Sadly a bit over shadowed by Machu Pichu and the Sacred Valley. Arequipa makes a great starting point or end to your Peruvian adventure. Great for culture and food.
Arequipa is a wonderful place to relax and acclimate for a few nights prior to going to Cusco. There are flights almost every half hour between Lima and Arequipa and twice daily direct service to Cusco.
A few nights in Arequipa and a few nights in the Colca Canyon is a perfect combination.
Combining Arequipa, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca makes a perfect overland trip. This can be done prior to going to Cusco (continuing on from Lake Titicaca) or can be done in reverse – departing Cusco and visiting Lake Titicaca, then the Colca Canyon en route to stop in Arequipa and then finish in Lima
Lake Titicaca:
Due to the high altitude of Lake Titicaca, as well as the intimate and supremely comfortable nature of a stay at Titilaka, we recommend 3 or 4 nights here to cap off a longer trip through Peru, as a relaxing highlight before beginning the journey back home. Guests coming from Cusco will have had time to acclimate a bit before traveling to Lake Titicaca, and the secluded and scenic location of Titilaka will be a welcome change from the crowds that are inevitable when touring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Arequipa is located at 7,600ft and and on the edge of the Atacama desert, Arequipa offers over 300 days of sunshine a year and a very enjoyable year round climate. Temperatures during the day rarely exceed 75F (25C) and nighttime lows seldom fall below 41F (5C). Rain seldom falls here but afternoon clouds are possible during the December-March period when scant amounts of rainfall are recorded. There really is not a bad time of year to visit Arequipa.
Lake Titicaca is located in the Altiplano, or high desert of Southern Peru. It is cool and mostly dry throughout the year and can be visited year-round. Similar to the Andes, the dry season is from May-October and a green season from November-April when afternoon rain showers are common with January being the wettest month. Late Titicaca sits at 12,507′ (3,812 m) a.s.l. and evening temperatures can drop below freezing. Daytime average is around 45 °F (7 °C) year-round with December and January being the warmest months, with daytime highs of approximately 62 °F (17 °C).
Colca Canyon , Peru
Blending effortlessly with the awe-inspiring natural environment, Belmond Las Casitas is the ultimate Colca Canyon Hotel. With just 20 individual bungalows, a stay here feels a world away from the stresses of everyday life. Set off on stunning canyon treks, ride Peruvian Paso horses, keep an eye on the skies in search of the Andean condor. Or make the most of your downtime, unwinding beside the pool, recharging in the spa, or simply delving into a good book. Timeless memories are guaranteed.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY BELMOND PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Lake Titicaca
Titilaka was created to provide an alternative for visitors seeking an authentic, intimate and comfortable encounter with the cultural nuances and natural splendor of Lake Titicaca. Located an hour east of Puno on a remote portion of the lake shore, Titilaka houses just 18 suites, categorized as ‘sunrise’ or ‘sunset.’ Each suite is replete with radiant floor heating, extra large soaking tubs and sumptuous daybeds beneath panoramic windows overlooking the lake.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY RELAIS & CHATEAUX PARTNER PORTFOLIO
PART OF MY CLARK KOTULA PORTFOLIO
central Arequipa
Cirqa is the first luxury boutique hotel of its caliber to grace Arequipa and offers visitors a hip, historic and architecturally stunning place to call home. Only one block from the picturesque and lively Plaza de Armas, Cirqa offers 11 guest rooms and two gourmet restaurants, inside a former monastery which dates back to the founding of the city in 1540.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
PART OF MY RELAIS & CHATEAUX PARTNER PORTFOLIO
PART OF MY CLARK KOTULA PORTFOLIO
between Arequipa / Lake Titicaca / Cusco
This is an excellent choice if you have the time and budget.
South America’s first luxury sleeper train glides from Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, across the lofty Andean plains to the white city of Arequipa. Take in the region’s spectacular highlights en route, including Lake Titicaca and Colca Canyon.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with Belmond. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me.
Belmond Andean Explorer Website
In Arequipa / Lake Titicaca / Colca Canyon I highly recommend we work with an on site Destination Specialist, especially on your first visit.
Metropolitan Touring
One of my favorite suppliers in the region.
A few good resources for easy tours, advance tickets & activities planning:
GET YOUR GUIDE
A curated source of Tickets, Tours and Activities.
VIATOR
A wide variety Tickets and Tours from the folks who bring you Trip Advisor.
My Arequipa / Lake Titicaca / Colca Canyon Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Cusco / The Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu
General Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: May 2020
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