Peru Classic Southern Loop

A gradual altitude-acclimatizing loop from Lima via the White City, Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Start in Arequipa at a lower altitude, then gradually ascend through Colca and Puno, ensuring you are well-acclimatized by the time you reach Cusco. This route involves several overland transfers, offering views of Andean condors, floating islands, and the Altiplano landscape. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-time visitors with ample time. Rainbow Mountain and Nazca are not included; if desired, they can be added as an extra day in Cusco or by swapping for a coastal route.

December to March is the rainy season in the Andes; mountain roads and train services may be affected.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival in Lima's Coastal District

Lima（Miraflores / Parque del Amor & Malecón、Larcomar）

Take a taxi or private transfer from the airport to Miraflores (approx. 1 hour), and walk along the coastal boardwalk (Malecón) in the evening.

Stay: Miraflores

Day 2 · Lima Historic Center & Museums

Lima（Historic Centre / Plaza Mayor、San Francisco Monastery & Catacombs、Larco Museum、Barranco）

Take a taxi to and from the historic center (approx. 40 minutes) and explore on foot. Take a taxi to the Larco Museum in the afternoon.

Explore the historic center during the day and return to the coastal district after dark.

Stay: Miraflores

Day 3 · Fly to the White City of Arequipa

Arequipa（Plaza de Armas of Arequipa、Santa Catalina Monastery、Mirador de Yanahuara）

Take a morning flight to Arequipa (approx. 1.5 hours). Explore the historic center on foot in the afternoon, and take a taxi to Yanahuara.

We recommend setting aside at least three hours for the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Stay: Old Town around Plaza de Armas

Day 4 · Leisurely Day in Arequipa's Historic Center

Arequipa（Museo Santuarios Andinos、Church of the Society of Jesus、San Camilo Market、Ruta del Sillar）

Explore the historic center entirely on foot. In the afternoon, you can charter a car for a half-day trip to the Sillar Route (approx. 40 minutes drive).

Stay: Old Town around Plaza de Armas

Day 5 · Cross the Highlands to Colca Canyon

Arequipa（Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve） → Colca Canyon（Mirador de los Volcanes (Patapampa)、Chivay、La Calera Hot Springs）

Take a tourist bus or chartered car to Chivay (approx. 3–4 hours), passing through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and volcanic viewpoints.

The mountain pass reaches nearly 4,900 meters; walk slowly and drink plenty of water.

Stay: Chivay

Day 6 · Early Morning at Cruz del Cóndor

Colca Canyon（Yanque、Maca、Cruz del Cóndor、Mirador de Antahuilque）

Take a chartered car or join a tour from Chivay to Cruz del Cóndor in the early morning (approx. 1.5–2 hours), stopping at local villages along the way before returning.

Condors are most active in the morning, so an early departure is essential.

Stay: Chivay

Day 7 · Colca Overland Transfer to Puno

Puno（Sillustani、Plaza de Armas & Puno Cathedral）

Take a tourist bus or chartered car from Chivay to Puno (approx. 5–6 hours), stopping at the Sillustani chullpas (tombs) along the way.

Puno sits at an altitude of about 3,800 meters and gets very cold at night.

Stay: Plaza de Armas and City Centre

Day 8 · Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island

Puno（Uros Floating Islands、Taquile Island）

Take a boat from Puno harbor in the morning. It takes about half an hour to reach the Uros floating islands, and another two hours to Taquile Island. Return in the evening.

The sun is very strong on the lake; bring sunscreen and a jacket.

Stay: Puno Lakefront

Day 9 · Route of the Sun to Cusco

Puno → Cusco（Church of San Pedro Apóstol, Andahuaylillas）

Take a tourist bus along the Route of the Sun (approx. 10–11 hours), stopping at archaeological sites and churches, with lunch included.

In case of road closures, you can fly from Juliaca to Cusco instead.

Stay: Plaza de Armas Area

Day 10 · One Day in the Ancient City of Cusco

Cusco（Plaza de Armas, Cusco、Cusco Cathedral、Qorikancha、Sacsayhuamán、San Blas）

Explore the historic center on foot. In the afternoon, take a 15-minute taxi ride to Sacsayhuamán, then walk back down to San Blas.

Stay: San Blas

Day 11 · Sacred Valley Journey to Ollantaytambo

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Pisac Archaeological Park、Moray、Maras Salt Mines、Ollantaytambo）

Take a full-day tour or chartered car through Pisac, Moray, and Maras to Ollantaytambo, with a total driving time of about 3–4 hours.

The entrance fee for the Maras Salt Mines must be paid separately in cash. Stick to the designated walking paths.

Stay: Ollantaytambo

Day 12 · Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Machu Picchu Trains (Ollantaytambo Station)、Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)、Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum）

Take a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1.5–2 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring the town and the local museum area.

Tickets are named and time-specific according to the route; book several months in advance.

Stay: Aguas Calientes

Day 13 · Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu（Machu Picchu）

Take the shuttle bus up the mountain (approx. 25 minutes). Take the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, then transfer back to Cusco (approx. 2 hours).

You must present your original passport to enter the site. Follow the one-way circuit routes.

Stay: Santa Ana

Day 14 · San Pedro Market & Departure

Cusco（San Pedro Market）

Explore the market on foot in the morning. Take a taxi to Cusco Airport (approx. 20 minutes) for your 1.5-hour flight to Lima to connect to your international flight.