Tour Details
Day 1 — Welcome to Lima
We meet you at Jorge Chávez International Airport with a personalised sign and take you to your hotel. The afternoon is free to settle into Lima's rhythm, walk around the neighbourhood and get ready for what's ahead.
Day 2 — Colonial and modern Lima in one day
Take in the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, the Historic Centre with the Main Square and San Martín Square, the underground catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery, and finish by the ocean at the Park of Love in Miraflores.
Day 3 — Ballestas Islands, pisco and the Huacachina oasis
Cruise out to the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions, guano birds and the mysterious Paracas Candelabra. Then taste pisco at the Nietto winery, chocotejas at the Noelia chocolate shop, and end the day at the Huacachina oasis.
Day 4 — Flight to Cusco and acclimatisation
Transfer to Lima airport and fly to the imperial city. Our transfer meets you in Cusco and takes you to your hotel. A full day to acclimatise and wander the Main Square and its cobbled streets at an easy pace.
Day 5 — Hike to Humantay Lake
An early start to Mollepata for breakfast and a hour-and-a-half hike up to Humantay Lake, turquoise water at the foot of the glacier. Back down for an Andean semi-buffet lunch at our camp.
Day 6 — Sacred Valley VIP with connection to Aguas Calientes
Chinchero and its weaving house, the Inca agricultural laboratory at Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, a buffet lunch in Urubamba and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. At the end of the day, the tourist train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 7 — Machu Picchu
Take the bus up from Aguas Calientes for a 2-hour guided tour of the Inca citadel. Afterwards, the train back to Ollantaytambo and the transfer to Cusco. The day that makes the whole trip.
Day 8 — Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Early departure to Cusipata, Andean breakfast and a hour-and-a-half hike up to 5,200 m at the Rainbow Mountain, a one-of-a-kind natural sight. Semi-buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco.
Day 9 — Farewell
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Cusco airport two hours before your flight. We confirm the exact pick-up time the day before.
According to the arrival time of your international flight, our agent will be waiting for you at Jorge Chávez International Airport with a personalised sign bearing your name, ready to assist you and take you to your hotel. Your first day is free, which lets you enjoy a short walk around the area and get ready for the excursions ahead.
We start with hotel pick-up to enjoy a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana pyramid, an ancient ceremonial centre. We then explore Lima's Historic Centre, with its colonial buildings and emblematic squares such as the Main Square and San Martín Square. We also visit the San Francisco Monastery, known for its colonial religious art and its underground catacombs. Finally we drive through contemporary Lima, with Miraflores and the Park of Love.
We head to the seaside town of Paracas, about a 4-hour drive. At the El Chaco pier we begin the speedboat tour to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see the mysterious Candelabra, a geoglyph on the northern coast of the Paracas peninsula. We then continue to the city of Ica to visit the Nietto winery, where the famous pisco grape brandy is produced, and the Noelia chocolate shop, to taste traditional chocotejas, alfajores, jams and artisan biscuits. We finish at the Huacachina oasis, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by dunes, perfect for a stroll and great photos.
Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport according to your flight schedule. On arrival in Cusco, our transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the imperial city. This is an acclimatisation day: you can explore the surroundings and start enjoying this unique experience while getting ready for the excursions that begin the next day.
We set off early to the community of Mollepata, where we have breakfast. We then begin a hour-and-a-half hike up to the stunning Humantay Lake, with its turquoise water surrounded by imposing mountains. After this experience we enjoy an Andean semi-buffet lunch at our camp and return to Cusco.
We leave the hotel for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is Chinchero, where we visit a weaving house and the archaeological park. We continue to Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the Maras Salt Mines. We then head to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the citadel of Ollantaytambo, where the excursion ends. Depending on the train schedule, we arrive at the station one hour early to board the train to Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night.
Our agent will tell you what time to board the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel, according to your entry time. You will enjoy a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu, where you can marvel at the views and take in the history of this Inca citadel. In the afternoon you take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the transport back to Cusco. A unique experience that connects you with the greatness of the Inca civilisation and the natural beauty of the Andes.
We set off early to the community of Cusipata, 2 hours from Cusco, where we have breakfast before starting an exciting hour-and-a-half hike up to the Rainbow Mountain, a natural spectacle unique in the world. After this unforgettable experience we enjoy an Andean semi-buffet lunch at our camp before returning to Cusco.
Two hours before your scheduled flight we will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport. This day is the farewell to your trip; our agents will confirm the exact hotel pick-up time.
Includes
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers in Lima and Cusco
- 8 nights of accommodation in 3-star hotels (Lima, Cusco and Aguas Calientes)
- Daily breakfast (hotel, Mollepata and Cusipata)
- Box lunch on the way to Paracas – Ica
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley
- Andean semi-buffet lunch at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain
- Tourist transport for all tours
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Bus tickets Lima – Ica – Lima
- Flight tickets Lima – Cusco and Cusco – Lima
- Voyager and/or Expedition tourist train tickets (round trip)
- Consettur bus up and down to Machu Picchu
- Entrance tickets to all sites in the itinerary
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- First aid equipment
- Informative briefing before the tours
- Permanent assistance from our travel agent
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and extra drinks
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
- Horse service at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain
Choose the best time to travel
The best time to visit Peru depends on what you are after. During high season (April to November) you will find clear skies and pleasant weather on the coast and in the highlands, ideal for Lima, Ica, Cusco and Machu Picchu; it is also the busiest time, so booking ahead is advisable. Low season (December to March) means fewer tourists and lower prices, but there may be rain in the highlands and the jungle, especially if you plan to trek in the Cusco region.
Watch out for altitude sickness
ImportantIn places like Cusco and other high-altitude cities it is common to experience headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath. To prevent soroche, take it easy for the first few days, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consider medication if needed. If you develop severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Bring suitable clothing
The weather varies by region. For the coast, light, cool clothing plus sun protection. For the highlands, especially at altitudes like Cusco, warm clothing for cold nights and extra layers to adapt to temperature changes. Don't forget comfortable footwear suitable for hiking.
Always look after your safety
WarningPeru has high-quality tourist infrastructure: reliable hotels, restaurants and transport. We recommend staying near the Historic Centre of whichever city you visit, as it is the best-patrolled area. Book tourist services only through authorised travel agencies and avoid tempting offers from informal operators: cheap can end up costing more.
Carry your documents
ImportantYou need a passport valid for at least 6 months on entry. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay only need their national ID card. Tourists may stay in Peru for up to 183 days. If you are a student under 25, bring a valid student card for discounts on site entrance tickets.
Bring cash or a credit card
Bring US dollars and change them into soles at exchange offices near the Main Square; avoid changing money at airports. In Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu many businesses accept both dollars and soles. Around 90% accept cards, although some add a 5% surcharge for card payments.
Enjoy the food
Try traditional dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, ají de gallina and rocoto relleno. Don't miss the fresh tropical fruit or a pisco sour. Visit both well-known restaurants and local eateries to experience the best of Peruvian cooking.
Travel with an authorised agency
Before booking, research the agency's track record and level of service. You can check its reputation on Google, social media, or with Gercetur (the regulator in Cusco) or Mincetur. Viajaxmundo offers group and private excursions with all current authorisations.
Small travel backpack
Ideal for carrying personal items, water, documents, and essentials during day trips.
Comfortable, lightweight clothing
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement during walks, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Useful for protection against sudden weather changes, light rain, and wind, especially in mountainous areas.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sports or trekking shoes that provide comfort and stability when traversing different types of terrain.
Sunscreen
Essential for protecting the skin from solar radiation, especially at high-altitude destinations or during prolonged outdoor exposure.
Cap or hat
Recommended for sun protection during hikes, archaeological visits, and outdoor activities.
Botella de agua reutilizable
It allows you to stay hydrated throughout the journey and contributes to protecting the environment.
Portable battery
Very useful for keeping mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices charged during excursions.
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Peru 9 Days 8 Nights LIC
