Peru • Tailor-made
Andean Discovery
Explore the heart of South America, Peru and its rich history, customs and culture.
Visit the heart of the Inca empire in Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then visit the charming town of Arequipa and experience the wondrous Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and home to the magnificent Andean condor.
From NZ$5,525 per person, twin share
10 Days / 9 Nights • Daily, year-round • Peru
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
Tailor-made journey. This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Who this suits
Travellers who want Peru’s Inca heartland and the south in one tailor-made journey — Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, then Arequipa and the Colca Canyon — with a meet and greet at every airport, English-speaking local guides, a choice of four- or five-star hotels, and the days varied to suit you.
Good to know
The route climbs high: the booking conditions put the access road to the Colca Canyon at 4,800 metres, and anyone with heart or respiratory problems should talk to their doctor first. The Sacred Valley day, the Colca sightseeing and the shuttle between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are shared; whether the Machu Picchu tour itself is shared or private depends on your travel year, so ask us. A second visit to the citadel is at extra cost.
The journey
Day by day
Day 1 — Lima
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2 — Lima › Cuzco
Fly from Lima to Cuzco and start exploring this beautiful UNESCO listed city that oozes historic charm, and was once the Inca ‘capital of the world’.
Day 3 — Cuzco
This morning is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the San Pedro Market and the artisan district of San Blas. Then see Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and admire the finest example of exquisite Inca stonework found anywhere in their empire. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive Cathedral – considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America.
Day 4 — Cuzco › Sacred Valley
Depart Cuzco on a shared full day sightseeing tour to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop will be at the village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and a town where many still proudly wear their typical costumes. Enjoy a walk around the village, admire the Inca ruins and visit the Parwa cultural centre, where you will learn about the local textile processes. Then continue to the archaeological site of Moray and marvel at the enormous Inca circular agricultural terraces. It is not totally clear why the terraces were built, but most experts believe it was so they could experiment with different crops. Admire some great views before descending into the Sacred Valley and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the mighty fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo, scene of the last great battle between the Inca army and the Spanish conquistadores. Spend the night in a charming valley hotel.
NB: Your luggage will remain stored at your hotel in Cuzco and you travel with a smaller overnight bag to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It is not possible to take large suitcases on the train to Machu Picchu.
Day 5 — Sacred Valley › Machu Picchu
Enjoy your scenic 90-minute train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo. On arrival enjoy lunch in a restaurant in town. After lunch transfer to the citadel of Machu Picchu to embark on a guided tour of the ruins. Undiscovered until 1911, Machu Picchu more than justifies its title as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Learn about the history, architecture and lifestyle of the inhabitants as your guide takes you through this incredible site. Afterward return to the nearby town of Machu Picchu Pueblo for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 6 — Machu Picchu › Cuzco
Time to revisit the ruins this morning (at additional cost) or explore the markets in town. This afternoon travel by train back to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.
Day 7 — Cuzco › Arequipa
Take a morning flight to the lovely ‘white city’ of Arequipa. In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing including a visit to the wonderfully restored Santa Catalina Convent dating from 1579, and a chance to marvel at the beautiful cathedral on the lovely main square.
Day 8 — Arequipa › Colca Canyon
One of the essential destinations to visit in Arequipa is the Colca Canyon. The journey to this natural wonder will be a spectacle in itself. First stop to appreciate the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Continuing along the way, you will reach 4,000 meters above sea level, from where you can appreciate the Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani volcanoes, as well as the stone forest. Take the opportunity to capture this magical moment! Then enter the Pampa de Toccra, home of the alpaca, as well as varieties of birds in which the elegant flamingo stands out. Your adventure will continue at the Andes viewpoint, known as Patapampa, the highest point of the Colca Canyon with a height of 4,910 meters above sea level. From here you can observe the eight volcanoes that form the famous circle of fire. After appreciating the natural beauty of Arequipa, descend to the last destination of the day: Chivay, a town near the Colca Canyon. Here you will taste the delicious local cuisine at lunch.
Day 9 — Colca Canyon › Arequipa
Early this morning head towards the canyon, on a road surrounded by beautiful and imposing landscapes. Arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor, a viewpoint from where you can appreciate in all its magnitude the beautiful scenery of Colca, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From here you can also witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, a species that inhabits this area. In addition, you will visit other attractions in the area such as the picturesque town of Pinchollo, located in the heart of the Colca Canyon, the Wayra Punku town, and the Antahuilque viewpoint from where you can see amphitheater-shaped agricultural terraces and beautiful lagoons that surround the famous valley. Also make a stop in the town of Maca, whose beautiful church attracts visitors for its mestizo baroque style. Return to Chivay for lunch before heading back to Arequipa. *The order of the tour stops may vary.
Day 10 — Arequipa
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Pricing • New Zealand dollars, per person
By season and category
Price quoted is a lead-in rate. As pricing may vary seasonally and according to standard/category selected, please contact us for a quote on your specific requirements.
What’s included
- 9 nights’ accommodation in your category of choice
- 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Meet & Greet at all airports
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Shared transfers Aguas Calientes › Machu Picchu › Aguas Calientes
- Economy class flights Lima › Cuzco › Arequipa
- PeruRail’s Vistadome train Ollantaytambo › Aguas Calientes › Ollantaytambo
- English-speaking local guides
- Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Shared Arequipa › Colca Canyon › Arequipa sightseeing
- Shared Machu Picchu tour (private in 2027)
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Not included
- Gratuities
Booking conditions
Booking conditions as supplied by World Journeys.
- Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
- Please enquire about cross-season pricing or for a private guide at Machu Picchu
- Surcharges may apply during events, festivals, public/religious holidays, or other high-demand dates
- The price of the included flights are subject to change
- This tour reaches altitudes of 4800 metres on the access road to the Colca Canyon
- Persons with heart and/or respiratory problems should consult with their doctor
Journey operated by World Journeys and booked through Fine Travel.
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