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North South Journeys' representative in Peru will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Peru. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. 

If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now. 

Located in Lima, 1.8 km from Playa Redondo, Holiday Inn - Lima Miraflores, an IHG Hotel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a terrace. 

The property is set 5.9 km from Museum of the Nation, 8.4 km from San Martín Square and 8.7 km from Museum of the Santa Inquisicion.

 The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. 

At Holiday Inn - Lima Miraflores, an IHG Hotel every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

You will be picked up at your hotel for this private half day tour.

At the scheduled time, we will begin the visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. We will visit the Cathedral; as walking through its numerous chapels, we will discover various architectural styles and learn about the religious history of Peru. 

We will continue with the visit to Santo Domingo Convent founded in 1540. It is a very special place for the Latin American Catholic community since three personalities who today are Peruvian saints passed through its church and convent. It is the first saint of the Santa Rosa de Lima continent, in addition to San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macias. Inside the church of Santo Domingo, his relics are kept amid a special fervor. It has a beautiful cloister covered with tiles, a library with a collection of 25,000 books and a bell tower, from where you can see the entire city of Lima and the port of Callao. 

At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.

We recommend exploring the neighborhood of Miraflores and nearby Barranco and should consider the following areas or activities:

Parks & Sights:

• Óvalo de Miraflores 
• Kennedy Park
• Malecon de Miraflores 
• Parque del Amor
• Puente de los Suspiros

Shopping & Eating:

• Mercado 28 - a small market with modern food stalls and a lovely atmosphere 
• Mercado Indio Miraflores Market - traditional souvenir market 
• Dédalo - modern shop in Barranco with higher end, unique Peruvian crafts
• Larcomar Shopping Center - modern, shopping center with international brands

OPTIONAL: Not included in starting price

Discover South America's foodie capital of Lima with this unique experience.

With five stops spanning two of Lima's most interesting districts, the tour starts with a visit to a renowned local coffee shop where guests will be immersed in the world of coffee with the help of a specialist who will give a brief talk before leading a tasting of some of Peru’s finest coffee beans.

The next stop is a visit to an upscale local market where guests can sample a wide variety of exotic Peruvian fruits. Then you will return to Hotel B in Barranco where you will learn how to prepare Peru’s most iconic cocktail: the Pisco Sour. Last but not least, the culinary experience will finish with a dynamic cookery class with our chef.

Coffee tasting
Milkshakes (made with exotic Peruvian fruit)

Visit to the market:
Fruit tasting
Appreciation of Peruvian potatoes and peppers
Fish stall

Cooking class:
Pisco Sour
Ceviche
Lomo Saltado
Crunchy Cherimoya

Top things to do in Arequipa: 

• Stand awestruck in the Plaza de Armas.
• Admire the Iglesia de la Compania.
• Visit Arequipa Cathedral.
• Visit Mundo Alpaca.
• Shopping for souvenirs and fruit at Mercado San Camilo (Market).
• Visit the Museoum Santuarios Andinos & Arte Virreinal Santa Teresa.
• For a different perspective of the city, head away from the center towards Yanahuara.

Casa Andina Select Arequipa in the center of the White City, is a unique 18th-century colonial mansion made of volcanic stone. The traditionally decorated rooms are equipped with LCD TV and tea and coffee facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Guests can enjoy views of Arequipa Cathedral and El Misti Volcano on the fourth floor sun terrace.

Alma Restaurante & Bar, opens up to the main courtyard and serves Peruvian cuisine and local specialties from Arequipa. The hotel is a short walk from Santa Catalina Convent and the Plaza de Armas.

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for the tour.

This morning tour of Arequipa will show you the key highlights of this city surrounded by mountains. The historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity. 

The first stop is a visit the convent of St. Catalina, which opened its doors in 1970. This convent is a city within itself and has a unique history and beauty that is a highlight of Arequipa.

After the convent, the tour continues along to the main square, the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus. You will then continue through the city by the Chili river, to the viewpoint at Carmen Alto,where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the valley of Arequipa and the Yanahuara colonial district.

After the tour you will be dropped off at your hotel. 

Top things to do in Arequipa: 

• Stand awestruck in the Plaza de Armas.
• Admire the Iglesia de la Compania.
• Visit Arequipa Cathedral.
• Visit Mundo Alpaca.
• Shopping for souvenirs and fruit at Mercado San Camilo (Market).
• Visit the Museoum Santuarios Andinos & Arte Virreinal Santa Teresa.
• For a different perspective of the city, head away from the center towards Yanahuara.

Day 1 : Arequipa to Chivay

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel for departure. 

