Peruvian Highlands Tour 2027: Book Your Peru Holiday Now

We will transfer you back to Lima's airport so you can take a flight to Puerto Maldonado, located deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Then, we will travel by motorized boat over the Madre de Dios River to our lodge, which is nestled deep in the jungle. During the journey, you may see birds typical of the river and forest edges, such as black skimmers, pied lapwings, capped herons, roadside hawks, kingfishers, swallows, and tyrant flycatchers.

The jungle lodge combines native architecture and materials with low-impact technology to preserve the local environment. The rooms are simple yet comfortable and have mosquito nets over each bed, flush toilets, and showers (though there is no hot water). Kerosene lamps provide lighting as there is no electricity. The lodge's staff and multilingual naturalist guides are mostly members of the local community.

Every day, you will explore the Peruvian jungle with our local tour guide. The Amazon jungle covers about half of Peru and is located in the Amazon Basin. Thanks to its isolation, it remains hidden from casual travelers. Puerto Maldonado, the region's main city, is mostly accessed by air from Lima and Cusco. The city lies at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. This busy, booming tropical frontier city's main activities are gold mining, collecting cashews, exploiting timber, agriculture, and ecotourism.

The Tambopata region ranges from the Andean highlands surrounding the headwaters of local rivers, to the last intact cloud forests, to the lowland rainforests of Peru's Amazon Basin. It is famous for its diverse plant and animal populations, including over 1,300 bird species (32 of which are parrots, accounting for 10% of the global population!), 200 mammal species (including four species of primates), 90 species of frogs, 1,200 species of butterflies, and 10,000 species of higher plants. All of these species are protected by law! The harpy eagle, the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, the tapir, the peccary, the jaguar, the ocelot, and the playful river otter inhabiting its oxbow lakes are just a few of the rare species in this rainforest!

On the third and final day of this Amazonian trip, we will transfer you back to the Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Cusco, which is located in the high Andes. You will be welcomed by our representative and taken to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to acclimate to the high altitude, relax, and explore this fascinating city.

This is one of the most spectacular days of the tour. We will explore the lush agricultural region of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which was and still is the main pantry of Cusco. The location of the valley, about 600 meters below the imperial capital, gives it a mild, pleasant climate with notably warmer temperatures.

Our expedition begins with a visit to the impressive Pisaq archaeological site. For a more immersive experience, there is an optional two-hour (about 5 km) hike that allows you to appreciate this ancient Inca city nestled high in the mountains. After exploring the terraces and temples, we will descend to the town of Pisaq to visit its colorful craft market. Without a doubt, it is a unique place to find the perfect souvenir and observe the talents of local artisans.

We will continue our journey alongside the river until we reach Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley. In this beautiful setting, we will stop for a buffet lunch featuring the best of Andean cuisine. In the afternoon, we will head to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town home to one of the most extraordinary Inca archaeological complexes. Its main ruins are recognized as the best-preserved example of Inca urban planning and engineering. However, Ollantaytambo is much more than a monument; it is a living, vibrant Inca town!

We will spend the night in this beautiful citadel to experience its mystical and unique atmosphere. It is essential to stay overnight here for your preparation, as it puts us at the ideal starting point to begin the impressive Inca Trail the next morning feeling fresh and excited.

The Inca Trail is a 44-kilometer (27-mile) route completed over the course of four days. The journey is physically demanding due to the slopes and crossing of three mountain passes with a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level (masl). However, the expedition is accessible to travelers in suitable physical condition.

With this in mind, our expedition will begin with a morning trip to kilometer 82 of the railway, which is the official starting point of the hike. It is absolutely mandatory that you carry your original passport with you, as the authorities will strictly check it at the entry gate and stamp your access to the Inca Trail before you take your first step.

Throughout the 27-mile (44-kilometer) journey, you will face steep trails and stone stairs, as well as three formidable mountain passes. The biggest challenge will be conquering the highest pass on the route, which is located at an altitude of 13,776 feet (4,200 meters). You must be prepared for the unpredictable weather of the Andes.

• Mountain cold: Nighttime temperatures in the high camps can drop below the freezing point.
• Unpredictable rains: The microclimates of the jungle are unpredictable. Rain showers can happen at any time, even during the dry season!

