Discovering Southern Peru

Heading to Arequipa, the “white city”.

Early in the morning, you will take a flight to Arequipa, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Peru. Upon arrival, you will set off to discover its architectural gems: from the majestic Plaza de Armas to the charming alleyways, including the impressive Church of the Society of Jesus.

With its mild and sunny climate, Arequipa is perfect for leisurely strolls and peaceful exploration.

Your visit will continue at the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where the famous mummy Juanita rests. This young Inca girl, sacrificed more than five centuries ago at the summit of a volcano, was exceptionally preserved in ice, offering a striking testimony to Andean civilization.

Departure for the Andean highlands

Before leaving Arequipa, you will visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a veritable city within a city, renowned for its peaceful cloisters and brightly colored alleyways — a masterpiece of colonial architecture in Latin America.

Then you will take the road towards the spectacular Colca Canyon. The journey will take you up the slopes of the Chachani volcano before crossing the vast expanses of the altiplano, until you reach the edge of the canyon.

Crossing a mountain pass at nearly 4,900 meters altitude will offer you an exceptional panorama of the surrounding volcanoes. You will enjoy a lunch break in the heart of nature, with a picnic amidst these magnificent landscapes, before descending back to the town of Chivay.

The road continues to Cabanaconde, a charming Andean village overlooking the canyon. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will have some free time to relax or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Meals are at the customer's expense.

First day of hiking in the spectacular Colca Canyon

This is the start of your hiking adventure in the heart of one of the deepest canyons in the world. Early in the morning, you begin your walk through the overhanging agricultural terraces, with a breathtaking view of the canyon's depths.

The trail gradually descends into a narrow gorge, leading you to the banks of the Colca River, which you will cross to continue your progress.

After crossing the Huaruro River, you'll reach the peaceful hamlet of Llahuar, nestled at an altitude of 2,100 meters. In the afternoon, it's time to relax: you can unwind in the natural hot springs or cool off in the clear waters of the Colca River.

Overnight stay in standard accommodation (shared bathroom without hot water)

Second day of trekking in the impressive Colca Canyon.

Early in the morning, you will resume your walk through the rugged landscapes of the canyon. You will cross the gorge again to reach a balcony path, suspended above the vertiginous depths of the Colca, offering breathtaking views.

After several hours of walking, you will reach the Andean village of Cosñirhua, located at an altitude of 2,650 meters, where a well-deserved lunch break awaits you.

The route then continues towards San Juan de Chuccho. You will begin a beautiful descent into the heart of a narrow valley, on a path winding between terraced fields, dry stone walls and orchards, until you reach your accommodation, nestled in a peaceful and green setting.

At the first light of day, you will begin the descent towards the Colca river, before tackling the final climb towards the perched village of Cabanaconde.

The trail climbs in tight switchbacks through the rock faces, until it reaches the Cabanaconde viewpoint plateau at 3,390 meters altitude. Once at the summit, you can contemplate the entire journey completed over the past few days — a moment of well-deserved satisfaction and pride.

With a bit of luck, you might see some condors soaring in the updrafts that animate the valley.

From this point, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to Puno, on the majestic shores of Lake Titicaca, where you will spend the night.

The day begins with a short drive to the Capachica Peninsula, the starting point for your hike. You will follow a ridge trail offering exceptional panoramic views throughout.

Once at the summit, the view is magnificent: the entire northwestern part of Lake Titicaca stretches out as far as the eye can see, between sky and water.

The descent is gentle, winding through farmland to the village of Llachon, situated at an altitude of 3,880 meters. Here you will spend the night with a local family, for an authentic immersion in village life.

The afternoon is free, perfect for relaxation or exploration. Depending on your preferences, you can learn more about the local crafts, particularly traditional weaving techniques, buy some souvenirs, or explore the narrow streets of this peaceful Andean village.

Comfortable accommodation in a private home - double room without bathroom and without hot water

After a friendly breakfast at a local's home, take your place in your kayak for a peaceful paddle on the waters of Lake Titicaca. You will then reach the Uros Titino Islands, an authentic place still untouched by mass tourism.

After your kayaking excursion, you'll board a boat that will take you to Puno. In the late afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city streets, where you can watch local artisans at work, crafting traditional masks and costumes. You'll also have the opportunity to admire the magnificent outfits worn during the famous Candelaria dances.

The day will end with a comfortable night in a hotel in Puno, conducive to a well-deserved rest.

Early in the morning, you will leave the shores of Lake Titicaca and head towards Cusco. Along the way, a coffee break in Pucara will allow you to discover the typical aromas of the region before continuing your ascent towards the La Raya pass, the crossing point between the high plateaus of Puno and the Cusco region.

