Slow Travel: Peru in-depth
22 days from £3,900 pp
Go beyond the usual highlights of Peru holidays by visiting the white city of Arequipa, witnessing condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, investigating the islands on Lake Titicaca, and dedicating a full week to exploring the magical Sacred Valley and its fascinating communities. Bookend the trip with unmissable Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu, and you have the ultimate Peru adventure. You will stay in our favourite boutique hotels, eco lodges, and charming owner run properties on our Peru in-depth holiday.
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 Peru Itinerary
Day 1-4: Lima
Our slow travel holiday to Peru starts in vibrant and colourful Lima, giving you enough time to explore properly, take it all in, and give yourself time to relax and adjust to your holiday. Head out on a cycling 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 previous no-go areas and cultural hotspots. Wander the streets and have a rooftop sunset drink… making time to take it all in at a slower pace.
Day 5 – 6: Arequipa
Head to the ‘white City’ of Arequipa, famous for the traditional colours of the buildings. Where possible we aim to avoid domestic flights on our slow travel holidays. But to avoid a 20-hour drive we recommend taking a flight to Arequipa. During your time, be curious on foot; exploring the plaza, San Francisco Church, Monastery and the famous ‘Maestros Canteros’
Day 7 – 8: 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. Begin your beautiful drive to Lake Titicaca.
Day 9 – 10: Lake Titicaca
A perfect way to escape the crowds, Lake Titicaca by kayak. Avoid the busy routes heading with your guide to floating reed islands of the Uros Community. Island hop, meet the locals, walk around the UNESCO protected Taquile Island, enjoying lunch and live music. A magical day to explore this emerald blue lake in a different way.
Day 11: ‘Sun route’ Inca Trail
Continue your Peru in-depth holiday. Another amazing off the beaten path experience. Detour en route to Cuzco with a trek along the ancient Great Inca Trail. Learn about the traditions and legends along the walk. Have a hearty lunch before visiting the temple of Wiracocha.
Day 12 – 16: Sacred Valley
The best way to take in Peru is to slow down and take more time in the Sacred Valley. There is so much richness to see and enjoy here, from culture and history to breathtaking landscapes and local life. Experience our flagship community immersion activity – a day with the Misminay Community. Try your hand at brick making, cookery, Quecha lessons, textile weaving and hike to lookout points whilst hearing the locals stories and history. This is an important cultural experience that helps towards sustaining the community. In your remaining time, explore the Sacred Valley and chosoe from one of the following options: an Agricultural and Gastronomy day, a Reforestation experience, take day hikes and witness the Pumamarca ruins. Visit the Choquechaka Conservation area stopping at a coffee roaster/distillery. Keep active and go kayaking or choose to stand-up-paddleboard along the beautiful Piuray Lagoon to discover rare birds and stunning natural surroundings. Be amongst nature and peace as you really get under the skin of this amazing valley. Take time to also just relax at your hotel, enjoy the views, bird song, and delicious food. There is no rush here, do things slowly and properly on our Peru in-depth holiday.
Day 17 – 18: Machu Picchu
Drive to Ollantaytambo starting the final stretches of the Inca Trail (around 6 hours). 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 – 20: Cusco
A picturesque train leads you back to Cusco where we spend a few days 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 Cuzco and have a day free to easily explore on foot at your own pace. Be sure to book into a restaurant for some world renowned Peruvian fine dining or local delicacies.
Day 21-22: Lima
Back to Lima for your final days in this exhilarating and charming country. We suggest keeping these days free to take things slowly and at your own pace, or we can add a private guide to whatever areas you would like to explore and know more about. If you wanted to contunue your slow travel through South America, speak to our team about adding on Ecuador, Galapagos or even Brazil.
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
- We only work with trusted, hand-picked partners
- Every holiday is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a positive impact
- Our tours & experiences are unique, memorable & immersive
- We work with certified & respected local guides & drivers
- Judge us by the company we keep. Read more here
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.
