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3 days
Cusco
Machu Picchu by Vistadome: Cusco, Sacred Valley & The Citadel (3 Days)
Description: del Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
This comprehensive 13-Day Grand Peru Circuit focuses on the rich history and deep cultural landscapes of Southern Peru. The journey begins with a flight to Arequipa, the beautiful "White City," featuring a tour of the elegant Santa Catalina Monastery built from sillar volcanic stone. The second phase is dedicated to Colca Canyon, where you cross the high Pata Pampa Pass (4,910 m) and enjoy an immersive two-day homestay in Coporaque to share the daily life of a local Andean community. This immersion continues at the Cruz del Condor lookout, offering highly likely sightings of the majestic Andean Condor soaring above one of the world's deepest canyons.
The itinerary seamlessly transitions to the Altiplano via a tour bus to Puno. Here, you explore the highest navigable lake in the world, visiting the floating Uros Islands and the traditional weaving community of Taquile, before experiencing another authentic homestay in Llachón on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The transfer to Cusco is a guided historical journey across the Route of the Sun, stopping at the Temple of Viracocha in Raqchi and the stunning "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" in Andahuaylillas. This sets the stage for the Inca heartland, starting with a tour of Sacsayhuamán and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).
This tour is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler seeking a deep connection with Peru, prioritizing authentic homestays in Coporaque and Maras alongside the essential historical sites. The final phase culminates with exploring the circular agricultural laboratory of Moray, the ancient Maras Salt Ponds, and the full guided experience of Machu Picchu at dawn. The tour is fully supported, including all domestic flights, train tickets, private transportation, professional guiding, and a perfect blend of high-quality hotels and cultural homestay accommodations. Book your 13-Day Grand Peru Circuit today and experience the depth of Andean culture from Arequipa's sillar elegance to the spiritual majesty of the Lost City!
Duration: 13 days
Porterage: Only your daypack
Accommodation: Hotels, homestays
Level: Easy
Itinerary Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
Day 1 | Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our local team and transferred to your hotel for your first night in Peru.
Included
English-speaking assistance at the airport
Private vehicle
Hotel in Lima
Day 2 | Lima – Arequipa
Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel to the Lima airport for your flight to the White City of Arequipa. Upon arrival, a member of our team will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel near the historic center.
In the afternoon, begin a relaxed city tour visiting the Yanahuara viewpoint, followed by the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church, and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Flight Lima – Arequipa
Hotel in Arequipa
Breakfast
Day 3 | Arequipa, the White City
Arequipa is one of the best places to acclimatize to altitude. Today, enjoy a full-day excursion around the countryside known as La Campiña.
You will visit the Sachaca viewpoint, the Founder’s Mansion—an elegant colonial estate where the city’s founder, García Manuel de Carvajal, once lived—the historic Sabandía Mill built from volcanic stone (sillar) in 1785, and the terraced fields of Paucarpata.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Hotel in Arequipa
Breakfast & lunch
Day 4 | Arequipa – Chivay – Coporaque
Depart Arequipa in the morning toward Chivay in the Colca Valley. Along the way, pass near the Chachani volcano and observe wild vicuñas in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve.
Stop at the high pass of Pata Pampa (4,910 m) to enjoy its lunar-like scenery. From Chivay, continue to the village of Coporaque (3,600 m).
After settling in with your host families and enjoying lunch, attend a presentation of traditional local dances. Dinner and overnight stay with host families.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Homestay
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 | Coporaque – Day with Local Families
Enjoy a full day sharing daily activities with your host community and experiencing authentic Andean life. Meals and overnight stay with the family.
Included
English-speaking guide
Homestay
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 | Coporaque – Cruz del Condor – Puno
After an early breakfast, travel to the famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where sightings of Andean condors are highly likely as they soar above the canyon walls.
Continue through the dramatic landscapes of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, passing small villages such as Maca.
