Peru Tour | 9 Days / 8 Nights

Welcome to Peru! We know how exhausting international flights can be, so upon your arrival in the Peruvian capital, we will make sure your welcome is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Your Inti Sun Trek representative will be waiting for you at Lima Airport with a sign displaying your name to welcome you and comfortably transfer you to your selected hotel.

After check-in, you will have time to rest, take a refreshing shower, and recover from your journey. If you prefer, you may also explore the surrounding area or enjoy Peru’s world-renowned cuisine by having lunch at your hotel or at one of the many excellent local restaurants (meals not included).

Depending on your arrival time, you will also have the option to take the Lima City Tour, available every day at 8:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. During the tour, you will discover the three stages of Lima: Ancient, Colonial, and Modern Lima. Highlights include a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana Pyramid, Lima’s Historic Center with its impressive colonial architecture, the San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, as well as the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

The tour also includes a visit to the Central Reserve Bank Museum, where you can admire an important collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, ceramics, and textiles.

Note: The Central Reserve Bank Museum is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

If you prefer not to take the City Tour, you can explore Lima at your own pace by visiting the district of Miraflores, one of the city’s most popular tourist areas. You can enjoy a walk through Kennedy Park or go shopping at the famous Larcomar shopping center, located overlooking the Pacific coast.

In the evening, we especially recommend enjoying dinner at Central or Maido, both recognized among the world’s best restaurants by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Due to high demand, advance reservations are recommended.

Overnight stay in Lima.

Between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Lima and begin our journey south toward Paracas.

Upon arrival in Paracas, we will head to El Chaco Pier to board a modern speedboat for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands, located in Paracas Bay. During the trip, you will enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and observe a wide variety of marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingos, parihuanas, and numerous seabirds. Along the way, you will also see the famous Candelabra geoglyph carved into a hillside while your guide explains the different theories about its origin. The boat tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

After the excursion, we will continue to the city of Ica, where you will have free time for lunch (not included).

Next, we will visit the Noelia Chocolate Factory, where you can sample traditional regional products such as chocotejas, alfajores, jams, artisan cookies, filled mousses, and more.

In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by impressive sand dunes. Here you will enjoy an exciting dune buggy ride and the experience of sandboarding in the desert. You will also have free time to walk around the oasis and take unforgettable photographs.

Before returning to Lima, we will visit a local winery, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s most traditional products, including wines, piscos, pisco creams, macerated spirits, and mistelas.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., we will board the bus back to Lima. Upon arrival, around 10:00 p.m., our team will transfer you to your selected hotel.

Overnight stay in Lima.

Today your Andean adventure begins! After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Lima, your host will accompany you to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

During the flight, you will be able to appreciate the impressive change in scenery as the Pacific coast and desert dunes gradually give way to the majestic Andes Mountains.

Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, an Inka Trail Backpacker representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a sign displaying your name to welcome you and comfortably transfer you to your selected hotel. Located at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, Cusco offers an extraordinary combination of history, culture, and Andean landscapes.

After check-in, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. You may also enjoy a traditional cup of coca tea at your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you will have the rest of the day free to have lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Plaza de Armas, visit the traditional San Blas neighborhood, browse local handicraft shops, or simply relax in one of Cusco’s cozy cafés.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying dinner to discover traditional Peruvian and Andean cuisine.

“It’s not altitude sickness… it’s the feeling of being closer to the sky.”

Overnight stay in Cusco

At 6:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey to Chinchero, located approximately one hour from the city.

During the visit, you will discover this traditional Andean town, characterized by its adobe houses, cobblestone streets, and residents who still preserve many of their ancestral customs. If you wish, you can watch a demonstration of the traditional process of washing, dyeing, and spinning wool using natural plants and minerals.

We will also visit the Chinchero archaeological complex and its colonial temple, structures that reflect the combination of Inca and colonial heritage in the area.

We will then continue to Moray, a fascinating archaeological complex consisting of concentric circular terraces. It is believed that the Incas used this site as a center for agricultural experimentation, where they studied different climate conditions and adapted various crops. During the visit, our guide will explain the function of the terraces and their advanced drainage system.

