Highlights
- Follow a route linking Lima, Paracas, Huacachina rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for city walking, desert, canyon roads, boats, trains and archaeological paths, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with communities across Ica, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a clear service confirmation covering pickup, entrances, operating hours and optional payments.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days / 12 nights |
| Region | Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends at the confirmed Lima or Callao pickup area |
| Maximum altitude | above 4,900 m / 16,076 ft on some road passes |
| Difficulty | Moderate, with altitude and long transfers |
| Terrain | city walking, desert, canyon roads, boats, trains and archaeological paths |
| Main transport | road services, boat, train, shuttle bus and local transfers |
| Accommodation | twelve hotel nights in the selected category |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 28 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in the major cultural and scenic highlights of southern Peru.
- Main places: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: moderate, with terrain including city walks, boat travel, desert routes, highland roads and archaeological paths.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Lima Arrival – City Route – Magic Water Circuit
Airport reception and hotel check-in are coordinated around the arrival time. When the flight schedule allows, the guided city route covers selected colonial and modern Lima sectors before the evening transfer to the Magic Water Circuit. Fountain operation and multimedia schedules can change, and the park may close for maintenance. A late international arrival requires moving one or both activities rather than shortening them to an unsafe pace. Day highlight: Reach Magic Water Circuit after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: airport transfer and tourist vehicle – Terrain: paved city streets and park paths – Accommodation: hotel in Lima – Meals: according to the hotel plan
Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Overnight Route to Arequipa
An early southbound transfer reaches Paracas for boat registration and navigation toward the Ballestas Islands. After returning to port, the road continues to Ica and Huacachina. Dune buggies and sandboarding are active add-ons that require a separate operator briefing, suitable insurance and acceptance of impact risk. The evening connection to Arequipa is by scheduled bus or another confirmed service. This is a very long day, so luggage, meals and meeting points must be checked in advance. Day highlight: Reach Overnight Route to Arequipa after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Boat: subject to sea conditions – Transport: coastal road service and overnight bus or confirmed alternative – Optional activities: dune buggy and sandboarding when booked – Accommodation: overnight transport or hotel according to the voucher
Arequipa – Sillar Route
After arrival and time to store luggage or check in, the guided route heads toward the quarries associated with Arequipa’s pale volcanic stone. The guide explains extraction marks, working methods and the relation between sillar and the city’s architecture. Dust, sun and uneven quarry ground are expected. Demonstrations depend on the workers present and should not be staged or interrupted for photographs. The group returns to Arequipa for the night. Day highlight: Reach Sillar Route after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle – Terrain: dusty quarry paths and uneven stone – Accommodation: hotel in Arequipa – Difficulty: easy to moderate – Meals: according to the selected package
Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca – Chivay
The route climbs through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca area toward Chivay. Short stops may include vicuña areas, highland wetlands, Patahuasi, Tocra and the volcano viewpoint. The highest sector approaches 4,900 meters, so the guide keeps the stop brief and watches for altitude symptoms. After lunch and hotel check-in, an optional thermal-bath outing can be added when transport and entrance are confirmed. Day highlight: Reach Chivay after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum road altitude: about 4,910 m / 16,109 ft – Transport: tourist vehicle – Accommodation: hotel in Chivay or the Colca Valley – Terrain: highland road and short viewpoint walks – Meals: breakfast and lunch according to the selected service
Cruz del Cóndor – Colca Villages – Arequipa or Puno Connection
The morning begins at Cruz del Cóndor for canyon views and possible condor flight. The route then returns through selected terrace viewpoints and villages such as Maca or Yanque. After lunch, the next sector follows the package design: return to Arequipa or direct tourist transport toward Puno. Because the source program is inconsistent on this connection, the final city, vehicle and hotel must be stated on the voucher before payment. Day highlight: Reach Arequipa or Puno Connection after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: Colca touring plus confirmed onward road service – Terrain: viewpoints and long road travel – Accommodation: hotel in the confirmed onward city – Meals: breakfast; lunch according to the selected service
Uros and Taquile Islands
Port transfer and motorboat navigation lead first to a hosted Uros island. The local presentation covers reed-platform maintenance and daily work, while purchases and optional boat rides remain voluntary. Navigation then continues to Taquile. The uphill stone path requires a slow pace at altitude. A local lunch is served when included, followed by textile interpretation and the return boat to Puno. Day highlight: Reach Uros and Taquile Islands after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: road transfer and motorboat – Walking: reed surfaces, stone paths and stairs – Maximum altitude: about 3,950 m / 12,959 ft – Accommodation: hotel in Puno – Meals: breakfast and local lunch when included
