The Southern Explorer
ITINERARY
1-2
Lima
Capital City
The day of your Peruvian adventure is here at last! You’ll touch down in the capital city of Lima where you’ll be met by a guide and taken to your hotel to settle in. Culture vultures are in for a treat on day two when you’ll undertake a half-day city tour. Starting downtown you’ll see the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and Lima Cathedral. From there you’ll visit Aliaga House before checking out the epic book collection and network of catacombs on show at Saint Francis’ Church. You’ll also swing by the Larco Museum to have a gander at the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, not to mention the erotic art on display. You'll also visit a chocolate workshop, and learn how to make the perfect Pisco Sour at a museum dedicated to this Peruvian staple!

PLACES TO STAY
Villa Barranco exterior, Lima
Villa Barranco
Appealing aesthetics and a great location - the perfect base to explore the cultural delights of Lima.

Key Facilities
TerraceFree infant beds/cotsGardenFree bike hire

3-4
Arequipa
City
Today you’re off to Arequipa, a stunning Peruvian city framed by three volcanoes. During your time here you’ll visit Santa Catalina, a convent built-in 1579. In the main square you’ll check out the City Palace and Cathedral; the latter is widely considered the most important neoclassic religious building in the country. Afterward, shoppers will be in their element at the San Camilo market, whose structures were designed by Gustave Eiffel. Sip freshly squeezed fruit juice or treat yourself to a queso helado (traditional ice cream) and watch the world go by.

PLACES TO STAY
Roof Terrace at Katari Plaza de Arms, Arequipa
Katari at Plaza de Armas
In the heart of Arequipa, the Katari has a fantastic rooftop restaurant and a terrace with stunning views.

Key Facilities
RestaurantMassage room Wi-Fi Rooftop terrace room service

5-6
Colca Valley
General Tour & Wildlife
En route to Colca Valley, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey taking in the various volcanoes before stopping off for some local lunch. On day six you’ll head to the Colca Canyon - one of the world’s deepest canyons - where you’ll visit the Condor Cross. From here not only will you enjoy breathtaking views across the canyon, but you’ll also have the chance to spot the Andean Condor bird. After the albatross, the Andean Condor has the largest wingspan of all flying birds and from here you can watch them effortlessly ride the thermals. Birdwatching enthusiasts would do well to remember their binoculars. On the way back you’ll get to stop off at three local villages before stopping to admire the views at Antahuilque.

PLACES TO STAY
Kingsize full room Killawasi Lodge, Colca Valley
Killawasi Lodge
A peaceful choice for those looking to explore the quieter side of Peru.

Key Facilities
restaurant

7-8
Lake Titicaca
General Tour + Activity & Adventure
It’s time to head to the city of Puno, on the banks of Lake Titicaca and the best way to enjoy it? A full day of kayaking! On day eight you’ll head out into the world’s highest navigable lake and explore it by kayak. You’ll stop for lunch at a sandy beach where you’ll enjoy an Andean picnic feast; think potatoes, corn, and chicken cooked traditionally with hot stones.

PLACES TO STAY
View of Hotel Libertador, Lake Titicaca
Hotel Libertador
Enjoy stunning lake views on this private island, complete with a top-notch restaurant.

Key Facilities
RestaurantJacuzziFitness CentreBar

9-10
Cuzco
City
Ready for a train adventure? Today you’ll hop aboard and travel from Puno to Cuzco, passing through captivating landscapes of Peruvian highlands. During your journey, you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch as well as a music and dance show. In Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, you’ll visit Sacsayhuaman, a 15th century Inca stone fortress and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. From here you’ll carry on to the San Blas neighborhood, once inhabited by Inca nobility. After checking out the impressive architecture, wander the cobblestone streets and purchase handicrafts from the local artists. You’ll finish up at Coricancha, known as The Temple of the Sun, a temple once plated with gold which was sadly removed during the Spanish conquest.

PLACES TO STAY
Courtyard at El Mercado, Cusco
El Mercado
Welcoming and elegant, this boutique hotel has a street food grill on the premises.

Key Facilities
Bar & loungeRoom service family rooms available restaurant
THINGS TO DO
Kayaking in Huaypo Lake
Kayaking in Huaypo Lake
Full-day experience
A relaxing peaceful trip on Huaypo Lake.

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Huaypo Lake activity day
Huaypo Lake activity day
Full-day experience
Soak up the views of beautiful Huaypo Lake on kayak and horseback.

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Ollantaytambo & Pisac market tour
Ollantaytambo & Pisac market tour
Full-day experience
Shop for authentic wares and go back in time at the Ollantaytambo citadel.

 

11
Sacred Valley
General Tour
You’ll kick-start day eleven with a trip to Chinchero town, once one of the most important villages of the Sacred Valley during the Inca Empire. Here you’ll meet local weavers who will demonstrate traditional techniques; afterwards you can purchase an authentic poncho or shawl to take home with you. You’ll carry on to Maras, known for its hillside salt pools that date back to Inca times. After a delicious lunch you’ll visit the Inca City of Ollantaytambo where you’ll visit the extraordinary archaeological complex.

PLACES TO STAY
The exterior of El Albergue, Sacred Valley
El Albergue
A simple but cozy option, providing great services to visitors on the way to the wonders of Machu Picchu.

Key Facilities
RestaurantBarWi-FiBeautiful gardensBike rental

12-13
Machu Picchu
General Tour
Today you’re off to one of the world’s greatest archaeological destinations and UNESCO World Heritage Site - Machu Picchu. After a scenic train journey and short transfer, you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu where you can explore inside the citadel, as well as the Sun Gate and Inca Bridge. You’ll be back the next day for an hour-long trek up to Wayna Picchu from where you’ll enjoy a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the site.

PLACES TO STAY
Exterior of Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Peru
Inkaterra Machu Picchu
A completely enchanting series of lodges set within the cloud forest.

Key Facilities
Outdoor showersRestaurantSauna and hot tub means includedLibraryFamily rooms
THINGS TO DO
Hike the Inca Trail
Hike the Inca Trail
4-day experience
Hike your way to one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the planet.

 

14-15
Cuzco
City
On day 14 you’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo and from there make your way to Cuzco. Your time in the city is yours to spend as you please; soak up the ancient Andean culture, feast on Peruvian delights or simply sip a Pisco Sour and take in the city.

On Day 15 you’ll head home with plenty of travel memories from your adventure around Peru.