Peru Tours – 8 Days in Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu

Full itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Lima Airport to Hotel

Upon arriving at the airport, our staff will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a personalized sign displaying your name for easy identification. No matter if your flight arrives early or late, we monitor your flight’s arrival in real-time to ensure we’re there exactly when you land.

Includes:

• Tourist transportation

Day 2: Lima – Paracas – Huacachina – Lima

• Duration: full day (4:00 AM to 22:00 PM)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

4:00 a.m. Our exciting tour begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Lima. We head south along the Pan-American Highway. The drive to Paracas takes approximately 3.5 hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, allowing you to rest while enjoying the peaceful journey.

Upon arriving in Paracas, we head to the port to board the boat that will take us to the famous Ballestas Islands, also known as “The Galápagos of Peru.” During the boat ride, we will cruise through impressive rock formations and observe a wide variety of marine wildlife: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and a diverse range of birds such as pelicans, boobies, and gulls.

After returning to the port, you’ll have free time to stroll along the Paracas boardwalk, enjoy a breakfast (not included), or simply soak in the relaxed atmosphere of this small coastal town.

We depart for Huacachina, a natural oasis in the middle of the desert. The journey from Paracas to Huacachina takes about 1.5 hours, crossing vast desert landscapes that feel otherworldly. As we approach, you’ll see the towering sand dunes surrounding the oasis.

We arrive at Huacachina, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants around the oasis. You can sample traditional regional dishes such as “seco de cordero” (lamb stew) or a delicious “pachamanca” (Peruvian earth-cooked meal).

The real adventure begins after lunch. We hop on dune buggies to explore the massive sand dunes surrounding Huacachina. This thrilling ride will take you through sandy hills where you’ll feel the adrenaline with every twist and drop. You’ll also have the opportunity to try sandboarding: sliding down the dunes on a board, a unique experience that combines the excitement of surfing with the stunning desert landscape.

As the sun begins to set, we head back to Lima, with a stop at a vineyard if time allows. The return trip takes approximately 4 hours. Along the way, you can relax and unwind after a full day of activities, enjoying the last views of the desert as the sun sets.

We will arrive back in Lima at approximately 9:30 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel. The tour concludes after a day filled with adventures and unforgettable moments at two of the most spectacular destinations along Peru’s southern coast.

Included:

• Private transportation to and from Lima
• Specialized tour guide
• Boat tour ticket for the Ballestas Islands
• Dune buggy and sandboarding tour in Huacachina
• Free time in Paracas and Huacachina

Not included:

• Lunch (optional at a local restaurant)
• Personal expenses or souvenirs

Recommendations:

• Wear light, comfortable clothing for the warm coastal weather
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Suitable footwear for the sand (preferably closed shoes)
• Water bottle and snacks for the journey
• Camera to capture the incredible landscapes of Paracas and Huacachina

Day 3: Exploring the “City of Kings”

9:00 a.m. We start the day by picking you up from your hotel, whether you’re staying in Miraflores, San Isidro, or downtown Lima. We begin our tour of Peru’s capital, a vibrant city that blends modernity with a rich historical heritage.
We’ll start in the coastal district of Miraflores at the iconic Love Park, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the sea breeze and watch paragliders soaring over Lima’s cliffs.
Next, we’ll head to Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Incan archaeological site located in the middle of the modern city. Although we won’t enter the site, we’ll make a brief stop to admire this impressive adobe pyramid, built by the Lima culture around 500 AD.
Our tour continues to the historic heart of the city: Lima’s downtown. We’ll explore the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Municipal Palace. Our guide will tell you about the founding of Lima in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro and its significance during the colonial period.
The next stop will be the San Francisco Convent, a 17th-century architectural treasure. Here, we’ll explore its famous cloisters with Sevillian tiles, its impressive ancient library, and the fascinating underground catacombs that were used as a cemetery during colonial times. This is one of Lima’s most visited places for its mystery and beauty.
We’ll then continue to Plaza San Martín, a space honoring the liberator José de San Martín. From here, we’ll walk along Jirón de la Unión, a pedestrian street that connects Plaza San Martín with Plaza Mayor, filled with shops, cafes, and buildings with Republican-era architecture.
At the end of the tour, we will return to your hotel after a day filled with history, culture, and amazing views of Lima.

Includes:

• Tourist transportation
• Specialized tour guide in Lima’s history and culture
• Entrance to Lima Cathedral and San Francisco Convent

Recommendations:

• Wear comfortable, cool clothing (Lima’s weather is generally mild but can vary)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Camera to capture the tour’s most memorable moments

Day 4: Transfer from Hotel to Lima Airport, Arrival in Cusco.

