Experience the Best of Southern Peru

DAY 1: Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Peru!

You will find us waiting for you when your international flight arrives in Lima. Look for the Kuoda sign with your name and the smile. We will escort you to your hotel adjacent to the airport, check you in, and help you get settled. You’ll then be able to rinse away the feeling of a long flight and enjoy a good night’s rest!

Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol
Meals: None

DAY 2: From Lima to the White City

Fly from Lima to Arequipa / Private tour of the historical city center

You will wake up refreshed and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the hotel before we escort you back to the airport for your morning flight to Arequipa. We will be waiting for you when touch down and will bring you to your hotel in the historic city center.
This afternoon, your guide will meet you for a private tour of Arequipa: Peru’s “white city”. You’ll stroll through the shining center of town – with many buildings made from a white volcanic rock called sillar, giving the city its nickname – until you arrive at the Andean Sanctuary Museum, where you’ll meet the famous ice-mummy, Juanita, face to face. You’ll continue to the 16th century convent of Santa Catalina, which is truly a jewel of a city within a city. Finally, you’ll visit the main square of Yanahuara, with its famous panorama of Arequipa and the
distant Misti Volcano.
Your guide will then take you back to your hotel, where you can rest your feet and enjoy a relaxing evening!

Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3: Journey to Chivay

Journey toward the world’s deepest canyon, sightseeing as you go

After a relaxed breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up for a scenic drive to the town of Chivay. This will be your jumping-off point for the Colca Canyon.
Today’s drive takes us through breathtaking landscapes and makes stops to mingle with Peru’s camelids at Pampa Cañahuas, to flock with migratory birds at Bofedales de Toccra and finally to gaze on Arequipa’s surrounding volcanoes at the outlook of Patapampa. As you look out to the snow-capped peaks of the Misti, Hualca-Hualca and Ubinas Volcanoes, breathe deeply and feel the peace of taking in something completely new!
When we arrive in Chivay, we will make our way to your hotel. In the afternoon you can choose to simply relax or to adventure to visit natural hot springs. The hot springs
are an excellent option for relaxation, as the locals at tribute healing properties to the soothing waters.

Accommodation: Colca Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: Canyon, Condors and the Road to Puno

A private tour of Colca Canyon and a road trip to Puno

Early in the morning, your guide will bring you to Condor’s Cross, where you can observe the depths of the Colca Canyon and watch the majestic flight of the giant Andean condor. You’ll also visit villages in the Colca Valley, where you’ll revel in the colorful local dress and friendly faces!
In the afternoon you’ll depart Chivay with your private driver. The fivehour drive to Puno is through such beautiful country, the time will pass like nothing! Your Kuoda Puno host will check you into your hotel upon arrival.

Accommodation: Libertador Isla Esteves
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

DAY 5: Lake Titicaca’s Magical Islands

Private boat tour of the Uros floating islands and Taquile

Today, you will visit Lake Titicaca’s islands via private boat. Lake Titicaca, at 12,500 ft. above sea level, is the world’s highest navigable lake. This means that, even when the strong Andean sun shines, the wind can be chilly so be sure to dress warmly with layers!
Your boat will take you out through the bay of Puno, past banks of reeds to the incredible floating islands of Uros. For hundreds of years, local people have constructed these small islands by hand from the native totora reed, continually refreshing the island floor. You will also see houses and boats cleverly constructed of the reed and a few solar panels providing illumination!

You will next motor to the island of Taquile. Outside the Bay of Puno, Taquile seems almost Mediterranean, with grassy cliffs falling toward the blue water. The residents of the island are incredibly friendly and are world-famous for being true masters of intricate knitting patterns! In the afternoon, your boat will slowly bring you back to Puno.
Let yourself be lulled by the waves and the sun and when your boat docks you’ll be driven back to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Libertador Isla Esteves
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6: Over the Altiplano to Cusco

A Sightseeing Tour by Bus from Puno to Cusco

After breakfast, you will embark on a privately guided tour that will take you from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the Imperial City.
Along the way, you’ll pass the highest point on your route at La Raya. Surrounded by glorious snow-covered mountains and buffeted by chilly winds, you’ll marvel at the artisans who offer their wares at the roadside market. You will also visit a pre-Inca site at Pukara and the Inca outpost of Raqchi. Constructed on the Inca frontier, the stone and mud brick walls of Raqchi were meant to repel invaders from the South.
Your final stop will be at the church in the tiny town of Andahuaylillas. Adorned with beautiful frescoes, gold leaf, and incredible wood sculpture, this church rightfully earns the title of the “Sistine chapel of the Americas.” As your bus journey comes to a close, you’ll see rustic suburbs transform into the historic center of Cusco where we’ll bring you to your hotel in the historic city center.
Take a hot shower, put your feet up, and watch the lights start to twinkle on the hills around the city!

