Southern Peru Explorer

12 Days • 8 destinations

Our Vamoso Travel experts have worked on the Southern Explorer for those adventurous travelers who are eager to explore Peru’s most iconic destinations.

Whether you’re chasing wildlife, discovering ancient Inca ruins, or immersing yourself in vibrant Andean traditions, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and local experiences.

Destinations

8 destinations

Starts at

Lima

Ends at

Cusco

Group size


GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

From 1,899 was 2,199 USD

Get in touch with our local, expert team and they’ll be happy to assist and answer your questions!

What you will see & do

Peru’s Culinary Prestige

Three of the world's top 50 restaurants are in Lima. What better way to start your journey than with an expert-led Peruvian cooking class?

Master the Art of Ceviche

Immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and learn to prepare the most delicious ceviche with our expert chefs.

Wildlife Encounters on the Ballestas Islands

See sea lions, penguins, and thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat on this boat tour, often called “The Poor Man’s Galapagos.”

Dune Buggy & Sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis

Experience the thrill of racing through towering dunes in a buggy and sliding down them on a sandboard.

Explore Cusco Like a Local

Walk through the heart of the Inca Empire, uncovering the magic of its streets and hidden secrets with a knowledgeable local guide.

San Blas Artisan Quarter

Stroll through this bohemian district, be inspired by its cobblestone streets, and enjoy breathtaking views of Cusco from its scenic lookout.

San Pedro Market – A Historic Gem

Visit Cusco’s oldest and most traditional market, designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel (yes, the mind behind the Eiffel Tower).

Recharge in the Sacred Valley

Marvel at stunning landscapes and dive deep into the rich culture and history of this ancient Inca sanctuary.

The Magic of Pisac

Discover one of the region’s most famous artisan markets and explore the impressive archaeological complex guarding the town.

A Culinary Experience in Ollantaytambo

Indulge in authentic Peruvian flavors at the foothills of the last Inca stronghold, surrounded by breathtaking history.

Conquer the Fortress of Ollantaytambo

Climb through this awe-inspiring Inca stronghold, an architectural masterpiece that will leave you in awe.

A Luxury Train Journey

Travel in style from the Andes to the high Amazon rainforest aboard a scenic train, arriving at the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu With an Expert Guide

Step into this Incan paradise, where breathtaking architecture and dramatic mountain landscapes await.

Travel the Ruta del Sol from Cusco to Puno

A scenic road trip with guided stops at Pucará, Raqchi, and the stunning Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”

Experience Local Life on Lake Titicaca

Stay with a host family on Amantani Island, where you’ll share meals, traditions, and the stunning views of the highest navigable lake in the world.

Step into a World of Ancient Traditions

Visit the Uros Floating Islands, where indigenous communities have lived for centuries on handmade reed islands.

Explore Llachón Peninsula’s Hidden Beauty

A less-visited gem on Lake Titicaca, offering stunning views, cultural encounters, and peaceful surroundings.

Step Into History at the Santa Catalina Monastery

Wander through the vibrant streets of this vast colonial convent in Arequipa, a beautifully preserved architectural gem that feels like a city within a city.

Experience the White City of Arequipa

Walk through the colonial streets of Arequipa, framed by volcanic peaks, and discover its rich history and lively culture.

Marvel at the Depths of Colca Canyon

Witness the majestic Andean condors soaring above one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Explore Traditional Villages in the Colca Canyon

Visit charming Andean villages like Maca, Yanque & Chivay, where locals maintain centuries-old customs, from traditional dress to farming terraces that date back to the Incas.

Customize Your Adventure

Enjoy free days in Cusco, with options to hike Rainbow Mountain, visit Humantay Lake, or take an ATV adventure in the Sacred Valley.

Why choose Vamoso Travel?

Daily Departures - Peru’s premier group travel company, offering guaranteed departures every day.

Vamoso Travel Guide - Your dedicated expert, ensuring a seamless, enriching, and stress-free travel experience.

