Peru Cultural Itinerary Tour (14 Days / 13 Nights)
This comprehensive journey is our most popular Peru itinerary, 14 days of spectacular attractions — from Colonial Lima and the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the magnificent Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu and the floating islands on Lake Titicaca.
This specialized tour package has been carefully designed for all ages and interests – enchanting you with Peru’s history, archaeology and living tapestry of culture. It includes private tours with our professional guides and delicious meals featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine – where you will be in safe and experienced hands every step of the way.
What Can You Do in Peru in 14 Days?
A 14-day Peru itinerary covers the country’s essential highlights including Lima’s colonial center, the mysterious Nazca Lines, Arequipa’s white city, Colca Canyon’s condors, Cusco’s Inca heritage, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca’s floating islands. This comprehensive route spans 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) across Peru’s coast, highlands, and valleys.
Map of the Tour Route
Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ & Expedition Train to Cusco Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ & Vistadome Train to Cusco Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & Hiram Bingham Train to Cusco
Start Planning Your Dream Trip To Peru Now!
Please fill out the form below and one of our experienced and helpful trip coordinators will be in touch within one working day to help you plan your trip.
⭐ Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee your very best vacation.
*Prices starting from $2,557 per person Double Room Occupancy Four-Star Hotels
Day 1: Beginning Your Journey - Arrival in Lima
Day 1: City Lima International Airport Arrival
We meet you on your arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and transfer you to your selected hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Lima’s Historical Gems
Day 2: Lima City Tour
Take the morning to rest and relax. In the afternoon, around 2 pm, you embark on a city tour with our private guide and driver to take in the most important and attractive sites in Lima, the “City of Kings.”
The tour features a walking tour through thehistoric center: following Paseo de la República, and taking in the colonial architecture of the Plaza San Martin, and the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by grand buildings like the Government Palace, the Cathedral (housing the tomb of Pizarro) the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipal Palace. We pass through old streets with colonial mansions, and Lima’s intricate wood-carved balconies.
Walking around we will also have plenty of opportunities to try out many delicious Peruvian delicacies and sweets which are perfect for all ages and tastes – many of which have helped the nation’s gastronomy reach its newly founded global status. Suspiro a la Limeña is one we personally recommend trying – while children in particular will love Alfajores that are sold in local shops along the avenues.
Next stop is a visit to the Convent and Church of San Francisco, which holds the oldest collection of colonial art in the Americas, with an exquisitely carved chorus, a library of ancient manuscripts, and the Sacristy with paintings by Zurbarán and Rivera.
The grand courtyard of the main cloister is decorated floor-to-ceiling in blue and white Sevillian tiles, depicting scenes from the bible that dates back to the 16th Century. Moroccan arches lead us to the Catacombs, a subterranean crypt from the colonial period, where the bones of 25 thousand colonial-era Lima residents are entombed.
The tour continues through the most traditional residential areas of the city: San Isidro, the Central Park of Miraflores and down to the cliff-side shopping complex of Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima. (B)
Day 3: Discovering Paracas and the Coastal Wildlife
Day 3: Paracas National Marine Reserve / Nazca
Early in the morning, we travel from Lima to the Paracas Peninsula, where we enter the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian coast. A guided boat tour takes you to the Ballestas Islands, in the Paracas National Reserve, home to sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and other marine birds.
Over 2000 years ago the ancient Paracas culture once thrived around this arid coastal region, who were well-known for their clever housing designs as well as more unusual cultural practices. Walking around we can see remnants from this civilization, as well as many others such as the Topará Culture.
On the way back you’ll see El Candelabro, a gigantic figure of unknown origin, in the style of the Nazca Lines, drawn into the sand of a hill on the mainland. In the afternoon we transfer by bus to the town of Nazca where you’ll stay the night. (B)
Day 4: Aerial Wonders: Nazca Lines and Arequipa Transfer
Day 4: Nazca – Nazca Lines / Arequipa
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we go to the airport for a 30-minute flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines where we can see enormous drawings of animals, birds, and geometric figures etched into the desert floor, which can only be truly appreciated from the air.
At midday we start our overland journey to Arequipa, about 8 hours away, passing through desert sands and coastal valleys. Transfer from the bus station to the hotel. (B)
Day 5: Uncovering Arequipa’s Colonial Splendor
Day 5: Arequipa – City Tour
In the morning, following breakfast, we travel into the countryside around Arequipa, visiting the Mill of Sabandia, a flour mill built in 1621. It’s powered by the flow of a waterfall and is still working today.
The Mansion of the Founder, dating from the 16th Century, belonged to the founder of the city, The Lord Lieutenant of the Governors and Governor Garci Manuel de Carbajal. It was later sold to the Jesuits, who used the building as a retreat. It then passed into the hands of the Goyeneche family. We also visit its beautifully restored chapel.
In the afternoon, after lunch at a local restaurant, we take aguided tour of Arequipa, starting at the Plaza de Armas (the main square) one of the most beautiful in Peru, and the Cathedral, a fine example of 19th Century Peruvian architecture, which houses precious artifacts of gold and silver.
We visit the “city within a city,” theConvent of Santa Catalina, with its vibrantly colored walls and courtyards that remained cloistered for centuries and was only opened to the public in the 1960s. We also visit the Compañia Church, an old Jesuit complex, perhaps the most historically significant in Arequipa, with a beautiful church facade covered in columns carved into spirals, laurel wreaths, flowers and birds. Transfer back to your hotel.
We recommend you have dinner in the hotel, and have an early night, as your guide will collect you very early the next morning to start your journey to the Colca Canyon. (B/L)
Day 6: Journey to Colca Canyon’s Majestic Depths
Day 6: Arequipa / Colca Canyon
Early in the morning we embark on an incredible 4-hour bus journey to the Colca Canyon. It’s one of the deepest canyons in the world (3,400 meters), passing through the Cañahuas plateau to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a habitat for vicuñas and alpacas (species of South American camelids related to the llama).
We stop for lunch at a local restaurant before setting back out on the road. En route you’ll see pre-Columbian terraces that are still used today to grow native crops. Refreshments are served along the way.
When we arrive at Valle de Colca, you’ll be transferred to your selected lodge. In the afternoon we recommend you rest to acclimatize to the altitude.
If you find yourself in good physical shape, take a walk around the surrounding countryside or take a bath in the nearby thermal pools. You’ll then have dinner and stay overnight in your selected lodge. (B/L)
Day 7: Condor Views and Cultural Sites in Colca
Day 7: Colca / Cruz del Condor
Very early in the morning we depart for the Cruz del Condor lookout, where you’ll have a chance to see the largest flying bird in the world in full flight. While sightings can vary at different times of the year, our expert guide can also take you to other viewing points so we can enjoy the memorable sight of a Condor up and close.
On the return journey we visit the towns of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. It’s a great opportunity to see the daily life of the inhabitants, which hasn’t changed a great deal since Inca times.
We stop for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we return you to your selected hotel in Arequipa. (B/L)
Day 8: From Arequipa to Cusco’s Ancient Streets
Day 8: Arequipa / Cusco – City Tour
We transfer to Arequipa airport early in the morning for the flight to Cusco. On arrival we transfer you to your selected hotel. We recommend you take the rest of the morning to acclimatize to the altitude and have a light lunch in or near the hotel.
In the afternoon we start to explore the city of Cusco on a tour, in which your private guide will explain the history and significance of our Inca culture and vast changes that took place with the Spanish Conquest.
You will visit the main plaza, the Cathedral, and the Temple of the Sun or Koricancha. We then visit the ruins on the outskirts of the city, stopping at the Inca ritual site of Quenqo, the water temple of Tambomachay, the customs house of Puca Pucara and the impressive temple fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on the hill above city of Cusco.
It’s famous for its enormous stone blocks, assembled with incredible precision to form the imposing external walls of the complex. Some of the stones stand 9 meters tall and weigh more than 350 tons. We then return you to your hotel. (B)
Day 9: Incan Heritage in the Sacred Valley
Day 9: Cusco / Sacred Valley of the Inca
In the morning after an early breakfast, you set out with your private guide and driver on a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, along the Urubamba River, to visit the famous Andean market town of Pisac. We have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we pass through the towns of Calca and Urubamba on the way to the Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to the Valley and protect the Empire from possible invasions by the people of the jungle.
We have the opportunity to walk through the stone alleyways of the city and get an idea of what life was like in a military, religious and cultural center at the height of the Inca Empire.
On the way back to Cusco we stop at the picturesque town of Chinchero, where we visit the ruins of a royal hacienda built for Tupac Inca Yapanqui.
You’ll admire the well-preserved Inca wall in the main plaza, and visit the beautiful colonial church with intriguing frescos painted on its portico, all built on Inca foundations. We return you to your hotel in Cusco. (B/L)
Day 10: Machu Picchu: The Lost City Awaits
Day 10: Cusco / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
Breakfast at the hotel, then pick up and transfer either to the train station at Poroy or Ollantaytambo for travel to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Inca.
We arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes, and take a bus for about 30 minutes, ascending up a series of switchbacks to reach the incomparable Machu Picchu. Known as one of the New Seven Wonders of The World, this sacred site was one of the most important for the ancient Inca – and travelers of all ages will enjoy gazing out at the temples and imagining what ancient life was once like here.
The excursion includes a private tour of the citadel, visiting the main plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the royal quarters and the Temple of the Three Windows.
You also have some free time to walk around the complex at your own pace. We have lunch in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes, before you settle in at your selected hotel.(B/L)
Day 11: Morning Exploration and Return from Aguas Calientes
Day 11: Aguas Calientes / Cusco
After enjoying a buffet breakfast, we will then return to the ruins to explore on your own, in relative peace and quiet before other visitors arrive on the train from Cusco. This is a fantastic opportunity to take your time exploring the different ceremonial sights and viewpoints, given there will be fewer crowds blocking the way.
Afternoon, board train for return either to the train station Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where you will transfer to the waiting bus back to Cusco and your hotel. (B)
Day 12: Andean Landscapes on the Route to Puno
Day 12: Cusco / Puno
At 7:30 in the morning your tour bus leaves for the city of Puno at 3,860 meters above sea level. During the journey we pass the Lake of Wacarpay, offering spectacular views of snow capped mountains reflected in its tranquil waters.
Near the lake we visit the Pre-Inca citadel of Pikillacta, Quechua for “City of the Thumbs.” It’s one of the most impressive sites built by the Wari culture, consisting of more than 700 structures, with walls almost 12 meters high.
We continue to the charming town of Andahuaylillas, where we visit the temple of Saint Peter of Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas for its rich colonial artworks and painted murals that cover the walls, arches, entrance-ways and ceilings.
Further on we stop at Archí, where we visit the spectacular sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacútec, dedicated to the sun god Wiracocha. It has a grand central stone wall, with other walls built from adobe bricks.
Around the temple you’ll find a multitude of ancient buildings that were used as houses or storerooms. About 70 kilometers later we reach the pass of La Raya, the highest point of the journey at 4400 meters above sea level, where you can spot herds of vicuñas and llamas.
After traveling along the Collao plateau, we stop at the town of Ayaviri, an important cattle and textile center, where the temple of Kalasaya awaits, a relic of the ancient Pucara culture.
A buffet lunch is served in a rustic rural setting, offering the chance to sample the culinary delights of the region. In the afternoon, arrival in Puno marks the final leg of the day, with a transfer to your selected hotel. (B/L)
Day 13: Lake Titicaca’s Floating Islands and Taquile
Day 13: Puno / Floating Islands of Uros / Island of Taquile
Early in the morning we start an unforgettable boat tour around Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the Floating Islands of Los Uros, where people have lived since pre-Inca times.
These Andean natives have built their own islands out of reeds, stacking new layers to form floating structures dozens of meters deep. The vegetable fiber used is Scirpus Totora, from the papyrus family. They also use this material to build their houses and boats.
We continue to Taquile, inhabited by Quechua speakers who have developed, generation after generation, an efficient and original social system, and their own magnificent textile techniques.
After lunch at a local tavern on Taquile we walk around its hillsides and archaeological sites. In the evening we return you to Puno, and your hotel. (B/L)
Day 14: Farewell: Sillustani Ruins and Departure from Lima
Day 14: Puno – Sillustani / Lima
On the way to the airport in Juliaca we detour to visit the burial towers of Sillustani.
The famous cylindrical stone structures were started by the Aymara people to entomb their high priests, and were then used by the Inca to bury their nobles. Umayo Lake, in front of the “chullpas” only adds to the beauty of the site.
