GENERAL INFORMATION
Starting point: Lima
Return point: Lima
Service type: Shared (minimum 2 people)
Travel style: Cultural, archaeological, nature, and adventure
Difficulty level: Moderate
Places to visit: Lima – Paracas – Ica – Huacachina – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Rainbow Mountain – Puno – Lake Titicaca
Departure dates: Daily departures
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
Discover the best of Peru on a comprehensive 12-day, 11-night journey combining history, culture, nature, and adventure. This trip will take you from the Pacific coast to the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes and Lake Titicaca.
You will begin in Lima, exploring its Historic Center and rich cultural heritage. Then you will enjoy adventures in Paracas, Ica, and the Huacachina oasis, with its sand dunes and buggy rides. In Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire, you will explore the city, the Sacred Valley, and the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
The experience continues with a hike to Rainbow Mountain, an ATV ride through Maras and Moray, and the spectacular journey along the Sun Route to Puno. Finally, you will sail across Lake Titicaca, visiting the Uros and Taquile Islands, where you will get an up-close look at the traditions of their communities.
An itinerary designed for those who want to explore Peru thoroughly, discover its most iconic landscapes, and enjoy authentic experiences in a single trip.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Book your tour in advance.
- Check your documents and personal belongings before traveling.
- 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
DAY 1 – Arrival in Lima
- Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel
- Check-in starting at 2:00 p.m.
- Free afternoon
- Overnight in Lima
DAY 2 – Lima City Tour (Half Day)
- Miraflores: Love Park and Huaca Pucllana
- Historic Center: San Martín Square and Main Square
- San Francisco Catacombs and Larco Museum
- Overnight in Lima.
DAY 3 – Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Ica, and Huacachina
- Tour of the Ballestas Islands
- Visit to a wine and pisco winery with tasting
- Buggy ride through the dunes of Huacachina
- Overnight in Lima
DAY 4 – Flight from Lima to Cusco
- Airport transfer and flight to Cusco
- Transfer to the hotel and acclimatization
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 5 – Cusco City Tour
- Historic Center and Qorikancha
- Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 6 – Sacred Valley + Train to Aguas Calientes
- Chinchero, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
- Buffet lunch
- Train to Aguas Calientes
- Overnight in Aguas Calientes
DAY 7 – Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Return train and transfer to Cusco
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 8 – Rainbow Mountain
- Hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 9 – Maras and Moray by ATV
- ATV tour through Moray and the Maras Salt Mines
- Overnight in Cusco
DAY 10 – Sun Route from Cusco to Puno
- Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and La Raya Pass
- Arrival in Puno
- Overnight in Puno
DAY 11 – Lake Titicaca: Uros and Taquile
- Visit to the floating Uros Islands
- Taquile Island
- Overnight in Puno
DAY 12 – Airport Transfer
- Transfer from Puno to Juliaca Airport
- Flight to Lima
- End of services
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1. ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Your point of entry into the country is Jorge Chávez International Airport, where an agency representative will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel. The following hours are free for you to rest and get oriented in the city before the tour begins.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 2. LIMA CITY TOUR
The morning is dedicated to exploring the capital. The tour begins in Miraflores with a visit to Love Park and a panoramic stop at Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial adobe pyramid built by the Lima culture between the 3rd and 7th centuries.
The tour continues to the Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit San Martín Square and the Main Square and enter the San Francisco Convent, best known for the catacombs extending beneath it, a network of underground galleries that preserve the remains of thousands of people. The visit ends at the Larco Museum, home to one of Peru’s most important collections of pre-Columbian art.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 3. PARACAS, BALLESTAS ISLANDS, ICA, AND HUACACHINA
Departure very early in the morning toward the south. In Paracas, you will take a tour of the Ballestas Islands, where you may see sea lions, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and the Candelabra geoglyph.
Next, continue to Ica to visit a wine and pisco winery, with a tasting and a traditional lunch included. In the afternoon, arrive at the Huacachina oasis, where you will take a buggy ride across the desert dunes.
Return to Lima in the evening.
Overnight at a hotel in Lima.
DAY 4. FLIGHT FROM LIMA TO CUSCO + ACCLIMATIZATION
Transfer to the airport and flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Coca tea is offered as a welcome drink.
