10-Day Discover Peru: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Towards the southern region of Perú, a city of distinctive White architecture awaits; home to a grand bird that soars above the deepest canyon on earth. There lies an enigmatic, substantial lake suitable for navigation and a city nestled amid the clouds.

Duration: 10 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Day 01: Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures

Lima - Embark on an exclusive tour of Lima’s Historical Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Convent of Santo Domingo, where you’ll explore its historic university, the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, and view the country’s oldest choir stalls and a library with rare XV-century books. The site also holds the remains of notable saints. Stroll through Plaza Mayor to see the Government Palace, Municipality, and the Cathedral, rich in colonial art. Conclude with a visit to the Larco Museum, where you’ll discover ancient Peruvian cultures through its gold artifacts, textiles, and erotic ceramics, with access to the museum’s warehouse for an in-depth look at their artistic heritage.

Day 02: Arequipa, the White City

Arequipa - In the afternoon, we’ll explore Arequipa, starting with the colonial San Lázaro neighborhood where the city was founded. We’ll walk through its vibrant streets, visit the Carmen Alto viewpoint for panoramic views of the agricultural terraces and the Misti, Chachani, and Picchu-Picchu volcanoes. Next, we’ll tour the colonial Yanahuara district, known for its Andalusian-style church and arched observation point. We’ll then visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a historic religious site with narrow streets and gardens reminiscent of Sevilla or Granada. Finally, we’ll head to the Plaza de Armas to see the Cathedral and surrounding arches, and visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, notable for its cloisters and the Dome of San Ignacio.

Day 03: The volcanos route, Pampa Cañahuas and Chivay

Chivay - Outing in an adventure by land towards the spectacular Colca Valley. We take the route of the volcanos, going up by the side of the Chachani volcano, and having a formidable view of the Misti and the Picchu volcanos. Our path will go across the vicuna reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, high Andean habitat where the vicunas live and are protected. The highest point of our trajectory will reach 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the pass of Patapampa, from there we can appreciate the active volcano Sabancaya. Descent to the Colca Valley. Arrival and lodging. Lunch at the hotel. Free time to rest or to enjoy a bath in the thermal waters in the area.

Day 04: Colca Canyon, Observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor and Route to Puno

Colca Canyon - At dawn, we head towards the observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor. We will be observing the imposing flight of the condors, huge Andean birds that are the symbol of the Andean countries. The view lets us appreciate the great dimension of the canyon, considered one of the world’s deepest canyons. We will visit the towns of Maca and Yanque that still preserve its colonial churches. Lunch in a restaurant in the area. In the afternoon, departure by bus in a 6 hour and a half trip to the city of Puno. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

Day 05: The Titicaca Sacred Lake and its islands

Lake Titicaca - In the morning, board a motorboat to visit the Uros, a town of people that sought refuge inside Lake Titicaca, fleeing the different cultures that arrived to dominate them. This community continues building their islands following the ancient techniques, and welcome us to pass on their knowledge. Its people make a living from its visitors. Continue sailing towards the Island of Taquile. The community of this island has maintained alive its traditions, clothes and way of life. It is one of the few Quechua communities in a region that is essentially Aymara, and they have kept unreachable to modernity and its possible effect on their lives. They will welcome us with their music and dances. Lunch at a community restaurant, a simple meal but very rich in nutrients. Afterwards, take a walk around the surrounding areas to appreciate the beautiful view of the Lake Titicaca. Return to the port of Puno. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 06: Route of the Altiplano

Cusco - We start our journey to Cusco with a visit to the Museo de Lítico de Pucará, which features Pucará culture artifacts like monoliths and animal-shaped sculptures. We’ll also see the colorful toritos de Pucará, which symbolize protection and fertility. Next, we stop at La Raya, the highest point at 4,335 meters above sea level, marking the watershed between Lake Titicaca and the Amazonas basin. After lunch, we head to Racchi to explore the ruins of the temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha. Our final stop is the church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” for its elaborate ceiling and wall paintings. We then arrive in Cusco and transfer to the hotel.

Day 07: Cusco, Capital of the Empire and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

Cusco - In the morning, we’ll escape the crowds to explore Sacsayhuaman, a stunning citadel known for its massive structures and harmonious integration with the landscape. Next, we’ll visit Q’enqo, an Inca site with a unique altar for sacrifices carved into its rock formation. Our journey will then take us to the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a remarkable monument integral to Andean cosmology.

In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an exclusive city tour starting at San Cristóbal Square for panoramic views. We’ll explore San Pedro Market to experience local flavors and products. Our next stop is the Qorikancha Temple, once covered in gold, followed by a visit to the artisans’ neighborhood of San Blas. We’ll walk down Hatun Rumiyoc Street to see the Inca Roca Palace and the famous Twelve Angled Stone. Finally, we’ll visit the Plaza de Armas and The Cathedral, renowned for its colonial artwork.

