the tour?

Of course, hotels can be adjusted, experiences like Huayna Picchu can be added, or free days can be added according to your interests.

6. Is it suitable for seniors or children?

Yes, the itinerary is flexible and adapts to different ages, always considering the pace and acclimatization.

7. Are meals included?

Breakfasts are included at hotels, and lunches are included on certain excursions. Dinners and other meals are at your own expense so you can explore the local cuisine.

8. What is the maximum altitude reached?

In Cusco, the altitude reaches 3,399 meters above sea level, and on the way to Rainbow Mountain or the Colca Canyon, it can exceed 4,000 meters above sea level.

9. What is the climate like in each city?

Lima is temperate and humid, Arequipa is dry and sunny, and Cusco has cool mornings and nights, with mild days.

10. Can I pay in dollars?

In hotels and agencies, yes, but in markets and local businesses, it’s better to use Peruvian soles.