This day is set aside for acclimatization, as Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. Rest is recommended.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 5. FULL-DAY CUSCO CITY TOUR
We will pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 a.m. and explore the Historic Center, visiting places such as the Main Square and the Temple of the Sun, or Q’oricancha. The architecture of this site is splendid, as it was the main ceremonial and spiritual center of the ancient Inca Empire. Next, we will board our tourist bus and travel approximately 5 km to the upper part of the city, where we will enjoy the best panoramic views. We will then visit the four archaeological complexes in the area: the Sacsayhuamán Ceremonial Center, the Inca Temple of Qenqo, the Puca Pucara Fortress, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay. Finally, we will take our transportation back to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 6. SACRED VALLEY + TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 a.m. The tour includes the Chinchero artisan center, the Moray archaeological site, and the Maras Salt Mines. Next, you will arrive at a restaurant in Urubamba to enjoy an Andean buffet lunch. The tour continues to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. The tour ends at approximately 3:00 p.m., when you will head to the train station to board the Expedition service to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 7. MACHU PICCHU
}Today is the most important day of the trip, dedicated to visiting Machu Picchu. Very early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. to travel by tourist bus to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours, with explanations about the history and main sectors of this wonder of the world. After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photographs. Later, you will return to Aguas Calientes, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, and transfer to Cusco.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 8. RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Early pickup from your hotel in Cusco (between 4:30 and 4:40 a.m.) and a two-hour drive to Cusipata. You will stop at a restaurant for breakfast. Next, continue to Phulawasipata (the starting point of the hike). Hike for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Rainbow Mountain, with views of llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped Ausangate Mountain. Free time for photographs, an explanation from the guide, and rest. Walk back to the starting point and travel by vehicle to Cusipata for a buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 9. MARAS AND MORAY BY ATV
Pickup from your hotel at 7:00 a.m. and departure for the Sacred Valley. You will visit the Moray archaeological site and the Maras Salt Mines. Next, you will head to the base center for a short ATV driving practice session. Afterward, you will take an approximately three-hour ATV tour through Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. Return to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 3:00 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Cusco.
DAY 10. SUN ROUTE – CUSCO TO PUNO
At 6:40 a.m., you will be transferred to the bus terminal to begin the journey to Puno. The first stop is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Next, visit Raqchi, where you will see the Inca Temple of Wiracocha. Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean food. Stop at La Raya Pass, the natural boundary between Cusco and Puno. Visit the Pucará Museum. Approximate arrival at the Puno bus terminal is 5:30 p.m.
Overnight at a hotel in Puno.
DAY 11. LAKE TITICACA – UROS AND TAQUILE
From the port of Puno on the lake, the boat departs for the floating Uros Islands. These islands are platforms built and maintained with overlapping layers of totora reeds. During the visit, local residents explain how the islands are built and renewed. The boat continues to Taquile Island, approximately 45 kilometers from the port. Taquile has its own community organization, and its textile tradition was declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005. Return to the port of Puno and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Puno.
DAY 12. AIRPORT TRANSFER
After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel in Puno to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima.
End of services.
Included Services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Pickup at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and transfer to the hotel. 11 nights of accommodation according to the selected category:
3 nights in Lima
1 night in Aguas Calientes
5 nights in Cusco
2 nights in Puno - Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco and Juliaca to Lima. Airport – hotel – airport transfers in Cusco and Puno.
- Licensed tour guide on all tours.
- Tourist transportation on all excursions.
- Lima city tour with admission to the San Francisco Convent and Catacombs and the Larco Museum.
- Full-day tour to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina:
Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands.
Visit to a wine and pisco winery with tasting.
Dune buggy ride through the dunes of Huacachina.
Traditional lunch.
Entrance tickets and taxes. - Cusco city tour with admission to Qorikancha and the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
- Sacred Valley tour with entrance tickets to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Ollantaytambo.
- Buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley.
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
- Admission ticket to Machu Picchu.
- 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 admission, breakfast, and buffet lunch.
- ATV tour to Maras and Moray with admission to the archaeological sites.
- Bus journey along the Sun Route from Cusco to Puno with buffet lunch.
- Lake Titicaca tour: Uros and Taquile Islands (transfers, guide, and boat).
- Assistance throughout the entire trip.
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you would like to book additional services, you may request them when making your reservation or visit our main office in the Historic Center of Cusco up to one day before the excursion.
- Admission to Huayna Picchu Mountain: 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.
- Self-guided visits during your acclimatization day in Cusco: museums, the San Pedro Market, or the San Blas neighborhood.
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance.
- International flights.
- Accommodation with the no-hotels option.
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Beverages.
- Tips for guides and service staff. Personal expenses.