Round-the-clock local assistance - Reliable assistance anytime, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.

Unbeatable prices - Get the best value for your adventure without compromising on quality, comfort, or service.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

From 1,899 USD was 2,199 USD

Get in touch with our local, expert team and they’ll be happy to assist and answer your questions!

Itinerary

Land in Lima and dive straight into Peruvian flavors with a smooth pickup, friendly briefing, and a hands-on cooking class.

Essentials (all included)

  • Private airport transfer – Your Vamoso guide meets you on arrival and ensures a smooth transfer to your accommodation.
  • Welcome briefing – Quick rundown of the trip, insider tips, and any last-minute questions to make sure you feel comfortable and ready for your trip.
  • Peruvian Cooking Class – Master three classics: Ceviche, Causa and Pisco Sour

Optional add-on (available upon booking)

  • Lima Walking Tour – Wander colonial streets and local markets with a local expert. Ideal for those arriving early.

Sleep: Lima

Jump south from Lima for wildlife-packed seas in Paracas and dune-blasting fun in Huacachina before rolling back to the capital tonight.

Essentials (all included)

  • Coastal transfer – Settle in for a scenic drive to Paracas.
  • Ballestas Islands boat tour – Known as Peru’s Mini-Galapagos. Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and the cliff-etched Candelabra geoglyph.
  • Huacachina dune buggy & sandboarding – Hold on tight as you ride high-speed buggies up the towering dunes, then slide down on an exhilarating sandboard — safe, fast, unforgettable.
  • Evening coach to Lima – Relax as desert landscapes fade into city lights.

Sleep: Lima

After breakfast, fly up to Cusco this morning and settle into the high-Andes capital with a seamless pickup. Your Vamoso Travel Guide will ensure a smooth arrival, helping you with any acclimatization needs and providing insights.

Essentials (all included)

  • Morning flight – Quick flight from Lima to Cusco (ticket included).
  • Private airport transfer – Your Vamoso guide meets you on arrival and takes you to your hotel hassle-free.
  • Cusco walking tour – Discover Cusco’s layered history. Wander the Plaza de Armas, Koricancha temple, and artisan lanes to soak in Inca-Spanish architecture.

Sleep: Cusco

Leave the city behind and journey into the lush landscapes of the Sacred Valley, once the heart of the Inca Empire. Later, continue to Aguas Calientes and end your day at the foothills of Machu Picchu.

Essentials (all included)

  • Sacred Valley drive – Leave Cusco for fertile valley landscapes once the Inca breadbasket.
  • Pisac ruins & market – Terraced temples and a vibrant crafts bazaar high above the Urubamba River.
  • Ollantaytambo fortress – Climb massive Inca stonework that defied Spanish conquest.
  • Cultural immersion – Visit a weaving community to see Andean textile art and taste local flavors.
  • Scenic train to Aguas Calientes – Glide along the Urubamba River, mountains rising on all sides.

Sleep: Aguas Calientes

Prepare for an unforgettable day as you explore the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Essentials (all included)

  • Reach Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, and witness the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu bathed in the golden light of dawn.
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu – Time to explore its ancient temples, royal quarters, and terraces, and learn about the fascinating history and mysteries of this majestic citadel. Entry ticket is included.
  • Return to Cusco – Take the scenic train ride back, where your Vamoso Travel Guide ensures a smooth journey.

Overnight in Cusco

Enjoy a free day in Cusco to relax, explore at your own pace, or embark on an optional adventure.

Optional add-on (available upon booking)

  • Maras/Moray ATV Adventure – Embark on an exhilarating ATV adventure through the stunning Andean landscapes, exploring Moray’s unique circular terraces and Maras’s salt mines.
  • Rainbow Mountain Tour – Challenge yourself with a trek to Vinicunca and witness spectacle of vibrant, multi-colored stripes adorning the mountainside.
  • Humantay Lake Tour – Visit the stunning turquoise gem nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, and capture unforgettable photos of this breathtaking natural wonder.

Sleep: Cusco

Discover one of Peru’s best hidden secrets: the Ruta del Sol. A journey from Cusco to Puno full of Inca sites and artisan towns, with the beautiful scenery of the Andean highlands.

Essentials (all included)

  • Scenic Ruta del Sol drive – Mountain vistas and sweeping valleys all day.
  • Andahuaylillas Church – Witness the amazing interior design of the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
  • Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha – Walk through the huge adobe walls of an Inca pilgrimage site.
  • Andean buffet lunch – Taste delicious local flavors such as quinoa, alpaca, and more.
  • Pucará archaeological site – Discover pre-Inca ruins and the famous ceramic bulls.
  • Evening arrival in Puno – Settle in on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Sleep: Puno

Enjoy the wonders of Lake Titicaca, from the floating islands of the Uros to the Amantani Island and Llachón Peninsula.

Essentials (all included)

  • Amantani Island visit – Meet local families and learn about daily life on the island.
  • Llachón Peninsula – Interact with the local Quechua-speaking community, enjoy spectacular views of Lake Titicaca and a delicious and fresh local lunch.
  • Free time in Puno – Walk the main square or browse hand-woven textiles.
  • Overnight bus to Arequipa – Reclining seats, blankets, and on-board restrooms for a smooth trip south.

Wake up in Peru’s “White City”. Considered one of Peru’s most beautiful cities, Arequipa welcomes you with its beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and views of it’s imposing volcanos.

Essentials (all included)

  • Arequipa walking tour – Stroll the main square and bright-stone streets of this UNESCO-listed centre.
  • Santa Catalina Monastery – Step inside colourful lanes full of history and secrets, once home to hundreds of nuns.
  • Free evening – Grab a rooftop view of El Misti or sample local dishes like rocoto relleno.

Sleep: Arequipa

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Colca Canyon, a land of dramatic landscapes, soaring condors, and traditional Andean villages.

Essentials (all included)

  • Breakfast in Achoma – Warm drinks and local bread in a Colca Valley village.
  • Cruz del Condor lookout – Watch giant Andean condors rise on morning air currents.
  • Antahuilque Lagoon stop – Quick photo break of farm terraces and calm water.
  • Maca & Yanque visits – Short walks to stone churches and craft stalls.
  • Volcano views – Snap shots of the snow-topped peaks around the canyon.
  • Salinas y Aguada Blanca Reserve – Spot wild llamas and vicuñas on open plains.
  • Evening drive back – Reach Arequipa in time for dinner.

Optional

  • Savor a delicious buffet lunch in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Canyon area.

Sleep: Arequipa

Savor your final moments in Arequipa, perhaps exploring local markets, visiting museums, or simply enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

Conclude your Peruvian odyssey with a memorable farewell dinner. Gather with your fellow travelers to share stories and memories, savoring a delicious traditional meal that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Peru. 

Essentials (all included)

  • Free Morning in Arequipa– Explore at your own pace or shop for souvenirs.
  • Flight to Lima & Hotel Transfer – Seamless assistance from your Vamoso Travel Guide.

Sleep: Lima

As your Peruvian adventure comes to a close, cherish the incredible memories you’ve created in this journey.

Depart from Lima at your leisure, taking with you the unforgettable experiences of your Peruvian adventure.

Highlights

Huacachina

Machu Picchu

Lake Titicaca

Arequipa

What’s included in this experience

Transfers & Transportation

Arrival airport transfer in Lima

Direct bus: Lima → Paracas → Huacachina → Lima

Train Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Train and Bus Ticket to Cusco

Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

Bus Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Ruta del Sol tourist bus: Cusco → Puno

Boat transport for Lake Titicaca tour

Overnight tourist bus: Puno → Arequipa

Private transfers for included tours

Private transfers between destinations

Departure airport transfer in Arequipa

Guided Tours & Activities

Lima Cooking Class

Cusco Walking Tour

Sacred Valley Tour

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Ballestas Islands Boat Tour

Dune Buggy & Sandboarding

Ruta del Sol Tour: Cusco to Puno

Lake Titicaca Full-Day Tour

Arequipa Walking Tour

Santa Catalina Monastery

Colca Canyon Tour

Farewell Dinner

Entrance Fees

Machu Picchu entry

Sacred Valley entry

Ruta del Sol archaeological site entries

Santa Catalina Monastery entry

Colca Canyon entry

Huacachina Dunes entry

Meals

12 Breakfasts

5 Lunches

1 Dinner

Accommodation (optional)

3 nights in Lima

3 nights in Cusco

1 night in Aguas Calientes

1 night in Puno

2 nights in Arequipa

1 Overnight bus Puno → Arequipa (Included in the package)

Extras (add to upgrade experience):

Rainbow Mountain Tour

Humantay Lake Tour

ATV M&M Adventure (Morning or Afternoon)

Lima Walking Tour

Ruta del Sillar (Arequipa)

Curated stays

Exceptional comfort at every level

Tierra Viva Miraflores
Tierra Viva Miraflores

Tierra Viva Miraflores

Casa Andina Select
Casa Andina Select

Casa Andina Select

Casa Andina Premium
Casa Andina Premium

Casa Andina Premium

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro

Tierra Viva Cusco Centro

Costa Del Sol Wyndham
Costa Del Sol Wyndham

Costa Del Sol Wyndham

Casa Andina Premium
Casa Andina Premium

Casa Andina Premium

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu

Tierra Viva Machu Picchu

El Mapi by Inkaterra
El Mapi by Inkaterra

El Mapi by Inkaterra

Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel
Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel

Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel

Tierra Viva Puno
Tierra Viva Puno

Tierra Viva Puno

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca
Sonesta Posadas Del Inca

Sonesta Posadas Del Inca

Casa Andina Premium Puno
Casa Andina Premium Puno

Casa Andina Premium Puno

Tierra Viva Arequipa
Tierra Viva Arequipa

Tierra Viva Arequipa

Casa Andina Select
Casa Andina Select

Casa Andina Select

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa

Southern Peru Explorer Package FAQs

This itinerary blends adventure, culture, and history, taking you from Peru’s coast to the Andes. You’ll explore iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Huacachina Oasis, Paracas, experience the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and marvel at the Colca Canyon’s condors—all while enjoying local cuisine and unique activities.

  • International and domestic flights.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses and tips.

The hikes to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Colca Canyon vary in difficulty. While no technical experience is required, some sections are challenging due to altitude.

Yes! We offer the option to upgrade to private tours for a more personalized experience. Let us know your preference, and we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.

  1.  Essentials include:
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Warm layers for the Andean highlands.
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
  • Rain jacket (especially for Cusco & Machu Picchu).

Cities like Cusco (3,400m) and Puno (3,800m) are at high altitudes. We recommend acclimatizing by taking it easy on arrival, staying hydrated, and drinking coca tea.

We don’t include international or domestic airfares, but we can assist you in booking them if needed.

Absolutely! While the itinerary follows a recommended schedule, we can adjust the start date based on your availability.

The best months are April to October, when there is less rain and better visibility for hikes and tours.

Passengers can choose to book this package without accommodation or select between 3-, 4-, or 5-star hotels, depending on their preference and budget.

Vamoso Travels FAQs

We offer personalized experiences, expert local guidance, 24/7 support, and unbeatable value. Travel with confidence knowing every detail is handled by professionals.

Our packages can be purchased with comfortable 3, 4, and 5-star hotels with private rooms or without accommodation.

Most activities are in small group tours, but private options can be arranged for a more exclusive experience.

Yes! Speak with our team about modifications, private tours, or additional activities.

From
1,899 was 2,199 USD

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