GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights.
Point of departure: Lima
Point of Return: Lima
Group Size: Private Group (Average 2, Maximum 8 People).
Tour style: Traditional, experiential, trekking, archaeological and cultural.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Places to visit: Lima – Paracas – Ica – Nazca – Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu.
Departure Date: Daily
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Peru brings together in one territory a range of landscapes, cultures, and historical periods that few destinations can match. Over 10 days, you will travel an itinerary that connects the Pacific coast with the southern highlands, crossing deserts, cliffs, open plains, and high-altitude valleys along the way.
The journey begins in Lima, where the colonial architecture of the historic center sits alongside a culinary scene that has made the city one of Latin America’s most recognized dining destinations. From there, you will head south along the coast: in Paracas, you will board a boat to the Ballestas Islands, a natural reserve where South American sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds live in their original coastal habitat. In Ica, you will explore some of the tallest sand dunes in the region and get a firsthand look at the traditional pisco-making process at a local winery.
From Nazca, you will fly over the lines and geoglyphs etched across the desert floor large-scale figures whose exact purpose remains a subject of ongoing research. You will then return to Lima to catch a flight to Cusco, the former administrative capital of the Tahuantinsuyo and home today to one of the highest concentrations of Inca and colonial architecture on the continent. From Cusco, you will explore the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River, hike to Humantay Lake, visit the Rainbow Mountain, and tour the main archaeological sites in the surrounding area.
The itinerary closes at Machu Picchu, an Inca citadel built on a ridge at 7,972 ft (2,430 m.a.s.l.), surrounded by cloud forest and steep mountain terrain. Each leg of the trip includes specialist guides and carefully selected accommodations, so the experience remains comfortable without losing direct contact with each destination.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your excursion as far in advance as possible.
- Review the personal items you will be bringing on the trip.
- If you have any questions or would like more information about this package, do not hesitate to contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
Itinerary
DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN PERU + LIMA CITY TOUR
The journey begins at Jorge Chávez International Airport, where an agency representative will be waiting to transfer you directly to the hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest and adjust to the city.
In the afternoon, the tour heads into the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first stop is the Plaza de Armas, the city’s founding heart, framed by the facades of the Government Palace, the Municipality, and the Cathedral. Inside the Cathedral of Lima, built over the foundations of the first church erected by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, you will walk through its baroque interior and visit the chapel where the conquistador’s remains are kept. A short walk away, the San Francisco Convent holds beneath its floors a network of catacombs that served as a cemetery until the late eighteenth century and preserve the remains of approximately 70,000 people. The underground tour through these galleries is one of the most distinctive experiences Lima has to offer. Overnight at hotel in Lima.
DAY 2. PARACAS + BALLESTAS ISLANDS + HUACACHINA
From 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The day starts very early with a transfer from the hotel to the bus terminal. The bus ride from Lima to Paracas takes approximately four hours along the Pan-American South Highway, with views of the desert coastline of the Pacific.
Upon arriving in Paracas, you will board a motorboat heading to the Ballestas Islands, a group of rocky formations off the bay that support one of the densest concentrations of marine wildlife on the Peruvian coast. During the boat tour you will have close views of South American sea lions resting on the rocks, Humboldt penguins in their nests, pelicans, boobies, and other seabird species. The tour lasts approximately two hours and does not require landing on the islands, which has helped keep the ecosystem well preserved.
In the afternoon, the itinerary continues to Ica and the Huacachina lagoon, a natural oasis surrounded by sand dunes that rise over 100 meters. There you will climb aboard a four-wheel-drive buggy to ride the crests and slopes of the dunes with your guide, then descend the steepest faces on a sandboard. The activity closes with a panoramic view of the oasis at sunset from the top of the dunes.
Overnight at hotel in Ica.
DAY 3. FLIGHT OVER THE NASCA LINES + RETURN TO LIMA
From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
From the Nasca airstrip, you will board a Cessna aircraft to fly over the figures traced across the pampa between 200 BC and 700 AD by the Nasca culture. The flight covers the 13 most studied figures: the Hummingbird, the Monkey, the Spider, the Condor, the Astronaut, the Dog, the Hands, the Tree, the Whale, the Pelican, the Booby, the Lizard, and the Parrot. Each figure can only be seen in its entirety from the air, making this overflight the only way to grasp the true scale of the geoglyphs. The flight lasts between 30 and 40 minutes depending on weather conditions.
At the end of the flight, the group boards the bus back from Ica to Lima. The journey takes approximately four hours.
Overnight at hotel in Lima.
DAY 4. FLIGHT TO CUSCO + CUSCO CITY TOUR
Early transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon landing at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, at 11,152 ft (3,399 m.a.s.l.), it is advisable to take the first part of the day slowly to allow the body to begin adjusting to the altitude. A representative will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where you will have free time to rest before the afternoon tour.
The city tour heads first to the Main Plaza of Cusco, also known as the Plaza de Armas, which occupies the same space where the Incas held the Huacaypata, the great ceremonial plaza of the Tahuantinsuyo. Nearby, the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun was the most important religious compound in the Inca Empire, originally covered in gold sheets. The Spanish built the convent of Santo Domingo directly over its walls, so today it is possible to see both architectural layers in direct contact with each other.
The tour continues to the outskirts of the city to visit Sacsayhuamán, a ceremonial and military complex built with limestone blocks weighing up to 360 tons, fitted together without mortar. Further along, Qenqo is a sanctuary carved directly into living rock, with channels, underground chambers, and a sacrificial altar. Puca Pucara served as a control and rest post on the route toward the Antisuyu, and Tambomachay is an Inca hydraulic system that still maintains a constant flow of water through its channels and fountains today.
Overnight at hotel in Cusco.
DAY 5. HUMANTAY LAKE
From 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The day starts before dawn with departure from Cusco toward the trailhead at the community of Soraypampa, at 12,795 ft (3,900 m.a.s.l.). The trail to Humantay Lake covers approximately 4 kilometers one way with an elevation gain of 400 meters, and the ascent takes between one and a half and two hours depending on each person’s pace.
Upon reaching the lake, at 13,779 ft (4,200 m.a.s.l.), you will have a direct view of the Salkantay glacier, the second highest peak in the Cusco region at 20,574 ft (6,271 m.a.s.l.). The deep turquoise color of the water stands out against the dark rock and ice of the mountain, creating one of the most distinctive high-altitude landscapes in the region. Along the shoreline, it is common to find offerings left by local communities, as the lake holds active ritual significance for the populations living in the surrounding area.
Overnight at hotel in Cusco.
DAY 6. SACRED VALLEY OF THE URUBAMBA
From 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River was the most important agricultural and ceremonial territory of the Inca Empire. The day covers six stops distributed along the valley, beginning at the heights of Chinchero.
In Chinchero, you will visit a colonial church built directly over an Inca platform, and watch live demonstrations of traditional weaving carried out by community artisans who work with techniques and natural dyes passed down through generations. From there, the route descends toward Maras, where the salt mines form a system of more than three thousand stepped pools carved into a hillside and fed by a saltwater spring that rises from inside the mountain. The system has been in operation since pre-Hispanic times and continues to be worked by local families through a communal land-use arrangement.
A short distance away, the circular terraces of Moray consist of a series of concentric rings arranged in an amphitheater shape, which researchers associate with Inca agricultural experimentation, as each level registers a different temperature. The descent to the floor of the largest ring involves a temperature difference of up to 15°C compared to the highest level.
In the afternoon, the route reaches Ollantaytambo, where the Inca fortress integrates directly with the living town that surrounds it, one of the few cases in which the original Inca urban grid has remained continuously inhabited to this day. The defensive terraces, irrigation channels, and unfinished Temple of the Sun are the most notable elements of the site. The day closes at the archaeological site of Písac, with its extensive system of agricultural terraces, water channels, and funerary chambers distributed across the hillside.
Overnight at hotel in Cusco.
DAY 7. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND RED VALLEY
From 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Departure from Cusco before dawn to reach the trailhead in Cusipata, at approximately 12,795 ft (3,900 m.a.s.l.). The trail to Rainbow Mountain covers approximately 5 kilometers of ascent to reach the summit at 17,060 ft (5,200 m.a.s.l.). The coloring of the mountain, with bands of red, yellow, green, turquoise, and purple, is the result of different minerals and geological sediments that were exposed after the glacier that once covered the mountain receded over recent decades.
