South 12 Days: Ica-Arequipa-Puno-Cusco 4 Star Hotel.

Set out on a captivating 12-day journey through southern Peru’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This meticulously crafted tour promises an unforgettable exploration, showcasing iconic destinations like Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, all while staying in luxurious 4-star hotels. Guided by professionals, you’ll experience the region’s natural wonders and learn about its vibrant traditions. With a flexible cancellation policy and a limited group size, this adventure offers unparalleled flexibility and exclusivity. Discover why this tour has become a sought-after experience for travelers seeking to uncover the heart of Peru.

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Key Points

12-day tour through southern Peru’s landscapes and cultural highlights, including Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, priced from $2,438 per person.
Accommodations in 4-star hotels with meals, activities, and professional guidance included in the tour.
Highlights include the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina oasis, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and the iconic Machu Picchu.
Flexible cancellation policy and availability in English and Spanish.
Tour limited to 15 participants, offering a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive 12-day journey through southern Peru’s captivating landscapes and cultural highlights. Priced from $2,438 per person, it’s limited to 15 participants and available in English and Spanish.

The flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. After airport pickup, the immersive itinerary covers must-see destinations like the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

Transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and professional guidance are all included, ensuring a seamless experience. Travelers can also access added perks like hiking poles and oxygen assistance in Cusco.

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

Ica & Huacachina

The tour begins with an early morning pick-up for the Ica region, where participants visit the famous Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Poor Man’s Galapagos".

They then enjoy a vineyard lunch before heading to the stunning oasis of Huacachina.

Here, they can try their hand at tubing and sandboarding down the massive sand dunes.

After an adventurous day, the group returns to Lima, having experienced the natural wonders and unique activities that make Ica and Huacachina such popular destinations in southern Peru.

Arequipa

From Ica, the tour continues on to Arequipa, where participants enjoy a free morning before embarking on an afternoon city tour.

They’ll explore the city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its stunning white volcanic stone architecture. The tour includes a visit to the Jesuit monastery of La Compañía, with its magnificent baroque facade and interior.

Participants can also admire the imposing silhouette of the Misti volcano in the distance. With its blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous influences, Arequipa offers a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Colca Canyon

After exploring Arequipa’s historic city center, the tour continues its journey to the stunning Colca Canyon.

Travelers will enjoy a scenic lunch in Chivay, the main town in the Colca Valley. The group will visit La Calera hot springs, where they can relax and unwind.

In the evening, they’ll attend a traditional tourist dinner with music and dance performances, seeing the local culture.

The next day, the highlight is a visit to the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint, where visitors may spot the majestic Andean condor soaring above the canyon’s breathtaking depths.

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Puno & Lake Titicaca

Leaving Colca Canyon behind, the tour now ventures to the stunning Lake Titicaca region, home to the floating Uros Islands.

Guests will spend two days exploring this unique destination, visiting the Uros and Amantani Islands. They’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast, browse a craft market in Taquile, and savor a scenic lunch.

Visitors will spend two days exploring the Uros and Amantani Islands, enjoying a traditional breakfast and scenic lunch.

The itinerary also includes a boat ride across the serene lake, providing breathtaking views of the Andes.

After the island experiences, the tour continues its journey to the historic city of Cusco, the gateway to the legendary Machu Picchu.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Cusco & Sacred Valley

Travelers will enjoy a comprehensive exploration of Cusco and the sacred Inca heartland during the latter half of the tour.

They’ll embark on a city tour of historic Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Next, they’ll venture into the Sacred Valley, visiting remarkable Inca ruins and experiencing local traditions.

The highlight will be a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where they’ll marvel at the ancient citadel’s grandeur.

With ample time to take in the sights, the itinerary provides an immersive journey through Peru’s cultural and historical heart.

Machu Picchu

The highlight of the tour will be a guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu, where travelers will marvel at the ancient citadel’s grandeur.

A guided tour of the iconic Machu Picchu will captivate visitors with the ancient citadel’s grandeur.

Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.

Visitors can explore:

The well-preserved stone structures, including the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone, a solar observatory
Panoramic views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding mountains
Ancient agricultural terraces and water channels that demonstrate the Incas’ sophisticated farming techniques
The mystery and history behind this UNESCO World Heritage site, which was rediscovered in 1911.

Vinicunca Mountain

After visiting the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, the tour continues with a hike to the stunning Vinicunca Mountain, also known as the "Rainbow Mountain."

Towering at an elevation of over 16,000 feet, this multicolored geological wonder offers breathtaking views that captivate visitors.

The hike is moderate but requires proper acclimatization due to the high altitude. Travelers are provided with hiking poles and oxygen assistance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The vibrant hues of red, gold, and turquoise create a mesmerizing landscape, making the challenging trek well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Single Room Supplement?

Yes, you can request a single room supplement for this tour. This will incur an additional cost, but it guarantees you’ll have a private room throughout the 12-day itinerary.

Do I Need Any Vaccinations for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t require any mandatory vaccinations, but it’s recommended to consult with a travel health professional. They can advise on any recommended vaccines or precautions based on your medical history and the regions you’ll visit.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?

Travelers should budget around $50-$100 per day for personal expenses like meals, drinks, and souvenirs. The tour package covers most major costs, but allowing extra spending money is recommended for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour. Travelers can add extra days to explore more of Peru’s highlights, such as visiting Lake Titicaca or trekking in the Andes. The tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate extended stays.

Can I Add Extra Days in Cusco or Machu Picchu?

Yes, you can add extra days in Cusco or Machu Picchu. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and extend your stay in these popular destinations at an additional cost.

The Sum Up

This captivating 12-day journey through southern Peru offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious accommodations. From the Ballestas Islands to Machu Picchu, you’ll be immersed in the best of what this stunning region has to offer. With a flexible cancellation policy and a small group size, it’s an unforgettable adventure you won’t want to miss.