Magical Peru 9 days – 8 nights
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Group
- Private or group
- Language
- Spanish
- Max altitude
- 5,036 m.s.n.m
About this tour
Are you looking for the best way to visit the beautiful city of Cusco, with all its wonders and unforgettable sites?
This is your best option.
“Magical Peru” (9 days / 8 nights) is a comprehensive experience that connects the coast and the Andes in a single trip. It begins in Lima, where you will discover pre-Inca history at Huaca Pucllana, before continuing to Paracas, a place where the sea and desert meet to create stunning landscapes. Next, travel to the heart of the Inca Empire to explore Cusco, the Sacred Valley, majestic Machu Picchu, and the mysterious terraces of Maras and Moray. The adventure culminates at the vibrant Rainbow Mountain—a natural spectacle that rounds out a journey filled with culture, energy, and pure beauty.
Itinerary
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You will arrive in the "City of Kings" today. We will welcome you and then transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest and enjoy a free afternoon.
Overnight in Lima.
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Lima City Tour. We begin our tour at Huaca Pucllana, taking in a panoramic view of this important ceremonial center belonging to the Lima culture. We then head toward downtown Lima, passing through the districts of San Isidro, Lince, and Cercado. Along the way, we will view the Palace of Justice, the Lima Museum, the Italian Art Museum, the French Palace, and Plaza San Martín. Our walking tour begins at the Plaza de Armas; here, in addition to admiring the Lima Cathedral, the Municipal Palace, the Government Palace, and the Archbishop's Palace, we will have free time to take photos of these landmarks. We will enter the Convent of San Francisco to visit one of its main attractions: the catacombs. These underground passages beneath the church served as a burial site for the city's early inhabitants and hold the remains of over 25,000 people. Finally, we will enjoy a panoramic view of the Park of Love (Parque del Amor), the Pacific Ocean, and Larcomar.
Overnight in Lima.
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You will be picked up from your hotel very early and we will head south to the city of Pisco to visit the Ballestas Islands. At the port of El Chaco, we will board a boat and begin our tour, during which we will view the "Candelabra" geoglyph and the rock formations of the Ballestas Islands. We will also see sea lions and a wide variety of birds, such as Humboldt penguins, boobies, Inca terns, pelicans, Guanay cormorants, turkey vultures, and many others. Upon arriving in Ica, we will visit a winery for a tasting session. We will also enjoy the stunning scenery of the Huacachina Lagoon, surrounded by massive sand dunes, and see the monument to the mermaid Huacachina as well as the local artisan center. In Huacachina, we will go sandboarding and take a ride in dune buggies.
Return to Lima.
Overnight in Lima.
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We will meet you upon your arrival at the Cusco airport and transfer you to your hotel so you can get some well-deserved rest.
We will begin the afternoon with a city tour through the impressive streets of Cusco.
We will start at the Cathedral and then head to the Qoricancha—also known as the Temple of the Sun. Both sites are located just steps away from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas; however, the four archaeological sites are situated about 20 km away.
We will visit Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. -
We will start the day by heading to the bus terminal to board the bus that will take us to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the tourist train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will take the tourist bus to the citadel's entrance and begin a guided tour of its main archaeological sites, including its various districts, plazas, and more. There, we will have the opportunity to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Cusco on the tourist train. -
We will start the day by heading to the bus terminal to board the bus that will take us to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where we will catch the tourist train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we will take the tourist bus to the citadel's entrance and begin a guided tour of its main archaeological sites, including its various districts, plazas, and more. There, we will have the opportunity to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu.
In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Cusco on the tourist train. -
We begin the day by picking you up from your hotel and traveling through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the town of Maras, where we visit its church and colonial doorways. Next, we head to the circular terraces of Moray, an Inca agricultural laboratory. Our final destination is the Maras Salt Mines, a complex featuring over three thousand natural salt pools.
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We will depart very early for the beautiful Mountain of Seven Colors, also known as Vinicunca. En route, we will make a few stops—including the village of Cusipata for a buffet breakfast—before continuing to the checkpoint to begin our hike, ascending to an altitude of over 5,020 meters. At the summit, you can take in the stunning scenery Vinicunca offers and get a close-up view of Apu Ausangate, as well as a magnificent view of the Red Valley surrounding the mountain. On the return journey, before reaching Cusco, we will stop in the community of Cusipata for lunch. Return to Cusco.
