Roundtrip Experience Peru
12 days / 11 nightsFrom the peruvian capital Lima to Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, which is known as the «white city» because of its typical buildings made of white limestone (sillar). The whole area is dominated by the mighty Misti volcano. Be amazed by the magnificent flight of the condor, the largest bird in the world, in the Colca Valley. Visit the ancestral inhabitants of the natural and man-made islands in Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Discover the impressive buildings and archaeological treasures of the Inca Empire in and around Cusco and the Urubamba (Vilcanota) Valley.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
• Pick up from Lima airport and transfer to the hotel.
• Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Lima to Arequipa
• Lima: Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
• Flight from Lima to Arequipa.
• Pick up from Arequipa airport and transfer to the hotel.
• City tour in Arequipa (city and surrounding area, 4 hours).
• Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Day 3: Colca valley
• Journey from Arequipa to Chivay for a two-day excursion to the Colca valley.
• Overnight in Chivay.
Day 4: Colca valley
•
Continuation of the excursion to the Colca Valley, drive to the
Mirador, beautiful view of the valley and observation point of the
condors.
• Continuation by tourist bus to Puno.
• Overnight in Puno.
Day 5: Puno
• Exit to the Tomb Towers of Sillustani.
• Overnight in Puno.
Day
6: Lake Titicaca
• Full day boat trip on Lake Titicaca to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
• Overnight in Puno.
Day 7: from Puno to Cusco
• Travel by tourist bus from Puno to Cusco, with the opportunity to visit archaeological sites on the way (journey approx. 9 hours).
• Overnight in Cuso.
Day 8: Cusco
• City tour (city and surrounding area, half day).
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 9: the Sacred Valley of the Incas
• Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba or Vilcanota Valley) with the market in Pisac and the cities of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo (lunch included).
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10: Machu Picchu
• Full day trip by train to Machu Picchu (journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes about 3 hours).
• Guided tour of the Inca city of Machu Picchu (including bus ride up to the ruins and lunch).
• Return to Cusco by train.
• Overnight in Cusco.
Day 11: from Cusco to Lima
• Transfer to the airport.
• Flight from Cusco to Lima.
• Transfer in Lima from the airport to the hotel.
• Overnight in Lima.
Day 12: Farewell to Peru
• City tour in Lima (half day).
• Transfer from the hotel to the airport in Lima.
Travel dates
Daily, the program parts in Cusco may have to be adapted to the corresponding weekdays.
Personalize your journey
This program can largely be adapted to individual wishes. Some opportunities for additions or changes to your itinerary:
Lima:
• Pachacamac. • Caral – oldest civilization in America. • Boat trip to the Palomino Islands (half day). • Gold Museum. • Anthropology Museum. • National Museum. • Larco Herrera Museum. • Art Museum. • Museum of Natural History. • Additional day without program. • Further suggestions in «Lima».
Arequipa: • Arrival via Paracas and Nasca with flight over the Nasca Lines. • Additional day without program. • Visit to the other side of the Colca Valley (1 extra day). • Excursion to the rock paintings «Torro Muerto». • Flight from Arequipa to Juliaca (Puno). • Further suggestions in «Arequipa».
Puno: • Overnight cruise to Amantani Island (1 extra day). • Excursion Pueblos Aymaras. • Excursion Chucuito. • Excursion Pukara. • City tour. • Additional day without program. • Further suggestions in «Puno».
Cusco: • Additional day without program to get to know Cusco on your own. • Excursion to Maras and Moray (1 day), by car or as a bicycle tour. • Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu to visit Machu Picchu again or visit the thermal baths (1 day). • Hike on the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (4 days). • Hike past the Salkantay to Machu Picchu (4 days). • Trek to Choquequirao (4 or 5 days). • Hike to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu (8 days). • Further suggestions in «Cusco».
Best season for this trip
Anytime possible. Rain is rare during the dry season from May to November and clear visibility is likely at destinations. In the rainy season from December to April one finds a more lush and fresher flora with less tourist traffic. This is also when most orchids bloom.
