This is the route from Arequipa to Lake Titicaca the way we plan it. A day in the white city, the Colca full day ending in Chivay instead of driving back to Arequipa, a shared transfer across the altiplano to Puno, and a full day on the lake with the Uros floating islands and Taquile. On day 5 you continue to Cusco on the Ruta del Sol tourist bus or fly out from Juliaca. Want to sleep on the lake or see the Aymara side? Add it below.
Walking tour of the historic center: the Plaza de Armas and cathedral, the Jesuit church, the San Ignacio chapel and colonial sillar mansions. Meeting point half a block from the Plaza.
11:00
Optional: the Santa Catalina Monastery, about one extra hour.
13:00
Lunch at a picantería (not included). Try rocoto relleno or chupe de camarones.
Sunset
Free time. Walk to the Yanahuara viewpoint to see the Misti behind the arches.
Times are the usual schedule of each tour and are confirmed with your final itinerary.
What’s included
Arequipa historic center walking tour with guide
Colca full day with hotel pickup in Arequipa and drop-off in Chivay
Shared tourist transfer from Chivay to your hotel in Puno
Uros and Taquile full day with hotel pickup, boat, guide and lunch
Not included
Hotels in Arequipa, Chivay and Puno (quoted on request)
Colca tourist ticket: S/ 70 for foreign visitors, cash
Taquile island ticket: S/ 15
Lunches not listed and dinners
Day 5 transport: Ruta del Sol or Juliaca airport transfer (see prices)
Flights, tips and travel insurance
Prices
Base tripTours and transfers, per person, group tours. Same price if you travel solo.
From $183
Night on Lake TiticacaSwap day 4 for the 2-day homestay: Uros, a night with a family on Amantaní and Taquile. The trip becomes 6 days.
+ $26
Ruta AymaraExtra day on the south shore of the lake: Chucuito, Inca Uyo and the Aramu Muru portal.
+ $45
Ruta del Sol to CuscoTourist bus with guide and stops, Puno to Cusco.
+ $62
Juliaca airport transferPrivate car from your hotel in Puno to the airport.
$56 per car (about $28 pp for 2)
Hotels3★, 4★ or 5★ in each city.
On request
Want hotels included? Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and pick 3★, 4★ or 5★.
Questions about this trip
Is this trip too much altitude?
It goes up gradually, which is the best way: Arequipa 2,335 m, Chivay about 3,600 m, Puno 3,830 m. The pass on day 2 reaches 4,910 m for a short time. Drink water and take the first day easy.
Do I have to sleep on an island?
No. The base trip sleeps in Puno and visits the islands on a full day. If you want the homestay experience on Amantaní, add it for $26.
How do I continue to Cusco?
Most travelers take the Ruta del Sol tourist bus, a full day with guided stops, and arrive in Cusco in the evening. You can also fly from Juliaca.
Are hotels included?
Not in the base price. Choose “Include hotels in my quote” in the form and we add them in the category you want.