You will not be alone during the entire journey. Our exceptional team of an expert guide and strong porters will ensure a safe and well-supplied trek. Thanks to this logistical support, you can dedicate your full attention to exploring the impressive Inca ruins scattered along the route. These ruins are inaccessible by any means other than on foot: Llactapata, Runkuraqay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.

After several days of intense hiking, you will climb the final steep Inca stairs in the early morning to reach the mythical Inti Punku, or Sun Gate. From this sacred threshold, you will be rewarded with the overwhelming spectacle of the sun slowly lighting up the long-awaited wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.

After entering the citadel, you will enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of the "Lost City of the Incas." To ensure an optimal experience and comply with current regulations, the tour has a precise logistical structure.

• Main Exploration: Access through Circuit 2 is prioritized. This is the classic route that allows you to fully and thoroughly tour the archaeological site.
• Alternative Routes: If the main spaces are full due to high demand, the visit will be conducted through Circuit 1 or Circuit 3, which offer excellent views of the complex.

Climbs to the peaks (Optional)

After the guided tour, you have the option of climbing the nearby mountains to enjoy the panoramic views. These activities cost extra and require advance reservations.

• Huayna Picchu: Circuit 3A ticket is required. The route includes a 45-minute steep climb and the same amount of time to descend.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: Access to Circuit 1A is required. It is a longer hike of about one and a half hours up. In the afternoon, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time before boarding the return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. The expedition service concludes with a land transfer to Cusco, with arrival in the evening.

Please note! The Inca Trail is closed in February for general maintenance. Closures may also occur as a result of inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. In this case, we will hike the four-day Lares Valley Trek instead.

FREE OPTION: Those who are unable or uninterested in hiking to Machu Picchu can return to Cusco or spend the following two days in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In this case, they will take a tourist train (Expedition Service) to Aguas Calientes. They spend the night in a hotel and take a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu the next morning, where they will meet up with the first group of hikers who took the Inca Trail. This option is free!

Today, we need to rest after our hike to Machu Picchu. We can laze around the fascinating Incan capital, visit its markets, buy souvenirs, and do optional activities, such as a Cusco city tour. We can also prepare for our last night in the city!

During the optional Cusco City Tour, you will visit the city's most important monument, Qorikancha, also known as the Golden Temple. It was the main temple of the Incan Empire, Tawantinsuyo, where the Sun God was worshiped. Other places you will visit outside the city are Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

You can also explore some of the many excellent museums on your own, such as the Inca Museum, the Qoricancha Museum, the Archaeological Museum (which houses a small art exhibition), the Regional Historical Museum, and the Religious Art Museum.

The city is also the perfect home base for adventurers, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. You can go whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River, horseback riding around nearby archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambo Machay and Puca Pucara, or mountain biking down to Maras Moray, and Salineras. Other activities include mountain climbing in the Sacred Valley and bungee jumping near Cusco.

Today, we will take a tourist bus to see all the important sites along the Cusco-Puno route.

First, we will pass through the Southern Valley, also known as the Sun Route. We will stop in the village of Andahuaylillas to visit the famous San Pedro Church, known as the "Sixtine Chapel of the Americas" and admire its artwork. The Jesuits constructed the church at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architectural style is typical of small town churches, while its thick walls are characteristic of colonial buildings. It is made of adobe, and its façade is decorated with white paint. Two stone columns project toward the main entrance. Although the exterior is relatively modest, the interior is richly decorated with stunning wall paintings.

After visiting the church, we continued on to the pre-Inca city of Pikillaqta, which was once one of the most impressive regional centers of the Wari culture. This culture originated in Ayacucho, and its centers were occupied by the Incas for many years. Today, Pikillaqta is an important national archaeological park! The word Pikillaqta is made up of Quechua words: "piki," meaning "flea," and "llaqta," meaning "town." Thus, the city's name means "City of the Fleas". This does not mean that fleas lived in the city or that its inhabitants were dirty. The name comes from the fact that each inhabitant lived in cramped conditions in a very small room. Pikillaqta consists of over 200 kanchas (apartments) and 504 golgas (storage spaces), among other constructions. The city accommodated a population of approximately 10,000 people. Some investigators suppose that Pikillaqta became a city of "mitimaes" during Incan times. "Mitimae" comes from the Quechua word "mitma," meaning "resettlement." Mitimaes were originally groups of families taken by the Incas from their native places to loyal or conquered towns to perform political, cultural, social, and economic functions.

