Authentic Peru: Colca, Titicaca and Machu Picchu
From the Colca Canyon to the terraces of Machu Picchu, a journey to the heart of authentic Andean traditions
Duration
14 days
From
US$3,460/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover Pérou through an itinerary that combines major highlights, Andean landscapes and encounters with local communities. From Lima to Arequipa, the journey gradually takes you towards the heights of the Andes mountain range, passing through the spectacular Colca canyon and the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Along the way, explore Raqchi, the stunning colorful mountains of Palcoyo, Cusco and the villages of the Sacred Valley. Markets, traditions, craftsmanship and pre-Columbian remains allow you to experience a culture that remains very much alive and better understand the heritage of civilizations that shaped the country.
Between guided visits, exchange time and landscape discovery, the pace of the journey leaves genuine space for immersion. The itinerary reaches its climax at Machu Picchu, the mythical Inca city nestled in the heart of the mountains. A complete journey to discover all the cultural and natural wealth of Pérou, without limiting yourself to its most famous sites.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Lima
Welcome to your arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.
You spend the night at Hotel 3B Barranco's Bed & Breakfast, in a standard room, in the Barranco district.
Included: group transfer on arrival, room and breakfast.
Gourmet Barranco and departure to Arequipa
In Lima, you enjoy a gastronomic city tour in Barranco, one of the most artistic and bohemian neighborhoods in the capital. During this 4-hour gourmet stroll, you discover several classics of Peruvian gastronomy as well as different emblematic drinks from the country.
This experience is also an opportunity to exchange with local hosts and learn more about the preparation of ceviche and pisco sour. Throughout the visit, you also discover the historical and cultural dimensions related to the dishes you taste.
At the end of this culinary discovery, your driver takes you to Lima airport for your domestic flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, a transfer is arranged to your hotel.
You spend the night at the Hotel Mirador del Monasterio, in a standard room.
Included: lunch, English-speaking group excursion, private departure transfer, domestic flight, private arrival transfer, room and breakfast.
Arequipa, the White Pearl of the Andes
Welcome to Arequipa, the white city of the Andes!
Guided city tour of Arequipa: Nicknamed for this reason because of its architecture built in sillar, a white volcanic stone from the volcanoes surrounding the city, Arequipa was conquered by the Incas, who developed flourishing agriculture there in the middle of the desert.
In addition to its pleasant climate, you will be charmed by colonial constructions, notably the famous Santa Catalina convent, a true city within a city. You will also meet the mummy Juanita, a witness to Inca worship dedicated to the Apus, protective spirits of the mountains.
You spend the night at the Hotel Mirador del Monasterio, in a standard room.
Included: group excursion in English-speaking language, site entrance(s), room and breakfast.
Colca Canyon: Chivay and trekking to the Uyo Uyo ruins
Early in the morning, you head towards Chivay, with beautiful views of the Cordillera volcanoes throughout the journey. You then cross the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to observe herds of vicuñas.
Upon arrival at the village, located in the heart of lush terraces over 1,500 years old, you enjoy lunch before checking into your hotel.
In the afternoon, if you wish, you walk from the hotel towards the ruins of Uyo Uyo, an ancient Inca village perched at 3,000 meters altitude.
You then head back to the hotel, with the option to return via the hot springs.
You spend the night at the Hotel Tradicion Colca, in a standard room.
Included: site entrance(s), English-speaking group excursion, room and breakfast.
Condor Cross and Immersion in Canocota
Early in the morning, we will first head to the Condor Cross, an excellent viewing point over the Colca canyon, where we may have the chance to admire the majestic flight of condors, lords of the Peruvian sky.
Next, we will follow the canyon to visit the villages of Pinchollo and Maca.
We will continue to the village of Canocota, where our host family awaits us for the meal.
In the afternoon, we will go for a walk in the countryside with our host, who will introduce us to their traditions and culture.
In the evening, after sharing the meal, we will learn more about local culture through the stories and legends told by our host.
Included: lunch, dinner, room and breakfast, group excursion in English.
Last hike in the Colca and road to Puno
After breakfast, it will already be time to say goodbye to our warm host. We will then start a hike of approximately 2h30 along the canyon until the village of Chivay (option to check if the hike is not desired).
Once we arrive, we will have lunch before resuming by bus to our next destination.
We will travel by bus from Chivay to Puno, with several stops along the way to admire the magnificent landscapes of the high plateaus.
Upon your arrival, a group transfer is planned, then you spend the night at the Colonial Plaza Puno, in a standard room.
Included: group excursion in English, bus ticket, group transfer on arrival, room and breakfast.
Llachón: immersion with local families at Lake Titicaca
Today, you experience total immersion within a local family.
Your host will pick you up at Puno to accompany you to the city port. You will then board a boat heading to Llachon, on the Capachica peninsula.
Along the way, if you wish, a stop can be made at the Uros Titinos island to discover the daily life of the inhabitants of this unique place.
Upon arrival, you will have lunch with your host family, then the afternoon will be devoted to accompanying them in their activities, which vary depending on the season or weather. This could include fieldwork, hikes on the peninsula, discovery of local plants, stone carving, and many other activities.
In the evening, you will share dinner with your hosts before spending the night with them.
Included: lunch, dinner, English-speaking group excursion, room and breakfast.
Traditional Fishing on Lake Titicaca
Today, you set off fishing with your host. You discover one of the traditional activities of the region and learn more about its importance in the daily life of the inhabitants of Llachon and Lake Titicaca.
Back on the peninsula, you continue your discovery of local customs and traditions.
You then share lunch with your host family, before heading back to the road toward your next destination.
During this day, you also have the option, if you wish, to go kayaking on Lake Titicaca. For several hours, you navigate the highest navigable lake in the world, for an active experience on the water.
You spend the night at Las Casitas del Titicaca, in a standard room.
Included: breakfast, lunch, English-speaking group excursion, dinner, group transport, room and breakfast.
From Puno to Raqchi: Discovery of Andean Landscapes
Today, a driver will take you from Puno to Raqchi.
Along the way, several stops are planned to enjoy the wonders of the famous "Route of the Sun".
You will be able to visit the geological site of Tinajani, a magnificent Puyas Raimondi forest, as well as the Wari archaeological site of Kananmarca.
Arrival in Raqchi is planned for the end of the day.
Night in the Raqchi community.
Included: lunch, site entrance(s), English-speaking group excursion, dinner, room and breakfast.
Discover the Colored Mountain of Palcoyo
This morning, we will begin with a visit to the Raqchi archaeological complex.
We will then continue our route towards the Palcoyo rainbow mountain range, located at nearly 5000 meters altitude, the starting point of our adventure for the day.
On site, we will admire the colorful and unique landscapes of the region before beginning a hike leading to the first viewpoint, where we will discover the secrets of this majestic place and the causes of its bright colors.
Finally, we will return to the mountain range parking lot to meet our driver and continue on our way.
Overnight at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room
Included: breakfast, lunch, site entrance(s), group excursion in English, room & breakfast
Cusco, Inca heritage and historic center
Dive into the heart of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, through a visit that takes you along the trails of its rich cultural heritage. You begin with the Incan temples that dominate the city, testimony to the grandeur of this empire.
You then continue by discovering the historic center of Cusco, where Spanish colonial architecture blends with Incan foundations through churches, palaces and museums. As you explore, you also walk through cobblestone streets lined with Incan walls, vestiges still very much present in the city.
Depending on your interests and available time, the itinerary is adapted to help you discover Cusco from a more personal perspective.
You spend the night at Hotel Andenes del Sol, in a standard room.
