Day 1: Arrival in Lima & Historic City Tour
Your adventure begins in the “City of Kings.” We will welcome you at Lima’s airport and transfer you to your hotel.
After settling in, we’ll explore the city’s rich history, from the ancient Pucllana Pyramid to the grand colonial squares and the eerie, fascinating Catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery.
Day 1 Statistics
- Main Activity: Lima Historic and Modern City Tour.
- Sites Visited: Pucllana Pyramid, Historic Center, San Francisco Catacombs.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Lima.
- Meals: None included.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Desert Adventure
An early start takes us south to the coast. We’ll board a boat to the Ballestas Islands, Peru’s “little Galapagos,” a vibrant sanctuary for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and countless seabirds.
In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to the stunning Huacachina Oasis, where we’ll race across massive dunes in a buggy and try sandboarding at sunset.
Day 2 Statistics
- Main Activity: Wildlife viewing and desert adventure.
- Sites Visited: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Huacachina/Ica.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3: Flight to Cusco & Acclimatization
We leave the desert behind and fly to the heart of the Inca Empire: Cusco. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to acclimatize to the 3,400-meter (11,155 ft) altitude.
We recommend a gentle stroll, exploring the charming cobblestone streets, and drinking plenty of coca tea.
Day 3 Statistics
- Main Activity: Travel to Cusco and acclimatization.
- Altitude: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft (Cusco).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today we explore the lush Sacred Valley, the breadbasket of the Incas. We’ll visit the magnificent archaeological site of Pisac, with its stunning terraces, and wander through its famous artisanal market.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we’ll explore the formidable fortress of Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town.
Day 4 Statistics
- Main Activity: Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley.
- Sites Visited: Pisac Archaeological Park and Market, Ollantaytambo Fortress.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch.
Day 5: Maras Salt Mines, Moray Terraces & Chinchero
We delve deeper into the valley’s secrets. We’ll visit the ancient Maras Salt Mines, a dazzling patchwork of salt-crusted pools. Next, we explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory.
Finally, we’ll visit the high-altitude village of Chinchero to learn about traditional Andean weaving.
Day 5 Statistics
- Main Activity: Tour of unique Sacred Valley sites.
- Sites Visited: Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, Moray.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 6: The Journey to Machu Picchu
A day of scenic travel awaits. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the train station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. This spectacular journey winds through the Andes, following the Urubamba River as the landscape transforms into a lush cloud forest.
We’ll check into our hotel and rest for the big day tomorrow.
Day 6 Statistics
- Main Activity: Scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: Machu Picchu, the Lost City
The moment has arrived. We take an early bus up to Machu Picchu to witness the legendary citadel in the morning light. You will enjoy a comprehensive 2.5-hour guided tour, uncovering the secrets of this architectural marvel. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore on your own before we return to Cusco by train and bus in the evening.
Day 7 Statistics
- Main Activity: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft (Machu Picchu).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain Adventure
We embark on a challenging but incredibly rewarding day trip. We’ll journey to the remote Vilcanota mountain range to hike to the spectacular Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain.
Reaching the 5,200-meter (17,060 ft) summit reveals a breathtaking panorama of colorful mineral stripes across the mountainside.
Day 8 Statistics
- Main Activity: Full-day hike to Rainbow Mountain.
- Highest Altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft.
- Hiking Time: Approx. 3 hours round-trip.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 9: Departure from Cusco
After a final breakfast, we will transfer you to the Cusco airport for your departure flight. You leave Peru with a lifetime of memories from your grand Andean odyssey.
Day 9 Statistics
- Main Activity: Airport Transfer.
- Meals: Breakfast.