Your first cultural stop will be at Raqchi, an ancient Inca ceremonial center dedicated to the deity Viracocha. There you will also explore a well-preserved section of the Inca road network (Qhapaq Ñan), as well as an ancient relay station (Tambo), a testament to the logistical engineering of the time.

The journey then continues into the southern valley of Cusco, renowned for its rich religious heritage. You will visit three superb Baroque churches: Canincunca, Huaro, and finally Andahuaylillas, the most majestic.

In the evening, you will travel to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

To enjoy the morning calm and avoid the tourist crowds, you will start your day with a visit to the Inca sites of Tambomachay and Puca Pucara, both linked to the ancestral cult of water.

You will then continue on foot through the Andean countryside to Q'enqo, an ancient ceremonial site remarkable for its finely sculpted stone blocks and passages carved into the rock.

Your itinerary will then take you to the imposing Sacsayhuaman fortress, an Inca engineering masterpiece renowned for its colossal walls of stone cut with fascinating precision.

The descent to Cusco will be on foot through the artistic district of San Blas, before setting off to explore the historic city center in the afternoon.

You will visit the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of the city, then the Coricancha—the ancient Temple of the Sun, whose Inca foundations now support the colonial church of Santo Domingo. You will conclude with a stroll through the city's iconic alleyways, including Inca Roca and Hatunrumiyoc, known for their impressive stone walls.

The day begins early with the discovery of the archaeological site of Pisac, perched atop a ridge overlooking the Sacred Valley. Renowned for its vast agricultural terraces and well-preserved remains, this place embodies all the finesse of Inca ingenuity.

From the village of Pisac, you will reach the top of the site by vehicle, before beginning a descent on foot through the ruins, offering spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you will head towards the peaceful Andean village of Patabamba. A short walk will then take you to a natural viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Sacred Valley — a moment of privileged contemplation.

From the village of Patabamba, you'll begin the day with a hike through the mountainsides sculpted with agricultural terraces. The trail overlooks the Sacred Valley, offering spectacular views of the Urubamba mountain range. Weather permitting, you'll see the snow-capped peaks of Sahuasiray and Chicon dominating the horizon.

Passing through the village of Qquencco, you will gently climb to a small, isolated hamlet. This is where the León Punku canyon begins, guarded by Inca ruins, and leading to a narrow, flower-filled valley of great natural beauty.

After a final traverse along a mountain ledge, you will reach the first terraces of Huchuy Qosqo. You will then have the opportunity to explore this perched Inca site, still relatively unfrequented but of great historical and architectural interest.

A descent will then lead you to the village of Lamay, where you will have lunch in a restaurant. Local produce and a warm welcome will make this meal a delicious and authentic experience.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Ollantaytambo for a brief visit to the archaeological site before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, where you will spend the night.

Early in the morning, you will take a bus to reach the entrance of the legendary Machu Picchu. Accompanied by your French-speaking guide, you will enjoy an in-depth tour of the site for two to three hours, exploring its terraces, temples, and enigmatic structures.

Depending on your entry time, you will have the opportunity to undertake one of two short optional hikes: the climb to the Gate of the Sun (Inti Punku), the former main access offering a spectacular panorama (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes round trip), or the walk to the Inca Bridge (Puente Inca), an impressive crossing overlooking a precipice (approximately 45 minutes round trip).

After this immersion in one of the greatest treasures of Inca heritage, you will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo. A quick visit to the local archaeological site will allow you to discover this ancient strategic fortress, before continuing your journey to Cusco where you will spend the night.

Please note: since 2019, access to Machu Picchu has been regulated by specific time slots and a limited visit duration. The entire site is no longer necessarily accessible in a single visit.

Meals are at the customer's expense.

This morning, you will take a flight to Lima, where a final cultural immersion awaits you. Your destination is the exceptional site of Pachacamac, a major ancient ceremonial center on the central Peruvian coast, which flourished for nearly 1,500 years.

You will take the old pilgrims' route to access areas of the site usually closed to the general public — a rare and privileged experience, at the heart of this mystical sanctuary dedicated to one of the most revered gods of pre-Hispanic times.

After the visit, you will have lunch before being transferred to your hotel in the vibrant and contemporary Miraflores district.

In the evening, you will enjoy a colorful dinner show, showcasing the iconic folk dances of Peru, to conclude this trip on a festive and cultural note.

For this final morning in Peru, you will explore the historic heart of Lima. You will stroll through the iconic Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin, walk along the famous pedestrian thoroughfare of Jiron de la Unión, and visit the Santo Domingo Monastery, a true gem of the colonial era.

Lunch will mark the end of your adventure, before your transfer to Lima airport, depending on the schedule of your international flight to France.

That's the end of the trip! Back to France