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The beauties of Peru in a single journey: from Lima to Huacachina, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, trekking at Rainbow Mountain, Arequipa, Cuzco, and of course, Machu Picchu. One of those “once-in-a-lifetime” adventures.

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Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
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Itinerary

Peru is a country of extraordinary landscapes and ancient civilisations, and this itinerary takes us deep into its history and natural beauty: from Inca cities and dramatic canyons to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

From Lima we head inland to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, where condors soar above the peaks. We continue to Chivay and then Lake Titicaca, to meet local communities and learn about their traditions. Next comes a high-altitude trek on Rainbow Mountain, followed by the Sacred Valley and the iconic archaeological site of Machu Picchu. We return to Lima at the end, with a collection of unforgettable experiences.

Travel route map of Peru showing an itinerary loop starting and ending in Lima.
A man in a white t-shirt stands on a stone wall overlooking ancient terraced ruins and a steep mountain peak under a cloudy sky.

Check-in: the adventure begins in Lima

Round-trip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.

After checking into the hotel and gathering for the Welcome Meeting, we spend the afternoon in the modern capital of Peru, the cultural and economic centre of the country.

  • The historic centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Picturesque residential neighbourhoods overlooking the Pacific ocean

  • Then our first group dinner together!

A wide, sandy beach beside a calm body of water, with green grassy patches and a rocky headland under a partly cloudy sky.

To the desert

We head by bus to the National Reserve of Paracas. Can you guess where the name comes from?

  • "Para" means storm, "aca" means sand

  • A vast desert area overlooking the ocean, with very strong gusts of wind that make it wild and impressive

  • Almost otherworldly landscapes, then an excursion to the nearby Ballestas Islands

The Peruvian Galapagos

The Ballestas Islands are considered the Peruvian Galapagos thanks to their particular ecosystem.

  • A two-hour excursion among penguins, sea lions and various birds; if we are lucky, we'll also meet the friendly dolphins

  • Back on the mainland, a bus takes us to Ica, where we finally enjoy our dinner

  • Then our night bus heads straight to Arequipa while we fall asleep

An elevated view of a bustling city plaza filled with palm trees, green spaces, and people walking among historic buildings under a cloudy sky.

Welcome to Arequipa

Finally, we arrive in Arequipa, the famous white city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

  • It lies at the foot of the majestic El Misti volcano, 19101 ft tall

  • After the night bus, time to freshen up at the accommodation before heading out to explore the white city

Let’s visit the city

In the afternoon we begin to get used to the altitude and visit the historic center.

  • The Santa Catalina Monastery, dating back to 1580 and covering 215,278 square ft: an entire neighbourhood that makes it the largest religious building in Peru!

  • Sunset is the best time to admire the view of the city

  • Dinner with local specialties like cuy... if you're feeling brave!

A WeRoad group trip on a rocky viewpoint photographs a condor flying over a mountain canyon under a cloudy sky.

From Arequipa to Chivay

We set off from Arequipa around 4am towards Chivay, at 12,000 ft above sea level, the gateway to the Colca Canyon.

  • About 5 hours through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, with llamas, alpacas and majestic smoky volcanoes along the way: plenty of photo breaks!

  • After a quick breakfast, our first high-altitude hike: 40 minutes to the summit above the Cruz del Condor, where condors may fly over our heads if we arrive early and the weather is nice

  • IMPORTANT: we'll reach 16,400 ft along the way and everyone reacts differently to altitude. Severe dizziness, wheezing and even vomiting may occur, but we can easily buy adequate medicines for altitude sickness prevention

  • In the afternoon in Chivay we slowly get used to the altitude and visit the historic centre and its characteristic market

A rocky hillside with green terraced fields and trees overlooks a large blue lake under a partly cloudy sky.

Dinner with the locals

We set off to the largest freshwater basin in South America: Lake Titicaca! It takes about 6 hours, but we promise it's worth it.

  • A break for great views at the Mirador de Los Volcanes

  • In Puno, the locals welcome us with a delicious family dinner and specialities of the local cuisine

  • The perfect way to ask about their habits and traditions, interact with the children and get to know the most traditional and colourful Peruvian dance

A WeRoad group trip in traditional red and white clothing poses on a rocky hilltop overlooking a body of water at sunset.

The floating Uros Islands

We wake up in a place that feels enchanted, surrounded by peace and silence. Today we leave Luquina and set out at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level.

  • A breathtaking panoramic boat excursion among the floating islands of Uros

  • Artificial islets built from totora reeds, an aquatic plant, and home to around 1,800 people of this ethnic group

  • For the boldest travellers, a refreshing dive is an absolute must!

Towards the Rainbow Mountain!

After cruising across the highest navigable lake in the world, we return to Puno and hit the road to our next stop: Rainbow Mountain!

A WeRoad group trip poses for a photo on a mountainside with a large, colorful, striped mountain in the background under a blue sky.

Hiking day

A little confession: today is the most beautiful and challenging day! The Rainbow Mountains will literally leave us breathless.

  • A trek like this is generally easy, but things are different here. Guess why? We'll reach 17060 ft!

  • Located not far from Cuzco, the Rainbow Mountains are a real miracle of nature

  • They were discovered a few years ago, when the snow melted and revealed the natural beauty of the rock beneath

On the road to Cuzco

After this hike we return to base for some food: the effort was huge, but the landscape rewarded us!

  • A 3-hour transfer to Cuzco, the most beautiful city in Peru

An ornate stone cathedral with twin bell towers overlooks a busy, paved city square filled with people, with green mountains in the background.

History and more...

Today we take it easy. Where shall we start?

