Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Transfer to the Hotel
Highlight of the Day: Begin your Peru adventure in Lima, where colonial history, coastal landscapes, and local cuisine provide an introduction to the country.
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, a Cusco Journeys representative will welcome you and transfer you to your selected hotel. After check-in, take time to rest and recover from your international flight before beginning your journey.
If your flight arrives early, you may wish to explore the Miraflores district at your own pace. Walk along the Malecón overlooking the Pacific Ocean, visit Parque del Amor, or enjoy your first Peruvian meal at one of the area's local restaurants.
Lima is Peru's largest city and an important cultural center where colonial heritage blends with modern urban life. Its museums, public parks, coastal viewpoints, and culinary traditions offer an excellent introduction to the country before you continue toward the Andes and the Amazon.
The remainder of the day is free to relax, adjust to the local time, and prepare for the experiences awaiting you over the coming days. A restful evening will ensure you are ready to begin your guided exploration of Peru the following morning.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Lima
- Meals Included: None
- Entrance Tickets: Not Included
Day 2: Modern and Colonial Lima City Tour
Highlight of the Day: Explore Lima's Historic Center while discovering colonial architecture, important landmarks, and the city's cultural heritage with your guide.
After breakfast, at approximately 9:00 a.m., begin your guided tour through Lima's Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Parque de la Exposición, Plaza Grau, Paseo de los Héroes Navales, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral of Lima.
As you walk through the historic center, your guide will explain the city's colonial past while you admire its traditional balconies, churches, and preserved architecture. The Historic Center contains hundreds of buildings dating back to the colonial period, making it one of Peru's most important historical districts.
Continue to the modern district of Miraflores to enjoy an exterior view of Huaca Pucllana, one of Lima's best-preserved pre-Inca ceremonial sites. This archaeological monument offers an interesting contrast between the city's ancient history and its contemporary urban landscape.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to continue exploring Lima at your own pace. You may visit additional attractions, browse local shops, or enjoy Peruvian cuisine before returning to your hotel for the night.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Lima
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 3: Lima – Cusco – Qoricancha – Sacsayhuaman – Q'enqo – Puca Pucara – Tambomachay
Highlight of the Day: Discover Cusco's most important Inca and colonial landmarks while learning about the history of the former Inca capital.
Early this morning, transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our staff will transfer you to your selected hotel, where you will have time to rest, acclimatize to the altitude, and enjoy lunch before the afternoon excursion.
At approximately 12:00 p.m., meet your guide and begin your Cusco City Tour. Visit Cusco Cathedral before continuing to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, where remarkable Inca stonework stands alongside Spanish colonial architecture. Your guide will explain the historical importance of these landmarks and their role in the development of the city.
Continue to Sacsayhuaman, famous for its massive stone walls and advanced construction techniques. The excursion then continues to Q'enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, where you will learn about the ceremonial, military, and hydraulic functions of each archaeological site while gaining a deeper understanding of Inca engineering and daily life.
Following the tour, return to your hotel in Cusco to rest after your first day at altitude. In the evening, you may choose to join the optional buffet dinner with a folkloric show for an introduction to traditional Andean music and dance.
Optional Buffet Dinner with Folkloric Show: USD 39 per person.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Cusco
- Meals Included: None
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour – Pisac – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the Day: Explore the Sacred Valley, visit important Inca sites, and travel by train to Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, depart Cusco for a full-day excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Surrounded by fertile farmland and mountain landscapes, this region played an important role in the agricultural and cultural development of the Inca civilization.
Your first stop is the archaeological site of Pisac, where your guide will explain its agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, and strategic location overlooking the valley. Continue to the artisan market, where local families offer handmade textiles, alpaca garments, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional Andean crafts.
After enjoying a buffet lunch in Urubamba, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns in Peru. Explore its archaeological complex while learning about its original urban layout, defensive structures, and importance during the Inca period.
Later, board the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy the journey through the Urubamba Valley as the scenery gradually changes from highland landscapes to cloud forest. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for the next day's guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Aguas Calientes
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 5: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Experience the unforgettable wonder of Machu Picchu while exploring one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites with your guide.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and arrive at the citadel during the peaceful morning hours. The early entrance offers excellent opportunities to appreciate the site's spectacular mountain setting before larger crowds begin to arrive.
Your guided tour takes you through the most important sectors of the Inca citadel, including agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, residential areas, and sacred plazas. Along the way, your guide will explain the history, engineering, and cultural importance of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site while helping you better understand the achievements of the Inca civilization.
After the guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch (not included), shopping, or relaxing before your afternoon departure. You may also visit the local hot springs if time permits before boarding your train.
Later, travel by train through the beautiful Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transportation will transfer you back to Cusco, where you can relax after one of the highlights of your journey through Peru.
Optional: Permits for Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu are available upon request and must be reserved in advance.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Cusco
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 6: Free Day in Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Enjoy the freedom to discover Cusco's history, culture, and local traditions at your own pace.
Today is yours to experience Cusco according to your own interests. Walk through the charming streets of San Blas, admire the colonial buildings surrounding the Plaza de Armas, visit museums, or browse artisan markets offering handmade textiles, alpaca products, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs.
Cusco combines centuries of Inca heritage with Spanish colonial architecture, creating one of South America's most fascinating cities. Spend time discovering hidden plazas, historic streets, local cafés, and panoramic viewpoints while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the former capital of the Inca Empire.
