Peru Beyond Machu Picchu: A 12-Day Adventure Through the Andes
Machu Picchu is, without question, one of the greatest sites on earth. But Peru is so much more than its most famous address. A 12-day circuit through the southern Andes takes in colonial Cusco, the farm communities of the Sacred Valley, the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and the condor country of the Colca Canyon.
Before You Arrive: Altitude Acclimatisation
Cusco sits at 3,400m. Lima is at sea level. Fly Lima to Cusco and you gain 3,400m in 90 minutes. Altitude sickness (soroche) is real and can ruin the first 48 hours of your trip.
The fix: Spend 2 nights in Cusco acclimatising before going higher (Machu Picchu is actually lower at 2,430m — ideal for Day 1). Drink coca leaf tea, avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and walk slowly.
The 12-Day Route
Days 1–2: Lima
The gastronomy capital of South America. Miraflores for ceviche at La Mar, Barranco for nightlife, the historic centre for colonial grandeur. Do not skip Lima — its food alone justifies the flight.
Days 3–5: Cusco
Acclimatise, explore. The Cathedral, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun, the finest Inca stonework in the city), San Blas neighbourhood, San Pedro Market. Day 4: Sacred Valley — Pisac market, Ollantaytambo fortress, Maras salt ponds.
Days 6–7: Machu Picchu
Take the Peru Rail from Ollantaytambo (1.5h). Book the 6am entry slot — the morning mist in the valley is the defining image. Spend the afternoon exploring the citadel; return to Cusco by train.
Days 8–9: Colca Canyon
Four hours from Arequipa, Colca is one of the world's deepest canyons. Cruz del Condor viewpoint (7am) is where the canyon thermals lift Andean condors — with wingspans up to 3.2m — to eye level. Extraordinary.
Days 10–12: Lake Titicaca
At 3,812m, the world's highest navigable lake. Stay on Isla Amantani with a local family — a genuine community tourism experience. Visit the floating Uros Islands, handmade from totora reeds. Return to Lima for your flight.
Where to Stay
Cusco (Luxury): Belmond Hotel Monasterio — a 16th-century monastery converted into a five-star hotel with enriched oxygen piped into rooms to ease altitude acclimatisation. Remarkable.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel incorporates original Inca walls into its colonial architecture. Steps from the main Plaza de Armas.
Cusco (Mid-range): Novotel Cusco is a reliable, comfortable option with a heated pool and central location.
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu gateway): Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel inside the Machu Picchu sanctuary — access before gates open, private terraces facing the ruins. The most exclusive address in Peru.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is set in cloud forest with its own orchid garden. A spectacular sustainable luxury option at a fraction of Sanctuary Lodge rates.
