WhyYou’ll Love These Tours
Hidden Gems Await
Unique local traditions most tourists never see.
Crowds Can’t Catch You
Early starts & optimized routes for peaceful exploring.
Your Peru, Your Way
Personalized itineraries for the trip of your dreams.
Overview
Experience the full spectrum of the Andes, the coast, and the jungle with our signature 16-day Peru highlights tour. This itinerary is meticulously designed for travelers who want to see it all - from the marine life of Paracas to the deep canyons of Arequipa and the spiritual heights of Machu Picchu. Built on our core philosophy of “German precision, Peruvian passion,” we manage every logistical transition with total reliability. Backed by over 1,500+ 5-star reviews, this comprehensive Peru itinerary of 16 days ensures an authentic experience that captures the true essence of the country.
Coastal Wonders: Paracas, Huacachina & The Nazca Lines
Your journey begins on the Pacific coast, where the desert meets the sea. This Machu Picchu Huacachina and Lake Titicaca tour is part of our top-rated 2-week Peru itineraries and kicks off with a visit to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, often called the “Galapagos of Peru.” We apply “German precision” to your transfers as you head to the Huacachina oasis for an adrenaline-filled afternoon of sandboarding and dune buggies. To complete the coastal experience, you will take to the skies for a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, ensuring your 16 days in Peru start with breathtaking perspectives of the ancient world.
The White City and The Deep Canyon: Arequipa & Colca
Moving south, you will discover Arequipa, known as the “White City” for its beautiful sillar stone architecture. Our Arequipa Colca Canyon tour segment is designed for slow travel Peru adventure, allowing you to acclimate while exploring the Santa Catalina Monastery. From here, we descend into the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, to witness the majestic Andean condors in flight. We use optimized itineraries to reach the best viewpoints early, helping you avoid the crowds while enjoying the thermal baths and traditional villages of the valley.
Spiritual Waters and Incan Hearts: Titicaca, Cusco & Machu Picchu
The adventure continues across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca, where you will experience a unique Lake Titicaca homestay. Living with local families on the floating islands provides a level of authentic experiences that standard hotels cannot match. Afterward, you will travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to explore the circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras. The climax of your all-inclusive South Peru journey is a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, where we manage all train and entry logistics with total precision.
Amazonian Immersion: Concluding Your 16-Day Peru Adventure
The final chapter of your journey takes you from the peaks of the Andes to the lush canopy of the Amazon Rainforest. Whether exploring the biodiversity near Puerto Maldonado or the river systems of Iquitos, our jungle excursions focus on sustainable wildlife spotting and local conservation. This Peru 16 day itinerary, which is one of our most popular Peru cultural tour packages, concludes with the sounds of the rainforest, providing a profound contrast to the high-mountain stone cities. Trust in our proven track record to deliver a flawlessly executed journey that balances “German precision” with the vibrant heart of Peruvian passion.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
- Day 2 : Ballestas Islands and National Reserve
- Day 3 : Huacachina Oasis, Dune Buggies and Sandboarding
- Day 4 : Arequipa City Tour
- Day 5 : Colca Canyon
- Day 6 : Colca Canyon - Puno
- Day 7 : Lake Titicaca With Overnight Stay on Uros islands
- Day 8 : Uros Islands + Taquile Island
- Day 9 : Flight to Cusco
- Day 10 : Cusco City Tour
- Day 11 : The Sacred Valley
- Day 12 : Machu Picchu
- Day 13 : Rainbow Mountain
- Day 14 : Flight to Puerto Maldonado + Day 1 of Jungle Tour (itinerary depends on lodge chosen)
- Day 15 : Day 2 of Jungle Tour
- Day 16 : Flight to Lima and Outbound
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
When arriving to Lima, you’ll be picked up from the airport by our local staff that takes you straight to your hotel. Once there, you’ll have the chance to relax and explore the nearby places on your own.
Overnight in Lima
Optional: Add our Lima half-day city or gastronomic tour to explore the city’s beautiful neighborhoods, local markets and more.
