Tierra Biru Expeditions
Packages

Peru: Coast & Southern Andes — 12 Days

Lima · Arequipa · Puno · Cusco · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu
FromUSD 1,590Per personBased on 2 travelers sharing
  • 12 days / 11 nights
  • Shared
  • Customizable

Overview

A journey with enough room to notice the road.

This 12-day Peru tour links some of the most distinctive landscapes and cultural regions of southern Peru in one itinerary. It starts in Lima, continues to Arequipa and Colca Canyon, crosses the high plateau to Puno and Lake Titicaca, and then follows the Route of the Sun to Cusco. From there, the journey connects the Sacred Valley with Machu Picchu before finishing in Cusco.

The itinerary combines guided sightseeing, overland transfers, a Lake Titicaca boat trip, train travel to Machu Picchu and free time. Domestic flights are not included: travelers purchase the Lima–Arequipa flight and, at the end of the trip, their onward flight from Cusco to Lima or another destination.

Standard accommodation is in 3-star hotels. For Machu Picchu, the visit route is confirmed according to ticket availability for the selected date; the available options are explained before the ticket is purchased. Expedition is the standard train service, and any change required by availability is communicated and quoted before confirmation.

Highlights

  • A 12-day multi-destination journey from Lima to Cusco.
  • Arequipa and Colca Canyon, including Cruz del Cóndor; condor sightings depend on natural conditions.
  • Lake Titicaca boat trip with visits to Uros and Taquile.
  • The Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco with cultural and scenic stops.
  • Cusco and the Sacred Valley before traveling by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Guided Machu Picchu visit using the available route agreed before the entrance ticket is purchased.
  • 11 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast.
  • A free day in Cusco with optional experiences available on request.

Is this trip for you?

Know what to expect before you go.

Travelers who want to experience several of southern Peru’s best-known destinations in one organized journey and prefer to have accommodation, main tours and transfers coordinated in advance. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors looking to combine historic cities, high-Andean landscapes, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a medium-length trip.
This itinerary is less suitable for travelers who want to stay several days in one place or prefer to avoid frequent transfers. It also reaches high-altitude areas around Colca, Puno and Cusco, so travelers with mobility or altitude-related concerns should review the itinerary carefully and seek medical advice when appropriate.

Itinerary

See the road day by day.

12 expedition days

DAY01

On arrival in Lima, your transfer continues from the airport to your hotel in Miraflores. The rest of the day is free to rest and settle in before the journey begins.

Accommodation
3-star hotel in Lima.
Transport
Lima airport to Miraflores transfer.

Not specified.

DAY02

Your Lima tour begins in Miraflores with Parque del Amor and a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana. The route then continues toward the historic center, passing Plaza San Martín before entering the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. You return to the hotel at the end of the visit.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Lima.
Transport
Tour transport in Lima.

Breakfast.

DAY03

After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for the Lima–Arequipa flight, which you purchase separately. In Arequipa, the planned sightseeing includes the historic center, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Santa Catalina Monastery.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Arequipa.
Transport
Lima airport transfer, Lima–Arequipa flight not included, and local transport for the Arequipa city tour.

Breakfast.

DAY04

The journey leaves Arequipa for the Colca Valley through Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Scenic stops include areas such as Pampa Cañahuas and Patapampa before the road descends toward Chivay. Once in the valley, an optional visit to La Calera hot springs can be added.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Chivay.
Transport
Road transport from Arequipa to Chivay.

Breakfast.

DAY05

The morning route heads to Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. Condor sightings depend on the natural conditions of the day. The journey then continues through the Colca Valley with views of traditional villages, agricultural terraces and Andean landscapes before crossing the high plateau toward Puno, including a scenic stop at Lagunillas.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Puno.
Transport
Road transport from Chivay to Puno.

Breakfast.

DAY06

Today is dedicated to Lake Titicaca. You first visit the Uros floating islands to learn about the traditional use of totora reeds and aspects of everyday life on the islands. The boat then continues to Taquile, known for its textile traditions and island landscapes, before returning to Puno.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Puno.
Transport
Lake Titicaca boat trip and associated tour transfers.

Breakfast.

DAY07

The journey continues overland from Puno to Cusco along the Route of the Sun. Main stops include Pukara Museum, La Raya Pass and the archaeological complex of Raqchi. You arrive in Cusco later in the day and check in at the hotel.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Cusco.
Transport
Tourist transport from Puno to Cusco.

