Peru & Altiplano – 12 to 14 days
ALTITUDE, LIGHTS & SACRED LAKES
Peru & Altiplano – 12 to 14 days
This itinerary lets you discover the best of Southern Peru: Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca and the vast landscapes of the Altiplano.
We rely on Lima Tours' on-the-ground expertise for guides, accommodations and local logistics, and on Qhanati for all advice, trip design and coordination from Switzerland.
The result: a smooth, comfortable journey, with enough time at each stage to breathe, marvel, and truly connect with the places and people.
Who is this trip for?
You want to see Cusco + Sacred Valley + Lake Titicaca without rushing.
You love magnificent landscapes and meeting communities.
You are ready to travel at altitude, but you appreciate a good level of comfort.
Highlights of the trip
First few days in Cusco to gently acclimatize you.
Villages and markets of the Sacred Valley, iconic Inca sites.
Crossing the Altiplano by train or tourist bus (depending on your preferences).
Nights on the shores of Lake Titicaca, in the morning the light on the sacred waters.
Meetings with the communities of the Altiplano (respecting their pace).
Flexible itinerary: possibility to add Arequipa, a rest day, or an extra night in Cusco or on the lake.
Your Altiplano itinerary in 4 stages
1. Cusco, time to settle in
Day 1–2
Arrival in Cusco (via Lima) and welcome by our partner Lima Tours.
Private transfer to your hotel in the historic center.
A quiet day to rest, drink a nice mate de coca, and get used to the altitude.
The next day, a gentle visit to Cusco: squares, colonial alleyways, the first Inca sites around the city.
Objective: to acclimatize without pressure before climbing higher.2. Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day 3–5Departure for the Sacred Valley with your private guide or in a small group (your choice).
Visit to major sites (e.g. Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras/Moray – depending on the version chosen).
Markets, artisans, tastings of local products.
1 or 2 nights in the Valley to enjoy the peace and quiet, with beautiful accommodations surrounded by mountains.
This is the "gentle" part of the trip: agricultural landscapes, villages, encounters, superb light at the end of the day.3. Crossing the Altiplano & Lake Titicaca
Day 6–9Scenic road or train journey across the Altiplano between Cusco and Puno.
Stops along the way at Andean sites, viewpoints and villages (depending on the mode of transport).
Installation on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Lake excursions: islands, communities, day or two-day boat trips with overnight stays depending on the length of your trip.
Here, we take our time: Lake Titicaca is best enjoyed at sunrise and sunset, not in real time.4. Possible returns & extensions
Days 10–12 (or 14)Return to Juliaca then domestic flight to Lima.
Last night in Lima (or night flight depending on your preferences).
Option to add:
a stop in Arequipa,
an extra day of rest,
one more night in Cusco or on the lake if you want to slow down even more.
This itinerary is a starting point: we adjust the durations, hotels and pace to suit you.
Infos pratiques
Ideal time
From April to October for the Lake Titicaca and Altiplano region (drier season, beautiful light, cold nights).
The rest of the year is possible, but with a higher risk of rain, especially between January and March.
Level / pace
Easy to moderate walks on the islands and viewpoints (paths sometimes with steps, altitude between 3,800 and 4,200 m).
Pace adapted to the altitude: frequent breaks, hydration, free time to rest.
Ideal if you are comfortable with walking and accept that "everything goes a little slower" at this height.
Accommodation
Small, charming hotels or boutique hotels in Puno / Chucuito Peninsula, clean and well located.
Possibility of spending night(s) in a community lodge on an island for a more authentic immersion.
Upgrading is possible (4-5★) depending on your budget and travel style.
What's included in your trip
Included:
Custom itinerary design with Qhanati, in French from Switzerland.
Airport pickup in Cusco and Juliaca.
All land transfers mentioned in the program (private or tourist services, depending on the chosen package).
Domestic flights required for the program
(e.g. Lima–Cusco and Juliaca–Lima), booked and operated via our local partner Lima Tours.Accommodation in charming hotels or boutique hotels, in a double room with breakfast.
Excursions and visits on the program:
visits to Cusco and the main Inca sites,
days in the Sacred Valley,
crossing the Altiplano (bus or tourist train),
excursions on Lake Titicaca (depending on the version chosen).
Local French-speaking or English-speaking guides (depending on availability) for the main visits.
24/7 local assistance available on site via Lima Tours.
Overall trip coordination by Qhanati before, during and after your stay.
My Peru & Altiplano Project
This program is a base. Together, we adjust: number of days, level of comfort, budget, special desires (wellness day, craft workshop, culinary experiences, night with a local family, desert or Amazon extension…).
Click below, tell me what you would like to experience on the Altiplano and at Lake Titicaca, and I will prepare a Peru & Altiplano proposal just for you.
Not included:
Travel insurance (cancellation, repatriation, health).
Meals not mentioned in the program (plan a budget for your culinary discoveries).
Optional activities (flights, private experiences, train/hotel upgrades, etc.).
Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, hotel extras).
International flights – operated by Qhanati:
Return flights to Peru are not included in the price shown.
But Qhanati will take care of booking everything for you.
You only need one contact for your trip: Qhanati.