GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights.
Departure Point: Lima.
Return Point: Lima.
Group Size: Shared tour (minimum 2 travelers).
Travel Style: Cultural, archaeological, culinary, and adventure.
Tour Highlights: Experience Peru’s coast and Andes in 9 days: colonial and modern Lima, the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, the dunes of Huacachina, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain, with flights, trains, and transfers included.
Difficulty Level: Moderate (due to the Rainbow Mountain hike above 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet).
Places to Visit: Lima – Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Rainbow Mountain.
Departure Dates: Daily departures.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Want to experience the Pacific Ocean, the desert, and the Andes in one trip? The Imperial Peru Package takes you through colonial and modern Lima, the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, the dunes of the Huacachina oasis, the villages of the Sacred Valley, the Machu Picchu citadel, and Rainbow Mountain. These two very different regions offer a much fuller picture of everything Peru has to offer.
Your journey begins in Lima with a tour of Miraflores, the Historic Center, and the San Francisco Catacombs. The following day, you head out early to Paracas for a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, sample wine and pisco at an Ica winery, and explore the dunes of Huacachina in a dune buggy. Next, fly to Cusco, where you’ll have a day to acclimate before exploring its Inca temples and crossing the Sacred Valley through Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo. From there, take the train to Aguas Calientes for an early visit to Machu Picchu the next morning. Before returning to Lima, hike up Vinicunca, at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, and take in one of Cusco’s most photographed landscapes.
Our Cusco-based team coordinates every flight, train, transfer, and entrance ticket included in the itinerary and provides assistance throughout your trip. Contact us with your travel dates to confirm Machu Picchu ticket availability; during peak season, tickets can sell out weeks in advance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Book as far in advance as possible: Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train seats are limited each day.
Bring your original passport. You’ll need it for domestic flights, the train, and entry to Machu Picchu.
For your day in Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, bring lightweight clothing, a windbreaker for the boat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
For Rainbow Mountain, bring warm clothing, a hat, gloves, and water.
Rest on the day you arrive in Cusco and avoid heavy meals to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Bring some cash in Peruvian soles for small purchases, tips, and lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 7.
If you have questions or would like more information about this package, contact us: Phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
- Airport pickup in Lima.
- Transfer to the hotel (check-in from 2:00 p.m.).
- Free afternoon to rest.
- Overnight: Lima.
- Meals: Not included.
Day 2: Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour
- Hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m.
- Visit Love Park in Miraflores, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana.
- Panoramic drive along Paseo de los Héroes Navales and past the Palace of Justice.
- Visit San Martín Square and the Bolívar Hotel.
- Explore Plaza Mayor and its main colonial buildings.
- Visit the San Francisco Convent and Catacombs.
- Tour ends around 1:00 p.m.
- Free afternoon.
- Overnight: Lima.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3: Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina
- Hotel pickup at 5:00 a.m.
- Travel to Paracas Bay.
- Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
- View the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph.
- Spot guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions.
- Free time in Paracas.
- Visit a winery in Ica for wine and pisco tasting.
- Traditional lunch.
- Dune buggy ride through the dunes of the Huacachina oasis.
- Return to Lima (estimated arrival at 10:00 p.m.).
- Overnight: Lima.
- Meals: Lunch.
Day 4: Lima – Cusco: Arrival and Acclimatization
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Lima Airport.
- Flight from Lima to Cusco.
- Pickup at Cusco Airport and transfer to the hotel.
- Welcome coca tea.
- Free day to rest and acclimate to the altitude (3,399 meters / 11,152 feet above sea level).
- Optional: visit museums, San Pedro Market, or the San Blas neighborhood.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Cusco City Tour and Archaeological Sites
- Hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m.
- Visit Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun.
- Explore Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
- Visit Sacsayhuamán.
- Visit Q’enqo.
- Explore Puka Pukara.
- Visit Tambomachay.
- Return to the hotel around 1:00 p.m.
- Free afternoon.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6: Cusco – VIP Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes
- Hotel pickup at 7:00 a.m.
- Visit the Chinchero textile center.
- Visit the circular agricultural terraces of Moray.
- Visit the Maras Salt Mines.
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba.
- Visit the Ollantaytambo fortress.
- Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 7: Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Hotel pickup at 6:00 a.m.
- Bus ride up to the citadel.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu (approximately 2 hours).
