Lima and Southern Peru

Upon arrival this morning (flight not included), your local Exeter Latin America representative will meet you after you exit Customs for a private arrival transfer to your boutique hotel on a quiet block in Miraflores.

Almost all trips to Peru begin and end in Lima, the sprawling capital city of more than 9 million inhabitants. Although the area was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spanish, conquistador Francisco Pizarro chose the area for the capital of the lands he conquered under the name City of the Kings in 1535. The name Lima quickly became the city’s name of choice, and is believed to be the Spanish version of Limaq, by which they area was known by visitors due to the Rimaq river that flows through Lima.

Lima is a thriving, modern city that has received an interesting mix of immigrants since the 19th century, including the largest Chinese community in Latin America and a Japanese community that has exerted strong influence on Peruvian cuisine seen most notably in the tiradito take on the classic ceviche dish.

Head out this afternoon with your guide and driver to explore Lima’s past and present, as you visit famous landmarks like Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, Plaza San Martín, Barrio Chinese, and more. Along the way, indulge in the local cuisine by tasting 14 popular dishes and beverages. You’ll also experience the bustling energy of Lima’s central market and absorb the city’s unique atmosphere. This is a tour full of history and Peruvian flavors (duration 4-5 hours.)

Evening at leisure in Lima, though for sure you’ll want to dine out in one this city’s world-class restaurants.

Lima has some world-class museums and galleries. This morning, you’ll visit the Larco Museum located in a unique 18th century mansion and housing Peru’s largest collection of pre-Colombian art. Although the Incas are its most well-known indigenous civilization, Peru’s human history extends back many centuries before the Incas and here you will see fine examples of pottery, textiles, and gold and silver objects from various preceding civilizations.

Afterward, your guide will take you to explore the Barranco district. Once a summer retreat outside the city limits, it’s now a hip neighborhood home to many of the city’s contemporary artists and their galleries including the Mario Testino Museum (Mate), and of course some great restaurants.

Transfer back to your hotel and afternoon at leisure. Or, you may wish to have lunch in Barranco and return on your own to Atemporal.

After checkout, private transfer to the Lima airport for your flight (not included) to Arequipa.

Upon arrival at Arequipa airport (flight not included), you’ll be met by your driver and guide holding an Exeter Latin America sign with your name on it.

At a mild elevation of only 7,600ft and offering over 300 days of sunshine every year, Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, is one of the most enjoyable urban destinations that Peru offers. Founded in 1540, Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “white city” due to the ubiquitous use of a white volcanic rock for building called “sillar”, quarried form nearby volcanoes that ring the city, which dazzles white under the ever present sunshine. The city boasts a strong culinary scene, interesting museums, a manageable size and is a great place to acclimate before continuing on to the higher-altitude locations like Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.

Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations at the beautiful Relais & Chateaux property of Cirqa. This gorgeous boutique hotel resides within a restored former monastery and prides itself on its hospitality and fine cuisine. Your stay at Cirqa includes a welcome drink and daily afternoon cocktail; a la carte breakfast as well as your choice of lunch or dinner; afternoon tea; and complimentary in-room snacks and drinks.

After you drop your bags off at the hotel, head out with your guide for a gastronomic journey where you’ll savor over 17 authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages from the Arequipa region. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals, learn about the fascinating guinea pig and alpaca, and discover how to prepare the traditional ocopa sauce using a traditional milling technique. You’ll get historical and cultural insights behind each dish and beverage.

After breakfast this morning you’ll meet with your guide for a walking tour including the Plaza de Armas and the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, which was built in the 16th century and is renowned as a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture.

For lunch, we highly recommend a stop (cost not included) at a picanteria, which is a local restaurant that serves typical dishes from the city and region.

Afternoon at leisure to explore Arequipa on your own. A la carte dinner at Cirqa is included in your stay, unless you’d prefer to have lunch at the hotel instead.

This morning you’ll head out with your driver and guide for your transfer to Colca Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in the world with a rich cultural legacy and home to the Andean condor.

Check-in at Puqio and begin to plan your stay with the lodge hosts.Stays here include all meals and beverages included (including in-room snacks and alcoholic drinks), shared transfers to and from Arequipa and Titilaka, and excursions (both half and full day) on a shared basis. Private excursions available at an additional cost.

Your stay here includes all meals (including in-room snacks and alcoholic drinks) and shared small-group half- or full-day excursions with other guests, among other luxurious amenities. (Privately-guided activities and transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.)

Your stay here includes all meals (including in-room snacks and alcoholic drinks) and shared small-group half- or full-day excursions with other guests, among other luxurious amenities. (Privately-guided activities and transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.)

Meet your driver and guide this morning for your private transfer from the Colca Valley to Titilaka, a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking Lake Titicaca.

Located on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Titilaka is an all-inclusive lodge where earth, water, and sky meet as one. Tucked away in the Andes Mountains, experience the awe of the highest navigable lake in the world, with an elevation of over 12,500 feet above sea level. Nestled amongst snowcapped, 20,000-foot peaks, the lake itself is a vast expanse of impossibly blue water that has served as the cradle of ancient Andean civilizations for thousands of years. Your shared program stay at Titilaka includes full board (a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine and cocktails); tea time; minibar; half- and full-day scheduled excursions on lake or land with other hotel guests. Private excursions during your stay can also be arranged, for an additional cost.

Your stay here will allow private and authentic access to the local indigenous populations that live on and around this lake. Included in your stay here are all meals and two shared (small groups of other guests) excursions per day, among other luxurious amenities. (Privately-guided activities can be arranged at an additional cost.)

Some example excursions are as follow:

• Explore the Uros and Taquile islands ( full-day)
• Aymara Route Excursion (full-day)
• Birdwatching
• Marketplace visit
• Colonial temples visit
• Nautical Sports
• Cycling

Your Exeter Latin America representative will send you the full menu of options once your trip is under deposit.

Your stay here will allow private and authentic access to the local indigenous populations that live on and around this lake. Included in your stay here are all meals and two shared (small groups of other guests) excursions per day, among other luxurious amenities. (Privately-guided activities can be arranged at an additional cost.)

Some example excursions are as follow:

• Explore the Uros and Taquile islands ( full-day)
• Aymara Route Excursion (full-day)
• Birdwatching
• Marketplace visit
• Colonial temples visit
• Nautical Sports
• Cycling

Your Exeter Latin America representative will send you the full menu of options once your trip is under deposit.

Depending on the time of your flight, you may have time for additional activities at Titilaka today before departure. (Additional cost may apply.) After breakfast this morning, transfer to the Juliaca airport with other hotel guests (flight not included).