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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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