- Free time for photos.
- Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes.
- Free time for lunch at your own expense.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo at 4:20 p.m.
- Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Hotel pickup between 4:30 and 4:40 a.m.
- Breakfast in Cusipata.
- Transfer to Phulawasipata, the trailhead.
- 1-hour-and-30-minute hike to the summit, at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level.
- Views of snowcapped Ausangate Mountain, llamas, and alpacas.
- Return to the starting point.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata.
- Arrive in Cusco around 5:00 p.m.
- Overnight: Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 9: Cusco – Lima
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Cusco Airport.
- Flight to Lima.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- End of our services.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival at Lima Airport, our team will welcome you and take you to your hotel, where check-in begins at 2:00 p.m. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight or take a first stroll around your neighborhood. If you’re staying in Miraflores, the oceanfront promenade is just a few blocks away and is a great spot to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight in Lima.
Meals: Not included.
Day 2: Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour
We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 a.m. to begin in modern Lima. Stroll through Love Park atop the Miraflores cliffs, then stop for a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture more than 1,500 years ago, now surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Continue past Paseo de los Héroes Navales and the Palace of Justice to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Here, visit San Martín Square and the Bolívar Hotel, one of the city’s oldest hotels, before exploring Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and City Hall. The tour ends at the San Francisco Convent, where you’ll descend into its catacombs, which served as a cemetery during the colonial period. The tour concludes around 1:00 p.m., with the rest of the afternoon free.
Overnight in Lima.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina
Today you’ll leave at 5:00 a.m. and travel south on the Pan-American Highway to Paracas Bay. From the pier, board a boat to the Ballestas Islands to see colonies of guano birds, Humboldt penguins, and sea lions resting on the rocks. Along the way, you’ll pass the Candelabra, an enormous geoglyph etched into a sandy hillside. After some free time in Paracas, continue to Ica to visit a traditional winery, learn how wine and pisco are made, and sample several varieties before enjoying a regional lunch. In the afternoon, head to the Huacachina oasis, a lagoon surrounded by dunes, for a thrilling dune buggy ride across the desert, with sweeping views along the way. Return to Lima, arriving at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Overnight in Lima.
Meals: Lunch.
Day 4: Lima – Cusco: Arrival and Acclimatization
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your approximately 1-hour-and-20-minute flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we’ll welcome you with coca tea and take you to your hotel. Cusco sits at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, so it’s best to take it easy, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals. If you feel up to it in the afternoon, you can visit a museum, San Pedro Market, or the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artisan workshops and steep streets.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 5: Cusco City Tour
We’ll pick you up at 9:00 a.m. to explore the city center and its surroundings. Start at Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, where original Inca stone walls stand alongside the church and convent built over them by the Spanish. Then pass through Plaza de Armas before heading up into the hills surrounding Cusco. Visit Sacsayhuamán, where enormous stones fit together without mortar, and Q’enqo, a shrine carved into a massive rock. Continue to Puka Pukara, named for the reddish color of its stones, and finish at Tambomachay, where spring water still flows through channels carved by the Incas. Return to your hotel around 1:00 p.m., with the afternoon free.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6: VIP Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
We’ll pick you up at 7:00 a.m. and head north of Cusco. In Chinchero, local weavers will demonstrate the entire textile-making process, from washing the wool to dyeing it with natural colors. Continue to Moray, where concentric circular terraces served as an agricultural laboratory, and to the Maras Salt Mines, where salt is harvested as spring water evaporates in hundreds of small terraced pools. At midday, enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant in Urubamba. In the afternoon, explore Ollantaytambo, a village that preserves streets and water channels from Inca times, and climb its terraces to the temple at the top of the complex. Around 3:00 p.m., board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 7: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The most anticipated moment of the trip has arrived. After breakfast, we’ll pick you up at your hotel at 6:00 a.m. to take the bus up to Machu Picchu, at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level. In the early morning light, begin an approximately two-hour guided tour of the temples, farming areas, and neighborhoods where the citadel’s inhabitants once lived. You’ll also learn about the techniques they used to build on the mountain. Afterward, you’ll have time to take photos before descending to Aguas Calientes for lunch at your own expense. At 4:20 p.m., take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Today begins early: we’ll pick you up between 4:30 and 4:40 a.m. for an approximately two-hour drive south to Cusipata, where you’ll have breakfast. From there, continue to Phulawasipata, the trailhead. The uphill hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a high-altitude trail, with snowcapped Ausangate ahead and herds of llamas and alpacas nearby. At the summit, over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, you’ll see colorful mineral bands up close and have time to rest and take photos. On your way back, enjoy a buffet lunch in Cusipata before returning to Cusco at around 5:00 p.m.
