10 Days Treasures of Southern Peru

Upon arrival in Arequipa after your flight from Lima, a guide will greet you at the airport and facilitate your transfer to the Hotel. Arequipa is arguably Peru’s most beautiful city thanks to graceful colonial architecture and extensive use of sillar (a luminous white, marble-like stone), set against the backdrop of lush green countryside and surrounded by a ring of volcanoes. This afternoon we’ll explore Arequipa’s historic center with our specialist local guide. The Santa Catalina Convent, a colorful, walled city-within-a-city, is a highlight.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: Arequipa

Very early we will begin our adventure to the impressive Colca Valley, passing through the town of Yura, Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas where the National Reserve of Vicuñas of Aguada Blanca is located and we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes and animals. We will continue the trip passing through Chuccura and Patapampa, visiting the Mirador de los Volcanes.

Upon arrival in Chivay we will have free time for a short break and have the opportunity to take photos, then visit the town and market of Chivay. Afterward, you return to your beautiful hotel to rest.

Meals included: B/-/-Accomodation: Colca Valley­

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Puno. Near Puno, the Uros people live on floating islands made from a plant called totora. They use this plant to build their homes, boats, and even the islands. The Uros people give tours of their islands and sell handmade crafts. Other groups, like the Quechua and Taquileños, live on bigger islands that have no electricity or paved roads. Visitors can stay in local homes. Nature lovers and photographers will enjoy seeing many special birds and animals that live only in this area. It is important to rest and drink plenty of water today to get used to the high altitude. After you arrive, you can visit some local restaurants and cafés to try fresh, local food.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: Puno

After a good breakfast, you will go on a full-day tour that lasts about nine hours. First, you will visit one of the floating Uros Islands, where the Uros people live on islands made of reeds. You will learn about their daily life and traditions. Then, you will go to Taquile Island for lunch, where you can try quinoa soup, fresh fish, and vegetables. After lunch, you will explore the island, which has no cars and very little electricity. The people of Taquile live by their old traditions, and they are famous for their beautiful weaving. In the evening, you will walk to the main dock, take a boat back to Puno, and return to your hotel.

Meals included: B/L/-

Accommodation: Puno

Today, we will go to the bus station and travel to Cusco. Along the way, we will see beautiful landscapes. We will visit the Pukara archaeological site and museum, where we can see old ceramics and sculptures. We will stop at La Raya, the highest point of the trip, with views of the snowy Chimboya mountain. Lunch will be at a popular local restaurant. Later, we will visit Raqchi, known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha, and the Andahuaylillas Chapel, called the "Sistine Chapel of America" because of its golden ceiling. When we arrive in Cusco, a driver will take us to our hotel.

Meals included: B/L/-

Accommodation: Cusco

We will have the morning free to take a break. In the afternoon, we will start our tour visiting the Cathedral, an imposing historical monument in the main square; we will visit the Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an immense building with large stones, undoubtedly one of the best architectural works of the Incas. We will continue with the Fortress of Qenqo with passages and canals, Puca Pucará, Inca place of storage and Tambomachay, place of water rituals. Return to the city of Cusco.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: Cusco

Early in the morning, we will begin our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will visit the popular Pisaq Market, recognized for its quality crafts. Lunch in Urubamba, we will enjoy a walk through the Ollantaytambo fortress. Tonight you will stay in the Sacred Valley and rest for your adventure to Machu Picchu tomorrow!­

Meals included: B/L/-

Accommodation: Sacred Valley

In the morning you will take a train to Aguas Calients, where you will board the bus to Machu Picchu and begin a tour of one of the 7 Wonders of the World, considered a patrimony of humanity. A beautiful sanctuary that served as a rest residence for the Inca Pachacutec. At the scheduled time, we will return by train to Cusco.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: Cusco

At the designated time, your private transportation will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Cusco airport, where you will take your flight back home.

Meals included: B/-/-

Accommodation: -