Lima - Cusco 9 Days

From US$1660 per person (2-star hotel, triple room), up to US$4510 per person (5-star hotel, single room). Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on hotel category and room occupancy.

Lima - Cusco 9 Days

Discover the best of southern Peru with our *9-Day Peru Tour*, a journey that combines history, culture, nature and adventure across the country's most emblematic destinations. Explore the vibrant city of **Lima** and sail to the **Ballestas Islands** before flying over the enigmatic **Nazca Lines**, then fly to **Cusco**, ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and marvel at the **Sacred Valley of the Incas**.

The experience continues with a guided visit to **Machu Picchu**, one of the *Seven New Wonders of the World*, followed by an exciting hike to **Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)** and the spectacular **Humantay Lake**, two of the most impressive natural destinations of the Andes. This *9-day Peru tour package* includes hotels, transfers, and excursions carefully organized to give you a comfortable, safe, and unforgettable trip.

At a glance

Route map of Lima - Cusco 9 Days
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: Lima, Ballestas Islands, 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)

After breakfast, between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., we will transfer you to the Nazca Aerodrome to experience one of the most fascinating attractions in Peru: a flight over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During approximately 45 minutes, we will admire from the air the impressive geoglyphs created more than two thousand years ago by the Nazca culture, including iconic figures such as the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Condor, and other monumental designs that continue to intrigue archaeologists and travelers from around the world.

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 5100 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 5,100 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: Humantay Lake, Hike to the Turquoise Lake of the Andes

Altitude: 3900 a 4200 m · Meals: Andean Breakfast + Traditional Lunch · 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 9: 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 moments in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the spiritual heart of the Andes. This will be the perfect opportunity to stroll peacefully through its historic streets, visit local artisan markets, or simply take in once more the essence of a city where history, culture, and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

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 route does the 9-day tour follow?

The route is Lima (1 night) Cusco (4 nights with Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu) Puno (2 nights with Lake Titicaca) return to Lima or onward to Bolivia.

Is Lake Titicaca included?

Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (3,810 m / 12,500 ft).

Are internal flights included?

The Lima, Cusco flight can be added to the package. The Cusco, Puno leg is typically done by luxury tourist bus (The Bus or similar, ~7 hours with stops). The return Lima flight can also be included.

What meals are included?

All hotel breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are noted in the daily itinerary; some tours include lunch. Dinners are at the traveller's expense unless otherwise stated.

How many people are in each group?

Regular tours have a maximum of 16 people. For private groups, we can organize an exclusive tour with dedicated transport and guide. Contact us for a personalized quote.

What is Lake Titicaca?

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, at 3,810 m / 12,500 ft, shared between Peru and Bolivia. It covers 8,562 km² and has a maximum depth of 281 metres. It is sacred to Andean cultures: Inca legend says the first Inca, Manco Cápac, emerged from its waters. It is home to the famous Uros Floating Islands and the islands of Taquile and Amantaní.

Why is Lake Titicaca famous?

Titicaca is famous for five reasons: it is the highest navigable lake in the world, it houses the world's only floating totora-reed islands (the Uros), its Quechua communities maintain ancestral traditions over 1,000 years old, it has the greatest lacustrine biodiversity in the Andes, and it is the sacred place where, according to Inca mythology, the Sun and Moon were born.

Is Puno harder in terms of altitude than Cusco?

Yes. Puno is at 3,827 m / 12,556 ft, about 400 m higher than Cusco (3,400 m). This can intensify altitude sickness symptoms, especially if arriving directly from Lima. The 9-day itinerary is ideal because it allows 2, 3 days of acclimatization in Cusco before heading up to Puno, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Is this 9-day tour suitable for older travelers?

Yes, with precautions. The 9-day tour is suitable for most older adults in good health. The more demanding activities (Machu Picchu, Titicaca islands) have adapted versions. We recommend consulting a doctor beforehand if there are heart, pulmonary or blood pressure conditions. The guide can always adjust the group pace.

What languages are guides available in for the 9-day tour?

Guides on the 9-day tour are mainly available in Spanish and English. For groups preferring a guide in Portuguese, check in advance when booking. In Puno and Lake Titicaca, local guides may also speak Quechua in addition to Spanish and English, enriching the cultural experience.

Is it worth adding Puno and Lake Titicaca to the 8-day package to make it 9 days?

Yes, if time allows. The 8-day package covers Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: it is already a very complete circuit. The 9-day adds a day in Puno and Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world, 3,810 m / 12,500 ft), with a visit to the floating Uros islands. If you are already in Peru and have one extra day, Puno completely changes the perspective of the trip: it goes from being a Machu Picchu tour to a complete Andean circuit.

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