- Explore the once-lost city of Machu Picchu, a New Wonder of the World
- See Andean condors glide on an exploration of the mighty Colca Canyon
- Explore the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, meeting the indigenous population
- Take an unforgettable heritage train ride to Cuzco
- Tuck into the flourishing food scene, enjoying traditional cooking and modern gastronomy
- Enjoy the comforts of Premium accommodation
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Premium
Culture
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Premium
Experience the best of Peru: Cuzco, Lima, Lake Titicaca and the once-lost Inca city of Machu Picchu
Discover Peru: home of the Inca empire and packed with natural wonders. Guided by an expert tour leader, we see the very best bits: the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the colossal Colca Canyon, and the culture-packed cities of Lima and Cuzco. There’s also time to explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World, while each night ends in the comfort of Premium accommodation.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 13 Premium nights (hotels and lodges)
- Travel by internal flight, train, boat and private air-conditioned bus
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Peru
What's Included
- All breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- Arrival and departure transfers
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Tip for the tour leader
Itinerary
Lima Cuzco
Start Lima
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the trendy Barranco district. For dinner, we gather as a group and head to Cala, a renowned restaurant by the Pacific shores to enjoy contemporary Peruvian cuisine and get to know each other.
Premium accommodation: Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel
Morning tour of Lima; evening flight to Arequipa
Begin with a tour of Lima, the epicenter of Spanish power until the city was all but destroyed by an earthquake in 1746. Many of the colonial buildings were rebuilt and we see some of them today.
Our exploration takes in the Plaza de Armas (main square), central market (where we try Peruvian fruits and street food), and Chinatown, where we eat chifa cuisine, a Peruvian-Chinese fusion that’s very popular among Peruvians.
After, we head straight to the airport for our evening flight to Arequipa, a picturesque city surrounded by giant volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Morning city tour and visit to Santa Catalina convent
Explore the historic centre of Arequipa on a morning tour, visiting the Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina convent, which was built in 1580 and is still cared for by the resident nuns. Lunch is at a picanteria (a traditional lunchtime restaurant), after which you have free time to explore further or to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Journey over the Andean high plans
A spectacular drive over the Andean high plains, known as the Altiplano, brings us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and almost certainly see vicuñas (relatives of the lama) in the highlands, before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself.
As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay for a short stop, the sight of the fertile canyon terraces is a contrast to the barren yet beautiful Altiplano landscapes.
This is the first day we may feel the effects of altitude. We don’t linger at the top of the pass, but spend the night around 11,810ft (3,600m), so take it easy on arrival.
Premium accommodation: Aranwa Pueblito, Encantado del Colca
Cruz del Condor viewpoint; explore the Uyo Uyo ruins
Spend today exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and stop in villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches.
In the afternoon, we set off to visit the pre-Inca ruins of Uyo Uyo. Start with a 10-minute transfer to Coporaque village, where we begin our hike, which includes uphill and downhill sections. We take it easy and stop along the way, including at the San Antonio viewpoint to gaze over the valley and an amphitheater built into the hillside by the Collaguas people.
Arriving at Uyo Uyo, we have 30-45 minutes for a guided tour, before returning to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Premium accommodation: Aranwa Pueblito, Encantado del Colca
Drive to Lake Titicaca
Drive (6hr 30min) through the high mountain plains to Puno, a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can spot vicuña herds and enjoy a one-hour visit to the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. Our hotel tonight is ideally situated on the Lake Titicaca shores – the perfect place to watch sunset.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno
Explore Lake Titicaca, visiting Uros and Amantani islands
Start early today (pickup is 6.40am) and jump in a boat for an adventure on Lake Titicaca, visiting two floating islands close to Puno. These human-made structures are crafted from dried reeds (totora) and have provided a home to the indigenous Uro people for centuries.
First stop is Uros, where we are welcomed by the residents and learn about their daily life. You can also take a ride around the floating islands (15 soles/US$4.50 per person, payable in cash).
Next is Amantani, one of the largest Lake Titicaca islands. First, we walk uphill for around 30 minutes to enjoy a traditional lunch in a family home. Next, we walk (one hour) to the summit of Pachamama (4,120m/13,550ft), with the chance to explore ancient ruins and enjoy incredible views – it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. Finally, we walk (1hr 30min) back down to the harbour, where we take a motorboat to Puno.