From the summit, Mount Ausangate, at 20,945 ft (6,384 m.a.s.l.) the highest peak in the Cusco region, dominates the southern horizon. The descent leads into the Red Valley, a ravine of reddish and ochre tones produced by a high concentration of iron oxide in the soil, which contrasts sharply with the color palette of the main mountain.
Overnight at hotel in Cusco.
DAY 8. SANTA TERESA + COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS + ECO-LODGE
From 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The bus departs from Cusco early in the morning toward the town of Santa Teresa, in the province of La Convención. The journey takes approximately five hours and crosses the Málaga Pass at over 13,123 ft (4,000 m.a.s.l.) before descending into the subtropical zone of the Urubamba River valley. The shift in landscape along this route, from high-altitude grasslands to cloud forest, is one of the most striking aspects of the day.
Upon arriving in Santa Teresa, the first stop is the Cocalmayo hot springs, located on the banks of the Urubamba River. The natural pools maintain a temperature between 97°F and 104°F (36°C and 40°C) and provide a welcome rest after the long ride from Cusco. In the afternoon, a coffee farm experience takes the group to a local estate where you will follow the full process of the coffee bean from plant to harvest, through pulping, drying, and roasting. The Santa Teresa area produces high-altitude coffees recognized in specialty markets.
The night is spent at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge in Sahuayaco, where the transparent domes allow you to watch the night sky from bed.
The evening closes around an outdoor bonfire.
DAY 9. MACHU PICCHU + RETURN TO CUSCO
From 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Early transfer from the Eco-Lodge to the Hidroeléctrica train station, the departure point for the Expedition tourist train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. The train ride follows the final stretch of the Urubamba canyon between walls of cloud forest and the river running along the valley floor.
From Aguas Calientes, shuttle buses carry the group up to the entrance of the citadel, at 7,972 ft (2,430 m.a.s.l.). The guided tour covers the main sectors of the site: the agricultural zone with its stepped terraces, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the residential sector. The citadel was built during the reign of the Inca Pachacútec in the fifteenth century and abandoned just a few decades later, which partly accounts for its state of preservation. The tour provides a clear sense of the scale of the construction and the precision of the stonework, as well as the relationship between the site and the mountains that frame it: Huayna Picchu to the north and Putucusi to the east.
At the end of the visit, the group descends to Aguas Calientes to board the return train to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Cusco.
DAY 10. SAN PEDRO MARKET + RETURN FLIGHT TO LIMA
The final morning in Cusco begins at the San Pedro local market, the city’s main public market, located one block from the Plaza de Armas. In addition to fresh produce, the market brings together stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and a wide variety of souvenirs. It is also a good spot for breakfast among the juice and local food stands before heading to the airport.
Transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport for the return flight to Lima. Arrival in Lima and end of service.
End of services.
Included services
INCLUDED SERVICES :
- DAY 1: Arrival transfer from the airport to the hotel in Lima. Lima city tour: transportation, professional tour guide, and entrance tickets to all sites visited.
- DAY 2: Transfer to the bus terminal. Bus to Paracas (shared service). Ballestas Islands tour: transportation, professional tour guide, entrance ticket, and motorboat with life jackets. Huacachina dunes experience: tubular buggy and sandboard equipment.
- DAY 3: Transfer to the Ica airstrip. Flight over the Nasca Lines with flight guide. Shared bus back to Lima.
- DAY 4: Transfer from the hotel to Lima airport. Flight from Lima to Cusco with 23-kilogram baggage allowance included. Arrival transfer from Cusco airport to the hotel. Cusco city tour: transportation, professional tour guide, and entrance tickets to all sites visited.
- DAY 5: Humantay Lake tour: transportation, professional tour guide, entrance ticket to the lake, and meals: 1 breakfast and 1 lunch.
- DAY 6: Sacred Valley tour: transportation, professional tour guide, entrance tickets to all sites visited, and meals: 1 buffet lunch.
- DAY 7: Rainbow Mountain tour: transportation, professional tour guide, entrance ticket, and meals: 1 breakfast and 1 lunch.
- DAY 8: Transportation from Cusco to Santa Teresa. Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo hot springs. Professional tour guide. Coffee farm experience. Transportation to Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge. Bonfire night.
