South 12 days: Ica-Arequipa-Puno-Cusco 4 star hotel.

Traveling through southern Peru on this 12-day tour offers a chance to see some of the most iconic sights and experience local culture firsthand. For about $2,438 per person, you’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels and enjoy a carefully curated itinerary that includes famous landmarks like Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca, alongside lesser-known gems like the Huacachina oasis. Guided by friendly, professional guides, you’ll travel through diverse landscapes — from coastal deserts to high-altitude mountains — with all logistics handled smoothly.

What we love most about this experience is the balance it strikes between iconic must-sees and authentic cultural moments. We particularly appreciated the chance to explore Peru’s spectacular natural wonders and learn about local customs during the tours of Amantani and Taquile islands. The included activities like sandboarding and tubing in Huacachina add a fun, adventurous touch, making the trip more than just a sightseeing list.

A potential consideration is the pace; with so many destinations packed into 12 days, travelers should be ready for some long travel days and early mornings, especially when visiting Machu Picchu or Vinicunca. However, this is a great tour for those eager to see multiple highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

This tour suits travelers who want a structured, guided experience of southern Peru with good value, comfortable accommodations, and a focus on authentic sights. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors or those wanting to see the country’s top highlights with a small group for a more personal touch.

Key Points

Diverse Destinations: Covers Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, offering a comprehensive Southern Peru experience.
Iconic Sights: Includes Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, and the Mountain of Seven Colors — all highlights worth the trip.
Comfort and Convenience: Staying in 4-star hotels, with included transportation, guides, and tickets making logistics easier.
Authentic Experiences: Activities like sandboarding, hot springs, and local island visits add genuine cultural and adventurous appeal.
Value for Money: At $2,438, the tour offers a well-rounded experience with most major attractions included.
Small Group Setting: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and engaging atmosphere.

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An Overview of the Itinerary

This tour effectively balances travel days, sightseeing, and culture. Each day has a clear focus, making it manageable yet packed with experiences. You’ll begin with a pickup at the Cusco airport, then head toward the coast, making your way through dramatic landscapes and historic sites.

Day 2: From Lima to Ica and Paracas

Early mornings can be a challenge, but the payoff is worth it. Your trip starts with a pickup around 3-4 am and a drive to Ica and Paracas. The highlight here is the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galápagos of Peru,” where you’ll see sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. The tour includes a visit to a vineyard for lunch — a chance to sample local wines and pisco — and a fun stop at Huacachina, the desert oasis famed for sandboarding and tubing. The landscape here feels surreal, with towering dunes surrounding the tiny lagoon.

Day 3-4: Arequipa and the Colca Canyon

After a night in Arequipa, you’ll travel to the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, famous for its majestic condors. The morning visit to Cruz del Cóndor is a highlight; we loved the chance to watch these enormous birds soaring overhead, a truly awe-inspiring sight. The hot springs at La Calera are a relaxing break after the canyon hike, and the evening in Chivay features a local dinner with traditional dances.

Day 5-6: Puno and Lake Titicaca

The journey from Chivay to Puno offers scenic vistas and cultural insight. Visiting the Uros floating islands and Amantani gives an authentic glimpse into high-altitude indigenous life. You’ll stay overnight on Amantani, which means you get to enjoy a night in a local family home, an experience many travelers find memorable. The next day, visiting Taquile Island with its famous textiles and crafts provides insight into local traditions.

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Day 7-8: From Puno to Cusco

The drive from Puno to Cusco takes you through varied landscapes, and you’ll stop for lunch with a view of Lake Titicaca. In Cusco, a comprehensive city tour includes Qoricancha and Sacsayhuamán, giving you a solid grounding in Incan history. The small group setting makes the experience personal, and guides are well-versed in local stories.

Day 9-10: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

No trip to Peru is complete without Machu Picchu, and this tour delivers. Visiting Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley offers stunning Incan architecture and vibrant markets. Traveling by train to Aguas Calientes, you’ll stay overnight near Machu Picchu, giving you plenty of time to explore the mystical site with a guide. The next morning, an early bus takes you up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour. This is the absolute highlight, and many travelers describe it as “a truly humbling experience.”

