Peru Explorer

From Lake Titicaca, the ethereal lake of Inca legends, to the glorious mountain stronghold of Machu Picchu, our journey explores the extraordinary legacy of the Inca Empire and the traditional cultures of the Andes. We discover the colonial splendor of Arequipa and volcano-lined Colca Canyon, with its soaring condors. At Lake Titicaca (12,500'), where we stay on a private island, we enjoy intriguing encounters with Aymara and Uru villagers as well as breathtaking views. And in Cusco, cradle of Inca civilization, we follow the route of the Incas from the sacred Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu, the eternal city of stone, where our stay at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right at the ruins, offers a sunrise view over one of the most legendary sights in the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Lima / Arequipa / Colca Canyon

On our day in Lima, we visit the fabulous colonial Aliaga House, home to 18 generations of the Aliaga family, and the Museo Larco Herrera, an amazing private collection of pre-Columbian art. We then fly to Arequipa, poised at the edge of the Andes, to enjoy its striking architecture, including the labyrinthine 16th century Monasterio de Santa Catalina, and visit immense Colca Canyon, home to traditional Indian villages. We should spot Andean condors circling up from the canyon depths.

Days 5-8
Puno / Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, sacred as the birthplace of the first Incas, is a mystically beautiful lake that straddles Bolivia and Peru. Here we enjoy hikes, boat rides, and meet the lake-dwelling Uru, who travel in reed crafts called totora. Our elegant hotel on private Suasi Island offers stupendous lake views.

Days 9-10
Cusco

A train ride takes us to Cusco, Peru, the Inca capital at 11,200 feet. We explore this lively town of cobbled streets, visit imposing Inca monuments including Saqsayhuaman, and enjoy San Blas, the artists’ quarter, with overnights at the 5-star Hotel Monasterio.

Day 11
Sacred Valley of the Incas

Our exploration of the Urubamba Valley includes the temple-city of Pisac and the Andean village below it, with its market full of marvelous crafts, as well as the mighty Ollantaytambo fortress, where the Incas and Spanish fought a legendary battle.

Days 12-14
Machu Picchu

Heading by train to breathtaking Machu Picchu, the archaeological wonder of the Americas, we explore with an expert guide and overnight at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, right next to the ruins. Return to Cusco in the afternoon of Day 13, and depart via Lima on Day 14.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate. It features sightseeing with day walks, and we enjoy hotel and lodge accommodations throughout the trip. Much of the trip takes place at considerable altitudes, ranging from 7,500 feet at Machu Picchu to over 11,000 feet at Cusco and 12,500 feet at Lake Titicaca. Appropriate time for rest and acclimatization is included in the itinerary, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition.

Explanation of Trip Levels