Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Colca Canyon

This is a fantastic tour taking in some incredible sights and one of the new Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu near Cusco plus the lovely Colca Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world (after the Cotahuasi next door) where you can see condors, the largest land-living bird, flying close overhead.

Day 1 - Lima

After your arrival at Lima airport we will transfer you to your chosen hotel in the Miraflores area of the city. For some you will be staying at the Casa Andina Classic or similar. For luxury travellers it could be the 5* Miraflores Park Hotel or the superb Casa Andina Private Collection (subject to space of course). Enjoy the rest of the day as free time to wander the parks and browse the shops, and enjoy the world renowned Peruvian food

Day 2 - Lima City Tour

Today you will be collected from your hotel for full day tour of Colonial and Modern Lima, visiting the Lima Cathedral and the Church and Convent of San Francisco amongst other sites. After time for lunch you will have the option to visit a museum of your choice. Its a full day of sightseeing in this crazy but historic mega city.

Alternative "Culture and Contrasts" Lima City Tour 

Day 3 - Cusco

This morning you will be transferred to Lima airport for your short flight (1 hour) to Cusco.  Upon arrival in Cusco we will meet you and transfer you to you chosen hotel.  For some travellers this could be the boutique hotel Casa San Blas or similar and for luxury travellers the fabulous Monasterio Hotel, subject to space of course.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a Cusco city tour visiting the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Cusco cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire, the Coricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun.

Day 4 - Sacred Valley

After pick-up from your hotel today you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we will be visiting the Inca ruins of Pisac (if on a private tour), the Market at Pisac (on all tours), a great place to buy souvenirs and the lovely Inca site at Ollantaytambo. You will have an English-speaking guide all day and a great buffet lunch in Yucay included in the sunny valley. You will then spend the night down in the valley to take advantage of a change of scene, more oxygen (as you are 800 meters lower), and a shorter journey tomorrow on the train to Machu Picchu.

We recommend these 2 hotels but there are many more that we use in all price ranges. Casa Andina PC Valley and Sol y Luna are our favorites.

Day 5 - Machu Picchu

Today you will have an early start to catch your chosen train to Machu Picchu which will be one of the services described in the link below. The advantage you have is that you have stayed in the valley overnight and therefore don´t have to get up as early as you would in Cusco to catch the train. A transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the station or if you are staying in one of the hotels really close to, or in the station itself, you can walk there.

Comparison of the Trains to Machu Picchu

After being met in Aguas Calientes by your guide you can drop off your overnight bags at your hotel and then take your bus transfer to the Machu Picchu site to enjoy a private tour with a qualified English speaking guide. Take the rest of the day as free time to enjoy this incredible site.  In the late afternoon you will return to your chosen hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town that nestles in the valley below Machu Picchu. 

For some travellers we recommend the Inti Inn or similar.  For luxury travellers we recommend the Pueblo Hotel or the Sumaq Hotel, both excellent high end hotels down in the village. If you prefer to stay right at the gate of Machu Picchu you could choose the Sanctuary Lodge as its location cannot be beaten.

Day 6 - Revisit Machu Picchu

Today you will be able to re-visit Machu Picchu and enjoy this fabulous site at your leisure.  You may choose to climb Huayna Picchu, the peak that overlooks Machu Picchu (400 people per day only) and affords fantastic views and photo opportunities.  In the late afternoon you will board the train for your trip back to Cusco.  You will leave the train at Poroy, the last station before Cusco, for a faster and more convenient transfer by road back to your hotel.

Day 7 - Cusco

Enjoy a free morning in Cusco at your leisure if the schedule permits.  Your tour includes the "Cusco Tourist Ticket" which allows you entry to the many museums, art galleries and Inca sites in and around Cusco.  At some point during the day we will fly you to Arequipa, the most beautiful City in Peru, ringed by volcanos and snow capped mountains.

Upon arrival we will transfer you to your hotel in the city center.  For 3 or 4 star travellers we recommend the Sonesta Posada right on the Plaza de Armas the main square of Arequipa, and for luxury clients the absolutely beautiful Casa Andina Private Collection which is the 400 year old "Mint" building. All hotels are subject to space at time of booking, if you have a preference please let us know and we can book it for you.

Video - Arequipa Main Square

Day 8 - Colca Canyon

Today you will start your two night tour to the Colca Canyon, the deepest or the second deepest canyon in the World. At 10,729 Feet, it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA.  The journey to get to the Colca Valley takes several hours over the altiplano, viewing Vicunas, Llamas and Volcanos the whole way, before we descend into the Colca Valley and arrive at the capital of the canyon region, Chivay. Accommodation could be at the lovely Colca Lodge in its exclusive location with its own hot springs within the hotel grounds, Mamayachi in the lovely village of Corporaque or at the Casa Andina in Chivay itself with its own observatory. Colca Lodge is a particularly good choice as you can really relax in the fabulous surroundings of the Canyon. Regardless of where you stay you will enjoy the scenery and be able to bathe in hot springs as there are many.

Video - Spa at the Colca Lodge

Day 9 - Condor spotting in the Colca Canyon

You have an early morning start to visit the Cruz del Condor the best place to see these magnificent birds, with wingspans up to 15 feet they are the largest land-living bird in the world. At times there can be 10 to 15 birds flying close to you at one time, it is a spectacular experience you will never forget. In the afternoon there are other activities, such as trekking or visiting local villages or bathe in the hot springs, this will depend on the advise of your local guide. Then you spend another night in this lovely place.

Day 10 - Arequipa to Lima

In the morning you will travel back to Arequipa and then either spend another night, or you fly out to Lima the same afternoon. There are many options so just talk to us.  

We can add on days for you to visit the Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines if you wish.

To see our entire range of Peru tours please CLICK HERE.