The Beautiful Southern Circuit – 9 Day Peru Itinerary

Your Southern Circuit adventure continues with a scenic 5-hour bus ride through the stunning southern coastal Peruvian desert. After a morning transfer to the Cruz del Sur Bus Station in Lima, sit back and enjoy the journey as the landscapes shift from cityscapes to desert vistas.

Upon arrival in Ica, your local guides will greet you and transfer you to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, a picturesque desert escape surrounded by towering sand dunes. After settling into your hotel, you can choose to add an optional afternoon Sandboarding Tour (not included), an exhilarating way to experience the desert’s beauty and adventure.

Spend the evening soaking in the relaxed vibe of Huacachina. Stroll along the lagoon, savor local cuisine, or simply unwind under the starry desert sky—your time here is entirely your own.

Your 9 day Peru itinerary continues with a morning transfer to the Ica bus terminal, followed by a short 2-hour ride to the city of Nazca. Upon arrival, your local guides will greet you and accompany you to the Nazca Aerodrome for one of the highlights of the Southern Circuit: the Nazca Lines Overflight.

After a light breakfast, meet your pilot and board a small plane to soar above these mysterious geoglyphs. For 40 unforgettable minutes, you’ll see incredible designs like the hummingbird, monkey, and condor etched into the desert floor. As the plane maneuvers for optimal views, it’s recommended to take motion sickness medication beforehand if needed.

After the overflight, delve into Nazca’s ancient past with a visit to the Chauchilla Cemetery, a fascinating archaeological site featuring well-preserved mummies in open tombs—a testament to the region’s arid climate. Later, explore artisan workshops where you’ll learn traditional pottery-making techniques and see how precious minerals are mined locally.

Spend the evening at your leisure, whether exploring the charming town of Nazca or relaxing at your hotel. Your guide will be available to recommend restaurants or short activities.

Later, board a state-of-the-art overnight Cruz del Sur bus to Arequipa, equipped with on-board meals, entertainment, and bathrooms to ensure a comfortable night’s rest. The journey is as smooth as it is scenic, preparing you for the next chapter of your adventure.

Your Southern Circuit adventure brings you to Arequipa, Peru’s stunning “White City,” known for its elegant architecture and dramatic volcanic backdrop. After arriving in the morning, take some time to rest or explore the city at your own pace before your guided City Tour begins in the early afternoon.

Join your guide to uncover the city’s rich history and charm. Begin with a visit to the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery, a sprawling convent with 400 years of history. Built from the iconic white volcanic stone called sillar, the monastery is home to antique luxury furniture and houses 30 nuns who continue to live by traditional practices.

Next, stroll through Arequipa’s Main Square, one of the most beautiful plazas in Peru. Admire the well-preserved cathedral and the elegant two-story arcades that frame the plaza. Your journey continues to the Companía Church, an impressive Jesuit structure with original stone floors and intricately decorated bas-relief columns.

After your tour, the evening is yours to enjoy Arequipa’s vibrant nightlife, sample its renowned cuisine, or simply relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Your Southern Circuit continues as you bid farewell to Arequipa and take a morning flight (not included) to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your lodging, where you can settle in before the afternoon tour.

At 1:00 PM, embark on a journey through the highlights of Cusco, uncovering its rich history and remarkable architecture. Start with Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, a masterpiece of Incan engineering and one of the most important structures during the empire’s rule. Marvel at its precision stonework, still visible despite the Spanish colonial church built atop its foundations.

Next, venture outside the city to the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a monumental site with massive stone blocks overlooking Cusco. Take in stunning views of the city and valley below while learning about the fortress’s historical significance.

The tour continues with visits to the smaller yet fascinating sites of Tambomachay, Qenq’o, and Puka Pukara, each offering a unique glimpse into the ceremonial and everyday life of the Incas.

To round off the day, visit local artisan shops outside Cusco to browse and purchase handmade alpaca sweaters, blankets, artwork, and other authentic souvenirs. Afterward, enjoy a free evening to relax, explore Cusco’s vibrant streets, or sample its renowned culinary scene.

Your Southern Circuit adventure takes you through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, one of the most fertile and significant regions of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with an 8:00 AM pickup from your Cusco accommodations.

Drive through the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley, stopping at scenic lookout points to capture incredible photos. The first major stop is the charming town of Pisac, famous for its lively market days on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, where you can barter for unique souvenirs and artisanal goods. Just outside the town, explore the Pisac ruins, featuring elaborate terraces and housing structures believed to have been used for agricultural experiments—a testament to the ingenuity of Incan engineering.

Continue to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the valley’s serene surroundings. Then, head to the town of Ollantaytambo, a living Incan village home to a magnificent fortress. Learn about its historical significance as the site of the Incas’ only successful defense against Spanish forces, and marvel at the impressive stone terraces and the stunning valley that brings its story to life.

At 7:00 PM, board your designated PeruRail train at Ollantaytambo Station for the journey to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). Upon arrival, you’ll have a free evening to explore the quaint streets, relax, or prepare for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu. Meet your guide for a short briefing on what to expect during your visit to this world-famous archaeological site.

