Cusco and Lima (6 Days)
Overview
A great option for those wishing to experience two sides of Peru in a single trip. Immerse yourself in the culture and the Andes Mountains in Cusco and Machu Picchu. Discover Lima—the Peruvian capital, with its rich gastronomy and Pacific-side attractions—and also visit Huacachina, South America’s famous oasis!
Itinerary
1DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN CUSCO AND ACCLIMATIZATION
As soon as you leave the airport, our private car will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel in comfort and safety.
This is a free day, designed specifically for you to rest after your journey and allow your body to gently adjust to the altitude of Cusco, located approximately 3,400 meters above sea level.
No rush, no obligations: take the time to rest, stay hydrated, and begin to soak up the magical atmosphere of the Andes.
2DAY 2 – SACRED VALLEY AND AGUAS CALIENTES
Check out of your hotel; we recommend taking only a backpack with the essentials for your overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, while your larger luggage remains in Cusco.
After breakfast, around 7:30 AM, we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, starting with the enchanting Pisac Archaeological Complex, where we will learn about Andean culture and history.
Next, we will travel to Urubamba for a lunch break before continuing to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and well-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.
Upon arrival, our team will be waiting at the station to welcome you and escort you to your hotel, ensuring your peace of mind and safety.
3DAY 3 – MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
The highlight of the trip has arrived!
In the morning, we will head to Machu Picchu. You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will lead you through the sanctuary and share all the details about 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, the ancient structures, the temples, and the ceremonial areas, as well as how the Incas made the most of the natural landscape and the mountain's strategic location.
After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch, stroll through the charming town, or simply rest before boarding the train back to Cusco.
At the scheduled time, you will board the train for the return journey to Cusco, taking with you not only beautiful photos but also the unforgettable experience of having visited one of the world's greatest wonders.
4DAY 4 – FLIGHT FROM CUSCO TO LIMA
Transfer to Cusco Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up at the scheduled time and transfer you to Cusco Airport, marking the start of the next leg of your journey.
VIP Welcome at Lima Airport
Upon arrival in Lima, our team will be waiting to give you a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety, and peace of mind from the very first moment in the Peruvian capital. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
5DAY 5 – BALLESTAS ISLANDS, ICA VINEYARDS, AND HUACACHINA
Departure from Lima at 5:00 AM for Paracas, where we will take a speedboat tour of the Ballestas Islands—known as the "Peruvian Mini-Galápagos"—offering the chance to see sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds, as well as the mysterious Paracas Candelabra.
Next, we will visit a traditional vineyard in Ica for a tasting of Peruvian wines and pisco, followed by a trip to the incredible Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by desert dunes, where you can enjoy dune buggy rides and sandboarding.
We will return to Lima at the end of the day, with an expected arrival time around 9:00 PM.
6DAY 6 – RETURN TO BRAZIL
It is time to say goodbye to Lima!
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at your hotel for a comfortable and stress-free transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight.
We hope you take home not only wonderful memories but also the desire to return 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 guides (Spanish & English) for all tours
- Tourist transport for all tours
- Tour: Sacred Valley of the Incas (includes lunch; entrance fees not included)
- Tour: Machu Picchu
- Round-trip train ticket (Expedition or Voyager category)
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Standard entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Tour: Paracas & Oasis (includes: entrance fees, boat trip in Paracas, vineyard drink tasting, sandboarding, and dune buggy ride at the oasis)
Not Included
- Airfare: Domestic and international
- Accommodation and meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees: Tourist Ticket for the Sacred Valley
- Snacks
- Water
Recommendations
- Bring your ID card or passport (the one used to purchase your ticket)
- Wear layered clothing
- Comfortable sneakers
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Snacks
- Motion sickness medication (for winding roads)
- Rain poncho (for the rainy season)
- Cash in Soles
- Backpack for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Avoid raw foods
- Drink only purchased water
- Keep your documents handy at all times
General Conditions
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Domestic Flight Exclusion: Airfare between Lima and Cusco (and vice versa) is not included. Passengers are responsible for booking their own domestic flights. Flight itineraries must be provided to the operator in advance to ensure synchronized airport transfer pickups and drop-offs in both cities.
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Document Matching & Ticket Non-Refundability: Original physical passports or ID cards used during booking must be presented at all transport hubs and site entrances. In accordance with regulations set by PeruRail/Inca Rail and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, tickets for Machu Picchu and train services are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-modifiable once issued.
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Adventure Activity & Maritime Safety Disclaimers: The Paracas and Huacachina excursion includes speedboat navigation to the Ballestas Islands and high-speed dune buggy rides with sandboarding. Maritime tours are subject to sea conditions and harbor master clearance. Buggy rides and sandboarding involve inherent risks; individuals with back injuries, heart conditions, or pregnancy are advised to opt out of extreme buggy maneuvers.
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Excluded Entry Fees: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) required to access the Sacred Valley archaeological sites is not included in the tour package price and must be paid in cash (Peruvian Soles) on-site.
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Train Luggage Limitations: For the overnight trip to Machu Picchu, train regulations limit onboard luggage to a single small backpack weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs) per passenger. Main luggage should be safely left at your hotel storage in Cusco.
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Schedule Flexibility & Itinerary Changes: Long-distance highway transit (Lima–Paracas–Ica) and regional travel may be influenced by traffic, maritime weather, or flight schedules. The operator reserves the right to reorder activities to maintain overall safety and tour execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are domestic flights between Lima and Cusco included, and how do airport transfers work?
Domestic and international flights are not included in the package. However, all four airport transfers (pickup and drop-off in Lima, as well as pickup and drop-off in Cusco) are fully included. You must submit your complete flight details (airline, flight numbers, and exact landing/departure times) at least 7 days prior to travel so transfer services can be scheduled seamlessly.
What should I expect on the Paracas & Huacachina Oasis tour day?
This is a full, action-packed day that involves early morning departure from Lima and several hours of highway travel. Highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands (wildlife viewing like sea lions and penguins), a vineyard pisco/wine tasting, and a dune buggy ride with sandboarding in the Huacachina desert. Due to long road transit, bringing motion sickness medication, sunscreen, cash in Soles, and comfortable clothes is strongly recommended.
What additional cash expenses should I budget for during this trip?
You will need cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) for:
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The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Sacred Valley sites (approx. 70 Soles for a partial ticket or 130 Soles for a full circuit ticket).
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Unmentioned meals (dinners in Lima/Cusco, lunch in Aguas Calientes/Paracas).
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Drinking water, snacks, souvenirs, and optional gratuities for local guides and drivers.
How should I pack and manage my luggage across the different regions?
Since this trip covers sea level (Lima/Paracas) and high altitude (Cusco/Machu Picchu), pack versatile layers, a light windbreaker for Paracas, warm thermal layers for Cusco, and comfortable walking shoes. For the Machu Picchu overnight portion, you will pack a small 5 kg backpack; your primary suitcases will remain in secure, complimentary storage at your hotel in Cusco.
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