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The Richness of the Southern Peru

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  • 13 Days
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Rosa Aguilar.

LimaTours

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The Richness of the Southern Peru

The Richness of the Southern Peru

Explore the wonders of southern Peru for 13 incredible days until you reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Incas. Discover the colonial past in Lima and Arequipa, two of the most important cities during the Viceroyalty with a rich architectural history of the time. Delight the view with breathtaking landscapes in the Colca Valley and Puno, with Lake Titicaca and its communities. Culminate your route in Cusco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo.

ARRIVAL LIMA

Arrive at Lima Airport. Transportation service and a representative will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima. Read more

Lima

LIMA - CITY TOUR

Wake up to breakfast in the hotel before hitting the streets of Lima’s old town; a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historical buildings. Start with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the world’s most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that time that to this day has always been owned by the same family. Continue to a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which originates and spreads out from the Main Square. Here you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire and be amazed by Lima´s Cathedral. Erected in the 16th century, this building took more than 80 years to complete. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima. Breakfast included. Extra activities: Check our optional supplements. Read more

Lima
More Pictures

LIMA – AREQUIPA / CITY TOUR

Arrive at Arequipa Airport. Our representative will meet you and take you to the hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer while a guide will inform you about the attractions and services the city offers and will assist you with the check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, it’s time to get to know the city. Start your journey in the main square, called 'Plaza de Armas'. Admire its elegant neo-Renaissance basilica cathedral and the sensational Monastery of Santa Catalina, which for centuries was a 'forbidden city' in the heart of Arequipa, closed to prying eyes and the influence of the outside world. The convent was founded in the 16th century, and it was an almost self-sufficient town, made up of houses for nuns and their servants, cloisters, squares and narrow streets, kitchens and refectories, among others. The families of the nuns paid large sums of money for their daughters to be admitted, which increased the wealth and prestige of the place. Today, strolling through its colourful streets is like going back in time and allows you to understand colonial Peru. Continue until you reach the Church of the Company, perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Peruvian baroque, where you can analyze its fascinating facade. The sacristy is exceptionally beautiful, thanks to its dome and walls covered with murals that show tropical flora and fauna. The Jesuit seminary is well known for its beautiful main cloister. Finally, head to the neighbourhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Misti volcano, which rises above the city. In the end, you will be transferred to your hotel Overnight at the selected hotel in Arequipa. Breakfast included. Read more

Arequipa

AREQUIPA – COLCA VALLEY AND CANYON

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Arequipa and head to the Colca Valley. The route will take you through the Yura district, an area characterised by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. Cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra and skirt the crater of the now-extinct Chucura Volcano to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, 4,910 metres above sea level. This viewpoint offers impressive views of the numerous volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Chivay before being transferred to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley for a free afternoon Overnight at the selected hotel in Colca. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Colca

COLCA VALLEY AND CANYON

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a day of high drama with a trip to the breathtaking Condor Cross lookout. Take a deep breath and appreciate the sheer vastness of the Colca Valley, which is one of the world's deepest canyons with a maximum depth of more than 4,160 metres – twice that of the Grand Canyon. The thrill of the experience is enhanced by the natural spectacle of huge condors flying over the canyon. Watch in awe as these graceful birds of prey glide over the canyon, patrolling it with military discipline. Descend to the valley floor to discover some of the rustic towns on the banks of the River Colca such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where quaint colonial churches are as much as part of the scenery as the peaks of the Andes. There are also stops at the lookouts of Antahuilque and Choquetico to admire majestic views of the valley. Continue to the Ocolle lookout to admire ‘the Amphitheatre’, a collection of pre-Inca terraces that demonstrate the impressive agricultural technology of the past, and then visit the Uyo Uyo archaeological site before returning to your hotel for the night. Overnight at the selected hotel in Colca. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Colca

OLCA VALLEY – PUNO

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then take advantage of your free morning to enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, we will begin our journey to Puno. The route cuts through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and takes in the stunning stone forests of Patahuasi. The landscapes and scenery are both dramatic and enchanting; you will pass high plains, volcanoes, unusual rock formations and even lagoons, where you can spot cranes drying their wings above the water. There are several viewpoints, remote cafés that offer visitors coca tea and artisans selling traditional textiles and handicrafts along the route. On arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel Overnight at the selected hotel in Puno. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Puno

PUNO – LAKE TITICACA: UROS AND TAQUILE I

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of human-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are regularly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Look around and notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno. Overnight at the selected hotel in Puno. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Puno

