From US$1720 per person (2-star hotel, triple room), up to US$4760 per person (5-star hotel, single room). Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on hotel category and room occupancy.

Peru in 10 Days: Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Ten days that cover the coast and the Andes without doubling back: Lima, the Ballestas Islands, Nazca with an optional overflight of the lines, then Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake. The route is built so the altitude climbs in order, which is the part that decides whether the second half is enjoyable or miserable.

The altitude curve, day by day. Days one to three are at sea level on the coast. Day four flies to Cusco at 3,400 m and stays in the city. Day five moves down into the Sacred Valley, between 2,040 m and 3,762 m, and sleeps in Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m, which is the lowest night of the whole Andean section and a genuinely good place to be on your second day at altitude. Machu Picchu on day six. Only on day seven does the route go high, to Rainbow Mountain at 5,036 m, by which point you have had three days to adjust.

That order is not decoration. Landing in Cusco and going straight to a 5,000 m mountain is the single most common way to ruin a Peru trip, and this itinerary is arranged specifically to avoid it.

What you actually see. On the coast: the Ballestas Islands by boat with sea lions and Humboldt penguins, a pisco distillery in Ica, the Huacachina oasis, and, as an optional extra that is not included, the Nazca Lines from a light aircraft, about thirty minutes in the air. In the Andes: Cusco city and Sacsayhuamán, the VIP Sacred Valley route through Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans, Machu Picchu with a guide, Rainbow Mountain, the South Valley at Tipón and Andahuaylillas, and Humantay Lake.

Two warnings worth reading. The optional Nazca overflight is in a small aircraft that banks hard left then hard right so both sides see each figure, and the combination of heat, small plane and turning makes a fair number of people sick. Eat lightly. And day seven, Rainbow Mountain, is the hardest day of the trip: 90 minutes to 2 hours uphill above 4,600 m. If you would rather not, say so early and it can be swapped.

Do this itinerary if you have ten days and want breadth: desert, ocean, Inca sites and high mountains. Do not do it if you want depth in one place. Ten days spread over this much ground means moving most mornings.

At US$1,720 per person it includes hotels, transport, entrance fees, the Machu Picchu ticket and licensed guides. Domestic flights are not included in the base price. The Nazca overflight is optional and not included either: it takes off from the María Reiche Aerodrome in Nazca with DGAC-certified airlines.

At a glance

Route map of Peru in 10 Days: Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu
Route map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima & City Tour, Modern Lima, Miraflores & Historic Colonial Center

Altitude: 154 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Lima (154 m)

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our team will give you a warm welcome and comfortably transfer you to your hotel. At 14 hrs we will begin the Lima City Tour, discovering the elegant modern area of the Peruvian capital. We will visit the exclusive district of Miraflores, where we will walk through the romantic Parque del Amor (Love Park) and the well-known Larcomar, a modern shopping center built on the cliffs with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We will continue with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an important pre-Inca ceremonial center that reveals the fascinating archaeological legacy of the ancient Lima culture.

The tour will continue through the Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where we will admire some of the most emblematic colonial monuments in Peru. 14 hrs We will visit the Convent of San Francisco and its famous Catacombs, one of the most important historical attractions in South America, as well as tour the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the elegant Plaza San Martín, and the historic Casa Aliaga, considered the oldest continuously inhabited colonial residence in the Americas. An ideal experience to discover the history, architecture, and cultural richness of the Peruvian capital before beginning your adventure through the country. Lasts approximately 4 hrs.

Day 2: Ballestas Islands, Pisco Winery & Huacachina Oasis, Nazca

Altitude: 590 m · Meals: Lunch · Overnight: Nazca (590 m)

Very early, between 04:40 and 05:00 a.m., we will begin our trip from Lima to the beautiful bay of Paracas, one of the main nature destinations on the Peruvian coast. After a box-lunch breakfast, we will board a boat to sail toward the impressive Ballestas Islands, an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary where we will observe the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, as well as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and numerous guano birds in their natural habitat. Afterward we will visit a traditional winery, where we will learn about the artisanal process of making Pisco, Peru's national drink, as well as local wines, enjoying a tasting before having free time for lunch (optional).

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by impressive golden sand dunes. Here, we will enjoy an exciting adventure through the desert in buggies and practice sandboarding, with the option of using a professional board for an additional fee for those with experience. Before departing, we will enjoy a spectacular sunset from the dunes, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru. Finally, we will continue our journey to Nazca, where we will spend the night in preparation for the activities scheduled for the following day.

