The Best of Peru in 10 Days – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Lima – Ica

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing for the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be the charming village of Chinchero, where you will visit its impressive archaeological complex and experience the region’s rich textile traditions. Chinchero is renowned for its high-quality handmade textiles and is an excellent place to purchase authentic Andean crafts.

Continuing our journey, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines and the Agricultural Laboratory of Moray, two iconic attractions that should not be missed. The Maras Salt Mines consist of more than 3,000 salt pools that have been used since Inca times and continue to produce salt using traditional methods.

Next, we will explore Moray, a fascinating archaeological site featuring a series of concentric circular terraces. These terraces demonstrate the Incas’ advanced knowledge of agriculture, microclimates, and crop experimentation. Moray is considered one of the most unique and mysterious sites in the Sacred Valley and showcases the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Afterward, we will travel through the fertile Urubamba Valley, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of local and international dishes.

In the afternoon, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. This impressive Inca fortress is famous for its massive stone terraces, sophisticated architecture, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Ollantaytambo played a significant role in Inca history and remains one of Peru’s most important cultural treasures.

At the end of the tour, we will transfer you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for an overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Hotel: Sacred Valley

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. The scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes offers an unforgettable experience, with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains and the Sacred Valley as you travel toward the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel.

Aguas Calientes is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains, famous for its natural hot springs and charming atmosphere. At the scheduled time, you will board the bus to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

During the guided tour, our expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights about this iconic Inca citadel. Nestled high in the mountains, Machu Picchu is an extraordinary archaeological treasure and one of the world's most remarkable wonders. You will visit some of its most important landmarks, including the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Sundial (Intihuatana), the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Sacred Rock.

This immersive experience offers a deep insight into the history, culture, and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel at your own pace and capture unforgettable photographs of this magnificent site.

Later, we will return by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the town, browse local shops, or visit the famous hot springs.

Enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay in the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Afterward, you will have free time to further explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes. You may choose to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, relax in the famous hot springs, or stroll through the town’s local markets and scenic streets. You can also take this opportunity to enjoy lunch on your own before your departure.

At the scheduled time, please make your way to the train station and board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. The journey takes approximately one hour and forty minutes and offers a unique travel experience through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes. During the trip, you will enjoy live performances of traditional Andean dances featuring colorful costumes, onboard service with complimentary beverages and snacks, and exceptional hospitality that will enhance your journey through one of Peru’s most spectacular regions.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our transportation will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco. During the afternoon, you may take advantage of your Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG) to visit some of the museums included in the pass.

At 6:30 p.m., you will have the opportunity to attend a live cultural performance at the Qosqo Native Art Center (Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo), also included in your tourist ticket. This vibrant show features traditional music and folkloric dances from different regions of Peru, providing a wonderful introduction to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

After the performance, return to your hotel in Cusco for a restful evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Cusco

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will have a free morning to relax and rest before preparing for the afternoon excursion.

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin our sightseeing tour of the Imperial City of Cusco. Cusco is a living example of the blend between Andean and Spanish cultures, offering a fascinating combination of history, architecture, and traditions.

Our tour will begin with a visit to the Convent of Santo Domingo, built atop the foundations of Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, renowned for its remarkable architecture and historical significance.

Next, we will visit the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, one of the finest examples of Inca engineering and architecture. Its massive stone walls continue to amaze visitors from around the world with their precision and grandeur.

We will then continue to the nearby archaeological sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Each of these sites offers unique insights into Inca ceremonial, military, and hydraulic systems, making them essential stops for understanding the richness of the Inca civilization.

At the end of the tour, we will return to the city of Cusco and transfer you back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Cusco

At 4:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey to Rainbow Mountain. Our first stop will be in the village of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing the adventure.

After breakfast, we will travel to the starting point of the hike. The trek to the summit takes approximately two hours, during which you will be surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and traditional highland communities.

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders. Its vibrant bands of color, created by mineral sedimentation over millions of years, form a stunning geological masterpiece. Located in the Cusco region, this colorful mountain offers a unique visual experience and an exciting challenge for trekking enthusiasts.

Reaching the summit is a truly rewarding experience. From the top, you will be amazed by panoramic views of the majestic Andes and the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds the mountain.

For those who prefer not to hike the entire route, horses are available for rent along the trail, providing a more comfortable way to enjoy the journey while still experiencing the magnificent scenery.

After spending time exploring and taking photographs at the summit, we will return to the village of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Following lunch, we will travel back to the Imperial City of Cusco, concluding our unforgettable excursion to Rainbow Mountain.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Hotel: Cusco

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, and according to your scheduled flight time, we will transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima, the capital city of Peru.

Upon arrival in Lima, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will then have the rest of the afternoon free to explore the City of Kings at your own pace.

We recommend visiting Barranco, Lima’s most bohemian district, famous for its vibrant art scene, colorful murals, charming streets, and lively nightlife. You may also visit the Miraflores Lighthouse, located along the scenic Miraflores boardwalk, an iconic coastal landmark offering spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

After exploring the city on your own, return to your hotel and enjoy a restful overnight stay in Lima.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Lima

At 4:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel. At 4:30 a.m., we will depart by bus toward Paracas. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning the excursion to the Ballestas Islands.

The Ballestas Islands tour offers an exciting encounter with Peru’s diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of exotic seabirds. Traveling by boat, you will discover the stunning beauty and rich biodiversity of Peru’s Pacific coastline while enjoying spectacular ocean views.

Afterward, we will continue to the Huacachina Oasis, a breathtaking desert paradise surrounded by towering golden sand dunes. This natural oasis creates a striking contrast against the desert landscape and offers visitors a variety of exciting outdoor activities.

You will also experience the thrill of riding dune buggies across the vast desert. This adrenaline-filled adventure takes you over rolling dunes, steep descents, and incredible viewpoints overlooking the oasis and the surrounding desert scenery.

For those seeking even more excitement, you will have the opportunity to try sandboarding, one of Huacachina’s most popular activities, gliding down the dunes while enjoying the spectacular desert landscape.

At the end of the tour, we will return to Lima, arriving at approximately 10:00 p.m. After this unforgettable day of adventure, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals Included: None

Hotel: Lima

After a restful night, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. You will then have the entire morning free to further explore the City of Kings, Lima, at your own pace.

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the city tour. Our first destination will be Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Highlights include the magnificent Main Square (Plaza Mayor), the Cathedral of Lima, and the historic San Francisco Monastery, offering a fascinating journey through the rich history of Peru’s capital.

Next, we will visit the famous Catacombs of San Francisco, an intriguing underground labyrinth of crypts and burial chambers. This remarkable historical site provides a unique insight into Lima’s colonial-era burial practices and religious heritage.

We will then continue to the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, an impressive pre-Inca archaeological site constructed from adobe bricks and stone. This ancient ceremonial and administrative center stands as a testament to the advanced civilizations that flourished on Peru’s coast long before the Inca Empire.

Finally, we will conclude our tour in the district of Miraflores, where we will visit the iconic Love Park (Parque del Amor), a beautiful seaside park offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and one of the best locations to admire Lima’s coastline.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hotel: Lima

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Lima International Airport for your departing flight.

Saying goodbye to Peru means bidding farewell to a country filled with extraordinary natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. From the majestic Andes Mountains to the vibrant coastal cities, Peru leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. The warmth of its people, the richness of its history, and its world-renowned cuisine make every farewell feel more like a “see you again” than a goodbye.

As your journey comes to an end, you will take home unforgettable memories of ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences that will remain with you long after your departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast