Peru’s coast, mountains, and rainforest – 10D/9N

Overview

Discover Peru in 10 days: Coast, Mountains, and Jungle.
Embark on an unforgettable experience with our 10-day tour that will take you to explore the best of the country. From the majestic city of Lima with its ancestral and colonial past, to the mysterious islands of Paracas, the desert of Ica, and the lush Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado. You will experience the magic of Cusco, the impressive Sacred Valley, and end your tour at the world wonder of Machu Picchu. In addition, you will enjoy a unique adventure visiting the 7 lakes of Ausangate, surrounded by dreamlike Andean landscapes. This itinerary has been carefully designed to offer you a complete view of Peru, combining culture, history, nature, and adrenaline at every step of the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Guided tour of Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, a representative will be waiting for you with transportation to the selected hotel. An informative briefing about the planned activities will also be provided. From 2:00 to 2:30 PM, we will pick you up at your hotel to begin our first activity: a city tour. We will enjoy a guided tour to explore Lima in its three stages: Ancestral, Colonial, and Modern. The tour begins with a panoramic view of the Puccllana Pyramid, an ancient ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century AD and considered a Sacred Inca site.

Next, we will head to the Historic Center of Lima, where you will see monuments and colonial buildings, including Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Basilica Cathedral, among others. We will visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum, featuring the Collection of Treasures of Peru, including ceramics, gold, and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures. The tour continues at the San Francisco Monuments Complex, home to the largest collection of colonial religious art in the Americas, highlighting the underground crypts known as Catacombs.

Finally, we will visit the Contemporary Zone of Lima, viewing main buildings and residential areas such as El Olivar in San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Love Park (Parque del Amor). The tour concludes around 6:00 PM, and you will spend the night in Lima.

Day 2: Ica - Paracas

At 4:00 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel to begin the journey to the city of Paracas. We expect to arrive in Paracas around 8:00 a.m. Once there, we will head to El Chaco Pier to board a speedboat that will take us to the amazing Ballestas Islands.

Our first stop on the speedboat will be at the enigmatic Candelabra, a colossal trident-shaped geoglyph over 2,500 years old. Together, we will explore the various theories about its origin, which may be linked to ancient pirates or even the creators of the famous Nazca Lines.

We will continue our journey to reach the Ballestas Islands, three small islands that host an impressive maritime and ecological richness in Peru. Here, we will witness vast colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous guano birds flying over the area.

Although we will not be able to disembark on the islands to preserve the ecosystem and avoid disturbing the animals, we will get close enough to observe them in their natural habitat during an approximately one-hour tour around the three islands. Afterwards, we will return to the Paracas pier.

Next, we will continue our journey to Ica, where we will visit an artisanal winery that produces the famous Peruvian liquor known as Pisco. A local guide will take us through the winery’s facilities and explain the ancient process of making Pisco and wine. After the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the different varieties of Pisco and wine produced by the winery and, if desired, purchase these products.

Then, we will head to the Huacachina Oasis, located just 5 km from the city center. In this beautiful setting, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the place and explore the surroundings for great photo opportunities or visit local restaurants (free time).

At 4:00 p.m., or at a previously agreed time, the exciting experience begins with sand buggy rides on the dunes surrounding the Huacachina lagoon. The dunes offer visitors the chance to try one of the region’s most thrilling sports, known as Sandboarding. We will also enjoy the beautiful sunset, and afterwards, we will head to our accommodation to rest and prepare for our next adventure in Nazca.

Day 3: Puerto Maldonado – Paradise Amazon Lodge

In the morning, we will take our flight to the Peruvian city of Puerto Maldonado.

8:00 AM: Transfer to the lodge by boat along the Madre de Dios River.
Canopy tour: Walk to the Canopy Tower to observe birds and learn about the local wildlife.
Zipline: Slide down a 190-meter zipline and cross a 100-meter bridge.
Lunch and rest: Amazonian food and free time at the lodge.
Kayaking: Kayak adventure down the river and opportunity to swim.
Monkey Island: Visit Monkey Island to interact with various species of monkeys.
Return to the lodge: Enjoy the sunset in the Amazon.
Caiman sighting: Night boat ride to see caimans.
7:30 PM: Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Sandoval Lake – Night Hike

Breakfast: Start with a traditional Amazonian breakfast.
9:30 AM: Cross the river to register at the checkpoint.
1-hour hike: Walk 3 km to Lake Sandoval, observing local flora and fauna.
Lunch in the jungle: Lunch on the shores of the lake.
Boat ride: We sail across the lake to spot birds and mammals, including giant otters and other animals.
Night walk (6:30 PM): We observe nocturnal creatures with the guide.
Dinner: We return to the lodge for dinner at 7:30 PM.

Day 5: Visit to Native Family – Sport Fishing – Transfer to Tambopata

Desayuno amazónico: Comienza el día con un desayuno típico.
08:00 AM: Caminata hacia una comunidad nativa para conocer su forma de vida, tradiciones y costumbres ancestrales.
Arte local: Oportunidad de adquirir cuadros de la comunidad.
Pesca en arroyo: Paseo en bote hasta un arroyo para pescar diversos tipos de peces como bagres y pirañas.
Almuerzo: El pescado capturado se cocina con especias tradicionales.
Traslado: Regreso a Tambopata para tomar el vuelo o autobús.

Day 6: Reception and transfer in Cusco. City tour

Upon arrival in the historic city of Cusco, a representative will be waiting with transportation to take you to your selected hotel. They will provide you with an informative talk and give you all the tickets you will need to use in the city of Cusco.

At 1:00 p.m., our exciting City Tour will begin. This experience starts with a visit to the imposing Temple of Qoricancha, a sacred place of great importance in Inca times. Then, we will board our vehicle and head to the fascinating archaeological sites in the region.

Our first stop will be Sacsayhuamán, which is characterized by its strategic location and the presence of enormous polished and molded stones. From this point, you will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the city of Cusco.

We will continue our tour to the mystical Temple of Qenqo, where the Incas performed religious ceremonies and sacrifices in times past. Then, we will explore the Inca control and military center known as Puka Pukara.

Finally, we will visit the enigmatic Temple of Tambomachay, known for its impressive water fountains that still flow today. We will return to your hotel around 6:30 p.m., where you will spend the night in Cusco, immersed in the historical and cultural richness of this fascinating city.

Day 7: Sacred Valley

Your exciting tour will begin early at 6:30 a.m. The first stop will be in the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you will have the opportunity to visit its beautiful church and explore the fascinating archaeological park in the area. You will also have the unique experience of visiting a textile production center, where ancient techniques of weaving and wool dyeing are still used. Here, you can appreciate the traditional art passed down through generations.

Next, we will head to the remarkable Moray archaeological site, famous for its circular terraces. These concentric circles represent an incredible feat of Inca engineering and have been admired for centuries.

We will continue to the Maras salt mines, where you will find around 5,000 small salt ponds still used for producing salt for human consumption. This panoramic view is a testament to the Incas’ ability to harness natural resources.

After these fascinating visits, we will proceed to the city of Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

The next stop will be the charming town of Ollantaytambo, known as the “living Inca city.” Here, you will visit the archaeological park, home to the Temple of the Sun, an impressive megalithic structure. You can also explore the Temple of the Ten Niches, the sacred fountains, and the face of the Andean god Tunupa, among other archaeological treasures.

We will then head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a train to the charming town of Aguas Calientes. The train ride lasts approximately 1½ hours. Once in Aguas Calientes, you will be welcomed by our staff and transferred to your assigned hotel.

That evening, a local tour guide will visit you at the hotel to coordinate the details of the exciting tour awaiting you the next day. You will spend the night in Aguas Calientes, preparing for your adventure at Machu Picchu.

Day 8: Machu Picchu

At the prearranged time, you will head to the starting point of your adventure in Machu Picchu. A picturesque 25-minute bus ride will take you to the entrance of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Here, your visit will begin, lasting approximately 2 hours. Our experienced guide will accompany you and provide a detailed explanation of all aspects of this world wonder.

