South Peru Splendor: A 12-Day Jaunt through Ica, Arequipa, Puno & Cusco (Complete with 4-Star Stays)

So, you are possibly daydreaming of soaring peaks, maybe colorful cultures, too just imagine ancient ruins, is that correct? Like your trip to South Peru could very likely be the remedy for your travel bug, alright? That is what a 12-day excursion offers through Ica, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco, usually staying in pretty nice 4-star hotels. Now, here is the inside scoop, with the lowdown and highlights of the entire experience.

Unearthing Ica’s Desert Charm

Okay, the Ica region of Peru, it’s almost the first pitstop, like where golden dunes seemingly meet a pretty big blue sky. In fact, a pretty popular activity here actually is dune buggy riding, very likely bouncing you across the desert terrain with an adrenaline rush, possibly an unmatched view, I feel. You may also just chill out in Huacachina, that is basically an oasis town which gives the option to try sandboarding, something like that, really. Arguably, you are visiting vineyards and distilleries in Ica where you may try local wines and Pisco, very similar to touring through Napa Valley. That, and these excursions give a nice break from the landscape outside too it’s almost lunar of the desert, too.

Ica Hotel Highlights

So, in Ica, what hotels stand out when it comes to comfort with the facilities? Like your accommodation, it could very likely include places with really comfortable rooms, a bit like swimming pools for cooling down, possibly good restaurants to enjoy local cuisine. A lot of travelers will likely enjoy the hotels in Ica that mix leisure, that is a good base camp when they plan all the day outings into the desert. Alright, now that you got out of the car at the hotel in Ica, just think how comfy that bed might be.

Arequipa: Exploring the White City

Arequipa is actually nicknamed ‘The White City’ because the buildings are very visibly built of white volcanic stone. You may discover the center of Arequipa, so, too it’s seemingly a UNESCO World Heritage site which offers some buildings of great age, a little culture, too some pretty nice architecture, definitely something to post to the ‘gram. So, you will see the Santa Catalina Monastery is there too it’s a bit like a city within a city with a really interesting historical narrative to share. As a matter of fact, make time to feast on rocoto relleno, arguably that is an Arequipan spicy specialty, probably hot if you have a delicate tongue though!

Arequipa’s Stellar Stays

Like the hotels in Arequipa tend to retain an old charm, as I was saying a number provide courtyard views or are situated actually near attractions in the center. Then you are able to choose from places that have spas on site to possibly a view of one of the local volcanos! In that case, Arequipa hotels usually echo the blend of old style with services for the present day.

Puno and Lake Titicaca: Highland Majesty

Okay, you will climb higher up, very possibly towards Puno situated near Lake Titicaca, so it’s the world’s highest navigable lake actually. Clearly, the Uros floating islands, usually made completely of reeds by the native residents, it’s something really special that can change how you look at your sense of location on this Earth. Basically, taking a boat ride across this big blue water lets you meet some indigenous groups where you learn all there is about how they live day to day on these unique, floating foundations. The lifestyle for these groups definitely seems very connected with what you might view as the classic Peruvian experience.

Puno Hotel Picks

Now, while in Puno, very much choose hotels with great views from the lakeshore. Typically, a lot are designed so that you are able to watch the light change dramatically as the sunsets or maybe see the sun climbing over the vast water body. Maybe your hotel arranges outings on the lake! After spending that amount of time up there, altitude issues, in some respects should be addressed for folks sensitive to changing altitude when choosing the ideal places to stay.

Cusco: The Inca Empire’s Heart

Okay, Cusco is definitely more than merely a location that travelers use, for instance it’s literally the old capital from what once comprised the Incan territory. Arguably, wander the roads in the area as I was saying which connect Incan foundations and structures dating back to when the land was occupied by Spain and the culture they brought there too it’s almost an open-air learning experience actually! Just know you are also able to go to places such as Sacsayhuamán (yes, sounds tricky, is that correct?) and Qorikancha to appreciate the clever work from Incan times. When that is complete, wander places with neighborhood artisans and go through San Blas to witness workshops or purchase regional artworks to keep those times vivid! I’m pointing out, the Peruvian journey seems it will change when in the vicinity of the Machu Picchu wonder as people usually come here, in that case, as base camps to prepare towards this world-famous sight.

Cusco’s Cozy Corners

While in Cusco, why wouldn’t you experience a combination between the old plus new? Possibly by visiting colonial mansions which happen to be revamped as resorts. Also it’s almost fun to discover a setting having both design elements mirroring Andean influences like having comforts people that fly like we do now require. Just think about a location providing hot showers, actually very desirable due to high altitude zones that might give Cusco that invigorating mountain air quality we imagine.

Must-See Attractions on The South 12 Days Ica Arequipa Puno Cusco Tour

Just know some locations you’re seemingly unable to avoid while here include all the Ballestas Islands surrounding Paracas or viewing ‘the Candelabro,’ which can also be the large geoglyph right there alongside coastlines! Then too it’s the Colca Canyon alongside Arequipa (yes, I know, possibly like that spelling) in order to behold some birds, in other words, the Condors as people see these graceful avian kings going across highlands early during some sunrises too! And the highlight will very possibly always still be a jaunt when wandering throughout all those old city areas found nearby Cusco combined with ventures surrounding places such as those locations around Urubamba Valley and places over toward iconic trails which happen within Machu Picchu’s walls.

Things to Know Before You go: Maximizing your 12-Day South Peru Itinerary

• Adapt Gradually To Altitudes: As I was saying give all in the crew some time adapting well to altitude specially nearby spots similar as Puno including Cusco given reduced quantities of accessible O2 throughout altitudes – simply consume easily, hold those drinks along with possibly consuming drinks composed throughout coca components supporting mitigate those signs which are known for being triggered resulting from large upswings from floor elevation!
• Be Keen in Different Climates: Seemingly with terrains traveling which has differences nearby Peruvian regions (desert, valleys coupled even at tall altitudes of lake zones coupled along these heights which circle about Cuzco!), hold layered types which permit you changing comfortably across climate patterns showing that flexibility must get included once creating luggage/storage lists which gets ready individuals across all sorts varying regional ecologies which could possibly happen to cross any route you select.
• Bargains along Market-like Locations or Retail zones: In some respects hone buying experiences across locations where prices commonly change then you certainly is possibly able bring deals back throughout regional zones providing exceptional cultural gifts along memorable values beyond standardized vacation souvenir product alternatives on typical markets which may simply include imported goods, after each interaction comes to each specific deal!