Peru Highlands Explorer
Explore the living history and breathtaking scenery of the Peruvian highlands on this incredible adventure, as you visit some of the country’s most rewarding must-see locations and sights – including the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu – as well as lesser-known but no less memorable highlights.
Trip highlights
- Discover the fascinating neighbourhoods of Lima
- Explore the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu
- Board the stunning Belmond Andean Explorer train
- Visit the UNESCO-protected city of Arequipa
- Enjoy the scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Hike the Colca Canyon in search of the Andean condor
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
See Lima in luxury
Your journey will begin with two nights in Peru’s capital, Lima. Here you’ll experience everything from the city’s mouthwatering food scene, to its unique character and history, intriguing museums and attractive downtown.
Your concierge can arrange any private tours you wish and you’ll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Taste of Lima
Back in time
Market visit and lunch
Start with a visit to one of Lima’s most emblematic and picturesque markets, where you can see, taste and purchase the most popular ingredients used in Peruvian cuisine guided by a culinary expert. Sample chirimoya, pacay, mango, passion fruit, aguaymanto or aguaje and stop by the impressive seafood section. Then it’s on to lunch at La Picanteria, a restaurant owned by famous chef, Hector Solís.
Lima's historical centre
Drive to the historical centre of Lima and the Plaza Mayor, where the Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace are located. Move along to the San Francisco Monastery and step inside Casa Aliaga, one of America’s best-preserved colonial mansions. Located across from the Presidential Palace in colonial Lima, Casa Aliaga was built in 1535 by Don Jeronimo de Aliaga, a member of Pizarro’s conquering forces. Seventeen generations later, Casa Aliaga is still inhabited by the Aliaga family, whose heirlooms include beautiful original furniture.
Days 3–5
Two nights in the heart of the Sacred Valley
Northwest of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of Peru. The valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization, the river that winds its way through the valley floor believed to be aligned with the cosmos.
The valley is also home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries. During your two nights here you can visit local markets and get an insight into community life today.
Where you could stay
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Explore the valley
Fortress town
Outdoor dining
A private tour of the valley
Start at the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important if not visible vestiges of how the Incas inhabited and functioned in their cities. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a special ceremony of song and traditional offerings to Pachamama, Mother Earth. This ceremony evokes the spirit of healing, with pre-hispanic instruments and sacred medicines including palo santo, tayta sayri, mana coca, agua florida, condor’s feathers, grandfather puma, essences and incenses.
Picnic lunch in the Sacred Valley
Slow down for a while and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch while admiring the stunning scenery of the Sacred Valley. It’s the perfect way to savour Peruvian flavours and really take in your surroundings.
All aboard to Machu Picchu
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Days 5–6
Overnight immersion at Machu Picchu
You can reach Machu Picchu by climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both scenic sites offer incredible, sweeping views, but vary in route. Huanya Picchu is a steeper route for the confident hiker as you pass sheer drops and it takes around two hours. Machu Picchu Mountain is a rewarding three-hour ascending hike taking you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the vistas.
Your private guide will then take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints.
Where you could stay
Days 6–8
Two nights in Cusco
At the end of your visit to Machu Picchu you’ll once again board the train and head to Cusco. You’ll have two nights to enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capital of the Incan Empire from the early 14th century until its Spanish conquest, Cusco is an enthralling city where you can find Incan ruins next to (or underneath) Spanish colonial architecture.
Here you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Inca Empire and the country’s colonial past as you encounter splendid landmarks, atmospheric squares, intriguing archaeological sites and ancient ruins.
Where you could stay
La Casona Inkaterra
Make it mine
Culture and ruins
Raise a glass
Touring Cusco and nearby ruins
Starting in the Imperial City, a living example of the mixture of Andean and Spanish cultures, you’ll visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the Koricancha Palace. Later, you will stop at the Main Square and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, is the largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Then it’s on to the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, located to the northeast of the city.
