Essence of Peru 8D/7N
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Tour Details
This itinerary offers a diverse experience through Peru’s most iconic destinations. Starting on the coast, travelers will tour the historic center of Lima before heading south for a day of adventure in the dunes of Huacachina and the oasis of Ica. Afterwards, the journey continues into the Andes to explore the imperial city of Cusco, the ruins of the Sacred Valley, the towering citadel of Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain, all in a program organized to optimize travel time and high-altitude acclimation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima and Hotel Transfer
Greeting at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima and private transfer to your hotel. Free afternoon to rest or walk along the boardwalks in the Miraflores district. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 2: Full Day Excursion to Ica and Huacachina — Lagoon and Dune Buggies
Early morning departure via private tourist transportation toward the city of Ica. Visit a traditional winery for a wine and pisco tasting. Transfer to the Huacachina Oasis, dune buggy ride, and sandboarding on the desert dunes. Late afternoon return to Lima. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 3: Colonial Lima City Tour — Flight to Cusco
Tour of Historic Downtown Lima, visiting the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, San Francisco Convent, and its catacombs. Panoramic drive through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the city of Cusco. Greeting in Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 4: Imperial City Tour and Nearby Ruins in Cusco
Morning free to rest and acclimate to the altitude. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and the Cusco Cathedral. Tour of the surrounding archaeological park: Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay. Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas — Train to Aguas Calientes
Full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley. Visit the Pisac archaeological site and market. Buffet lunch in Urubamba. Guided tour of the Ollantaytambo fortress. In the afternoon, board the tourist train to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes). Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Day 6: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu — Return to Cusco
Shuttle bus ride up to the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. A 2.5-hour guided tour along the classic circuit. Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes with free time for lunch. Return train ride to Ollantaytambo and private transfer back to Cusco. Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain Excursion (Vinicunca)
Early morning departure toward Cusipata for breakfast. Guided hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (16,470 ft / 5,020 m.a.s.l.). Free time to take in the Andean scenery. Buffet lunch on the route and return to Cusco by mid-afternoon. Overnight stay in Cusco.
Day 8: Cusco Airport Transfer
At the scheduled time, private transfer from your hotel to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco to board your connecting or international return flight.
Services
Included
General Admission Tickets: General Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG). Entrance ticket to Qorikancha Temple and Cusco Cathedral. Tourist fee and vehicle pass for dune buggies in Huacachina. Official entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Inca Citadel. Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Entrance tickets to museums and monuments on the Lima City Tour.
Transportation and Transfers: Private Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers in Lima and Cusco. Private tourist transportation from Lima to Ica / Huacachina (round-trip). Tourist transportation for all scheduled excursions in Cusco. Round-trip train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo). Round-trip shuttle bus tickets to Machu Picchu (Consettur).
Accommodations and Meals: 2 nights of hotel accommodation in Lima. 4 nights of hotel accommodation in Cusco. 1 night of hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Daily breakfast at all hotels. 1 buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley excursion. 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch on the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
Activities and Equipment: Dune buggy ride and sandboarding boards in Huacachina. Wine and pisco tasting at an Ica winery.
Guides and Assistance: Professional bilingual tour guide (English / Spanish) on all tours. 24/7 personalized assistance throughout the trip.
Not Included
International or domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima).
Travel medical or cancellation insurance.
Meals not specified in the program (unspecified lunches and dinners in Lima, Ica, and Cusco).
Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff.
Personal expenses or souvenirs.
Recommendations
Original valid passport. Small 20 to 30-liter daypack for daily excursions. Lightweight clothing for the desert heat in Ica. Warm clothing, windbreaker jacket, and thermal layers for Cusco and Vinicunca. Hiking boots or shoes with high-traction soles. Comfortable sneakers for urban walks and the desert. Waterproof poncho or jacket for potential Andean rains. Sun hat or cap for sun protection. Sunscreen and insect repellent. UV-protection sunglasses. Cash in Peruvian Soles for small expenses and tips. Personal medication and altitude sickness (soroche) pills.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or passport to enter Peru?
For most international travelers (United States, European Union, Latin America, among others), only an original valid passport with at least 6 months of validity prior to expiration is required. A visa is not required for short tourist stays.
How does the altitude affect you in Cusco, and what should I do to prevent mountain sickness?
Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,150 ft (3,399 m.a.s.l.) and Rainbow Mountain reaches 16,470 ft (5,020 m.a.s.l.). To avoid altitude sickness (soroche):
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The itinerary includes a gentle acclimation day on Day 4 in Cusco.
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It is recommended to drink plenty of water or coca tea.
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Avoid heavy meals during your first two days in the highlands.
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Bring altitude sickness medication after consulting with your doctor.
Are international and domestic airfares included?
No. Package rates do not include international airfare or domestic flights on the Lima – Cusco – Lima route. You must coordinate your flights according to the suggested schedule to align with transfers and tour start times.
Is there a luggage restriction for the train ride to Machu Picchu?
Yes. Train companies (PeruRail and Inca Rail) allow passengers to carry only one small daypack or piece of hand luggage per traveler to Machu Picchu (maximum weight of 11 lbs / 5 kg). The rest of your primary luggage will remain securely stored at your Cusco hotel reception at no extra charge.
What currency should I bring, and are credit cards accepted?
In major cities (Lima and Cusco), international credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted. However, carrying cash in Peruvian Soles is recommended for minor purchases, handicrafts, tips, and expenses in places that do not have card terminals.
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