High Points of the South

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 [1] (the world’s highest navigable lake), developed its base in Cusco [2] and then spread through the lush Sacred Valley [3]. The Spanish then arrived taking over Cusco and Arequipa [4], 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 [5]. 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 [6], fly on to Cusco, and head to Pisac [7], where you’ll overnight.

Day 2

Tour the Sacred Valley [3], with visits to Moray [8] and Ollantaytambo [9].

Day 3

Wander around Ollantaytambo and catch the evening Backpacker train to Aguas Calientes [10], your base for seeing Machu Picchu [11].

Day 4

Rise early to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, you can either hike to Huayna Picchu [12] or indulge in a gourmet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge [13]. 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 [14] (5–7 days) or a visit to Lake Titicaca [1] (3–5 days).

Day 7

Hop a morning flight to Arequipa [4] to see the city’s elegant Monasterio Santa de Catalina [15] and Plaza de Armas [16].

Day 8

Leave early the next morning for Colca Canyon [5] 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 [17], where you will stargaze that night and soak your weary feet in riverside hot springs.

Day 9

Rise the next morning to tour Colca [5]. See Andean condors and stone villages before returning to Arequipa.

Day 10

Catch a morning flight from Arequipa to Lima [6], where you have a chance to see colonial architecture, shop, and have a gourmet meal before catching your flight home.