  • The historic districts of Cuzco and its ancient colonial Cathedral

  • A stroll along the narrow Inca alleys

  • The picturesque San Pedro market

A woman with a backpack sits on a dirt ledge overlooking a large, circular terraced archaeological site under a cloudy sky.
A wide view of white and brown terraced salt pans covering a mountainside under an overcast sky.

Into the valley

Today we get lost in the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to archaeological, historical and folkloristic evidence of the ancient Inca civil settlements. Let's go!

Chinchero

Chinchero is the perfect example of a town built entirely by the Inca, with large blocks of stone cut and perfectly overlapping.

  • From the panoramic tour of the walls: green meadows with grazing animals, eucalyptus woods and the shapes of the glaciers from afar

  • Then a stop at a local market for lightly alcoholic drinks (cheers!) and traditional foods prepared by the locals in the typical pots

Maras

Maras is a traditional village nestled in the heart of a cultivated valley at 11154 ft above sea level.

  • Its particular colonial church, with some Cusqueña canvases inside

  • Going down, the beautiful salt flats: 3,000 tiny pools arranged on terraces and filled with saltwater

Moray

Moray was the world's first agricultural research centre, believed to have been used by the Incas to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops.

  • Two gigantic circular depressions, about 164 ft deep

  • Here the Incas acclimated the seeds of cereals and potatoes to the Andean altitudes

Finally, Ollantaytambo!

Ollantaytambo is a mountain fortress built with mammoth blocks of granite positioned in line.

  • The Wall of the Living Rock, the Temple of the Condor and the huge military fortress

  • In the late afternoon we leave for Aguas Calientes: an easy peasy evening before the next stop... Machu Picchu!

A high-angle view of ancient stone ruins and green terraces nestled in lush mountains, with a prominent peak rising against a cloudy sky.

Welcome to Machu Picchu

Early alarm today: we're ready for the greatest Peruvian adventure!

  • In just 30 minutes, a shuttle takes us along a zigzagging path to the gates of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu

  • Describing it is impossible: a city lost for centuries, an incredible wonder nestled between the Andean peaks

Peruvian dinner

After enjoying Machu Picchu from every angle, in the late afternoon we return to Cuzco.

  • Bars, cafes, sandwich bars, restaurants, disco and karaoke to choose from, many open until dawn: a well-deserved evening in good company!

A crowd of people gathers in a large stone plaza before an ornate historic cathedral, with green mountains rising in the background.

Back to Lima

With a domestic flight we say goodbye to Cuzco and return to the capital, Lima. Backpacks at the accommodation: where do we start this last day in Peru?

  • Plaza Mayor, where Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535: the oldest square, ideal to breathe the historical atmosphere

  • Its grandeur shows in the buildings around it: the Palacio del Gobierno, the Palacio Arzobispal and the Cathedral

Farewell dinner

We conclude this incredible journey with dinner: we shared a unique adventure that we'll always remember. Peru is like this: once it gets inside you, it never leaves. Let's drink to this country and us!

A WeRoad group trip posing for a photo on a grassy viewpoint with ancient ruins and steep green mountains in the background.

Check-out and goodbye

Time to say goodbye: see you in your next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

  • 9 nights hotel/guesthouse in shared room with private bathroom

  • 1 night overnight bus

  • 1 night homestay in shared room with shared bathroom

  • 10 breakfasts (of which 4 packed breakfast due to early departure)

  • Domestic flight from Cuzco to Lima with airport transfers

  • Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Entrance tickets to:

    • Sacred Valley

    • Maras

    • Vinicunca

    • Colca Canyon

    • Paracas National Reserve

    Approx. USD70

  • Ballestas Islands Tour - approx. USD55

  • Public transport (bus, metro, taxis, trains, uber, etc)

  • Food and beverages unless specified

  • All souvenirs and extras that you wish to buy and will be able to squeeze in your backpack 

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Entrance ticket to Santa Catalina Monastery - approx. USD12

  • Hot Springs in Chivay - approx. USD15

  • Local guides in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu - approx. USD35

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Accommodation

    Small hotels, apartments and a night with a local family on Lake Titicaca to have an authentic experience with the local community.

    The first hotel will be shared with you at least 2 days before your departure by your Group Leader!

    Standards of accommodation in some parts of Peru, particularly in high-altitude or remote areas, may differ from those commonly found in Europe. Facilities can be more basic, with occasional lack of hot water or heating. These conditions reflect local norms and are part of the travel experience. We recommend packing appropriate clothing for cooler temperatures.

  • Transports

    A night bus, a domestic flight, train, van, local transport where possible and private transfers.

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Group Leader.

  • Luggage

    Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.

  • Tickets to Machu Picchu

    Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and entrance tickets are limited.

    In line with site regulations, all visits follow a circuit-based system designed to manage visitor flow and protect the archaeological site. There are currently three circuits, each providing access to different viewpoints and areas.

     

    While our tour includes a Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the specific circuit is managed through the official allocation system, which is beyond our control.  In some cases, members of the same group may be allocated different circuits. Our team will always do its best to keep groups together whenever possible.

     

    We recommend booking early to help us secure the best possible arrangements. Your Group Leader will confirm ticket details in the WhatsApp group before departure.

  • Access to Rainbow Mountain

    The main access to Vinicunca via Cusipata has been officially closed since November 28, 2024, with no formal reopening announced.

    To prioritize your safety and follow local guidelines, our groups will either visit Vinicunca via Pitumarca route or enjoy the scenic Palcoyo trek—a beautiful, less-crowded alternative to a mountain with the same rainbow effect. You'll get more info from your Group Leader in the Whatsapp group.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalLima (LIM)
ReturnLima (LIM)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Peru

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Book with $ 0
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