Southern Peru Travel Route 9 days: Arequipa, Puno, Machu picchu
Discover the magic of Peru in 9 unforgettable days
8D - 7N
Discover the Southern Peru travel route, a vibrant journey through Peru’s most emblematic destinations. Starting in Lima, the capital city by the Pacific, you’ll then explore the white city of Arequipa, navigate the magical Lake Titicaca in Puno, and finally reach Cusco and the majestic Machu Picchu.
This well-crafted itinerary offers an ideal balance between adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. In addition, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and unforgettable landscapes. Without a doubt, the Southern Peru travel route is perfect for those who want to experience the soul of Peru in just over a week.
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Itinerary Southern Peru Travel Route
DAY 01: WELCOME TO LIMA AND CITY TOUR IN LIMA:
WELCOME TO LIMA AND CITY TOUR:
Upon your arrival in Lima, we will be waiting for you at Jorge Chávez Airport with a sign bearing your name to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, at 2:00 pm, we will begin the City Tour in Lima
🕘 Tour start:
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
🏙️ Contemporary Lima:
We’ll visit the main buildings and residential areas of the capital, including Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Love Park, where we’ll make a brief stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
🏛️ Huaca Pucllana:
We’ll head to a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial and archaeological center from the 4th century A.D.
🏦 Central Reserve Bank Museum of Peru:
We’ll visit this museum to appreciate a collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, gold, and textiles (available only Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and subject to external conditions).
⛪ San Francisco Monumental Complex and Catacombs:
We’ll explore this impressive site, a showcase of colonial religious art.
🏰 Historic Center of Lima:
We’ll tour the Historic Center, admiring over 50 colonial monuments and buildings such as the Government Palace, San Martín Square, Main Square, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral Basilica.
DAY 02: LIMA – AREQUIPA-CITY TOUR:
LIMA – AREQUIPA-CITY TOUR:
On the second day, we will transfer you from your hotel to Jorge Chávez Airport, 1 hour and 30 minutes before your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, our staff will greet you at the Airport and take you to your hotel so you can acclimate. Then, in the afternoon around 1:00 p.m., we begin your Arequipa City Tour.
📍 The tour begins with pickup from your hotel and a panoramic view from Carmen Alto lookout.
🏞️ Then, we head to the traditional district of Yanahuara, known for its picturesque square and colonial church.
⛪ Next, we visit the iconic Monastery of Santa Catalina, a masterpiece that showcases centuries of religious life.
🕌 We continue to the majestic Plaza de Armas and the Church of the Company of Jesus, adorned with a beautiful baroque dome.
🏛️ You’ll also explore the Cloisters of the Company and the historic Tristán del Pozo mansion.
📷 Throughout the tour, there will be stops to take photos and enjoy the local charm.
🚶♀️ Finally, after this enriching cultural walk, we return to the starting point
DAY 03: COLCA CANYON - PATAPAMPA - CHIVAY
COLCA CANYON – PATAPAMPA – CHIVAY
🕢 Start: The Colca Canyon 2-day tour begins at 7:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel or meeting point.
🌋 Day 1: Travel through scenic viewpoints like Patapampa and Chucura.
🏘️ Arrive at Chivay for free time and optionally visit the Chacapi hot springs.
🎭 In the evening, enjoy an optional folk show dinner.
DAY 04: CRUZ DEL CONDOR - MACA - AREQUIPA
CRUZ DEL CONDOR – MACA – AREQUIPA
🦅 Day 2: Depart early to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor.
🔭 Then visit the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints.
🏞️ Explore the charming villages of Maca and Yanque.
🚐 End: Return to Arequipa around 5:00 p.m., completing a journey full of landscapes, culture, and nature.
DAY 5: PUNO - AMANTANI - UROS
PUNO – AMANTANI – UROS
🕗 8:00 a.m.: Pickup from your hotel in Puno to the port.
🚤 Then, a motorboat ride for 30 minutes to the Uros Floating Islands.
🏝️ There, visit two islands to learn about the local lifestyle and traditional dwellings.
⛵ Additionally, enjoy an optional totora reed boat ride (paid directly).
🏞️ Afterwards, continue to Amantaní Island (approximately 3 hours of navigation).
👨👩👧👦 Upon arrival, a warm welcome by local families and accommodation assignment.
🍽️ Later, enjoy a typical lunch prepared by the hosts.