Day 08: Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo - This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

Day 09: Machu Picchu, the Lost City

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba river which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Day 10: Farewell

Cusco - Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima to connect with your return flight home.

What's Included
  • All admission tickets on tours
  • Shared transfer to the train station
  • Private transfers from airport to hotels
  • Shared Tours with English-Spanish speaking guide
  • Lunch
  • 9 nights of accommodation in selected hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Expedition or Vistadome train ticket depending on availability
What's Not Included
  • Drinks.
  • Gratuities
  • International and domestic flight tickets
Additional Information
  • Guided in Bilingual service (guidance will be provided in Spanish and English)
  • Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(107 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Sabry1963
Aug 19, 2024
Excellent organization - Excellent organization, efficient and punctual. Special mention to Xavier Guide for competence and problem solving in unforeseen situations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reddypadigepatic
Aug 18, 2024
12-day Peru trip - It was a pleasure to travel with vipac travel. Our trip to Peru was customized with advice and assistance from Mr. Paulo Romero who responded to all our queries in a professional manner and of great help for us. We covered Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Titicaca lakes, Cusco, Machu Picchu (with two-day short Inca trail) and Rainbow mountains. The entire trip was organized in such a way we could not ask for more. The meet and greet at airports and transfer to hotels was perfect. The hotels booked for us were very good and no complaints. All the guides were professional, and the tours were conducted in English to our satisfaction. The short Inca trail was conducted in a superb manner with the guide, Mr. Hugo explaining minute details and encouraging. We are 60+ with some prior trekking experience and enjoyed the trek. The visit to Rainbow Mountain was cancelled due to disturbances there. However, the company organized an alternate visit to Palcoyo triple Rainbow Mountains, which was outstanding, and we thoroughly enjoyed. Some of the guides were outstanding, Miss Milei stood apart with exceptional clarity and communication during our Colca canyon trip. Overall, the entire trip was conducted well our expectations, and we thank you all from vipac, in particular Mr. Paulo Romero and Ms. Carolina Valeriano, both were excellent communicators and provided timely help.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C8619flpm
Aug 17, 2024
Very complete trip! - Very good guides and well prepared, explained very well in the places, very interesting stories. Very beautiful views and all the logistics super well done
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boardingpass360323
Aug 16, 2024
Wonderful Peru - Absolutely wonderful, so much to see, great food and always supported by the excellent guides. A must, I absolutely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patorisia
Aug 12, 2024
Wonderful tour of Peru - We loved the trip, all the staff who accompanied us from very professional guides and drivers, punctual, friendly, and always willing to help. Excellent service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
544tacianad
Aug 12, 2024
Excellent. - Punctuality, cordiality, education and concern, I felt this in every guide we used. A positive experience ✅
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek650787
Aug 11, 2024
Superb trip and very good organization - Excellent tour and very good organization. A very tight experience of the main claims of this country. Even the long stage Puno-Cuzco, was comfortable with company Avalos. The worst was the transfer from Puno to Arequipa, with two vans and no clear time for lunch. The poor road layout and firmness cannot be fixed, but perhaps dedicating better transportation and scheduling could make the trip more bearable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet50280630765
Aug 29, 2024
To emphasize the good coordination and timeliness in collections and - In general correct itinerary, perhaps an excess of archaeological visits with seeing one is enough. Then it's repetitive and you might see other things. The Guide are friendly and realitzant their work well although the company should train them to make the explanations more diverse and complementary. Should have explanation coordination is based on what the tourist has seen the previous day. There can be no such repetitive discourse on some aspects. For example the Inca constructions. Repeating an explanation eliminates the possibility of expanding knowledge on other thematic areas. Therefore, greater coordination of explanations as seen above.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Salaspablo31
Aug 8, 2024
Overall well - The company handled airport transfers to the hotel and different locations. In that respect they were very punctual and correct. The guides would tell you about the itinerary and give you interesting facts or history of Peru, which we really liked. The only bad thing was on our last connecting flight Cusco-Lima the Vipac agent dropped us off at the airport and left before check in opened. To check in we had problems because we were missing data and trying to contact her she did not answer. It has to be said that all this happened around 6 a.m., and we were all sleepy, but I think it is the duty of the company to make sure that passengers do not have problems with travel arrangements, they are not mere transportation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Magdalenaperezpa
Aug 27, 2024
Don't take Vipac - We were two families who were friends together. It was confirmed to the agency of Spain that we would be together in the hotels and only coincided in Lima, not being in nearby hotels (except in Cusco). The transports between locations, when they were in mini-van leave much to be desired, on a 6h trip (Arequipa-Puno) the Guide who accompanied us to explain things along the way spends sleeping and snoring all the way. And finally on the way back to Madrid we had to fly Cusco-Lima and Lima-Madrid and they came to pick us up late, knowing that we did not have check-in, which caused one of the families could not board the first flight and almost missed the Lima-Madrid flight. The organization of the lousy agency in general despite being a good tourist route.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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