Next, we will travel approximately 20 minutes to the Maras Salt Mines, an impressive collection of hundreds of salt pools built along a mountainside. These pools are fed by a natural saltwater spring and have been used since pre-Inca times for the traditional extraction of salt.

After the visit, we will continue to Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, we will head to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Its narrow stone streets, water channels, and original structures provide a glimpse into urban planning during the Inca period.

At the upper part of the town, we will visit its impressive archaeological complex, where you will find terraces, ceremonial enclosures, and structures that served religious, strategic, and defensive purposes.

Finally, at around 4:30 p.m., we will board the train to Aguas Calientes. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, passing through beautiful Andean landscapes.

Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, our staff will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel. You will have time to rest and prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

In the evening, you will receive a brief explanation about the schedule and details of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Overnight stay: Aguas Calientes.

From Aguas Calientes, there are two ways to reach Machu Picchu:

Hiking:
If you prefer a more active experience, you can hike from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Bus:
This is the fastest and most comfortable option. Buses depart from Aguas Calientes and take you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu in approximately 25 minutes. The bus ticket is included in the tour package.

Machu Picchu Entrance Time

Your entrance time will depend on how far in advance the reservation was made and the assigned circuit available when the admission ticket is purchased.

Guided Tour Inside Machu Picchu

Once inside the Inca citadel, you will enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately 2 hours.

During the tour, you will visit some of the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, including temples, enclosures, terraces, and agricultural areas. Our guide will explain the history, architecture, and extraordinary engineering techniques developed by the Incas.

After the Visit

At the end of your Machu Picchu tour, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Once in town, you will have free time to rest and have lunch at one of its restaurants. Afterward, you should make your way to the train station with enough time to board your return service.

Can I hike Huayna Picchu?

Yes. It is possible to hike Huayna Picchu, provided there is availability and the corresponding entrance ticket has been purchased in advance.

Entrance times are in the morning and are organized into two groups:

Group 1: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Group 2: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Depending on availability and the time assigned on your ticket, the hike may take place before or after your scheduled visit to Machu Picchu.

Important: The archaeological citadel of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huayna Picchu are different attractions. Entrance to the mountains requires an additional ticket and is subject to availability.

If you would like to include Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must let us know in advance so we can check ticket availability.

The day will begin with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. From there, we will travel by tourist transportation south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will enjoy breakfast before continuing toward the access area for Rainbow Mountain. This second part of the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Along the way, you will be able to appreciate beautiful high-Andean landscapes and, with a little luck, observe some local wildlife.

Upon reaching the starting point of the hike, we will begin an ascent of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of mountains, snowcapped peaks, and extensive Andean landscapes.

Finally, we will reach the Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, viewpoint, where you will have time to admire its distinctive natural formations, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs.

After the visit, we will begin our return along the same route with a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Afterward, we will head to the restaurant to enjoy lunch before beginning the journey back to Cusco.

Arrival in the city is expected between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

After a restful night, you will have the morning free to relax, take care of personal activities, or explore the city at your own pace.

You can begin by visiting Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, the heart of the historic center, surrounded by colonial architecture, churches, restaurants, and vibrant local life.

Cusco also offers many ideal spots for taking photographs and experiencing the essence of the city. A great option is to visit San Pedro Market, where you will find colorful fruit stalls, local products, handicrafts, and traditional textiles.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can head to the San Blas Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

You can also explore the picturesque streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artistic atmosphere, narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and small local shops.

The trip begins in the city of Cusco at approximately 4:30 a.m. (we will pick you up from your accommodation). After a two-and-a-half-hour drive, we will arrive in the town of Mollepata, where we will have breakfast. The journey continues for approximately 45 minutes until we reach Soraypampa (3,870 meters), an area used for camping. From here, we will begin an approximately one-and-a-half-hour hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake.

Without a doubt, you will be amazed by the turquoise color of Humantay Lake, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Although you may feel slightly out of breath, you will be very happy to be in this beautiful and impressive place. You will also be able to see two great mountains, Humantay and Salkantay, both considered sacred by the Incas.

After enjoying the tranquility and beautiful scenery, we will begin our return to Soraypampa, which will take approximately one and a half hours on foot. We will then head back to the town of Mollepata for lunch. On the journey back to our final destination, we will be able to enjoy more beautiful landscapes and a wonderful sunset. Finally, tired but happy, we will arrive in the city of Cusco at approximately 6:00 p.m.