Breakfast.

DAY08

The morning is spent exploring Cusco’s historic center on foot. The route includes Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, Qoricancha, San Pedro Market, San Blas, the Twelve-Angled Stone and Siete Borreguitos street. The rest of the day is free. A mountain biking experience can be quoted separately as an optional activity.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Cusco.
Transport
Mainly walking; transport for optional activities is not included unless quoted.

Breakfast.

DAY09

From Cusco, the journey enters the Sacred Valley with stops at Taray viewpoint, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Lunch is included in Urubamba. After visiting Ollantaytambo, you board the Expedition train to Machu Picchu Pueblo and stay overnight before the next day’s visit.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Transport
Sacred Valley transport and Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Breakfast and lunch.

DAY10

From Machu Picchu Pueblo, you take the bus to the sanctuary for a guided visit. The exact route inside Machu Picchu depends on entrance-ticket availability for your travel date; the available options are explained before the ticket is purchased so you can confirm the reservation. After the visit, you return to Machu Picchu Pueblo and continue by train and road to Cusco.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Cusco.
Transport
Round-trip bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the sanctuary, return train and road transfer to Cusco.

Breakfast.

DAY11

This day is free to explore Cusco at your own pace or rest. Optional experiences can be quoted separately, including a full-day Rainbow Mountain excursion, a massage or a Peruvian cooking experience. They are not part of the base itinerary unless specifically added to your quotation.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Cusco.
Transport
Not included for optional activities unless quoted.

Breakfast.

DAY12

After breakfast, we coordinate your transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport. The tour ends there. Your flight from Cusco to Lima or another destination is purchased separately and is not included in the package.

Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Not applicable.
Transport
Hotel-to-Cusco-airport transfer. Onward flight not included.

Breakfast.

What's included

Clear before you plan.

What's included

16
  • Arrival transfer from Lima airport to Miraflores and departure transfer back to Lima airport for the flight to Arequipa.
  • Lima City Tour with the visits described in the itinerary.
  • Reception and Arequipa city tour, including Santa Catalina Monastery according to the day’s schedule.
  • Arequipa–Colca–Chivay excursion and onward transport to Puno.
  • Lake Titicaca excursion to Uros and Taquile.
  • Route of the Sun from Puno to Cusco.
  • Cusco walking tour.
  • Sacred Valley tour including Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
  • 11 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast.
  • Guiding and transport during the included tours.
  • Lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Entrance fees for the visits included in the program.
  • Round-trip Expedition train service for Machu Picchu, subject to availability; any alternative is communicated and quoted before confirmation.
  • Round-trip bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the sanctuary.
  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket using the available route agreed before purchase.
  • Final transfer from the Cusco hotel to Cusco airport.

What's not included

10
  • Domestic and international flights, including Lima–Arequipa and the onward flight from Cusco.
  • Meals not expressly listed as included.
  • Drinks during included lunches.
  • Gratuities.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional experiences not specifically added to the quotation.
  • Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance tickets.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Expenses caused by weather, delays, cancellations or other force-majeure events.
  • Services not expressly listed as included.

Trip details

The details that shape your journey.

Route and logistics

Starts in
Lima
Ends in
Cusco
Languages
English, Spanish

Accommodation

Accommodation
11 nights in 3-star hotels across Lima, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo. If a planned hotel is unavailable, the traveler is informed before any alternative is confirmed.

Preparation

Everything worth knowing before departure.

Consejos de Preparación y Aclimatación

This itinerary combines Lima’s coastal climate, high-altitude Andean destinations and the cloud-forest environment around Machu Picchu. Pack layers, a light waterproof outer layer, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and a practical overnight bag for Machu Picchu Pueblo. General packing guidance should be complemented by the relevant seasonal packing list in Payload.

  • Licensed Operator

    Official MINCETUR & Inca Trail authorization

  • Cusco-Based Since 2014

    100% direct local operation with zero middlemen

  • 4.9 / 5 Traveler Rating

    Verified reviews from international explorers

  • 24/7 On-Trip Support

    Real-time assistance from our Cusco headquarters

TripAdvisor
Marca Perú
Agencia Inscrita MINCETUR

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Peru: Coast & Southern Andes — 12 Days

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FromUSD 1,590Per personBased on 2 travelers sharing