Explore southern Peru from its capital, Lima, to the majestic Machu Picchu, traveling through the marine biodiversity of the Ballestas Islands, an exciting sandboarding adventure in the Huacachina oasis, the towering Andes at Rainbow Mountain, and the serenity of the mythical Lake Titicaca. Experience rich culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking landscapes—all in a single trip.
This 11-day trip through southern Peru offers you the chance to discover the country’s remarkable diversity, as you will journey across deserts, fertile valleys, colonial cities, highlands, and cloud forests. These are truly unique and contrasting destinations, filled with authentic experiences in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, unforgettable landscapes, and a deep connection with Andean culture.
Immerse yourself in the natural, historical, and cultural richness of southern Peru on a complete and carefully organized journey.
Highlights of the Southern Peru Tour Package
Departures: Daily, year-round
Duration: 11 days with accommodation in Lima, Cusco, and Puno
Minimum altitude: 500 meters above sea level (Lima)
Maximum altitude: 5,035 meters above sea level (Rainbow Mountain)
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Day 2: Lima city tour.
Day 3: Ballestas Islands, buggies and sandboarding at Huacachina oasis
Day 4: Flight to Puno
Day 5: Lake Titicaca full day tour
Day 6: Scenic journey by bus to Cusco
Day 7: Cusco City Tour
Day 8: Sacred Valley tour
Day 9: Guided visit to Machu Picchu
Day 10: Rainbow Mountain day hike
Day 11: Farewell from Cusco
Itinerary
Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a free day to rest and explore Lima's famous cuisine. Overnight in Lima.
Lima City Tour and Museo de Oro del Peru
Estimated time: 9:00 to 13:30 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
We begin this journey throughout southern of Peru, in Lima, the capital of Peru, the City of Kings. Our first stop is Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Hispanic archaeological site built in the 4th century AD. From there, we head to Lima’s historic center, where you’ll see impressive colonial and republican architecture, including the Main Square, Government Palace, and Lima Cathedral. We’ll also visit San Francisco Church and its eerie yet fascinating catacombs.
Then continue to the modern side of the city as we tour the residential and financial districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, offering us a stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, you'll visit the Museum of Gold and Weapons of Peru, which houses and displays thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts made in gold and silver. We'll also explore its impressive collection of more than 20,000 weapons from five continents and different historical periods. This experience will transport you back in time and provide a deeper understanding of the ancient civilizations that developed in Peru.
Ballestas Islands – Huacachina Oasis – Buggies
Approximate Schedule: 4:00 to 21:00 hrs
Meals: boxs breakfast
We will pick up from your hotel in Lima to start our trip to the south. After approximately 3 hours, we will arrive at the Pier of Paracas, where we will embark on our first experience of the day.
On board a boat, we will embark on the tour to the Ballestas Islands, this is a natural paradise where you will observe up close some of the marine fauna of the Paracas Reserve, such as: sea lions, Humboldt penguins and a great variety of seabirds. During the boat ride, we will also see the enigmatic geoglyph known as “El Candelabro”, a gigantic figure carved in the sand, whose origin remains a mystery.
Then, we will continue to Ica, this city is located an hour's drive from Paracas. There we will visit Wineries and Vineyards for traditional Pisco Production, where you not only learn about the production process of the famous Peruvian pisco and wine, but also you will enjoy a tasting of the most representative varieties of these beverages.
At noon, you'll have free time to enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterwards, we’ll head to the famous Huacachina Lagoon, known as the “Oasis of America.” This small desert offers a unique landscape, making it the ideal place for sandboarding. You’ll also hop on a powerful buggy and ride through the towering sand dunes of Huacachina, an unforgettable thrilling desert adventure. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Lima, arriving in the evening. Overnight in Lima.
Flight to Puno
Meals: boxs breakfast
Based on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Puno. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you at Juliaca Airport, known as the "City of Winds," located at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level. From there, we'll continue to the city of Puno, where you'll check in at your hotel.
Optional add-on (depending on flight schedule):
On the way, you may visit the Sillustani Chullpas, a fascinating pre-Inca burial site featuring towering funerary structures, located beside the serene and panoramic Lake Umayo.
Full Day Tour to Lake Titicaca Islands
Estimated time: 7:00 to 16:30 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we explore two of the most popular islands on the Peruvian side of Titicaca Lake. At the scheduled time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to begin this unforgettable experience.
We’ll board a speedboat to the Uros Islands (3,812 meters above sea level), a group of floating islands made from totora, an aquatic plant used by the inhabitants to build their homes and boats. The Uros people have preserved their traditions since ancient times, offering a unique cultural experience.
Next, we’ll continue by boat to Taquile Island, home to a Quechua community that has maintained a collective work organization. Their textile art, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is one of the highlights of the visit.
Here, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch followed by a walk along paths that offer spectacular views of Lake Titicaca.
After the visit, we’ll return to Puno, where you’ll spend the night.
Scenic journey by bus to Cusco
Estimated time: 7:00 to 17:30 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance from Cusco to Puno: 387 km via paved road
At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the bus station to begin one of the most fascinating journey from Titicaca lake to Cusco through a scenic route with tourist stops along the way. During the tour, you will notice how the landscape changes starting in the highland plateau and descending into inter-Andean valleys surrounded by increasingly imposing mountains, you can also appreciate villages with farmers and camelid herders in their natural environment.