Overnight in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 9: Departure from Cusco to Lima
After breakfast, at the agreed-upon time, we’ll transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima.
Meals: Breakfast.
End of services.
Included Services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
Flights
- Flight from Lima to Cusco.
- Flight from Cusco to Lima.
Lima
- Arrival and departure transfers (airport/hotel/airport).
- 3 nights of accommodation in Lima (2 breakfasts).
- Colonial and Modern Lima City Tour with a tour guide.
- Entrance to the San Francisco Convent and Catacombs.
Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina
- Tourist transportation: Lima/Paracas/Ica/Huacachina/Lima.
- Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
- Winery visit with wine and pisco tasting.
- Traditional lunch in Ica.
- Dune buggy ride across the Huacachina dunes.
- Entrance fees and taxes.
- Tour guide and ongoing assistance.
Cusco
- Arrival and departure transfers (airport/hotel/airport).
- Welcome coca tea.
- 4 nights of accommodation in Cusco (3 breakfasts).
- Cusco City Tour with entrance tickets to Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- VIP Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo (1 buffet lunch included).
- Expedition-class train: Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo.
- 1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes (1 breakfast).
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket with an official tour guide.
- Round-trip bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain
- Tourist transportation: Cusco/Cusipata/Cusco.
- Tour guide.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch in Cusipata.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (Day 7).
- Drinks with meals.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Horse rental at Rainbow Mountain.
- Tips.
- Hotel accommodations and breakfasts (only for the package without hotels).
What to Bring
PACKING LIST: PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
This trip takes you through two very different climates. In Lima, skies are often cloudy and humid from May through October, while the desert sun is strong throughout the day in Ica and Huacachina, and a cool sea breeze blows during the boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. As you climb into the Andes, everything changes: in Cusco, at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, mornings and nights are cold, while at Rainbow Mountain, over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, temperatures can drop below 32°F (0°C) at dawn. Aguas Calientes, by contrast, is mild and humid, with mosquitoes and frequent rainfall between November and March. This packing list will help you prepare for both the coast and the highlands. If you forget anything, you can find stores in Lima and Cusco where you can buy what you need.
Review this list before your Imperial Peru Package trip so you’re ready for every part of the journey.
Documents
- Original passport (required for domestic flights, the train, and entry to Machu Picchu).
- Student ID, if applicable.
- A copy of your travel insurance policy.
Essentials
- Small daypack.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Snacks for long days, such as the Paracas and Ica excursion or Rainbow Mountain.
- Some cash in Peruvian soles for purchases, tips, and lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Clothing and Footwear
- Hiking shoes with good traction.
- Lightweight, breathable clothes for Lima, Paracas, and Ica.
- Windbreaker for the boat ride to the Ballestas Islands.
- Warm clothing for Cusco and Rainbow Mountain: thermal jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, and wool socks.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Sun hat or cap.
- Swimsuit (optional, for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
Medications and Sun Protection
- Personal medications.
- Motion sickness medication (optional, for the Ballestas Islands boat ride).
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Lip balm with SPF.
Personal Hygiene Items
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Deodorant.
- Small towel.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Other Items
- Sunglasses.
- Scarf or neck gaiter to protect against sand in Huacachina.
- Sealable bag to protect your phone or camera from sand.
- Camera or phone with a portable charger.
- Trekking poles (optional, for Rainbow Mountain).
If you have questions about what to bring, contact us on WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or email: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Imperial Peru Package. Before contacting us, take a look at these answers to common questions about the route, altitude, coastal excursions, prices, and booking process.
1. Is it worth adding Lima, Paracas, and Ica to a Machu Picchu trip?
Yes, especially if this is your first trip to Peru. In just two days, you’ll see the capital, the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands, and the Huacachina desert—landscapes you won’t find in Cusco. Starting your trip on the coast also gives you three days at sea level before heading into the Andes.
