Best of Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Arequipa & Colca Canyon
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Trek along Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon Trek - 7 Days
Colca Canyon Trek - 7 Days

For people who enjoy backpacking in the mountains and beautiful hot springs, this is the ideal multi-day trek. You'll have a local guide who will help you discover Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, with stunning views of the Andes.

Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon & Lares Trek Adventure - 13 Days
Colca Canyon & Lares Trek Adventure - 13 Days

Discover Colca Canyon - one of the deepest canyons in the world. Here, you'll find a canyon filled with rivers, verdant forests, and an ancient agricultural tradition. During the trek, you'll have the chance to interact with friendly Andean farmers and taste the typical foods of the region. Enjoy afternoon swims in natural pools and waterfalls before camping overnight in tents in beautiful natural campsites. After your time in Colca Canyon, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley. Next, embark on the Lares Trek, and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Top it all off with a full day exploring the iconic Machu Picchu Ruins.

Colca Canyon
Map of Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Lima- 11 Days
Arequipa, Colca Canyon & Lima- 11 Days

From the hustle and bustle of Lima to Peru's dramatic coast, this tour of Peru's south and Pacific seaboard is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure. Explore the colonial-era southern city of Arequipa, then explore the nearby Colca Canyon—the 2nd deepest in the world. Visit pre-Inca petroglyph sites, dinosaur prints, and mummified trees, then continue to Camana on the coast. From soaring Andean condors to the Paracas nature preserve, this exploration of Peru's wild nature is a must-see. 

Explore Inca sites in Peru's Sacred Valley before traveling to Machu Picchu
Map of Culture & History Tour of Peru: Lima to Machu Picchu- 10 Days
Culture & History Tour of Peru: Lima to Machu Picchu- 10 Days

This 10-day Peru adventure delivers the highlights, from uniquely delicious cuisine and stunning architecture to world-famous Inca ruins. Start in Lima with city tours and cooking classes before jetting off to volcano-fringed Arequipa for river rafting and canyon hikes. The journey culminates on the ancient streets of Cusco, from which you'll explore Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu.

Looking out over the enthralling Colca Canyon
Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & More - 9 days

Beginning in Lima, this 9-day adventure takes in some of Peru's most dramatic historic sights and landscapes. First you will visit the proud colonial city of Arequipa, before spending two days in one of the world's greatest canyons, Colca Canyon. You will then travel to ancient Inca capital Cusco and see the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, you will journey south of Cusco to another of Peru's geological wonders, the multi-hued Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Colca Canyon
Map of Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, & Amazon Adventure - 12 Days
Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, & Amazon Adventure - 12 Days

On this Peruvian highlights itinerary, you'll explore Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, then head out to Lake Titicaca - a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Next, travel to Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley before hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. End your trip among the wildlife and jungle lodges of the Amazon.

Rainbow Mountain in the Andes
Mountains of Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountains - 10 Days

Explore the best of the Peruvian countryside on this ten-day adventure trip. Start in the capital city of Lima, then catch a domestic flight to Arequipa — the base for all adventures in Colca Canyon. You'll spend a few days exploring the condor's home, then transfer to Machu Picchu for the Sacred Valley highlights and a hike up the colorful Rainbow Mountain.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu Adventure - 11 Days

From Colca Canyon to Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu, this diverse itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Spend some time exploring Lima before heading out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Next, explore Colca Canyon and beautiful Lake Titicaca. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco, discover colorful textile markets in the Sacred Valley and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Stay two nights in a luxe 16th-century building while exploring Arequipa (photo courtesy of CIRQA)
Map of Luxury Southern Peru: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu - 14 Days
Luxury Southern Peru: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu - 14 Days

Canyons, lakes, colonial cities and ancient Inca ruins—you'll explore all this and more over two weeks in Peru. Enjoy first-class amenities as you travel in style, beginning with fine dining, art, and culture in the dynamic capital of Lima. Then, visit the nation's most awe-inspiring landmarks, like spotting condors at Colca Canyon, exploring Lake Titicaca, and horseback riding around the Spanish-colonial city of Cusco. You'll also hike at your own pace around that great citadel in the clouds, Machu Picchu.

An Andean condor soars over Peru's Colco Canyon
Map of Essential Peru: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, & Machu Picchu - 15 Days
Essential Peru: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, & Machu Picchu - 15 Days

Peru's spectacular scenery takes center stage on this far-reaching 15-day itinerary. Setting off from the capital of Lima, you'll discover a land of towering mountains, arid deserts, and lush cloud forests. Take to the skies to view the mysterious Nazca Lines, travel across the Andes to Arequipa, and spot soaring condors over the vast Colca Canyon. Your journey ends in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco—where you'll take a scenic train into the Sacred Valley, watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu, and hike the rainbow landscapes of Palcoyo Mountain.

