From Lima – Cusco: Fantastic Peru 9 Days – 8 Nights

Embark on an exhilarating 9-day, 8-night journey through the enchanting landscapes of Peru. This immersive tour begins in the vibrant capital of Lima, leading adventurers on a captivating exploration of the country’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the Ballestas Islands to the iconic Machu Picchu, this comprehensive itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression. Hike to the serene Humantay Lagoon, marvel at the striking hues of Rainbow Mountain, and explore the rich history of the Sacred Valley – all while savoring the flavors of Peruvian cuisine. With flexible booking options and enriching experiences, this tour is an opportunity to uncover the true essence of Peru.

Key Points

• This 9-day, 8-night tour of Peru takes travelers from the capital city of Lima to the historic city of Cusco, with stops in the Ica region and the Sacred Valley.
• Highlights include visiting the Ballestas Islands, exploring the Huacachina oasis, and hiking to the Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain, with cultural experiences throughout the itinerary.
• The tour includes transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, select meals, and specialized equipment for high-altitude hikes, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations, and travel insurance is recommended, as some meals are not covered in the package.
• The tour offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in Peru, showcasing the country’s rich history, natural wonders, and cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour is titled "Fantastic Peru 9 days – 8 nights" and is priced from $845.00 per person.

Booking options include reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour duration is 9 days. Travelers can enjoy various sightseeing experiences, such as city tours, visits to historical sites, and outdoor activities like tubing and sandboarding.

The package includes transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, select meals, and specialized equipment for high-altitude hikes.

However, it’s not suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations.

Travelers are advised to provide their contact information and consider travel insurance, as some meals aren’t covered in the package.

Itinerary Highlights

The 9-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s captivating highlights. Travelers will start in Lima, experiencing the city’s historic charm, followed by a visit to the stunning Ballestas Islands and the oasis of Huacachina. The journey continues in Cusco, where they’ll uncover the ancient Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Exploring the Sacred Valley, they’ll marvel at Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and the iconic Machu Picchu. High-altitude hikes to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain provide breathtaking vistas. The tour also includes visits to the unique Maras salt ponds and the vibrant Chinchero textile center.

Day	Destination	Key Activities
1	Lima	City tour, Park of Love, Huaca Pucllana
2	Ica & Paracas	Ballestas Islands, vineyard, Huacachina
3	Cusco	Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay
4	Sacred Valley	Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, train to Aguas Calientes

Arrival in Lima

Travelers arrive in the vibrant capital city of Lima, where they embark on a captivating tour of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks.

The tour takes them through the Park of Love, a picturesque seaside park with stunning ocean views.

Next, they visit the Huaca Pucllana, a well-preserved pre-Columbian archaeological site, before exploring the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial architecture and the magnificent Museo del Choco.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Convent of San Francisco, known for its catacombs that house the remains of thousands of Lima’s former residents.

Ica and Paracas

After exploring the vibrant capital city of Lima, the journey continues to the southern region of Ica and the stunning Paracas Peninsula.

Travelers will visit the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the "Little Galápagos," to witness an abundance of marine wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, and Humboldt penguins.

Next, they’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local vineyard, followed by an adventure in the Huacachina oasis, where they can try exciting activities like dune buggying and sandboarding.

This day-long excursion provides a captivating blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adrenaline-pumping fun before returning to Lima for the night.

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Arrival in Cusco

Leaving the coastal regions behind, the tour moves inland as travelers arrive in the historic city of Cusco. Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco offers a unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influences.

The day’s city tour takes visitors to the Koricancha, an Inca temple of the sun, as well as the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress, the enigmatic Qenqo, the red-hued Puka Pukara, and the Tambomachay ruins.

These sites showcase the impressive engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca civilization. The immersion in Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage sets the stage for the upcoming exploration of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

• Koricancha – Inca temple of the sun
• Sacsayhuaman – Impressive Inca fortress
• Qenqo – Enigmatic archaeological site
• Puka Pukara – Red-hued ruins
• Tambomachay – Inca water temple

Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

The next day, the tour ventures into the picturesque Sacred Valley, a region steeped in the legacy of the Inca civilization.

The group visits the Pisaq ruins, an impressive Inca archaeological site, before enjoying a buffet lunch in the quaint town of Urubamba.

Continuing on, they explore the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress, a well-preserved Inca town with its distinctive architecture.

Afterwards, the tour takes the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu.

The following day, the group embarks on a guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel, marveling at its stunning setting and remarkable engineering feats.

After lunch in Aguas Calientes, they return to Cusco, carrying unforgettable memories of their Machu Picchu experience.

Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain

On the sixth day, the tour takes the group on a hike to the breathtaking Humantay Lagoon.

After a hearty breakfast in Mollepata, the hikers embark on a scenic trek through the Andes, reaching the turquoise waters of the lagoon nestled beneath the towering Humantay mountain.

The views are simply stunning, with the glacier-capped peaks reflecting in the tranquil waters. Lunch is provided during the hike.

The following day, the tour ventures to the iconic Rainbow Mountain, where hikers are rewarded with the multi-colored geological formations sculpted by nature over time.

The hike offers:

• Stunning vistas
• Diverse flora and fauna
• Cultural insights
• A sense of accomplishment

The tour then returns to Cusco, leaving the group with unforgettable memories of these natural wonders.

Additional Experiences and Departure

Beyond the captivating Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain hikes, this Peru tour offers several additional enriching experiences.

Guests will visit the ancient Inca ruins of Maras and Moray, gaining insight into the Incas’ advanced agricultural practices.

At the Chinchero textile center, they’ll witness the centuries-old traditions of weaving and dyeing.

On the final day, the tour concludes with a transfer to the Cusco airport, ensuring a seamless departure after an immersive journey through Peru’s cultural and natural wonders.

Throughout the tour, travelers can take advantage of the flexibility to adjust their plans, along with the comprehensive cancellation policy for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified. Tour operators typically accommodate small to medium-sized groups to provide a more personalized experience. Travelers should check with the tour provider for the actual group size details.

Can I Request a Private/Customized Itinerary?

Yes, the tour operator offers the flexibility to request a private or customized itinerary. Travelers can work with the company to tailor the trip to their specific interests and preferences for an enhanced experience.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the High-Altitude Hikes?

The high-altitude hikes, such as Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain, are considered moderately difficult. They require a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the elevation, but the tour provides necessary equipment and support to assist hikers.

Are Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Options Available During the Tour?

The tour provides vegetarian and vegan meal options during the included lunches and breakfasts, such as the buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley and the meals provided during the hikes. Travelers can request these dietary accommodations.

Can I Add Extra Days or Activities to the Tour Package?

Yes, the tour package offers flexibility to add extra days or activities. Travelers can customize their itinerary by contacting the tour operator, who’ll accommodate requests based on availability and additional costs.

Recap

This captivating 9-day journey through Peru offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the country’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From the vibrant cities of Lima and Cusco to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and Humantay Lagoon, this tour seamlessly blends iconic landmarks with enriching cultural experiences. With flexible booking options and a diverse range of activities, this fantastic Peru adventure is the perfect way to explore the boundless beauty and enchantment of this remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: