Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Cusco to Arequipa in Southern Highlands, Peru.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Culture, Nature, Scenic, Adventure.

Peru Southern Highlands: Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon

Q: How long is the Peru Southern Highlands: Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 4 stops.

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The route · 4 stops

Cusco

3 nights

Peru's Inca capital at 3,400 m. Plan day one gently to acclimatise: Qorikancha sun temple, Plaza de Armas, San Blas quarter. Days two and three are for Sacred Valley day trips: Pisac market and ruins, the circular terraces at Moray, Maras salt pans, and Ollantaytambo fortress. Add a train from Ollantaytambo for Machu Picchu.Peru's Inca capital at 3,400 m. Plan day one gently to acclimatise: Qorikancha sun temple, Plaza de Armas, San Blas quarter. Days two and three are for Sacred Valley day trips: Pisac market and ruins, the circular terraces at Moray, Maras salt pans, and Ollantaytambo fortress. Add a train from Ollantaytambo for Machu Picchu.

Recommendations

5h 59m · 431 km drive to Puno

Puno

2 nights

Puno sits on Lake Titicaca at 3,830 m, the world's highest navigable lake. Morning boat tours from the Muelle Lacustre reach the Uros floating reed islands, where families live on platforms they maintain and replace as the lower layers decay. A half-day extension to Taquile Island reveals weaving traditions recognised by UNESCO.Puno sits on Lake Titicaca at 3,830 m, the world's highest navigable lake. Morning boat tours from the Muelle Lacustre reach the Uros floating reed islands, where families live on platforms they maintain and replace as the lower layers decay. A half-day extension to Taquile Island reveals weaving traditions recognised by UNESCO.

Recommendations

3h 4m · 221 km drive to Chivay

Chivay

1 night

The gateway town to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges at over 1,200 m. Drive from Puno via the 4,910 m Patapampa pass with views of snow-capped volcanoes across the plateau. Stay overnight for an early start at Cruz del Condor, where Andean condors launch from canyon walls on the first thermals of each morning.The gateway town to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges at over 1,200 m. Drive from Puno via the 4,910 m Patapampa pass with views of snow-capped volcanoes across the plateau. Stay overnight for an early start at Cruz del Condor, where Andean condors launch from canyon walls on the first thermals of each morning.

Recommendations

1h 33m · 112 km drive to Arequipa

Arequipa

2 nights

The White City is built almost entirely from white volcanic sillar stone, giving the historic centre a luminous quality in afternoon sun. Santa Catalina Monastery, a walled city within the city, fills a full morning. Two nights allow time for the monastery, the baroque cathedral, and Peru's finest regional food scene outside Lima.The White City is built almost entirely from white volcanic sillar stone, giving the historic centre a luminous quality in afternoon sun. Santa Catalina Monastery, a walled city within the city, fills a full morning. Two nights allow time for the monastery, the baroque cathedral, and Peru's finest regional food scene outside Lima.

Recommendations

Peru Southern Highlands: Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon