Some trips are simply better when shared. Southern Peru is one of them. Spending 10 days as a couple exploring Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and Cusco is not just a tourist itinerary — it’s an experience that will bring you closer together at every step. Watching condors soar above the canyon, holding hands as you sail across the world’s highest navigable lake, sharing a dinner beneath Inca ruins… these are the scenes you’ll never forget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan the perfect couples trip to southern Peru in 10 days: the exact itinerary, the most romantic highlights, how to get between destinations, what to budget and what to pack — all from the team at Turismo Liberty, a locally certified tour operator based in Arequipa.
🗺️ Day-by-Day Itinerary: 10 Days in Southern Peru as a Couple
This is the itinerary Turismo Liberty recommends for couples visiting southern Peru for the first time. It balances active days with rest — essential when traveling above 3,000 metres.
1
🏙️ Arrival in Arequipa — The White City welcomes you
Fly into Arequipa (AQP). Check into your hotel, take a gentle evening stroll around the illuminated Plaza de Armas and enjoy dinner at one of the city’s traditional picanterías. A slow first day — your body needs time to adjust to 2,335 m. Overnight in Arequipa. Alt text: Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas lit up at night — couples trip to southern Peru.
2
🏛️ Arequipa City Tour — Colonial architecture and Andean flavors
Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Plaza de Armas, Yanahuara Viewpoint overlooking Misti Volcano and the Cathedral. Free afternoon for colonial cafés or a local spa. A romantic evening in Arequipa. Alt text: Couple inside Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa, 10-day southern Peru trip.
3
🌋 Road to Colca — Vicuñas, volcanoes and hot springs
Early departure toward Colca Valley. Stop at Aguada Blanca National Reserve to spot vicuñas, and reach Patapampa Pass at 4,910 m. Arrive in Chivay. Afternoon soak at La Calera hot springs — one of the most romantic moments of the entire trip. Overnight in Chivay. Alt text: Couple at La Calera hot springs in Chivay, Colca Canyon, Peru.
4
🦅 Cruz del Cóndor at dawn and transfer to Puno
Early morning to reach Cruz del Cóndor at sunrise — watching condors glide at arm’s reach over the canyon is unforgettable. Visit Yanque and Maca villages. Afternoon tourist bus to Puno across the altiplano. Rest in Puno (3,800 m). Alt text: Couple watching condors at Cruz del Cóndor, Colca Canyon, southern Peru.
5
🛶 Uros Floating Islands and Taquile — Lake Titicaca as a couple
Boat tour on Lake Titicaca: visit the floating reed islands of the Uros and then Taquile Island, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Lunch overlooking the lake. Return to Puno at sunset — the view at golden hour is cinematic. Overnight in Puno. Alt text: Couple sailing Lake Titicaca toward the Uros Islands, Puno, Peru 2026.
6
🚌 Ruta del Sol — Puno to Cusco
Tourist bus from Puno to Cusco with stops at remarkable sites: Pucara Museum, Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi, La Raya Pass (4,335 m) and Andahuaylillas Church — the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Arrival and first night in Cusco. Alt text: Tourist bus on the Ruta del Sol between Puno and Cusco, southern Peru.
7
🏯 Cusco City Tour — Heart of the Inca Empire
Visit Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha Sun Temple, and the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Qenko and Puca Pucara. Free afternoon to explore the San Blas neighborhood — perfect for couple photos along cobblestone streets. Overnight in Cusco. Alt text: Couple at Sacsayhuamán ruins in Cusco, 10-day southern Peru itinerary.
8
🏔️ Sacred Valley — Pisac, Ollantaytambo and salt mines
Sacred Valley tour: Pisac artisan market, the Ollantaytambo fortress and the Maras salt mines. Lunch with valley views. Return to Cusco for a special dinner. Overnight in Cusco. Alt text: Ollantaytambo ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Cusco, Peru.
9
⛩️ Machu Picchu — The Wonder of the World
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (approx. 1h 15min), then bus up to the citadel. Guided visit — book tickets well in advance, daily visitor capacity is limited. Free afternoon in Aguas Calientes. Return by train to Cusco. Alt text: Couple at Machu Picchu at sunrise, romantic trip to southern Peru.
