AREQUIPA 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

The 6-Day / 5-Night Majestic Arequipa tour combines nature, culture, and adventure. It includes visits to the Ruta del Sillar, the Colca Valley, Laguna de Salinas, and the Pillones Waterfall, as well as transfers. You’ll spend one night in Arequipa and one night in Chivay (Colca).

Trip details

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Main Destinations: Arequipa, Colca Valley, Salinas Lagoon, Pillones Waterfall
Highlighted Activities:
- Ruta del Sillar (quarries, Culebrillas petroglyphs)
- Volcanoes Viewpoint (4,800 m.s.n.m., highest point of the tour)
- Colca Hot Springs
- Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
- Hike at Laguna de Salinas and wildlife spotting (vicuñas, flamingos)
- Stone Forest and Pillones Waterfall
Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, 5 breakfasts, entrance fees to attractions, and round-the-clock assistance.
Not included: Lunches and dinners, admission to hot springs, beverages, and extra expenses.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa and tour of the Ruta del Sillar (quarries, petroglyphs, Volcanoes Viewpoint).
Day 2: Trip to the Colca Valley, passing through the Aguada Blanca Reserve, the Chucura Crater, and the Volcanoes Viewpoint (4,800 m.a.s.l.). Afternoon at the hot springs and optional folkloric dinner.
Day 3: Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, traditional villages, and return to Arequipa.
Day 4: Full-day tour of Laguna de Salinas (wildlife viewing, mini-volcano, hot springs, Uzuña Dam).
Day 5: Full-day tour of Pillones Waterfall and the Stone Forest.
Day 6: Transfer to the airport or end of tour.

Itinerary

DAY 1 TOUR TO THE SILLAR ROUTE

WE BEGIN

AM or PM: Check-in at the airport
JORGE CHAVES
AM or PM: Flight departure from AREQUIPA
AM or PM: Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
AM or PM: Transfer from the bus terminal to the hotel.
A.M. or P.M. Arrival in the city of Arequipa
(Rodríguez Ballón International Airport).

START OF OUR SERVICES

Welcome to the city of AREQUIPA Our Hotels.
Check-in at 11:00 a.m., check-out at 9:00 a.m.

TOUR OF THE SILLAR ROUTE

8:40 to 8:50 a.m.: Pickup for the morning shift will take place during this time frame.
1:40–1:50 p.m.: During this time, we’ll pick you up
from your hotel or the plaza in Arequipa for the
afternoon tour.
Visit the Volcanoes Viewpoint to see the
Misti, Chachani, and Pichupichu volcanoes.
Our first stop will be at the Añashuayco Quarry,
where we’ll learn about the history and
production of sillar stone. Visitors can
try their hand at cutting stone.
We’ll visit the Culebrillas Gorge; the hike
will take about 20 minutes, and we’ll observe the
petroglyphs of the Wari culture.
Before returning to the city of Arequipa, we’ll have the chance to
view the apachetas, which are stone formations.
12:30 p.m.: We’ll be back in the city of
Arequipa sometime around this time.
1:15 p.m.: Arrival at the historic center of Arequipa
on the morning tour.
6:15 p.m.: You’ll arrive if you take the tour in theafternoon.

DAY 2 AREQUIPA / CHIVAY

7:30–8:00 a.m. Pickup from your hotel to begin our journey to one of the deepest canyons in the world, taking the Yura highway, skirting the snow-capped toward Pampa Cañahuas (Aguada Blanca and Salinas National Reserve), home to the beautiful South American camelids, where you can observe them and take photos.
In the Tocra wetlands, we’ll see a wide variety of migratory birds.
We’ll pass by the crater of an extinct volcano (Chucura). We’ll stop at the volcano overlook, which is also the highest point along the route (4,800 m.s.n.m.), where we’ll take in a large part of the Western Cordillera.
Approx. 1:30–2:00 p.m. Arrival in Chivay and check-in at the hotel. Lunch (not included).
5:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy the Colca hot springs, whose thermal medicinal waters range from 35° to 38° Celsius in the pools (admission: 15.00 soles per person).
8:00 p.m.: Dinner accompanied by a folkloric show (not included, optional)
Overnight stay in Chivay, Colca.

DAY 3 CHIVAY / CRUZ DEL CÓNDOR / CHIVAY / AREQUIPA.

6:00 a.m. Continental breakfast at our hotel.
6:30 a.m. We’ll head to the viewpoint at La Cruz del Cóndor, a strategic spot for observing the canyon and the flight of the condor.
On the way back, we’ll stop in the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, which feature beautiful colonial churches, as well as at the viewpoints of Choquetico and Antahuilque, where we’ll see the valley’s impressive terraced fields, tombs, and pre-Inca ruins.
Lunch (not included)
1:00 p.m. Return to the city of Arequipa; we’ll arrive between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Arrival in the city of Arequipa.

DAY 4 FULL DAY TO THE SALINAS LAGOON

6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Pickup from your hotel will take place within this time frame.
Our first stop will be at the Alto Simbral Viewpoint for breakfast, where we’ll also have the chance to admire the volcanoes. During this tour, we’ll be able to enjoy the following activities:
Vicuña spotting.
Hike at Laguna de Salinas.
Flamingo watching.
Moche Village and Salt Flat “Known as the ‘Uyuni of Arequipa’”
Llama and alpaca watching.
Visit to the Lojen Mini Volcano.
Lojen Hot Springs (admission: 08.00 soles per person).
Search for the mirror-like salt flats lakes
Uzuña Dam, where you can enjoy boat rides, kayaking, fishing, and other activities.
Lunch (not included).
Return to the historic center of Arequipa at approximately 5:30 p.m.

DAY 5 FULL DAY TO THE PILLONES WATERFALL

6:00 a.m. Pickup from the hotel to begin the tour.
6:30 a.m. We’ll make our first stop in the district of Zamacola so you can do your last-minute shopping.
The first place we’ll visit is the town of Pampa de Arrieros and its old train station. We’ll stop at the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve to observe vicuñas and in the Patahuasi area so you can enjoy an Inca mate or have a meal.
10:15 a.m. We’ll head toward the Forest of Stones, stopping at the Carlitos Lookout to take in the view of Arequipa’s volcanoes.
We’ll begin our approximately 40-minute minutes through the Stone Forest, enjoying the unparalleled scenery. The Stone Forest is a natural site with strange rock formations and stone columns, where your imagination and fun will know no bounds, and you’ll have the chance to take photos. Continuing the tour by car, we’ll arrive at the town of Pillones, where the Pillones Waterfall is located.
Upon arriving at the falls, you’ll see rocks shaped by water erosion; you can carefully make your way down to the falls. Once there, you can take photos and enjoy the scenery and nature.
4:30–5:00 p.m. During this time frame, we’ll be returning to the city of Arequipa.

DAY 6 TRANSFERS FROM HOTEL - AIRPORT

A. M. Breakfast at your hotel, then you can take the opportunity to visit the main square to take some photos and buy souvenirs.
Meet with the agency staff for the farewell.
If your flight departs late, you can have dinner and wait in the hotel lobby
Hotel to airport transfer: for domestic flights, this will take place 2 hours before departure.
For international flights, it will be 3 hours before departure; the transfer may be to the airport or the bus terminal.
If your flight is delayed, you have the option to take a tour.

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Inclusions

Included

Transfer – Airport or Terminal – Hotel – Airport or Bus Terminal.
Tourist transportation.
Professional tour guide.
04 Nights’ hotel accommodation in the city of
AREQUIPA (depending on the category
requested)
01 Night’s accommodation (on the
Colca Valley tour).
1 Breakfast (on the tour to the
Colca Valley).
5 Breakfasts included in the tour.
Entrance tickets to the sillar
quarries and Culebrillas.
Entrance to the salt flats.
Entrance tickets to the Pillones
waterfall.
Entrance ticket to the Colca
Valley.
On-site assistance throughout the tour.

Not Included

Extra expenses outside the service.
Lunches and dinners not mentioned.
Dinner with folkloric show in CHIVAY.
Entry to the Colca thermal baths 15 soles.
Breakfast and lunch in the Salinas Lagoon tour.
Entry to the hot springs 10 soles in the Salinas Lagoon tour.
Bottled water and snacks (additional cost).

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Flights (optional).
Higher category hotels (upon request).

Pricing

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Explore the Tours of MACHUPICCHU BY WORLD

About the Machu Picchu Circuits Guide (2025)

As of October 2025, Machu Picchu has maintained the circuit system introduced in mid-2024, with updates to increase daily visitor capacity to 4,500 in the regular season and 5,600 in the high season (typically June to October/November, depending on the source). This system divides visits into three main circuits with a total of 10 sub-routes, designed to manage crowds, preserve the site, and offer varied experiences from panoramic views to in-depth ruin explorations and hikes. Visitors must select a specific circuit and sub-route when purchasing tickets in advance (1-4 months recommended, especially for high-demand options like Huayna Picchu).

All routes are one-way with no backtracking or re-entry without an additional ticket. Guides are optional but recommended.

Tickets are available via official platforms like machupicchu.gob.pe or tuboleto.cultura.pe. Below is a compiled summary based on current guidelines, organized by circuit. Durations include entry to exit; some routes are seasonal (high season: approximately June 1/19 to October 15/November 2). Daily ticket allocations: Circuit 1 (~1,100), Circuit 2 (~3,050), Circuit 3 (~1,450).

Circuit 1: Panoramic Route (Focus on Views and External Hikes)

Emphasizes elevated viewpoints and optional side hikes, starting from the main upper entrance. Ideal for photography enthusiasts or those short on time/energy. No access to main ruins or urban sectors (requires separate Circuit 2/3 ticket). Classic postcard photo from Guardian’s House area included in all sub-routes. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round availability unless noted;

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain

Hike through forest to upper terraces for classic views, then a steep ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain summit (3,083m) for overhead panoramas of the citadel and surrounding Andes.
Tour length 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Challenging with stairs; ideal for fit hikers. Age 12+ (some sources say 18+). Year-round. High demand in high season.

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace

Short hike to upper agricultural terraces and Guardian’s House for iconic panoramic photos; loop back via lower platform.
Tour length: 1-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
Physical Level:Most basic option; great for quick visits. Any age. Year-round. Lowest demand.

Route 1-C: Inti Punku (Sun Gate)

Upper terraces for views, plus a hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku, 3,745m), the historic Inca Trail entrance, offering misty mountain glimpses of the site.
Tour length: 2.5-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Moderate uphill; family-friendly. Age any (kid-friendly add-on). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2). Not for Inca Trail arrivals.

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge

Upper terraces for photos, plus a flat cliffside hike to the ancient Inca Bridge (drawbridge gateway to the Amazon).
Tour length: 2-3 hours (1 hour for hike round-trip).
Physical Level: Thrilling due to cliffs; two view chances. Age 12+ (or 18+ for safety). Seasonal: High season only (June 1/19 – Oct 15/Nov 2).

Circuit 2: Classic Route (Comprehensive Citadel Tour)

The most popular and complete option, covering ~80% of the site including upper and lower sectors, temples, plazas, and classic views. Starts from upper entrance, enters via traditional gate. Ideal for first-timers. Difficulty: Average (some stairs). Year-round; advance booking: 3-4 months due to high demand. Maps show paths through key sites like Sacred Plaza and Temple of the Sun viewpoint.

Route 2-A: Designed Route (Classic)

Classic photo from below Guardian’s House, then tour urban/religious areas: Temple of the Sun (overhead view), Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana (view only, closed), Sacred Rock, Water Mirrors, Fountains, agricultural sector.
Tour length: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
Notes/Restrictions: Broad coverage; skips Temple of the Condor. Any age. Specific hours for some sites (e.g., Sun Temple 1-4 PM).

Route 2-B: Lower Terrace

Similar to 2-A but starts with higher loop through upper terraces (llamas often present) and Inca Quarry; then same core tour of temples and plazas.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours (max 2.5 hours permitted).
Physical Level Minimal difference from 2-A; adds terrace views. Any age. Year-round.

Circuit 3: Royalty Route (Lower Citadel and Hikes)

Lower urban/residential areas and royal buildings, entering via lower gate or Sun Gate (for Inca Trail). No classic upper viewpoint (alternative photos from agricultural sector). Ideal for limited mobility, families, or hike add-ons. Difficulty: Easy to challenging. Year-round unless noted; advance booking: 1-3 months (higher for hikes). Maps highlight lower paths with hike branches; mandatory for standard Inca Trail (upgrades available).

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu Mountain

Lower tour (Temple of the Sun base, Inca House, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, Water Mirrors, Fountains), plus steep hike to Huayna Picchu summit for views down on the site.
Duration: 3-4 hours (1.5-3 hours for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Exhilarating but vertigo-inducing stairs/cables. Age 12+ (or 18+). Year-round; not rainy season. Highest demand (book 3-4 months).

Route 3-B: Designed Route (Royalty)

Core lower tour: Agricultural terraces, Temple of the Sun, Inca House, Sacred Rock, Temple of the Condor, warehouses.
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours (max 3.5 hours).
Notes/Restrictions: Shortest/easiest; good for mobility issues (benches available). Any age. Year-round.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (Temple of the Moon)

Lower tour plus off-trail hike to the Great Cavern (mystic cave with windows) on Huayna Picchu’s backside.
Duration: 4-6 hours (3-4 hours for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Moderate; less crowded. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu

Lower tour plus easier hike to Huchuy Picchu (smaller peak) for panoramic views.
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours (40-60 minutes for hike).
Notes/Restrictions: Less steep; family-friendly. Age 12+ (or 18+). Seasonal: High season only.

Notes

Circuit 2 for full exploration; Circuit 1 for views/hikes; Circuit 3 for lower focus or Inca Trail. Combine circuits for complete access (e.g., 1 + 3 for views + hikes).
High season (June-Oct/Nov) adds routes but increases crowds/prices. Check closures; rainy season (Nov-Apr) affects hikes.
Prepare for altitude (2,430m); no drones/plastic bottles. Tickets non-transferable; buy early via official sites.
Increased capacity; no separate Circuit 4 (integrated into 3 for Inca Trail); Intihuatana closed permanently (view only).
Advance booking: 5-6 months

For the latest, visit Our official page for Maps and diagrams are available on these resources for visual planning.

Tripadvisor Reviews

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   Leydi Maria F 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent 👌 Excellent service, very nice experience. Super recommended 👌 Go and enjoy with family, friends. They won't regret it. .
  
 
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   Jakelin C 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience Everything very well planned and in the agreed times, the agency always kept an eye on everything on each tour and asking how we were, the service was excellent
  
 
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 Verified Beautiful 4D/3N Tarapoto experience On the part of the company complied with everything specified in the tour program. They always communicated with me to coordinate and inform me of the activities to be carried out. The hotel allocated was very comfortable and the service excellent. Grateful especially with Hladys tours and your guide David for a great day trip. Greetings from Argentina!
  
 
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 Verified Wow. MachuPicchu had been on our bucket list for quite some time. And MacuPichuByWorld made it an unforgettable and very pleasan Wow. MachuPichu had been on our bucket list for quite some time. And MachuPicchu By World made it an unforgettable and very pleasant experience. They were very flexible and accommodating in arranging the itinerary specific to our wishes and flight schedule. Communication throughout our stay was excellent, including daily information and checklists through whatsapp for the next day ahead. The daily tours were well organised, including punctual transportation, tour guides, and access to the historical venues in groups varying by day. We visited (among others) Sacsaywaman, MachuPichu, Rainbow Mountain, Huamantay lake, the Sacred Valley and the South East valley, with MachuPichu being the absolute highlight! It included the experience on its own of the Voyager IncaRail train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. All tickets, including venue access, bus, and train tickets, had been arranged upfront by MPBW, so nostandibg in line yo buy yickets anywhere! Our kids opted to hike up yhe MachuPicchu mountain form Aguas Calientes (1,5 hours) and they enjoyed it immensely, but we took the vus yo the entrance. Our choice of a private guide for MachPichu (who was very knowledgeable and spoke English very well) and Route 3 -B (Realeza) was an excellent one. We had some truly amazing pictures taken of our family in the breathtaking scenery and beautiful afternoon light. We also booked our hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes through MPBW. They were basic, clean, with very friendly staff and included a simple fresh breakfast. More luxurious 3 star hotels were also an option, but we chose these 2 star accommodations as time spent at the hotels is minimal, and we thought it also added to the local charm. Lunch and dinner were not included, but there are plentiful excellent restaurants in Cusco with delicious menu options for all kinds of tastes. (We recommend a.o. Organika) On our last day in Cusco, we were said farewell by the MachPichu By World staff and even received some souvernirs! Highly recommend them for a pleasant, excellent value for money, well organised and unforgettable experience! Thanks!
  
 
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   Oscar N 
 
 
 
 Verified The Cusco EXPERTS The best option there is. Always on the lookout, organized, expert. They know what they do and solve effectively and creatively. 100% recomendable.
  
 
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 Verified An exceptional experience Very friendly and reliable. All the plan they made us was fulfilled if no inconvenience. They were looking forward to what we needed and the experience was excellent.
  
 
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 Verified Excellent Service The organization has been very good, always attentive to every detail, without the need to worry about anything. We recommend it 100% for a complete experience in Cusco and its surroundings.
  
 
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 Verified GREAT EXPERIENCE, GREAT, AND ABOVE ALL CULTURAL I always spent watching documentaries from Peru, Cusco Machupicchu and told myself someday I will go ... it was a wonderful gift from God and LIFE
  
 
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 Verified In love with Cusco🥰 Very grateful for the attention and kindness, I recommend it to a thousand, they made me live the best experience in Cusco, all the time they were watching me and any needs I had.💯