You will have your own private vehicle and private guide for this 3 day adventure from Arequipa to Colca and back. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you'll begin your trip to the one of the deepest Canyons of the world. Driving along the highway from Yura, bordering the snow-covered Chachani mountain towards Cañahuas Pampas stopping on the way to admire the habitat of the beautiful South American camelids, the vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas.

At Tocra lake you will be able to appreciate a variety of migratory birds, sometimes flamencos. We will pass the crater of the extinct Chucura volcano and then stop at the famous panoramic viewpoint, at 4.800 meters above sea level. From here you will appreciate a great part of the western mountain range, where you can truly appreciate the pre-Inca farming Terraces know as "andenerias". 

Approximately at 13:30, you will arrive to Chivay and have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you will head to your hotel to check in and have the rest of the day at leisure. 

Set along the Colca River and overlooking Mismi Mountain, this rustic, upscale lodge within the Colca Valley is 11 km from the Inca Bridge and 3 km from Uyo Uyo Archaeological Site.

The polished rooms with a country vibe feature thatched roofs, wood-beamed ceilings, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as valley, mountain or river views. Some have balconies or terraces. Suites add living areas/rooms and sofas. Upgraded suites have private outdoor plunge pools.

Amenities include a restaurant/bar, 4 outdoor natural hot spring pools, a spa, gardens, terraces and an alpaca farm.

Day 2: Time at leisure in Colca Canyon

We suggest spending time at leisure in the local public hot springs, exploring the private hot springs at Colca Lodge (for a fee but well worth it!) going for a bike ride or walking along the canyon. 

You can also head into the small Plaza de Armas in Chivay to explore or visit the Uyo Uyo Archaeological Site.

Please advise if you'd like us to pre-arrange something or if you are happy to organise this via your hotel on site. 

Day 3: Chivay to Arequipa - Condor Cross Excursion

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel for departure. 

The journey begins as you wind your way through the canyon towards Cruz del Condor. While this is not the deepest point of the Colca Canyon, from Cruz del Condor you can appreciate the grandeur of Colca and with a bit of luck, you may spot the majestic flight of the Andean condors, the largest flying bird in the world.

On the journey back out of canyon to Arequipa, you will pass through the villages of Pinchollo and Achoma as well as visit the towns of Maca, at the base of the volcano Sabancaya, and then Yanque.

Lunch at local restaurant is included. Upon arrival to Arequipa, you will be dropped at your hotel.

Casa Andina Select Arequipa in the center of the White City, is a unique 18th-century colonial mansion made of volcanic stone. The traditionally decorated rooms are equipped with LCD TV and tea and coffee facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Guests can enjoy views of Arequipa Cathedral and El Misti Volcano on the fourth floor sun terrace.

Alma Restaurante & Bar, opens up to the main courtyard and serves Peruvian cuisine and local specialties from Arequipa. The hotel is a short walk from Santa Catalina Convent and the Plaza de Armas.

Note: Flights are not included in the land pricing and will be sent as a separate quote.

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cusco is a converted 17th-century mansion located in Cuzco’s centre, a few steps away from Cuzco Main Square and La Merced Church. It offers colonial-style accommodation and free WiFi. 

Ramada by Wyndham Costa del Sol Cuzco ’s Paprika Cuzco Restaurant serves breakfast buffet and international dishes with a blend of traditional Peruvian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Walak bar serves drinks and snacks.

San Pedro Train Station is nearby and other close by attractions include the Central Market, Cathedral of Cuzco, and Inka Museum.

You will be picked up at your hotel for this shared half day tour of Cuzco and nearby ruins. 

Together with small group of other passengers, your guide will bring you to visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision; Qenqo, the religious center; we will enjoy a panoramic view of Puca-Pucara, the red fortress and then we will visit Tambomachay with their water fountains. Afterwards, our tour continues in the Imperial City, we will stroll through the Main Square, where we will discover the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. We will continue with a visit to one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold.

After the tour, you will free to choose one of the many restaurants in the vicinity that will let you sample delicious Peruvian cuisine.

OPTIONAL ADD ON: Not included in starting price

Palcoyo is just 20kms away from the more famous Vinincunca mountain but they are two sides of the same coin. While the unique mountain of colours of Vinincunca has thousands of visitors every day, Palcoyo offers not one but three mountains of varied colours without the vast number of visitors. 

Additionally, there is a unique rock forest located in the highest complex for you to explore.

7:30 - 7:40 Pick up from Hotel
7:40 - 11:15 Drive Cuzco to Palcoyo
11:15 - 13:00 Sightseeing, walking and photography at Palcoyo
13:00 - 13:30 Drive from Palcoyo to Picnic are
13:30 - 14:00 Simple picnic lunch
14:00 - 17:00 Return dive to Cuzco

Recommended Gear: Trekking shoes and clothes, windbreaker, hat gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Notes: Be sure to eat breakfast at your hotel before pick up.

OPTIONAL ADD ON: Not included in starting price

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cuzco between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. (this depends on the location of your hotel). The group will then drive to Mollepata where you will have breakfast in Casa Salkantay restaurant. After breakfast the trip continues with a 1 hour and 30 minute drive, arriving at Soraypampa place.  Here you will begin the walk to the Humantay Lagoon, depending on your fitness level it will be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.  After arriving to Humantay Lagoon, you will have around 40 minutes to explore, take photos and appreciate the beauty of the lagoon with your guide. You will then walk back to Soraypampa where you will have lunch and enjoy some time to relax before getting back on the bus to return to Cuzco. You will arrive back to Cuzco at approximately 5:00 pm in the afternoon.

Walking time: Approx. 4 hours (with buffet lunch)
Level of trek: Moderate Difficulty 

We recommend visiting the San Pedro Markets for souvenirs and local snacks, walking around the main square and exploring the many shops and restaurants in the Cuzco.  

Top things to do in Cusco: 

1. Visit Plaza de Armas
2. Explore San Pedro Market
3. Visit Cusco Cathedral
4. Visit Qurikancha Museum
5. Explore San Blas neighborhood
6. Go to Museums and art Galleries
7. Try Peruvian food & tradicional drinks

This drive will take approximately 1.5 hours. 

Ollantaytambo is a village in the Sacred Valley of south Peru, set on the Urubamba River amid snow-capped mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village's old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.

Top things to do in Ollantaytambo:

• Visit The Ollantaytambo Ruins and Terraces (from 7 a.m. - 5.30 p.m)
• Explore the old town streets
• Browse the souvenir Market 
• Stop by Mercado San Pedro
• Visit The Depositos de Pinkuylluna

The name “Parakitampu”derives from the Quechua words “pakari”, which means “dawn” and “tampu” which means “home”. Pakaritampu Hotel is in the heart of the Sacred Valley, located in the village of Ollantaytambo. It is a short walk to the train station with direct connection to Machu Picchu, and one hour and a half drive from the city of Cuzco.

The town of Ollantaytambo is the starting point of the Inca Trail, a beautiful place that offers various tourist attractions.

Rooms here will provide you with a private bathroom with hot water and toiletries, a digital safety-deposit box, a TV with cable channels, amenities, WiFi access, a phone, and a garden and mountain view. A heater can be requested.

At Hotel Pakaritampu you will find a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Other facilities offered include luggage storage and a laundry service.

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel for your private tour.

First you will visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 32km northeast of Cuzco. Its colourful markets take place every day. Here merchants sell all sorts of handicrafts, the most important of which are the textiles and ceramic goods such as ceremonial goblets called "Q'eros", plates, ashtrays, necklace and replicas of pre-Hispanic pottery.

Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon you will visit the remarkable fortress of Ollantaytambo, built by the Incas. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Across an esplanade there is a temple with 10 niches, and beside it a block of partially un-worked stones. Beyond another esplanade, six huge rectangular monoliths (estimated weight: 50 tons) form the Temple of the Sun. Vestiges of rooms are seen on top of the fortress, and on the other side of the hill a four story building, believed to be either a military school or prison.

OPTIONAL: Not included in starting price

Visit Maras & Moray on your All Terrain Bike (ATB). Drive through the remote villages and agricultural fields with beautiful landscapes, looking for a alternative experience to visit the historical Inca legacy.

The ATB tour starts with a driving lesson to teach you how to ride your quad bike  After that, you will visit the village of Maras and continue the adventure for a visit  to the archaeological complex of Moray.

You will visit the salt mines before returning to the base at Pata Cruz from where you will be transferred back the hotel in Ollantaytambo village.

*Duration: 5 hours 13:30 - 18:30 pm
*Difficulty: Moderate
*Bring With You: Sunglasses and waterproof sunscreen

Please prepare a small bag with essentials for tonight. Your luggage will be picked up at your Sacred Valley Hotel and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco. 

Only a small day bag is allowed on the train to Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, you will walk to the nearby Ollantaytambo train station.

Depart from Ollantaytambo Station via the Vistadome Observatory Train arriving into Aguas Calientes station. Upon your arrival you will meet the North South Journeys Representative at the train station who will explain the logistics in detail of your day. Your overnight bag will be brought to your hotel. 

Next you will be transferred by bus to the gates of Machu Picchu for a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, you will then have free time to explore the site at leisure. Well known as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu was built around 1450, but abandoned 100 years later at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. 

In 1911 Hiram Bingham, an American historian discovered its existence with its classic Inca style. The main buildings of Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows, are located in the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.

After you explore the citadel, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure in town.