2. How should I prepare for Cusco’s altitude?
Altitude sickness can cause headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath when you arrive in Cusco, at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level. That’s why your arrival day from Lima is free for rest, while Rainbow Mountain, the highest point of the trip, is scheduled for Day 8, giving you more time to acclimate. Stay hydrated, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol during your first 48 hours at altitude. Consult your doctor about any medication.
3. Could I get seasick on the boat to the Ballestas Islands?
It’s possible if you’re sensitive to motion, since the boat ride lasts about two hours on the open sea. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before boarding and avoid a heavy breakfast. Bring a windbreaker, too, since it can get chilly on the boat.
4. Is the dune buggy ride in Huacachina safe?
Yes. The dune buggies have seat belts and are driven by drivers experienced in navigating the dunes. The ride includes steep climbs and fast descents, so it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems. If this applies to you, ask us about other activities.
5. Do I need to be physically fit to hike Rainbow Mountain?
You don’t need previous trekking experience, but basic fitness is important. The uphill hike takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a trail without technical sections. The main challenge is the elevation, at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level. Walk slowly and rest when needed. Horses may be available to rent along the route for an additional fee.
6. What is the best time of year for this package?
This package runs year-round, but each region has its own ideal season. Ica and Huacachina are sunny most of the year. Lima tends to be sunnier from December through April and cloudier from May through October. In Cusco, the dry season runs from April through October, with clearer skies and good views of Rainbow Mountain.
7. How much does the package cost and what hotel options are available?
Prices per person, based on a minimum of two travelers sharing a double or twin room, are USD 1,110 without hotels, USD 1,335 with 2-star hotels, USD 1,470 with 3-star hotels, or USD 1,590 with 4-star hotels. Solo travelers pay an additional USD 300 for any option.
8. How do I book this tour?
Booking with us is safe and easy. Payment is divided into two installments:
First payment: Pay 50% of the total when booking online using a credit or debit card from any bank through our secure payment system (click the Book Now link).
Second payment: Pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco at our office in the Historic Center.
⇒ To book your 9-day/8-night Imperial Peru Package, follow these 3 steps:
- Complete the booking form using the Book Now link.
- Pay 50%: We accept credit and debit cards from any bank, including VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, and UNIONPAY.
- Receive your travel voucher: We’ll send it as soon as your payment is confirmed.
⇒ Other payment methods: If you’d prefer to pay with PayPal, Western Union, a bank deposit, or a bank transfer, let us know and we’ll send you the payment details.
9. Can I contact Incredible Peru Tours if I have more questions?
Availability and Prices
Machu Picchu Availability
Machu Picchu Availability
Check Machu Picchu Availability
PERU TOUR PACKAGE PRICE: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
Prices per person in US dollars (USD)
| Accommodation Category | Price per Person | Minimum Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Without Hotel | US$ 1,110 | 2 travelers |
| 2-Star Hotel | US$ 1,335 | 2 travelers |
| 3-Star Hotel | US$ 1,470 | 2 travelers |
| 4-Star Hotel | US$ 1,590 | 2 travelers |
Room type: Double room with one bed (DBL) or twin room with two separate beds (TWN).
Solo traveler rate: An additional USD 300 applies to any of the four options.
Payment Terms
- 50% of the total package price is due at the time of booking.
- The remaining 50% is payable directly at our office.
- All prices are in US dollars (USD) and are per person.
- Listed rates are based on a minimum of 2 travelers.
- The no-hotel option does not include accommodations.
IMPORTANT:
- Machu Picchu and trains to Aguas Calientes have a limited number of spaces available each day. As soon as we receive your booking, we’ll check availability for your chosen date.
- From May through October, spaces may sell out weeks in advance, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
- The total cost depends on your preferred accommodation option: no hotels or 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels.
- All rates are per person, in US dollars, and exclude Peruvian sales tax (IGV).
- Rooms are double or twin occupancy.
- The package is priced for a minimum of 2 travelers. Solo travelers pay an additional USD 300 in any category.
- Groups of 5 or more receive a 5% discount.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands depends on sea conditions. If the Port Authority suspends departures due to rough seas, we’ll offer an alternative activity in Paracas.
- Traveling with children? Contact us to learn about our family promotions.
- Planning a trip with classmates or friends? Ask us for a special group quote.
- The price you see is the price you pay: no additional charges or hidden fees.
- Questions? Call or message us at (+51) 984 525 006 / (+51) 984 683 047.