Day 3: Nazca Lines Flight, Return to Lima

Altitude: 590 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Lima (154 m)

Optional activity, not included in the price: the overflight takes off from the María Reiche Aerodrome in Nazca with DGAC-certified airlines. In the morning, after breakfast, we will transfer you to the Nazca Aerodrome, where we will board a small aircraft for an unforgettable flight over the incredible Nazca Lines, located in the vast Nazca Desert. The flight lasts approximately 45 minutes, offering spectacular views of numerous geoglyphs depicting stylized animals and plants, including the Monkey, Spider, and Hummingbird, as well as an enormous network of straight lines, trapezoids, triangles, and spirals etched into the desert floor and preserved for nearly 2,000 years. Their exact origin and purpose remain a mystery, and although many researchers associate them with astronomical or ritual practices of ancient pre-Inca civilizations, other theories, including extraterrestrial interpretations, continue to fuel the fascination surrounding these monumental figures.

At the end of this experience we will transfer to the bus terminal at 14 hrs to board the regular bus service to the city of Lima, arriving at approximately 11 pm, with transfer to your hotel

Day 4: Flight to Cusco & City Tour, Discovering the Capital of the Inca Empire

Altitude: 154 a 3800 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

In the morning, we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cultural destinations in the Americas. Upon arrival at more than 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Staying well hydrated, drinking coca tea, and having a light lunch during the first few hours can help you adjust comfortably and reduce the effects of soroche (altitude sickness).

In the afternoon, 13 hrs, we will begin the Cusco City Tour, visiting the impressive Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun and main religious sanctuary of the Tahuantinsuyo. We will continue to the monumental fortresses of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, extraordinary examples of Inca engineering and worldview. 18:30 hrs We will finish near the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city and the ideal spot to enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, and essence of the Andes.

Day 5: VIP Sacred Valley Tour, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo & Panoramic Train to Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2040 a 3762 m · Meals: Buffet Lunch · Overnight: Aguas Calientes (2040 m)

After breakfast between 06:20 and 06:50 hrs, we will begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, one of the most complete and unforgettable experiences in Cusco, Peru. We will discover Chinchero, renowned for its textile traditions and Inca legacy; continue toward the impressive circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory, and the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.

After enjoying an exquisite buffet lunch featuring traditional flavors of the Sacred Valley, we will visit the majestic Ollantaytambo Fortress, considered the last living Inca city. Afterwards, we will board the panoramic tourist train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley, surrounded by majestic Andean mountains and lush vegetation. This will be the perfect prelude to discovering Machu Picchu the following day, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and Peru’s most iconic destination.

Day 6: Machu Picchu, Guided Tour & Return to Cusco

Altitude: 2430 a 3400 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

After breakfast, we will board the tourist bus that will take us to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by a professional guide, we will spend approximately two and a half hours exploring its main temples, agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and viewpoints, discovering the extraordinary engineering, spirituality, and legacy of the Inca civilization in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

After the guided tour, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch or explore this charming Andean town. In the afternoon, we will board the panoramic tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley before continuing by private transfer to Cusco. An unforgettable day that represents the highlight of any journey through Peru.

Day 7: Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca and the Majestic Ausangate Snow-Capped Mountain

Altitude: 4630 a 5036 m · Meals: Andean Breakfast + Traditional Lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Very early, between 04:00 and 04:30 hrs, we will begin our adventure toward the impressive Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. After breakfast we will begin a hike surrounded by mountains, alpacas, llamas, and traditional communities, as we ascend toward 5,036 m a.s.l., enjoying privileged views of the imposing Ausangate Snow-Capped Mountain, considered the most important sacred mountain in the Andean worldview.

Upon reaching the summit we will contemplate the extraordinary mosaic of mineral colors that has made Rainbow Mountain Peru one of the most photographed destinations in South America. After having time to rest and capture spectacular photographs, we will begin the descent to enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco, between 16 and 17 hrs, culminating a perfect experience for lovers of nature, hiking, and unique landscapes near the Plaza de Armas

Day 8: Cusco South Valley Tour, Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas & the Gastronomic Route

Altitude: 3000 a 3300 m · Meals: Andean Breakfast + Traditional Lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

After breakfast, we will pick you up between 08:30 and 09:00 a.m. to begin the South Valley of Cusco Tour, an experience that combines archaeology, history, nature, and Andean gastronomy. We will visit Tipón, considered a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering, where its channels and fountains continue to function with surprising precision after more than six centuries. We will continue to Pikillacta, an impressive city of the Wari civilization, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca complexes in Peru and an extraordinary example of urban development prior to the Inca Empire.

