10 Days Discover Peru: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco & Machu Picchu
4.9
53 Ratings

Towards the southern region of Perú, a city of distinctive White architecture awaits; home to a grand bird that soars above the deepest canyon on earth. There lies an enigmatic, substantial lake suitable for navigation and a city nestled amid the clouds.

Duration: 10 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Day 01: Welcome to Lima, City Tour and Larco Museum

Centro Historico de Lima - In the afternoon (2 pm), an exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo, is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima.

Museo Larco - Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Day 02: Arequipa, the White City

Historic Centre of Arequipa - Transfer to the airport. Departure to Arequipa. Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, the “White City” opens its doors to us in a tour that starts in the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Lázaro, the place where Arequipa was founded; from here we will walk thru its colorful streets adorned with geraniums and later we will go to the observation point of Carmen Alto, to enjoy a beautiful view of agricultural terraces and from there we will be able to observe the three volcanos towering over the city: Misti, Chachani and Picchu -Picchu. We continue towards the colonial district of Yanahuara, famous for its church built in the Andalusian style and its observation point, erected with a beautiful architecture and surrounded with arches made of ashlar.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina - Later, we visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument that was closed for nearly 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens that remind us of the old neighborhoods of Sevilla or Granada. Next, we head towards the Plaza de Armas, from there we will be able to watch the Cathedral and the arches surrounding the plaza, and finally visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús; established by the Jesuits in the XVII century, note its cloisters and the famous Dome of San Ignacio.

Day 03: The volcanos route, Pampa Cañahuas and Chivay

Chivay - 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.

Day 04: Colca Canyon, Observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor and Route to Puno

Colca Canyon - 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.

Day 05: The Titicaca Sacred Lake and its islands

Taquile Island - 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.

Day 06: Route of the Altiplano

La Raya Pass - We depart in a tour bus to the city of Cusco. Our first stop will be the Museo de Lítico de Pucará (Pucara lithic museum), place that preserves the remains of the Pucará culture with pieces that will surprise us such as monoliths, stelas and sculptures with animal shapes. This town is also famous for the toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls), beautiful multicolored handicrafts that symbolize protection, happiness and fertility. Our next stop will be in the highest point at 4,335 m.a.s.l. in La Raya, geographic division of the basin of the water from the Titicaca lake and from the Vilcanota river that will go to the Amazonas river basin. Lunch.

San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas - As our last stop, we visit the beautiful church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America) for the paintings that adorn its ceilings and walls. Arrival to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel. lodging.

Day 07: Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara & Cusco, Capital of Inca Empire

Sacsayhuaman - In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city.

Mercado Central de San Pedro - In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city.

Qorikancha - Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone.

Cusco Cathedral - We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

Day 08: Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo

Chinchero - 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.

Moray - 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.

Ollantaytambo - 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.

Day 09: Machu Picchu, the Lost City

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu - 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.

Day 10: Farewell

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

What's Included
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Drinks.
  • Gratuities
  • International and domestic flight tickets
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(53 Ratings)
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Cristianlm6151ig
Apr 12, 2024
It was very good and we are going to recommend it to our friends and family. - Very good experience. Everything promised was fulfilled. We highlight the punctuality and good disposition of the staff throughout the trip.
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O7990kcbrendac
Apr 10, 2024
A very nice experience in Peru - The experience in Peru was magical, the landscapes, the people, the culture, the agency was very nice in every way, I highly recommend it
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Maytepu
Apr 9, 2024
Very good organization - Everything spectacular and very well organized. The perfect attention. Very well spent time. Good professionals
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857doloresp
Apr 8, 2024
Awesome - The visits were all very interesting. Both the museums and all the archaeological sites. The wonderful people.
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Eliamviquez
Apr 4, 2024
Incredible everything was perfect since we were always treated very well and all the people were very special - The visits are incredible, and the people have a lot of heart for what they do, they treat tourists excellently and are always very positive Not to mention the beautiful places they have and the beauties of the landscapes and we took many photos and good memories to Costa Rica.
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484tukim
Apr 3, 2024
Magnificent experience in Peru - Very good organization. Puntuality. Good guides. Beautiful places. Good people, good food, good drinks. A phenomenal experience
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Jorgemv7115qv
Apr 1, 2024
Excellent experience thanks to VIPAC - Very good attention from the VIPAC staff and very friendly people from Peru. The tour was very organized and all schedules and attractions were met.
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H4190mijackiec
Mar 25, 2024
Trip of a lifetime! - Awesome trip with Kaypi Tours and our guide Elias. Elias was with us from about day 2-10 and felt like he was a friend. He was very knowledgeable and shared his knowledge of his country with us. We were able to see and learn about so many amazing places we would not have been able to without a guide. This is the first time I have ever done a tour and I would definitely do another. We were a group of 4 mature ladies and Elias was patient and made us feel comfortable. Although visiting Machu Picchu was amazing, my favorite part was a visit with a local family for the night. We were able to help pick our own vegetables for dinner and interact with the family. We had an amazing time! Thank you Elias for making our trip amazing! JC
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Navyonsite
Mar 18, 2024
Great tour and excellent guides - Very good organization on the part of all the guides. We went as part of Carmen Dominicci's Trotamundos, and the organization made this 10-day tour a fabulous one. José Gabriel Sánchez is a great guide. He knows everything from the history of the imperious Inca, to astronomer, mathematics, science and geology. We loved his jokes. We give him a 100 for his experience and dedication. He also made us feel safe at all times.
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Andresrq5177nu
Mar 17, 2024
We will repeat - I want to congratulate all Vipac workers (drivers, companions, guides...) for their excellent professionalism, education and cultural training.
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