- 4.9/5 576 Latest reviews
- Destination: Peru
- Duration: 13 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: In-Depth
About This Trip
This In-Depth Peru Vacation offers a comprehensive journey through the heart of Peru, combining ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local culture in one seamless private experience. From the historic streets of Lima and the wildlife-rich coast of Paracas to the white-stone elegance of Arequipa and the dramatic depths of Colca Canyon, this tour reveals Peru’s diverse beauty at a relaxed and immersive pace. Along the way, discover remarkable archaeological sites, colonial architecture, and authentic traditions that define the soul of Peru.
The adventure continues through the Andean highlands to Lake Titicaca, where floating islands and traditional communities preserve centuries-old lifestyles, before reaching Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the Sacred Valley, vibrant markets, and legendary Machu Picchu, guided by local experts who bring Peru’s history to life. Ideal for travelers seeking a deeper connection, this private Peru vacation balances iconic landmarks with meaningful cultural encounters for an unforgettable journey through one of South America’s most fascinating destinations.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Lima
Lima Cathedral, Larco Museum
3
Paracas
Ballestas Islands Exploration
4 - 5
Arequipa
Arequipa City Highlights Tour
6
Colca
Colca Canyon
7
Colca - Puno
Sillustani
8
Puno
Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands Floating Island, Taquile Island
9
Puno - Cusco
Chapel of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi Ruins, Pukara Museum
10
Cusco
Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco Cathedral
11
Sacred Valley
Pisac Market, Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo
12
Machu Picchu
Walk around "the Lost City of the Incas"
13
Lima
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Peru – Welcome to Lima
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, a city where ancient civilizations, Spanish colonial heritage, and modern coastal life intersect. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores, a district known for ocean views, lush parks, and upscale dining. After settling in, the day is yours to relax, walk along the Pacific cliffs, or enjoy your first taste of Peru’s world-renowned gastronomy, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.
Highlights: Arrival in Peru, private airport transfer, Miraflores district, Pacific Ocean views, Peruvian cuisine
- Lima
- Day 2: Lima City Tour & Cultural Foundations of Peru
Begin your discovery of Peru with a guided tour of Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Walk through grand plazas, admire Lima Cathedral, and explore colonial-era streets layered over ancient civilizations. Continue to the Larco Museum, one of Peru’s most important cultural institutions, where beautifully preserved artifacts reveal 5,000 years of Peruvian history. In the afternoon, travel along Peru’s dramatic Pacific coastline to Paracas, witnessing the striking contrast between desert and ocean.
Highlights: Lima historic center, Lima Cathedral, Larco Museum, UNESCO heritage, coastal drive in Peru
- B
- Paracas
- Day 3: Douro Valley Wine Estate Tour
Embark on a morning boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, a natural sanctuary showcasing Peru’s rich marine biodiversity. Observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, and seabirds thriving among rugged rock formations. Learn about Peru’s coastal ecosystems and ancient geoglyphs etched into the cliffs. After the excursion, continue inland across the desert landscapes of southern Peru toward Nasca, arriving for a relaxing evening.
Highlights: Ballestas Islands, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, coastal wildlife of Peru, desert landscapes
- B
- Nasca
- Day 4: Nasca to Arequipa – Journey Through Southern Peru
Travel through vast desert plains and fertile valleys as you journey deeper into southern Peru. This scenic overland route offers insight into remote communities and changing geography, from arid coastlines to rising Andean foothills. Arrive in Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its white volcanic stone architecture, colonial charm, and spectacular mountain backdrop.
Highlights: Southern Peru landscapes, scenic overland journey, UNESCO-listed Arequipa, volcanic scenery
- B
- Arequipa
- Day 5: Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
Explore the historic heart of Arequipa, Peru, visiting elegant plazas, colonial streets, and viewpoints overlooking snowcapped volcanoes. Enter the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast religious complex resembling a small city, filled with vibrant courtyards, quiet cloisters, and centuries of history. The afternoon is free to explore local markets, enjoy a café overlooking the main square, or sample traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Highlights: Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa city tour, colonial architecture, Peruvian local culture
- B
- Arequipa
- Day 6: Arequipa to Colca Canyon – Andean Highlands of Peru
Journey into the high Andes toward Colca Canyon, traveling through dramatic mountain scenery and traditional villages. Along the way, spot alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing across high-altitude plains. Pause at panoramic viewpoints that reveal Peru’s rugged beauty before arriving in the Colca Valley, where terraced agriculture and ancient traditions remain central to daily life.
Highlights: Andean highlands of Peru, alpacas and llamas, panoramic viewpoints, Colca Canyon
- B
- Colca Canyon
- Day 7: Colca Canyon to Puno – Condors & Ancient Tombs
Begin the day at Cruz del Condor, one of the best places in Peru to observe Andean condors soaring above the canyon. Continue the journey across the altiplano, stopping at Sillustani, an important pre-Inca burial site with massive stone towers overlooking Lake Umayo. Arrive in Puno, gateway to Lake Titicaca and a cultural hub of southern Peru.
Highlights: Cruz del Condor, Andean condors, Sillustani burial towers, Peruvian altiplano
- B , L
- Puno
- Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Cultural Heart of Peru
Explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and a cornerstone of Andean culture in Peru. Visit the Uros floating islands, constructed entirely of reeds, and learn about the unique way of life sustained on the water. Continue to Taquile Island, where local residents preserve ancient weaving traditions and communal lifestyles passed down through generations.
Highlights: Lake Titicaca, Uros floating islands, Taquile Island, Andean traditions of Peru
- B , L
- Puno
- Day 9: Puno to Cusco – Andean Cultural Route of Peru
Travel toward Cusco along one of Peru’s most historic routes. Stop at the Pukara Museum to explore ancient stone sculptures, then continue to the impressive Raqchi Ruins, a major Inca ceremonial site dedicated to the god Wiracocha. Visit the richly decorated Chapel of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Peru,” before arriving in Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire.
Highlights: Andean cultural route, Pukara Museum, Raqchi Ruins, Chapel of Andahuaylillas
- B , L
- Cusco
- Day 10: Cusco City Tour & Sacred Inca Sites
Dive into the history of Cusco, Peru, with visits to Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral, and the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city. Continue to nearby archaeological sites such as Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, each revealing the Incas’ advanced understanding of stonework, water, and astronomy. Enjoy free time to explore Cusco’s vibrant streets and markets.
Highlights: Cusco city tour, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Inca archaeological sites
- B
- Cusco
- Day 11: Sacred Valley – Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Inca Legacy
Travel through the fertile Sacred Valley of Peru, where the Incas once cultivated maize and potatoes on vast terraces. Explore the colorful Pisac Market, then visit the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. In the evening, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, nestled beneath Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Sacred Valley of Peru, Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo ruins, scenic train journey
- B , L
- Aguas Calientes
- Day 12: Machu Picchu – Legendary Wonder of Peru
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machu Picchu, the most iconic destination in Peru. Guided by an expert, uncover the history, symbolism, and engineering behind this sacred citadel. Wander through temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces while taking in sweeping Andean views. After the visit, return to Cusco, reflecting on one of the greatest highlights of your Peru vacation.
Highlights: Machu Picchu guided tour, Inca citadel, Andean mountain views, Peru travel highlight
- B
- Cusco
- Day 13: Cusco to Lima – Farewell to Peru
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, connecting onward for your international departure. Leave Peru with unforgettable memories of its ancient civilizations, diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and timeless wonders.
Highlights: Departure from Peru, end of 13-day journey, lasting cultural memories
- B
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