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Classic Cusco, Puno & Arequipa (12 Days)
- Duration12 days / 11 nights
- DifficultyEasy
- Max. altitude4,910 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Classic Cusco, Puno and Arequipa — the best of southern Peru
A truly complete itinerary to discover the best of southern Peru! Explore Cusco and its great treasures: the Maras Salt Mines, the Sacred Valley and the unforgettable experience of Machu Picchu.
Then make a spectacular overland connection from Cusco to Puno along the classic Route of the Sun to majestic Lake Titicaca. Continue to Arequipa via Chivay and the stunning Colca Canyon, and finish with the remarkable Salinas Lagoon. A complete journey through landscapes, history and culture!
Who this package is for
For travelers who want to cross southern Peru overland, linking Machu Picchu, the Titicaca highlands and the canyons of Arequipa, at a relaxed pace, with no demanding hikes and free days to rest.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. The itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, and one night in Chivay in the Colca Valley, in addition to your nights in Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
- Route of the Sun from Cusco to Puno
- Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca
- Condors in flight at Colca Canyon
- Salinas Lagoon and its flamingos
- Free days in Cusco and Arequipa
Itinerary
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.
Day 2Andean 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.
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.
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.
Day 5Free day in Cusco
Enjoy a well-deserved rest! Relax and experience Cusco at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up this charming city.
Day 6Route of the Sun – Cusco to Puno
Today you travel from Cusco to Puno on a beautiful journey through stunning Andean landscapes, visiting some of the main sights along the way.
At around 6:00 am we pick you up at your hotel to begin the experience. En route we stop at the church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas"; the Raqchi Archaeological Site, with its impressive Inca remains; and the Pukara Museum, where you will learn more about one of the oldest cultures in the region.
Arrival in Puno is expected at around 5:00 pm. On arrival, a car will be waiting to take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
A journey that combines history, culture and Andean scenery in a single day!
Day 7Lake Titicaca – Uros floating islands and Taquile
After breakfast, at around 7:00 am, we pick you up at your hotel for a special day on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
We board a motorboat to visit the famous Uros Floating Islands, handcrafted from totora reeds, where you will learn about the history and way of life of their inhabitants. We then cross the lake to Taquile Island, known for its beautiful scenery, ancestral traditions and local culture.
At the end of the tour we return to Puno, finishing at around 5:00 pm.
A day to experience Andean culture, the landscapes of Lake Titicaca and the age-old traditions of its peoples.
Day 8On the road to Chivay
After breakfast, leave Puno for Chivay, crossing the beautiful scenery of the Altiplano and the Andean highlands with their charming mountain villages.
On arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, you can unwind in the La Calera hot springs, an optional activity (not included).
Day 9The magic of Colca Canyon
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up at 6:30 am to begin one of the most spectacular days in Peru.
Along the way we visit the magnificent Colca Canyon, considered one of the deepest in the world. A breathtaking natural spectacle!
Condors in flight: the highlight of the tour is watching the majestic flight of the condors as they soar over the mountains, an unforgettable sight.
After this experience we return to Chivay for lunch (not included) and then set off for Arequipa, with a transfer to your hotel.
Day 10Free day in Arequipa
Enjoy a well-deserved rest! Relax and experience Arequipa at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up the charming White City.
Day 11Salinas Lagoon
Discover the stunning Laguna de Salinas, a natural setting surrounded by volcanoes and cinematic Andean scenery.
On this excursion you will take in vast salt flats and, depending on the season, see the lagoon mirroring the mountains and even flamingos in their natural habitat. A perfect experience for anyone who wants to see one of the most surprising landscapes in the Arequipa region.
Day 12Departure / return home
Time to say goodbye to Arequipa!
At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Arequipa 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
Included
- 1 transfer in Cusco: airport / hotel
- 1 transfer in Cusco: hotel / terminal
- 1 transfer in Puno: terminal / hotel
- 1 transfer from Puno to Chivay
- 1 transfer from Chivay to Arequipa
- 1 transfer in Arequipa: hotel / airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- Andean Women, Moray and Maras Salt Mines tour (entrance fees not included)
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide
- Round-trip train ticket, Expedition or Voyager class
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Route of the Sun tour (entrance fees not included, lunch included)
- Lake Titicaca tour with entrance fees and lunch
- Colca Canyon tour
- Salinas Lagoon tour
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Cusco Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley and Moray
- Maras Salt Mines entrance fee
- Entrance fees for the Route of the Sun sites
- La Calera hot springs (optional)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Comfortable sneakers
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves for cold nights and high-altitude areas (Puno and Colca Canyon)
- 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
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
Are 12-day itineraries very tiring?
Because of the altitude, it is normal to feel more tired than usual, especially during the first few days. That is why we include free time and plan every stage with your comfort and well-being in mind, so you can enjoy the trip without rushing.
This itinerary has no demanding hikes, but it does involve several journeys between destinations, so we recommend resting well and staying hydrated.
Will I get to see the main sights in each destination?
Yes! The itinerary is designed to include the top attractions in every city you visit.
How do I travel between Cusco, Puno and Arequipa?
The journeys are part of the experience! You travel from Cusco to Puno along the classic Route of the Sun, stopping at key sights along the way. Then you continue overland to Arequipa via Chivay and Colca Canyon. All of these transfers are included.
Do I need to be in good shape for this itinerary?
You do not need to be an athlete: this itinerary is rated easy and has no demanding hikes. There are still gentle walks at archaeological sites and viewpoints, and the altitude can make you feel more tired, so we recommend allowing time to acclimatize.
Are the tours shared or private?
The tours in this package run as a regular (shared) service, in groups of up to 18 people. We also offer a private option, with an exclusive vehicle and guide, more flexible timing and a more personalized experience.
Can I combine this itinerary with other destinations or add more days?
Yes! We can create an even more complete trip, adding destinations, experiences or free days depending on how much time you have and what you want to see in Peru.
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