
moderate
10 days
Moderate fitness required — able to walk 3–6 miles a day at altitude and manage stairs/cobbled streets.
This 10‑day private itinerary threads Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu into a single guided journey. Expect cultural depth, wildlife viewing and significant altitude changes — ideal for travelers who want a curated, off‑the‑beaten main loop of Peru.
You step off the plane into Lima’s warm, ocean-scented air and the itinerary unfolds like a map of elevation lines — from Pacific coast to volcanic highlands, salt flats and the blue-iron of Titicaca.

Spend your first 24–48 hours taking it easy after flights into high altitude — avoid heavy exercise and drink extra water to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
High‑altitude sun is intense: bring SPF 50+, a wide‑brim hat and UV sunglasses for lake and mountain days.
Uneven cobbles and mountain trails mean ankle‑supporting shoes are useful for town tours and short hikes like Muyu Mountain on Amantani.
Book the Machu Picchu train segments in advance — the itinerary uses included private transport but trains to Aguas Calientes sell out in high season.
The route threads pre‑Inca Lima culture, colonial Arequipa’s Spanish architecture, and the Inca engineering of the Sacred Valley leading to Machu Picchu.
Tourism pressure at Machu Picchu and Titicaca is managed through permits and community tourism; follow guide instructions, avoid single‑use plastics and respect local craft economies.
Cold nights and warm afternoons demand base layers, an insulating mid‑layer and a wind/rain shell.
Support and grip for uneven stonework in Cusco and the short treks on lake islands.
Protects against strong UV at altitude and reflected light on water and stone.
Carry water, snacks, passport, and a light layer for multi‑site days and boat trips.