Kathy Sharpe and family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive into Lima
Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by our representative and assisted to transfer to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive, head out to explore the neighborhood right away, or settle in for a rest.
Overnight Villa Barranco
Day 2
Explore Lima – Barranco and Historic Center
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace garden, and then meet your guide to set out for Lima’s main square – the Plaza Mayor. Explore the historic city center, with a visit to a colonial home, and learn about the history spanning back before the time of the conquistadors.
Lima has made a name for itself with its incredible gastronomy, with several of Lima’s finest restaurants gracing the world’s top lists over several decades. Lunch is the mail meal here, and you’ll have ample time to feast today! Your guide can recommend the perfect choice for your tastes.
Afterward, slow down and stroll the pretty avenues of Barranco, admire the views from the cliffside park, or pop into some of the best galleries, boutiques, and cafes in the city.
Overnight Villa Barranco
Day 3
Lima - Arequipa
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a final chance to grab a locally roasted Peruvian coffee before catching your flight to Arequipa.
Arrive in time for lunch at a local picanteria — small, family run eateries known for passing down Arequipa’s culinary traditions.
Your afternoon is completely flexible to make your own. Meander through the Santa Catalina Monastery, visit the renowned archeological museum, nibble your way through the local market, or just relax and absorb the pace of life in the main Plaza de Armas.
You’ll have the evening free to explore the city on your own, and relax at your hotel — thoughtfully nestled in an original colonial-era sillar building.
Overnight Cirqa
Day 4
Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Your journey today takes you up and over breathtaking Andean landscapes and natural areas, home to vicunas, guanacos, and many, many volcanoes. You’ll take road less traveled through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, stopping along the way to visit charming towns along the way.
Arrive to your luxury tented camp in the afternoon, and get settled into your safari-style accommodations. From here, your afternoon and next 2 days offer ultimate flexibility. With your meals and activities already included, discuss your interests with the lodge staff, and plan your time as you wish.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge, with time to enjoy the stars under clear skies tonight.
Overnight Puqio
Day 5
Colca Canyon
We recommend an early start for your best chance to spot the famed Andean condors for which the Canyon is well known. They are most active in the early hours, and you’ll arrive well before day trippers from the city.
The condors are just the beginning, however – the Colca Valley has much more to offer. Set out on horseback, hike to a lesser known archeological site, or visit the natural hot springs for a soak near the riverside. Your stay at Puqio is fully inclusive of active excursions and meals.
Enjoy sundowners at the lodge as you watch the light move across the terraces on both sides of the valley.
Overnight Puqio
Day 6
Colca Canyon - Arequipa
Enjoy a leisurely morning and gourmet breakfast before setting out on the return journey to Arequipa. Travel back across the windswept landscape of the Andes, stopping along the way to explore interesting spots en route.
Arrive in Arequipa in time to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, stroll the town square, or just relax on the rooftop bar, exclusively for the use of Cirqa guests.
Arequipa comes alive at night too. We’ll offer recommendations for local restaurants and nightlife!
Overnight Cirqa
Day 7
Arequipa – Cusco
Wake up for an early transfer to the airport, and take a quick flight to Cusco. You’ll already be used to higher altitude after your days in the Colca region, so you can dive right in today!
Today is flexible. You’ll have your guide with you to get oriented to the main points around Cusco city center, and then you can begin to explore on your own! Cusco is full of amazing spots, and it's a great place for a meandering walk. We’ll provide suggestions to help you make the most of your day!
Overnight Antigua Casona San Blas
Day 8
Cusco: City And Countryside
Meet your guide after breakfast, and set out to visit some of the most impressive architecture of the Incan Empire! Today, you’ll visit Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo. From here, walk along an original Inca pathway to the Temple of the Moon, and then down again to San Blas. Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Pachapapa, then continue onward to the Cathedral and other highlights.
You’ll have the evening free to rest, or venture out on your own again!
Overnight Antigua Casona San Blas
Day 9
Cusco – Pisac – Urubamba Valley
After breakfast, continue your journey to Pisac and the Urubamba Valley. From the Pisac ruins, you can drive or hike down to the city square below.
Visit a family home for lunch. Here, you’ll enjoy traditional culinary recipes with your hosts, and then set out for a nice walk through the agricultural terraces of Yucay. You can stop to chat with farmers and see Inca engineering still in active use.
Arrive to your hotel in the early evening.
Overnight Inkaterra Sacred Valley
Day 10
Chinchero – Maras and Moray
Chinchero is best known for its fantastic weekend market and for its incredible weavers! You’ll get a firsthand demonstration from one of the best co-ops in town, and you can try some weaving yourself today!
The views from the surrounding countryside are some of the best in the Andes, and you’ll have time to walk to the nearby site of Racchi, as well as a chance to plant a native tree before a gourmet picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient salt flats of Maras and the conical terraces of Moray before walking down to the valley below.
Overnight Inkaterra Sacred Valley
Day 11
Inca Trail Hike To Machu Picchu
Wake early, and take the train to km 104. From here, follow in the footsteps of the Incas as you hike the final section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! This is our favorite way to reach this site.
As you make your way through the cloud forest, views of the surrounding mountains open up around every turn in the road! Arrive in the late afternoon at the Sun Gate, as the Incas would have, with the city complex before you.
Arrive at Aguas Calientes, and enjoy a celebratory dinner in town.
Overnight Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 12
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Return to Machu Picchu today for a tour of the archeological site and the chance to climb Huayna Picchu. This steep hike offers the best views of the city itself, and your guide will walk you through the history and meanings of the town center below.
Return to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch before boarding the train out of town. Arrive at Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco for the evening.
Overnight Antigua Casona San Blas
Day 13
Cusco – Lima – Home
You’ll have the day free to sleep in and enjoy the city before you begin your travels homeward.
In the afternoon, catch your flight back to Lima. From here, you can take your flight home or continue onward!