After the guided tour, we will continue to Raqchi, where we will observe the Temple of Wiracocha, the Incan god and creator. Then, we will go to La Raya, which marks the border between the regions of Cusco and Puno. This place is well known for its viewpoint, which overlooks the splendid surrounding Andes.

Our last stop is the village of Pucara, where we will visit the Lithic Museum, which exhibits artifacts from a pre-Incan culture. Finally, we arrive in Puno, where we check into a hotel and prepare for the next part of our tour of Peru — the Lake Titicaca tour!

In the morning, we board our comfortable motorboat and set out to explore the Uros Floating Islands, as well as the islands of Amantani and Taquile, which are located on Lake Titicaca. We will stop at these islands to take in the magical scenery and meet the friendly locals.

The lake is located 3,830 meters above sea level, resulting in extreme weather conditions with very cold nights and strong sunshine during the day. The city of Puno, situated on the lake's shores, is well-known for its wealth of traditional dances. There are up to 100 different varieties, which are usually performed in street processions that celebrate Catholic feast days. Another highlight of Puno is a visit to the spectacular Chullpas of Sillustani, the tower-like tombs of the pre-Incan Colla culture.

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in the world above 2,000 meters, as well as the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first stop on the lake is the floating island home of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago to isolate themselves from the militant Colla and Incan tribes. Unfortunately, the Uros language has become extinct, so the Uros people now speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara speakers. About 300 families live on the islands; however, their number has been slowly declining.

The islands are made of layer upon layer of totora reeds that grew in the lake's shallows. The layers nearest the water start to rot and are replaced with fresh totora layers on top. The totora reeds are used to make everything on the islands, including real boats and small model boats that serve as souvenirs. Building a real totora boat takes up to six months!

After visiting the Uros Floating Islands, we head to Amantani Island. There, we disembark and our tour guide shows us around the island, which boasts stunning views of Lake Titicaca and friendly inhabitants with their unique folklore. To experience more of the local culture, we spend the night in local homes.

 
The following day, after breakfast in the family homes, we continue our motorboat ride. Our next destination was Taquile Island, famous for its fine, hand-woven textiles and clothing, which are considered the highest quality handicrafts in Peru. In 2005, UNESCO recognized Taquile and its textile art! 

After visiting this spectacular island and enjoying its amazing views of Lake Titicaca, we will return to Puno in the afternoon. There, we will transfer you from the port to your hotel.

Today is a relaxing day with free time to explore Puno. You can visit its markets, buy souvenirs, and take optional activities, such as a tour of the Chullpas de Sillustani. Tonight is your last night in the city, so enjoy it!

Puno is the most important city in its namesake region. It is considered the "Capital of Folklore" because of its traditional dances, such as the Sikuri and the Diablada, which are performed during festivals like the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, which celebrates the city’s patron saint.

Today, we will take a tourist bus to the so-called "White City", Arequipa, the second largest and second most important city in Peru. The city sits at an elevation of 7,626 feet (2,325 meters) and is surrounded by the Andean mountain range. This magnificent colonial city is absolutely worth a visit! The city center of Arequipa is built from a white volcanic stone called sillar. Because of this, the buildings in the city center dazzle in the sun, earning the city its nickname: the White City. The highlight of the city is its cathedral, which can be viewed from the main square and one of the many surrounding coffee shops.

Those interested in history and architecture may opt to visit the Santa Catalina Convent, which offers a brief respite from the outside world and a unique glimpse into bygone times and ways of life. From the city, we can also view the beautiful snowcapped peak of the Misti Volcano (5,822 m/19,096 ft.). Arequipa's historic center was declared a "World Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO!

We can also offer you some optional Arequipa tours. For example, there is an Arequipa City Tour and an Arequipa Rural Tour, which are not included in the package.

Spend the night in a comfortable three-star hotel.

Our final Peru tour takes us to the world's deepest canyon, the Colca Canyon! The Colca Canyon is located in southern Peru and is formed by the Colca River. It covers an area of about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with pre-Incan roots and towns founded during the Spanish colonial period. These towns are still inhabited by the Collagua and Cabana cultures. The local people maintain the traditions of their ancestors and continue to cultivate pre-Incan terraced fields for agricultural purposes.