Pisco tasting
Learn all about Peru’s national spirit and gain an insight into its history, how it is made and how to appreciate it. Then put your newfound knowledge into practice tasting four varieties of pisco and learning how to make the perfect Pisco Sour.
Days 8–10
Journey on the Belmond Andean Explorer to Lake Titicaca
Boarding the Belmond Andean Explorer in Cusco, you’ll start to unwind in your luxurious cabin as the train begins its journey southeast towards Puno. On the way you’ll disembark to visit Raqch’i, once an important control point for the Incas and today a fascinating archaeological site, as well as enjoy the first of many splendid meals in the dining car.
On your second day, you’ll awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca. Tours will allow you to explore the eclectic beauty and rich diversity of life on the lake, the largest in South America. Highlights include a traditional boat ride out to the Uros Islands, man-made lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished.
Journeying onwards to reach Arequipa, excursions take you to the spellbinding, rugged scenery of Lake Lagunillas and the Sumbay Caves, home to cave paintings are estimated to be almost 8,000 years old.
Accommodation on board
Belmond Andean Explorer
A private scenic transfer to the Colca Canyon
Your journey to the Colca Canyon takes you on a splendid drive as you enter the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, an extensive plain where you can spot herds of alpacas, llamas and possibly wild vicuñas. Continue through the fascinating volcanic landscape to the village of Chivay for lunch before arriving at the Colca Valley and your hotel.
Days 10–12
Two nights in the Colca Canyon
Blending a dramatic geography of volcanoes and canyons with sleepy Andean valleys, Incan ruins and centuries-old colonial villages, the Colca Canyon is one of Peru’s most beautiful and traditional locations. Packed with opportunities for adventure activities, from white-water rafting, hiking and spotting the soaring Andean condor, as well as chances to relax in hot springs and take life at a slower pace.
You will have the chance to explore the towns of Yanque and Maca to see their colonial churches and learn about unique local crafts.
Where you could stay
Cruz del Condor
Head to the Cruz del Condor to view the incredible Colca Canyon itself. This is the most popular point for viewing the canyon – it’s around 1200m (3937 feet) deep here – and you can almost guarantee seeing several huge condors circling up from the depths against the breathtaking scenery. A short walk will show you pre-Inca terraces where people still grow Andean products such as corn, quinoa and kiwicha.
Days 12–13
Overnight in the 'White City' of Arequipa
Overlooked by the Andes mountains, UNESCO-protected Arequipa is known as the ‘White City’ (thanks to its buildings being constructed from white volcanic ‘sillar’ rock). Spend your time here soaking up the splendour and enjoying the views and likely sublime weather.
Accommodation in Arequipa
Make it mine
Out and about
Local cuisine
Exploring Arequipa
You’ll learn more about Arequipa’s monuments, cultural buildings and day-to-day life on a comprehensive tour led by an expert local guide, starting in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Highlights include Plaza de Armas and its splendid Cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery, built in 1579 and enlarged in the 17th century to house approximately 450 people at its height. You’ll also see the Momia Juanita (Juanita Mummy), discovered in September 1995 by the anthropologist John Reinhard in the heights of Ampato Volcano and believed to have been an offering to the Apus over 500 years ago.
Picanterias of Arequipa
In the morning, you will visit three of the most authentic picanterías in Arequipa. In each picanteria, you will have the opportunity to try a typical, regional dish such as stuffed Ricoto chili or fried cuy (guinea pig) as well as a refreshing glass of chicha de jora.
Arequipeñan picanterías, originally chicherías, date back to the 16th century when they were small stores that sold corn and chicha on the outskirts of the city. As time passed, these tiendas started to prepare and sell various tasty traditional dishes, giving these places a positive social reputation.
The trip was an amazing experience. The hotels, guides, excursions, transportation and restaurants were perfectly curated and arranged. Jacada handled every detail so that we could fully enjoy the trip and not worry about any of the logistics.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