Conquer the Salkantay Trek in just four days, culminating at the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu
Map of Explore Southern Peru & Conquer the Salkantay Trek - 15 Days
Explore Southern Peru & Conquer the Salkantay Trek - 15 Days

In just over two weeks, you'll discover the best that southern Peru has to offer. Start with a tour of the capital, Lima, before flying to Cusco to discover Inca ruins and meet alpacas. Ride a quad bike to the Salt Mines of Maras, then transfer to Challacancha to start the four-day Salkantay Trek, culminating at Machu Picchu. End the action-packed tour in Arequipa, where you can admire colonial-era churches, indulge in local food, and take a day trip to Colca Canyon to visit a paleolithic cave and see condors in flight.

Colca Canyon
Map of Culture & Nature in Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca - 14 Days
Culture & Nature in Peru: Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca - 14 Days

Start your two-week trip at the impressive Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From there, visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Explore the markets and towns of the Sacred Valley, complete a short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, and end your trip in Puerto Maldonado among Amazonian wildlife including macaws, cayman, giant river otters, and tapirs.

Stay two nights on a luxury train as you travel from Cusco to Colca Canyon (photo courtesy of Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train)
Map of Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Southern Peru - 14 Days
Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu & Southern Peru - 14 Days

Experience the best of southern Peru on a luxury trip that combines world-famous landscapes with city culture in Lima and Arequipa. After a street-art tour in the nation's capital, you'll travel to the Sacred Valley to walk in the footsteps of Incas at Ollantaytambo and ride the rails to the sky-high ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The luxury train adventure continues to Lake Titicaca and the vast Colca Canyon for more hiking, followed by relaxation in the charming colonial city of Arequipa.

A condor flying high over Colca Canyon
Map of Discover the Highlights of Peru - 14 Days
Discover the Highlights of Peru - 14 Days

This wide-ranging two-week tour leads you around Peru's most exciting destinations, from the cobblestoned streets of Cusco to the colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu. Kick off the adventure in Lima, exploring the city's food scene on a gourmet walking tour. Then climb aboard a small plane for a ride high over the world-famous Nazca Lines, spot condors in beautiful Colca Canyon, and explore Lake Titicaca on a traditional boat. You'll base yourself in Cusco for the latter part of the trip, enjoying excursions to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the region's vibrantly hued mountains. With a mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventures, this 14-day journey around Peru is unforgettable!

Take a day trip from Cusco to hike in the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountains
Map of Best of Peru's Historical Sights & Epic Landscapes - 16 Days
Best of Peru's Historical Sights & Epic Landscapes - 16 Days

This multifaceted adventure covers the marks of Peru's ancient Inca civilization and its colonial history, plus awe-inspiring landscapes and city attractions in Lima and Cusco. Over the course of 16 days, you'll explore breathtaking ruins and sites, from the enigmatic Nasca Lines to the majestic Machu Picchu. You'll also hike in the beautiful rainbow mountains, admire the towering peaks of the Andes, and spend two nights in the lush Amazon rainforest.

Combine adventure, culture, and cuisine on this 12-day luxury tour that finishes in Arequipa
Map of Luxury Food & Adventure Tour in Peru - 12 Days
Luxury Food & Adventure Tour in Peru - 12 Days

This 12-day Peru getaway is about luxury, adventure, and cuisine. Start by sampling Lima's street food and gourmet dishes, then begin a luxury three-night cruise on the Amazon River. From there, catch sunsets from the deck and explore the smaller offshoots to see river dolphins and monkeys. Next, fly to Cusco for a traditional lunch in the Sacred Valley and a scenic train to the famous Machu Picchu. End your trip in Arequipa, the "White City," for regional specialties and beautiful architecture.

The ancient city of Cusco
Culture, Nature, and Adventure in Peru - 19 Days

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights, outdoor wonders, and cultural traditions of Peru during this 19-day trip. Start in the city of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll witness 16th-century monuments and take a food tour filled with Pisco sours and Peruvian sweets. Visit the city of Arequipa, which gets its "White City" nickname from buildings made of white volcanic stone, and explore the culturally rich islands of Lake Titicaca. See archaeological sites in the city of Cusco, such as the Coricancha or "Temple of the Sun." Then, do a hike of the Inca trail, which will give you sweeping scenic views and access to ancient ruins and landmarks, including Machu Picchu.

