PERU PACKAGES
Colca, Titicaca & Machu Picchu Peru's southern circuit
THE EXPERIENCE
What makes it special to this trip
Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu in one journey: Peru's complete southern circuit, with condors, floating islands, the Route of the Sun and the Inca citadel as the grand finale.
- Arequipa, the White City of sillar stone
- The flight of the condors at Colca Canyon
- The floating Uros islands and Taquile Island
- The Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco
- Machu Picchu with panoramic train
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM
The route, step by step
Each of the 8 days combines route, history and rest. This is the complete program, step by step.
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DAY 1
Arrival in Arequipa — The White City
Welcome to Peru | Arrival in Arequipa: on arrival at Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, the Peru America Tours team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel to acclimatize to the 2,335 m altitude. Afternoon | The White City: a panoramic city tour reveals why Arequipa is called "The White City," built almost entirely from sillar, a white volcanic stone. We visit the grand Plaza de Armas, framed by the Basilica Cathedral, and enter the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a citadel within the city with cobblestone streets painted in cobalt blue and terracotta red. We finish at the Yanahuara viewpoint, whose sillar archways frame the snow-capped Misti Volcano. Overnight in Arequipa.
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DAY 2
Arequipa → Colca Canyon — Condor Country
Morning | Across the high reserve: we depart Arequipa toward the Colca Valley, one of the deepest canyons on Earth. The scenic drive climbs across the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, home to wild vicuñas and guanacos, and crosses the Patapampa Pass at roughly 4,900 m, with sweeping views of volcanoes and the Andes. Afternoon | Colonial villages and hot springs: descending into the Colca Valley, we pass villages and pre-Inca terraces still farmed today, and explore the colonial towns of Yanque and Maca. Optionally, soak in the natural thermal hot springs of La Calera. Lunch included. Overnight in the Colca Canyon.
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DAY 3
Colca → Puno — Cruz del Cóndor & the Altiplano
Early morning | Flight of the condors: we rise early for the highlight of the Colca region: the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. As the morning thermals rise from the canyon depths, majestic Andean condors take flight on wingspans of up to three meters, gliding just meters above the platform — an unforgettable spectacle. Midday | Terraces and lookouts: we explore the surrounding villages and the sculpted amphitheater of Inca and pre-Inca terraces. Lunch included. Afternoon | Journey to Lake Titicaca: we begin the scenic overland journey toward Puno, crossing vast altiplano plains dotted with alpaca herds. Arrive in Puno in the evening. Overnight in Puno.
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DAY 4
Lake Titicaca — Uros Floating Islands & Taquile
Morning | The Uros floating islands: we transfer to Puno's port for a full-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 m. Our first stop is the extraordinary Uros floating islands, hand-built entirely from woven totora reeds, where the community shows their reed-construction techniques and traditional boats. Afternoon | Taquile Island: we continue across the deep blue waters to Taquile Island, renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textile art. We climb the stone pathways to the village square, with panoramic views toward Bolivia's snow peaks, and enjoy a traditional lunch of lake trout and quinoa soup before sailing back to Puno. Overnight in Puno.
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DAY 5
Puno → Cusco — Route of the Sun
Full day | The celebrated Route of the Sun: we embark on the scenic journey connecting Puno to Cusco with a series of remarkable stops. We visit the Pukará Museum, showcasing ceramics of the pre-Inca Pukará culture, then climb to La Raya Pass at 4,335 m, the natural border between the Titicaca altiplano and the Cusco region, where artisans sell alpaca textiles against a backdrop of glaciers. Afternoon | Raqchi and Andahuaylillas: after an included buffet lunch, we visit the impressive Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, with its towering adobe walls, and the colonial chapel of Andahuaylillas, the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas." Arrive in Cusco in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.
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DAY 6
Cusco City & Nearby Ruins
Morning | The Inca capital: we discover Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, whose masterful stonework forms the foundation of the Santo Domingo convent, then the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas with its Cusqueña-school art. Midday | The four archaeological sites: we explore Sacsayhuamán, the monumental fortress of colossal interlocking stones; Qenqo, a carved ceremonial center; Puca Pucara, a strategic checkpoint; and Tambomachay, the "Baths of the Inca." The afternoon is free to wander the artisan neighborhood of San Blas. Overnight in Cusco.
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DAY 7
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Early morning | Through the Sacred Valley: we depart early through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the Urubamba River, and visit the living Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with its steep ceremonial terraces. Midday | Machu Picchu, the Lost City: we board the panoramic Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus climbs the switchback road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. A guided tour of about two hours leads through the citadel's iconic sights: the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana sundial, with Huayna Picchu rising above. Afternoon | Return to Cusco: after an included lunch in Aguas Calientes, we return by train and transfer to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
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DAY 8
Departure from Cusco
Morning | Farewell to Peru: enjoy a final breakfast in Cusco as your journey comes to a close. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for last-minute alpaca crafts in the San Pedro market. At the appropriate time, the Peru America Tours team transfers you to Cusco's airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the wonders of Colca, Titicaca and Machu Picchu. End of our services.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything you need, no surprises
The tour includes
- Airport transfers in Arequipa and Cusco.
- Accommodation (7 nights) in selected hotels.
- Professional bilingual guides.
- Colca Canyon and Cruz del Cóndor excursion.
- Full-day boat tour of Lake Titicaca (Uros & Taquile).
- Route of the Sun Puno – Cusco with stops.
- Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu with panoramic train.
- Entrance tickets to listed sites.
- Daily breakfast and listed lunches.
- Permanent assistance and coordination by Peru America Tours.
Not included
- International and domestic flights.
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Colca tourist ticket (boleto turístico).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Personal expenses.
GALLERY
The tour in pictures
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We solve all your doubts
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Talk to an advisorIs this package group or private?
It is a shared service with small groups (max 12 people) and a professional bilingual guide on all excursions.
How demanding is the tour?
It is easy difficulty: most of the time you travel by vehicle or boat, with short walks at a relaxed pace at the sites. The highest point is the Patapampa Pass at 4,900 m, crossed by vehicle.
What is the best time to do it?
It can be done all year round. Between November and March it rains more in the Andes; the dry season (May–October) is ideal for Colca and Titicaca.
How do I prepare for the altitude?
The itinerary climbs gradually (Arequipa 2,335 m → Puno 3,812 m → Cusco 3,399 m). Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and rest during the first days; the team carries oxygen.
What does the price include?
It includes airport transfers, 7 hotel nights, guides, excursions (Colca, Titicaca, Route of the Sun, City Tour, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with panoramic train), entrance tickets, breakfasts and listed lunches. It does not include flights or the Colca tourist ticket.
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BOOKING REQUEST
Colca, Titicaca & Machu Picchu
8 Days & 7 Nights · $1,690 / person