10-Day Andes Experience

Upon arrival in Arequipa (2,350 m / 7,708 ft), you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
No activities are scheduled today, giving you time to settle in comfortably and begin acclimating to the altitude at your own pace.

For better acclimatization to the altitude, we recommend reading the following article: Top Tips for Avoiding Altitude Sickness in Peru.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Arequipa.
Meals Included: None.

Shared Service, up to 16 travelers, English & Spanish Speaking Guide.

Today you will dive into the magic of Arequipa, a captivating city famous for its baroque colonial architecture carved from brilliant white volcanic stone known as sillar. Framed by three majestic volcanoes—most notably the iconic Misti—its historic center proudly holds the title of UNESCO Cultural, Historical, and Monumental Heritage. Your tour will take you through the city’s most emblematic treasures: the Main Square, the beautifully preserved and colorful Santa Catalina Convent, the Cathedral, the Compañía Church of the Jesuit order, and the elegant Colonial House del Moral. You will also enjoy the sweeping landscapes from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara Viewpoints, and wander through the charming San Lázaro traditional district.
At the end of the visit, you will return to your hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Arequipa.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

If you are a culinary enthusiast, during your stay in Arequipa we recommend a private cooking class in one of the region’s renowned traditional Picanterías, where you will discover the rich flavors and heritage of local cuisine in an authentic and immersive setting.

Shared Service, up to 16 travelers, English & Spanish Speaking Guide.

Journey northeast of Arequipa to the breathtaking Colca Canyon, the world’s second deepest canyon at 4,150 meters—more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, pass through Aguada Blanca National Reserve, spotting vicuñas, alpacas, guanacos, Andean foxes, and other native wildlife. Stop at the Mirador de los Andes to admire the highland landscapes and traditional offerings made to the sacred Apus.

Upon arrival in the Colca Valley (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), transfer to your lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure to acclimate. Enjoy natural hot springs at the Colca Lodge or visit La Calera hot springs if staying elsewhere, with spectacular views of the canyon and Colca River.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Colca Canyon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Shared Service, up to 16 travelers, English & Spanish Speaking Guide.

Explore the charming highland towns of Coporaque, Yanque, and Maca before arriving at the iconic Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Witness the majestic flight of the Andean condors soaring over the canyon—a spectacular experience and perfect opportunity for close-up photography.

Continue your journey by road to Puno (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), observing the dramatic change in landscapes as you ascend into Peru’s highlands, where ancient civilizations harnessed nature to thrive. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Puno.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Shared Service, up to 35 travelers, English & Spanish Speaking Guide.

Transfer to the port for a boat journey to the Uros Floating Islands, marveling at how locals built these durable artificial islands from totora reeds, providing both protection and natural warmth.
Continue to Taquile Island to explore its traditions, customs, and artisan culture. Walk through the village to the main square, enjoy a local lunch, and then return by boat to your hotel in Puno in the late afternoon.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Puno.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Shared Service, up to 50 travelers, English & Spanish Speaking Guide.

Transfer to the bus station for a scenic 10-hour journey to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Observe the changing landscapes and flora as you descend from the highlands.
Stops along the way include Pukara (Pre-Inca Site), Raqchi Complex (Temple of Wiracocha – Sun God) and Andahuaylillas (baroque-style church, famously known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas).

Upon arrival in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,152 ft), transfer to your hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Consider an extra overnight in Checacupe to visit the famous Rainbow Mountain before reaching Cusco.

Shared Service, up to 16 travelers, English or Spanish Speaking Guide Available.

Meet your guide at the hotel for a half-day exploration of Cusco. Begin at the Cusco Cathedral, a centerpiece of the city’s colonial heritage. Continue to Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), the most sacred Inca site in the city, which once housed the gods of all nations within the Empire. Afterwards, discover the remarkable Sacsayhuamán archaeological complex, known for its precise polygonal stonework, followed by visits to Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, ancient outposts and ceremonial sites that once marked the city’s boundaries.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Cusco.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

During your stay in Cusco, we recommend enhancing your experience with an exclusive visit to the Museo Sulca, where you will gain a deeper understanding of ancestral weaving techniques and how they are reinterpreted in contemporary design. Within the same complex, you will also have the opportunity to interact with llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, offering a unique connection to the region’s living heritage.

Shared Services, up to 16 travelers, English or Spanish Speaking Guide Available.

Meet your guide at the hotel to explore Pisac, an archaeological site renowned for its extensive agricultural terraces and impressive cemetery with over a thousand burial niches. Visit the town’s artisan market for shopping and local crafts. Enjoy a buffet lunch in Yucay before continuing to Ollantaytambo, a remarkable fortress and agricultural complex perched on a steep mountainside. Explore the Wind Shrine and take in the stunning views of the Sacred Valley.

Late afternoon transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station to board the Expedition Train (tourist class) to Aguas Calientes. Hotel staff will welcome you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (dinner at 4 & 5-star hotels only).

To enjoy amazing panoramic views on you way to Aguas Calientes, upgrade to the Vistadome Train.

Shared Service, English or Spanish Speaking Guide Available.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel for an early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu, allowing ample time to explore this iconic Inca citadel.

After the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Vilcanota River. Explore the town before boarding the Train back to Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Evening at leisure.

Overnight: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

To elevate your experience at Machu Picchu, we recommend upgrading your visit with one of the three exclusive trekking options available: Huayna Picchu (approximately 2 hours), Machu Picchu Mountain (3 to 4 hours), or Huchuy Picchu (approximately 1 hour).

Each trail offers a unique perspective of the citadel, combining breathtaking views with a deeper sense of exploration and exclusivity.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport in Cusco for your flight back to home.

Meals Included: Breakfast