The canyon is home to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has been the focus of worldwide conservation efforts. Visitors may see condors flying along the canyon walls. A popular tourist stop is the Cruz del Cóndor (Condor's Cross) viewpoint, where people can watch condors soar on warm air currents. This viewpoint is located 1,200 meters (3,960 feet) below the canyon's rim.

On the way, you can appreciate the incredible Altiplano landscape, which reaches up to 4,900 meters above sea level. We will stop at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where we will observe beautiful South American camelids, such as alpacas, llamas, vicunas and guanacos, as well as some birds and viscachas. Later, we arrive in the town of Chivay, where we check into a hotel. Afterwards, you can visit the local thermal baths called La Calera, whose water reaches a temperature of 38°C! In the evening, we will have dinner at a local restaurant, after which we will spend the night at our hotel.

On the second day, we will visit Cruz del Cóndor to observe condors flying above the canyon. On the way, we stopped to view the local villages of Cabanaconde and Yanque, with their colonial churches and traditional attire, as well as the nearby pre-Incan tombs carved into the mountainsides.

After visiting the Cruz del Cóndor, we begin our return to Arequipa, arriving in the late afternoon.

Today is a relaxing day with free time to explore Arequipa on your own. You can visit its markets and buy souvenirs. You may also visit the peaceful Santa Catalina Monastery or the Juanita Mummy Museum. You can also watch the locals during their daily activities or take the Arequipa City Tour if you did not have time to do so upon arrival. Afterwards, you can enjoy Arequipa's nightlife!

Today, we will take a flight back to Lima. Then, we will transfer you from Lima's airport to your hotel. You will have time to explore the city and buy souvenirs on your own. You can participate in optional activities, such as a Lima City Tour, which we can arrange upon request. You can also visit excellent local museums, such as the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Paracas and Nazca culture pottery, mummies, and textiles.

The people of Lima, known as Limeños, are friendly, and the city itself is full of wonderful coffee shops and restaurants, especially "cevicherías", so seafood lovers will feel like they're in paradise! The wealthy districts of Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro are located on the green coast and offer a vibrant nightlife, so be sure to enjoy your last night there! Spend the night in your hotel.

Transfer to Lima Airport for your international flight.

Service ends here!

• Welcome by our representative upon arrival.
• Three domestic flights: Lima-Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, and Arequipa-Lima
• All airport arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodation: Three-star hotels (13 nights), a jungle lodge (two nights), campsites (three nights), and a homestay with a local family on Amantani Island (one night);
• All entrance fees according to the itinerary, including an Inca Trail permit;
• Meals: - 19 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners, and 3 afternoon teas during the Inca Trail
• Bilingual local tour guides as per the itinerary+
• A professional cook for the Inca Trail
• Porters to carry food, camping, and cooking equipment, as well as 7 kg of each passenger's belongings, during the Inca Trail
• Camping equipment for the Inca Trail, including personal double tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining tents, and toilet tents
• Food for the Inca Trail
• A sleeping bag (for temperatures down to -5°C) for the Inca Trail
• Transportation by private van during tours and local transfers
• A tourist train (Expedition Class) from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• A shuttle bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• One sightseeing tourist bus: Cusco to Puno
• One tourist bus from Puno to Arequipa
• Motorboat transportation during the Peruvian Amazon tour and the Lake Titicaca tour

• Pre & post tour accommodation,
• International flights nor airport departure taxes,
• Travel insurance,
• Meals not mentioned,
• Tips and baggage portage to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru, however, it is not obligatory),
• Optional tours,
• Other extras not specified.

Meal budget: Please budget an additional $200-$250 for meals not included in the package.

Single room: Please note that if you booked the "Single Room" option for this tour, you will have your own single room for all overnight stays and your own single tent for the Inca Trail.

Local flights: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour, unless otherwise noted. It is very important that we have your passport details at the time of booking in order to process your tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to each flight's departure.

How do you book the Peruvian Highlands?

If you would like to take the Peruvian Highlands Tour, please check the availability of the Inca Trail first. You can select your preferred language by clicking on the flags at the top of the page. Then, go to the "Consultas" section (called "Queries" in the English version), select "Inca Trail" from the Archaeological Center section, and choose the year and month in which you would like to take the tour. Please note that the Inca Trail begins on the sixth day of the Peruvian Highlands Tour. For example, if you want to start the tour on August 6th, you need to check the Inca Trail availability for August 11th!

