For a quick trip that hits Peru’s major geographical and cultural sites, there is no better destination than the south. Here, according to legend, the Inca culture sprang out of Lake Titicaca (the world’s highest navigable lake), developed its base in Cusco and then spread through the lush Sacred Valley. The Spanish then arrived taking over Cusco and Arequipa, and turning the latter into Peru’s most elegant colonial city.

Surrounding these classic cultures is a landscape of towering Andean peaks, tumbling rivers, and the plummeting Colca Canyon. This 10-day tour hits the high points of southern Peru in a schedule that allows for gradual acclimatization to altitude.

Day 1

Plan for an early-morning arrival in Lima, fly on to Cusco, and head to Pisac, where you’ll overnight.

Day 2

Tour the Sacred Valley, with visits to Moray and Ollantaytambo.

Day 3

Wander around Ollantaytambo and catch the evening Backpacker train to Aguas Calientes, your base for seeing Machu Picchu.

Day 4

Rise early to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you can either hike to Huayna Picchu or indulge in a gourmet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Then take the train for a two-day stay in Cusco.

Days 5–6

Tour Cusco, taking two days to soak in the sights. Travelers with a bit more time may want to extend this trip from Cusco with a visit to biodiverse Manu Biosphere Reserve (5–7 days) or a visit to Lake Titicaca (3–5 days).

Day 7

Hop a morning flight to Arequipa to see the city’s elegant Monasterio Santa de Catalina and Plaza de Armas.

Day 8

Leave early the next morning for Colca Canyon and keep a sharp eye out for herds of vicuña along the way. The adventurous can mountain bike the final descent to the Colca Lodge, where you will stargaze that night and soak your weary feet in riverside hot springs.

Day 9

Rise the next morning to tour Colca. See Andean condors and stone villages before returning to Arequipa.

Day 10

Catch a morning flight from Arequipa to Lima, where you have a chance to see colonial architecture, shop, and have a gourmet meal before catching your flight home.