18 Oct 2026
Twin share
£2,420pp
Single from £2,785
Escorted tour
Sacred Peru: Arequipa, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu – 14 Days
Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, with a night on Taquile Island and a tour leader throughout.
14 days
From £2,270
Tour overview
This 14-day small-group tour travels from Lima through the Andes of southern Peru to Cusco, the old Inca capital. On the way you see colonial Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. A tour leader travels with you throughout. You stay in comfortable, mostly three-star hotels, plus a night with a family on Taquile Island and a night at a premium hotel in Aguas Calientes. The tour is land-only, with a domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa included.
Arequipa, the White City, is built from pale volcanic stone beneath the perfect cone of El Misti. You visit Santa Catalina Convent, a walled town within the city where hundreds of nuns once lived in seclusion, and have free time around the arcaded Plaza de Armas and its twin-towered cathedral. Next you cross the Andean altiplano, passing herds of llamas and alpacas and topping out at 4,910 metres, to Chivay in the Colca Canyon. An early start takes you to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to watch Andean condors riding the morning thermals.
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Puno sits on Lake Titicaca, at 3,820 metres the highest navigable lake in the world and the legendary birthplace of the Incas. A boat takes you to the floating reed islands of the Uros people, then on to Taquile Island, where Quechua is still spoken and the men are known for their knitting. You spend the night in a simple village guesthouse and return to Puno the next day.
The road to the Sacred Valley follows the route of the first Inca, Manco Capac, past the funeral towers of Sillustani and over La Raya Pass. You spend two nights in the valley, with an evening visit to the Andean community of Misminay for a traditional dinner and stargazing. A morning train follows the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, and a guided visit explores Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel rediscovered in 1911. Next morning you can return to the site, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain with a pre-booked permit.
The tour ends with three nights in Cusco, built on Inca foundations. A guided walk takes you up to the zigzag walls of Sacsayhuamán and through the San Blas artisans' quarter to Plaza de Armas and the Qoricancha. A free day leaves time for rafting on the Urubamba or the salt pans of Maras and the terraces of Moray.
The tour is graded moderate, with some long travel days and time at high altitude. It suits travellers who want the classic sights of southern Peru with the logistics and acclimatisation planned for them.
Trip highlights
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Santa Catalina Convent and the colonial centre of Arequipa (Day 3)
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Andean condors at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint in the Colca Canyon (Day 5)
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The floating Uros reed islands and a night on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca (Day 6)
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A traditional dinner and stargazing with the Misminay community (Day 9)
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A guided visit to Machu Picchu (Day 10)
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A guided walk in Cusco to Sacsayhuamán, San Blas and the Qoricancha (Day 12)
Comparing tours? Read our guide: Inca Trail or Train? Every Way to Reach Machu Picchu on an Escorted Tour
Your route
12 stops from Lima to Cusco
- Lima Day 1
- Arequipa Days 2–3
- Chivay Day 4
- Cruz del Condor Day 5
- Puno Days 5 & 7
- Uros Islands Day 6
- Taquile Island Day 6
- Sacred Valley (Urubamba) Days 8–9
- Aguas Calientes Day 10
- Machu Picchu Day 10
- Ollantaytambo Day 11
- Cusco Days 11–14
Why choose this tour
This tour covers southern Peru's highlights in two weeks, with a route that climbs gradually to help you acclimatise before Cusco and Machu Picchu. A tour leader handles the flights, trains, boats and buses, and a night on Taquile Island and an evening in Misminay add time with local communities.
Best suited to
- First-time visitors to Peru who want the classic sights
- Travellers interested in Inca history and Andean culture
- Travellers happy with some long travel days at altitude
- Anyone who wants a tour leader to handle the logistics
Day-by-day itinerary
14 days from Lima, Peru to Cusco, Peru
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Day 1 · Lima Arrive in Lima
Arrive in Lima, Peru's capital on the Pacific coast, and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You could explore the historic centre or the clifftop district of Miraflores.