Accommodation: Casa Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7: Exploring the Imperial City of Cusco

Private tour of Cusco

Early in the afternoon, your private guide will proceed to illuminate Cusco’s rich tapestry woven by its inviting cobblestone streets, charming neighborhoods, and astounding landmarks. You’ll begin on-foot, and then be met by your private car toward the end of your tour.
Your first stop of the day will be to the Santo Domingo monastery, perched atop the most sacred of Incan sites, the Qoricancha temple of the sun. Once bathed in 24-karat gold long-since pilfered by Spanish conquistadors, this temple is now an astounding blend of Incan stonemasonry and colonial architecture.
From there you’ll stop in at the colonial Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, before climbing up to the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, known for its whitewashed adobe buildings and quaint blue balconies, home to generations of renowned Cusco artisans. Next, journey into the hills above the Plaza de Armas to visit the Incan fortress at Sacsayhuaman, the red fort at Pukapukara and the fountains at Tambomachay! Upon conclusion of your tour your guide will leave you with suggestions for the remainder of your day here, to explore the Imperial City at your leisure.

Accommodation: Casa Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8:  The Agricultural Past & Present

Private tour of the ruins at Moray / The salt pans at Maras / A rural village

Today you will weave through the Sacred Valley’s most fertile agricultural lands and experience an unforgettable blend of the past, present, and future.
Your first stop of the day will be revisiting centuries past at the ancient Inca ruins at Moray. Some experts still believe these concentric circles served as an agricultural laboratory, though nobody has yet been able to confirm their true purpose. Form your own hypothesis as you peer deep into these beautiful feats of engineering and stonemasonry. We will then transport
ourselves to the present and continue through the small town of Maras before arriving at iconic salt pans carved into the mountainside. In use to this day, each of thousands of flat white pools terracing the hillside has been passed down through generations since pre-Incan times, providing sustenance and income.
The intricate network of waterways and white evaporation pools seem like a work of modern art. We will then pause for a locally-prepared lunch enjoyed with panoramic views.
After lunch, we will take you to visit our friends in a small village and glimpse the promising future that awaits the rural Sacred Valley. Surrounded by towering mountains and hugging the shore of the breathtakingly blue Lake Piuray, agriculture dominates life in this close-knit place. The women of the village are weaving masters that use Incan techniques, materials, and patterns, and have formed a weaving association providing community development through sales and teachings. You might also meet some of the local children who attend Kuoda’s after-school program, which provides a much needed haven of extra school supplies, homework help, and perhaps most importantly, encouragement to stay in school. The kids love to show off their drawings and computer skills!
This town is far off the beaten-track, so you won’t see other travellers here. You will get to meet some of the friendliest people in Peru and witness how a more traditional way of life is adapting to the passage of time. Finally, after experiencing first-hand the past, present, and future of the Sacred Valley, we will bring you to your hotel for the evening in the Valley.

Accommodation: Tambo del Inka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9: Delving into Past and Present in the Sacred Valley

Private tour of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, visiting Incan ruins and indigenous markets

Today, we will take you first to the ancient town of Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining places in Peru that retains its original Incan urban planning. You’ll note still-functioning street canals, multi-family houses with secret interior courtyards and iconic Incan trapezoidal doors! Here we’ll visit the Incan fortress perched on the mountainside overlooking the sleepy pueblo, and learn about nearby stone quarries and the pivotal Incan battle fought here.
First, stop at the traditional market of Pisac where vendors come from miles around to peddle their wares: plantbased dyes and pigments, hand-made cloth and ceramics, and locally-forged silver jewelry.
Next, continue up the mountain in your private vehicle for today’s final stop at the ruins overlooking Pisac. Here, you’ll learn about the complexity of the Incan agricultural system, their methods of cultivating thousands of varieties of corn and potatoes, and you’ll watch the sun sink over the tips of the Andes Mountains surrounding you.
Your final stop today will be at your hotel, where you’ll pass an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Tambo del Inka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: The Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu

Morning train through the cloud forest / Private tour of Machu Picchu

Prepare for a climactic day! In the morning, we will board the train in Ollantaytambo for our journey to Machu Picchu. Watch the cloud jungle pass by through the large glass windows! After a bus ride to the gates of this wonder of the world, you will then ascend stone steps, through heavy tree cover to finally emerge at the top of the world – Machu Picchu. The incredible Inca stone construction will be spread below, alternately hidden and revealed by clouds. Your expert guide will give you a private tour of the ancient city.
Lunch will be served on-site at the Sanctuary Lodge whenever you get hungry. Afterwards, feel free to return to the site to continue exploring, or descend to your hotel.
Upon returning for an evening in Aguas Calientes, your guide will give you advice and answer questions about how you might use your following free day. Enjoy an excellent dinner on-site at your hotel and fall into bed, lulled to sleep by the sound of the cloud forest around you.

Accommodation: Machu Picchu Pueblo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Machu Picchu on Your Terms

A free day to explore the ancient city at your own pace

This is your day to relax and enjoy Machu Picchu. The adventurous can hike the Machu Picchu Mountain trail for a postcard view of the city. Please save your Machu Picchu entry tickets from your first day, and bring them with you for your second day – due to new Machu Picchu regulations, you will need to show your stamped first-day entry tickets in order to gain second-day entry without a guide. Your guide from the first day will make sure you have all necessary documentation and will leave you with detailed instructions as to where to go!
Machu Picchu entrances, Machu Picchu Mountain entrances, and round-trip bus tickets are included today.
In the afternoon, you will need to be in Aguas Calientes for your return train. We will be waiting in the station for you and will bring you to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Casa Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Back to the Gastronomic Capital of the Americas

Flight to Lima / Culinary tour of the capital

Late this morning, we will escort you to the airport for your return flight to Lima.
When you touch down in the Lima airport, enjoy a ride along the coast as your private driver brings you to the Miraflores district.
In the afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel and bring you on an award-winning culinary tour. Along with viewing various cultural highlights of Lima and sampling goodies from world-renowned restaurants, you’ll enjoy a pisco sour demonstration with a beachfront view, learn how to prepare your own citrusy Ceviche, and sample fruit straight from the Amazon.
As your culinary tour progresses, you’ll dine at Huaca Pucllana, one of Lima’s best-known gourmet restaurants. Nestled in the heart of Miraflores, this unique restaurant boasts views of a pre-Colombian “huaca,” or pyramid temple, which is spectacularly illuminated at night. Finally, continue to the bohemian Barranco districts. In this up-and-coming artsy neighborhood, the cherry on top will be a sampling of traditional desserts. ¡Buen provecho!

Accommodation: Belmond Miraflores Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: The City of Kings and Homeward Bound Private tour of the colonial center of Lima / Return home

Early this afternoon, we’ll collect you and bring you to the heart of Peru’s “City of Kings,” where you’ll visit the Plaza Mayor, featuring the current President’s palace, the Convent of San Francisco (including subterranean catacombs!) and the Casa Aliaga, which is the western hemisphere’s oldest mansion and still owned and inhabited by the 17th
generation of the Aliaga family.
Next, we will make our way to the Pueblo Libre neighborhood, home to the Larco Herrera Museum. Housing the country’s largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts (including extensive gold and silver collections, as well as the infamous erotic archaeological collection) and providing rare open access to their exquisitely catalogued storage area, this museum is the perfect introduction to Peru’s  multi-faceted cultural history.
You will now be able to explore the capital on your own. A great place to begin: Miraflores. Overlooking the Pacific, this modern district of Lima is incredibly hip! You can enjoy the seaside parks, visit boutiques and enjoy delicious criolla food like fresh, citrusy ceviche or causa – an incredible combination of spicy mashed potatoes and creamy seafood filing! In the evening, consider hearing hot Afro-Peruvian music in one of Barranco’s peñas.
At the appropriate time, we will bring you to the airport for your your journey home.
Thank you for traveling with Kuoda Travel, and buen viaje!

Accommodation: N/A
Meals: None