Peru Adventure: 8 Days in Huacachina & Machu Picchu
Price
Duration
Min Age
Tour Type
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure: From Dunes to Inca Ruins
“Thrilling Peru” invites you on an 8-day journey, blending adrenaline-filled activities with cultural exploration. Start your adventure in the dunes of Huacachina, where a heart-pumping dune buggy and sandboarding excursion offer an adrenaline rush amidst South America’s most stunning desert landscapes. Then, travel to Cusco, a city where Spanish and Inca influences intertwine, and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the vibrant Pisaq Market and absorb the local culture. A highlight of your journey is the enigmatic Machu Picchu, accessible by a scenic train ride. Learn about its rich history and marvel at its breathtaking setting high above the Andes. Your adventure concludes with a hike up Rainbow Mountain, a spectacular geological formation known for its vibrant hues. This small-group tour promises sustainability, safety, and genuine cultural immersion, enriching your travel experience while contributing to local communities and environmental well-being.
Highlights
- Huacachina Dune Adventure: Experience an adrenaline rush in Huacachina with exciting dune buggy rides and sandboarding on South America’s spectacular desert landscapes.
- Cusco’s Cultural Blend: Explore Cusco, a city where the rich tapestry of Spanish and Inca cultures intertwines, offering a unique historical and cultural journey.
- Machu Picchu’s Ancient Mystery: Discover the iconic Machu Picchu via a scenic train ride, exploring its ancient ruins and learning about its fascinating Inca heritage.
- Rainbow Mountain Hike: Conquer Rainbow Mountain, a geological wonder known for its colorful striations and breathtaking panoramic views, a highlight for nature lovers.
- Sustainable Travel in Peru: Engage in a responsible and sustainable journey through Peru, focusing on small-group experiences that contribute to local community welfare and environmental conservation.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Arrive at Lima’s international airport. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. Spend the evening relaxing and exploring Lima at your leisure.
Day 2: Lima Colonial Walking Tour
Discover the rich history and architecture of Lima on a colonial walking tour. Experience the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Peru’s capital.
Day 3: Ballestas Island, Dune Buggy, and Sandboarding in Huacachina
Visit the beautiful Ballestas Island for wildlife viewing. Head to Huacachina for an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience.
Day 4: Flight to Cusco and Walking Tour
Take a flight to the historic city of Cusco. Enjoy a colorful walking tour of Cusco, exploring its rich Incan and colonial heritage.
Day 5: Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
Tour the Sacred Valley, visiting the traditional market in Pisac and the Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. Learn about the history and culture of the Incas.
Day 6: Visit to Machu Picchu
Travel to the iconic Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this ancient Inca sanctuary. Discover the mysteries and architectural brilliance of one of the world’s Seven Wonders.
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain Hike
Embark on a hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, known for its vibrant mineral colors. Experience breathtaking views and the unique landscape of the Andes.
Day 8: Departure from Cusco
Enjoy some final moments in Cusco before your transfer to the airport. Catch your flight home, concluding your memorable journey through Peru.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 1327 | US$ 210 |
Tourist | US$ 1453 | US$ 242 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1647 | US$ 371 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Ballestas, Huacachina, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Air ticket: to overflight Nazca Lines.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- Taxes at the Pisco Airport (about US$ 5.00) for the Nazca Lines Overflight.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: SBMP8D01-SIC
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
- Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting at Lima airport with a customized sign with the client’s name.
- Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- No scheduled activities exist, so check into lodging and restore the energy.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2 – Lima Colonial Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; enjoy a free morning to explore the city alone.
- At 14:00, pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We will take a fascinating walking tour. We will show our clients the palaces, castles, magnificent Saint Francisco Monastery, and spectacular subterranean Catacombs throughout our city.
- We visit the main square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, the train station Palace, the unique old-fashioned “Cordano Bar” colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union Pathway, the Post Office Palace, the Dominicans Tower, and the Historical Rimac Bridge, as well as the lovely surrounded wooden Balconies.
- The historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by UNESCO.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Ballestas Island, Dune Buggy, and Sandboarding Huacachina
- Hotel breakfast; At 05:00, pick up from the hotel and transfer to Paracas. The trip by car takes approximately 4 hours along the South Pan-American Highway.
- Once we arrive, transfer to Paracas Bay to embark on a 2-hour motorboat trip to the Ballestas Islands. Attractions on the island include sea lions and exotic birds.
- We will be able to delight in a personal stroll around the islands, allowing us to photograph the wonders of nature. We will get a complete view of the Candelabra of the Andes from the coast of Paracas, an incomprehensible 180-meter picture carved into the side of a mountain in the Bay of Paracas.
- Then, we will go to Ica to visit a winery where we can try Peruvian wines and piscos. We will also eat lunch at this winery’s restaurant (Not included in the price is lunch).
- Later, we go to Huacachina, one of South America’s most magnificent lagoons.
- Dune buggy and sandboarding adventure, the tour begins driving over impressive dunes around the Oasis La Huacachina.
- Hop into a 4-wheel-drive dune buggy with a professional driver and “fly” up and down dunes the size of mountains while everyone yells with delight. Try sandboarding down the dunes on a sandboard, like snowboarding.
- Take photos and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the dunes.
- The approximate arrival time is between 21:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 4 – Flight to Cusco & Colorful Cusco Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:30, picked up from the hotel and escorted to the airport to trip to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
- Hotel pickup at 14:30. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a firsthand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
- After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
- Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
- The tour ends around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
Day 5 – Tour to the Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain. There have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
- Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market to buy intricate, beautifully hand-crafted products.
- Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 7 – Hike Colorful Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast at Hotel. Pick up at 04:00 from the hotel and a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Stop at Cusipata; afterward, we continued towards Phullawasipata (4626m/15,177ft).
- Enjoy the ride as we pass alpaca and llama herds. Bring a camera since we will be seeing Ausangate Mountain. Also, take a stroll through rural areas and meet the residents.
- The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,030m/16,498ft) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Upon reaching the red hill, we will have breathtaking views of the distinctively colored rock formation that gives Rainbow Mountain its name: turquoise, orange, brown, and red sedimentary rock strata. Once we reach the peak, we will have a chance to eat and take in the panoramic views. Typically, the break lasts 45 minutes.
- It is time to descend after soaking in the beautiful vistas.
- Returning to the trailhead should take lunch before traveling to Cusco.
- We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop off at the Cusco hotel.
- The approximate arrival time is between 16:30.
- The estimated walking distance is 6 km (3.73 miles). Estimated walking time, 2 to 3 hours.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Departure from Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.