- Entrance fees to the islands of Lake Titicaca and lunch on Day 11.
What to Bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING
This itinerary covers both the Peruvian coast (Lima, Paracas, and Huacachina) and high-altitude areas of the Andes (Cusco, Rainbow Mountain, and Puno). It is therefore important to bring clothing for both warm and cold weather.
Below is a list of recommended items. If you forget something, you will find stores in Lima, Cusco, and Puno where you can purchase it.
Documents
- Original passport
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Student ID (if applicable)
Essentials
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (granola bars, chocolate, cookies)
- Cash and a payment card
Clothing and Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sneakers or hiking boots (for Rainbow Mountain)
- Warm clothes for the evenings: thermal jacket, gloves, scarf, and hat
- Waterproof or windproof clothing
- Lightweight cotton or synthetic clothing for daytime
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Sun hat or cap
Sun Protection and Health
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Personal medications and altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor)
Personal Hygiene Items
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap, shampoo, and deodorant
- Toilet paper
Other Items
- Sunglasses
- Camera or cell phone with a spare battery
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trekking poles (optional, recommended for Rainbow Mountain)
* If you have any questions or concerns about the items you should bring on the tour, please contact us via WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006 / +51 984 683 047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the questions our customers ask most frequently. Before contacting us, we invite you to read these questions and answers carefully, along with all the links about this tour. This will help you get the information you need easily, quickly, and conveniently.
1. Is this tour physically demanding?
The overall difficulty level is moderate. The most demanding activity is the hike to Rainbow Mountain (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill). The remaining days involve travel by vehicle or short, accessible walks.
2. How many nights will we stay in each destination?
The itinerary includes 3 nights in Lima, 1 night in Aguas Calientes, 5 nights in Cusco, and 2 nights in Puno.
3. Is the train to Machu Picchu included?
Yes. The outbound Expedition train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes) and the return Vistadome train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo) are included.
4. Do we visit Maras and Moray twice?
Yes. On the Sacred Valley day, you visit them in the traditional way, and on Day 9, you explore them by ATV. These are two different experiences.
5. Does the Lake Titicaca tour include lunch?
No. Lunch and entrance fees to the islands are not included on the Uros and Taquile day. Passengers are responsible for these expenses.
6. Can I hike Rainbow Mountain if I am not well acclimatized?
It is recommended that you spend at least one full day in Cusco before attempting the hike. If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness, it is best not to push yourself to complete it.
7. Are domestic flights included?
Yes. The Lima – Cusco and Juliaca – Lima flights are included.
8. What happens if I arrive late on Day 1?
If your flight arrives after 2:00 p.m., the Lima city tour on Day 2 will still take place. Just let us know in advance so we can arrange your pickup.
9. Can I add admission to Huayna Picchu?
Yes, for an additional USD 80 per person. You must request it when booking because daily availability is limited.
Availability and Prices
Machu Picchu Availability
IMPORTANT:
- The spaces and permits shown on our website are updated in real time.
- We recommend booking in advance to secure availability.
- If you are interested in taking this route and would like to book or receive more information, contact us: Mobile: +51 984525006 / WhatsApp: +51 984683047 or email us at: info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES PER PERSON
| Option | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Without hotels | 1,270 |
| 2-star hotel | 1,790 |
| 3-star hotel | 2,080 |
| 4-star hotel | 2,370 |
Minimum: 2 people
Single traveler supplement: + USD 300
Payment terms: 50% upon booking and the remaining balance before the tour.
IMPORTANT
- The package price depends on the hotel category selected.
- Prices are per person, in U.S. dollars, and do not include IGV (Peruvian sales tax).
- Rooms are based on double or twin occupancy (minimum 2 people).
- A 5% discount applies to groups of 5 or more passengers.
PLEASE NOTE
For more information, email us at info@incredibleperutours.com or contact us via WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 / +51 984 525 006.
If you are traveling as a family or with children, contact us to learn about our special offers.
Incredible Peru Tours has no hidden fees.
We offer special discounts for student groups and groups of friends.
HOTEL OPTIONS
HOTELS FOR THE 12-DAY PERU PACKAGE
| 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 | ★★★★ |
| PUNO | |
| Casona Plaza Balsa Inn | ★★★ |
| Hotel Hacienda Plaza de Armas | ★★★ |
| Xima Exclusive Puno | ★★★ |
| Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno | ★★★★ |
| Casa Andina Premium Puno | ★★★★ |