Lunch in Chivay, then transfer by tourist bus to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle (Cruz del Condor visit)
Tourist bus (Chivay → Puno)
Hotel in Puno
Breakfast & lunch
Day 7 | Puno – Lake Titicaca – Llachón
Full-day excursion on Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating Uros Islands and the island of Taquile, where inhabitants maintain a traditional community lifestyle dating back to Inca times.
Enjoy panoramic views of the lake, Puno Bay, and the Royal Range in Bolivia. In the afternoon, travel by boat to Llachón. Overnight in a local homestay.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private boat
Homestay
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 | Llachón – Cusco
After bidding farewell to your hosts, depart Llachón and Lake Titicaca for Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire.
Cross the Altiplano, an expansive high plain known for alpaca herding and the cultivation of quinoa and potatoes.
Stop at La Raya Pass (4,335 m), where the watershed divides the Pacific and Atlantic basins.
Visit the Pucará Museum, the archaeological site of Raqchi—including Inca granaries and the Temple of Viracocha—and the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" in Andahuaylillas.
Arrival in Cusco in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure.
Included
English-/Spanish-speaking guide (on the tourist bus)
Tourist bus
Entrance fees
Hotel in Cusco
Breakfast & lunch
Day 9 | Cusco – The Navel of the World
Today’s tour focuses on the most important Inca archaeological sites surrounding Cusco: Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Qenqo, and Sacsayhuamán—famous for its precisely fitted megalithic stonework.
Continue with visits to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and Cusco’s Cathedral, home to remarkable paintings from the Cusqueñan School of Art.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Hotel in Cusco
Breakfast
Day 10 | Cusco – Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Ponds – Maras
After breakfast, travel to the village of Chinchero to visit its colonial church and Inca ruins. Continue to Moray, an impressive circular agricultural laboratory, then visit the ancient salt ponds of Maras, still worked today by local families.
Arrive in the village of Maras for a homestay experience, including afternoon activities with your host family.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Breakfast
Homestay
Day 11 | Maras – Pisac – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After saying goodbye to your hosts, continue to Pisac, an Andean village famous for its towering archaeological site overlooking the Sacred Valley. Visit the site, then continue to Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca fortress and one of the best-preserved Inca towns. In the late afternoon, board the scenic Andean train to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu.
Included
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Private vehicle
Train to Aguas Calientes
l in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast & lunch
Day 12 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
At dawn, board the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the site before the main crowds arrive.
Enjoy a full guided tour of the citadel, exploring its agricultural terraces, urban sectors and magnificent stone constructions perched on the mountainside.
Return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon to take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to Cusco.
Optional activities (not included, must be booked in advance):
Hike to Huayna Picchu
Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain
Included
English-speaking local guide
Train to Cusco (via Ollantaytambo)
Private vehicle
Entrance fees
Breakfast & lunch
Hotel in Cusco
Day 13 | Cusco – Lima – International Flight
Flight to Lima and connection with your international departure.
Included
Airport assistance
Private transport
Breakfast
END OF OUR SERVICES
Includes Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
PRICE INCLUDES
Accommodation in 3-star hotels (local standards). Contact us for upgrades.
Meals indicated as included
Activities with host families in Coporaque and Maras
All private and shared ground transportation
Airport assistance
English-speaking guides at each stage
All excursions listed in the program
Entrance fees to national parks, historical sites, museums and churches listed in the itinerary
Flights Lima – Arequipa and Cusco – Lima
Not Included Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned (expect USD 5–10 per meal)
Drinks
Tips (approx. USD 2 per person per day for guides)
International flights
Recommendations Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
Luggage & Clothing
Pack layered clothing: light garments for Lima and the coast, warmer layers for high-altitude regions.
Bring a good windproof and waterproof jacket, especially during the rainy season (November–March).
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for village visits and archaeological sites.
Bring a swimsuit if you plan to enjoy the Colca hot springs (optional).
