Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Sail to Suasi Island
Stay on a small private island on Lake Titicaca and meet its unique communities.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Highlights of Peru
Uncover the highlights of Peru while travelling between colonial-era cities and deep river canyons, taking a train to Machu Picchu, the incredible Inca citadel perched high above the cloud forest, interacting with locals living traditional lives on remote Lake Titicaca and sipping Pisco sours from al fresco spots in Cusco.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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The White City
Amble through the cobbled streets and many markets of the white city of Arequipa.
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Maras & Moray
Venture off the beaten track to explore high altitude saltpans and archaeological ruins.
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See Machu Picchu
Visit the enchanting Machu Picchu citadel and former Inca capital of Cusco.
Why we like it
Encompassing the real focal points of Southern Peru, this journey through the land of the Incas is one of extremes. From Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the Americas, to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, this trip takes in fascinating wildlife, colourful indigenous communities and jaw dropping scenery. With explorations of Machu Picchu, Arequipa, the Sacred Valley and the remote private Suasi Island, this is a breathtaking journey through marvels that simply need to be seen in person.
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Day 1
Lima - Arequipa
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Day 2
Arequipa
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Day 3
Arequipa - Colca Canyon
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Day 4
Colca Canyon - Puno
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Day 5
Puno - Suasi Island
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Day 6
Suasi Island - Puno
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Day 7
Puno - Juliaca - Sacred Valley
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Day 8
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
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Day 9
Machu Picchu - Cusco
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Day 10
Cusco
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Day 11
Cusco - Lima
Day 1
Lima - Arequipa
Day 2
Arequipa
Amble through the cobbled streets and many markets of the white city of Arequipa.
Day 3
Arequipa - Colca Canyon
Day 4
Colca Canyon - Puno
Day 5
Puno - Suasi Island
Stay on a small private Island on Lake Titicaca and meet its unique communities.
Day 6
Suasi Island - Puno
Day 7
Puno - Juliaca - Sacred Valley
Venture off the beaten track to explore high altitude saltpans and archaeological ruins.
Day 8
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Visit the enchanting Machu Picchu citadel in the clouds.
Day 9
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 10
Cusco
Day 11
Cusco - Lima
More details
Discover Arequipa
Visit the white city of Arequipa, a charming place built from volcanic sillar stone and surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, to amble its cobbled streets and many markets. Perhaps visit the miniature colonial town of Santa Catalina Convent, opened in 1970 after four centuries of isolation, where 450 nuns live in total seclusion.
Drive the Colca Canyon
Travel through barren and beautiful landscapes in the foothills of the Andes and cross a mountain pass at nearly 5,000 metres, watching out for llamas and alpacas grazing at the roadside. Drive through the surrounding villages with their pretty colonial churches, looking out for enormous Andean condors soaring overhead, and explore the canyon rim on mountain bike, on horseback, on foot, or by rafting atop the rapids of Rio Colca.
Train to Machu Picchu
From the snow-capped mountains and remote communities of Sacred Valley, travel by train to the enigmatic royal citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins. Perhaps stay in bustling Machu Picchu Pueblo, the gateway town to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and make a second visit to the citadel to perhaps hike up one of its steep mountains.
Salt Terraces, Maras & Moray
At an altitude of 3,672 metres and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Chinchero is famed for its colourful Sunday market and indigenous people. Its authentic dress of the local farmers, walls of an Inca fortress with trapezoidal niches and colonial church with paintings by the indigenous artist Chiwantito all combine to give Chinchero a unique charm. Travel to Maras, renowned for its salt mines and the hundreds of salt ponds, and Moray, a remote Inca agricultural experimental centre known for its elliptical irrigation terraces, each with its own micro-climate.
Explore Suasi Island
Travel by speed boat to the private Suasi Island by crossing Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3,850 metres. The island’s exceptionally quiet hideaway is perched on a steep hillside of flowered terraces and boasts enchanting views over the lake through large windows or from balconies. A truly magical location for star-gazing, kayaking along the shoreline, or tucking in to a beachfront barbecue, guests will leave with an understanding of the islands’ geological formation, fragile ecosystems and fascinating cultures.
Suggestion: Galapagos Islands Extension
Consider flying out to the remote and remarkable Galapagos Islands, the pristine archipelago that can be explored during eye-opening sailing voyages or through carefully planned island-hopping trips. For up close and personal encounters with fearless sea lions, penguins, tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas (to name very few), these islands are unmissable and combine beautifully with an adventure in Peru.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £3,450 Per person
When to travel
Peru in January
January begins the rainy season in the Andes and the Amazon as they reach the summer months. Along the coast, this can be one of the best times to visit, although it is a hotspot for locals.
Peru in February
As the rains continue, February can be a good time to avoid crowds. While Machu Picchu remains open, trekking in this area is a challenge as the Inca Trail closes for the month. Heavy rains in the Amazon increase water levels on the river, making wildlife viewing slightly more challenging however it does allow you to adventure into areas otherwise not reachable by boat in other months of the year.
Peru in March
March can be a good time to visit Peru. As the rainy season draws to the end, the coast will still be experiencing summer weather while inland you can expect rains. This can be one of the least crowded months for Machu Picchu and the local tourism on the beaches has subsided as children go back to school.
Peru in April
April is considered one of the best times to travel to Peru with pleasant temperatures and avoiding the busiest period. As there is still some rain, the landscape is vibrant.
Peru in May
As the dry season begins and winter sets in, temperatures are comfortable and the countryside is green with life from the rainy season.
Peru in June
June marks the start of the peak season in Peru. Skies are clear, making for picturesque sightseeing. As this is officially the start of winter, cooler temperatures are expected especially in the evenings.
Peru in July
July begins the peak travel season as international holidays open. With warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, this is also the peak time for trekking the mountainous landscapes of the Andes.
Peru in August
August continues the peak season throughout the country. With cooler evening temperatures, brings a morning fog in the Sacred Valley, which clears to blue skies by the afternoon. Expect dry, sunny weather in the Amazon during this time.
Peru in September
As spring draws in during the month of September, expect cloudy mornings which clear to blue skies in the afternoon. Showers become more likely as this is considered the shoulder season before the green season begins.
Peru in October
Temperatures begin to increase in October as summer approaches. As the dry season comes to an end, the chance of precipitation increases along with clouds.
Peru in November
Temperatures rise in November with rain increasing from the middle of the month. As a shoulder season, this can be a good time to travel to avoid crowding in Machu Picchu.
Peru in December
Weather in December sees increased temperatures as summer begins, along with the start to the rainy season. Rising water levels in the Amazon makes wildlife viewing slightly more challenging along the shores.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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