Southern Route 12 Days: Lima-Ica-Arequipa-Puno-Cusco

Exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of southern Peru, the Southern Route 12 Days tour offers an immersive journey through Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco. Travelers will discover remarkable sites like Machu Picchu while enjoying thrilling activities like sandboarding. With flexible booking and professional guidance, this tour promises a seamless and memorable adventure. But what hidden gems might await those who embark on this incredible journey?

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Key Points

Comprehensive 12-day tour covering Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, highlighting ancient ruins, scenic landscapes, and local culture.
Priced from $1,420 per person, catering to up to 15 participants, with activities like tubing and sandboarding.
Flexible booking policies, including a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Includes 2-star hotel accommodations, professional guidance, entry tickets, meals, and essential travel amenities like train tickets.
Tour features excursions to Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Colca Canyon, Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Southern Route 12 Days tour is a comprehensive journey that allows travelers to discover the highlights of southern Peru.

The Southern Route 12 Days tour is a comprehensive journey that allows travelers to discover the highlights of southern Peru.

This 12-day adventure covers Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, offering a chance to explore ancient ruins, scenic landscapes, and vibrant local culture.

Priced from $1,420 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and is available in Spanish and English.

Travelers can expect to visit a wonder of the world, savor local cuisine, and enjoy activities like tubing and sandboarding.

The tour offers flexibility, with reserve now and pay later options and free cancellation.

Looking for more options in Chivay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Southern Route 12 Days tour is a straightforward process. The tour operator offers several convenient options:

Reserve Now & Pay Later: Secure your spot without an upfront payment.
Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Check Availability: Confirm starting times and tour availability to ensure your preferred dates are open.

These flexible booking policies make it easy to plan your Southern Peru adventure.

With no pressure to pay immediately and the ability to cancel if needed, you can book with confidence.

Daily Itinerary

On the first day, travelers are picked up from the airport and transferred to their hotel.

The next day, they embark on an early morning excursion to the Ballestas Islands, followed by a vineyard lunch and a tour of Huacachina. They then return to Lima.

On day three, after airport pick-up and free time, they enjoy an afternoon city tour of Arequipa.

The journey continues to Colca Canyon on day four, where they’ve lunch in Chivay, visit hot springs, and overnight in Chivay.

The tour progresses, exploring Puno, the Sacred Valley, and culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu.

Inclusions

This 12-day Southern Route tour includes 2-star hotel accommodations throughout the journey.

The tour also provides the following:

Professional guidance and entry tickets to all attractions.
Meals included during the full tour.
Essential travel amenities such as plane tickets, hiking poles, and oxygen assistance for Cusco excursions, as well as train tickets for the Voyager or Expedition class.

The tour ensures a seamless and well-equipped experience, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the wonders of southern Peru.

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Meeting Point and Additional Information

The tour’s meeting point is provided on Google Maps for easy navigation.

Travelers have the flexibility to select their preferred group size and departure dates. The tour accommodates a maximum of 15 participants, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience.

Travelers can choose their group size and departure dates, with a maximum of 15 participants for an intimate, personalized tour experience.

The tour is offered in both Spanish and English, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of travelers.

With these options, guests can tailor the tour to best suit their needs and preferences, creating a truly memorable journey through southern Peru.

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Exploring the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina

After an early morning pick-up, travelers embark on a journey to the captivating Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Galapagos of Peru".

This exhilarating excursion offers:

Sightings of diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Exploration of the dramatic rock formations and caves that decorate the islands’ coastline.
A stop at the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph, a massive ancient design etched into the sand.

Following the Ballestas adventure, the tour continues with a delightful vineyard lunch and a dune buggy ride through the stunning Huacachina oasis, before returning to Lima.

Discovering the Wonders of Arequipa and Colca Canyon

After arriving on Arequipa, travelers embark on a free morning to explore the city at their own pace.

In the afternoon, a guided city tour awaits, showcasing Arequipa’s stunning architecture and historic sites, including the Arequipa Cathedral and the Monastery of Saint Catherine.

The next day, the journey continues to Colca Canyon, where a lunch stop in Chivay is followed by a visit to the hot springs.

The main event is an excursion to observe the mighty Andean condors soaring above the canyon’s breathtaking vistas before traveling onward to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Taking in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Leaving the captivating Colca Canyon behind, the tour now ventures into the Sacred Valley, a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

The itinerary includes:

Exploring the picturesque town of Pisac, the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Exploring the picturesque town of Pisac, famous for its vibrant market and Inca ruins.
Marveling at the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization.
Capping off the day with a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay in Any of the Cities?

Yes, you can extend your stay in any of the cities on the tour. Simply let the tour operator know, and they’ll be happy to accommodate your request and provide recommendations for additional activities and accommodations.

Are There Options for Dietary Restrictions or Special Needs?

Yes, the tour provider accommodates dietary restrictions and special needs. Travelers can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, and the staff can assist with any accessibility requirements. Simply notify the team in advance.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have an age limit or minimum requirement, but it’s suitable for most travelers. Children under 10 are generally welcome with an accompanying adult. Guests should be able to walk moderate distances.

Can I Add Extra Activities or Excursions to the Itinerary?

Yes, you can add extra activities or excursions to the itinerary. The tour operator offers flexibility in customizing the trip to suit your interests. Simply discuss your preferences with them, and they’ll provide options to enhance your experience.

What Is the Typical Group Size and Can I Request a Private Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 15 participants. Private tours are available upon request, allowing for a more personalized experience. Extra activities or excursions can be added to the itinerary to suit your interests.

The Sum Up

The Southern Route 12 Days tour provides an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can expect a seamless experience with comfortable accommodations, professional guidance, and flexible booking. This tour offers an immersive exploration of remarkable sites, including the iconic Machu Picchu, while enjoying thrilling activities like sandboarding and tubing, making it an ideal choice for up to 15 participants at a price starting from $1,420 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: