Slow Travel: Peru in-depth
21 days from £4,550 pp
Go beyond the classic highlights on this slow travel holiday to Peru. Visit the white city of Arequipa, witness condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, kayak the islands on Lake Titicaca and dedicate a full week exploring the magical Sacred Valley with its fascinating communities. Include unmissable Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu and you have the Ultimate Peru Slow Travel Adventure. Stay in our favourite eco lodges and charming owner run properties on our Slow Travel Holiday to Peru.
Trip Highlights
- We have slowed down the pace to really take in the beauty of Peru
- Witness the majestic condor soar above Colca Canyon
- Get off-the-beaten path in The Sacred Valley with your expert guide
- Hop on a kayak at Lake Titicaca, meet locals and learn about the Uros community
Our Expert Tip
”Really embrace slow travel by spending more time in fewer places. Take the time to wander aimlessly, have long leisurely meals, watch the world go by and really soak it all in”
Sinead, Peru Expert
Detailed Slow Travel Peru In-Depth Itinerary
Day 1-3: Lima
Our Slow Travel Peru In Depth trip starts in vibrant and colourful Lima, giving you enough time to explore properly and take it all in. Head out on a walking tour spotting architectural gems, street art and local cuisine. With your guide enjoy a private gastronomy tour, learn about the city’s history and visit cultural hotspots. Wander the streets and enjoy a rooftop sunset drink… making time to appreciate Lima without being rushed.
Day 4 – 5: Arequipa
Fly to the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, famous for its volcanic stone buildings. Where possible, we avoid domestic flights on our Slow Travel holidays, but to avoid a 20-hour drive we recommend a short domestic flight here. Explore the heart of Arequipa and enjoy the city’s best views on a guided private tour.
Explore the plaza, San Francisco Church, Monastery of Santa Catalina, the famous ‘Maestros Canteros’ and many other beautiful colonial and architectural masterpieces.
Day 6 – 7: Colca Canyon
Be driven through stunning landscapes dominated by volcanoes stopping for lunch and views. Continue to your lodge on the Colca River where you will spend the next day and a half relaxing amongst peace and nature. Witness the flight of majestic condors, visit local churches and colourful markets.
With your guide, pass through traditional towns, such as Maca and Yanque, while making your way to Coporaque, a charming town where you can witness the pre-Inca terraces. Here, you have the unique opportunity to spend some time with local people, learning about their daily lives and activities.
Day 8 – 9: Lake Titicaca
Enjoy the morning at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or heading out for a picturesque hike in the valley. You will then be driven to Lake Titicaca, a scenic journey across the Andes that takes around six hours.
A perfect way to escape the crowds is to enjoy Lake Titicaca by kayak. Avoiding the busy tourist boat trips, head out to the fascinating floating reed islands of the Uros community on kayaks with your guide. After visiting two of the islands and meeting the locals, continue by boat to Taquile island to explore the stunning cultivated slopes of the UNESCO-listed community. A true Travel Differently experience.
Day 10 – 12: Cusco
Experience one of Latin America’s great train journeys, as you travel from the shores of Lake Titicaca through the Andes to Cusco. Enjoy the astonishing high Andean plateau landscape, spotting grazing alpacas and little villages scattered along the way.
Spend a few days in Cusco getting to know this incredible cultural city and UNESCO protected town. Take in the key historic and architectural hot spots, explore iconic San Pedro Market for a taste (literally) of modern Cusco and have a day free to easily explore at your own pace. Be sure to book into a restaurant for some world renowned Peruvian fine dining or local delicacies.
Day 13 – 17: Sacred Valley
The best way to appreciate the real Peru is to spend as long as possible in the incredible Sacred Valley. There is so much to see and enjoy here, from culture and history to breathtaking landscapes and local life.
Experience our flagship cultural immersion activity – a day with the Misminay Community. Try your hand at brick making, cookery, Quecha lessons, textile weaving and hike to scenic viewpoints. Hear first-hand stories from the local community. This is an important and unique cultural experience that helps towards sustaining the community.
Explore all the Sacred Valley offers, choosing from a variety of fascinating activities: an Agricultural and Gastronomy day, a Reforestation experience, various hiking trails and be sure to include the amazing Pumamarca ruins. Visit the Choquechaka Conservation area stopping at a coffee roaster/distillery. Keep active and go kayaking, cycling and even ziplining. Go stand-up-paddleboarding along the beautiful Piuray Lagoon for a really memorable experience.
Take time to also just relax at your hotel, enjoy the views, bird song and delicious food. There is no rush here, do things at a leisurely pace on our Slow Travel Peru In Depth Holiday.
Day 18: Machu Picchu
This morning, head to Ollantaytambo station and take the train to ‘Km 104’, where you’ll start todays unforgettable trek along the final stretches of the Inca Trail (around six hours). On the way visit Winay Wayna continuing through jungle highlands to the famous Sun Gate for your first unforgettable views of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Explore one of the true Wonders Of The World, walking amongst ruins and terraces, delving into the history of the Incas. Be fascinated by the engineering skills and how the ancient buildings cling to the mountain sides. The scale and sights are almost other worldly.
Day 19-21: Machu Picchu – Sacred Valley
After breakfast, take the bus back up to the gates of Machu Picchu for your days exploration of one of the most iconic Wonders Of The World. After lunch nearby, board the picturesque train back to Ollantaytambo and end the day back at your Sacred Valley hotel.
On the final day of your epic Slow Travel Peru Holiday, choose to relax at your hotel, enjoy some walks from the grounds, or request to add on more incredible activities offered in the Sacred Valley.
Say goodbye to Peru, and transfer to the airport for your onwards flight home.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