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In the morning, we will check out of the hotel and then be transferred to the airport, bidding farewell to our incredible trip.
Included
- Accommodation: 8 nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Private transfers: Arrival transfers in Lima and Cusco (Airport – Hotel) and departure transfer in Cusco (Hotel – Airport).
- Ground and rail transport:
- Shared tourist transport for Huaca Pucllana, Paracas, the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray, and Rainbow Mountain.
- Transfer from the hotel to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (round trip).
- Shuttle bus (up and down) between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu (Consettur).
- Tour guide:
- Professional bilingual guide (shared service) for Huaca Pucllana, Paracas, the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, Maras & Moray, and Rainbow Mountain.
- Professional guide (private service) for the visit to the Machu Picchu citadel.
- Entrance tickets: Admission to all scheduled tourist attractions.
- Meals included: Daily breakfast at the hotels, plus breakfast and buffet lunch during the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
Not included
- Airfare: International flights and the domestic flight between Lima and Cusco.
- Meals not specified: Lunches not listed in the itinerary and all dinners.
- Optional treks at Machu Picchu: Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Optional mountain services: Rental of horses or trekking poles for Rainbow Mountain.
- Insurance: Travel medical, accident, or baggage insurance.
- Personal expenses: Tips, additional drinks, souvenirs, or laundry.
Information and recommendations
- Altitude transition: When traveling from sea level (Lima and Paracas) to the high altitude of Cusco (3,400 meters above sea level) on Day 4, take the afternoon to rest, drink coca tea, and eat light meals.
- Luggage restrictions for Machu Picchu: Train regulations allow only one backpack or carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 5 kg. Your main suitcase will be stored free of charge at your hotel in Cusco.
- Clothing for two climates: Pack lightweight clothing for the coast (Lima and Paracas) and thermal, windproof, and waterproof gear for the Cusco highlands.
- Cash in small denominations: Carry cash in Soles for tolls, restrooms, tips, or purchases from local artisans.
Frequently asked questions
Does the package include the flight ticket for the Lima–Cusco leg?
No. Airfare (both international and the domestic Lima–Cusco leg) is the traveler's responsibility. You must book your Lima–Cusco flight for the morning of Day 4.
What do I do with my main luggage when I go to Machu Picchu?
Your large suitcase can be left in free storage at your hotel in Cusco. You only need to pack the essentials for the overnight stay and the visit to the citadel in a small backpack (maximum 5 kg).
Is the hike to the 7-Color Mountain very demanding?
It is of moderate to high difficulty due to the altitude (5,200 meters above sea level). Since it is scheduled for Day 8, your body will already be acclimatized. Even so, the ascent is made at a steady, unhurried pace, with the option to rent a local horse if needed.
What documents are required for this tour?
It is essential to carry the original, valid passport or national ID card (depending on your nationality) that is registered in your bookings. You will need them to board the trains and enter Machu Picchu.
Before you travel
Important information about Machu Picchu
Limited-capacity tickets
Entry to the citadel has a daily capacity set by the Ministry of Culture. In high season (May to September) tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. We book your entrance as soon as you confirm.
Original passport
Bring the same document used to buy the tickets: it is checked on the train, the bus and at the Machu Picchu gate. Students: valid university ID.
Circuits and entry time
Visits follow signposted circuits at the time printed on your ticket. Arrive at the gate 30 minutes early. There are no restrooms inside the citadel: they are next to the entrance.
What to bring (and what not)
Small backpack, rain poncho, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat and water in a reusable bottle. Single-use plastics, food, drones, tripods and walking poles without rubber tips are not allowed.
Altitude and weather
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m (7,970 ft), lower than Cusco (3,399 m). The climate is subtropical: strong morning sun and sudden showers, especially from November to March.
Train and bus
You travel by train to Aguas Calientes (from Ollantaytambo or Cusco station) and then take a 25-minute bus up to the entrance. We coordinate schedules, tickets and transfers.
Conservation rules
Touching or climbing the walls, leaving the trails, smoking and feeding animals are not allowed. You will visit the citadel with an official licensed guide.
Inca Trail
Inca Trail permits are limited and issued by name (non-transferable). The trail closes every February for maintenance; during that month we offer alternatives such as Salkantay or the train tour.
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