THE JOURNEY
An eight-day grand circuit through southern Peru: the white city of Arequipa, the soaring condors of the Colca Canyon, the reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the Route of the Sun, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
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THE ROUTE
Welcome to Peru | Arrival in Arequipa
On arrival at Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, the Machupicchu Glory team welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel to acclimatize to the 2,335 m altitude.
Afternoon | The White City
A panoramic city tour reveals why Arequipa is called "The White City," built almost entirely from sillar, a white volcanic stone. We visit the grand Plaza de Armas, framed by the Basilica Cathedral, and enter the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a citadel within the city with cobblestone streets painted in cobalt blue and terracotta red. We finish at the Yanahuara viewpoint, whose sillar archways frame the snow-capped Misti Volcano. Overnight in Arequipa.
Morning | Across the high reserve
We depart Arequipa toward the Colca Valley, one of the deepest canyons on Earth. The scenic drive climbs across the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, home to wild vicuñas and guanacos, and crosses the Patapampa Pass at roughly 4,900 m, with sweeping views of volcanoes and the Andes.
Afternoon | Colonial villages and hot springs
Descending into the Colca Valley, we pass villages and pre-Inca terraces still farmed today, and explore the colonial towns of Yanque and Maca. Optionally, soak in the natural thermal hot springs of La Calera. Lunch included. Overnight in the Colca Canyon.
Early morning | Flight of the condors
We rise early for the highlight of the Colca region: the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint. As the morning thermals rise from the canyon depths, majestic Andean condors take flight on wingspans of up to three meters, gliding just meters above the platform — an unforgettable spectacle.
Midday | Terraces and lookouts
We explore the surrounding villages and the sculpted amphitheater of Inca and pre-Inca terraces. Lunch included.
Afternoon | Journey to Lake Titicaca
We begin the scenic overland journey toward Puno, crossing vast altiplano plains dotted with alpaca herds. Arrive in Puno in the evening. Overnight in Puno.
Morning | The Uros floating islands
We transfer to Puno's port for a full-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,812 m. Our first stop is the extraordinary Uros floating islands, hand-built entirely from woven totora reeds, where the community shows their reed-construction techniques and traditional boats.
Afternoon | Taquile Island
We continue across the deep blue waters to Taquile Island, renowned for its UNESCO-recognized textile art. We climb the stone pathways to the village square, with panoramic views toward Bolivia's snow peaks, and enjoy a traditional lunch of lake trout and quinoa soup before sailing back to Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Full day | The celebrated Route of the Sun
We embark on the scenic journey connecting Puno to Cusco with a series of remarkable stops. We visit the Pukará Museum, showcasing ceramics of the pre-Inca Pukará culture, then climb to La Raya Pass at 4,335 m, the natural border between the Titicaca altiplano and the Cusco region, where artisans sell alpaca textiles against a backdrop of glaciers.
Afternoon | Raqchi and Andahuaylillas
After an included buffet lunch, we visit the impressive Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, with its towering adobe walls, and the colonial chapel of Andahuaylillas, the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas." Arrive in Cusco in the evening. Overnight in Cusco.
Morning | The Inca capital
We discover Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, whose masterful stonework forms the foundation of the Santo Domingo convent, then the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas with its Cusqueña-school art.
Midday | The four archaeological sites
We explore Sacsayhuamán, the monumental fortress of colossal interlocking stones; Qenqo, a carved ceremonial center; Puca Pucara, a strategic checkpoint; and Tambomachay, the "Baths of the Inca." The afternoon is free to wander the artisan neighborhood of San Blas. Overnight in Cusco.
Early morning | Through the Sacred Valley
We depart early through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, following the Urubamba River, and visit the living Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo with its steep ceremonial terraces.
Midday | Machu Picchu, the Lost City
We board the panoramic Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, then a bus climbs the switchback road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. A guided tour of about two hours leads through the citadel's iconic sights: the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana sundial, with Huayna Picchu rising above.
Afternoon | Return to Cusco
After an included lunch in Aguas Calientes, we return by train and transfer to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Morning | Farewell to Peru
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cusco as your journey comes to a close. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for last-minute alpaca crafts in the San Pedro market. At the appropriate time, the Machupicchu Glory team transfers you to Cusco's airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the wonders of Colca, Titicaca and Machu Picchu. End of our services.
THE DETAILS
Before You Go
MOMENTS ALONG THE WAY
TRAVELER STORIES
“Every detail felt considered before we even asked — the private train car, the guide who knew we loved photography and timed our arrival for the light. This is how Machu Picchu should be seen.”
“No crowds, no rush — just the two of us and nine hundred years of stone in the morning mist. Worth every mile.”
