Peru …..exactly as you thought it would be, but with a wonderful twist! Get ready to experience Peru in a culturally authentic manner and full of genuine character! This Best of Peru Itinerary covers Peru´s best parts, of course, but this isn’t the only focus. The 12 day trip is all about finding a deeper meaning and understanding of Peru´s culture, the people, the history, and the true essence of Peru. It will conjure up thoughts of the Pacific breeze blows through ancient plazas in Lima, how the Andean sunrise heats up the sacred stones in Cusco, how the waters shimmer on the high-altitude Lake Titicaca, and how giant condors swirl above one of the deepest canyons in the world! Over twelve interconnected days, we truly will visit the Best of Peru. The farmers, weavers, guides, and families who continue to live by principles of reciprocity, balance, and respect for thisplanet. For many travellers, this balance of culture, comfort, and depth makes it the best of Peru itinerary. For those seeking a more intimate trip, the private best of Peru itinerary offers authenticity at its Peruvian best. If you are still trying to weigh up your preferred option, a thoughtful comparison best of Peru itinerary like this, which is why this Peru adventure is distinct from most other trips to the country.
You will land in Lima at the international airport with views over the Pacific Ocean as you step onto the salt-tinged air. The city is ancient yet living at the same time. In the historical center, colonial balconies overlook plazas where history echoes, and with street vendors calling out today’s fresh ceviche. After a private transfer to your hotel, walk toward the cliffs of Miraflores above the sea, to feel the breeze, and let your travel spirit settle into the Peruvian way.
Today, you will explore the labyrinth of Lima’s past. In the historic center, colonial churches offer centuries of worship and devotion. The government palace sits huge along one side and the cathedral on the other. Our visit to the Larco Museum is where pre-Columbian art speaks of everyday life, and exhibitions of pottery and cloth feel like ancestors’ whispers of time-gone eras. This introduction to Peru lays a more human foundation for what is to follow, sowing the first thread in the tapestry that only a Best of Peru Itinerary can weave. A free afternoon allows you to relax or dine in the culinary capital of the Americas.
After breakfast, you will head to the airport and take a flight into the highlands, landing in Arequipa. Don´t worry, though, Arequipa is found at 2300 m elevation, so not too high and perfect for slow ascendency in elevation. Your city tour today is a culturally immersive tour brimming with colonial churches, a cathedral that rose from volcanic stone, and viewpoints looking over the surrounding volcanic giants of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. You will learn all about the white stone that characterizes the city called “Sillar” as you explore Peru´s second-largest city.
Before breakfast, you will begin your journey towards the Colca Canyon. The route winds past volcanic peaks, grazing vicuñas, and villages where horses and mules still mark the way of life. At Aguada Blanca National Reserve, you can see vicuñas move with quiet grace across Andean plateaus. At the Patapampa lookout, the Andes stretch their spines in every direction. This is where the land is ancient, and where altitude becomes part of your travels for the next few days. You will spend the night in Chivay, the main town on he Colca Canyon, and if you like, head to the thermal springs to relax and ease your muscles.
In the crisp morning air of the Colca valley, you will set out to visit viewpoints that are condor territory. Condors are symbols of the upper world in the Andean belief system, which glide on invisible wind currents. Watching condors in their natural habitat is something that simply cannot be described! We will visit some local communities of The Colca Canyon in the afternon where unique traditions are the order of the day. We will spend the evening in Cabanaconde on the border of the canyon.
The morning begins inside community life, and you will spend time with the local family in Cabanaconde. Sharing everyday life with the local people allows understanding of how Andean values of reciprocity (ayni), respect for the land (Pachamama), and community (ayllu) are lived on a daily basis in the Colca region. This is slow, authentic human travel, filled with conversation, observation, and a shared space offering unique insight
After this cultural immersion experience, we begin the long but scenic transfer to Puno, crossing the high Andean plateau toward Lake Titicaca. The shift in geography is gradual, changing from deep canyons to open altiplano high plains with herds of alpacas. The sky grows bigger as we approach the sacred Lake Titicaca. We will spend the night in the city of Puno that sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca actually blends into the blue of the sky. And the horizon seems infinite. You will take a traditional “lancha” and cross to the floating reed islands of the Uros people. This is where families have built homes from the totora reeds for centuries on the lake. Walking on these spongy islands feels like moving through time and balance. We will then head to Taquile island a real island on the lake. The island is renowned for weaving and is so much more than a hobby. It is actually a language, encoded with traditional identity and meaning in the intricate designs. We will enjoy lunch on Taquile of fresh trout fished from the lake. Then we will take the lancha back to the port in Puno after our day out on the highest navigable lake in the world.