10
✈️ Last morning in Cusco and departure
Free morning for shopping at San Pedro Market or a final coffee with views of Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Flight from Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). End of trip — thousands of memories, and a strong urge to return. Alt text: Cusco Plaza de Armas on the last day of the 10-day southern Peru itinerary.
💑 The Most Romantic Moments on the Route
🌡️ La Calera Hot Springs — Chivay
After an early morning climbing above 4,000 metres, slipping together into the natural thermal pools of La Calera — with the Colca Valley stretched below and the Andean sky above — is pure magic. Water temperatures hover around 38°C, perfect for unwinding under the stars.
🌅 Sunset on Lake Titicaca
The boat ride back from the Uros Islands to Puno at sunset turns the highest navigable lake in the world into a canvas of orange and red. Stay on deck for that final stretch back to shore — it’s one of those moments any couple carries forever.
🌃 Evening in San Blas — Cusco
Cobblestone streets, murals, artisan studios and warmly lit boutique cafés. The San Blas neighborhood in Cusco is the perfect spot for a couple’s night out: a quiet dinner, wandering through its narrow alleys, and finishing with a hot chocolate on a terrace under the Andean stars.
🚌 Getting Around Southern Peru
| Route | Recommended Option | Duration | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lima → Arequipa | Direct flight (recommended) | 1h 20min | USD 50–120 pp |
| Arequipa → Colca Valley | Guided tourist bus | 3–4 hours | Included in tour |
| Colca → Puno | 2-day/1-night tour with Puno transfer | Full day + night | From USD 55 pp |
| Puno → Cusco | “Ruta del Sol” tourist bus | 8–9 hours | USD 25–40 pp |
| Cusco → Machu Picchu | Peru Rail train (Vistadome) | 1h 15min | USD 60–120 pp (one way) |
| Cusco → Lima | Direct flight | 1h 20min | USD 50–100 pp |
🌤️ Best Time for a Romantic Trip to Southern Peru
May to October
Dry season. Clear skies, sunny days (15–22°C), cold nights. Best for condor sightings and lake sailing. Book well ahead.
November and April
Start and end of rainy season. Fewer tourists, better prices. Afternoon showers possible. Still very enjoyable with waterproof layers.
December to March
Frequent rain, especially January–February. Lush green landscapes, but reduced visibility in Colca Canyon. Machu Picchu can close during extreme rain events.
💰 Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost? (2026)
| Category | Budget (backpacker) | Standard (comfort) | Premium (luxury) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (couple, 9 nights) | USD 200–350 | USD 400–700 | USD 900–1,800 |
| Tours and entrance fees | USD 200–300 | USD 350–500 | USD 600–900 |
| Internal transport | USD 100–150 | USD 200–300 | USD 400–600 |
| Food and dining | USD 150–250 | USD 280–400 | USD 500–800 |
| Total estimate (couple) | USD 650–1,050 | USD 1,230–1,900 | USD 2,400–4,100 |
🎒 What to Pack for Southern Peru
- Thermal base layers (top and leggings) — essential for cold nights in Colca and Puno
- Fleece or mid-layer pullover
- Waterproof windbreaker — for Patapampa Pass and rainy days
- T-shirts and light clothing for warm Arequipa days
- Trekking shoes with good grip for Colca and Machu Picchu
- Sandals or flip-flops for the hot springs
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV radiation at altitude is intense)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Wool hat and light gloves (Puno nights can drop below 0°C / 32°F)
- Coca leaves or muña tea for altitude sickness prevention
- Reusable water bottle and energy snacks
- Valid passport (only document required to enter Peru)
- Travel insurance with medical coverage
- Cash in Peruvian soles for markets and tips
Want to dive deeper into one of the destinations on this route? Read our full guide: Peru in 10 Days — Adventure, Culture & Nature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to experience the trip of a lifetime together? 💑
At Turismo Liberty, we design your personalized southern Peru route: transfers, hotels, tours and unique moments. Just tell us and we’ll take care of everything.
📷 Recommended featured image: 1200 × 630 px — Couple with views of Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca.
🔗 Reference: PromPerú — Official Peru Tourism
