Most people go to Peru for Machu Picchu and come home talking about the rest of it. This route takes the long way round: Lima, then the white volcanic stone of Arequipa, the condors over the Colca canyon, the reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and finally Machu Picchu. It runs on one fixed date, 13 December 2026, in a small group with an English-speaking guide, and the flights from London and the two internal flights are all in the price.
The Long Way to Machu Picchu: Arequipa, Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca
One set departure, 13 December 2026, flights from London included
Highlights
Watch condors ride the morning thermals at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint above the Colca canyon
Stay in Arequipa, built from white sillar stone under three volcanoes
Cross Lake Titicaca to the floating Uros reed islands and the weaving community of Taquile
Walk the Sacred Valley: Pisac market, the terraces of Moray and the fortress of Ollantaytambo
Reach Machu Picchu by train through the Urubamba gorge, with a guided visit of the site
Two nights in Cusco, the Inca capital, with time to wander San Blas and the San Pedro market
Travel with a small group and a guide throughout, on a date you can book alone
Your Itinerary
Day 1: London to Lima
Fly from London to Lima. Your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to the hotel in Miraflores, on the cliffs above the Pacific.
Day 2: Lima to Arequipa
A short flight south to Arequipa, at 2,335 metres. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and find the Plaza de Armas.
Day 3: Arequipa
The Santa Catalina monastery, a walled town within the city painted in ochre and blue, and the sillar streets around the main square.
Day 4: Arequipa to the Colca canyon
North across the altiplano, past vicuña herds and the Patapampa pass, down into the Colca valley and the village of Chivay for the night.
Day 5: Cruz del Condor and on to Puno
An early start for the Cruz del Condor, where Andean condors lift off the canyon walls as the air warms. Afterwards the long, high road east to Puno on Lake Titicaca.
Day 6: Lake Titicaca
By boat to the Uros floating islands, built and rebuilt from totora reed, then on to Taquile, where the men knit and the weaving is UNESCO listed. Lunch is included on the island.
Day 7: Puno to Cusco
The route over the La Raya pass with stops at Andahuaylillas and Raqchi, and lunch on the way. You arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Day 8: Sacred Valley
Pisac market and its hillside terraces, the circular terraces of Moray, then Ollantaytambo, still laid out on its Inca street plan. Dinner is included.
Day 9: Machu Picchu
The train down the Urubamba gorge to Aguas Calientes, then up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of the terraces, temples and the Intihuatana stone. Back to Cusco in the evening.
Day 10: Cusco
The cathedral and the Inca stonework of Qorikancha, the San Pedro market and the steep lanes of San Blas. A farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 11: Cusco to London
Transfer to the airport for the flight home via Lima.
What's Included
- Return flights from London, with an ATOL certificate for every booking
- Internal flights Lima to Arequipa and Cusco to Lima
- Ten nights in selected hotels with breakfast
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Two lunches and two dinners, as shown in the itinerary
- Return train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, Expedition service
- All entrance fees and visits listed, including Machu Picchu
- All transfers and private transport, adapted to the size of the group
What's Not Included
- Meals other than those listed, and all drinks
- Personal spending and tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance, which we strongly advise you arrange
- The single supplement, around GBP 330, if you would rather have your own room
- Optional extras such as the climb up Huayna Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a set departure with a small group, so travelling alone does not mean paying private-trip prices. The date runs once at least two travellers are booked, and we will tell you where it stands when you enquire. If you would rather not share a room, the single supplement is around GBP 330 for the trip.
One date, one small group
Tell us a little about your trip and we will hold your place on the 13 December departure, or price the same route on the dates you would prefer.
We typically respond within 24 hours
From£2,899
Flights Includedper personATOL protected (10898)
11 days / 10 nights
Moderate
Small group, maximum 15
Departure Dates
13 Dec 2026
No commitment, we respond within 24 hours
From£2,899
Flights Includedper personATOL protected (10898)
11 days / 10 nights
Moderate
Small group, maximum 15
Departure Dates
13 Dec 2026
No commitment, we respond within 24 hours
Real reviews
What our customers say
From travellers who visited Peru with us
“
Peru was the trip of a lifetime. We did the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu of course, but the real surprise was Cusco itself, the blend of Inca walls and colonial architecture, the bustling San Pedro market, and the food scene is world-class. The ceviche at Chicha was outstanding. Travelfab arranged altitude acclimatisation days which made all the difference. We never felt rushed.
Margaret & Tony H.
“
Walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was the most rewarding experience of our lives. The sunrise through the Sun Gate brought tears to our eyes. Travelfab handled all the permits and logistics perfectly.
Emma & Paul D.
“
Peru offers so much beyond Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and the Rainbow Mountain were all extraordinary. Our private guide made everything special.
Richard & Jane L.
More holidays in Peru
Peru
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
14 daysChallenging4-12 persons
From£6,099
ATOL 10898
Ecuador
Ecuador & Galápagos Grand Tour: Amazon, Andes & Islands
12 days / 11 nightsEasy to ModerateSmall group, maximum 16
From£4,299
ATOL 10898
Ecuador
Ecuador & Galápagos Journey: Quito & Santa Cruz
9 daysEasy to ModeratePrivate to 2 or more travellers
From£4,399
ATOL 10898Tailor-made · ATOL 10898
Want to customise this trip?
Every Travelfab holiday is tailor-made, extend a leg, swap a hotel, combine with another country. Tell us the shape you want and a specialist will redesign it around you.
Customise this trip with a specialist