Day 2 : Ballestas Islands and National Reserve
Embark on a mere 4-hour drive from Lima and find yourself immersed in pure relaxation in Paracas. This tranquil coastal town hosts both the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. Embrace the year-round warmth and uncrowded shores as you marvel at the wildlife on the Ballestas Islands and bask in the refreshing sea breeze on the protected beaches of the National Reserve.
Overnight in Paracas
Day 3 : Huacachina Oasis, Dune Buggies and Sandboarding
Prepare for an exhilarating day brimming with adventure. Begin with a Pisco tasting, learning more about Peru’s national liquor at a scenic hacienda. Then, rev up the excitement with a dune buggy expedition across the Huacachina desert. Conclude the day with sunset sandboarding.
Choose to return to Lima for an early flight to Arequipa or opt for a night bus journey.
Overnight in Lima or night bus to Arequipa
Day 4 : Arequipa City Tour
Our local staff will greet you at the bus terminal or airport, escorting you to your hotel. Immerse yourself in Arequipa’s beauty, renowned for Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful landscapes.
Explore the main square with its 16th-century cathedral, relish Misti Volcano’s panoramic view and seize the chance to visit the captivating Santa Catalina Monastery, an embodiment of the city’s cultural and religious heritage.
Overnight in Arequipa
Day 5 : Colca Canyon
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. After an early pickup from your hotel, you’ll head to the canyon and enjoy stunning views of the Colca Valley along the way. Keep an eye out for wild alpacas and vicuñas and marvel at the impressive volcanoes of Arequipa.
Overnight in Arequipa
Day 6 : Colca Canyon - Puno
Experience the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of the Andes on this tour of traditional Andean villages and the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Visit lookout points along the canyon rim for breathtaking views and take a short hike in the canyon to get a glimpse of the majestic condor. After lunch, we’ll head to the vibrant city of Puno.
Overnight in Puno
Day 7 : Lake Titicaca With Overnight Stay on Uros islands
Experience the unique culture of the Uros people on a visit to one of their breathtaking islands on Lake Titicaca. After being picked up from your hotel, our driver will take you to the port where you’ll board a small boat to the island.
Once there, you’ll learn about traditional methods used to build and maintain the island. Try your hand at traditional activities like fishing or canoeing and immerse yourself in the local way of life. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to an unmatched view and then retire to a cozy cabin for the night.
Overnight in Puno
Day 8 : Uros Islands + Taquile Island
Wake up to a romantic sunrise at 5:30 am and enjoy breakfast before embarking on a tour of the stunning Uros Islands on the world’s highest navigable lake. After exploring the Uros Islands, journey to the breathtaking Taquile Island and immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll learn more about the customs of the island’s people and savor a delicious typical local lunch.
You’ll be amazed by the size and beauty of Lake Titicaca and the rich history of the local islands.
Overnight in Puno
Day 9 : Flight to Cusco
When arriving to Cusco airport, you’ll be picked up from the airport by our staff. On the way to the city center, you’ll spot the typical colonial architecture.
Use this day to relax so you can get used to the altitude for the adventures that are to come.
Overnight in Cusco
Optional: Add a 2-hour guided tour to the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about Peruvian chocolate and prepare your own chocolate bar.
Day 10 : Cusco City Tour
Today, you’ll get to explore Cusco’s rich history on a guided morning or afternoon tour. Visit the golden Koricancha Temple, wander the vibrant Plaza de Armas and marvel at the monumental Sacsayhuamán ruins overlooking the city.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight in Cusco
Day 11 : The Sacred Valley
Explore the Salt Mines of Maras, the agricultural labs or Moray and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Relish a delightful lunch enveloped by the Andean landscape, visit a vibrant local textile center and try of a sip of Chicha (Inca beer made of corn).
After the tour, either continue to Aguas Calientes or return to Cusco, preparing for your upcoming Machu Picchu tour the following day.
Lunch included.
Overnight in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
Day 12 : Machu Picchu
Embark on a 2-hour guided journey led by our knowledgeable guide, exploring the pivotal landmarks within the Machu Picchu ruins. Uncover the captivating history and cultural legacy of the Incas as you delve into the remarkable structures of this ancient wonder, gaining a profound understanding of its significance.