Health & Altitude
The itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization. Always walk at your own pace and stay well hydrated.
To reduce altitude sickness symptoms: drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, and eat light meals during the first days.
Drink only sealed bottled water. Avoid ice and raw street foods.
Bring a basic personal medical kit (pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, bandages, sunscreen, insect repellent).
Safety & Practical Tips
Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, tickets, and insurance documents.
Use a discreet money belt for valuables.
Withdraw cash in major cities; carry small bills for rural areas.
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory (USD 2–3/day for guides and drivers).
Culture & Respect
In Andean communities (Coporaque, Llachón, Maras), respect local traditions and participate in the activities offered.
Always ask permission before photographing someone, especially in Lake Titicaca and mountain communities.
Respect archaeological and natural sites: do not touch Inca walls or remove any objects.
Useful Information
Electricity: 220V, plugs type A, B, and C (bring a universal adapter).
Internet: Good Wi-Fi in hotels; limited or none in homestays.
Phones: A local SIM card is useful and inexpensive.
Weather: Sunny days and cold nights in the Andes. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Photo Gallery Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions Treasures of Southern Peru – Cities, Villages & Machu Picchu
What makes this itinerary different from a standard 2-week tour?
The focus here is on human settlement. While many tours prioritize raw nature, this itinerary emphasizes how people have lived in the Andes for millennia. You explore modern cities (Lima), colonial gems (Arequipa), traditional rural villages (in the Colca and Sacred Valley), and ancient lost cities (Machu Picchu). It paints a complete picture of Peruvian society.
How does the coastal exploration set the stage (Days 2–3)?
You start with the wild abundance of the Pacific. You visit the Ballestas Islands to see the thriving marine life and the Paracas Reserve. Then, you move to the Ica Desert and the Huacachina Oasis. This contrast—from the cool, life-filled ocean to the hot, barren dunes—is the perfect introduction to Peru's extreme geography.
Why is the time in Arequipa (Days 4–5) so important?
Arequipa is the "White City," famous for its volcanic stone architecture and eternal blue skies. This tour gives you ample time to explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, a city-within-a-city that was closed to the world for 400 years. It’s a place of silence, color, and history that deserves a slow, thoughtful walkthrough, not a rushed visit.
What "villages" do we see in the Colca Canyon (Days 6–7)?
The drive to the canyon isn't just about the depth; it's about the communities along the rim. You pass through towns like Chivay, Yanque, or Maca. These villages still maintain colonial churches and pre-Inca agricultural terraces that are actively farmed today. Seeing the people in traditional embroidered clothing here isn't a show; it's daily life.
How is the Lake Titicaca experience structured (Days 9–10)?
You engage with the "water villages." You visit the Uros Floating Islands, where the ground beneath your feet is made of reeds, and Taquile Island, a solid landmass where the community runs a collective tourism model. Walking the stone paths of Taquile feels like visiting a Mediterranean village that time forgot, surrounded by the deep blue of the high-altitude lake.
What is the "Route of the Sun" (Day 11)?
This is the journey from Puno to Cusco. It connects the southern altiplano with the Inca heartland. You stop at "village treasures" like Pukara (famous for its ceramic bulls) and Raqchi (home to the massive Temple of Wiracocha). It transforms a long bus ride into a rolling history lesson through the rural Andes.
Why is Ollantaytambo the ultimate "Village" stop (Day 13)?
In the Sacred Valley, you visit Ollantaytambo. This is unique because it is the only "Living Inca City" in Peru. The local people still live in the original stone enclosures and use the water channels built by the Incas 500 years ago. It is the perfect prelude to seeing the abandoned city of Machu Picchu.
How does the trip culminate at Machu Picchu?
By the time you reach the citadel on Day 14, you have seen how Peruvian civilization evolved from the coast to the mountains. You take the train to Aguas Calientes and then the bus up to the ruins. Having seen the "living" villages of the Colca and Sacred Valley, seeing the "dead" city of Machu Picchu provides a powerful, ghostly contrast that brings the history full circle.
Comments:
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
"Jimmy est un guide passionné qui aime transmettre et partager sa culture et ses connaissances ! On a adoré le temps passé avec lui ! On peut lui poser plein de question et il nous répond toujours avec le sourire ! Une vraie encyclopédie (qui s’adapte à son public) ! ???????? Visiter la Vallée Sacrée avec lui c’est comprendre énormément de choses sur l’histoire de cette région ! C’est passionnant ! On recommande ses tours sans hésitation ! Merci beaucoup pour tout !!! Ne changez rien !!!!"
"Gracias a Jimmy y su equipo por esta maravillosa semana visitando Cusco, el Valle Sagrado de los Incas, y por conocer a una familia peruana tan encantadora. Todo estuvo increíblemente bien organizado. Hicimos mucho más de lo que lo hubiéramos organizado nosotros mismos. ¡Muchas gracias de nuevo! Los recomiendo ampliamente."
""
"Mis amigos y yo tuvimos una excelente experiencia con la agencia. El trato fue muy amable y personalizado, siempre atentos a cada detalle de nuestro viaje. Sin duda, los recomendamos."
"An excellent experience! Terres des Incas is truly an outstanding agency. Their itineraries are perfectly designed, the guides are highly knowledgeable and attentive, and the entire team is incredibly professional. The office staff was always available, listening to us, and quickly solving any small issues along the way. We felt supported throughout the entire trip. I am really happy with Terres des Incas and I recommend this agency 100% for anyone looking for a well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable journey in Peru."
"Voyage magnifique avec Jimmy un guide formidable. Interessant, attentif. À recommander"
"Buena experiencia, la atención es muy buena, como turista nacional me encantó el compromiso que tiene la empresa para con sus pasajeros."
"Excelente atención desde el primer momento. El equipo de TERRESDESINCAS se encargó de cada detalle y mi viaje fue perfecto. Muy recomendados por su profesionalismo, amabilidad y capacidad de resolver cualquier duda. ¡Sin duda volveré a viajar con ustedes!"
"J'ai fait appel à cette agence pour la vallée sacrée et palcoyo et je recommande à 100%. Tout s'est très bien passé, ils sont très réactifs et les guides très gentils et à l'écoute"
"Un lugar muy bonito para visitar"
"Una excelente experiencia! Terres des Incas es realmente una agencia excepcional. Sus itinerarios están perfectamente diseñados, los guías son altamente conocedores y atentos, y todo el equipo es increíblemente profesional. El personal de la oficina siempre estaba disponible, escuchándonos y resolviendo rápidamente cualquier pequeño problema en el camino. Nos sentimos apoyados durante todo el viaje. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia 100% para cualquiera que busque un viaje bien organizado, auténtico e inolvidable en Perú."
""¡Una experiencia inmejorable! Viajé desde Francia y honestamente puedo decir que Terres des Incas es la mejor agencia de viajes del Perú. Sus itinerarios están cuidadosamente diseñados, combinando cultura, aventura y momentos únicos que nunca olvidaremos. Los guías son extraordinarios: atentos, apasionados, y siempre deseosos de compartir sus conocimientos sobre historia y vida andina. El equipo de oficina era impecable, siempre disponible, servicial y resolver rápidamente cualquier detalle para asegurarse de que todo fuera perfecto. Nos sentimos acompañados y cuidados en cada paso, lo que hizo que nuestro viaje fuera aún más especial. Estoy muy contento con Terres des Incas y recomiendo esta agencia al 1000% a cualquiera que quiera descubrir el Perú de una manera auténtica, bien organizada y excepcionalmente personal "."
For responsible and sustainable tourism
The payment for each experience is distributed responsibly and transparently with the aim of generating a real and positive impact in Peru