If the Inca Trail is available on your requested date at the time of booking, your Inca Trail Expedition Tour booking will first be confirmed by our Reservation Department via email. Then, you will be required to provide your full personal details as well as a deposit in order to purchase your Inca Trail permit. Please note that an Inca Trail booking is only valid for one hour. If the deposit is not paid within this time, the booking expires!)

Inca Trail Closure

The Inca Trail is closed each February to allow for conservation and to give the vegetation a chance to recover. February is a fitting time for this closure since it is also the wettest month of the year. However, Machu Picchu itself remains open, so you can still visit!

All of Tierras Vivas's adventure group tours are accompanied by a Tierras Vivas tour guide, representative, or expedition team. Our tour guides aim to eliminate the hassle for our customers and help them have the best trip possible. They provide information on places visited, offer suggestions on what to see and do, recommend good places to eat, and introduce customers to their colleagues. Our guides have broad general knowledge of the countries visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local tour guides when we believe that more specific knowledge would enhance the enjoyment of the places visited.

Accommodations during the tour to Peru

The following hotels will be used to accommodate you during your tour:

Accommodation in Lima:

Hotel Ferré Miraflores

• Address: Calle Diego Ferré 235, Miraflores, Lima, Perú
• Phone: +51 1 446-7276

Accommodation in Cusco:

Illa Hotel

• Dirección: Calle Carmen Alto 166, Barrio San Blas, Cusco, Perú
• Phone: +51 84 262328

Accommodation in Ollantaytambo:

Hotel Samanapaq

• Address: Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Perú
• Phone: +51 984 011 604

Accommodation in Puno

Conde de Lemos Inn

• Address: Jr. Puno 681, Cercado, Puno, Perú
• Phone: +51 51 369898

Accommodation in Lake Titicaca

Homestay in Amantani

Accommodation in Arequipa

Santa Marta Hotel

• Address: Calle Santa Catalina 304, Cercado, Arequipa, Perú
• Phone: +51 54 212247

Accommdation in Colca Canyon

Hotel Colca INN

• Address: Av. Salaverry 307, Chivay
• Phone: (+51) 054 531111

During the tour, we ask our hotels to prepare your rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you arrive before the standard check-in time. However, this is not always possible. If this is the case, you can store your luggage in the hotel storage room and explore your new destination in the meantime.

Please note! If you purchased accommodations before or after your trip, you may be asked to change rooms during your stay.

The type of luggage you need depends on the type of tour you plan to take, the part of the country you want to visit, the season, and the length of your trip. In general, you should pack as lightly as possible because you will be carrying your own luggage for most of our tours. However, the walking distances are not long—up to 30 minutes. We recommend keeping the weight of your luggage under 10 kg (22 lb).

Most travelers use suitcases. However, a large backpack would be more suitable. In any case, please bring a small backpack for daily travel to carry your bottled water, camera, snacks, etc. Wheeled luggage is not recommended; luggage with shoulder straps is better.

What Kind of Clothing Should You Pack for Peru?

The clothing you should bring depends on the season and part of the country you plan to visit in Peru.

If you're visiting the coast of northern Peru or the surroundings of Lima, you'll need to pack light clothes (such as shorts, skirts, dresses, and T-shirts), flip-flops or sandals, a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a swimsuit.

If you plan to visit the Peruvian mountains, such as the Andes or the Altiplano, we recommend bringing hiking pants, shorts, T-shirts, and trekking shoes for the days, as well as sweaters, fleece jackets, hats, scarves, and warm jackets for the nights. You should also take sunscreen, sunglasses, and, depending on the route chosen, mosquito repellent. It is convenient to keep light rain gear in your daypack, such as a waterproof poncho, jacket, and/or waterproof pants, as the weather can change quickly and it can rain suddenly. For more details, please refer to the "What to Bring on the Inca Trail Expedition Tour" link below.

If you want to see the Amazon rainforest (Manu, Puerto Maldonado, Iquitos, etc.), the most important thing to pack is mosquito repellent with at least 20% DEET! You should also bring light clothing with long sleeves and long pants to wear with your shoes for protection against insects. Don't forget waterproof clothing, especially if you plan to visit during the rainy season, as well as comfortable closed-toe shoes, long socks, and a hat.

What to Bring to the Peruvian Highlands

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail! Please bring a metallic (alternatively Nalgene) bottles!
• Optional: walking sticks (please note: rubber covers are required for the Inca Trail!!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.