- DAY 9: Transfer from Majestic Sky Domes Eco-Lodge to the train station. Professional tour guide. Expedition tourist train from Hidroeléctrica station to Aguas Calientes. Shuttle buses up and down to visit Machu Picchu. Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu citadel. Expedition tourist train back to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel.
- DAY 10: Transportation to San Pedro local market. Departure transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport. Flight from Cusco to Lima with 23-kilogram baggage allowance included.
9 nights of accommodation: 2 nights in Lima, 1 night in Ica, and 5 nights in Cusco at the selected hotels, plus 1 night in a panoramic geodesic dome. All accommodations include breakfast.
DON ‘ T INCLUDE
- Personal insurance.
- International flights.
- Food not specified in the itinerary.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Many people assume that weather is hot in South America, but in the higher altitude area of the Andes, temperature can be very cold, especially at night. However, on the coast, which has a much lower altitude, the heat is felt more intensely. Therefore, we provide you the complete list to organize your suitcase in advance. If you do not have one of these items, don’t worry, there are many stores in the cities you will visit, to buy everything needed.
Please check this list required for your CHARMING PERU tour and remember that everything is very important for the success of this Trip.
Documents
- Original passport
- Student card, if you are a student
- Travel insurance (some copies)
Essentials
- Pack of day.
- Day pack.
- Bottle of water for tours.
- Some snacks like cookies, candies, chocolates, energy bars.
- Money belt and some cash if you want to buy some souvenirs from the Tour.
Clothes and shoes
- Shoes and sandals.
- Warm clothing: especially at night such as a thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and poncho)
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, socks, trousers, shorts, T-shirts.
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
Pharmaceutical products
- Anti-inflammatory tablets
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen
- Lipstick
Personal hygiene items
- Small towel.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Body Wash Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Body spray deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other items
- Flashlight (headlamp recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Camera with memory cards and additional batteries.
- Rubber tipped canes (optional).
* If you have any Questions or Queries about the Items you should bring to the tour, please contact us at WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you obtain information in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO TAKE THIS TOUR?
This tour can be done all year round. However, the dry season, from May to September, is one of the best times to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. Paracas, Ica, and Nazca can usually be visited throughout the year due to their dry desert climate.
2. BOUT ALTITUDE DURING THE TRIP? IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, CAN I CONTACT INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
Some areas of the route, especially Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu, are located at high altitude. For this reason, we recommend walking slowly, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy meals on your first day in the Andes, and getting enough rest. The itinerary is designed to help travelers acclimatize gradually.
3. DOES THE TOUR INCLUDE A VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, the tour includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most important highlights of the itinerary. During the experience, you will travel through the Sacred Valley and explore the ancient Inca citadel accompanied by a professional local guide.
4. HOW DO I BOOK THIS TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for your Excursion up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Parts:
- You can pay the First Part online from the comfort of your house, by making a Prepayment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. Prepayment will be made through a deposit of USD 200.00 per person. (Click on the Reserve link)
- You will pay the Second Part or balance upon arriving in Cusco City, in person at our Main Office located in the Historic Downtown. .
⇒ To Book your 10 Days / 9 Nights tour, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Part (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Prepayment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Prepayment by other means such as: PayPal, Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other form, let us know to send you all the required information to do so.
5. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to Book your Excursion with Us, let’s look at some:
- Strategic location in Cusco: Our office is located in the Historic Center of Cusco, just one block from the Main Square, allowing better coordination and assistance during your trip.
- Authorized Peruvian travel agency: We are a 100% local Peruvian travel agency with more than 15 years of experience organizing tours to the most incredible destinations in Peru. We have all our documentation updated and are authorized operators of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, giving you safety, support, and confidence.
- Best price with no hidden fees: We offer trips with excellent value for money, without intermediaries or hidden costs. As a direct tour operator, we manage costs locally and work with local staff.
- Travel with local experts: Our team is made up of highly trained tour guides, cooks, porters, and support staff ready to assist families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers who love outdoor adventures.
- High-quality equipment: We provide comfortable and safe equipment for your trip, including tents, sleeping bags, walking poles, trekking pillows, and other travel gear. We renew our equipment regularly to guarantee comfort and safety.