We’ll start the day early with a transfer from your hotel in Lima to Jorge Chávez International Airport. Afterward, you’ll board your flight to Cusco, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival at Cusco Airport, our staff will greet you with a personalized sign displaying your name and transfer you to your hotel.
Includes:

• Private transfer from your hotel in Lima to Jorge Chávez Airport
• Reception at Cusco Airport
• Private transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel
• Hotel

Recommendations:

• Have your ID and boarding pass ready for check-in
• Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight, especially due to Cusco’s altitude

Day 5: Cusco City Tour (Half-Day)

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Start Time: 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM (Morning or Afternoon option)

The tour begins at Cusco’s iconic Plaza de Armas, where you’ll learn about the rich history of the city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Admire the stunning Cusco’s iconic Cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Inside, you’ll explore stunning altars, historic paintings, and beautiful carvings, while learning about the blend of Andean and Christian traditions.

Next, visit the Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Explore the ruins and learn about the intricate stonework that formed the foundation of the temple, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.

A short drive from the city center will take you to the impressive temple of Sacsayhuamán. Marvel at the massive stones used in its construction and enjoy panoramic views of Cusco.

Continue to Q’enqo, an Inca ceremonial site featuring carved stones, underground passages, and a small amphitheater. This site was used for religious rituals and sacrifices.

Visit the military fortress of Puka Pukara, known for its red stones and strategic location, which served as a lookout and checkpoint for the Incas.

End your tour at Tambomachay, the Inca baths. Known for its intricate water channels and fountains, this site was believed to be a place of rest and worship for the water deity.
After exploring these incredible sites, return to Cusco City by midday (if morning tour) or early evening (if afternoon tour).

Tour Includes:

• Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Transportation to all sites
• Entrances to the all visited places
• Hotel

Day 6: Traditional Sacred Valley Tour

• Duration: Full day (7:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, sunscreen, hat, water, and a camera.

We’ll leave Cusco early, picking up travelers from their hotels. We’ll begin our journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, traveling through breathtaking mountainous landscapes and fertile valleys.
Our first stop will be at the Sacred Valley Viewpoint, then we’ll continue to the Pisac archaeological complex, located about 45 minutes from the city.

Upon arriving at Pisac, famous for its intricate agricultural terraces and its impressive Incan citadel perched atop a mountain, we’ll explore its temples, terraces, and ancient dwellings, enjoying panoramic views of the Sacred Valley from this strategic location.
After touring the archaeological complex, we’ll stop at Pisac’s traditional artisanal market, where you can see and purchase local products, ceramics, silver jewelry, and other unique souvenirs. This market offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local life and experience the vibrant culture of the Andes.

We’ll continue our journey through the Sacred Valley, admiring the agricultural landscapes and mountains surrounding the Urubamba River. We’ll pause for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

After a delicious lunch, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, one of the most important and best-preserved Incan cities in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo is a fortress that played a key role in the Incas’ resistance against the Spanish invasion. Exploring its terraces, temples, and stone structures will reveal the remarkable engineering of the Incas.
In the late afternoon, those wishing to return to Cusco will be transported back to the city, arriving at approximately 7:00 PM. For those continuing their journey to Machu Picchu, there is an option to take the train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, preparing for the next day’s visit to the world wonder.

Includes:

• Private tourist transportation
• Specialized tour guide in Incan archaeology and history
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
• Entrance to Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological sites

Not included:

• Additional snacks and drinks
• Personal expenses

Day 7: Machu Picchu, Lost Citadel

• Duration: Full day
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Recommendations: Wear light, layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and a camera to capture the stunning views. It’s recommended to reserve your Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance.

From Aguas Calientes, after breakfast, we’ll board a bus that takes about 30 minutes, zigzagging up the mountain slope to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.
Once inside Machu Picchu, you’ll enter the Lost City of the Incas, a sacred place filled with mystery, history, and architectural wonders. Your specialized guide will lead you on a detailed tour through the most important sectors, explaining the function and significance of each area in the daily life of the Incas.

After the guided tour, if booked in advance, you can climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, two of the most challenging but rewarding hikes, offering breathtaking views of the citadel and surrounding landscape.

After exploring Machu Picchu, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll board the return train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where you can relax and enjoy the last views of the Sacred Valley. The train features panoramic windows, allowing you to continue enjoying the scenery during the return.

Upon arrival at the train station, transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, concluding a day filled with history, mysticism, and adventure. Estimated arrival time in Cusco: 7:00 PM.

Includes:

• Round-trip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Professional tour guide
• Tourist transportation (train station – Cusco hotel)
• Return train ticket with Peru Rail or Inca Rail
• Hotel

Not included:

• Lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance and hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (requires prior reservation)
• Personal expenses

Day 8: Transfer Out

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Recommendations: Complete check-in one day before your flight.

Our driver will pick you up at the agreed time from your hotel’s reception to ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.
Our team will be available at all times to assist you with your luggage and answer any questions or requests you may have before your departure.
Enjoy a worry-free final journey with our transfer service, ending your visit to Cusco with the comfort you deserve.

Includes:
• Private round-trip transportation.