Please note: Our boat is private to our group, and we are joined by a guide from one of the island communities. The boat is enclosed, as it can get cold at this altitude, but there are large windows on all sides and an outside deck to the rear. Life jackets are provided.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno
Heritage train to Cuzco
Board the Titicaca Train for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Cuzco – the 10hr 30min route, which crosses the Peruvian Andes, is among the most beautiful in the world. We also enjoy excellent service, dining on gourmet food and enjoying afternoon tea in 1920s-style Pullman carriages, while the open-air observation car is a dream for photographers keen to capture the panoramas.
Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Morning Cuzco tour; afternoon chocolate-making class
Explore Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire, seeing the highlights both in and above the city. First head to Saqsayhuaman, a grand ceremonial center overlooking the city. Then return to the city centre to explore on foot, including a visit to Qoricancha (Sun Temple) and the Plaza de Armas to explore inside the beautiful cathedral with an expert historian guide or curator.
After a rest at the hotel, we head to the ChocoMuseo for a chocolate workshop, in which we make chocolates right from the cacao bean and sip drinks like the Mayas and Conquistadores used to. Finally, we leave with our own handmade chocolates – either a great gift or a treat for yourself.
Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Free day in Cuzco for optional activities
Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. Choose to enjoy a Peruvian cooking class, including a market visit; learn about traditional food and drink, and then feast on your self-prepared food. If you fancy something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco including paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley.
Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Sacred Valley tour, including Chinchero, Maras and Moray
Travel to the Sacred Valleyon the outskirts of Cuzco. First stop is an Andean community in the middle of the valley, where we learn from local women how they use ancient weaving and dyeing techniques to create textiles from alpaca hair.This activity also helps the women to financially support their home and families, acting as a vital income source.
With our new friends, we also help to prepare a pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish, in which hot stones are used to cook marinated potatoes, lamb, mutton, pork, chicken or guinea pig. Enjoy the meal while you relax in a unique Andean landscape, surrounded by mountains and farmlands.
After, we continue through the Sacred Valley and visit the Maras Salt Ponds, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt. Then continue to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance; however, the Incas also used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species.
Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel or Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel
Morning tour of Ollantaytambo town and ruins, train to Aguas Calientes (or optional hike to Machu Picchu)
Drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Here, we visit an immense Inca fortress and explore the town streets, which still follow the pre-conquest grid plan. Afterwards, we board the 360° Train by Inca Rail towards Aguas Calientes, a modern town close to Machu Picchu. The 1hr 45min train ride is one of the most beautiful journeys in Peru. After passing the Sacred Valley, it descends gradually alongside the Urubamba River until it reaches the cloud forest. The afternoon is free to explore the town.
Alternatively, if you wish to hike to Machu Picchu, there is an optional full-day trek that meets with the final section of the Inca Trail. Our route starts at Km104 and starts with a steep 1.25mi (2km) climb to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, where we continue to the Sun Gate for the iconic view of Machu Picchu with its mountain backdrop. This optional hike (which needs at least two people to run) must be pre-booked when you are booking your trip, as numbers are strictly limited and a permit is required. Speak to your sales representative for prices and to book.
Premium accommodation: El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel
Morning visit Machu Picchu; afternoon to Cuzco
To beat the daytrippers from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, we book early morning buses and entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
The Inca citadel is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, enhanced by a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham.
After the tour, we catch our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) in Voyager class, and then continue to Cuzco for our farewell dinner at MAP Café in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
End Cuzco
The adventure ends after breakfast. There are free transfers to Cuzco Airport for all today, which must be booked at least two weeks prior to the trip starting. Alternatively, if you’d like to continue your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this fascinating city.
Post-trip Extensions
Premium Amazon Rainforest Add-on Tour (from Cuzco)
Premium hotels and lodges
Refreshed in 2025 to provide even more luxury, the accommodations on this adventure were chosen for their excellent locations, comfort and style. You can see the full list on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below is a selection of the standout properties on this trip.
Lima: Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel (night 1)
Sitting within the bohemian Barranco district, this boutique property is close to some of the best restaurants and galleries in the city – an excellent reason to speak to your sales representative about adding pre-tour nights to your trip. The property itself is a converted 1920s mansion on a quiet street with tastefully renovated rooms.
Arequipa: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (nights 2-3)
Occupying what was the National Mint from 1836 to 1841, this Casa Andina Premium property is now a five-star hotel. The colonial-style rooms nod to its heritage, while the Alma bar and restaurant serves Peruvian fusion dishes. If you’d like to explore a little, the Plaza de Armas is a little over five minutes’ walk away.