Your Southern Circuit adventure reaches its pinnacle with a visit to the world-famous Machu Picchu, a bucket-list highlight of your 9 day Peru itinerary. Rise early and board one of the first buses to the citadel, arriving in time to witness the morning mist lifting to reveal this awe-inspiring ancient masterpiece.

Begin your exploration with a two-hour guided tour, where your expert guide will unravel the fascinating history, sacred significance, and architectural brilliance of Machu Picchu. From its spiritual temples to its advanced engineering, every detail of this iconic site will leave you in awe.

For an elevated experience, consider an optional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to enjoy panoramic views of the citadel and its lush surroundings. Please note that these hikes are subject to availability and come at an additional cost.

After your tour, descend to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time to relax, shop for unique souvenirs, or savor a meal in one of the local restaurants. Take this moment to reflect on the majesty of Machu Picchu before continuing your journey.

In the evening, board a comfortable overnight bus to Puno, where the next chapter of your adventure awaits. These state-of-the-art buses are equipped with onboard bathrooms, reclining seats, and entertainment to ensure a restful journey.

Your 9 day Peru itinerary continues with a full-day exploration of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake and a treasure trove of culture and tradition. After arriving in Puno in the early morning, you’ll be transferred to your lodging to prepare for the day’s adventure.

The tour begins at 6:30 AM, with a transfer to Puno’s port where you’ll board your boat and set sail on the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca. Your first stop is the unique Uros Floating Islands, constructed entirely of Totora reeds. Experience the everyday life of the Uros people as they share their history and demonstrate how these remarkable islands are built and maintained.

Next, journey to Taquile Island, known for its vibrant culture and entrepreneurial community of approximately 1,200 residents. Visit the Main Plaza and the local market, where you’ll witness demonstrations of the islanders’ customs during a traditional lunch. Taquile is especially renowned for its intricate handicrafts and textiles, which are a UNESCO-recognized example of cultural heritage.

After lunch, take time to explore the island further, soak in its stunning vistas, and capture incredible photos of the lake and surrounding Andes.

Depart from Taquile at 2:30 PM and enjoy the scenic boat ride back to Puno, arriving around 5:00 PM. Spend your evening at leisure—explore the vibrant streets of Puno, sample local cuisine, or relax as you reflect on the day’s cultural discoveries.

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your lodging for a seamless transfer to the airport, where you’ll board your domestic flight back to Lima. With that, your unforgettable journey through Peru comes to an end.

As your Southern Circuit 9 Day Peru Itinerary concludes, we hope your time with Karikuy Tours has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences, from the breathtaking Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines to the serene beauty of Lake Titicaca and the vibrant energy of Lima. Each destination, a chapter in a story you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you have questions, need assistance, or wish to plan another unforgettable journey, we’re always here to help. Thank you for trusting Karikuy Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of Peru’s wonders. Until next time, safe travels!

The itinerary allows you to arrive at any time on day 1, our guides will be ready to pick you up from the airport and take your lodging. You are free to choose what date you arrive in Peru. The most popular months to travel are from April to August.

To give you the best pricing as well as  the flexibility to schedule your tour at your convenience, group tours have you join different daily groups departing for each tour. These tours group sizes differ on location but can be anywhere from 6 people to 25 people. For the 4 and 5 star tour options you have private tours included that are just yourselves and a guide.

Peru gives most travelers temporary Visas upon arrival. These Visas are from 30 days to 6 months. If you are unsure if your country needs a Visa you can check here, countries marked NO are given Visas upon arrival, countries marked SI require a Visa to enter Peru.

Our tours do not include international or domestic airfare. We do not include international airfare to keep our prices low as you can purchase your own international airfare at better prices directly from the airline websites or Google Flights. We can assist you with domestic airfare as we get good prices, you will need to contact us and we will send you the pricing with domestic airfare included.

Our tours include transfers to and from the airport, and between your tours and hotels. So technically you do not need to hire your own transport. If you want to get transportation on a free day or evening we would recommend you have your hotel call you a taxi or UBER also works really well in Peru. Please note that all our Backpacker category tours do not include transfers.

Yes we do accept 50% deposits, make sure to choose that option at checkout, full price of a tour is due 45 days before your arrival to Peru so we can pay all the reservations in advance. We have some of the best customer service when it comes to cancellations, we work with our customers to get the best outcome even going above and beyond our own terms and conditions. 

The most popular Machu Picchu admissions are the 2A or 2B Circuits, these give you the longest circuit to see the most at Machu Picchu including the classic photo locations. We include these to our tours.

Please note however that since 2023 that these new circuits sell out quickly due to their popularity. You should try to make your reservation 3 months or more in advance to secure these admissions. Once these advanced purchase admissions sell out you can only purchase walk in admissions that will have you spend an extra day at Aguas Calientes to secure them in person. Please try to book in advance and contact us to check availability.