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and, at the scheduled time, we will transfer you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco to board your flight to Lima.

If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you will have free time for last-minute shopping, exploring the surrounding area, or enjoying your final hours in Cusco.

Upon arrival in Lima, you will make the corresponding connection with your international flight back to your home country, bringing this experience in Peru to an end.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you are traveling during the high season.

Machu Picchu entrance tickets are sold for specific time slots and circuits, and availability may sell out several months in advance.

Booking early allows us to better arrange your admission ticket, visiting time, available circuit, train tickets, and other services related to Machu Picchu.

If you book with little advance notice, we can check the available options, but we cannot guarantee a specific circuit or entry time until the tickets are officially confirmed.

This package combines private or coordinated transfers with group tourism services in the different destinations. During excursions, you may share the service with other travelers, while our representatives coordinate the transfers, tickets, and included services according to the itinerary.

Pickup times and the details of each excursion will be confirmed in advance by our team.

The package includes accommodation for 8 nights distributed between Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.

We work with different hotel categories, so you can select the option that best fits your needs and budget. The category and available hotels will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Hotel availability may vary depending on the season and how far in advance the reservation is made.

Yes. The listed times are approximate and may be modified due to weather conditions, traffic, train availability, buses, entrance tickets, flights, or other operational circumstances.

Any necessary changes will be communicated by our team in a timely manner while making every effort to maintain all activities included in the program.

The package includes only the meals specifically mentioned in each day’s itinerary.

Scheduled services include breakfasts and lunches on certain excursions, such as the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other tours included in the program.

Any breakfasts, lunches, or dinners not specified in the itinerary must be paid for directly by the traveler.

During the 15-day package, transfers are provided through a combination of tourist transportation, intercity buses, trains, and coordinated transfers between hotels, terminals, and airports.

Our team will inform you in advance about pickup times, meeting points, and the details of each transfer. At destinations where applicable, a representative will be waiting for your arrival to assist you and transfer you to the selected hotel.

Some routes, such as Nazca – Arequipa, Chivay – Puno, and Puno – Cusco, are operated using tourist services or scheduled buses, while the journey to Aguas Calientes is by train.

We recommend being ready in advance for each departure and following the indicated schedules, especially for bus and train services.

During the trip, you will experience different weather conditions due to Peru’s geographic diversity.

Lima, Paracas, Ica, and Nazca generally have milder or warmer climates, while Arequipa, Colca, Puno, and Cusco can experience considerably lower temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.

At high-altitude destinations such as Puno and Rainbow Mountain, temperatures can drop significantly. For this reason, we recommend bringing lightweight clothing, thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and several warm layers.

Because the program includes overland transfers, tourist buses, trains, and different hotels, we recommend traveling with practical luggage and avoiding unnecessary items.

For daily excursions, we recommend using a small daypack where you can carry water, sunscreen, documents, a camera, warm clothing, and personal items.

Specific luggage restrictions established by the railway company may apply to the train journey to Aguas Calientes. Our team will inform you in advance about the conditions that apply to your service.

During this trip, you will visit several high-altitude destinations, including Cusco, Puno, the Colca Valley, and Rainbow Mountain.

We recommend getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, avoiding intense physical exertion during your first hours at altitude, and following your guide’s instructions.

If you have a medical condition or regularly take medication, we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling and informing us of any relevant information before your arrival.

You do not need to be an experienced traveler, but we do recommend having a basic level of physical fitness, as the itinerary includes hikes, archaeological visits, and activities at high-altitude destinations.

Most tours are conducted at a moderate pace and accompanied by professional guides. However, some activities, such as Rainbow Mountain, require greater physical effort because of the hike and altitude.

If you have a medical condition, difficulty walking, or concerns related to altitude, we recommend informing us before booking so we can advise you appropriately.

Yes. Depending on availability, some activities may be modified, replaced, or extended before the reservation is confirmed.

We can also evaluate additional services, different hotel categories, special admission tickets, or complementary activities.

Any modification may result in a change to the final package price and will be subject to availability.