Day 11: Mountain of the Seven Colors (Vinicunca)

This high-altitude hike up the Mountain of Seven Colors is a favorite for adventurous travelers. The views are unbelievable, showcasing bands of vibrant mineral colors layered across the mountain. Be prepared for a 2.5-hour hike at altitude — the scenery makes it worthwhile, but the physical challenge is real.

Day 12: Departure

Your trip ends with a transfer to the Cusco airport or bus station, leaving you with a well-rounded impression of southern Peru’s highlights.

Transportation and Guides

Transportation is included throughout, with comfortable buses, train rides, and local boats as needed. The guides are professional, typically bilingual in English and Spanish, and knowledgeable about local history, culture, and geology. This makes the experience richer and helps you understand what you’re seeing beyond just taking photos.

The small group size — limited to 15 people — means you’re not just another face in a crowd. It also allows guides to tailor parts of the experience if needed, which many travelers appreciate.

Hotels and Meals

Staying in 4-star hotels offers comfort after long days of sightseeing. The included meals, especially the buffet lunch in Urubamba and the meals on Amantani, highlight local flavors and traditions. You’ll find the meals satisfying and well-portioned, giving you energy for the next adventure.

Activities and Excursions

Activities like sandboarding and tubing add adventure to the trip, while visits to hot springs and local markets add cultural depth. When visiting Machu Picchu, the included guided tour makes the experience more meaningful, as you learn about the site’s history and architecture.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews mention the excellent organization and the value for the price. One traveler shared, “The guides were very knowledgeable, and everything ran smoothly, which meant I could relax and enjoy.” Others appreciated the opportunity to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, giving more time to explore Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.

Some noted that the early mornings and long travel days require good stamina, but most felt the experience was worth it. The inclusion of activities like sandboarding and hot springs offered a fun break from sightseeing, making the trip more balanced and engaging.

This 12-day adventure is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of southern Peru with comfort and guidance. It’s suitable for first-timers who prefer a structured itinerary but also want authentic experiences. If you’re eager to tick off major sights like Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, and Lake Titicaca without the stress of planning logistics, this tour delivers.

Travelers comfortable with some early mornings and long days will find it rewarding. The small group size makes it a good choice for those who enjoy personal interaction and a more intimate setting.

This tour offers a thoughtful blend of natural wonders, archaeological sites, and local culture, all bundled into a manageable 12-day itinerary. Staying in 4-star hotels and having most logistics handled for you makes it a convenient way to see Peru’s highlights. The inclusion of authentic activities such as sandboarding and island visits adds a fun, immersive touch.

While the pace might be busy for some, it’s a fantastic option for those who want to maximize their time and experience a variety of landscapes and cultures. If you’re looking for a well-organized, value-packed adventure that covers Peru’s most famous sights and hidden gems alike, this tour fits the bill.

How many days does the tour last?
It lasts 12 days, including travel, sightseeing, and accommodations.

Are airport transfers included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup services on the first and last days, as well as transfers between major stops.

What type of hotels will I stay in?
You will stay in 4-star hotels throughout the trip, offering comfort and convenience.

What activities are included?
Activities include sandboarding, tubing, visits to hot springs, island tours, and guided visits to Machu Picchu.

Is transportation provided between destinations?
Yes, transportation is included, covering buses, trains, boats, and local transfers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Are meals included?
Most meals are included, such as buffets in Urubamba and meals on Amantani, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

Do I need to book my own flights?
Yes, flights are not included, so you should arrange your own plane tickets to and from Cusco.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Given the physical activities like hikes and adventure sports, it’s best suited for travelers in good health comfortable with walking and some altitude.

This 12-day tour of southern Peru offers a well-balanced, authentic, and memorable experience. Whether you’re marveling at Machu Picchu, soaring over Colca Canyon, or enjoying the tranquility of Lake Titicaca, you’ll come away with stories that last a lifetime.

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