Discover the magic of the Andes on our Machu Picchu & Peru Escapes Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Peru’s most iconic destinations. Begin in Lima with a guided city tour of its colonial landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, then fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Walk through history on the Cusco City Tour and explore the Sacred Valley, where Inca ruins and traditional villages await. Your adventure peaks with a visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, accessed via the stunning Short Inca Trail or panoramic train ride,  a moment you’ll never forget.

This all-in-one Peru Escapes Tour also includes a thrilling hike to Rainbow Mountain and the surreal Red Valley, followed by a scenic journey to Lake Titicaca, where you’ll visit the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island. Finally, travel south to explore the breathtaking Colca Canyon, home of the majestic Andean condor. From coastal charm to highland beauty, this immersive tour blends natural wonders, ancient culture, and authentic experiences, the perfect escape to uncover the real Peru.

Tour Overview: Machu Picchu & Peru Escapes Tour

Uncover the magic of Peru on this immersive journey that blends world-famous landmarks with authentic cultural experiences. From the vibrant capital of Lima to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, this all-in-one adventure introduces you to the best of the coast, highlands, and Andes.

Walk through Inca ruins, explore colorful markets, meet local communities on Lake Titicaca, and witness the majestic condors at Colca Canyon. Whether you’re hiking the Short Inca Trail, standing atop Rainbow Mountain, or dining in colonial Cusco, this tour promises a perfect balance of history, nature, and local flavor,  crafted for curious travelers ready to explore the real Peru.

Tour at a Glance

  • Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

  • Destinations: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon

  • Experience Style: Cultural discovery, soft adventure, history & nature

  • Travel Pace: Balanced mix of guided tours, scenic travel, and personal exploration

  • Group Size: Small-group or private options available

  • Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (some high-altitude walks & optional hikes)

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Lima’s Historic Center with a guided city tour of its colonial squares and elegant architecture

  • Discover Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, filled with cobbled streets, temples, and vibrant Andean culture

  • Journey through the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisac, Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo’s living Inca heritage

  • Experience the magic of Machu Picchu, with a guided tour of the Lost City of the Incas, a true wonder of the world

  • Visit Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley, with surreal mineral landscapes and stunning views at over 5,000 meters

  • Sail across Lake Titicaca, discovering the floating Uros Islands and the traditional Taquile Island

  • Travel the Sun Route from Cusco to Puno, stopping at Andean viewpoints, ancient temples, and highland villages

  • Explore Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on Earth, and watch Andean condors soar above breathtaking cliffs

  • Enjoy a fully guided, immersive Peru adventure, blending history, nature, and cultural connection

What You'll Experience

Your adventure begins in Lima, where you’ll explore the elegant colonial architecture of the Historic Center, including the Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Monastery. Then, journey to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where narrow cobbled streets and vibrant markets reveal a city steeped in culture and tradition.

In the Sacred Valley, discover ancient Inca sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo, marvel at the terraced circles of Moray, and witness the salt pans of Maras, still harvested by hand. The crown jewel awaits: Machu Picchu, where your expert guide will bring the citadel's stone temples and spiritual energy to life during an unforgettable visit.

Continue your high-altitude journey to Rainbow Mountain, a natural wonder with vibrant mineral stripes nestled in the Andes. Then head south to mystical Lake Titicaca, where you’ll visit the floating Uros Islands and the artisan-rich Taquile Island, meeting communities who preserve centuries-old traditions.

Finally, stand at the edge of the awe-inspiring Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and witness majestic condors gliding through the morning sky. Each destination reveals a new layer of Peru’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic culture, making this tour a complete Andean escape.

Day 01: Welcome to Peru 

Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival at Lima airport, our friendly driver will be waiting for you with a warm smile and a sign with your name. From there, you’ll enjoy a smooth and comfortable transfer to your hotel, your adventure is just beginning!

  • Accomodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
  • Meals. None
  • Tickets: NA
Day 02: Discover Lima – The City of Kings

Morning from 9am to 1pm, I Afternoon from 2 to 5,30pm

Get ready to explore the vibrant capital of Peru on this exciting Lima City Tour! We’ll pick you up from your hotel and head straight into the heart of the city, where Lima’s fascinating history and colonial charm come alive.

Our first stop is the beautiful Plaza de Armas, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and City Hall. Your guide will walk you through centuries of history, from the Spanish conquest to modern-day Peru.

Then, we’ll visit the impressive San Francisco Monastery, known for its stunning baroque architecture and the intriguing catacombs hidden beneath.

This tour offers the perfect introduction to Peru’s capital,  rich in culture, stories, and architecture. A great way to start your journey through the Land of the Incas!

  • Accomodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
  • Meals. Only Breakfast at hotel
  • Tickets: Included
Day 03: Welcome to Cusco & Afternoon City Tour

Around three hours before your flight, we’ll transfer you to Lima airport for your journey to Cusco. We recommend booking a morning flight, ideally around 8:00 or 9:00 AM, to make the most of your day. Upon arrival in Cusco, our friendly driver and guide will be waiting to welcome you to the land of the Incas and transfer you to your hotel, giving you time to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

At 1:00 PM, your Cusco City Tour begins,  a perfect introduction to the rich history and culture of the ancient Inca capital. We start at the heart of the city with a visit to Cusco’s Cathedral, an impressive colonial structure filled with religious art and historical treasures. Next, explore Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to the sun god and later transformed into a Spanish convent.