The tour will continue through the beautiful Huacarpay Lagoon, an important Andean wetland surrounded by natural landscapes, before visiting the majestic Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its spectacular frescoes, gilded altarpieces, and valuable works of the Cusco School. You will have free time to enjoy the renowned cuisine of the South Valley (lunch not included) and browse local artisan markets. Finally, we will return to Cusco at approximately 16:00 hrs, after discovering one of the most authentic and fascinating cultural and gastronomic routes in the Peruvian Andes.

Day 9: Humantay Lake, Hike to the Turquoise Lake of the Andes

Altitude: 3100 a 3560 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

Very early, between 04:00 and 04:30 hrs, we will depart toward Mollepata and then Soraypampa, the starting point for the hike to the impressive Humantay Lake, considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Cusco, Peru. The trail climbs through the mountains until reaching 4,200 m a.s.l., where a lake with intense turquoise waters fed by the melting glacier of the majestic Humantay Snow-Capped Mountain awaits us.

Our guide will share the spiritual importance this place holds within the Andean worldview, where nature is considered a living being worthy of respect and gratitude. After enjoying the surroundings we will begin the descent to Soraypampa, taking in the spectacular views of the Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain, before returning to Cusco after lunch, between 17 and 18 hrs, culminating one of the country's most impressive nature excursions near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 10: Farewell to Cusco, Airport Transfer

Altitude: 3400 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

After breakfast, you will have free time to enjoy your final hours in Cusco, an excellent opportunity to stroll once again through its charming streets, visit fascinating museums, explore traditional artisan markets, or do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and products crafted by talented local artisans. It will be the perfect moment to say farewell to the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and take with you the best memories of this unforgettable experience

At the agreed time, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. This marks the end of a meaningful conscious tourism experience in Peru, where every destination offers a valuable lesson and every encounter strengthens our respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth), local communities, and the legacy of ancient Andean civilizations. More than a journey, you will have experienced a transformation that will remain forever in your memory and in the way you discover the world.

What is included

What is not included

Frequently asked questions

What extra day does the 10-day package add compared to the 9-day?

A full day in the South Valley of Cusco on day 8: Tipón, a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering, the Wari city of Pikillacta, the Huacarpay lagoon and the church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. It also works as an easy day between Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake.

Is the Nazca Lines overflight included?

No. The overflight on the morning of day 3 is optional and not included in the price. It takes off from the María Reiche Aerodrome in Nazca with airlines certified by the DGAC, Peru's civil aviation authority, and lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

What type of accommodation is used?

3-star hotels with breakfast in Lima (2 nights), Nazca (1 night), Cusco (5 nights) and Aguas Calientes (1 night).

Can the tour be done solo?

Yes, the tour is available for solo travellers. You will join a group of travellers from different parts of the world. For a fully private experience, we also offer the private option.

What is the altitude range in this itinerary?

It goes from sea level in Lima to 5,036 m / 16,522 ft at the top of Rainbow Mountain, with Humantay Lake at 4,200 m. You never sleep higher than Cusco, at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft. The route climbs in order: three days on the coast, then Cusco and a night in Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m before the high hikes.

What is the South Valley tour like?

Pickup is between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. and you are back in Cusco around 4:00 p.m. You visit Tipón, where the Inca channels and fountains still work after six centuries, the Wari city of Pikillacta, the Huacarpay lagoon and the church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, with its murals and Cusco School altarpieces. There is free time to try the food of the valley and browse its craft markets.

What are the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina?

The Ballestas Islands, off the bay of Paracas, are a wildlife sanctuary you visit by boat on day 2: sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans and the Paracas Candelabra carved into the hillside. Huacachina is a desert oasis surrounded by dunes near Ica. The same day includes a pisco winery with a tasting before continuing to Nazca.

Is the 10-day tour safe for tourists?

Yes. The tour runs with bilingual guides, private transfers, selected hotels and permanent support from our team. In an altitude-related medical emergency we follow care protocols and work with clinics in Cusco.

Can I add Lake Titicaca or Bolivia?

Lake Titicaca and Puno are not part of this itinerary, which ends in Cusco. If you want to see them, we can quote extra days from Cusco to Puno and on to Bolivia (Copacabana and La Paz) as an extension, or suggest one of our packages that already includes them.

What is Humantay Lake?

A turquoise glacier lake at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft below the Humantay snow peak. On day 9 you leave Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. for Mollepata and Soraypampa, hike up to the lake and return to Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., with views of Salkantay on the way down.

Is the 10-day package harder than the 9-day one?

No. It has the same two high-altitude hikes, Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, but the South Valley day between them is low effort and gives your body a rest. If you want the same highlights at an easier pace, the 10-day is the better choice.

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