Day 1 Arequipa

Upon arrival to Arequipa, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Arequipa – Puno

Arequipa is known as “The White City” because of its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone. Visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a citadel from the 16th century different from other colonial heritages, a miniature Spanish city from that times. Appreciate the Main Square and the cathedral and visit the Jesuit church, a masterpiece with its beautiful facade of mestizo baroque style and the districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara to enjoy magnificent views of the city and the Misti Volcano (dormant). By walking the Arequipa’s typical streets you may feel a certain closeness with the colonial times. Afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the station to board the luxury Andean Explorer train and travel along one of the highest train routes in the world. Enjoy a cocktail on board followed by the dinner. Overnight on board.

Day 3 Puno – Lake Titicaca – Depart to Cusco

Arrive Puno. After an early breakfast, transfer to the dock for a full day excursion on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Visit the floating Uros Islands, artificially made since ancient times using the totora reed to form a natural mat. Proceed to Taquile Island, where a traditional community will welcome you. Once part of the Inca Empire, its inhabitants preserve both a special social system and one of the most remarkable weaving techniques of the country. Stunning views of the lake from this point. Traditional dances and artisanal crafts display. Private lunch on the island and return to Puno. Afternoon tea on board and depart to Cusco. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails followed by the dinner. Overnight on board.

Day 4 Cusco

Early breakfast on board and continue on to Racchi, an archaeological Inca complex with huge walls and several different areas designated with a specific function, including the most prominent structure: Wiracocha Temple; farming terraces, living areas, store houses, shrines and religious water fountains. Continue on to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Opportunity to relax or enjoy this charming city.

Day 5 Cusco – Sacred Valley – Cusco

Full day overland excursion to the gorgeous Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the colorful market at Pisac, where you can interact with the artisans and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with narrow cobbled stone streets and place of a great complex of buildings at its upper part, with an impressive ceremonial center used for water worship. Ollantaytambo, an example of Inca urban planning that is still live today, is undoubtedly one of the master works of the Incas.

Optional: you can spend the night at the valley.

Day 6 Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco

An unforgettable experience. Transfer to Poroy station. Welcome aperitifs before boarding the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, a must for those seeking for luxury. Enjoy a gourmet brunch during the spectacular journey to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu town (former Aguas Calientes), you will be driven to the citadel nestled in a location that can only be described as magnificent. Overseeing a deep canyon of the Urubamba River, fine stone carved stairways will take you to ceremonial shrines, the Sun Dial, agricultural terraces, squares and the urban areas. With a history dating back to the 15th century, this enigmatic site where the energy can be felt all around has not revealed yet the mysteries behind its construction. After the guided tour, free time to explore this wonder. Tea time at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Return to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Optional: you may extend your trip and include an overnight.

Day 7 Cusco– Departure

The morning tour will lead you to discover the captivating city and the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Start visiting the Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece with beautiful wood carvings and places of worship. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built with huge stones showcasing the exceptional work performed by the Incas, and continue on to the archaeological complex of Kenko with its zigzagging structures. Following this ancient route of the empire, get to the “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, presumed to be a military post, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay with its sophisticated canal system. Afternoon transfer to the airport to board your flight to the next destination.

Optional: this tour can be made on day 4 in the afternoon.

Note: This is a sample itinerary. You can make only a part of the trip by the night train.