After the tour, you’ll be seamlessly transferred back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 13 : Rainbow Mountain
Embark on an early adventure and relish the serenity atop the Andes! Behold the vibrant marvels of Vinicunca rainbow mountain, where striking red terrains meet encounters with llamas and alpacas. With our small group and private tours, you’ll be part of the first to conquer the summit, evading the masses for an exceptional and exclusive experience.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 14 : Flight to Puerto Maldonado + Day 1 of Jungle Tour (itinerary depends on lodge chosen)
After a short flight to Puerto Maldonado, known as the Capital of Biodiversity, you’ll be picked up at the airport and make your way to the lodge. Get ready for a boat trip on the Madre de Dios river until Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, a comfortable eco-reserve.
After lunch, you will start to explore the area on foot and discover the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon basin. Experience the changes of the rainforest by day and night on guided walks and boat rides. As the day comes to an end, relish local Amazonian cuisine and rest in your comfortable cabañas or rooms.
Overnight in Puerto Maldonado
Lunch and dinner included
Day 15 : Day 2 of Jungle Tour
Start with breakfast, then head to Lake Sandoval within Tambopata National Reserve. Paddle a dug-out wooden canoe through a stream, arriving at the serene Lake Sandoval, surrounded by picturesque palm trees. This lake is home to various birds, giant otters, monkeys, macaws, and more.
Back at the lodge, opt to climb Inkaterra Canopy Walkway (a 344 m network of hanging bridges, 38 m above the ground) for treetop rainforest views, explore hidden forests, or unwind at Nua spa amid the jungle.
Overnight in Puerto Maldonado
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 16 : Flight to Lima and Outbound
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a breakfast served in the main room. Depending on your departure flight, lunch can also be arranged for an additional cost. After that you will embark on a 25-minute motorized wooden boat ride on the Madre de Dios River back to the airport.
Please note that activities and excursions are subject to change depending on the weather conditions at the time of your visit. From Puerto Maldonado airport, you’ll head back to Lima by plane.
Breakfast included
- Included
- Airport transfers with our staff accompanying you
- All tours stated in the itinerary with fluent English speaking licensed local guides
- All entrance tickets for all tours
- Private Machu Picchu tour with entrance tickets, train tickets and shuttle bus
- Hotels if selected
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above (vegan and vegetarian options available). We eat in some of the best restaurants in the area.
- Trekking pole, first aid kit and oxygen for the hikes
- Welcome kit and virtual support during your trip
- Not Included
- Domestic and international flights (will be added in the quote if desired)
Prices
- Service
- Comfortable 3-start hotels
- Standard train to Machu Picchu
- Shared transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Service
- Upgraded 4-start hotels
- Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- More comfortable transport
- Restaurant upgrades
- Service
- Luxury 5-start hotels
- Hiram Bingham train (optional)
- VIP private transfers
- Exclusive experiences
Hotels
JW Marriott
- 250 m from the oceanfront
JW Marriott Miraflores offers ocean-view rooms, excellent dining, and a well-equipped gym, in a prime waterfront location beside Larcomar for an upscale stay.
Souma Miraflores
- 650 m from Parque Kennedy
Souma Miraflores offers modern comfort near Parque Kennedy and Larcomar, with air-conditioned rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, rooftop terrace, restaurant, and convenient access to Lima’s highlights.
Lima 18 Boutique Hotel
- Steps from Huaca Pucllana
Libertador Paracas Luxury Collection
- 250 m from the oceanfront
This 5-star Paracas hotel overlooks the National Reserve, offering sea or garden-view rooms, a private dock, luxury spa, and exceptional dining for a refined coastal stay.
Aranwa Paracas
- Located at the beach
Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa offers modern rooms, many with ocean views, plus a spa, restaurant, and outdoor pool – all in an excellent location near key attractions.
Casa Andina Select
- Located at the beach
Casa Andina Select Paracas offers beachfront rooms with garden views, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, free WiFi, and 24-hour front desk near El Chaco Boardwalk.
CIRQA - Relais & Châteaux
- Next to Arequipa’s Main Square
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
- 300 m from city center
Casa Andina Standard Arequipa
- 0.7 km from city center
Aranwa Colca
- 4 km from Colca Canyon
Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs
- 6.5 km from Colca Canyon
Casa Andina Standard Colca
- 250 m from city center
Kay Pacha Lodge
- The lodge is located on Lake Titicaca.
Kay Pacha Lodge sits on the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca, offering cozy rooms, terrace and water activities, free WiFi, and a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
- Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca
GHL Titicaca sits on Lake Titicaca’s shore, offering comfortable rooms, excellent service, modern facilities, and stunning lake views for an immersive Puno experience.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno
- 3 km from city center
Casa Andina Standard Puno
- 450 m from city center
Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection
- 500 m from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Palacio del Inka, beside the Koricancha Temple, is a luxury hotel built on original Inca foundations, featuring stunning colonial architecture and guided historical tours.
Novotel
- 350 m from Plaza de Armas (main Square)
Novotel Cusco, set in a restored 16th-century building just three blocks from the main square, offers modern comfort, local charm, and a heated courtyard for relaxing.
Rumi Punku
- 300 m away from Plaza de Armas (main square)
Hotel Rumi Punku is a charming 3-star stay just 300m from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, offering cozy rooms with private bathrooms and cable TV, free WiFi, and a traditional courtyard garden.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
- 200 m from train station
Inkaterra El Pueblo sits at the foot of Machu Picchu near the train station, offering upscale comfort, lush nature, and an immersive stay for your visit.
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
- Next to train station
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu is a luxury retreat near the train station, with elegant rooms, modern comforts, private bathrooms, mini-bars, satellite TV, luggage storage, and attentive concierge service.
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
- 5 min from the bus station
Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu offers peaceful rooms with cable TV, mini-bars, and private bathrooms, some with hillside views, plus a panoramic sun terrace and free WiFi, just a short walk from Machu Picchu.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
- Located in the Amazon jungle
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is a luxury eco-lodge offering canopy rooms, jungle hikes, canoe trips, and birdwatching, known for strong sustainability and rainforest conservation.
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción
- Located in the Amazon jungle
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción is an eco-friendly Amazon lodge with canopy rooms, jungle treks, canoeing, and birdwatching, recognized for strong sustainability and conservation efforts.
Corto Maltés
- Next to Rio Madre de Dios
Corto Maltes Amazonía is an all-inclusive jungle lodge with charming bungalows, private terraces, garden views, delicious meals, an outdoor pool, and lush surroundings for an unforgettable Amazon experience.
Love these hotels?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16 days enough to see all the major Peru highlights?
Yes! A comprehensive Peru itinerary of 16 days is the perfect duration to cover the coast, the deep south (Arequipa/Colca), the highlands (Cusco/Puno), and the Amazon without feeling rushed. It is the gold standard for a full-country immersion.
How do we handle the altitude transitions during the 16-day tour?
We prioritize your health with a strategic route. We start at sea level in Lima and Paracas, move to a moderate altitude in Arequipa, and only then proceed to the high altitudes of Colca, Puno, and Cusco. This slow travel Peru adventure approach is the best way to prevent altitude sickness.
Does the tour include the flight over the Nazca Lines?
Most of our all-inclusive South Peru journeys include the Nazca flight as a highlight. Because our tours are 100% customizable tours, we can include or adjust this based on your preference for adventure.
What kind of accommodation is used during the 16 days in Peru?
We use a blend of boutique hotels, eco-lodges in the Amazon, and an authentic Lake Titicaca homestay. Every location is vetted for comfort, safety, and local character, reflecting our commitment to quality.
Can I customize the destinations in my 16-day Peru tour?
Absolutely. While this is our most popular peru highlights route, we can tailor every day. If you want more time in the Amazon or a specific trek in Cusco, our “German precision” planning team will adjust the itinerary to your needs.
