The Ultimate Trans-Andean Odyssey
Embark on Peru’s most legendary land route, an epic 12-day journey that seamlessly links the greatest historical and natural wonders of the southern Andes. This carefully paced, fully guided luxury expedition is designed for travelers who wish to experience the profound diversity of Peru without the stress of complex logistics. From domestic flights to scenic trains and private transfers across the Altiplano, every detail is expertly orchestrated.
Your journey commences in the imperial city of Cusco, exploring the megalithic ruins of the Incan Empire, the agricultural heartland of the Sacred Valley, and the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu. From there, you will traverse the spectacular "Route of the Sun" across the high Andes to reach the shores of Lake Titicaca, where you will spend an unforgettable night on Taquile Island. The odyssey continues across vast highland plains, soaring to altitudes of 4,850m, before descending into the magnificent Colca Canyon—one of the deepest ravines on Earth. Here, you will witness the majestic flight of the Andean Condor before concluding your adventure in the elegant, volcanic-stone city of Arequipa.
Package Highlights
Machu Picchu & Cusco
Uncover the architectural genius of the Incas with private tours of Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, and a scenic train ride to the Lost City.
Lake Titicaca Overnight
Sail the highest navigable lake in the world, visit the Uros floating reed islands, and enjoy an authentic homestay on beautiful Taquile Island.
Colca Canyon Condors
Stand at the edge of the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, gazing into a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, to witness condors soaring on thermal drafts.
The Route of the Sun
Travel by road from Cusco to Puno through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, visiting ancient pre-Incan temples and the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes."
Detailed Itinerary
The Grand Southern Circuit
Maximum Pass Altitude: 4,850 m / 15,912 ft (Patapampa)
DAY 1: Welcome to Peru - Lima City of Kings
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Because most international flights land late at night when domestic connections are unavailable, we prioritize your absolute comfort. Upon arrival, our team will warmly greet you and assist you to one of the best premium hotels located very close to the airport. Rest peacefully to recharge for your domestic flight the next morning.
DAY 2: Flight to Cusco, The Imperial City
Arrival & City Walking Tour
We will take you to the Lima airport for your included domestic flight to Cusco. Upon landing in the "navel of the world," your private guide will welcome you and transfer you to your premium hotel. We begin exploring the city in San Blas, the oldest neighborhood, followed by the flawless 12-Angled Stone and the majestic Cusco Cathedral.
Qoricancha & Megalithic Ruins
We then visit the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the vibrant San Pedro Market. After an excellent local lunch, we will head to the city limits to explore the massive megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman, featuring limestone blocks weighing up to 130 tons, along with Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: The Sacred Valley & Pisaq's Jewel
Pisaq Market & Andean Communities
After breakfast, descend into the Sacred Valley, greeted by the Vilcanota River. Arrive at the colonial town of Pisaq to explore its narrow stone streets and traditional market. You will then visit a native community where local hosts will demonstrate their ancestral textile manufacturing processes and teach you about the incredible variety of native Andean potatoes.
Pisaq Ruins & Inkariy Museum
After a delicious, farm-to-table lunch, explore the archaeological jewel of Pisaq, renowned for its massive stepped terraces built on steep Andean slopes. Later, we visit the Inkariy Museum, an immersive exhibition showcasing the pre-Hispanic cultures that shaped Peru. Relax for the night at one of the valley's finest hotels.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Chinchero, Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
Chinchero Palace & Moray Laboratory
Your private tour continues to the Archaeological Park of Chinchero, the former palace of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. We then venture to Moray, an impressive agricultural experimental site featuring deep, circular stepped terraces that created distinct microclimates for ancient crop testing.
Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo
Next, we visit the stunning Maras Salt Mines, consisting of thousands of shimmering white salt wells harvested since pre-Incan times. To finish the day, we will take you to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night surrounded by magnificent ancient stone architecture.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Scenic Train & The Citadel
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Board the scenic train in Ollantaytambo for a beautiful 1.5-hour journey into the cloud forest. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, your private guide will escort you via the dedicated shuttle bus directly to the gates of Machu Picchu, "The Lost City of the Incas."
Guided Exploration & Free Afternoon
During your comprehensive private tour, you will learn the history of the citadel, visiting the Sun and Condor temples, aqueducts, and sacred terraces. You will then have time to explore short trails on your own, such as the path to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the secret Inca Bridge. We will return to Aguas Calientes via bus, where you can relax in the hot springs and enjoy your premium hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Return to Cusco & Culinary Masterclass
Train Return & Andean Cooking
Early in the morning, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will meet you to ascend back to Cusco. In the afternoon, dive into Peru's world-renowned gastronomy with a private cooking class led by a professional Peruvian chef. You will prepare iconic Andean dishes, enjoying an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and a celebratory Pisco Sour toast!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Prepared during class)
DAY 7: Cusco to Lake Titicaca (The Route of the Sun)
Andahuaylillas, Raqchi & La Raya Pass
Early in the morning, embark on a spectacular road trip across the Andes towards Lake Titicaca. You will stop at the Andahuaylillas church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes," and the immense Inca temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi. After lunch, you will cross the breathtaking La Raya Pass (4,300m / 14,100ft), the highest point of this route, arriving in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca by late afternoon.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Lake Titicaca & Taquile Island Overnight
Uros Floating Islands
Today, you will navigate the highest navigable lake in the world. We first visit the Uros Floating Islands, constructed entirely from native totora reeds. You will be amazed to see how locals use this plant to build their homes and islands, and you will enjoy a smooth ride on a traditional reed canoe.
Taquile Homestay
We continue via motorboat to Taquile Island, famous for its UNESCO-recognized textile art. After a lunch of incredibly fresh lake trout, you will enjoy a scenic hike around the island. In the evening, you will be welcomed into a cozy island cabin by a local family, enjoying a home-cooked Peruvian dinner and a peaceful night’s rest away from the crowds.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: Lake Titicaca Sunrise & Return to Puno
Island Morning & Return Journey
Early in the morning, enjoy a local breakfast with a spectacular, unobstructed view of the sunrise illuminating the vastness of Lake Titicaca. After breakfast, you will take a guided walk to learn about Taquile's pre-Incan constructions and agricultural terraces, deeply immersing yourself in a culture that has stood the test of time. In the afternoon, we navigate back to Puno for a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10: From the Altiplano to the Colca Canyon
Crossing the High Andes
Leave Lake Titicaca behind as we journey towards the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. This stunning 6-hour drive takes you through magnificent landscapes dotted with lagoons, trout farms, and flocks of Andean flamingos. You will cross the towering Patapampa Pass (4,850m / 15,912ft), offering unbelievable panoramic views of volcanic peaks.
Thermal Baths & Relaxation
Upon arrival at the picturesque villages near the canyon's entrance, you will check into your premium lodge. Spend the afternoon at your leisure—hike around the town, soak in the natural volcanic thermal baths, or simply relax surrounded by the breathtaking Andean nature.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11: Colca Canyon Condors & Arequipa
Cruz del Condor
Very early in the morning, we travel along the edge of the canyon, passing ancient colonial villages where time seems to have stood still. We arrive at the "Mirador Cruz del Condor," the ultimate vantage point overlooking a drop of 1,200 meters. Here, you will witness the awe-inspiring sight of majestic Andean Condors gliding effortlessly on thermal updrafts with breathtaking scenery in the background.
Journey to the White City
After a short hike along the canyon rim and a nicely prepared local lunch, we begin our descent out of the highlands. A scenic 4-hour drive past spectacular glaciers and volcanoes brings you to the elegant city of Arequipa, built almost entirely from white volcanic stone (sillar).
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Departure from Arequipa
Farewell to Peru
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the beautiful city of Arequipa. At the appropriate time, your private driver will transfer you to the Arequipa Airport for your included domestic flight back to Lima (approx. 1.5 hours). You will arrive in Lima with ample time to connect to your international flight homeward bound. We hope your grand Andean odyssey leaves you with memories for a lifetime!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Prices
What's Included
- 2 Domestic Flights Included (Lima - Cusco, Arequipa - Lima).
- Airport pick-ups and all ground transfers (Lima, Cusco, Puno, Colca, Arequipa).
- 10 Nights premium hotel accommodation based on selected category.
- 1 Night authentic homestay on Taquile Island (Lake Titicaca).
- Round-trip scenic train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel).
- Professional, English-speaking private guides for all excursions.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon (Boleto Turístico).
- Exclusive Peruvian Culinary Masterclass in Cusco.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Peru.
- Permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs.
- Thermal bath entrance fees in the Colca Canyon (optional).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Machu Picchu Circuits & Availability: To secure the most complete circuits, booking months in advance is strictly required. For last-minute bookings, the Ministry of Culture releases 1,000 tickets daily for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes for the following day. Your private guide will personally assist you in securing these tickets.
- Altitude Preparation: This itinerary reaches extreme altitudes, including passes over 4,800m (15,900ft). We strongly recommend consulting your doctor regarding altitude medication (like Acetazolamide) and drinking plenty of coca tea during the trip.
- Train Luggage Limits: The train to Machu Picchu has a strict luggage limit (1 small backpack/bag per person). Your main luggage will be securely transferred and stored at your hotel in Cusco.