Cusco, Arequipa and Colca (10 Days)

Overview

Highlights

• Machu Picchu with a professional guide
• Sacred Valley, Moray and Maras Salt Mines
• Colca Canyon and the flight of the condor
• Salinas Lagoon, among volcanoes and flamingos
• Free day in Cusco
• Free day in Arequipa's historic center

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 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.

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

   Enjoy a well-deserved rest! Relax and enjoy Cusco at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up the charm of the city.

6. Day 6Flight from Cusco to Arequipa

   Transfer to Cusco airport
   After breakfast at your hotel, our team will pick you up at the agreed time for your transfer to Cusco airport, starting the next leg 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 very first moment in the "White City". The rest of the day is free.

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

7. Day 7Salinas Lagoon

   Discover the stunning Salinas Lagoon, a natural setting surrounded by volcanoes and cinematic Andean landscapes.

   On the tour you can admire the vast salt flats and, depending on the season, see the lagoon's waters mirroring the mountains and even flamingos in their natural habitat. A perfect experience for anyone who wants to see one of the most striking landscapes in the Arequipa region.

8. Day 8Colca Canyon

   Departure from Arequipa at around 3:00 am for the spectacular Colca Canyon.

   Along the way we stop for breakfast and then continue to the main viewpoints, where you can take in the grand Andean scenery and, with a bit of luck, watch the majestic condor in flight.

   After the tour we return to Arequipa, arriving at around 5:30 pm, wrapping up a day full of nature, adventure and unforgettable scenery.

9. Day 9Free day in Arequipa

   Enjoy a well-deserved rest! Relax and enjoy Arequipa at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, admire its white sillar architecture, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up the charm of the "White City".

10. Day 10Departure / 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

What to bring

• Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
• Dress in layers
• Warm clothing for Colca and Salinas Lagoon (cold early starts and viewpoints above 4,000 m)
• 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
• 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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