Puno – Route of the Sun – Cusco
The overland route follows the Puno–Cusco corridor with stops selected by the booked operator. Pukara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas are commonly used, but exact access and lunch inclusion must be confirmed. The long road day crosses cold open plateau before descending toward Cusco. Hotel check-in and the next day’s pickup review complete the evening. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist bus or private vehicle – Maximum altitude: about 4,335 m / 14,222 ft – Terrain: long road route and short walks – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast and lunch only when included
Cusco City Route
The program covers the Cathedral and Qorikancha when included, then Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. The guide places Inca masonry and colonial construction in sequence rather than treating each stop as a separate photo point. Altitude and stone stairs require steady movement. The exact order can change around traffic, opening hours and religious services. Day highlight: Reach Cusco City Route after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle and guided walking – Altitude: about 3,400–3,700 m / 11,155–12,139 ft – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo
The vehicle follows the confirmed Sacred Valley route, usually combining Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Lunch and archaeological timing are arranged around the train. After the Ollantaytambo guided portion, the group boards the confirmed service to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Hotel check-in is followed by a ticket and shuttle-bus briefing. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle and train – Terrain: archaeological stairs and village paths – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Meals: breakfast and lunch according to the package
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Entry follows the printed time and official one-way route. The guide explains the sectors allowed by that ticket, while any mountain route requires separate capacity and timing. After leaving the site, travelers return to town, board the scheduled train and meet the road transfer for Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Guided route: official ticket assignment – Transport: shuttle bus, train and road transfer – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
Rainbow Mountain
A pre-dawn departure heads south for breakfast and the current Rainbow Mountain trailhead. The walk rises above 5,000 meters, where cold, wind and thin air can make a short distance feel serious. The guide sets a fixed turnaround time. Local horses may cover part of the route but usually not the final viewpoint. After the descent, lunch is followed by the road return to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Rainbow Mountain after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum altitude: about 5,036 m / 16,522 ft – Walking: about 3–5 hours total, depending on access – Terrain: dirt, loose stone, possible mud or snow – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast and lunch
Humantay Lake
The day begins before sunrise with road travel through Mollepata toward Soraypampa. After breakfast, the ascent to Humantay Lake follows a steep high-altitude path. The guide keeps a slow pace and limits time at the lake according to weather and group condition. A locally hired horse may assist with part of the climb but does not remove the final walking section. Lunch is served after the descent before the return to Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Humantay Lake after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum altitude: about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft – Walking: about 3–4 hours total – Terrain: steep packed earth, loose stone and possible mud – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast and lunch
Cusco – Lima or Departure
The departure transfer follows the confirmed flight or bus time. A domestic flight to Lima is included only when named on the voucher. Travelers with a late departure must follow normal hotel checkout unless a late checkout is purchased. The package ends at the confirmed airport or terminal. Day highlight: Reach Lima or Departure after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: departure transfer and flight only when listed – Meals: breakfast according to the hotel plan – End of service: confirmed airport or terminal
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
Several stages reach high altitude and may involve cold, long road travel or limited medical access. Travelers with heart, respiratory or serious mobility conditions should seek medical advice before booking and should report any required assistance in advance.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is twelve hotel nights in the selected category.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses road services, boat, train, shuttle bus and local transfers.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US $3,465 per person |
| 2 travelers | US $2,675 per person |
| 3 travelers | US $2,415 per person |
| 4 travelers | US $2,275 per person |
| 5 travelers | US $2,180 per person |
| 6 travelers | US $2,100 per person |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around city walking, desert, canyon roads, boats, trains and archaeological paths, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through communities across Ica, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Private planning: A private service can adapt the pace and focus, while opening hours, official routes and road rules remain fixed.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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