Classic Cusco, Arequipa & Lima (14 Days)

Overview

Highlights

• Machu Picchu with a professional guide
• Archaeological city tour in Cusco
• Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
• Free days in Cusco and Arequipa
• Salinas Lagoon and its flamingos
• Sillar Route in Arequipa
• Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina
• Lima city tour

1. Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization

   As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.

   This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.

   No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.

2. Day 2Archaeological city tour

   At around 8:45 am we begin our Archaeological City Tour, a journey through the history and culture of the ancient Inca Empire.

   We visit the Qoricancha Temple, a major Inca religious center, then continue to the impressive archaeological sites around Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

   Along the way you will discover buildings, temples and places that reveal the grandeur of Inca civilization, always with a guide sharing the stories and curiosities of each site. The tour ends at around 2:00 pm.

3. Day 3Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

   Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.

   After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.

   Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.

   At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.

   On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.

4. Day 4Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

   The big moment of the trip has arrived!

   In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.

   During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.

   After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.

   At the scheduled time you will board the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.

5. Day 5Free day in Cusco

   Today is all about enjoying the magic of Cusco calmly and at your own pace!

   Stroll through the charming historic center, admire the Plaza de Armas, wander its cobbled streets, little shops, cafés and restaurants, or seek out a special corner of the city.

   A perfect day to rest, explore and let Cusco's unique energy sweep you up, adding even more unforgettable Andean moments to your trip.

6. Day 6Andean women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines

   After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, we leave Cusco for the Valley, a lower-altitude area that is ideal for an unhurried day.

   Our first stop is with the Andean Women, where you will see the traditional process of making wool by hand, from washing and dyeing to spinning and weaving textiles decorated with geometric designs that reflect the Andean worldview and harmony with nature.

   Next we visit Moray, an impressive archaeological site made up of circular terraces, and then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, with hundreds of salt pools built by the Incas on the mountainsides and still in use today.

   After the visits we return to Cusco, arriving at around 3:00 pm at Plaza Regocijo, leaving the rest of the afternoon free to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

7. Day 7Flight from Cusco to Arequipa

   Transfer to Cusco airport
   After breakfast at your hotel, our team will pick you up at the agreed time and take you to Cusco airport for the next stage of your trip.

   VIP welcome at Arequipa airport
   When you land in Arequipa, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and take you to your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety and peace of mind from your first moment in the White City. The rest of the day is free.

   Note: the Cusco–Arequipa flight is not included in the package.

8. Day 8Salinas Lagoon

   Discover the striking Salinas Lagoon (Laguna de Salinas), a natural setting ringed by volcanoes and cinematic Andean landscapes.

   On the tour you can take in the vast salt flats and, depending on the season, see the lagoon mirroring the mountains and even flamingos in their natural habitat.

   A perfect outing to see one of the most surprising landscapes in the Arequipa region.

9. Day 9Free day in Arequipa

   Today is all about enjoying Arequipa calmly and at your own pace!

   Stroll through the charming historic center, admire its white-stone architecture, discover its lovely squares and streets, browse shops, cafés and restaurants, and let yourself be carried away by the special atmosphere of the White City.

   A perfect day to rest, explore and collect even more unforgettable moments from your trip through Peru.

10. Day 10Sillar Route

    Discover the famous Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar), one of Arequipa's most iconic tours, and learn the story of the volcanic stone that gives the city its distinctive white architecture.

    On the tour you visit the impressive Añashuayco quarries, watch the stonemasons at work and see carvings sculpted into the rock itself, set in a unique landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of the Andes.

11. Day 11Flight to Lima

    Time to say goodbye to Arequipa!

    At the agreed time we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable transfer to Arequipa airport for your flight to Lima.

    When you land in Lima, our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the Miraflores district. The rest of the day is free.

    Note: the Arequipa–Lima flight is not included in the package.

12. Day 12Ballestas Islands, Ica vineyards and Huacachina

    Departure from Lima at 5:00 am for Paracas, where we take a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galápagos", with the chance to spot sea lions, penguins and many seabirds, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra.

    Next we visit a traditional Ica vineyard for a tasting of Peruvian wines and piscos, then continue to the incredible Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by desert dunes, where you can enjoy dune buggy rides and sandboarding.

    At the end of the day we return to Lima, arriving at around 9:00 pm.

13. Day 13Colonial and modern Lima city tour

    After breakfast, we set off at around 9:15 am to discover the highlights of Lima.

    Visit Huaca Pucllana, the historic center with Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martín and the San Francisco Convent, plus the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

    We finish at the Love Park (Parque del Amor) and Larcomar, with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends at around 12:30 pm.

14. Day 14Departure / return home

    Time to say goodbye to Lima!

    At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Lima airport for your flight home.

    We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.

What's included

What to bring

• Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
• Dress in layers
• Comfortable sneakers
• Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Water
• Snacks
• Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
• Rain poncho during the rainy season
• Cash in Peruvian soles
• A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
• Light clothing for the coast and desert (Paracas and Huacachina)
• Warm clothing for Salinas Lagoon (high altitude)
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Avoid raw food
• Drink only bottled water
• Keep your documents with you at all times

Frequently asked questions

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