We then head into the hills above Cusco to visit the monumental site of Sacsayhuamán, where you’ll be amazed by the massive stone walls built with incredible precision. Nearby, you’ll discover Q’enqo, a sacred ceremonial site carved into solid rock, and continue to Puca Pucara, a small fortress with panoramic views of the valley. Finally, explore Tambomachay, known for its finely crafted aqueducts and ceremonial fountains, believed to be dedicated to water worship.

Your tour ends around 5:30 PM, with the evening free to relax or explore the charming streets and flavors of Cusco at your own pace.

  • Accomodation: Rumipunko or similar
  • Meals. Only Breakfast
  • Tickets: Included
Day 04: Sacred Valley Tour & Scenic Journey to Aguas Calientes

Your unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll start the day with a scenic drive into the heart of the Andes, stopping first at a tranquil alpaca and llama farm. Here, you’ll meet Peru’s four native camelids, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos, and discover how their soft wool has long been woven into Andean life and culture. At a traditional weaving center, local women will demonstrate their centuries-old techniques, using natural dyes to create intricate textiles, a true expression of living heritage.

From there, we ascend to the impressive Pisac archaeological site, where dramatic terraces, ceremonial structures, and panoramic views offer a fascinating glimpse into Inca engineering. After exploring the ruins, we’ll descend to the colorful Pisac market, a vibrant place where artisans sell handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and more.

Continuing through the Sacred Valley, we arrive in Urubamba for a delicious lunch featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients from the valley.

In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Inca site of Ollantaytambo, an ancient stronghold of massive stonework and rich history. This “living Inca town” remains home to families who still inhabit original stone dwellings. After the visit, we board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes. With panoramic windows, you’ll enjoy views of rivers, cloud forest, and lush green valleys as we descend into the jungle.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we check into a cozy hotel where you’ll rest up for tomorrow’s highlight, Machu Picchu.

  • Accomodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu  or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast - Lunch
  • Tickets: Included
Day 05: The Crown Jewel: Exploring Majestic Machu Picchu

Today is the highlight of your journey, a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Machu Picchu, the most iconic archaeological wonder in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, we catch one of the first shuttle buses to the entrance of the citadel. This early start allows you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu in the soft glow of morning light, when the ruins are peaceful and the surrounding peaks often draped in mist.

At the checkpoint, you'll present your passport and entrance ticket before we ascend to the classic upper terraces. Here, you’ll have time to capture those unforgettable postcard-perfect views of the Inca city nestled among the cloud-kissed Andes.

Travel Tip: Book this tour at least 4 -5 months in advance to secure Circuit 2, the most comprehensive and photogenic route inside Machu Picchu.

With your expert guide, enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour through the citadel’s highlights: the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, ceremonial zones, royal quarters, agricultural terraces, and more. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating insights into Inca architecture, cosmology, and daily life in this mountaintop sanctuary.

For adventurous travelers, there’s the option to hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2-hour climb that offers panoramic views over Machu Picchu (advance reservation required, $75 USD). This trail is steep and not recommended for those with vertigo, but the views are absolutely spectacular, especially during the dry season from May to October.

After your visit, return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle and enjoy some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, board the scenic Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private driver will meet you for your final transfer to Cusco, where you'll arrive around 7:30 PM, full of awe and unforgettable memories.

  • Accomodation: Rumipunko or similar
  • Meals. Only Breakfast
  • Tickets: Included
Day 06: Hike Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley

Your day begins before dawn with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 AM. As the city sleeps, we journey south through quiet Andean valleys and traditional villages, enjoying the serene landscapes and early light painting the mountains. After about three hours, we stop in a small highland community for a light local breakfast, your first taste of the crisp mountain air and warm Andean hospitality.

We then continue to the trailhead at 4,600 meters above sea level, where your guide will provide a safety briefing and tips for hiking at high altitude. The trek begins with a gradual climb through rugged alpine scenery, with herds of alpacas grazing along the way and snow-capped peaks towering in the distance.

After 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the stunning summit of Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain, sitting at 5,200 meters. Here, vivid mineral stripes of red, gold, and turquoise sweep across the landscape, a natural wonder that feels otherworldly. You’ll have time to rest, take in the views, and snap unforgettable photos of this surreal panorama.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. From Rainbow Mountain, we descend into the Red Valley, a lesser-known gem where deep crimson hills stretch into the horizon. This 45-minute to 1-hour hike offers a quieter, more intimate connection with the high Andes, away from the crowds and surrounded by dramatic beauty.

After completing the trek, we return to the village for a hearty lunch made from fresh, local ingredients, well-earned and deeply satisfying. Then, we begin the drive back to Cusco, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, tired but fulfilled.

This full-day hike is perfect for adventurous travelers who crave breathtaking landscapes, meaningful moments, and a taste of life above the clouds. With Champions Peru Travel, you’ll experience the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley with safety, comfort, and expert local guidance.

  • Accomodation: Rumipunko or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast - Lunch
  • Tickets: Included
Day 07: Scenic Route from Cusco to Puno – The Sun Route

Today, your adventure continues along one of Peru’s most scenic and culturally rich journeys, the Ruta del Sol (Sun Route). Beginning with a 6:20 AM hotel pick-up, you'll be transferred to the bus station for a full-day journey through the highlands, connecting two iconic destinations: Cusco and Puno.

As you travel in comfort, this route offers not just transportation but a cultural immersion. Your first stop is at Andahuaylillas, home to a beautifully preserved colonial church often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, thanks to its intricate frescoes and golden altars.

Further along, explore the Raqchi archaeological site, a fascinating Inca complex once dedicated to the god Wiracocha. Then, ascend to La Raya Pass, the highest point on the route at 4,335 meters, where you'll pause for breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes, a perfect photo opportunity.

After a scenic descent, visit the Pukara Lithic Museum, showcasing pre-Inca stone sculptures and relics that offer insight into the region’s ancient cultures.

Arriving in Puno around 5:30 PM, you'll be transferred to your hotel, just in time to relax and prepare for your journey to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

  • Accomodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast - Lunch
  • Tickets: Included
Day 08: Discover Lake Titicaca, Uros & Taquile Islands

Located high in the Andean Highlands and straddling the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and one of South America's most iconic natural wonders. Its deep blue waters and breathtaking surroundings are home to ancient cultures that have preserved their traditions for centuries.

Your day begins with a scenic boat ride to the Uros Floating Islands, extraordinary man-made islands constructed entirely from totora reeds. As you step onto the spongy surface, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Uros people, who will share their unique way of life, from building and maintaining their islands to their deep connection with the lake.

Next, continue across the tranquil waters to Taquile Island, famous for its world-renowned textile traditions recognized by UNESCO. As you walk through stone paths and terraced hillsides, you’ll interact with locals dressed in traditional Andean clothing and learn about their unique social system, communal living, and artistry. Enjoy a delicious local lunch with a view of the lake, and browse handmade weavings, perfect souvenirs that support the local economy.

After a full day of cultural immersion and exploration, you’ll return to Puno around 4:00 PM, where you’ll be transferred back to your hotel with unforgettable memories of one of Peru’s most culturally rich destinations.

  • Accomodation: Tierra Viva Puno or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast - Lunch
  • Tickets: Included
Day 09: Journey to Chivay & Relax at Colca Lodge Hot Springs

Your adventure continues with a 6:20 AM pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station, where you’ll begin your scenic journey to Chivay, the gateway to the majestic Colca Canyon. The drive takes around 4.5 hours, winding through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, lush valleys, towering peaks, and remote highland communities.

Upon arrival in Chivay, we’ll drop you off at the beautiful Colca Lodge, a tranquil retreat nestled along the Colca River. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind, soak in the natural thermal hot springs, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and take in the stunning views of the canyon. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge before tomorrow’s canyon exploration.

  • Accomodation: Colca Lodge or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast
  • Tickets: Included
Day 10. Colca Canyon Condor Tour and Transfer to Arequipa

We begin the day early with breakfast at your hotel, preparing for one of the most memorable highlights of your Colca Canyon adventure. After checking out, we set off to the Mirador del Cóndor (Condor’s Lookout), the most famous viewpoint in the canyon. Here, perched high above the dramatic cliffs, you'll have the chance to witness the incredible flight of the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to 3.3 meters.

This magical moment, watching condors glide gracefully on the morning thermals against a breathtaking canyon backdrop, is one of Peru’s most iconic natural spectacles. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the condors' significance in Andean mythology, their behavior, and the conservation efforts to protect them.

After enjoying this unforgettable experience, we return to Chivay, where you'll have a bit of time to relax or grab a snack before beginning our onward journey to Arequipa.

The drive to Arequipa takes approximately 4 hours, but the scenery along the way makes the time pass quickly. As we wind through the Andes, you'll pass herds of vicuñas grazing on the high-altitude plains, small remote villages, and panoramic views of towering volcanoes like Misti, Chachani, and Ampato. We’ll also make short stops at key viewpoints and natural reserves, perfect for photos and stretching your legs.

We arrive in Arequipa, known as the White City for its stunning colonial architecture made from white volcanic stone, in the late afternoon. Once in the city, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel where you can unwind and prepare for the next chapter of your journey.

  • Accomodation: Casa Andina Arequipa or similar
  • Meals. Breakfast
  • Tickets: Included
Day 11: Farewell & Transfer to the Airport

As your unforgettable adventure comes to an end, we will arrange your transfer to the airport 2 hours before your flight departure. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely drop-off so you can travel stress-free.

From all of us at Champions Peru Travel, thank you for choosing to explore Peru with us. We hope the memories you've made will stay with you forever. Safe travels and hasta pronto!

  • Accomodation: None
  • Meals. Breakfast
  • Tickets: NA