Andean Highlights: Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the Cusco airport for the descent into to the mountain village of Pisac, where you’ll have time to wander through the colorful market and enjoy lunch before driving up to the impressive ruins set high above town. From this vantage point, you’ll take in sweeping views across the Sacred Valley below.

In the afternoon, continue onward to your hotel.

This morning, set out to visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites. Begin at Moray, where a series of striking circular terraces are believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, used to experiment with crops and microclimates. From there, continue to Maras, where thousands of salt pans cascade across the hillside and are still harvested by local families today.

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Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the valley’s dramatic scenery before continuing to the picturesque Inca village of Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and climb the terraces of the great fortress, taking in sweeping views over the village and surrounding mountains. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for the evening.

This morning, depart early from your hotel and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Along the way, enjoy striking views as the landscape gradually shifts from the high Andes to the lush, green cloud forest.

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This afternoon, travel by bus with your guide to the entrance of Machu Picchu for your first visit to the Inca citadel. As you explore the site, you’ll learn about its history, construction, and the many theories surrounding its purpose, all while taking in the dramatic mountain scenery that makes this place so unforgettable.

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In the evening, return to town for dinner and an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s morning visit to the site.

Rise before the sun this morning and return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, experiencing the citadel in a quieter and completely different light. With your guide, continue exploring the site and take in the surrounding peaks as the morning unfolds.

You also have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, two additional routes that climb above the citadel and offer spectacular views from higher vantage points.

In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for the evening.

Early this morning, say goodbye to the Sacred Valley and begin the journey back up toward Cusco. Along the way, stop in the town of Chinchero to visit its archaeological site and spend time at a local weaving center, where you’ll see traditional techniques still used by the community today. You’ll learn about the natural dyes, patterns, and methods behind the textiles, with the option to purchase pieces directly from the weavers.

Afterward, continue to scenic Piuray Lake for a lakeside picnic surrounded by open skies and mountain views. In the afternoon, enjoy time on the water with paddleboarding or kayaking, or take a refreshing plunge into the cold lake if you’re feeling brave.

Later, continue onward to Cusco, where you’ll have the evening at leisure in the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

This morning, set out to explore Cusco, one of South America’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Begin on foot in the historic center, visiting its main squares and the Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, later incorporated into the colonial Church of Santo Domingo.

You’ll then continue to San Pedro Market, where colorful produce, fresh juices, produce, local breads, flowers, and everyday food stalls offer a lively look at daily life in Cusco.

After lunch, head into the hills above the city to visit Sacsayhuaman, the immense Inca ceremonial complex known for its massive stone walls and sweeping views over Cusco. From here, walk back down toward the city through the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, passing colonial aqueducts and other notable sites along the way.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from in the historic center.

Bid farewell to Cusco city and board your train to Puno and Lake Titicaca. 

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Enjoy the journey through some of Peru's most iconic landscapes from the comfort of your train. On board, you'll enjoy traditional music and dancing, a delicious three-course meal, a Pisco sour demonstration, and time to stretch your legs on the observation deck. 

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Your journey included a stop at La Raya, the highest point of the trip with panoramic views of the Andes.

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Upon arrival to Puno, you'll be transferred to your lakeside hotel for the evening.

This morning, transfer from your hotel in Puno to the dock and set out by boat across Lake Titicaca toward Amantaní Island. Along the way, stop at the floating islands of Uros for a guided introduction to the traditions, daily life, and unique reed-island culture of the Uro people.

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Arriving on Amantaní Island in the early afternoon, you will be welcomed by your host family. After lunch in the family house, spend the afternoon taking part in local activities, choosing from options such as a quinoa and local produce cooking workshop, embroidery and weaving, a visit to a stonemason’s workshop, a boat ride with local fishermen, or a storytelling visit to the community library.

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In the evening, join an Andean music workshop before gathering with the local community for a traditional celebration of music and dance, offered as a gesture of welcome and gratitude for your visit. 

Begin the morning early on Amantaní Island with the option to watch the sunrise over Lake Titicaca. Depending on your chosen activity from the previous day, you may either join local fishermen as they collect their nets or hike to one of the island’s highest points for panoramic views across the lake.

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After breakfast with your host family, say goodbye to Amantaní and continue by boat to Taquile Island. Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle uphill walk toward the island’s main plaza, taking in views of Lake Titicaca along the way. During your visit, you will meet some of Taquile’s renowned male knitters and learn about the island’s distinctive textile traditions, which play an important role in local identity and community life.

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Following lunch at a local restaurant, descend on foot to the main dock and board your boat back to Puno. 

Depart your hotel in Puno early this morning and travel by tourist transport toward Colca Canyon, a journey of approximately six hours through the scenic high-altitude landscapes of southern Peru.

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Along the way, make several stops to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Visit Lagunillas, a peaceful birdwatching viewpoint, before continuing to Pampa Cañahuas, a protected area known for its alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. You will also stop at Patapampa, located at 4,950 meters above sea level, where you can take in sweeping views of the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes.

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Arrive to the town of Chivay around midday for lunch and a bit of independent exploration before settling into your countryside hotel. 

Depart your hotel early this morning and travel through the Colca Valley toward one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints, the Cruz del Cóndor lookout, where you will have time to take in the dramatic landscapes of Colca Canyon and, with luck, watch Andean condors soaring on the morning thermals.

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Continue exploring the valley with stops at scenic viewpoints such as Antahuilque and Pinchollo, as well as the traditional villages of Maca and Yanque. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to try a typical local drink and view the region’s terraces, churches, and rural Andean scenery. You will also visit the local hot springs, so be sure to bring a swimsuit.

Afterward, return to Chivay, where there will be time for lunch before continuing by road to Arequipa. 

Spend the day exploring Arequipa, known as the White City for its elegant colonial architecture built from pale volcanic stone. Begin in the historic center with a visit to the Main Square, one of Peru’s most beautiful plazas, surrounded by arched walkways and views of the city’s impressive Basilica Cathedral.

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Continue to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a remarkable colonial complex of colorful courtyards, quiet passageways, chapels, and former living quarters that offers a fascinating glimpse into Arequipa’s religious and social history.

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Later in the day, head to the traditional neighborhood of Yanahuara, known for its sillar stone arches and sweeping views of the city framed by the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Enjoy your last day in Arequipa before heading back to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight.