Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon & Titicaca

Fly from Lima to Arequipa, an attractive city with many fine colonial buildings, the most famous of which is the Santa Catalina monastery.

After exploring Arequipa drive about 4 hours to the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. In the morning there is a very good chance that you will be treated to the sight of huge Andean Condors rising up from the canyon on the morning thermals. There are some great lodges in this area where you can enjoy a relaxing stay in comfortable rooms with good food.

A flight from Arequipa brings you to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You will head out from Puno and visit the floating reed islands of Uros before spending the night on Amantani Island as guests of a local family. The next day you visit Taquile, a very traditional island known for its weaving and knitted products, before heading back to Puno.

From Puno travel by train through the Andes to Cusco. Cusco is the favourite city of most visitors to Peru, as the mixture of ancient history, traditional Andean culture and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a charming place to stay. You will have the opportunity for both guided and individual exploration, and will also visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Having explored Cusco and Sacred Valley, it is time to visit Machu Picchu, the famous lost city of the Incas, and one of the most magical and mysterious places on earth. You will overnight in a nearby town, giving plenty of time to explore the ruins early the following day before most of the tourist buses arrive.

Fridays

Trip information

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Included

Transfers, ground transport (inc trains), flights as follows: Lima-Arequipa, Arequipa-Juliaca, Cusco-Lima; tours and guides as shown, national park and entrance fees.

Not included

Please consult.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip, though it includes a night in a basic guest house on Titicaca.

Best time

Between April and October (dry season)

Getting there

UK-Lima-UK flights cost about £700.

Weather and highlights

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- Heavy rain
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Min Temp

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Max Temp

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Santa Catalina and Juanita mummy in Arequipa
Andean Condors in the Colca Canyon
Spending the night on Lake Titicaca with a local family
Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Itinerary

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Duration: 14 days

Day 1: (FRI). Fly to Lima. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Arequipa. Afternoon tour of Santa Catalina. (B)
Day 3: Drive to lodge near Colca Canyon. Relaxing afternoon. (B)
Day 4: Early morning trip to see the 'Cruz del Condor' at the canyon. Relaxing afternoon. (FB)
Day 5: Morning at leisure. Drive to Arequipa in afternoon. (B,L)
Day 6: Fly to Puno. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 7: Boat trip on Lake Titicaca visiting Uros and staying on Amantani Island. (FB)
Day 8: Visit Taquile Island, then travel back to Puno by boat. (B,L)
Day 9: Scenic train journey through the Andes to Cusco. (B,L)
Day 10: Day tour of the Sacred Valley. (B,L)
Day 11: Morning tour of Cusco & surrounds. (B)
Day 12: Train to Machu Picchu. Guided tour. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 13: Free morning to explore more of Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco in afternoon. (B)
Day 14: Fly to Lima in the morning. Afternoon tour of the famous Gold museum. Transfer to airport. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Peru

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Peru combines very well with Ecuador (including the Galapagos Island), but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks highlights of Peru using good quality accommodationBetween £2200 and £3000
2 week holiday based in top end hotelsFrom around £4000+
9 day trip, such as Cusco & the Inca TrailBetween £1300 and £1600
18 days Peru & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)Between £3750 and £6500

Peru