Cuzco: Palacio del Inka (nights 8-10 and 13)
Enjoy a delightful blend of historic elegance and modern comforts at the Palacio del Inka. It sits in a 500-year-old mansion with a design influenced by Peruvian culture and colonial decor. You can also sample traditional Peruvian cuisine at the Inti Raymi restaurant, sip a pisco sour or two at the Rumi bar, or wander through the Mantay Gallery to see Peruvian works from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Worth knowing
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will inform you of any changes, which could (in rare circumstances) be at late notice.
Trip Experts
William Mirano
Expert Leader: Peru
Holger Collantes
Expert Leader: Peru
Reviews
Add your own reviewFive great and different experiences of Peru!
This is a first class itinerary which gave us five ‘mega day’ experiences of Peru, each of which was quite different from the others: seeing the wonderful condors in Colca Canyon; visiting the families on a reed island in Lake Titicaca; walking the last part of the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate; seeing the great colonial religious art and architecture in Cuzco and spending time in the rain forest on a tributary of the Amazon. These memorable experiences were separated by other days travelling through scenic landscapes, visiting interesting sites and staying in some great hotels. The Colca Lodge and ICH Lodge on the river were both wonderful. Bar one that I’ve reported to Exodus, the others were all solid four star hotels with comfortable rooms and good food and locations. The food in Peru is generally good and we had tasty lunches and dinners out. I’ll pass on the guinea pig next time though!
Most Inspirational Moment
The day on the Inca Trail and reaching the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu below us bathed in sunlight. My wife and I had been booked to do the whole Inca Trail in 2020 (and covid put paid to that) but this one day experience was brilliant and gave us great mountain views, a super Inca site in the middle of nowhere (Winay Wayna) and viewing MP at the end of the afternoon when most tourists had departed. A fabulous day! We concluded that this experience was probably better for us than doing the whole trail. We personally had no problem with the altitude although for a couple of us the trail was hard and needed to be taken slowly - but we all got the big buzz and celebration at the Sun Gate!
Thoughts on Group Leader
William was super (see previous review) but had to travel home for an emergency and was replaced by Raul - another very experienced and expert guide. Raul was excellent - great knowledge, sociability and problem-solving. He always went the extra mile for us. For example he made a real difference to the end of our own trip when we were flying on to Bolivia in middle of the night. Both these guides were first class. They took good care of those who experienced altitude effects. Thank you William and Raul. We also had three additional top class local guides in Arequipa/Colca, Lake Titicaca and the rainforest. We were well looked after through the whole trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We went in July so it was winter in Peru. Although it was hot during the day, it got pretty cold at night so we did need our layers - but the plus point was that we had no rain during the trip and plenty of blue skies. Make sure you drink a lot of water/soft drinks/ coca tea in Colca and take it easy. To help with jet lag, we flew into Lima early and had an enjoyable day visiting the old city centre and the excellent Larco Museum.
Everything Was Amazing
I spent the last year trying to decide what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. I wanted to go someplace “different” and nothing lit a spark. I thought it might be fun to do Galapagos and Machu Picchu and I happened up on Exodus Travels while trying to find that exact trip, but after stumbling upon the Premium Peru itinerary I was hit with that spark I was looking for. This was a last-minute decision for us as we booked barely two months before departure and the Exodus folks and website were so easy to work. I was able to book it in a snap. The trip was perfectly planned with great hotels, food, transportation and experiences. We were spoiled from Day 1. We didn’t have to worry about anything other than making sure we didn’t leave anything behind, that our water bottles were filled, and we were on time for our next day’s adventure. From the ocean to the mountains to the rainforest, we saw and learned about the rich history and culture of the Peruvian land and peoples. The itinerary was filled with fascinating stops, such as Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and Pun, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the rain forest. We learned about the ancient peoples and how their traditions continue today despite the European influences that have taken hold since the 1600s. The Peruvian culture is a beautiful blend of both. William, our phenomenal group leader, imbued us with his vast knowledge of the ancient and modern cultures all while ensuring our trip was all we had hoped for.
