Southern route Peru 12 days

A 12-day journey through Peru’s most iconic sights, from the coast to the Andes. Led by friendly guides, this tour includes visits to Lima’s vibrant streets, the mysterious Nazca Lines, the stunning Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the floating islands of Puno. For $1,475 per person, it offers a comprehensive taste of Peru’s landscapes, history, and culture—perfect for travelers eager to see a lot without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.

What we especially liked about this experience are two things: first, the blend of culture and adventure activities, like sandboarding in Huacachina and hiking to Humantay Lagoon, keeps the trip lively and engaging. Second, the small group size (limited to 15 participants) makes for a more personal and flexible experience, allowing guides to tailor the journey and keep the atmosphere friendly.

A possible consideration is the early mornings and long travel days, especially the overnight bus from Puno to Cusco — if you’re not a fan of early starts or overnight rides, this might be a bit tiring. But for those who love a full schedule and diverse experiences, this tour packs in a lot.

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences without the burden of planning each step. If you appreciate guided tours that cover key sites comfortably and enjoy small-group atmospheres, this could be a great fit.

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Peru’s highlights, from coast to mountains.
• Small group size enhances personalized service and flexibility.
• Includes all major attractions like Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca.
• Balanced mix of activities, including hiking, sandboarding, and boat excursions.
• Value for money with most entrance fees, guides, transportation, and meals included.
• Early mornings and long travel days are part of the adventure, so plan accordingly.

A well-structured journey through Peru’s diverse landscapes—from bustling Lima to the tranquil lakes of Puno—is ideal for travelers who want a rich snapshot of this fascinating country. The tour, priced at $1,475 per person, covers major attractions and offers a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences. Led by guides speaking both Spanish and English, the tour is designed for small groups of no more than 15, making interactions more personal and flexible than large bus tours.

Starting with Lima, the journey kicks off with a city tour that introduces you to Peru’s capital, famed for its colonial architecture and lively neighborhoods like Miraflores and San Isidro. While the itinerary doesn’t specify the exact sights, you can expect to see landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and perhaps some modern districts reflecting Lima’s vibrant street life. The afternoon is free or optional, giving you a chance to explore further or relax.

Moving southward, the trip takes you to Ica and then to Paracas, home to the famous Ballestas Islands, often called the “Poor Man’s Galápagos,” where you’ll spot sea lions, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. The visit to the vineyards for lunch adds a regional touch, showcasing local wines and pisco. In Huacachina, a tiny desert oasis, your adrenaline kicks in with sandboarding and tubing—simple activities that bring a sense of thrill without requiring advanced skills.

The Nazca Lines are another highlight, with an early morning overflight revealing the mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert. This is a must-see for travelers curious about ancient mysteries, although the 30-minute flight might be a bit tight if you’re prone to motion sickness. The day concludes with a bus ride back to Lima, a long but scenic journey.

Once in Cusco, the heart of the Andes, the tour offers a city tour that introduces you to its colonial charm and Incan roots. You’ll get to see Sacsayhuamán, the impressive Inca fortress, and wander through lively plazas and markets. From here, the trip takes a classic route through the Sacred Valley, with stops at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, where Inca terraces and ruins showcase ancient engineering.

Machu Picchu is, of course, the main star. You’ll take an early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, spend the day exploring this legendary site with a guide, and then return to Cusco. The guided tour provides insights into the site’s purpose and history, making the experience richer than just wandering on your own.

The adventure continues with a hike to Humantay Lagoon, a stunning turquoise water body set high in the mountains. The early start (~4 am) is demanding but worth it for the breathtaking vistas. The tour also visits Maras and Moray, two remarkable archaeological sites: the salt mines and the terraced circular formations, illustrating Inca ingenuity.

The highlight for many is the trip to Vinicunca, the Mountain of Seven Colors. A 3-hour drive from Cusco followed by a hike reveals the multi-hued mountains that have become a bucket-list photo spot. The early start and altitude can pose challenges, but the spectacular scenery makes it worthwhile.

Finally, the trip shifts to Lake Titicaca, where you’ll visit the floating islands of Uros and the island of Taquile. The boat rides across the lake and the opportunity to meet local communities add depth to the experience. The journey back to Cusco on an overnight bus completes the itinerary, giving you a true sense of Peru’s vastness.

Transportation and logistics are well-organized, with private transfers, bus tickets, and train rides included. The use of different transport modes—tours, buses, trains—adds convenience but also means early mornings and long days. The tour starts early most days, sometimes as early as 4 am, to maximize sightseeing time. If you’re not an early riser, this might be a bit tiring, but it’s the trade-off for seeing so much.

The small group setting means you’re less likely to feel lost in the crowd, and guides can adapt to your pace when possible. The inclusion of oxygen assistance on Cusco tours is a thoughtful touch for those sensitive to altitude.

Meals are included, with options for regional dishes, and the tour visits local restaurants, giving you a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine. Entrance fees, guides, and activities like sandboarding and tubing are covered, so you won’t be surprised by extra costs, making the overall value quite good.

Accommodations are not detailed here, but they are likely to be modest but comfortable hotels, given the price point and itinerary. The overnight bus from Puno to Cusco, while an adventure, can be a sleeper or a seat—check reviews if you prefer more comfort.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on diverse environments—coastal, mountain, desert, and lake—and the chance to interact with local cultures. Visiting the floating Uros Islands offers a glimpse into traditional lake communities, while the archaeological sites like Moray and Maras showcase Inca ingenuity.

The activities, like sandboarding in Huacachina and hiking to Humantay Lagoon, add a sense of adventure that many travelers crave. Reviews mention how the guides often share insights into local history and customs, enriching each stop beyond a simple sightseeing visit.

The price point reflects a solid package—most major sites are included, and the logistics are taken care of. For travelers who want to see Peru without the stress of planning each detail, this tour offers good value, especially with the chance to experience Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and Lake Titicaca in one trip.

This 12-day tour suits travelers who are active and curious, willing to start early and travel long days for the sake of a broad experience. If you love mixing cultural exploration with outdoor activities, like hiking, sandboarding, and boat rides, you’ll likely enjoy it. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided group travel over independent trips, since guides help interpret each site.

However, if you’re sensitive to altitude or don’t enjoy early mornings, you might want to prepare for some fatigue. Likewise, those seeking luxury accommodations might find the included hotels basic but functional for the price.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded choice for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike who want to cover a lot of ground, see iconic sights, and enjoy a touch of adventure—all with local guides supporting your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring a more intimate and flexible experience.

Are meals included?
Yes, most meals are covered, including regional dishes and buffet lunches, allowing you to enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine without extra planning.

What activities are part of the tour?
Activities include sightseeing, guided archaeological visits, sandboarding in Huacachina, tubing, hiking to Humantay Lagoon, and boat trips to Lake Titicaca’s islands.

Is transportation comfortable?
Transportation includes private transfers, tourist buses, and train rides, designed for convenience and efficiency, but long travel days are part of the package.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all major entrance fees for sites like Machu Picchu, Moray, and the salt mines are included in the price.

What is the level of physical activity required?
Expect early mornings, some hiking (like Humantay Lagoon and Vinicunca), and activities like sandboarding. Travelers should be prepared for physical exertion and altitude changes.

This tour offers a lively, well-organized way to see much of southern Peru’s highlights in just over a week. It balances cultural sites with outdoor fun, making it perfect for travelers eager to experience Peru’s diversity without the stress of self-organizing. If you’re ready for early mornings, long bus rides, and plenty of adventure, this journey could be just what you’re looking for.