- Excellent meals included: During the treks, we include complete meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We do not use canned or dehydrated food. We also offer vegetarian options and special diets at no extra cost.
- Safe and guaranteed departures: We operate 100% of our treks. Even if there is only one confirmed traveler for a departure date, the tour will operate with no additional surcharge. Our groups are usually small, with an average of 4 to 8 people.
- Fair treatment of our staff: We provide our team with transportation, accommodation, uniforms, meals, health insurance, and fair wages. We value the work of our guides, cooks, and porters, who make a high-quality travel experience possible.
- Social commitment: We support social projects in local communities, especially in health and education programs for children, helping improve their living conditions.
- Sustainable and responsible tourism: We are a company committed to the environment. We use biodegradable products and regularly participate in cleaning campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, promoting responsible tourism.
- Personalized service and support: We provide assistance before, during, and after your trip. We answer your questions by phone or email, offering personalized support at all times.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- The available tickets shown on our website are always Updated and in Real Time.
- We recommend you book the Excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great Experience.
- If you are interested in doing this route and would like to book, or want more information, contact us: Cell phone: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
- If, there is no longer availability for your Travel Date, you can search for other similar packages such as: the PERU SINGLE Route or the PERU FANTASTIC .
PRICES
| HOTEL OPTIONS AND CATEGORIES: | PRICE : |
| OPTION 1: with Hotel 3 | USD 1,800.00 |
| OPTION 2: with Hotel 4 | USD 2,100.00 |
| OPTION 3: with Hotel 5 | USD 2,350.00 |
IMPORTANT:
- The package price is calculated according to the chosen hotel category.
- Prices are per person, in US dollars and without IGV (Peruvian Sales Tax).
- Accommodations in all rooms are based on double and/or triple occupancy, according to your requirement.
- Minimum 2 people. Discounts apply from 5 passengers on ( -5%).
TO CONSIDER:
- Our passion is family travel, so if you are coming with children, please get in touch to offer our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Please contact us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours – IPT for your peace of mind does not have any hidden charges or expenses.
- For more information, contact us at: (+51) 984 525 006 / (+51) 984 683 047
AVAILABLE HOTELS
| CUSCO |
| HOTEL GOLDEN INCA 3 * ** |
| HOTEL AMARU INCA COSTS SAN BLAS 3 * ** |
| HOTEL AMARU INCA CHIHUANPATA 3 * ** |
| HOTEL TIERRA VIVA CENTRO 3 *** |
| HOTEL TIERRA VIVA SAPHI 3 * ** |
| HOTEL TIERRA VIVA SAN BLAS 3 * ** |
| HOTEL SACHA 3 * ** |
| MUNAY WASI INN 3 * ** |
| HOTEL SAN AGUSTIN INTERNATIONAL 3 * ** |
| HOTEL SAN AGUSTÍN DORADO 4 * *** |
| SAN AGUSTIN PLAZA 4 * *** |
| HOTEL SONESTA 4 * *** |
| BOUTIQUE HOTEL UNION 4 * *** |
| WYNDHAM 5 * **** |
| MARRIOR 5 * **** |
| ARANWA CUSCO BOUTIQUE 5 * **** |
| LIMA |
| CASA ANDINA STANDARD BENABIDEZ 3 * ** |
| CASA ANDINA STANDARD MIRAFLORES SAN ANTONIO 3 * ** |
| LIVING SOIL MIRAFLORES LARCO 3 * ** |
| HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LIMA SAN ISIDRO 4 * *** |
| COSTA DEL SOL WINDHAM 4 * *** |
| HOTEL BOULEVERD 4 * *** |
| SONESTA HOTEL EL OLÍVAR SAN ISIDRO 5 * **** |
| CASA ANDINA AWARDS SAN ISIDRO 5 * **** |
| HILTON GARDEN INN LIMA SURCO 5 * **** |
| ICA |
| BOUTIQUE HOTEL LA ANGOSTURA ICA 3 * ** |
| DM HOTELS MOSSONE ICA 3 * ** |
| HOTEL LAS DUNES 4 * *** |
| MACACONA HACIENDA HOTEL 4 * *** |
| HACIENDA SAN JUAN RESORT 5 * **** |
| HOTEL VIÑAS QUEIROLO 5 * **** |
