GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights.
Starting point: Lima (airport pickup and transfer to the hotel).
Return point: Lima (Cusco – Lima flight on Day 10).
Service type: Shared.
Travel style: Cultural, archaeological, nature, and adventure.
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Minimum altitude: 406 m above sea level (Huacachina).
Maximum altitude: 5,200 m above sea level (Rainbow Mountain).
Places to visit: Lima – Paracas (Ballestas Islands) – Ica – Huacachina – Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu – Rainbow Mountain – Maras and Moray.
Departure dates: Daily departures throughout the year, subject to availability.
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
The Fantastic Peru 10-Day / 9-Night Package takes you along Peru’s coast and through its highlands in a single trip. You start in Lima, cross the Ica Desert, continue to Cusco, and finish at Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain.
During the first few days, you explore Lima, from the Miraflores waterfront promenade to the Historic Center and the San Francisco catacombs. You then travel south for a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, where you will see sea lions and Humboldt penguins. Afterward, you visit a pisco winery in Ica and ride a dune buggy through the sand dunes of Huacachina.
In Cusco, you have a day to acclimatize before visiting Qoricancha and Sacsayhuaman. You then explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo, and take the train to Aguas Calientes for a guided visit to Machu Picchu the following day. The trip continues with a hike to Rainbow Mountain and an ATV ride through the fields of Maras before your return flight to Lima.
The package operates as a shared service and includes transfers, entrance tickets, trains, and Lima – Cusco – Lima flights.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your tour 4 months in advance, as early as possible.
- Check the personal items you will bring on your trip.
- If you have any questions or would like more information about this package, please do not hesitate to contact us: Mobile: +51 984525006 / WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
SHORT ITINERARY
SHORT ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Arrival in Lima
- Pickup at Jorge Chávez Airport and transfer to the hotel
- Check-in from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Free afternoon
- Overnight in Lima
DAY 2 – Lima City Tour (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
- Miraflores: Love Park and panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana
- San Martín Square and Hotel Bolívar
- Main Square and Historic Center
- San Francisco Convent and catacombs
- Larco Museum
- Overnight in Lima
DAY 3 – Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Ica + Huacachina (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
- Boat trip to the Ballestas Islands: the Candelabra, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds
- Wine and pisco winery in Ica with tasting
- Traditional lunch
- Dune buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes
- Overnight in Lima
DAY 4 – Flight to Cusco + Acclimatization
- Lima → Cusco flight (3,400 m above sea level)
- Transfer to the hotel and welcome coca tea
- Free day to acclimatize
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 5 – Cusco City Tour (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
- Main Square and Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)
- Viewpoint with panoramic views of the city
- Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 6 – Sacred Valley + Train to Aguas Calientes (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- Chinchero artisan center
- Moray circular terraces
- Maras Salt Mines
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- Ollantaytambo archaeological site
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
DAY 7 – Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco (6:00 a.m.)
- Bus ride up to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours
- Free time for lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 8 – Rainbow Mountain (4:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Breakfast in Cusipata
- Hike from Phulawasipata (approx. 1 hr 30 min) up to 5,200 m above sea level
- Views of snow-capped Ausangate, llamas, and alpacas
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 9 – ATVs in Maras and Moray (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- Driving practice at the base camp
- ATV route to Moray (approx. 3 hours)
- Visit to the Maras Salt Mines
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 10 – Flight to Lima
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer to the airport and Cusco → Lima flight
- End of services
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Your trip begins at Jorge Chávez International Airport, where a representative from the agency will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check-in is scheduled between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The rest of the afternoon is free to rest after your flight or take a walk around the hotel. This is a good opportunity to try ceviche or a pisco sour at one of the nearby restaurants and start exploring the city at your own pace.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 2. LIMA CITY TOUR
At 9:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel to first explore modern Lima. In Miraflores, we visit Love Park, located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and known for Víctor Delfín’s sculpture “The Kiss.” We then make a panoramic stop at Huaca Pucllana, an adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture centuries before the Incas.
Next, we head to Lima’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass the Paseo de los Héroes Navales, the Palace of Justice, and the French Palace before reaching San Martín Square, where we enter Hotel Bolívar, one of the city’s most traditional buildings. At the Main Square, we admire the main colonial buildings and then descend into the catacombs of the San Francisco Convent, underground galleries that served as a cemetery during the colonial period.
The tour ends at the Larco Museum, a colonial mansion housing one of Peru’s most comprehensive collections of pre-Columbian art. The tour finishes at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 3. PARACAS, BALLESTAS ISLANDS, ICA, AND HUACACHINA
At 5:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel to travel to Paracas Bay on the southern coast. There, we board a boat bound for the Ballestas Islands. Along the way, you can see the Candelabra, a large geoglyph carved into the sandy hillside. Upon arriving at the islands, you will see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of guano birds.