- Hotel
- Jose Antonio Lima Executive or similar
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Day 2 · Arequipa Fly to Arequipa
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Arequipa, which usually arrives mid-morning. The afternoon is free to settle in and start acclimatising in this attractive colonial city at 2,380 metres.
- Hotel
- La Maison d'Elise or Casona Plaza Colonial, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Arequipa, Santa Catalina Convent, Plaza de Armas Santa Catalina Convent
Visit Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town of cloisters and painted streets that once housed 450 nuns and servants in seclusion. The rest of the day is free to explore Arequipa, with its arcaded main square and 17th-century cathedral beneath the volcano El Misti.
- Hotel
- La Maison d'Elise or Casona Plaza Colonial, or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Andean altiplano, Chivay Across the altiplano to Chivay
Drive north behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa onto the altiplano, passing herds of llamas and alpacas and perhaps the shy vicuña. Stop for a photo at the highest point of the trip, 4,910 metres, before descending to Chivay in the Colca Canyon, about four hours in all.
- Hotel
- Casona Plaza Ecolodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Colca Canyon, Cruz del Condor, Puno Colca Canyon to Puno
An early start takes you to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors ride the thermals above one of the world's deepest canyons. Then drive about six hours to Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca at 3,820 metres.
- Hotel
- Hotel Jose Antonio Puno or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands, Taquile Island Uros Islands and Taquile Island
Take a boat to the floating islands of the Uros people, built from totora reeds that are also used for their boats and homes. Continue to Taquile Island, where Quechua is spoken and the men are known for their knitting. Walk about 20 minutes to your village guesthouse. In the evening you could watch an optional folklore show.
- Hotel
- Simple family-run guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Taquile Island, Puno Taquile Island to Puno
A free morning on Taquile, with the option to walk to the island's Inca ruins. Then take the boat back to Puno, about three hours. In the afternoon you could visit the Yavari, a 19th-century steamship, or the local market.
- Hotel
- Hotel Jose Antonio Puno or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Sillustani, La Raya Pass, Sacred Valley Road to the Sacred Valley
A long travel day, about 11 hours with stops, following the legendary route of the first Inca. Stop at Sillustani and its stone funeral towers, cross La Raya Pass at 4,335 metres and continue past grazing llamas and alpacas. You could stop at the church of Andahuaylillas or the ruins of Raqchi on the way to the Sacred Valley. Lunch is included.
- Hotel
- Hotel Tikawasi Valley or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 9 · Sacred Valley, Misminay Sacred Valley and Misminay
A free day in the Sacred Valley. Options include the salt pans of Maras and the terraces of Moray, or kayaking on Piuray Lagoon. In the evening, visit the Andean community of Misminay, home to many of the porters on the Inca Trail, for a traditional dinner and stargazing.
- Hotel
- Hotel Tikawasi Valley or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 10 · Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
Take an early train along the Urubamba River, between high cliffs, to Aguas Calientes. After dropping your bags, take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the Inca citadel, unknown to the outside world until 1911. Back in town, you could soak in the hot springs.
- Hotel
- El Mapi Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Cusco Machu Picchu again or free morning; to Cusco
A free morning. With a permit booked in advance, you could return to Machu Picchu, walk towards the Sun Gate, or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In the afternoon, take the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road to Cusco.
- Hotel
- Jose Antonio Hotel Cusco or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 12 · Cusco, Sacsayhuamán, San Blas, Qoricancha Cusco walking tour
A walking tour of about four hours takes you to Sacsayhuamán, the Inca fortress with its huge zigzag walls, and the San Cristóbal viewpoint. You continue through the artisans' quarter of San Blas to the Plaza de Armas and the walls of the Qoricancha, the Inca sun temple. The tour ends at Wanchaq Market with a speciality coffee.
- Hotel
- Jose Antonio Hotel Cusco or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 13 · Cusco Free day in Cusco
A free day. You could go rafting on the Urubamba, take a day trip to Rainbow Mountain, visit a craft brewery or simply explore Cusco's museums, churches and markets.