The first stop is at to visit is Pukara, at 2 hours drive from Puno, here you will visit its lithic museum, Pucará was the first regional population in the Titicaca during the Late Formative Period (500 BC-200 AD), which provides important information about the origins of the Andean civilization in the highlands. Continuing our trip after approximately 3 hours we will visit Raqchi, an impressive archaeological site that houses dozens of qolca or warehouses as well as the temple of the God Wiracocha (the lord) of monumental dimensions, this god is one of the oldest in the Andean mythology. Already approaching the city of Cusco we will make the last stop at the Chapel of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America", is one of the most beautiful examples of popular Andean religious art, this chapel is endowed with a profuse ornamentation which makes it a real gem. Finally, around 17:00 hrs we arrive to the imperial city of Cusco and immediately you will be transferred to your hotel.
Cusco City tour
Estimated time: 7:00 to 17:30 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Pick-up from your hotel, and we begin to explore the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Our first stop will be the Qoricancha Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun of the Incas, located near the Plaza de Armas. Here, you will admire the refined Inca architecture, with its impressive walls of perfectly fitted stone, as well as a valuable collection of paintings from the Cusco School.
Next, we will head out of the city by transport, enjoying panoramic views of Cusco. There, we will visit the Fortress of Sacsayhuamán (3,700 m.a.s.l.), an imposing construction with gigantic limestone blocks assembled with astounding precision.
We will continue on to the archaeological site of Qenqo (3,580 m.a.s.l.), Pukapukara (3,680 m.a.s.l.), and Tambomachay, ancient Inca religious sites, each with structures from that era, each playing an important religious and political role in its time.
We will end the tour with the return to the city of Cusco.
Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
Approximate schedule: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour schedule: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Meals included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
This day begins with a pick-up from your hotel to head to the highlights of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop, just an hour away, will be the stunning Pisac archaeological site, where you'll be amazed by the perfectly built agricultural terraces and palaces perched on the mountain. Then, we will descend to the charming colonial town of Pisac, where you will have time to purchase water, snacks, or local souvenirs before continuing our journey.
After an hour driving, following the course of the Urubamba River, we will arrive in the town of Urubamba, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. After that, we will continue our tour to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, the living Inca city and gateway to Machu Picchu. Here, you will explore the magnificent temples and chambers, all built with massive granite stone blocks.
After exploring the Sacred Valley, we head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you'll board a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), according to your scheduled departure. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s exciting visit to Machu Picchu.
Train Schedules from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (1h 45min journey)
Peru Rail Expedition: 7:00 PM
Peru Rail Vistadome Observatory: 3:37 PM
Inca Rail Voyager Service: 4:36 PM
Machu Picchu Tour
Entrance slots from 6:00 a.m. to 15:00 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast at Hotel
According to your reserved entry time for Machu Picchu, you will board the bus for a 30-minute ride to the top of the mountain, where begin the guided tour of this magnificent site. You will be accompanied by your personal tour guide, who will share the fascinating history of the site as you explore spectacular viewpoints, ancient religious temples, ceremonial plazas, and original Inca pathways - all surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The guided tour lasts a little over two hours. At the end of the visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where you’ll have time to rest and enjoy lunch before boarding your return train to Cusco or sacred valley.
At the scheduled time, you’ll begin the return journey by train and vehicle to Cusco, arriving at your hotel approximately four hours later.
Note: Return train schedules are subject to the entry time on your Machu Picchu ticket and may be at 15:20, 16:22, or 18:20
Estimated distances
Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo train station: 45 km / 1 hr 45 min by train
Ollantaytambo – Cusco: 76 km / 1 hr 30 min by car
Rainbow Mountain
Approximate Schedule: 4:30 to 16:30
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Difficulty Level: Moderate
We will start early, picking you up from your hotel to head south of Cusco. During the nearly two-hour journey, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Andean landscapes and small villages along the way.
Our first stop will be in Cusipata village (3,310 m.a.s.l.), where we will have an energizing breakfast. Then, we will continue by vehicle for another hour and 30 minutes until we reach Kayra Wiri (4,711 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our hike.
From there, we will begin a two-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m.a.s.l.). Along the trail, you will be surrounded by majestic mountains, colorful landscapes, and impressive snow-capped peaks such as Apu Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.). You will also encounter local villagers who preserve their traditions and wear vibrant, multicolored clothing. Throughout the journey, you will have the chance to see alpacas and llamas curiously observing visitors.
Once at the summit, you will have time to take in the stunning scenery. After this unforgettable experience, we will hike back for two hours to the starting point. Then, we will continue by transport to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Cusco
Note: There are two routes to reach Rainbow Mountain: one through Pitumarca and another via Cusipata. The main difference between them is the travel time by vehicle and the hiking distance.
Cusipata Route: The total round trip travel time by vehicle is approximately 6 hours. However, the hike is longer, covering 7 km and taking around 4 hours (round trip).
Pitumarca Route: This route requires 1 additional hour of travel time compared to Pitumarca, but the hike is shorter, with a 3.5 km trail and an estimated duration of less than 3 hours in total.
Both options offer breathtaking landscapes and the chance to enjoy an unforgettable experience. On a private tour, you can choose the route that best suits your fitness level and preferences. However, for group tours, the Pitumarca route is prioritized.
Farewell
Estimated schedule: According to your flight time
Meals: Breakfast
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima, followed by your international departure.
End of our services.
*
Services included:
- All transfer mentioned.
- All guided tour described in the itinerary.
- English speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees to all sites visited.
- Tourist transportation.
- 02 flight tickets (01 Lima - Arequipa, 01 Cusco - Lima ).
- Nights accommodation in the selected hotel (03Lima, 05 Cusco, 02 Puno, ).
- Breakfast at hotel.
Services not Included:
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Laundry
- Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations.
- International flights
- Travel Insurance