Most Inspirational Moment
The boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca was incredible. We visited these people who lived such a simple life on these man-made reed islands with reed huts, fishing and hunting and ensuring their necessities. They held on to their traditions while embracing the modernity of trading on the mainland for other needs such as solar power and other foodstuff as well as ensuring their children had a good education. It was absolutely beautiful learning about their history and seeing how they live.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I can't say enough good things about William without sounding like I'm gushing. We are grateful to have had William as our group leader. He was attentive and kind. He went out of his way to ensure our trip was perfect. My husband and I were having a difficult time with the altitude and we couldn't do the one-day Inca trail hike. It would have been a nightmare. But he waited for us to make the call, and I am positive he would have supported us in whatever decision we made. I imagine had we gone, he would have patiently helped us every step of the way. But we did decide to not do it and William made sure we were well-cared for while he and our tour mate went on the hike. Not only that, but the next day during our trek to Machu Picchu, he went out of his way to make sure we had a special experience and view of the ruins. William also went above and beyond to add experiences that weren't on the itinerary -- stops for delicacies during our road trips, additional stops that he though were important like the salt pools and the circle terraces. He wasn't just going through the motions. Peru is his country and he wanted us to experience it as much as possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't overpack. Trust me, you won't need everything on the packing list.
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Just to reaffirm how much we enjoyed it. We have so many wonderful memories!
Most Inspirational Moment
Machu Picchu, of course. But meeting a native community and having a native style lunch was a wonderful afternoon. The floating islands and meeting the native people who lived there. The rain Forrest was incredible. The boat ride on Lake titcacca was enjoyable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
William was fantastic, went above and beyond. The trip was in advance of my wife’s birthday and William made sure local bands serenaded her at a couple of meals and twice hotels had special desserts awaiting us. We felt such a great bond with our fellow traveler, William and our guest guides.
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
I really enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to anyone, my guide William and all of the local experts were so knowledgeable and really wanted to give us an authentic experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
"The main highlight for me was Machu Picchu! I loved the 1 day Inca trail upto the site, I found it challenging but worth while. The floating reed islands of lake titikaka was so fascinating, I really enjoyed that day so much! The couple of nights at Inkaterra lodge in the rainforest was fantastic (I would have loved to spend another day there)."
Thoughts on Group Leader
My guide William was absolutely fantastic, he made the trip so much more than I expected. His attention to detail was 10/10 and really wanted us to have the best experience possible. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. Always giving us information and insight about everything he possibly could, he really is an asset to Exodus travel and a great ambassador for Peru.
Trip of a Lifetime
Peru is a fascinating country and this trip explores varied terrains including urban areas, mountains, high plains, lake and rainforest. The local people we met on the trip were extremely welcoming and friendly. The country does have an issue with litter on the roadside, even in the National Park areas which is sad to see. Hopefully in time this will improve.
Most Inspirational Moment
Has to be Machu Picchu! That first sighting as you reach the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail really does take your breath away, an image to live long in the memory.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our tour leader Paul Garrido did an amazing job of organising, guiding, informing and assisting. He was with us from arrival at Lima airport to departing for home. Nothing was too much trouble and he made it clear he was contactable 24 hours a day. His lively personality really made it feel as though he was one of the group, and I genuinely believe he was a significant factor in the trip being so memorable.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't underestimate the potential issues related to being at altitude. You may experience some mild effects - I woke up in the mornings with a headache, but this could be alleviated with a couple of paracetamol. Embrace the culture. Dine on alpaca and guinea pig (unless you're vegetarian) even if you don't order it a second time. Drink at least one Pisco sour.
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Everything from the moment we arrived was brilliant and well planed and delivered.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many there was no downsides to the trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Make this man in charge of all your trips he is the best guide I have ever had
Peru
Very well organised , introduction to altitude was staggered and well coordinated .
Most Inspirational Moment
One day Inca trail to macchu picchu.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent group leader , very knowledgeable , went above and beyond to ensure we experienced Peru at its best , was always there to answer questions , reassure explain.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it , trip of a life time
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Wonderful itinerary with the amount of variety and time to acclimate without having to take any meds.
Most Inspirational Moment
I enjoyed exploring every city with the local guides providing a wealth of local color
Thoughts on Group Leader
"Uvaldo was phenomenal. He was concerned about our well being and health and demonstrated knowledge in how to avoid altitude sickness. He has encyclopedic knowledge of Inca and pre-Inca history. He was a master logistician to arrange each day's schedule and manage every detail from getting us through the servicios hygenicos most quickly to ensuring we got through all the airport lines to board our planes most efficiently. We laughed together and genuinely enjoyed his company. He encouraged us on the Inca Trail and kept us moving along steadily. I would recommend Uvaldo unconditionally to any visitor to Peru."
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