8-Nights Essential Southern Peru: Arequipa, Colca & Titicaca - Active & Adventure, Private Guided Experiences, Arts & Culture from $2,713
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722659
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Wildlife Encounters Skip Machu Picchu and uncover Peru’s southern soul on this Private-guided journey through colonial Arequipa, Colca Canyon’s wild heights and Lake Titicaca’s islands.
Trip Overview:
Skip Machu Picchu and uncover Peru’s southern soul on this Private-guided journey through colonial Arequipa, Colca Canyon’s wild heights and Lake Titicaca’s islands.
Highlights:
- Uncover Lima’s blend of colonial charm and modern flair on a private city and museum tour.
- Explore Arequipa’s white volcanic architecture and wander the vivid cloisters of the Santa Catalina Convent.
- Journey deep into the Colca Canyon to watch majestic condors glide above ancient terraced valleys.
- Travel across the Andean highlands to Lake Titicaca, visiting the mysterious pre-Inca tombs of Sillustani.
- Cruise to the floating Uros Islands and meet the Taquile weavers who preserve timeless lake traditions.
Included Services:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers (international and domestic)
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Lima
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Arequipa
- 2 nights premium accommodation in the Colca Canyon
- 2 nights premium accommodation near Lake Titicaca
- Private-guided tour of Lima with Larco Museum
- Round-trip transfers and dinner reservations in Lima
- Private-guided tour of Arequipa with Santa Catalina Convent
- Private driver-guide and private vehicle for 3 days during Colca Canyon exploration
- Private-guided tour of Uros and Taquile Islands by speedboat
- Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 2 Lunches
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfares and airfare taxes unless specified
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals not specifically noted in the itinerary
- Beverages unless specified
- Vaccinations
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
8 nights from $2,713 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Transfer: Jorge Chavez Lima International Airportto Lima - Miraflores
Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (4 Star Rating)
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by excellent restaurants and boutiques in the city of Lima. Its unmistakable local touch showcases valuable colonial antiques and an exquisite collection of contemporary art decorating the rooms and common areas of the hotels. The hotel includes a breakfast buffet, a varied menu with gourmet dishes at Alma Restaurante & Bar, and healthy options at Sama Healthy Express. The hotel also offers room service and has a gym, sauna, spa and swimming pool.
Day 2: Private-Guided Lima City Tour, Larco Museum & Dinner Reservations
Today you will learn about the two characters of Lima: the modern one, reflected in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro; and the historic one, encapsulated in its historic center declared a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Along the tour through different districts of the city, you will see how the old and the modern coexist in buildings such as the Museum of Italian Art, Palace of Justice, Museum of Lima, Plaza San Martín, among others. With your private guide leading the way, you'll explore the center of Lima on foot, with the Main Square as the focal point: a beautiful colonial square worthy of photographs, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. You will also have the opportunity to enter one of the most iconic ecclesiastical spaces in Lima, the Convent of Santo Domingo, also declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and where the relics of three Peruvian saints are found: Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Macías. The tour would not be complete without a visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, one of the most important in the country, exhibiting a valuable collection of almost 45,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic cultures, especially the Mochicas. Marvel at the quality of its pieces of jewelry, textiles and its enigmatic erotic room, dedicated to ceramics alluding to fertility, and after exploring the museum, you will be returned to your hotel.
Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Lima has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Host to some of the world's finest dining, as well as an incredible range of exceptional venues ranging from extravagant to humble, Lima has no shortage of top-notch dining options. Our top recommendations include Maido, Mayta, Cala, Astrid y Gaston, and Nanka. If you have a specific dining option in mind, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.
Day 3: Lima to Arequipa, The White City
Transfer: Lima - Miraflores to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport
Transfer: Arequipa Airportto Arequipa
Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (4 Star Rating)
On a quiet street in the heart of Arequipa's historic district, the hotel is just steps from the entrance of the famed Santa Catalina Convent and only 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. In the midst of Arequipa's top restaurants, sights, and shopping, the hotel is only 15 minutes by taxi from Arequipa's Rodriguez Ballon airport and 10 minutes from the bus station.
Restored to its original grandeur, this storied sillar (white volcanic stone) colonial mansion is one of the finest hotels in Arequipa's historic center - and is as much a living museum as it is a hotel. The hotel features high vaulted ceilings, two ample colonial courtyards, and an elegant gourmet restaurant.
Day 4: Private-Guided Arequipa City with Santa Catalina Convent
Explore the heart of Arequipa and enjoy the city's best views with a private guide leading the way. The Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints are unmissable stops on today's route, from which you can appreciate the fantastic landscape of the countryside and the city at the foot of the imposing Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. You will visit the historic center and the beautiful Main Square, where the city was founded in 1540. The buildings in Arequipa are built in ashlar, and this white volcanic stone is why Arequipa is known as the "White City". Standing out in the city are the many arching portals and the imposing Cathedral, widely recognized for its neo-Renaissance style and Gothic influences. Later, visit other churches such as the Company of Jesus and walk through streets that reflect the colonial history of the past, such as San Francisco and Santo Domingo streets. The walk ends in one of the most iconic places in the city: the fabulous Monastery of Santa Catalina. Here you will enter the cloisters, walk through its narrow corridors of intense colors, and admire its internal plazas, considered colonial architectural treasures, as well as rooms that house beautiful canvases from the Cusco School, rich with indigenous and Spanish motifs. After visiting the Santa Catalina Convent, you will be returned to your hotel.
Day 5: Arequipa to the Colca Canyon
Driving out of Arequipa, you will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca Canyon.
The Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip.
Hotel: Colca Lodge (4 Star Rating)
Built completely of stone, mud bricks, and thatch roofs, Colca Lodge is located in the heart of the Valley, next to the Colca River in the midst of ancestral farming terraces. With a particular architectural style inspired by ancient Inca buildings, Colca Lodge has been able to combine its attractive rustic style with total comfort without damaging the surrounding environment.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Searching for Condors in the Colca Canyon
The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world's largest birds, the condor, who nests in the cliffs of one of the world's deepest canyons (approximately 3400 metres deep).
Hotel: Colca Lodge (4 Star Rating)
Built completely of stone, mud bricks, and thatch roofs, Colca Lodge is located in the heart of the Valley, next to the Colca River in the midst of ancestral farming terraces. With a particular architectural style inspired by ancient Inca buildings, Colca Lodge has been able to combine its attractive rustic style with total comfort without damaging the surrounding environment.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Colca Canyon to Lake Titicaca
You will enjoy a spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas, as you travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca, and on to your destination of Puno. En route, you will pay a visit to the Silustani Ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers predate the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilization was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno, check into your hotel and explore this interesting town.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Puno (4 Star Rating)
Located on the scenic shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, the Sonesta hotel combines the best in Peruvian hospitality with spectacular views. Only 5 kilometers from Puno's Main Square, the Sonesta on Lake Titicaca offers easy access to all tourist activities and attractions, including the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros people, Taquile Island, and the Chullpas of Sillustani.
Day 8: Private-Guided tour of Lake Titicaca with Uros & Taquile Islands
Lake Titicaca is home to unique communities, cultures and traditions. The Uros are a people who have lived on the floating islands of the lake for more than 3,000 years, and their ancestral practices were declared the Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2013. They have developed the ability to live among the reeds and have adapted to the environment, using this aquatic plant to build their rafts and houses. Its inhabitants will be your guides, explaining about the formation of the islands, the way of life on the islands and the creation of their traditional fabrics using reeds. In Taquile, you will witness another unique lifestyle of Lake Titicaca. As you hike to the top of the island, you can see different types of crops with the lake and the Illimani Mountain range in the background, a fascinating combination of green and blue. The residents of Taquile are known for their textile technique (named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO), where each color and design captured on the fabric has a special meaning, permitting social coexistence. After touring the island and connecting with its customs, you will share a moment with the community amidst dances and traditional music, then be returned to back to Puno by speed boat before being transferred to your hotel.
Day 9: Depart from Puno
Transfer: Puno to Juliaca Airport
Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, is a world unto itself—a definite must-see. It's located 560 mi/900 km southeast of Lima, on the Peru/Bolivia border, at an altitude of 12,500 ft/3,812 m. One way to see Titicaca is on the 12-hour train ride from Cuzco to Puno through the Andes, a trip that reaches an elevation of more than 14,000 ft/4,265 m as you pass by farms, people's backyards, waterfalls and bleak but wondrous scenery—clear blue sky, deep blue water and dry, barren landscape.
