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 – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – VINICUNCA
At approximately 4:30 AM, our transport will pick you up at your hotel and head to Cusipata, where we will stop for breakfast around 7:00 AM.
Next, we will continue to the trailhead and begin an uphill hike of about two hours to the summit of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), with stops along the way to rest. Although the hike is challenging due to the altitude, the incredible scenery makes it worthwhile, and your guide will share information about the area.
There is an option to make the ascent on horseback (payment in cash, approximately 100 soles, payable on-site).
After taking in the views and snapping photos, we will begin the descent—taking about an hour and a half—back to the transport. Afterward, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and return to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 PM. Drop-off is at Plaza Regozijo.
We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers or hiking boots. During the rainy season, please bring a waterproof raincoat.
5DAY 5 – 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.
6DAY 6 – 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.
7DAY 7 – 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
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour: includes lunch; entrance fees not included
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour: includes entrance fee, breakfast, and lunch
- Machu Picchu Tour
- 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
- Paracas & Oasis Tour: 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
-
Domestic Airfare Exclusion: Flights between Lima and Cusco (and vice versa) are not included. Passengers must purchase their own airfare and provide full flight schedules at least 7 days prior to arrival to guarantee coordinated transfers across all four airport pickups and drop-offs (2 in Lima, 2 in Cusco).
-
High-Altitude Trekking Notice: The Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) portion of this itinerary exceeds 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) in elevation. This trek involves steep inclines and physical exertion at extreme altitudes. Travelers are responsible for ensuring they are in sound physical health. Comprehensive travel and health insurance with high-altitude coverage is strongly recommended.
-
Document Verification & Non-Refundable Tickets: Original physical passports or ID cards registered during booking must be carried at all times. Per regulations established by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and rail authorities, Machu Picchu tickets and train passes (Expedition or Voyager) are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable once issued.
-
Excluded Entry Fees: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) required for Sacred Valley sites is not included. This fee must be paid on-site directly in cash using local currency (Peruvian Soles).
-
Coastal Adventure & Maritime Safety: The Paracas boat tour and Huacachina dune buggy/sandboarding activities carry inherent risks and are subject to harbor master approvals and desert weather conditions. Travelers with severe back conditions, heart problems, or pregnancies should refrain from high-speed dune buggy maneuvers.
-
Train Baggage Allowance: Rail operators enforce a maximum baggage limit of one small backpack weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs) per person for the overnight trip to Aguas Calientes. Main luggage will be held in secure storage at your Cusco hotel free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are domestic flights included, and how are all four airport transfers coordinated?
Domestic and international flights are not included in the package. However, all four airport transfers (Lima arrival, Lima departure, Cusco arrival, and Cusco departure) are fully covered. You must provide your flight numbers and arrival/departure times in advance so transport drivers can be assigned for seamless pickups in both cities.
How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain hike on this 7-day itinerary?
The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is classified as challenging due to the altitude (5,036 m / 16,520 ft) rather than technical difficulty. The walk takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill. To prepare, ensure you rest upon arrival in Cusco, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals/alcohol, and wear layered clothing, sturdy hiking footwear, and strong sun protection.
What is included in the Paracas & Huacachina Oasis tour day?
This day trip covers the southern coastal desert of Peru. Included in your package are:
-
Guided speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands to view marine wildlife (sea lions, Humboldt penguins).
-
Pisco and wine tasting at a traditional vineyard.
-
High-speed dune buggy ride and sandboarding session in the Huacachina sand dunes.
-
All associated admission fees for coastal/oasis attractions.
What extra cash expenses should I budget for during this trip?
You should carry cash in Peruvian Soles (PEN) for:
-
The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Sacred Valley archaeological sites (approx. 70 to 130 Soles per person).
-
Meals not specified in the itinerary (dinners in Lima/Cusco, lunch in Aguas Calientes and Paracas).
-
Drinking water, snacks, motion sickness medication, tips, and optional horse rentals at Rainbow Mountain if needed.
