Cusco & Lima Adventure (12 Days)

Overview

Highlights

• Machu Picchu with a professional guide
• Hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
• Turquoise waters of Humantay Lake
• Seven Lakes of Ausangate above 4,600 m
• Archaeological city tour in Cusco
• Ballestas Islands, Ica and Huacachina
• Colonial and modern Lima city tour

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Day 5Archaeological city tour

   At around 8:45 am we begin our Archaeological City Tour, a journey through the history and culture of the ancient Inca Empire.

   We visit the Qoricancha Temple, a major Inca religious center, then continue to the impressive archaeological sites on the outskirts of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.

   Along the way you will discover buildings, temples and places that reveal the grandeur of Inca civilization, always accompanied by a guide who shares the stories and curiosities of each site. The tour ends at around 2:00 pm.

6. Day 6Humantay Lake

   Leave Cusco at around 4:30 am for Mollepata, where we stop for breakfast. We then continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of the hike.

   The climb takes about 2 hours and is challenging because of the altitude. At over 4,200 m (13,780 ft), you will take in the incredible turquoise waters of Humantay Lake. There is an option to go up on horseback, paid in cash on site (around S/ 100).

   After the visit we descend for about 1.5 hours and stop for lunch in Mollepata. We are back in Cusco at around 5:00 pm, with drop-off at Plaza Regocijo.

7. Day 7Free day in Cusco

   Enjoy a well-deserved rest! Relax and experience Cusco at your own pace: stroll through the historic center, discover cafés, restaurants and little shops, or simply soak up this charming city.

8. Day 8Seven Lakes of Ausangate

   Leave Cusco at around 4:00 am for Pacchanta, where we have breakfast before starting the hike to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, located more than 4,600 meters (15,090 ft) above sea level.

   The trail takes about 2.5 hours each way, passing brightly colored lakes, towering mountains and incredible Andean scenery.

   After the hike we have lunch, with the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs (optional, 20 soles).

   Return to Cusco at around 6:30 pm, wrapping up a day full of nature, adventure and connection with the Andes.

9. Day 9Flight to Lima

   Time to say goodbye to Cusco!

   At the agreed time we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable, relaxed transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima (airfare not included).

   When you land in Lima, our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the Miraflores district. The rest of the day is free.

10. Day 10Ballestas 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.

11. Day 11Colonial and modern Lima city tour

    After breakfast, depart at around 9:15 am to discover Lima's main highlights.

    Visit Huaca Pucllana, the historic center with the Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martín and the San Francisco Convent, plus the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Finish at the Love Park and Larcomar, with beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends at around 12:30 pm.

12. Day 12Departure / 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

What to bring

• Bring your passport or ID (needed to purchase entrance tickets)
• Dress in layers
• Comfortable sneakers
• Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip
• Warm jacket, hat and gloves for the high-altitude hikes
• Trekking poles (optional)
• 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

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