If you prefer a more active day, our team can assist with arranging optional excursions to nearby archaeological sites and Andean attractions. This flexible day allows you to personalize your experience according to your interests before continuing the rest of your itinerary.
Whether you choose to relax or continue exploring, today offers an excellent opportunity to experience Cusco beyond the scheduled tours while enjoying its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Cusco
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets: Not Included
Day 7: Llactoc – Rainbow Mountain – Llactoc – Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Hike to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and admire one of Peru's most colorful natural landscapes.
Your adventure begins early with hotel pickup at approximately 4:30 a.m. Travel through the scenic South Valley to Cusipata, where you will enjoy breakfast before continuing to Llactoc, the starting point of your hike to Rainbow Mountain.
Before beginning the trek, your guide will provide a short safety briefing and walking sticks for the journey. The trail gradually climbs through the Andean highlands, passing grazing alpacas, traditional farming communities, and ancient Apachetas built by local people as offerings to the mountain spirits.
After approximately 1.5 hours of hiking, arrive at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). Enjoy time to admire the colorful mineral formations, capture memorable photographs, and appreciate the spectacular panoramic scenery surrounding this unique destination.
After descending, return to Cusipata for lunch before driving back to Cusco. Horse rentals are available at the trailhead for travelers who prefer additional assistance during the hike.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Cusco
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 8: Cusco – Maras – Moray – Salt Mines – Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Discover the remarkable terraces of Moray and the centuries-old Salt Mines of Maras.
After breakfast, depart Cusco for a scenic excursion through the Andean countryside. Your first stop is the traditional village of Maras, where colonial architecture, quiet streets, and panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range create a beautiful introduction to the day's adventure.
Continue to Moray, one of Peru's most remarkable archaeological sites. These impressive circular terraces are believed to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, allowing them to experiment with different crops and microclimates at varying elevations.
The journey continues to the famous Salt Mines of Maras, where more than 2,000 salt ponds have been harvested continuously since Inca times. Learn how local families still produce salt using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
After exploring these unique archaeological and cultural attractions, return to Cusco in the afternoon. This excursion offers an excellent combination of history, engineering, and spectacular Andean scenery before continuing your Peru adventure.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Cusco
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 9: Puerto Maldonado – Jungle Walk – Kayaking – Monkey Island – Caiman Spotting
Highlight of the Day: Explore the Amazon Rainforest by kayak and search for fascinating wildlife during an unforgettable jungle adventure.
Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Peruvian Amazon, you will meet our local team and transfer to Puerto Acosta. From there, board a motorized boat and enjoy a scenic journey along the Madre de Dios River to your comfortable eco-lodge deep within the rainforest.
After a refreshing welcome drink and a brief orientation, begin a guided walk through primary and secondary rainforest trails. Your naturalist guide will introduce you to the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon while pointing out giant lupuna trees, medicinal plants, colorful butterflies, fascinating insects, and numerous species of tropical birds.
Following lunch at the lodge, continue with a kayaking excursion along the peaceful Madre de Dios River. Paddle through calm waters surrounded by pristine rainforest while enjoying a unique perspective of this remarkable ecosystem. A support boat accompanies the group throughout the activity for added safety.
Later in the afternoon, visit Monkey Island, home to playful capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and other native wildlife. After dinner, embark on an exciting nighttime boat excursion in search of black caimans and dwarf caimans, whose glowing eyes can often be seen reflecting along the riverbanks.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Eco-Lodge
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 10: Sandoval Lake – Tambopata National Reserve – Night Walk
Highlight of the Day: Discover the spectacular Sandoval Lake and search for Giant River Otters in the Tambopata National Reserve.
After breakfast, cross the Madre de Dios River by boat and enter the world-renowned Tambopata National Reserve, one of the richest ecosystems in the Peruvian Amazon. Follow rainforest trails with your guide while observing towering trees, medicinal plants, monkeys, colorful butterflies, and an impressive variety of tropical birds.
Upon reaching the breathtaking Sandoval Lake, board a traditional rowing canoe and quietly navigate its peaceful waters. This beautiful oxbow lake is home to hoatzins, herons, turtles, black caimans, and the endangered Giant River Otter, one of the Amazon's most iconic species.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, prepare for another memorable rainforest experience. As darkness falls, join your guide on a night walk to discover frogs, insects, spiders, nocturnal birds, and many fascinating creatures that become active after sunset.
This combination of wildlife observation, tranquil scenery, and expert interpretation makes Sandoval Lake one of the highlights of any visit to the Peruvian Amazon.
- Accommodation / Overnight: Eco-Lodge
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Box Lunch and Dinner
- Entrance Tickets: Included
Day 11: Departure – Puerto Maldonado – Lima
Highlight of the Day: Conclude your unforgettable journey through Peru with lasting memories of its remarkable landscapes, culture, and wildlife.
Wake up to the sounds of the Amazon and enjoy your final breakfast surrounded by the rainforest. Before departing, take a few moments to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the incredible experiences shared throughout your journey across Peru.
After breakfast, transfer by boat and vehicle to Puerto Maldonado Airport for your scheduled flight to Lima. Depending on your international itinerary, you may continue your journey home or extend your stay to discover even more of Peru's extraordinary destinations.
From the Pacific coast to the Andes and the Amazon Rainforest, this carefully designed itinerary offers an unforgettable combination of history, culture, nature, and adventure. We hope these experiences leave you with lasting memories and inspire your next visit to Peru.
Our team at Cusco Journeys will be delighted to assist you in planning another personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and future travel plans.
- Accommodation / Overnight: None
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Entrance Tickets: None