Lake Titicaca
Highlights of Southern Peru & the Andes - 10 days

Beginning your 10-day adventure in Lima, you then fly to the southern colonial city of Arequipa and explore nearby Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, before continuing to Puno on Lake Titicaca, Peru's most dramatic lake. You will next get to visit the lake's iconic islands, including the Uros Islands and Taquile Island. You then travel overland on the scenic 'Route of the Sun' to ancient Inca capital Cusco. Your trip finishes with some adventures in the beautiful terrain surrounding Cusco, including the Sacred Valley, world-famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu and the geological wonder of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

Finish the adventure with a guided tour of colonial-era Arequipa
Map of Peru in a Nutshell: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno & Arequipa - 16 Days
Peru in a Nutshell: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno & Arequipa - 16 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this exciting Peru tour promises an extraordinary exploration of the country's rich heritage and natural wonders. Over the course of 16 days, you'll embark on memorable experiences from savoring Peruvian cuisine with a Lima food experience to tracing the footsteps of ancient civilizations with the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You'll also ride the luxury Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno, seek thrills with a zipline over the Sacred Valley, and soak in thermal hot springs.

Spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca, stopping at the isolated Taquile Island
Map of Best of Peru & Bolivia with Inca Trail Trek: From the Amazon to the Andes - 16 Days
Best of Peru & Bolivia with Inca Trail Trek: From the Amazon to the Andes - 16 Days

Discover the wonders of Peru and Bolivia in 16 incredible days! Begin with free time in Lima, then head to Puerto Maldonado for Amazon jungle adventures, including hiking, canoeing, and canopy walks. Explore Inca ruins in Cusco and the lush Sacred Valley before trekking the four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Savor Arequipa's culinary delights, marvel at Andean condors in Colca Canyon, and cruise Lake Titicaca's islands. Then, end your journey at the ancient site of Tiwanaku and vibrant La Paz in Bolivia.

View over the Colca Canyon
Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & More - 8 Days

Beginning in Lima, this 8-day adventure takes in some of the most dramatic historic sights and landscapes of Peru. First you will visit the proud colonial city of Arequipa, before making the journey out to one of the world's greatest canyons, Colca Canyon. You will then travel to ancient Inca capital Cusco and take in the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, you will journey south of Cusco to another of Peru's geological wonders, the multi-hued Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

The Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca
Highlights of Southern Peru & the Andes & Short Inca Trail - 11 days

You will begin this 11-day adventure in Lima, before flying to southern colonial city Arequipa and exploring nearby Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons. You next continue to Puno on Lake Titicaca, Peru's most dramatic lake, and get to visit the lake's iconic islands, including the Uros Islands and Taquile Island. Afterwards, you travel overland on the scenic 'Route of the Sun' to ancient Inca capital Cusco. Your trip finishes with adventures in the beautiful terrain surrounding Cusco, including trekking the Short Inca Trail to the magical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Map of Essential Peru - 12 Days
Essential Peru - 12 Days

From the Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu, this 12-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines, some of the world's most impressive geoglyphs, before exploring Lima and the colonial city of Arequipa. Then visit Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Cap off your trip by walking in the footsteps of the Incas on a short hike to Machu Picchu. 

Colca Canyon
Peruvian Landscapes & History Adventure - 13 Days

Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and beyond: this itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Explore metropolitan Lima before heading to Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. Then, explore the colorful textile markets of Cusco and small towns of the Sacred Valley, hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and top it off with a day exploring the iconic citadel ruins.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Map of Essential Peru - 14 Days
Essential Peru - 14 Days

From the Nazca Lines to Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu, this 14-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines - some of the world's most impressive geoglyphs, then spend some time exploring the metropolitan city of Lima before heading out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa. Next, explore Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, then head out to Lake Titicaca - a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley, and hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca
Map of Best of Peru - 14 Days
Best of Peru - 14 Days

From the Nazca Lines to Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Machu Picchu, this 14-day itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Spend some time exploring Lima before heading to the colonial city of Arequipa to explore one of the world's deepest canyons. Depart for Lake Titicaca, a place rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore colorful textile markets and small towns of the Sacred Valley, ending at Machu Picchu.

Apu Ausangate
Peruvian Trekking Excursion: Ausangate, Colca Canyon, & Lake Titicaca - 21 Days

This three-week itinerary is ideal for avid hikers looking for a unique adventure. Explore the ancient Incan capital of Cusco before embarking on the 5-day Ausangate trek, a beautiful and off the beaten path trek to Machu Picchu. During the trek, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas. After completing the trek, venture to Machu Picchu citadel to explore Peru's most iconic ruins. Next, head out to explore the colonial city of Arequipa, then travel to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons. After trekking through the canyon, depart for Lake Titicaca to spend a few days hiking, kayaking, and exploring the region's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. 

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Cusco · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Northern Peru · Paracas · Arequipa · Inca Trail · Iquitos · Trujillo · Chachapoyas · Colca Canyon · Chiclayo · Nazca · Tambopata · Ica · Ausangate Trek · Mancora · Ayacucho