We also have the chance to observe native birds of the region. After the flight to Lima we take you to your selected hotel to relax for the day as you wait for your international flight. At the appropriate time we transfer you back to the airport. (B)
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Suggestion: Altitude is a consideration for anyone planning to travel to Peru’s highlands. For trips to Cusco, it can make a huge difference to spend your first day in the Sacred Valley (2,400 mts./9,000 ft) to acclimatize and avoid problems with altitude sickness, before ascending to the Inca capital city of Cusco (3,360 mts./11,152 ft.). We are happy to adjust your itineary to help ensure that “seroche” isn’t a factor during your vacation.
Start Planning Your Dream Trip To Peru Now!
Please fill out the form below and one of our experienced and helpful trip coordinators will be in touch within one working day to help you plan your trip.
⭐ Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee your very best vacation.
Everything Included in our 14 Day Peru Itinerary:
Airport transfer in and out in each city
City Tour Lima in private service
Bus ticket Lima – Paracas
Islas Ballestas excursion & Paracas National Reserve in shared service
Bus ticket Paracas – Nazca
Over flight Nazca Lines ( 30 min aprox) in shared service
Bus ticket Nazca – Arequipa
City Tour Arequipa in private service + lunch
Mill of Sabandia in shared service
2 days Colca Canyon excursion + 02 lunches in Colca in shared service
City Tour Cusco + Ruins in private service
Sacred Valley excursion + lunch in private service
Transfer Cusco – Train Station – Cusco
Machu Picchu excursion in private service + lunch
Train ticket + entrance fee
Re-entry ticket to Machu Picchu on Day 11 w/ bus transfer to/from ruins
Bus ticket Cusco – Puno
Full Day Uros Island + Taquile in shared service
Tour Sillustani enroute in private service
Accommodation in each City of the itinerary + breakfast
Not Included:
National or International flights
Non-itinerary meals or drinks
Tips or services not described in the itinerary
Hiram Bingham Train service offers luxury transportation with porter & waiter service, gourmet brunch, dinner and cocktails and an exclusive guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Why Travel with Fertur Peru Travel?
Planning the perfect trip around Peru can be difficult given the amount of incredible destinations to choose between, and also as everyone has different particular interests. Here at Fertur Peru Travel we have designed the most exciting and complete trip based on personal travel experience, as well as from many years of customizing tours around Peru for our clients. Whether you are looking to spot wild animals, visit impressive archaeological ruins, or try exquisite Peruvian cuisine, we have all of your interests covered here.
We also pride ourselves on luxurious and comfortable tours, so by booking with us you will be guaranteed deluxe private transportation whilst exploring all corners of the country as you will with our Peru Cultural Itinerary Tour. As well as this we also use the very best, professional tour guides, who will ensure both the most safe and memorable time possible.
Fertur created an unforgettable vacation in Peru.
They customized our trip and took care of all the arrangements (travel, accommodation, guides and tickets, etc). And when last minute changes were necessary, they rearranged our itinerary without any fuss or drama.
In short, they are THE TRAVEL PARTNER you need in Peru.
Thank you Fertur for an amazing vacation.
JimAndBunny - USA
Fertur Travel and our travel agent Dalia made our trip to Peru smooth and enjoyable. We booked the cultural Peru itinerary which started in Lima and ended in Cusco. The selection of the hotels and guides was good during the whole trip. We really enjoyed our stay in lake Titicaca and Chivay, and the private tour from Arequipa to Puno. The train to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes village were highlights in our trip. Also, the buffet meals were delicious.
Marxa123 - Athens, Greece
Glowing review of Fertur Travel and our agent Dalia’s help during a two-week tour of Cusco, Arequipa and Lima. I know some of our large group’s urgent needs came up outside of working hours and she was always responsive. Fertur’s guides in AQP, CUZ and LIM were all excellent.
I came away 100% completely satisfied, would use Fertur again and would recommend to a friend. Thanks!
ColinP - USA
We had a wonderful time! We learned so much, we’ve seen so many awesome things, we enjoyed every moment of this trip organized by Fertur under the supervision of Milagros Quintana. Even if we wanted, we would not be able to find any reason to complain. Everything was perfect. We are already thinking about our next South American adventure: Chile and the Easter Island. Fertur and Milagros will be in charge.
Isabella S - USA
Contact Us Now and Book Your Dream Peru Trip!
To reserve your Peru vacation, click the “Book Now” form and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your trip. Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee your very best vacation.
⭐ Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee your very best vacation.
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