Spend the time at leisure in Aguas Calientes exploring the small town. There is a craft market here, however, many similar items can be found at a better price in Cuzco. You can also visit the 'hot waters' (hot springs) that gave the town its name.

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall eucalyptus dried branches, creating an ambiance of order and well being.

Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambiance after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most famous destination: the Machu Picchu Archaeological site.

Note: Dinner in the restaurant at the hotel is included in your stay.

IMPORTANT: Please note, the second entry and climb to Huayna Picchu this morning before your second visit are not included in the starting price. 

Today you will return to Machu Picchu and hike Huayna Picchu, the towering mountain behind the actual site of Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu is the towering mountain behind the actual site of Machu Picchu. From a distance the mountain looks impossible to climb without the necessary tools but even though a strenuous climb with some parts where you will actually will need both hands and feet, the climb is quite possible for all averagely fit visitors. 

For many people climbing Huayna Picchu is one of the highlights when visiting Machu Picchu. The climb itself is interesting as you will see how the Inca did cut out some steps out of the rocks and as you wind around the side of a mountain will see Machu Picchu from different angles.

• Only 400 people allowed daily (Maximum 75 persons in each time schedule)
• 4 groups– (07:00, 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00).
• The climb takes about 2 hours up
• Coming down about 45 minutes to 1 hour

After the hike you will complete your second visit to the citadel. This second entry is for the morning time slot, after you have enjoyed your time in the citadel, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to prepare for your return train journey to Cuzco.

You will return via train from Aguas Calientes to your Cuzco hotel via train and transfer. Depending on when you travel, the logistics are as follows. 

May to December Return Logistics:
From May to December, the train runs from Aguas Calientes station all the way to Poroy Station just 25 mins outside of Cuzco. Your private transfer will be waiting for you at the Poroy Station to take you to your Cuzco hotel.

January to April Return Logistics:
From January to April, the train runs only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Station. From there, everyone on the train boards shared coaches for the drive from Ollantaytambo Station to Wanchaq Station (just 5 minutes from the centre of Cuzco). This shared coach is operated by Peru Rail.

Your private transfer will be waiting for you at the Wanchaq Station to take you to your Cuzco hotel.

Additional details of your train time and logistics will be provided to you by our ground partner upon arrival in Peru. If you have any questions, be sure to discuss with your assistance guide in Aguas Calientes. 

After breakfast, you must check out at your hotel and be ready as a representative will transfer you to the Bus Terminal.

Here you will join a shared tourist bus from Cuzco to Puno (10 hours) with two stops in local communities (Includes entrance fees). Early in the morning you will depart from Cuzco for Puno on board a comfortable vehicle. This trip will allow you to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During the trip, you will make a brief stop at Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and façades. The next stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture. 

Following the stop at Racchi, the transfer will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 4,335 m.a.s.l. There is a great chance you will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. The last stop will be the town of Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made. The famous torito is believed to have magical and religious qualities among the inhabitants of the Andes as a symbol of procreation for their herds, for happiness in marriage, fertility at home and as protection for the house.

This transfer includes a buffet lunch at a country-style restaurant featuring regional cuisine.

Departures: This train runs to Puno only Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in 2025

The unforgettable experience of crossing the Peruvian Andes between Cusco and Puno, and visiting the world’s highest navigable lake, is made even more magical aboard PeruRail Titicaca. This train was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature.

Enjoy unrivaled service aboard this beautiful train, dining in 1920s-style Pullman carriages and absorbing breathtaking landscapes. The open-air Observation Car is a dream for photographers keen to capture the quintessential panoramas. The route covered by the PeruRail Titicaca train is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The once-in-a-lifetime adventure lasts approximately 10 hours 30 minutes. At the start of the journey, you are welcomed at the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s. Also, during the trip, you will have the finest in gourmet food and indulgent afternoon tea. The quality of our personalized service is guaranteed.

The Casa Andina Premium Puno is a lovely hotel that has a perfect location: on the shores of Lake Titicaca, from the hotel you can have the best lake view room in the world.

It has 45 non-smoking rooms with bottled water, small balcony and services like: internet center, free WiFi, restaurant, lobby bar, room service, concierge, among others.

This morning, a private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the port to join the shared full day tour on the spectacular Lake Titicaca where you will see the floating reed islands of the indigenous Aymara. You will have a private guide just for your group, but there will be other passengers on the boat as well.

This tour explores the floating reed islands called Uros as well as the island of Taquile. Here you will meet the local Aymara who occupy these islands. The Aymara are the second largest indigenous culture in Peru behind the Quechua who are direct decedents of the Incan peoples. 

It is a great day exploring the highest navigable lake in the world and seeing living culture. After visiting the islands on Lake Titicaca, you will return to Puno via fast boat and will be picked up at the dock and transferred to your hotel.

Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant on Taquile Island.