Southern Highlights Tour
Exceptional Natural History & Culture in Peru
This outstanding natural history and culturally-oriented odyssey was designed to provide a grand overview of the wonders of southern Peru, offering travelers a chance to experience the full spectrum of its fascinating diversity.
We start with a drive south along the Pacific Coast to Paracas Bay and the Ballestas Islands, then continue south to the mysterious Nazca lines. Leaving the coast, we drive to Peru’s white-city, Arequipa. A short flight brings us to the Altiplano where we’re introduced to the lifestyle and culture on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca. Next, head to the Sacred Valley and its traditional towns of Chinchero and Pisac. We then have two days to explore Machu Picchu. From Cusco we return to Lima.
Trip Highlights:
- Visit quaint fishing villages and pre-Columbian ruins of coastal Paracas
- See dozens of sea lions and marine birds on the Ballestas Islands
- Fly over the mysterious Nazca drawings on the desert plains
- Explore the colonial plazas and historical sites of Peru’s white-city, Arequipa
- Mingle with Quechua families on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca
- Meet with Andean weavers in the market town of Chinchero
- Contemplate the mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cusco and visit the nearby pre-Columbian sites
- Take in the sights and sounds of Lima, including the splendid Larco Herrera Museum
Southern Highlights Tour
Trip Itinerary
DAY 01: USA / LIMA
Arrive to Lima this evening and spend the night.
DAY 2: LIMA / PARACAS
Enjoy the coastal scenery of quaint fishing towns and Paracas National Reserve.
DAY 3: PARACAS / NAZCA
Speedboat to Ballestas Islands, then drive to Nazca via the town of Ica.
DAY 4: NAZCA / AREQUIPA
Flight over the Nazca Lines, followed by overland drive south to Arequipa.
DAY 5: AREQUIPA
Peruse colonial Arequipa’s famous white-stone buildings, museum and convent.
DAY 6: AREQUIPA / PUNO
Flight to Puno, explore the town, and check into a waterfront hotel at Lake Titicaca.
DAY 7: PUNO / TAQUILE ISLAND
Visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians and take in their traditional way of life.
DAY 8: PUNO / PIKILLACTA/CUSCO
Overland transfer from Puno to Cusco, stopping at archaeological site Pikillacta.
DAY 9: CUSCO
A private tour of Cusco’s best markets, squares, and nearby pre-Columbian sites.
DAY 10: CUSCO / PISAC / CHINCHERO
Head into the Sacred Valley, stopping at the ruins of Pisac and weavers of Chinchero.
DAY 11: MACHU PICCHU
Arrive by train to the spectacular ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
DAY 12: MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO
Spend a second day at Machu Picchu, then catch the train back to Cusco.
DAY 13: CUSCO/LIMA OR USA
Flight to Lima and guided sight-seeing before boarding an overnight flight home.
DAY 14: USA
Make your onward connections home.
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.
Southern Highlights Tour
Dates & Rates
Departures
On request any week during the April-November season for a minimum of four participants2025 Land Cost
4-6 participants: from $9,900 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $9,100 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,500
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.
Southern Highlights Tour
Accommodations
PRIVATE COLLECTION — In 2008 Casa Andina unveiled one of Peru’s most stunning luxury properties by meticulously restoring the 1794 former Casa de la Moneda (Mint House) to its former glory. The colonial mansion features vaulted ceilings, 2 ample courtyards, an elegant gourmet restaurant, and 41 sumptuous rooms.
MIRAFLORES PARK HOTEL
Located on the Malecon de la Reserva, the 5-star Miraflores Park Hotel has 81 suites offering guests the ideal space for work and rest. Enjoy ample private bathrooms in marble and granite, comfortable king-size beds, and a splendid ocean view.
JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
Enjoy a view of the Pacific Ocean against the shoreline at one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top-20 Latin American hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Lima. This 5-Star facility has prime location near the Larcomar shopping and entertainment center, and luxurious amenities.
SANCTUARY LODGE
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, by Belmond, enjoys a unique position at the entrance of the Inca Citadel ruins. The unequaled location of this upscale 4-star hotel allows guests easy access to Machu Picchu, as well as breathtaking scenery and bird watching.
MONASTERIO HOTEL
Built in 1592, the original monastery was given the seal of royal approval in 1692. The San Antonio Abad Seminary and was converted into Cusco’s best and most delightful 5-star hotel in 1995. Only two blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Monasterio Hotel features 109 guest rooms.
Southern Highlights Tour
Extensions
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Cusco or Lima
Season: April to December
Families and travelers with limited time, who want a taste of the Amazon rainforest, will enjoy the Reserva Amazonica or Sandoval Lake lodge, 45 min by boat from Puerto Maldonado. Both allow access to small oxbow lakes as well as forest trails with a variety of habitats.
Length: 5 days/4 nights from Lima
Season: Mid-April to mid-November
Introduction: Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca in southern Peru is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Since its walls are not as vertical, the valley is filled with small towns that preserve their ancestral traditions.
Length: 5 Days/4 Nights from Cusco
Season: April to October
For travelers wanting to maximize their wildlife viewing opportunities in a short extension, few places in the Amazon Basin can compete with Manu National Park in southeastern Peru. It is considered to be one of the most pristine and important rainforest reserves on the planet!
Length: 4 days/3 nights from Lima
Season:Year-round
Long before the Incas controlled the country, sophisticated cultures existed along the Peruvian coast; and northern Peru is one of the best destinations for visiting the remains of their cities. Moche sites including the renowned Lord of Sipan and the pyramids.