8 Days • 7 Nights
Southern Peru: Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Nazca
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The white city of Arequipa
- The condor-soaring Colca Canyon
- Terraced valleys and traditional villages
- A flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines
- The wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands
- Colonial cities, canyons and ancient mysteries
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to southern Peru. You are met at Arequipa airport and transferred to your hotel in the beautiful white city, framed by volcanoes. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner of Arequipan cuisine.
A guided tour of Arequipa, its white volcanic-stone colonial architecture, the main plaza and the stunning Santa Catalina monastery, a city within a city.
You travel across the high altiplano, past volcanoes and grazing vicunas, to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, with its terraced valleys and traditional villages.
A morning at the Cruz del Condor to watch giant Andean condors soar on the thermals, then a journey to Nazca on the desert coast.
A light-aircraft flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, vast ancient geoglyphs of animals and shapes etched into the desert, then a drive up the coast to Paracas.
A boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, teeming with sea lions, penguins and seabirds, and a visit to the desert-and-sea landscapes of the Paracas National Reserve.
A drive up the coast to Lima, with time to explore the capital's colonial centre or coastal districts and its celebrated cuisine, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of southern Peru's wonders and mysteries.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Colca lunch
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Domestic flights and the Machu Picchu train as specified
- National park, archaeological site and Machu Picchu entry fees as per itinerary
- an Arequipa tour, a Colca Canyon and condor excursion, a Nazca Lines flight, a Ballestas Islands boat trip and transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Peruvian Sol; cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas. US Dollars in good condition are also accepted in many tourist places
- Altitude: Cusco (around 3,400 metres), Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley; ascend gradually, rest, stay hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol at first
- Machu Picchu & permits: Entry to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail is by timed ticket and, for the trail, a permit that sells out months ahead; we book these for you well in advance, so early booking is recommended
- Best time to visit: The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable, with sunny days and cold nights, ideal for Machu Picchu and trekking; the wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February
- Getting around: Peru is large and varied, so itineraries use domestic flights between Lima, Cusco, the Amazon and the south, plus the scenic train to Machu Picchu; these are arranged and included where specified
- Health: A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the Amazon; bring sun protection for the intense high-altitude sun, warm layers for cold Andean nights, and drink bottled or purified water. We advise on current requirements
- Culture & power: Peru has a rich living Andean and Amazonian culture; please ask before photographing people and respect local customs. Tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 220V with type A and C plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nazca Lines flight suitable for everyone?
The flight is in a small aircraft with banking turns to view the geoglyphs, which some find bumpy, so we can advise on remedies for those prone to motion sickness. There is also a viewing tower for a limited land-based view. It is an unforgettable experience for most.
Can this be combined with Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Absolutely — southern Peru pairs beautifully with the Inca heartland of Cusco and Machu Picchu, and with Lake Titicaca, via domestic flights or the scenic overland route. We can build it into a longer journey.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a Sacred Valley lunch or full board at the Amazon lodge. Peru is a world-class culinary destination, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Are the flights and Machu Picchu train included?
Yes — the domestic flights and the scenic train to Machu Picchu specified in your itinerary are arranged and included, along with all airport and hotel transfers and Machu Picchu entry, so your journey is seamless.
Do I need a visa for Peru?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 or 183 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
How do I manage the altitude?
Cusco and the highlands are high, so we build in acclimatisation, often starting in the lower Sacred Valley, and you should rest, hydrate, eat lightly and take it easy on arrival. Coca tea helps; we advise fully, and those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor.
When is the best time to visit Peru?
The Andean dry season (May to September) is the most popular and reliable for Machu Picchu and trekking, with sunny days and cold nights. The wetter months are greener and quieter, though the Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance. We advise on timing.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon and the south, add the Inca Trail or Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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