PUNO - CUSCO

After breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will transfer you to the bus station, where a representative will help you catch your bus to Cusco. On the way, you’ll make some interesting stops. The first is the town of Pucara and the Pucara Lithic Museum. This was the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D. After a brief break at La Raya, the highest point of the trip between Puno and Cusco at the dizzying altitude of 4,313 metres above sea level, the bus stops at Sicuani for lunch. We then head on to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site built in honour of a powerful Andean god. The rectangular construction boasts thatched rooftops 20 metres above the ground; these are thought to be the highest in the Inca Empire. Later, visit Andahuaylillas, a town located around 40 kilometres away from Cusco. The main attraction here is the local church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” owing to the high quality of art found inside. The church was built during the 16th century on top of Wari remains. Afterwards, a last 40-kilometre drive gets you to Cusco, today’s final destination. Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Cusco

CUSCO / CITY TOUR AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL

After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestoned streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco. Breakfast included. Read more

Cusco

CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY/ CHINCHERO

During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean traditions interpretation centre with demonstrations of the production of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware, following the techniques used by the ancestors. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Visit the town of Ollantaytambo upon your arrival - inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times - and have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant. Fell the true spirit of the Sacred Valley, transmitted in a cosy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain and then you are transferred back to your hotel. *On Sundays, also visit the local market. Overnight at the selected hotel in the Sacred Valley. Breakfast and lunch included Read more

Sacred Valley

AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

Transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. Here you board a coach for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is believed to have been built in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they brought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour explains the origins behind this awe-inspiring citadel, presenting its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Overnight at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes. Breakfast and lunch included. Read more

Aguas Calientes

AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO

The delicious breakfast at the hotel is followed by a relaxing morning at leisure. We strongly recommend waking up early today to spend the morning over Machu Picchu and discover its secrets by your own - it's a must-have experience! The best views are from Huayna Picchu, which is about 360 metres above Machu Picchu with an underground temple complex; and from Inti Punku, which offers even better views from about 390 metres above the citadel. Another option is the Inca Bridge, a secret military trail, which controlled the access to the citadel. In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station and take the train back to Ollanta station. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco. Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco. Breakfast included. Extra activities: Check our optional supplements. Read more

Cusco

DEPARTURE CUSCO

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transfer to Cusco’s airport.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day 1
Location Lima
Hotel El Tambo II or similar
Day 3
Location Arequipa
Day 4
Location Colca
Day 6
Location Puno
Day 8
Location Cusco
Day 10
Location Sacred Valley
Day 11
Location Aguas Calientes
Day 12
Location Cusco
Day in trip
Location
Hotel
Day 1
Location Lima
Day 3
Location Arequipa
Day 4
Location Colca
Day 6
Location Puno
Day 8
Location Cusco
Day 10
Location Sacred Valley
Day 11
Location Aguas Calientes
Day 12
Location Cusco

TRIP PACKAGE

Package includes

  • Transfer from/to the airport
  • Transport during the tour
  • Accommodation
  • Local guides
  • Information services
  • Entrance fee

Package excludes

  • Personal expenses, drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme.
  • Tips for driver and guide.
  • Additional optional visits.
  • Supplements for special dates such as Holy Week, Inti Raymi, National Holidays, Christmas and New Year obligatory mentioned separately.
  • International flights to Peru.
  • Domestic flights (it is advised to book the first flights in the morning).
  • Domestic and foreign airport taxes.

More information

  • All rates are per person and apply to foreign passengers only.
  • Rates do not apply to residents with a stay longer than 60 days or to corporate passengers (from 4 nights or more in Lima).
  • Reservations must include each passenger’s full name, nationality, passport number, age and date of birth.
  • For reservations with train services to Machu Picchu, the seats are assigned according to the availability of the car. Locations can only be arranged after the ticket has been issued.

REVIEWS

5 Reviews

Suzanne Kochevar, United States

As on each trip, there are situations that stand out as very special. LimaTours found us a guide who made our time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley unbelievably special. He wanted us to have the very best experience we could have…and he put himself ‘out there’ so that would happen. Thanks again for creating a wonderful, amazing trip for us!! Read more

James Fraser, United States

My wife and I recently visited Peru having arrangemed the itinerary, through our travel agent, with Travcoa. It was our good fortune that Travcoa uses your agency in Peru. Your staff was terrific - knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, efficient - the arrangements flawless, the chosen hotels were superb. And when LAN had a problem with a connection making us anxious about getting to Iquitos in time for our boat trip, a few of your staff at Lima airport willingly provided me with aid and reassurance. Thank you very much. Read more

Matias Andres, United States

Thank you Lima Tours for a truly memorable and professional Peru experience! We loved every part of our vacation including the guides, private arrangements, highly recommended properties, and transportation services. Everyone at Lima Tours is a true professional and ensure that their guest feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visit. Machu Picchu and Lima are spectacular sites, and having the services of Lima Tours behind them makes it that much better. Shout out to Patricial Roncal, Diego, Alejandro, Javier, and Magda for the phenomenal experience. Read more

MORE REVIEWS

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