Peru Travel 12 Days

Highlights: Lima Historic Center, Huaca Pucllana, San Francisco Monastery
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin a panoramic Lima city tour. Discover the three historical periods of Peru’s capital: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial, and Modern Lima.
Visit iconic landmarks such as:
Plaza de Armas (Main Square)
San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs
Huaca Pucllana (pre-Inca ceremonial site)
Miraflores and modern districts

Highlights: Ballestas Islands, Wildlife, Sandboarding, Dune Buggies
Early morning departure (04:30–05:00 am) from Lima to Paracas. Visit the Ballestas Islands National Reserve, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and guano birds. View the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph from the boat.

Continue to Ica for a traditional pisco and wine tasting, followed by a local lunch. Then travel to the desert oasis of Huacachina for an adrenaline-filled dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience.
Free time to explore the oasis and enjoy the sunset before returning to Lima around 10:00 pm.

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred from your hotel to begin your journey from Lima to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cultural destinations in South America.

Upon arrival in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft above sea level), our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. This day is specially designed for acclimatization to the high altitude, allowing your body to gradually adjust before the upcoming excursions in the Andes.

The rest of the day is free for light activities and gentle exploration. We recommend taking an easy walk around the historic center, visiting nearby plazas, enjoying local cafés, or simply resting at your hotel. You may also try traditional coca tea, a natural remedy commonly used to help with altitude adaptation.

Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends Inca foundations with colonial architecture, offering a first glimpse into the region’s rich history and living traditions. This relaxed introduction prepares you physically and mentally for the adventures ahead in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the surrounding Andes.

Highlights: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo
Pick-up from your hotel at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm for a guided Cusco city tour. Visit:
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Sacsayhuamán
Qenqo
Puka Pukara
Tambomachay
Return near the historic center in the evening.

Highlights: Traditional Andean villages, Inca agricultural engineering, salt mines, living Inca town
Departing early at 6:00 am, we begin a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a region renowned for its fertile lands, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary archaeological sites.
Our first stop is Chinchero, a charming Andean village famous for its traditional textile weaving techniques passed down through generations. Here, you will learn about natural dyes, ancestral weaving methods, and local customs that are still very much alive today.

Next, we visit the impressive Moray agricultural terraces, a unique Inca laboratory believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. The circular terraces demonstrate the advanced knowledge the Incas had of microclimates and crop adaptation.

We then continue to the stunning Maras Salt Mines (Salineras de Maras), where thousands of salt pools cascade down the mountainside. These salt pans have been harvested since pre-Inca times and remain an important source of income for local families. This is one of the most photographed sites in the Sacred Valley.

Afterward, we travel to Urubamba to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean and international cuisine, surrounded by spectacular valley views.
In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, an important Inca fortress and ceremonial center known for its massive stone terraces and temples. Your guide will explain its historical role as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural site.

We will spend the night in Ollantaytambo, a unique town often called a “living Inca village”, where original Inca streets and canals are still in use today. In the evening, you may enjoy a peaceful walk through the cobblestone streets or relax at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our scenic journey from Ollantaytambo to Santa Teresa, traveling by private transportation through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, and spectacular Andean landscapes. Along the way, you will witness a dramatic change in scenery as the high Andes gradually transition into the cloud forest and jungle region.

During the drive, we pass through coffee and fruit plantations, where the warmer climate allows for the cultivation of coffee, bananas, avocados, and other tropical products. This route offers incredible photo opportunities and a glimpse into rural life in the region.
Upon arrival in Santa Teresa, we check into our accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved lunch featuring local dishes. After a short rest, we head to the renowned Cocalmayo Hot Springs, considered among the most beautiful natural thermal baths in southern Peru.

Surrounded by mountains and tropical vegetation, you will have time to relax in the warm, crystal-clear pools—an ideal way to soothe muscles and recharge after several days of travel and exploration. The peaceful setting makes this experience both restorative and memorable.
After enjoying the hot springs, we return to Santa Teresa for dinner and an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we begin the day in Santa Teresa. In the morning, you will have the optional opportunity to enjoy an exciting zip-lining adventure, flying over valleys and rivers while surrounded by lush jungle scenery—an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.

Afterward, we continue by vehicle to the Hydroelectric Plant, an alternative and scenic access route to Machu Picchu, known for its beautiful landscapes and close connection to nature. Upon arrival, we enjoy lunch before starting our hike.

We then begin a pleasant and mostly flat 2-hour walk along the railway through the tropical jungle, following the Urubamba River. During the hike, you will see rich vegetation, waterfalls, orchids, and occasionally get distant views of the Machu Picchu mountain. This route offers a peaceful and immersive approach to the ancient citadel.

For travelers who prefer not to hike, there is an optional train service from the Hydroelectric area to Aguas Calientes, available at an additional cost.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, we check into our hotel and have free time to explore the town. You may visit local markets, enjoy cafés and restaurants, or relax before the big visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
In the evening, we enjoy dinner and receive a briefing from the guide with important information for the Machu Picchu guided tour.

Highlight: Machu Picchu – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Early in the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus, ascending through a scenic mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world.

Upon arrival, you will meet your professional guide and begin a guided tour lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours. During the visit, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history, purpose, and spiritual importance of Machu Picchu, as well as stories about Inca daily life, engineering mastery, and the site’s relationship with the surrounding mountains and natural environment.

As you explore the citadel, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and have plenty of time to take memorable photographs while learning about the mystical energy and symbolism that make Machu Picchu such a powerful and unforgettable destination. The tour is designed to provide a deep understanding of the site without rushing, allowing you to fully appreciate its atmosphere and setting.
After the guided experience, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, relax, or explore the town at your own pace.
In the afternoon, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting to assist you with the transfer back to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to rest after an inspiring and memorable day.

Very early in the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin a scenic drive through the Andean highlands toward the town of Mollepata. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of valleys, snow-capped peaks, and traditional rural communities.

Upon arrival in Mollepata, we will stop for a nutritious breakfast, allowing you to prepare for the hike ahead. After breakfast, we continue by vehicle for approximately 1.5 hours to Soraypampa, the starting point of the Humantay Lake hike.
The trek begins with a steady uphill walk through open mountain landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped mountains. Along the trail, your guide will provide information about local flora, fauna, and Andean traditions, while allowing time for rest and acclimatization.

After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, we reach the stunning Humantay Lake, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters created by glacial melt. You will have time to relax, take photographs, and fully appreciate the peaceful and powerful natural surroundings—one of the most beautiful mountain lagoons in Peru.
Following our time at the lake, we descend back to Soraypampa and return by vehicle to Mollepata, where a traditional Andean lunch awaits. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.

Today is a free day in Cusco, giving you the opportunity to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its unique blend of Inca heritage and Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant traditions, and welcoming atmosphere.

You may choose to stroll through the historic center, visiting charming streets, traditional neighborhoods, and lively plazas such as Plaza de Armas and San Blas, a bohemian district famous for its artisan workshops, galleries, and panoramic city views. Cusco’s streets themselves are an open-air museum, built upon original Inca stone foundations.
This day is perfect for discovering local markets, where you can experience daily life and shop for handmade textiles, alpaca products, ceramics, and souvenirs. You may also visit museums and cultural centers to learn more about Andean history, art, and traditions.

For those interested in gastronomy, Cusco offers a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, from traditional Andean cuisine to modern fusion dishes. Alternatively, you can simply relax, enjoy a coffee with a view, or book an optional massage or spa treatment to recharge after several days of adventure.
This relaxed day also helps your body continue adapting to the altitude while allowing you to enjoy Cusco’s magical atmosphere before your final excursions.

Very early in the morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to begin the journey to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, one of Peru’s most impressive and colorful natural attractions.
We travel by private transportation through remote Andean landscapes, passing traditional villages and grazing alpacas and llamas along the way. After approximately two hours, we arrive in the town of Cusipata, where we stop for a hearty breakfast to prepare for the hike.

Continuing by vehicle for about 1.5 hours, we reach the trailhead, where the hike begins. The walk to the viewpoint is gradual and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on pace. Along the trail, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and snow-capped peaks, including Ausangate, the highest mountain in the region.

Upon reaching the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, you will have time to admire the striking natural colors created by mineral deposits, take unforgettable photographs, and enjoy the breathtaking high-altitude scenery. Your guide will explain the geological formation of the mountain and its cultural significance to local Andean communities.
After enjoying the viewpoint, we hike back to the starting point and return to Cusipata for a traditional Andean lunch. In the afternoon, we travel back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:30–5:00 pm.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Peru’s cultural and natural treasures. After breakfast at your hotel in Cusco, you will be transferred to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport according to your flight schedule.

Our staff will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, providing assistance with your luggage and check-in procedures. As you depart, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past 12 days: exploring the historic streets of Lima and Cusco, visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, trekking to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, and immersing yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Peru.
For travelers continuing on to Lima, we recommend arriving early to enjoy optional activities in the capital city or simply relax before your onward journey. This transfer ensures a stress-free conclusion to your Peruvian adventure.