Today’s bus ride from Puno to Cusco is travel with a difference! It is a unique corridor of culture from the altiplano to the Inca capital. You will break up the “route of the sun” bus ride, stopping at sites like Pukara, where the famous bull statues are made, Raqchi, an immense temple to Wiracocha – the world creator in Inca belief, and the village of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. The day’s road trip winds through historical villages where ancient peoples once walked. On arrival in Cusco, we will drop you off at your hotel.
Cusco sits in a light so clear it feels shaped by the Andes that surrounds it. The altitude may demand respect, but this Inca city invites a mysterious curiosity and genuine awe. At Koricancha, solar symbolism shines in stone and space. In the Cathedral, colonial faith and indigenous presence live side by side. You will head to the city’s surrounding archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, and Tambomachay, and explore the Inca city. These sites are archives of history and Peruvian culture, held together by the land and sky. Your guide will tell tales of how water was worshipped, as was the sun and moon, and how stone structures were built to align with the stars. They will also explain how people here once wove cosmological events and objects into daily thier daily lives.
Today, you will leave Cusco behind to enter the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley was, and still is, a place of agriculture, blended with philosophy. Here in the valley, land is not only a natural resource but also a partner in life. Inca terraces decorate the vast hillsides, and local communities come together in markets still influenced by the seasons and tradition. Each ancient site feels like a commentary on the humans cooperation with the earth’s abundant generosity. In Pisac, you can browse crafts at the market and see ancient terraces perched high on the hills. In Ollantaytambo, water channels and sun temples tells of Inca engineering that was always in dialogue with the earth and sky. That evening, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, the threshold of magical Machu Picchu.
Today is the day you visit Machu Picchu. As you ascend into the citadel, the surrounding mountains protect the site. Your local English-speaking guide will lead you along a circuit that passes through ancient plazas, sun temples, and Inca terraces that genuinely feel alive. Machu Picchu was intentionally built here, as it aligns with mountain peaks, rivers, and into nature in line with Inca cosmology. After your Machu Picchu visit, we will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for the train to Cusco under the gathering highland dusk. We will drop you at your hotel for the evening.
This morning, after your final breakfast in Cusco, there is time to feel the city in a quiet way. When the moment arrives, your transfer takes you from the warmth of your hotel to the Cusco airport, where the next part of your journey begins. Either to return home or continue on to the next leg of your vacations! On this final day of the Best of Peru Itinerary, there is no rush to “see everything,” just the satisfaction of having felt everything.



Real experiences from fellow travelers who hiked, explored, and shared moments with us. Honest voices to inspire and prepare your own journey.
Have questions about your tour? You’re not alone. Here we cover the most common topics — from packing tips and safety to transportation and accommodations. Whether you’re heading to Machu Picchu, the Amazon, or beyond, this section will help you feel prepared and confident.
This tour includes internal Peruvian flights, all land transfers, accommodation in the category of your choice, train to and from Machu Picchu, entrance fees, return bus to Machu Picchu, and an experienced local guide.
Definitely. This itinerary balances cultural richness with accessibility, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.
No special permits are required for this itinerary. Entrance tickets for sites like Machu Picchu are included are booked for you. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain do require an additional permit if you choose this option.
The trip is rated easy to moderate. There is walking around archaeological sites and altitude to consider, but this tour is designed to accommodate acclimatization and comfort.
Absolutely! You can add on extras and upgrades such as hotel upgrades, train class, or even immersive experiences in the community. We can design your tour to suit your travel style and tour budget.
We’ll help you find inspiration from history, flavors, and travel tips so you can plan the best trip to Peru tailored to your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled this collection of knowledge so you can take home the best of our land.
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When you travel with us, every
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Your journey helps local communities thrive, protects traditions, and contributes to the conservation of Peru’s landscapes. Together, we create positive impact with every trip.



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