Included: general tourist ticket, midday meal, entry to Qorikancha, English-speaking group tour of maximum 12 people, room and breakfast
Sacred Valley of the Incas: Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
Chinchero → Sacred Valley
This morning, we will pick you up at your accommodation to head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
We will begin our visit by going to Chinchero, where we will attend an in-depth demonstration in a textile workshop. We will discover the ancestral techniques of weaving and dyeing that have persisted since the time of Inca culture.
After this visit we will go to Moray which is an agricultural laboratory that you will discover with your guide.
Next, we will head to the Maras salt ponds, from where we will begin, if you wish, a magnificent walk, all downhill, to the Urubamba river.
Sacred Valley → Ollantaytambo
After meeting up with our driver again, we will end our day in Ollantaytambo, where we will visit the Incan ruins of the village.
Overnight at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
Included: lunch, site entrance(s), group tour in English of a maximum of 12 people, room and breakfast.
Discovery of Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
You will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the last village before the famous Machu Picchu.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu
You will need to reach the main avenue of Aguas Calientes to take a shuttle that will take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Today marks probably one of the highlights of your trip!
Machu Picchu stands at 2,430 m altitude in the heart of the tropical forest, in an exceptional setting. This site represents undoubtedly one of the most impressive urban achievements of the Inca Empire at its height. Its immense walls, terraces and ramps appear to be harmoniously carved into the rocky cliffs.
We will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours with our local guide, followed by free time for you to explore this wonder of the world at your own pace.
Machu Picchu → Aguas Calientes
After your visit to Machu Picchu, you will walk back down to Aguas Calientes, a hike of approximately 1h30.
If you prefer to finally go down by bus to the village, it is possible to buy your ticket at the exit of the site.
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where the train company will welcome you to board a shuttle bus that will take you to Wanchaq station in Cusco.
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo
You will take the train from Aguas Calientes towards Ollantaytambo.
Night at Hotel Sol Natura Ollantay in a standard room.
2 hours by shuttle. Upon your arrival in Cusco, a transfer to your hotel will be organized.
Night at Llipimpac Guesthouse in a standard room.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The international flight to the starting point of the tour, as well as from the ending point
- Domestic flights, except when mentioned as included
- Airport taxes during the trip
- Your mandatory travel insurance (accident, repatriation)
- Everything not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
Included
- The trip as described in the itinerary
- The guidance of a Pasión Andina guide (if option chosen)
- The services of local teams: guides, drivers, muleteers, etc.
- Hotel nights, as mentioned in the program, in double room
- The transportation necessary for the smooth running of the trip: taxis, buses, trains and flights
- The admission fees to the activities mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Peru. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Peru, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism stay without a visa
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. You must verify the visa requirements and any visa exemptions applicable to you with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence.
Generally, immigration authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of an accommodation booking for the first nights.
Health and vaccinations
Vaccination requirements depend on your nationality and the regions you plan to visit. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended according to the areas visited:
yellow fever is recommended for travelers going to the Amazon regions and low-altitude areas (below 2,300 m); an international vaccination certificate may be required upon entry if you are arriving from a risk country,
updating routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid fever, tetanus) is advised.
Precautions against malaria are recommended in certain regions of the Peruvian Amazon. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, Peruvian authorities may require a notarized parental authorization, ideally translated into Spanish. Additional requirements may apply depending on your country of residence.
Entry requirements verification
Entry conditions may vary according to your nationality. You must check with the embassy or consulate of Peru in your country of residence to verify the specific requirements that apply to you.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedure for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors can stay in Peru without a visa. A valid passport for at least 6 months after entry is required. The immigration form (TAM) is now electronic and must be completed upon arrival. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Peruvian consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 270 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1400 euros round-trip) are additional. Access to Machu Picchu (permit, train, bus) represents a separate budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each trip to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Arequipa Region
Explorer of the Andes and Forgotten Worlds, based in Cusco
Peru often feels like traveling through several worlds in a single trip. Each region tells a different story, with its own landscapes, traditions, and its own way of experiencing time.
— Lionel
