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Cusco & Lima (7 Days)
- Duration7 days / 6 nights
- DifficultyModerate
- Max. altitude5,036 m
- Group sizeMax. 18
Overview
Cusco & Lima — Andes, desert and Pacific
A great option for travelers who want to see two sides of Peru in a single trip. Experience the culture and the Andes mountains in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Discover Lima, Peru's capital, with its rich food scene and Pacific coast attractions, and also visit Huacachina, South America's famous oasis!
Who this package is for
Ideal if you want to combine the essentials of Cusco with the Peruvian coast: Inca history, the Rainbow Mountain hike, marine wildlife, vineyards and dune adventures. Most of the itinerary is relaxed; only the Rainbow Mountain day calls for good fitness.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included by default: you can choose your hotel category when booking or ask us to add it to your package. Keep in mind that the itinerary includes one night in Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu, in addition to your nights in the other cities on the route. If you like, our team can suggest options to suit your travel style and budget.
Highlights
- Machu Picchu with a professional guide
- Sacred Valley and train to Aguas Calientes
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike
- Ballestas Islands and the Paracas Candelabra
- Wine and pisco tasting in Ica
- Dune buggy and sandboarding in Huacachina
- VIP welcome in Lima
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Cusco and acclimatization
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you comfortably and safely to your hotel.
This is a free day, designed so you can rest from your journey and let your body adjust gently to Cusco's altitude of approximately 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level.
No rush and no commitments: take the time to rest, stay hydrated and start soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
Day 2Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes
Check out of your hotel. We recommend taking only a backpack with what you need for the night in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage can stay in Cusco.
After breakfast, at around 7:30 am, we set off for the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the charming Pisac Archaeological Complex, where you will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next we continue to Urubamba for a lunch break, before heading on to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved Inca towns in the Sacred Valley.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
On arrival, our team will be waiting for you at the station to meet you and take you to your hotel, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Day 3Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
The big moment of the trip has arrived!
In the morning we head up to Machu Picchu with a professional guide, who will lead you through the sanctuary and share every detail of this incredible city built by the Incas.
During the visit you will learn about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu: the impressive agricultural terraces, ancient buildings, temples, ceremonial spaces and the way the Incas made the most of nature and the mountain's strategic location.
After the visit we return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch, a stroll around this charming town or simply a rest until it is time to board the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time you will board the train back to Cusco, taking home not only beautiful photos but the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the greatest wonders of the world.
Day 4Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca
At around 4:30 am, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Cusipata, where we stop for breakfast at about 7:00 am.
We then continue to the trailhead and begin a hike of approximately 2 hours uphill to the top of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, with rest stops along the way. Although demanding because of the altitude, the route rewards you with incredible scenery, and your guide will share information about the site.
There is an option to go up on horseback (around 100 soles, paid in cash on site).
After taking in the view and snapping photos, we begin the roughly 1.5-hour descent back to the vehicle. We then have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving at around 5:30 pm. Drop-off is at Plaza Regocijo.
Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots are recommended. In the rainy season, bring a waterproof poncho.
Day 5Flight from Cusco to Lima
Transfer to Cusco airport
After breakfast at your hotel, our team will pick you up at the agreed time for your transfer to Cusco airport, starting the next leg of your trip.VIP welcome at Lima airport
When you land in Lima, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and take you to your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety and peace of mind from your very first moment in Peru's capital. The rest of the day is free.Please note: the Cusco–Lima flight is not included in the package.
Day 6Ballestas Islands, Ica vineyards and Huacachina
Departure from Lima at 5:00 am for Paracas, where we take a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galápagos", with the chance to spot sea lions, penguins and many seabirds, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra.
Next we visit a traditional Ica vineyard for a tasting of Peruvian wines and piscos, then continue to the incredible Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by desert dunes, where you can enjoy dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
At the end of the day we return to Lima, arriving at around 9:00 pm.
Day 7Departure / return home
Time to say goodbye to Lima!
At the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Lima airport for your flight home.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories, but also the desire to come back and discover even more of Peru.
What's included
Included
- 2 transfers in Cusco: airport / hotel / airport
- 2 transfers in Lima: airport / hotel / airport
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guides on all tours
- Tourist transportation on all tours
- Sacred Valley of the Incas tour with lunch (entrance fees not included)
- Machu Picchu tour with a professional guide
- Round-trip train ticket, Expedition or Voyager class
- Bus up and down between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast and lunch
- Paracas & Oasis tour: includes entrance fees, Paracas boat ride, vineyard tasting, sandboarding and dune buggy at the oasis
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) for the Sacred Valley
- Horseback ride at Rainbow Mountain (optional, around 100 soles)
- Snacks
- Water
What to bring
- Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
- Dress in layers
- Warm clothing, hat and gloves for the high-altitude hikes
- Comfortable sneakers
- Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion-sickness medication for the winding roads
- Rain poncho during the rainy season
- Cash in Peruvian soles
- A small backpack for the night in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Avoid raw food
- Drink only bottled water
- Keep your documents with you at all times
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to do this itinerary?
Cusco and Machu Picchu can be visited all year round.
High season – dry season: May to October, with less rain and more visitors. We recommend booking well in advance.
Low season – rainy season: November to April, with a higher chance of rain but fewer crowds and, at certain times, better prices.
What should I bring on the tours?
We recommend comfortable clothes in layers, suitable footwear, sun protection, a water bottle and a small backpack. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for cold, sun and possible rain.
For the high-altitude hikes, also pack warm layers, a hat, gloves and sneakers or boots with good grip.
Can I do this itinerary with children or older travelers?
Yes! Most tours in Peru are suitable for all ages, and we can adapt the itinerary to each traveler's profile and pace.
The exception is the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) hike. We do not recommend these hikes for children, as they are demanding high-altitude treks with steep climbs and less oxygen available.
For older travelers, we recommend considering fitness level and adjustment to altitude, especially on group tours, where everyone needs to keep up with the group and stick to the schedule. If mobility is a concern, private tours offer much more flexibility.
Is the Cusco–Lima flight included?
No. Domestic and international flights are not included, but airport–hotel transfers in Cusco and Lima are, with a meet-and-greet at Lima airport. We can help you choose the best flight time for the itinerary.
Can I add or remove tours from the 7-day itinerary?
Yes! We specialize in tailor-made itineraries and can adapt the tours to your interests, pace and available time.
Will you support me throughout the trip?
Yes! We provide personal assistance from start to finish, with WhatsApp support to guide you and help whenever you need it. While you enjoy Peru, our team takes care of the details.
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