Once you have completed the circuit within the Inca citadel, our guide’s work will be done. From this point on, you will have the afternoon free to enjoy lunch on your own and explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.

To return to Cusco, you must be at the train station at least half an hour in advance according to the schedule indicated on your tickets. You will then board the train that will take you back to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you will be picked up by our bus that will take you back to the city of Cusco.

Day 9: 7 Lakes of Ausangate

We begin the tour with hotel pick-up in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., and then head to the community of Pacchanta, located on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from Cusco via the new South Interoceanic Highway, with a detour along a dirt road.

Upon arrival in Pacchanta, we will have breakfast, and after completing the final preparations, we will start the hike to explore the Seven Lagoons. After about 2 hours of walking, we will reach a viewpoint from which the first lagoon, Pucacocha, can be admired. After a well-deserved photo session, we will continue to the second lagoon, Patacocha, and then the third, Alqacocha. Minutes later, we will see the turquoise-colored lagoons known as Qomercocha. Finally, we will visit Orco Otorongo Lagoon – this small lagoon, due to its shape and surrounding landscape, resembles the jaguar (otorongo), a feline native to the jungles of the Americas. Nearby is China Otorongo Lagoon, named after the female of this feline species. The panoramic views of both lagoons are breathtaking and ideal for photography. The last lagoon of the circuit, Laguna Azulcocha, has dark blue waters and is highly appreciated by tourists for its beauty and the surrounding mountain scenery.

After completing the Seven Lagoons circuit, we will begin the 2-hour return hike to Pacchanta, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, you can enjoy the hot springs for a relaxing experience.

Once refreshed, we will prepare to return to Cusco via the same Interoceanic Highway, arriving back in Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

Day 10: End of services

Transfer to the airport.

Included:

Airport – hotel – airport transfers in Lima, Cusco, and Puerto Maldonado
9 nights of accommodation in tourist hotels (category according to your choice)
Daily breakfasts at the hotels
Tourist transportation for all tours and transfers according to the itinerary
Domestic flights: Lima – Puerto Maldonado / Puerto Maldonado – Cusco (if included in the purchased package)
Round-trip train tickets to Machu Picchu (Expedition class or similar)
Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Entrance fees to all mentioned tourist sites: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, City Tours, Ausangate Lagoon, among others
Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English) on all tours
Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands and visit to the Paracas Candelabra
Buggy tour and sandboarding in the Huacachina dunes
Amazon rainforest tours (Puerto Maldonado): hikes, canopy, kayaking, visit to Monkey Island, wildlife spotting, among others
Meals specified in the jungle and in some tours (such as buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley)

Not included:

International airfare to/from Peru
Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunches and dinners in cities)
Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and personal expenses
Tips for guides, drivers, or hotel staff
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Entrance fees to hot springs (in Pacchanta) and other optional activities not mentioned
National or international airport taxes if not included in the airfare

Recommendations

Documentation: Carry a valid passport and personal documents. Check if you need a visa to enter Peru.
Clothing and footwear: Light clothing and sunscreen for Lima, light clothes and sunglasses for coastal areas (Paracas, Ica), warm clothing for mornings/evenings and comfortable attire for daytime walking in Cusco and Machu Picchu, lightweight long-sleeve clothing, insect repellent, rain poncho, and sunscreen for the jungle.
Health: Bring personal medications and medicine for altitude sickness (soroche). Yellow fever vaccination recommended for Puerto Maldonado.
Money: Carry some cash in Peruvian soles for personal purchases and places that do not accept cards.
Power and connectivity: Bring a power adapter (type A/B plug, 220V) and a portable charger for your devices.
Cultural and environmental respect: Be respectful of local communities and do not leave trash at natural or archaeological sites.
Tickets and passes: Always keep your entry tickets and identification documents handy.

Peru’s coast, mountains, and rainforest – 10D/9N