Peru 11d/Hotel 3*** ColcaCanyon, TiticacaLake, MachuPicchu

Peru 11d/Hotel 3*** ColcaCanyon, TiticacaLake, MachuPicchu

If you’re craving a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this 11-day guided tour of Peru offers a fantastic way to see some of the country’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For around $2,000 per person, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star hotels, explore Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, and Lima, and visit places like Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and the Uros Floating Islands.

What we love most about this trip is how well it balances guided sightseeing with free time—there’s enough structure to keep you moving efficiently but plenty of space to soak in each spot at your own pace. Plus, the local guides are praised for their knowledge, making history and culture come alive. The tour also includes a mix of natural wonders like Rainbow Mountain and archaeological sites, giving you a well-rounded Peruvian experience.

A possible consideration is the intensity of early mornings and long travel days—the trip packs a lot into 11 days, which might feel rushed if you prefer a more relaxed pace. Also, some activities like the Nazca Lines flight are optional and involve additional costs or weight limits—so be prepared for those extras.

This tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Peru with a focus on major highlights, manageable group sizes, and an emphasis on authentic experiences. If you love scenic vistas, archaeological sites, and engaging guides, this is a strong choice.

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Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Peru’s most famous sights from Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided tours with knowledgeable local guides enhance understanding.
• Comfortable Accommodation: 3-star hotels offer a good balance of comfort and value.
• Active Days: Includes hiking, boat rides, and sightseeing—expect some early mornings.
• Cultural Diversity: From indigenous communities on Uros Islands to Incan ruins.
• Value for Money: All major attractions included, with some optional extras.

An In-Depth Look at the Peru 11-Day Tour

An Ideal Introduction to Peru’s Highlights

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded view of Peru’s diverse landscapes and rich history. Starting with your airport pick-up in Lima, your adventure kicks off with visits to notable coastal sights and moves through some of the most iconic destinations—Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, organized experience that maximizes time and minimizes stress.

The tour’s cost of $2,000 includes all the major excursions, entrance fees, guided tours, and most meals. Staying in three-star hotels provides a comfortable base, and the group sizes tend to be small enough for personalized attention. Plus, the guides are often praised for their clarity and enthusiasm—making history and local stories engaging rather than dry.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1-2: Lima and the Coast

Your journey begins with a pick-up at Lima Airport, followed by an early start the next day. The highlight here is the boat tour of Ballestas Islands, where penguins and sea lions steal the show. We loved how this boat ride offers a close-up view of Peru’s marine wildlife in a natural setting—an experience not to be missed.

Later, you’ll visit the Huacachina Oasis, famed for its towering sand dunes. Sandboarding and dune buggy rides here are thrilling, especially if you’re a fan of adrenaline. The next morning, an early flight over the Nazca Lines gives you a bird’s-eye view of these mysterious geoglyphs—an experience that’s both fascinating and visually stunning.

Day 3-4: Arequipa and Colca Canyon

Traveling south to Arequipa, the city’s Spanish colonial architecture and volcanic backdrop set the tone for more sightseeing. The Yanahuara district and the Carmen Monastery are highlights, with guides sharing insights into local traditions.

Day 5 is a long but rewarding journey to the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest. We recommend getting up early to reach the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where you’ll likely see Andean condors soaring gracefully overhead—an unforgettable sight. Stops in Maca Village and a visit to Yanque Hot Springs are optional but add to the experience.

Day 6-7: Lake Titicaca and Sacred Valley

On day six, you’ll visit the Uros Floating Islands, where local communities live on reclaimed reed platforms—a genuine glimpse into indigenous life. Later, on Taquile Island, you’ll encounter vibrant textiles and scenic vistas, making for beautiful photo opportunities.

The journey to Cusco involves stops at Pukara Museum, the Raya Pass, and the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi—an opportunity to learn about ancient cultures while enjoying buffet-style lunch.

Days 8-9: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

The highlight for most travelers is the guided tour of Machu Picchu. We loved the way our guide explained the site’s architecture and significance, bringing the stones and terraces to life. The early bus ride and the circuit allowed us to beat some of the crowds and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

The day also includes a train ride to Aguas Calientes, a charming town at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s a good place to relax and prepare for the next day’s early start.

Day 10: Rainbow Mountain

The early morning pickup for Rainbow Mountain is worth the effort. The hike to the summit offers spectacular multicolored vistas—a true highlight for outdoor lovers. Be prepared for a moderate to strenuous hike; the altitude can be challenging, but the views make it worthwhile. Afterward, a hearty lunch brings you back to Cusco.

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Practical Aspects and Value

The tour’s included services—guided tours, entry fees, transportation, and most meals—help organize an efficient experience. The hotels in good condition, combined with the small group sizes, create a more intimate atmosphere than large tours.

The Nazca Lines flight, while optional, is a memorable experience but involves a weight limit of 90 kg. Some reviews note this could incur an extra surcharge if exceeded. Also, activities like sandboarding and horseback riding are optional and not included, giving you some flexibility to choose how active you want to be.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides, which enriches each site visit. One says, “Our guide brought history to life with stories and facts I’d never read before.” Others mention the stunning scenery, like the soaring condors and colorful mountains, as unforgettable.

Some note the early starts and long travel days—the trip is fast-paced, but this gets you to all the main highlights in a short time. The value for the cost is generally regarded as good, considering the included excursions, accommodations, and transport.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a full and balanced introduction to Peru’s highlights, combining must-see archaeological sites with natural wonders. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a guided experience with logistical ease and are comfortable with some early mornings and active days. If your goal is to see Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca without the hassle of planning each step, this itinerary delivers a lot of value and memorable experiences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates structured travel with expert guides, this trip will fit well. It’s ideal for those eager to see a wide array of Peru’s cultural and natural treasures in a relatively short time. Active travelers will enjoy the hiking, boat rides, and scenic vistas, while history buffs will get plenty of context from well-informed guides.

However, if you prefer slow-paced travel or more free time to explore independently, you might find this schedule a bit packed. The early mornings and long bus rides are part of the package but are worth it for the richness of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking, hiking (like Rainbow Mountain), and bus travel over uneven terrain. It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with active days and early mornings.

Are meals included?
Most meals are included, but dinners and drinks are generally not. The tour mentions a traditional lunch at a picantería in Arequipa and a buffet in the Sacred Valley, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

What kind of hotels are provided?
You’ll stay in 3-star hotels in each city, which are comfortable and well-located for sightseeing.

Are activities like sandboarding and horseback riding included?
No, these are optional activities in Huacachina and Chivay, respectively, and would incur additional costs if you choose to participate.

Can I join the Nazca Lines flight?
Yes, it’s included, but note the weight limit of 90 kg per person. If you exceed this, an extra surcharge might apply.

How are the guides?
Reviewers often mention the guides’ depth of knowledge and enthusiasm, making visits more engaging and informative.

What are the transportation methods?
The tour uses a combination of bus, boat, train, and private transport, ensuring smooth transfers between sites.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most ages, the early mornings and active excursions like Rainbow Mountain may be challenging for very young children or those with health concerns.

What’s the best time to book?
Check availability early, especially for the Nazca Lines overflight and Rainbow Mountain hikes, which are weather-dependent.

Can I customize or extend the tour?
The package is fixed, but you can discuss adding extra days or activities with your guide or tour operator.

This 11-day Peru tour offers a well-paced, organized, and immersive experience of the country’s most iconic sights. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and a mix of cultural, archaeological, and natural highlights, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking both adventure and insight into Peru’s diverse landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby