With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do during your stay. That‘s why we‘ve created this 10–day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Peru and explore some of the Peru‘s top best destinations. From exploring the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu to taking in the stunning views of the Andes Mountains, you‘ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience in Peru. So, let‘s get started with River Explorers!
Visit Incan ruins and artisan market. Explore Ollantaytambo’s Incan fortress and village. Discover Moray’s Circular Incan terraces and Salineras’ ancient salt ponds.
Experience the iconic lost city of the Incas with a knowledgeable guide, exploring its intricate stone structures, terraced fields, and sacred temples while uncovering the mysteries of this ancient wonder.
Discover the historical capital of the Inca Empire, visiting key sites such as the Cathedral, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the vibrant San Pedro Market. Wander through its charming streets lined with colonial architecture and Incan foundations.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of one of the world’s deepest canyons. Spot majestic Andean condors soaring overhead and visit traditional villages to experience the local culture and stunning landscapes.
Take a thrilling flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, gigantic geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting various animals and shapes that are best appreciated from the air.
Explore the unique desert oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by towering sand dunes. Enjoy activities such as sandboarding and dune buggy rides, or simply relax by the lagoon amidst the striking desert scenery.
Embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Peru.” Observe a rich variety of wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabirds in their natural habitat.
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Embark on a 10-day journey through Peru’s iconic landscapes and cultural wonders. Our detailed day-by-day itinerary includes Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and more for an unforgettable adventure.
Your private transfer will take from your hotel to Lima airport to catch a scenic flight to Cusco.
In Cusco your private vehicle and guide will pick you up at the Cusco airport and take you immediately to the Sacred Valley (the best place to get easily acclimatize and reduce the altitude sickness symptoms) on a private tour to some of the most incredible sites in the Sacred Valley. Our experienced guides will provide interesting insights into the history and culture of the ancient ruins of Moray, Chincheros and the breathtaking Salineras salt mines.
You will also have the opportunity to taste some of the local cuisine and purchase handmade souvenirs. We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable experience in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Todays adventure starts with a guided tour around Ollantytambo Inca complex. This archaeological site is considered one of the best-preserved ruins in Peru and is an important part of the Incan legacy. Ollantaytambo is a great place to explore the history, culture and traditions of the Incas and to marvel at the impressive architecture of the ruins.
We continue our tour towards the beautiful and ancient Inca site of Pisac, which overlooks the Sacred Valley. Here you will get to explore the archaeological site and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will learn about the significance of the site and the various structures and ruins that remain such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana.
After exploring the ruins, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, a small town at the base of Machu Picchu. The train journey takes about two hours through stunning mountain scenery, making it a great way to get to Machu Picchu.
You will board a bus shuttle to Machu Picchu for a full guided tours around this amazing place. As you approach the ruins, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You will explore the ruins with your guide and learn about the myths, history that lies behind every structure. After you’ve seen the ruins, you can take a hike to one of the popular mountain peaks of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to get a better view of the ancient city. After you’ve explored the ruins and taken in the incredible views, you will catch the bus back to Aguas calientes and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo.
From here, your private transport will take you to Cusco. By this stage of the journey, you will be better acclimatized to the altitude, making it easier to enjoy activities in Cusco, which is located at 3,350 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level.
Take the morning to relax and then you will have and city tour around Cusco. You will explore the city’s beautiful colonial architecture and get to visit some of the important sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the famous Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay.
Your day begins early with a scenic drive from Cusco into the high Andes, heading toward the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.
As the sun rises, you’ll set out on an unforgettable journey through dramatic Andean landscapes streaked with naturally vibrant mineral colors. For those who enjoy walking, the hike is both rewarding and awe-inspiring. Prefer a different kind of adventure? You can reach the summit on horseback or by quad bike instead — the choice is yours. (Hike or ATV — adventure your way.)
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Rainbow Mountain’s vivid layers, framed by towering snow-capped peaks. It’s a truly unique sight and the perfect moment to capture stunning photos of one of Peru’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
After descending, enjoy a well-earned lunch while taking in the beauty of the surrounding Andes. Later, we return to Cusco in time for your evening flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and rest up, ready for an exciting exploration of the Colca Canyon the following day.
Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Arequipa. Together with your guide and driver, you’ll head toward the spectacular Colca Canyon, traveling through wide open landscapes of the Andean highlands.
Along the way, you’ll stop at a few scenic viewpoints to enjoy the views and take photos. The route passes snow-capped volcanoes, quiet lagoons, and small traditional villages, where you may spot llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing freely. As you approach the canyon, the landscape slowly changes, descending from the high-altitude plains into the fertile Colca Valley, known for its ancient terraces and rural charm.
By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Yanque, a peaceful town in the heart of the canyon, where you can relax, explore the village, and take in your first views of this remarkable region before settling in for the night.
The tour starts early in the morning, when you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Cruz del Condor. Along the way, there will be some stops and small hikes where you will get to experience the spectacular scenery of the Colca Canyon, including its towering cliffs and deep ravines.
Once at the Cruz del Condor, visitors will get the chance to see the Andean Condors soaring in the sky and take in the incredible views of the canyon from the best lookout point. After soaking in the scenery, you will then drive back to Arequipa allowing some stops for pictures and lunch.
You will take a first class 10 hour bus ride from Arequipa to Nazca City in a comfortable and luxurious bus. You will travel in a modern, air-conditioned bus with reclining seats, ample legroom, and plenty of overhead storage space. You will also be served a delicious meals, snacks, and drinks on board. Additionally, the bus is equipped with full on-board entertainment systems. Besides you will get to experience the different geography that totally differs from the other places you have visited in Peru.
The flight itself offers stunning views of the Nazca Lines, a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca desert in Peru. During the flight your guide will take on a 30 minutes flight overlooking animals, plant, and geometric designs that make up the lines so mysterious. After the flight, you will take a 3 hour bus to Ica bus terminal and then a private transfer to the nearby Huacachina Oasis.
Your day starts early as your guide picks you up for a thrilling buggy ride into the desert surrounding Huacachina. You’ll head up to one of the highest dunes just in time to watch the sun rise over the sand a quiet, unforgettable moment. Afterward, you can try sandboarding or simply enjoy cruising across the dunes by buggy.
From here, you’ll continue to the coast for a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. This scenic ride takes you close to rocky islands filled with wildlife. Along the way, you’ll see sea lions resting on the rocks, penguins along the cliffs, and a huge variety of seabirds flying overhead. Your guide will also point out the famous Candelabra geoglyph, carved into the desert hillside centuries ago.
After the tour, you’ll board a comfortable bus and continue to Lima.
Accomodation
7 nights in a strong 3 stars hotel, 1 night a lodge in Yanque and 1 night hostel in Huacachina.
Transport
Transfers in and out from airports, bus and train terminals. Train tickets to and from Machu Picchu. Private transportation during the tours, public transportation from Arequipa to Nazca, Ica and to Lima.
Meals
All meals described in the itinerary program.
Guides
Local guides. They are fluent in English with University degree in tourism and certified in rescue and advanced first aid courses.
Guided tour
Guided tours to all the Attractions mentioned on the trip itinerary.
Flight tickets
Internal flight tickets Lima-Cusco.
Entrance fees
All the entrance fees to the different attractions during your vacations.
Travel Insurance
It is important to obtain travel insurance prior to completing any financial transactions to ensure safety and peace of mind during your journey.
Hotels
Hotels are not included on days when visitors choose not to follow the itinerary or decide to stay at the hotel due to sickness, tiredness, or simply because they do not wish to continue with the trip.
Transportation
Transportation is not mentioned in the tour itinerary.
Gratuities
Tipping is typically around 10 percent of the cost of your trip.
During your 10-day Peru adventure, enjoy stays at carefully chosen 3 to 4-star hotels, with options to upgrade to luxurious 5-star accommodations. Each hotel is selected for comfort, convenience, and charm, boasting excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com. Located in safe, well-regarded neighborhoods, they provide easy access to key attractions.
Timeless elegance with traditional decor and modern amenities, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Modern: Sleek design and state-of-the-art facilities for contemporary comfort.
Colonial: Historic charm with antique furnishings and unique cultural ambiance.
