To witness such a wealth of cultural and natural treasures in such a short timeframe is truly a privilege that deeply inspires awe and respect. Exploring Cusco, the heart of the mighty Inca empire, the Sacred Valley, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain, and the breathtaking Colca Canyon – all within a span of 10 days!
Season: All year
Witness the grandeur of Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, home to soaring condors, stunning landscapes, and traditional Andean villages.
Explore Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, visiting the floating Uros Islands and experiencing the rich culture and traditions of the local communities.
Embark on an exhilarating trek to Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, in Cusco, where you’ll witness stunning multicolored landscapes, vibrant hues, and panoramic Andean views, creating an unforgettable adventure in nature’s vibrant palette.
Discover Cusco, the historic Inca capital, with its blend of ancient ruins, colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and lively plazas that tell the story of Peru’s past.
Journey through the Sacred Valley, with its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and impressive Inca sites, including the agricultural terraces of Moray and the salt mines of Maras.
Experience the mystical wonder of Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel nestled in the Andes, with its breathtaking views, intricate stonework, and rich history waiting to be uncovered.
Embark on an exhilarating 10-day adventure through Peru’s most iconic destinations, uncovering the breathtaking Colca Canyon, serene Lake Titicaca, historic Cusco, enchanting Sacred Valley, and mystical Machu Picchu.
Arrival in Lima, Peru’s capital, at any time during the day. Transfer from the airport to your hotel with our private van and a River Explorers assistant who will give you tips on what to do in Lima and also explain the flight itinerary and transfer time for your tour the next day.
On day two, we will transfer you to the airport to catch a scenic flight towards Cusco. Enjoy amazing views of the Andes with their snow-capped mountains, canyons, lakes and lagoons as you fly above. At Cusco Airport our private van driver and River Explorers representative will be waiting for you to take you directly to the Sacred Valley.
We start with a visit to Chinchero, where you’ll explore the fascinating ruins and witness traditional Andean weaving at a local center, showcasing centuries-old techniques. Next, journey to the incredible agricultural terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca laboratory of farming innovation. Marvel at the stunning Salineras salt mines, a network of thousands of salt pans still harvested by local families. Finally, discover the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, a majestic Inca stronghold with intricate stonework and panoramic views.
Exploring the Sacred Valley not only offers a rich cultural experience but also helps acclimate you to the altitude. Nestled between 2,850 to 2,700 meters above sea level, it provides a gentler introduction to Peru’s highlands, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness that affects many visitors at higher elevations.
End your day in comfort, staying at a charming hotel in Ollantaytambo, ready for the adventures that await.
We’re kicking things off by heading towards Ollantaytambo which is the first spot in the Sacred Valley. Ollantaytambo served as the royal digs of Emperor Pachacutec, the chap who conquered these lands and laid the foundations for a town boasting temples, storehouses, terraces, quarries, baths, and defenses. The mind-boggling feat of the perfectly shaped giant stones here continues to baffle experts from various fields.
After, we continue our tour to Pisaq. You’ll be surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the Urubamba River flowing through the valley, just like back in the Inca days, providing a lifeline for agriculture then and now for the locals.
Pisaq is a complex perched on a hill at the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Legend has it that it was strategically built by the Incas to link and monitor a path connecting the Inca Empire to the Amazon jungle. We’ll take a leisurely 2-hour trek through neighborhoods featuring baths, temples, tunnels, and bridges, with your expert guide sharing the fascinating history behind these spots. The sight of those hand-crafted agricultural terraces sprawled across the mountainside is truly something else, a testament to Inca ingenuity that’s still being used today.
After that, we’ll swing by Pisaq town to check out the bustling Pisaq market, where you can rub elbows with local mountain folk exchanging goods and grab some cool handicrafts and souvenirs if you fancy.
En route to Ollantaytambo, we’ll make a pit stop at a lovely restaurant for a buffet lunch to fuel up for the next leg of our journey.
From Ollantaytambo, we’ll hop on the train to Aguas Calientes, a stone’s throw from Machu Picchu, with a journey time of around one hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, our trusty driver will scoop you up and whisk you away to the hotel. Spend your evening taking a leisurely stroll around Aguas Calientes or savor a meal at a cozy local joint.
On day four we will rise early to enjoy the top destination of your tour, Machu Picchu. Our journey from Aguas Calientes will take 30 minutes.
Our guide will take you around the area for a two-hour guided tour of this impressive complex. This amazing complex was never found by the Spanish and consequently not destroyed, as was the case with many other Inca sites. Over the years, much of the site was swallowed by the surrounding jungle and only local natives knew of its existence. Then on July 24th 1911, Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham.