After some free time in Paracas, we continue to the city of Ica to visit a wine and pisco winery, where you will learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting. We then have a traditional regional lunch.
In the afternoon, we reach the Huacachina oasis, a lagoon surrounded by palm trees and dunes in the middle of the desert. Here, we board dune buggies to race across the sand dunes. Afterward, we begin our return to Lima, arriving at the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 4. FLIGHT FROM LIMA TO CUSCO ACCLIMATIZATION
In the morning, we transfer you from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our staff will welcome you and take you to your hotel, where you can enjoy a welcome drink. We recommend coca tea, which helps with the acclimatization process.
Cusco is located at 3,400 m above sea level, so this day is intended for rest and to help prevent soroche, or altitude sickness. Ideally, eat light meals, drink plenty of water, and avoid physical exertion during the first few hours.
If you feel well in the afternoon, you can visit a museum, San Pedro Market, or neighborhoods such as San Blas on your own, with their cobblestone streets and artisan workshops.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 5. CUSCO CITY TOUR
At 9:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel to explore Cusco’s Historic Center. We start at the Main Square and then visit Qoricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, the main ceremonial center of the Inca Empire. The Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent on top of its stone walls, and today both structures can be seen in the same place.
We then ride about 5 km uphill on a tourist bus to the upper part of the city, which offers some of the best panoramic views of Cusco. There, we visit four archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman, with its walls of enormous stones fitted together without mortar; Qenqo, a temple carved into the rock; Puca Pucara, which served as a checkpoint; and Tambomachay, known as the Inca Baths because of its water channels.
We return to the city, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. The afternoon is free.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 6. SACRED VALLEY AND TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
At 7:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel to travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop is the Chinchero artisan center, where weavers demonstrate how they dye wool using plants and make textiles with traditional techniques.
We continue to Moray, a group of circular terraces that, according to studies, the Incas used to experiment with crops at different temperatures. Nearby are the Maras Salt Mines, thousands of salt pools on a mountainside that local families continue to work.
About 20 minutes later, we arrive at a restaurant in Urubamba to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Peruvian dishes. In the afternoon, we visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, which served as a tambo, or resting place, during Inca times and still preserves its terraces and temples.
The tour ends around 3:00 p.m. From there, you head to the station to board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 7. MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
Today is the most anticipated day of the trip. After breakfast, at 6:00 a.m., we pick you up from the hotel to take the bus up the road to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, we take an approximately two-hour guided tour, during which the guide explains the history of the citadel and leads you through its main sectors. Afterward, you will have some free time to take pictures.
We then return down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. From the station, we transfer you to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 8. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Between 4:30 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel for an approximately two-hour drive to Cusipata, where we stop at a restaurant for breakfast. We then continue to Phulawasipata, the starting point of the hike.
The ascent to Rainbow Mountain, at 5,200 m above sea level, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you will see llamas and alpacas, and from the summit you can admire snow-capped Ausangate Mountain. At the top, you will have time to take pictures, listen to the guide’s explanation, and rest.
We hike back to the starting point and travel to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 9. ATVs IN MARAS AND MORAY
At 7:00 a.m., we pick you up from your hotel and head to the Sacred Valley. Upon arriving at the base camp, the instructor gives you instructions and you do a short driving practice session on the ATVs.
You then begin an approximately three-hour ATV ride along dirt roads through farmland until you reach Moray. This time, the route lets you see the plateau landscape from a different perspective. Afterward, you travel by car to the Maras Salt Mines.
We return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 3:00 p.m. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping or to say goodbye to the city.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 10. AIRPORT TRANSFER AND FLIGHT TO LIMA
After breakfast at the hotel, our transportation picks you up and takes you to Cusco Airport, where you will board your flight to Lima.
End of services.
Included Services
INCLUDED SERVICES:
- Pickup at Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport and transfer to the hotel.
- 9 nights of accommodations according to the selected category:
3 nights in Lima,
5 nights in Cusco, and
1 night in Aguas Calientes. - Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco and from Cusco to Lima.
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers in Cusco.
- Official tour guide on all tours.
- Tourist transportation on all excursions.
- Lima city tour with admission to the San Francisco Convent and catacombs.
- Full-day tour to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina:
- Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
- Visit to a wine and pisco winery with tasting.
- Dune buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes.
- Entrance tickets and taxes.
- Cusco city tour with admission to Qoricancha and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
- Sacred Valley tour with admission to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Approximately 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Vistadome train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and transfer to the hotel in Cusco.
- Rainbow Mountain tour with entrance ticket, breakfast, and buffet lunch.
- ATV tour to Maras and Moray with entrance tickets to the archaeological sites.
- Ongoing assistance throughout the trip.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you would like to book additional services, you can request them when making your reservation or visit our main office in Cusco’s Historic Center up to one day before the excursion.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 80 per person. The hike takes approximately 2 hours round trip. Availability is limited to 400 tickets per day, so you must request it when booking the package.
- Independent visits during your acclimatization day in Cusco: museums, San Pedro Market, or the San Blas neighborhood.
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance.
- International flights.
- Accommodations with the no-hotels option.
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Beverages.
- Tips for guides and service staff.
- Personal expenses.
What to Bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
Many travelers think it is always hot in Peru, but on this package you will experience two very different climates. On the coast, between Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina, the days are usually warm and sunny. In Cusco and at Rainbow Mountain, at more than 3,400 m above sea level, mornings and nights are cold, although the midday sun can feel strong.
That is why we are sharing this list to help you pack ahead of time. If you are missing anything, don’t worry: you will find stores in Lima and Cusco where you can buy what you need. Carefully review the items recommended for your Fantastic Peru Package.
Documents
- Original valid passport (you will need it for flights, the train, and entry to Machu Picchu).
- Student ID, if you are a student.
- Travel insurance (with a few printed copies).
Essentials
- Small daypack for tours.
- Light bag or backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes (the train allows up to 5 kg per person).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Snacks such as cookies, chocolate, or energy bars.
- Some cash in Peruvian soles for souvenirs, tips, and restrooms along the way.
Clothing and Footwear
- Comfortable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots for Rainbow Mountain.
- Sandals for the coast and the hotel.
- Light clothing for Lima, Paracas, and Ica: T-shirts, shorts, or lightweight pants.
- Warm clothing for Cusco: thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, and wool socks.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Quick-drying synthetic pants and T-shirts.
- Sun hat or cap.
- Scarf or neck gaiter to protect yourself from the wind and sand in the Huacachina dunes.
Medications and Health Products
- Your personal medications.
- Anti-inflammatory tablets or pain relievers.
- Insect repellent (especially for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu).
- Sunscreen.
- Lip balm with sun protection.
Personal Hygiene Items
- Small towel.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Deodorant.
- Toilet paper and wet wipes.
- Hand sanitizer.
Other Items
- Sunglasses.
- Flashlight (preferably a headlamp) for the early morning departure to Rainbow Mountain.
- Camera with memory cards and extra batteries.
- Portable charger (power bank).
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional).
If you have any questions about the items you should bring on your trip, contact us: Mobile: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047, or email us at info@incredibleperutours.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find our customers’ most frequently asked questions about the Fantastic Peru 10-Day / 9-Night Package. Before writing to us, we invite you to read them carefully, as they will help you resolve your questions quickly and easily.
1. What is the best time of year to take this tour?
This package has departures throughout the year. The dry season, from May to September, is the most recommended time for Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain because there is less rain and the skies are usually clear. Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina can be visited in any month thanks to their dry climate, although the coast is hotter between December and March.
2. Should I be concerned about the altitude during the trip?
The first part of the trip takes place on the coast, at low altitude. Starting on Day 4, you will be in Cusco at 3,400 m above sea level, and on Day 8, you will reach Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 m above sea level. That is why the itinerary includes a free day to acclimatize upon arriving in Cusco and schedules Rainbow Mountain toward the end, when your body is already accustomed to the altitude. We recommend walking slowly, drinking plenty of water, and eating light meals during your first days in the highlands.
3. How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
It is a moderately difficult hike with an ascent lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The challenge comes from the altitude rather than the distance, so it is best to go at your own pace. If needed, you can rent a horse at the starting point for part of the route.
4. Does the tour include a visit to Machu Picchu?
Yes. The package includes the entrance ticket, round-trip bus transportation from Aguas Calientes, and an approximately 2-hour guided tour of the citadel. You will arrive in Aguas Calientes by train on Day 6, after the Sacred Valley tour, and visit Machu Picchu early on Day 7.
5. Can I add Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Yes, as an optional service. Admission costs USD 80 per person, and the hike takes approximately 2 hours round trip. Only 400 spots are available each day, so you must request it when booking the package.
6. Can I book the package without hotels?
Yes. You can choose the package without hotels or with 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels. All prices are per person in a double or twin room, with a minimum of 2 travelers. If you are traveling alone, a USD 300 supplement applies to any of the options.
7. How much luggage can I bring on the train to Machu Picchu?
The train allows up to 5 kg of luggage per person. We recommend taking only a small backpack for your night in Aguas Calientes and leaving your main suitcase at your hotel in Cusco, where you can pick it up when you return.
8. How do I book this tour?
Booking with us is safe and easy. Payment is made in two installments:
First installment: a 50% deposit at the time of booking, which you can pay online with any credit or debit card through our secure payment system.
Second installment: you pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco, at our main office in the Historic Center.
To book your Fantastic Peru 10-Day / 9-Night Package, follow these 3 steps:
- Complete the booking form using the Book link.
- Pay the deposit with your credit or debit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, and UnionPay.
- Receive your travel voucher, which we will send immediately after confirming your payment.
Other payment methods: if you prefer to pay via
PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit, or bank transfer, write to us and we will send you all the necessary information.
9. Why should I book my tour with Incredible Peru Tours?
Here are some reasons why our travelers choose us:
- Office in Cusco’s Historic Center: our location makes coordination and assistance easier during your trip.
- Licensed Peruvian travel agency: we are a 100% local agency with more than 15 years of experience, up-to-date documentation, and authorized Inca Trail operators.
- Clear prices with no hidden fees: as a direct operator, we work without intermediaries and with local staff.
- One operator for your entire trip: we coordinate flights, trains, hotels, transfers, and tours, so you do not have to organize each part separately.
- Experienced local guides: our team serves families, couples, groups of friends, and travelers looking to discover Peru in depth.
- Fair treatment of our staff: we provide our team with health insurance, uniforms, meals, and fair wages.
- Social and environmental commitment: we support health and education projects in local communities and take part in Inca Trail cleanup campaigns.
- Assistance before, during, and after your trip: we answer your questions by phone, WhatsApp, or email at any time.
Availability and Prices
Machu Picchu Availability
IMPORTANT:
- The available permits displayed on our website are always up to date and in real time.
- We recommend booking your tour as early as possible so you do not miss this great experience.
10-DAY / 9-NIGHT PACKAGE PRICE
| WITH / WITHOUT HOTELS | PRICE | DOUBLE OR TWIN ROOM |
|---|---|---|
| WITHOUT HOTELS | USD 1,170 | Minimum 2 travelers |
| 2-STAR HOTEL | USD 1,400 | Minimum 2 travelers |
| 3-STAR HOTEL | USD 1,590 | Minimum 2 travelers |
| 4-STAR HOTEL | USD 1,720 | Minimum 2 travelers |
| FOR 1 TRAVELER | + USD 300 | In any of the 4 options |
- Payments are made in two installments: 50% at booking and the remaining balance at our office.
- Prices are per person.
IMPORTANT:
- The package price is calculated according to the selected option: without hotels or with 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels.
- Prices are per person, in U.S. dollars, and exclude IGV (Peruvian sales tax).
- Accommodations are based on double, twin, or triple rooms, according to your requirements.
- Minimum 2 travelers. If you are traveling alone, a USD 300 supplement applies to any option.
- 5% discount for groups of 5 or more travelers.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Family travel is our passion. If you are traveling with children, contact us to learn about our special offers.
- We also offer promotions and discounts for student groups and groups of friends. Write to us to receive our offers.
- Incredible Peru Tours (IPT) has no hidden charges or expenses, for your peace of mind.
- For more information, contact us at: (+51) 984 525 006 / (+51) 984 683 047.
HOTEL OPTIONS
PACKAGE HOTELS
| FANTASTIC PERU PACKAGE HOTELS | |
|---|---|
| HOTEL | CATEGORY |
| LIMA | |
| Casa Andina Standard Benavides | ★★★ |
| Casa Andina Standard Miraflores San Antonio | ★★★ |
| Tierra Viva Miraflores Larco | ★★★ |
| Holiday Inn Express Lima San Isidro | ★★★★ |
| Costa del Sol Wyndham | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Boulevard | ★★★★ |
| CUSCO | |
| Hotel Golden Inca | ★★★ |
| Hotel Amaru Inca Cuesta San Blas | ★★★ |
| Hotel Amaru Inca Chihuampata | ★★★ |
| Hotel Tierra Viva Centro | ★★★ |
| Hotel Tierra Viva Saphi | ★★★ |
| Hotel Tierra Viva San Blas | ★★★ |
| Hotel Sacha | ★★★ |
| Munay Wasi Inn | ★★★ |
| Hotel San Agustín Internacional | ★★★ |
| Hotel San Agustín Dorado | ★★★★ |
| San Agustín Plaza | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Sonesta | ★★★★ |
| Hotel Boutique Unión | ★★★★ |