🌄 In the afternoon, hike to the ceremonial center of Pachatata to watch the sunset.
🎉 Finally, a traditional dinner and participation in a community welcome party with typical clothing.
DAY 06: TAQUILE ISLAND - PUNO - CUSCO
TAQUILE ISLAND – PUNO – CUSCO
🍳 First, breakfast with the host family.
🚤 Next, departure by boat to Taquile Island (approximately 1 hour of navigation).
🚶♂️ After arriving, a 40-minute uphill walk takes you to the town center.
🧶 There, explore the rich textile and craft culture recognized by UNESCO.
🕒 Then, enjoy some free time and the option to have lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
🕐 Finally, return to Puno. with final transfer to bus station to travel to Cusco.
The second day of your Lake Titicaca tour Puno wraps up with beautiful views and cultural encounters.
DAY 07: FREE MORNING - CUSCO CITY TOUR
FREE MORNING – CUSCO CITY TOUR
Upon arrival in Cusco we will transfer to your hotel so you can have a morning free time. Then, in the afternoon around 1:00 p.m., we begin your Cusco City Tour – Half Day.
🦙 This guided experience offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and nature. It includes the most iconic archaeological sites and living traditions of the Imperial City.
📍 The tour begins with pick-up between 8:30–9:00 a.m. (morning shift) or 12:30–1:00 p.m. (afternoon shift), either from your hotel or from a central point in the Plaza de Armas.
🏛️ First, we visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where you’ll explore its fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. After about one hour, we continue by tourist transport.
🚌 Next, we reach Sacsayhuamán and its cyclopean walls. You’ll admire its size, beauty, and incredible views of Cusco and the Andes.
📸 We then stop at Cristo Blanco for panoramic photos, followed by Qenqo, a ceremonial site, and a walk through a eucalyptus forest.
🌿 The route continues to the Huayllarcocha community to observe alpacas and learn about weaving traditions.
⛲ Finally, we visit Tambomachay, famous for its Inca fountains, and Puca Pucara, a red-stone outpost. The tour ends near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, either at Calle Plateros or Plazoleta Regocij
DAY 08: MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY
MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY
🚆 Machupicchu full day tour by train starts now.
🚐 We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am and drive to Ollantaytambo Train Station for the 6:10 am Expedition train departure (or pick you up at 5:20-5:30 am if starting from Ollantaytambo).
🌿 As the train journeys through the narrow Vilcanota River canyon, surrounded by lush sub-tropical jungle, keep an eye out for ancient Inca terraces still in use today across the river.
👋 Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, your guide will greet you at the train station.
🥪 After a quick snack break, you’ll take a shuttle to Machu Picchu, a truly mystical site unlike any other in the world.
🏛️ Enjoy a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Citadel, exploring its agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
📸 After soaking in the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
🛍️ Depending on your train departure, you can explore Aguas Calientes, shop, visit a museum, or relax in the hot springs.
🚞 The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, departing at various times in the afternoon and offering stunning views of the Urubamba River and glimpses of Wiñay Wayna high on the canyon wall.
🚖 Your driver will meet you at Ollantaytambo station to return you to your Cusco hotel by evening, depending on your train schedule.
DAY 09: FREE DAY - RETURN TO LIMA
FREE DAY, TRANSFER FROM HOTEL IN CUSCO TO AIRPORT
🧳 Final Day
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore Cusco at your own pace. Whether you’d like to stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or simply relax at a café overlooking the Plaza de Armas, this is your moment to soak in the final memories of your trip.
🕒 According to your flight schedule, our team will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you comfortably to Cusco Airport, ensuring you arrive at least two hours before your flight. We’ll say goodbye with warm wishes and hope to welcome you again for a new adventure in Peru!
✅ Includes:
🚐 Transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport.
PRICE AND INCLUSIONS Southern Peru Travel Route
Each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires, so our prices vary depending on the number of people traveling, the desired level of accommodation, and the activities included, among other factors.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Our staff will assist you at each location
- Professional guide
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Accommodation is provided in comfortable standard hotels or charming Air b&b-style apartments. Upgrade option: You can also upgrade to premium 4- or 5-star hotels for an additional cost.
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to and from your home country
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified
- Tourist ticket
ACCOMMODATIONS
We offer you an exclusive selection of our accommodations in Cusco, ensuring that you enjoy the utmost comfort and an unparalleled experience during your stay.