- Hotel
- Jose Antonio Hotel Cusco or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 14 · Cusco Tour ends in Cusco
The tour ends after breakfast in Cusco. Extra nights can be arranged if you would like more time in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Lima (1 night) Jose Antonio Lima Executive or similar
- Arequipa (2 nights) La Maison d'Elise or Casona Plaza Colonial, or similar
- Chivay (1 night) Casona Plaza Ecolodge or similar
- Puno (2 nights) Hotel Jose Antonio Puno or similar
- Taquile Island (1 night) Simple family-run guesthouse
- Sacred Valley (2 nights) Hotel Tikawasi Valley or similar
- Aguas Calientes (1 night) El Mapi Hotel or similar (premium)
- Cusco (3 nights) Jose Antonio Hotel Cusco or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 13 nights in hotels and a family guesthouse on Taquile Island
- Meals 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- Transport flight from Lima to Arequipa, private vehicles and public bus, boats on Lake Titicaca, the train to and from Aguas Calientes and buses to Machu Picchu
- Guided visits Santa Catalina Convent, the Colca Canyon and Cruz del Condor, the Uros Islands and Taquile, Machu Picchu, and a walking tour of Cusco with Sacsayhuamán
- Evening visit to the Misminay community with stargazing
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- International flights to Lima and home from Cusco
- Meals not included 10 lunches and 12 dinners
- Optional activities, such as a second Machu Picchu entry, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain permits, Maras and Moray, rafting and Rainbow Mountain
- Tips (about USD 50 per person for the group kitty), travel insurance, visas and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want to hike the Inca Trail — Machu Picchu is reached by train
- You don't cope well at altitude — the route reaches 4,910 metres
- You want most meals included — 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
- You need comfort every night — the Taquile guesthouse is simple, with shared toilets
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 2–14 · Lunch: Day 8 · Dinner: Day 9
Highest altitude
4,910 m at La Raya pass — most nights at 3,000–3,800 m
Tour starts
Lima — welcome meeting 7:30 pm Day 1 at the hotel
Tour ends
Cusco — after breakfast Day 14
Language
Spanish (with Quechua on Taquile Island)
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN) — USD useful as a backup
Plug type
Two-pin flat (Type A and Type C)
Time zone
GMT-5
Group size
Up to 16 travellers, average around 11
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Peru
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £2,270 per person, twin share, tour only. 16 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £2,635 (single supplement from £365).
25 Oct 2026
Twin share
£2,270pp
Single from £2,635
23 May 2027
Twin share
£2,350pp
Single from £2,730
12 Jun 2027
Twin share
£2,685pp
Single from £3,065
27 Jun 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
25 Jul 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
08 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
15 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
22 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
29 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
05 Sept 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
12 Sept 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
26 Sept 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
10 Oct 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
17 Oct 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
24 Oct 2027
Twin share
£2,395pp
Single from £2,775
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Are flights included?
The domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa is included. International flights to Lima and home from Cusco are not.
How high does the tour go?
The highest point is 4,910 metres on the drive to Chivay, and you spend several nights above 3,300 metres. The route is designed for gradual acclimatisation. If you have heart or lung conditions, asthma or high blood pressure, check with your GP before travelling.
Can I add more time at Machu Picchu?
Yes, with permits pre-paid at booking: a second entry, Machu Picchu Mountain (about 700 metres of ascent, 2.5 to 3 hours) or Huayna Picchu (steeper, with sheer drops). Places are limited.
What is the Taquile Island stay like?
A simple, family-run guesthouse with basic but comfortable rooms and communal toilets. It is about a 20-minute walk from the jetty, and for many travellers it is a highlight.
What meals are included?
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch on the Sacred Valley travel day and 1 dinner, a traditional Andean meal with the Misminay community.
How long are the travel days?
About four hours from Arequipa to Chivay, six hours from the Colca Canyon to Puno and around 11 hours, with stops, from Puno to the Sacred Valley.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary