Colonial Arequipa, Cusco and the Altiplano
11 Days

From $ 1,939.00
This Tour is Fully Customizable

( Comfort Historical Family Ecology )

Experience the many marvels of Peru on this stunning journey through the Sacred Valley and on to the Altiplano. You'll travel through some diverse landscapes, passing volcanoes and snow-capped peaks; arid plains and vast, high-altitude lakes. This unforgettable trip begins in Arequipa, a unique city characterized by its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and the striking Misti Volcano in the distance. On your tour you will visit the ever-impressive Santa Catalina Monastery and the nearby Colca Canyon, home to the mighty Andean condor. Your adventure onwards takes you through the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, on to Machu Picchu and finally to the beautiful Lake Titicaca. All transportation and accommodation is to the highest standard, from first-class coach services to luxury speedboats and top-class hotels. Our luxury tours are fully customizable in order to meet the needs of all of our travelers. So, see the wonders of Southern Peru in true style with this flexible itinerary from Class Adventure Travel – experts in Affordable Luxury Adventures.

  • Day 1

    Exploring the White City of Arequipa

    Lima to Arequipa

  • Plaza
  • Following your domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa, we will be waiting to welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel where you will be briefed on all of your travel plans for your stay in the area. In the afternoon you will take a relaxed walking tour around the town visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas, the Church of the Company, and the Church of San Francisco. The rest of the day will be free for you to spend at your leisure. In the evening you may choose to dine at one of Arequipa's many fine restaurants. Feel free to ask your CAT Travel Expert for recommendations and reservations. (Meals - B)
  • Day 2

    Into the Colca Canyon

    Arequipa / Colca Canyon

  • Scenic Canyon
  • After enjoying a delicious breakfast you will be picked up and driven to the Colca Canyon, stopping for a visit at el Mirador de los Andes en route. Following your arrival in Chivay in the afternoon, you will break for lunch in the valley before taking a light guided hike into the canyon. After your hike you will visit the Medicinal Baths and Thermal Springs, where you can relax and swim before returning for dinner at the lodge. There are a handful of comfortable lodges you can select from during your stay in the canyon; CAT highly recommends the Colca Lodge. (Meals - B, L) *** Luxury passengers have the all-inclusive private service with Casitas de Colca Lodge
  • Day 3

    Out from the Canyon

    Colca Canyon / Arequipa

  • Cathedral
  • In the early morning you will leave the lodge and begin making your way back to Arequipa through the impressive Colca Canyon. Your first stop will be the Cruz de Condor offering marvelous views out over the canyon and the Andean condors that soar on the thermal currents flowing through the gorge. En route back to Arequipa you will stop in the town of Yanque for lunch at the quaint Albergue El Mirador de los Collaguas. Upon arrival we will help to get you settled back into your hotel where you can spend the evening at your leisure. For dinner we will be happy to make reservations for you at one of Arequipa's many fine restaurants, CAT recommends the chic Zig Zag restaurant - just ask your CAT Travel Expert for details. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 4

    Arrival to Cusco

    Lima to Cusco

  • Cusco Fountain
  • Following your domestic flight to Cusco we will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you will be briefed on all of your travel plans for your stay in the area. You will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. During the course of the afternoon you will have the opportunity to meet a curandero, or faith healer, and receive a coca leaf reading (translator available). This fascinating experience may clarify a little of your past and perhaps reveal some of what the future may hold. For the evening hours there are many fine restaurants in the area, and your Peru Travel Expert will be only too happy to recommend some to you. *** Please Note: Ask your Travel Specialist about the possibility of including an adventure trek on the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. CAT offers the classic hike (4 days) or the shorter express hike (2 days).
  • Day 5

    Captivating Cusco

    Cusco

  • Sacsawayman
  • The morning can be spent over a leisurely breakfast in your hotel before either exploring the area, or relaxing at your hotel. Your guided tour of Cusco and its archaeological sites will begin in the afternoon, starting with a visit to the impressive Colonial Cathedral, followed by Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun. From here you will travel to the outskirts of Cusco for a tour of the archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, later visiting the ruins of Puca Pucara, Qenqo, and Tambomachay. The evening hours will be spent at the Garcilaso Theatre, where you will enjoy a theatrical production performed by a cast of some 40 local artists (Tue-Sat). The performance offers a wonderful and culturally intriguing insight into the myths, beliefs and customs of the traditional inhabitants of the Andes. (Meals - B)
  • Day 6

    Through the Sacred Valley of the Inca

    Cusco / Sacred Valley

  • Scenic Sacred Valley
  • Today your guide will collect you for your visit to the Urubamba Valley. You will make your first stop at the village of Pisac and its local market (T/Th/Su). Later on, in the early afternoon, you will enjoy lunch at Posada Yucay (Standard), or the Huayocari Hacienda (Premium - hosted by the owner of a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts). The afternoon will be spent exploring the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo, and the evening back at your comfortable hotel in Cusco. (Meals - B, L) **Please Note: Travelers in Premium have the opportunity to stay overnight after their private tour, then take the train from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu in the morning - this is highly recommended.
  • Day 7

    Encounter the Majesty of Machu Picchu

    Machu Picchu

  • PEMAP01-Machu-Picchu
  • You will depart during the morning for your train ride through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the station in Aguas Calientes, your professional guide will retrieve your luggage and escort you to your transportation to the magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu that lie just a short drive from the small town. Following a guided tour of the ruins, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore until the sun begins to set over the beautiful Andes. Transportation is provided to the base of the mountain, where you can return to your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure. (Meals - B) **Please Note: The Premium Machu Picchu Tour is private (4 hrs); Standard is in small groups (2 hrs).
  • Day 8

    First-Class Train back to Cusco

    Machu Picchu to Cusco

  • PEMAP02-Vistadome
  • Today you can spend at your leisure, you may well wish to return to the ruins for some further exploration, or for those looking for adventure CAT recommends the hike to Wayna Picchu. This trail requires approximately 4 hours to complete, and allows for spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas. Your train will depart in the afternoon and arrive in Cusco just after sundown. CAT highly recommends a ride in the first class VistaDome train (Premium), which allows for a spectacular view of the scenery as you wind your way back to Cusco. For those in the mood for a little luxury, the Hiram Bingham train will definitely be of interest - just ask your Travel Specialist for further details. Upon arrival in Cusco you will be met and shown back to your hotel. This evening you may wish to dine inside the Pre Columbian Art Museum, considered to be one of the top private collections in all of Peru. We're sure it will leave you with plenty to talk about over a gourmet candlelit dinner - reservations upon request. (Meals - B)
  • Day 9

    The Valley between Cusco and Titicaca

    Cusco to Puno

  • Railroad
  • After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the station or airport where you will board either the Andean Explorer First-Class Train through the Andean highlands to Lake Titicaca (M/W/F/Sat), or a flight. Travelers in standard service arrive to Titicaca by bus, with tours of Rachi, Andahuayillas, and la Raya en route. Upon arrival you will be escorted to your hotel where you will have time to rest and be briefed on your travels in the area. If you are up for a treat this evening, please contact us about a very interesting dining experience that you may wish to attend. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 10

    The Islands of Lake Titicaca

    Lake Titicaca

  • Taquile
  • Today you will head out onto the deep, blue waters of Lake Titicaca to visit the magnificent floating islands of Uros, as well as exploring the tranquil paths of Isla Taquile, an island of quaint little houses and cobblestone streets. All Class Adventure Travel customers will be provided with a personal private guide and a comfortable luxury speedboat that moves at twice the speed of the normal tourist boats on Titicaca. This gives you more time to enjoy the islands and less time baking in the sun on a long, hot boat ride. In the evening you will return to your hotel in Puno where we can make reservations (upon request) at Kero's, a charming little restaurant that has been around for quite some time. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 11

    Departure or Extension

    Puno to Lima

  • Marinera
  • After breakfast and the morning spent at your leisure you will depart for your afternoon flight to Lima, CAT Premium Travelers make a short detour en route to the airport for a visit to the interesting funeral towers of Sillustani. Upon arrival in Lima, a member of our staff will be waiting to assist you with your onward travel arrangements. CAT would like to thank you for your interest in having us arrange your luxury adventure in Peru. (Meals - B)
This Tour is fully customizable
We can customize and tailor-make your trip to suit your specific needs and desires – whatever these may be. Our primary concerns are your safety and comfort. All of our tours have been carefully constructed in a way that will ensure your wellbeing in Peru and also provide you with the best class and comfort available in the country. All of our packages are built to be as fully inclusive as possible while still giving you the flexibility to spend your vacation time as you wish. Contact us

With more than 12 years in the travel business, we know what it takes to offer our clients a truly exceptional travel experience that is both exclusive and fulfilling. We provide the adventure… it’s up to you to build the memories.