Lima – Cusco – Puno – Arequipa – Colca Canyon (Inca Trail 2D) 13D/12N

Trip highlights:

• Arrive in one of the most unique and varied countries of South America – Peru.
• Explore the enchanting Sacred Valley and experience the ancient culture of the Andes.
• Feel the Andean energy as you wind your way along the ancient path of the Incas all the way to the citadel of Machu Picchu
• Immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, accompanied by first-rate guides
• Visit Cusco and its off-the-beaten-path hidden treasures.
• Fly from Cusco to Puno, admiring the magnificent views of the high plains.
• Be part of a magical experience visiting Lake Titicaca’s Uros and Taquile islands.
• Leave your trip planning in the hands of the luxury travel experts of South America.
• Travel across the Andean highlands Puno to visit Arequipa, “the white city” known for its elegant colonial architecture and beautiful energy.
• Travel to the spectacular Colca canyon and valley and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury hotel with hot springs.
• Leave your trip planning in the hands of the luxury travel experts of South America

Trip Description

Experience the history and magic of southern Peru’s most alluring destinations. Discover the imperial Inca capital of Cusco and the delightful Sacred Valley, scattered with small villages and archaeological sites. Then get a taste of hiking on the Royal Inca Trail before exploring the Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas and wonder of the world. Then visit Lake Titicaca with its mythical floating islands and ancient culture. Finally, watch Andean condors soar above green terraces in the world’s second-deepest canyon in Arequipa. Luxury accommodations and unbeatable service are the rule on this 13-day odyssey.

Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel, where we will provide all the information about your trip.

In the afternoon you will have free time to rest and relax.

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. When you arrive in Cusco, we will be waiting for you at the airport to bring you to the Sacred Valley, which is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, so you will have an easier time acclimating to the altitude. On route to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, we will stop at the Inkarri Museum, to immerse you in the history of the many pre-Incan cultures that influenced the Inca civilization as it expanded to become a great empire. You will then arrive at your hotel to rest in luxury for the night.

Breakfast/Lunch

In the early morning we will pick you up from your hotel to start the tour of the magical Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting first the archaeological site of Pisac—a place where the history and knowledge of the Incas is in full display, and where you can appreciate the beautiful terraces and the impressive construction of the urban center. We will then visit the local handicraft market town of Pisac, where you will find extraordinary handmade textiles, silverware, pottery, and more. Later we will head to Urubamba, where we will have a delicious lunch right in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

We will continue the tour by visiting the town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, where you can appreciate the beautiful and complex architectural design of the place, built as a military and administrative base, while also serving as a final resting place. After visiting these stunning and beautiful sites, we return you to your hotel.

Breakfast/Lunch

Very early in the morning, our transport will take us to the train station, where we will board the train and travel until km. 104, where the Royal Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins.

We will start our hike by visiting the ruins at Chachabamba, and then start walking up to Wiñahuayna, another famous archaeological site in the middle of the hike. Along the way, we will pass by beautiful waterfalls and amazing landscapes.

We will have lunch close to Wiñaywayna campsite, the last campsite that is used for the four-day trek; there you will be able to witness the kind of long distance trekking and organization that the longer Inca Trail hike requires.

Later we will continue directly to the Intipunku, or Sun Gate, where we will see for first time the magical city of Machu Picchu. From this point, we will descend to the citadel to enjoy it for some minutes more. Afterwards we will go down to the hotel to rest and gather energy for visiting Machu Picchu the next day.

Breakfast/Box Lunch/Dinner

Today early in the morning after breakfast we will visit the citadel of Machu Picchu, with a two-hour guided tour, visiting the main plaza, the temple of the three windows, the four royal rooms, and the famous Intihuatana and the circular tower. After visiting the citadel, you have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu, a famous peak from where you will have the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu sanctuary and its surroundings.

Later, we will take the train back to Poroy, located 30 minutes away from Cusco city. From this point our transport will take us to our Hotel in Cusco.

Breakfast/Lunch

After a good breakfast, we will begin the tour of Cusco with its temples and monuments such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the convent of Santo Domingo, which was built on top of the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, where you can see the impressive Inca constructions. There is also the archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman, a masterpiece of Inca architecture, and where each year, on June 24, the famous Festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi is celebrated. Continuing the tour, we will visit Quenqo, with its monolithic altar, representing a puma, and then arrive at Puca Pucara, a beautiful spring-fed mountain that forms a series of pools. All of these sites are famous Inca monuments of great religious importance.

After enjoying a great lunch, one of our directors will share with you a unique experience created exclusively for Royal Luxury clients as a way to thank you for traveling with us. It will be a gift coming from our hearts.

Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast, in the morning we will go to Cusco’s airport for your flight to Juliaca, where your guide will meet you at the airport to take you to the Sillustani burial towers. Afterwards, we will leave you at your hotel.

Breakfast/Box Lunch

In the early morning you will board a boat for a tour of Lake Titicaca and visit the floating Uros Islands, with their enigmatic customs and reed boats (the reed is a local aquatic plant). We continue the journey to the island Taquile, with its great scenic and environmental value as well as its friendly inhabitants with their authentic traditional costumes, people famous for their craftsmanship and textiles. In the afternoon, we return to Puno, crossing the highest navigable lake in the world, gazing at its breathtaking scenery.

Breakfast/Lunch

After breakfast we will pick you up from your hotel and take private transportation to the White City of Arequipa. As we drive across the high plains between Puno and Arequipa, we will pass through beautiful and amazing landscapes and in proper Andean tradition, we will ask the spirits of the mountains to bless our voyage.

Upon your arrival in Arequipa, a representative be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel.

Breakfast/Lunch

Today you take a city tour of Arequipa, visiting its main attractions: the Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas with its beautiful bronze fountain in front of the imposing Cathedral, and the Church of the Society of Jesus, an architectural gem with rich baroque decoration and symmetrical arches that give rhythm the grandeur of this city. Finally we will walk around Yanahuara Square and Church of San Francisco, the Chilinas scenic overlook, and we finish by visiting two monasteries: the Monastery of Santa Catalina and the new Monastery of Santa Teresa. The imposing Monastery of Santa Catalina was built in the sixteenth century. On the other hand, the new Monastery of Santa Teresa is just under 300 years old. Later on we will return you to your hotel.

You have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore on your own.

Breakfast

You will depart in the early morning to Colca Canyon, located at 2,350 meters above sea level, along the Yura route, allowing you to admire Arequipa’s iconic volcanoes: Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu. We will continue along the road to Colca, ascending the slopes of Chachani to Pampa Cañahuasa, reaching 4.500 meters and passing through the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, populated by vicuñas, llamas and alpacas. At kilometer 97 of the route coming from Arequipa you will take the detour to get to the scenic overlook Mirador de los Andes at 4,800 meters, from where the peaks of the Misti, Hualca Hualca, Ampato, and Sabancaya and volcanoes are visible. From here we head to Chivay, the gateway to the valley where you can enjoy attractions such as a church dating from the eighteenth century and its patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption. From there we will continue to Colca Canyon and overnight accommodation. We recommend a relaxing bath in the hot springs offered by the hotel.

Breakfast/Lunch

We will depart early to the Cruz del Condor, for a magnificent view of condors flying above the spectators. You will see panoramic views of spectacular landscapes and the impressive depth of the Colca Canyon. Later we will return to the hotel.

Breakfast

After breakfast, our transportation will take you to the airport in Arequipa for your flight back to Lima. Once on the ground in Lima, we will take you to the district of Barranco to explore this bohemian and artisan neighborhood with the assistance of a guide and private car at your disposal. Based on your international flight information, we will bring you back to the airport to help you check in.

***if you prefer to stay a bit longer in Arequipa this day, we will give you return flight options from Arequipa to Lima to match your international flight schedule.

Breakfast