Machu Picchu was constructed in a classical Inca style with polished stone walls. This complex has three primary buildings: the Intihuatana, the ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’; the Temple of the Sun; and the Room of the Three Windows. All of these are located in the most sacred quarter of Machu Picchu.
After the guided tour there will be plenty of time to take pictures and explore at your own pace before heading back to Aguas Calientes to catch the train to Ollantaytambo, where we will then take a bus to the hotel in Cusco.
Prepare for an exciting journey through Cusco City! Your tour starts at 9 am, and you’re in for a real treat! Get ready to be amazed as you take a guided tour of the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the sacred site of Qenqo, the historic Puca Pucara complex, and the famous Royal Inca bath at Tambomachay. This is an experience you don’t want to miss – get ready for an unforgettable journey through the captivating wonders of Cusco!
Start your adventure with an early morning departure from Cusco, heading towards the vibrant and majestic Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca.
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating hike through mesmerizing landscapes bursting with vibrant, colorful minerals that will leave you in awe. If you’re not into hiking, you have other options like horseback riding or riding a quad bike to reach the summit and enjoy the stunning views.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the colorful mountain and the majestic Andean peaks surrounding it. Take out your cameras and capture unforgettable moments in this unique geological wonder.
After coming down, have a lunch while enjoying the beauty of the Andes. Then, get ready for a scenic journey to Puno, passing through the picturesque Andean highlands. Once you arrive in Puno, settle into your hotel and get ready for an adventure at Lake Titicaca the next day!
We will depart early by speedboat for the Uros floating islands. Here you will explore many of the islands with your guide, who will explain how the Uros people use amazing engineering skills to keep the islands afloat. Continuing on our trip, we will arrive at the Peninsula of Capachica where we will take a leisurely 1-hour walk on an original pre-Inca route. You will enjoy the spectacular views while enjoying countryside life.
This program is a sustainable project that involves people of a community that share all the benefits and work equally between its members. On Amantani Island, we will visit a small village where a family will welcome us and share their culture and traditions. After this, we will take the boat and navigate the lake for 30 more minutes and have a typical lunch with astonishing vistas of the lake. We will then return to Puno in the late afternoon.
We will depart from Puno around 8am on a scenic drive to Chivay, a small town in the Colca Valley. The drive takes us past lakes, lagoons, mountains and villages, with a lot of chances to see birds and herds of vicunas, alpacas and llamas. In Chivay your guide will wait at the bus terminal to take in a short drive towards Yanque a picturesque local village located away from tourist and you will check in a lovely hotel. Have lunch at the hotel and after you can choose to have a small hike with your guide or just relax in your hotel.
Embark on an adventure with a private guided tour starting from Yanque, providing personalized insights and flexibility throughout the journey.
Visit the well-known Cruz del Condor viewpoint to witness the majestic Andean condors gracefully soaring over one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Take short, scenic hikes through the canyon’s rugged terrain, pausing at strategic viewpoints to admire the stunning landscapes, ancient terraces, and traditional villages scattered along the canyon walls. Your guide will share intriguing stories and historical significance at each stop.
Travel to the delightful town of Chivay for a delicious lunch featuring local Peruvian cuisine.
Continue your journey with a scenic drive to Arequipa, passing through the dramatic landscapes of the Altiplano and witnessing the changing scenery. Arrive in Arequipa in the late afternoon
Proceed to Arequipa Airport for your scheduled flight heading to Lima, from where you will board your flight back to your final destination.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Also Learn about our: Peru Tour Packages!
Meals Included: Enjoy daily breakfasts, plus 2 lunch,
Transfers: All transfers within Peru after your arrival are included.
Accommodation: Stay in a strong 3 stars hotels for 9 nights.
Transport: Private vans, toruist buses, local flights, trains, and motor boats.
Lake Titicaca: Experience a shared guided tour of Taquile, Amantani, and the Uros Islands, including one night’s accommodation in a guest house.
Machu Picchu: Private tour with a local guide, entrance fees, train tickets, bus to and from Machu Picchu, hotel stay, and bus transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
Colca Canyon: Private a local guide and transportation, one night’s accommodation in a hotel.
Hotels and Meals: Accommodation and meals for any additional days passengers choose to stay in Cusco, Puno, or other cities beyond the planned itinerary.
Meals: Any meals not specified in the tour itinerary.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel and cancellation insurance for peace of mind during your trip.
Gratuities: Show appreciation by leaving a 10% tip of the total package price per person for your guides.
Additional Activities: Any activities not listed in the tour description.
Vacation beach in Peru, will take you into Cusco the capital of the Inca Empire, visit sacred valley and its ancient ruins markets an community centers and explore Machu Picchu one of the seven wonders. Enjoy nice while life swimming with turtles, or spotting giant wales and dolphins only available in this part of Peru.
