7 Days / 6 Nights
Peru Vacations Package: Trip to Arequipa, Cusco and Machu Picchu
You can discover the wonders of southern Peru in just one incredible journey! Over the span of a week, immerse yourself in the region’s most iconic destinations. Marvel at the natural splendor and stunning landscapes of the Colca Canyon, and take in the unmatched colonial architecture of the «White City» of Arequipa.
In Cusco and the Sacred Valley, delve deep into the rich legacy of the Inca civilization, exploring its mysterious stone monuments and ancient traditions. Your adventure culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu, the crowning jewel of the Inca Empire and one of the world’s most remarkable wonders. Prepare to be captivated by Peru’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable cultural heritage on your next vacation!
ITINERARY
Lima – Arequipa
In the morning, we will greet you upon your arrival at the Arequipa airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and some rest. In the afternoon, at approximately 2:30 PM, we will pick you up to begin our City Tour through the historic and charming city of Arequipa.
Our tour will include a visit to the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery, where you will discover its historical significance. We will also explore the Plaza de Armas, the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa, the San Francisco square, the ‘El Fierro’ mansion, and the main colonial houses and cloisters of the La Compañía de Jesús church.
The tour will conclude at the famous Yanahuara Viewpoint, offering a perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the iconic Misti volcano with Arequipa, the «White City,» at its base. We will finish around 6:00 PM, leaving you in the city center to enjoy dinner, before returning to your hotel for rest.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
INCLUDES:
- Pre-tour assistance.
- Private transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Tourist transportation.
- Full assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned sites.
- Hotel in Arequipa.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not listed.
- Additional services not specified.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Arequipa locals are proud of their culture and often refer to themselves as an independent nation. Ask your guide about their unique customs and cuisine, which is delicious. Be sure to try the famous shrimp chupe and the delightful queso helado for dessert. Also, don’t forget sunscreen for the daytime heat, and dress warmly for cooler nights.
Colca Valley
In the morning, breakfast will be provided at the hotel, and around 8:30 AM, we will depart for our journey north. As we travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Chachani Volcano and will arrive at Pampa Cañahuas, located in the Vicuñas National Reserve.
Along the way, we’ll see the snow-capped Chucura Mountain, the Toqra and Patapampa lagoons, and visit the Mirador de los Andes, where you can admire the majestic Ampato Mountain, the site of the famous Inca mummy ‘Juanita,’ discovered in 1995.
We’ll also observe the Hualca-Hualca Mountain and the expansive Andes mountain range. By noon, we will reach Chivay, where we will spend the night. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to take a one-hour walk around Chivay and relax in the thermal baths of La Calera.
Overnight stay in Chivay.
INCLUDES:
- Tourist transportation for transfers.
- Full assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
- Entrance fees to all mentioned archaeological sites and attractions.
- Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation in Chivay.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not specified.
- Additional services not mentioned.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
To avoid altitude sickness in Colca, consider drinking coca tea, and bringing oxygen and altitude sickness medication. Don’t forget to take pictures with llamas and alpacas, wear suitable clothing for the thermal baths, apply sunscreen, and most importantly, pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night in Colca.
Arequipa: Colca Valley – Cruz Del Condor Viewpoint
Early in the morning, at around 6:00 AM, breakfast will be provided at the hotel. Following this, we will make our way to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the breathtaking flight of condors, which are the largest flying birds in the world.
During the journey, we will also admire the remarkable depth of the Colca Canyon. The trip takes about 2 hours, and on our return, we will embark on a one-hour hike from Cruz del Condor to Cruz del Cura. Afterward, we will explore the traditional villages of Pinchollo, Yanque, and Maca, where we will encounter scale models, Hanging Tombs, amphitheaters, churches, and terraced fields.
Around noon, we will head back to Chivay for lunch. After our meal, we will begin our return journey to Arequipa, arriving around 5:00 PM. At approximately 7:30 PM, we will transfer you to the bus terminal to commence our journey to the beautiful city of Cusco, which takes roughly 7 hours.
Overnight stay in Arequipa.
INCLUDES:
- Tourist transportation for transfers.
- Full assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional guided tour in English and Spanish.
- Entrance fees to all mentioned archaeological sites and attractions.
- Tourist sleeper bus for the trip from Arequipa to Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not specified.
- Additional services not mentioned.
Cusco City And Surroundings
We will greet you and collect you at the Cusco bus terminal to transport you to your hotel for some relaxation.
After lunch, we will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 1:00 PM to commence our city tour, starting with the Cusco Cathedral, one of Peru’s most significant temples. This cathedral consists of three buildings: the Basilica, Triumph, and Holy Family, featuring artistic works from the Cusco school.
Next, we will explore Qoricancha, an impressive site originally built by the Incas for sun worship and later altered by the Spanish during the Viceroyalty for the evangelization of the indigenous people. Within its walls, you can still see the meticulously constructed Inca walls alongside artistic Catholic religious pieces.
Our guided tour will then take us to the archaeological sites surrounding Cusco. We will begin at Sacsayhuaman, which means «satisfied falcon.» This site is known for its massive stone blocks and was regarded as the «house of the sun» during the Inca period, serving as a significant religious center.
Following this, we will visit Q’enqo, which translates to «labyrinth» in Quechua, named for its underground galleries and zigzag-carved channels. Our journey will then lead us to Puca Pucara, or the red fortress, constructed from red-toned stones. Finally, we will stop at Tambomachay, an Inca site dedicated to water worship.
We will wrap up our tour at the picturesque Plaza de Armas in Cusco around 6:00 PM.
Overnight stay in Cusco.
INCLUDES:
- Private transportation transfers between the bus terminal and hotel.
- Tourist transportation for site visits.
- Comprehensive assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional guided tour in English and Spanish.
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and attractions included in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not specified.
- Other unspecified services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
After your tour with CuscoPeru.com, we suggest taking a leisurely stroll around the Plaza de Armas and its vicinity, where you can admire the craftsmanship of local artisans in nearby shops.
You can also savor the renowned Peruvian cuisine at nearby restaurants or simply relax on one of the benches in the Plaza de Armas and capture a classic photo for your memories, all in a warm atmosphere despite the cool nights in Cusco.
If you enjoy nightlife, the area around the square offers numerous discos and bars filled with tourists and locals looking to have a good time.
Sacred Valley Of The Incas – Aguas Calientes
We’ll start our day with breakfast at your hotel. Around 7:30 AM, we will pick you up and travel to the Archaeological Site of Pisac, located 45 minutes from Cusco. Pisac offers insights into the advanced architectural skills the Incas achieved during their era.
Some studies indicate that it was not a fortress but rather a ‘royal estate’ during Inca Pachacutec’s reign, featuring terraces, domestic and ceremonial structures, and aqueducts for agricultural water supply. Another compelling reason to visit Pisac is its craft market, where you can find unique and authentic souvenirs.
At noon, we will head to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch, giving you the chance to savor delicious Peruvian cuisine. Urubamba was one of the main agricultural centers of the Inca Empire. Today, it cultivates some of the best corn in the world, and during the rainy season, the valley is abundant with native fruits such as peaches, capulí, quince, and high-quality strawberries, among others.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress, an agricultural, religious, and astronomical center. This is evident in the Colcas, agricultural product storage systems preserved by the wind, and the finely carved stone blocks arranged strategically to face the Sun God, symbolizing control over the Sacred Valley. At Ollantaytambo, we will board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu early the following day.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
INCLUDES:
- Transfers in tourist transportation.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional guided tour in English and Spanish.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites and tourist attractions mentioned in the tour.
- Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Buffet lunch.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Other unspecified services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The best days to visit the Pisac market are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, as more artisans from other communities come on these days. We recommend planning your visit for one of these days. Don’t forget to try the empanaditas and take home some handcrafted souvenirs.
In Urubamba, you will enjoy a delicious lunch, and we invite you to taste the famous corn from the Sacred Valley.
We suggest bringing a small backpack, and in addition to your camera, remember to pack a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Today, you will set off on an exciting adventure to discover one of the modern world’s wonders, Machu Picchu. We will start early by taking you to the bus station for a short 25-minute ride to the magnificent Archaeological Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Once you arrive at Machu Picchu, you will feel its magical energy, enjoy the temperate climate, and experience the tranquility and natural beauty of the terraced landscapes and remarkable stone structures, including Inca enclosures and ceremonial temples. The lush green terraces, combined with the imposing mountain range that surrounds them, create a breathtaking scenery that surpasses all expectations. You will be captivated by the enormous, intricately fitted stone blocks, which contribute to its status as one of the most significant religious, political, and cultural centers of the Inca Empire.
The Machu Picchu tour lasts about 2 hours, during which our guide will share valuable insights and answer any questions you may have. By the end of this captivating tour, you will have explored the mysteries and history of Machu Picchu, leaving with an unforgettable experience that will remain with you for a lifetime.
Upon your return to Aguas Calientes, you will have some time to unwind in the hot springs or take a leisurely walk through the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight stay in Cusco.
IMPORTANT: The train schedules mentioned are approximate and may change based on availability.
INCLUDES:
- Transfers in tourist transportation.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
- Professional guided tour in English and Spanish.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 (subject to availability).
- Round-trip train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
- Hotel in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Other unspecified services.
Hotel – Airport Transfer
Breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
INCLUDES:
- Transfer Hotel – Airport in private transportation.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Food not included.
- Cusco – Lima flights.
- Tips
- Other services not mentioned.
Included
- Pre-tour assistance.
- All transfers in tourist transportation.
- Transfer Airport — Hotel in private transportation.
- Professional guided tour, English — Spanish.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites and tourist attractions mentioned in the tour.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu circuit 2 (according to availability).
- Train ticket, Ollantaytambo — Aguas Calientes, round trip.
- Bus ticket Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu, round trip.
- 01 night hotel in Arequipa
- 01 night hotel in Chivay
- 03 nights hotel in Cusco
- 01 night hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Tourist bus on the trip from Arequipa to Cusco
- 01 buffet lunch in Urubamba
Not Included
- Flights.
- Tips.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Other services not mentioned.