This is an expensive tourist train and runs three or four times a week; the local train, which was notorious for thievery, no longer operates. Tourist buses also cover this route, stopping at major sights en route. They are faster and have English-speaking guides. Peruvians and tourists on a time limit take normal buses between Cusco and Puno, usually a six-hour trip.
Don't neglect the attractions on the Bolivian side of the lake. Stop overnight in Puno, an uninspiring town near the border that's one of the best places in Peru to buy Andean handicrafts—alpaca sweaters, rugs, ponchos and tapestries. (The town is also known for its colorful fiestas and folk dances.) Then continue by bus or car to Copacabana, just across the border, for Bolivian customs formalities and to tour the cathedral or take a day trip to the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. With its small-village atmosphere and charm, this town is a nice overnight stay from which you can see more of the lake.
From Puno, tours or public transport are available to Taquile Island (small Inca ruins and very nice woven goods), Sillustani on Lake Umayo (to see chullpas, the funerary towers of the ancient Colla people) and the Floating Islands (actually enormous floating reed mats that support the Uros people's villages of reed huts—you can buy reed souvenirs there).
Sparkling in the sun, Arequipa is called the White City because of the sillar, a white volcanic stone that makes up its buildings, modern ones as well as Spanish colonial. Peru's second-largest city sits surrounded by towering mountains—including the 19,000-ft/5,800-m volcano El Misti.
The city itself is the home of the monastery of La Recoleta (with a museum and library) and several interesting churches, but its highlight is the Santa Catalina Convent. Built in the late 16th century (but closed to the public until 1970), it was a self-contained community, a place where nuns could worship and live without leaving the convent. Walk through the well-preserved structure, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and discover the tiny, secluded plazas and lovely courtyards within.
From Arequipa, take a guided tour of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (10,500 ft/3,191 m deep). (Day trips are possible, but they require many hours in a bus and are not recommended; two- or three-day trips are preferable.) Several local agencies arrange two-day trips with pleasant overnights in rural hotels. A journey to the canyon offers a view of extensive pre-Incan and Incan agricultural terracing, some of which is still farmed today, as well as a chance to see Andean condors at Cruz del Condor, a lookout point.
Adventurous travelers can follow in the footsteps of the chasqui, the Incan foot messengers, and trek the canyon. The Cotahuasi Canyon is more remote than the Colca, but it is the deepest in the world, with stretches as low as 10,857 ft/3,300 m. It is located 125 mi/200 km northwest of Arequipa. Or visit the Reserva Nacional de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, a nature reserve with stunning lakes and salt flats, located high in the surrounding mountains. The area is about 465 mi/750 km southeast of Lima by air. By road, the distances are closer to 625 mi/1,000 km.
Excursions
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Lima - Half-Day Colonial City Tour & Larco Museum
Lima - Half-Day Colonial City Tour & Larco Museum
Discover downtown Lima’s most significant architectural gems from the viceroyalty period, including the Government Palace and the Cathedral. Your tour will also take you to the Convent of San Francisco, where you’ll marvel at priceless artwork and explore the famous catacombs.
No visit to Lima is complete without a stop at the Larco Museum. Set in a former mansion built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple, the museum houses a remarkable collection spanning 3,000 years of ceramics, textiles, precious metals, and mummies showcasing ancient preservation methods.
What makes the Larco Museum truly unique is its access to storage rooms, where you can see thousands of ancient Peruvian ceramic objects, including pots shaped like animals, plants, and people. Additionally, the museum features a special room dedicated to erotic artifacts—an exceptional collection of ceramic pots depicting various sexual positions, some of which survived despite being destroyed by Spanish conquerors.
Lima - Gourmet Experience: Half-Day Culinary Tour
Lima - Gourmet Experience: Half-Day Culinary Tour
Embark on a food lover's adventure through Lima’s exclusive restaurants, where you'll savor exquisite gourmet dishes and learn to prepare your own ceviche and pisco sour with a professional chef. This tour is designed to immerse you in the rich culinary culture of Peru, taking you through vibrant traditional markets, renowned eateries, and districts that showcase the city’s gastronomic excellence.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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