Peaks, Dunes, and Ruins in Peru with Sarah

duration
8 days · 7 nights
travel date
Sep 19 – 26, 2025
activity level
Moderate/Strenuous
group size
12
transportation
Van, plane, train
Your TourHero

I’m Sarah, an established photographer driven by a passion for adventure, creativity, and connection. Specializing in commercial, adventure, and wedding photography, I’m based in Utah but available around the globe.

Over the past five years, I’ve honed my craft to produce compelling visuals that spark wanderlust, inspire imagination, and fuel a sense of adventure. Quality is paramount, and I’m dedicated to delivering work that exceeds the highest standards. Yet, the true reward lies in knowing that my images have the power to resonate deeply, connect with kindred spirits and inspire others to chase their dreams. This is what fuels my enthusiasm for new projects and collaborations, as I continue to strive for excellence and help clients bring their stories to life.

Peru > Peaks, Dunes, and Ruins in Peru with Sarah

Peru has a pulse, and you’ll feel it on this trip at every step. From the moment we land in Lima, the rhythm starts: wandering coastal streets, then heading out to the oasis of Huacachina for sandboarding and dune buggies in the heart of the desert. We’ll dive deep into the Sacred Valley, visiting traditional markets in Pisac and connecting with Andean culture before one of the biggest highlights — a full-day journey through the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Then, we take it even higher (literally) into the Andes for a three-day trek past glacial lagoons, steaming hot springs, and rugged mountain passes, ending with the surreal, bucket-list climb to see Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. Whether you’re hiking at 5,000 meters, soaking in natural springs, or catching your breath under a sky full of stars, this trip is raw, real, and made for those who crave connection through nature, culture, and pure movement. Are you game?

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · September 19, 2025 · Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport
Group transfer from airport to hotel
Check-in at Arawi Express (or similar according to availability)
Evening at leisure
Day 2 · September 20, 2025 · Huacachina & Lima
Breakfast
Private transfer from Lima to Ica at dawn
Visit to Huacachina (optional buggies & sandboarding)
Private transfer from Ica to Lima
Arrival in Lima
Free time
Day 3 · September 21, 2025 · Sacred Valley
Breakfast and check out of accommodation
Transfer to the airport for flight to Cusco
Flight to Cusco (not included in price)
Arrival in Cusco and transfer to Sacred Valley
Excursion to Pisac artisanal market and Pisac fortress
Check-in at Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Day 4 · September 22, 2025 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
Breakfast
Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Train to Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu guided tour
Climb to Huayna Picchu (optional, not included in price)
Return train to Ollantaytambo
Transfer to Cusco
Check-in at San Agustín El Dorado (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Day 5 · September 23, 2025 · Upis (Ausangate Trek)
5:00 am: Pick-up from hotel
Drive to Tinki and visit local market
Continue to Upis Pampa and have breakfast
Trek to Upis Camp (approx. 3 hours)
Lunch at Upis Camp
Optional walk to Upis Lake or visit hot springs
Dinner
Day 6 · September 24, 2025 · Ananta (Ausangate Trek)
5:00 am: Breakfast with cocoa, coffee, or tea
Trek past Arapa Pass (4,989 m)
Lunch at Pucaqocha near the lagoons
Continue trek to Ananta Camp
Dinner
Day 7 · September 25, 2025 · Rainbow Mountain & Cusco
3:45 am: Breakfast
Ascend to Ananta Pass
Climb to Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Siete Colores)
Descend to Red Valley
Private transport to Ttio for lunch
Return to Cusco
Free time
Day 8 · September 26, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast
Check out of accommodation
Group transfer from accommodation to the airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · September 19, 2025
Welcome to Lima

-Bienvenidos! Touch down in Lima, Peru’s capital city and a coastal hub where colonial charm meets urban cool.

-After landing, our crew will link up for a group transfer to the hotel and get checked in.

-You’ve got the evening free to chill or take a casual stroll through the vibrant Miraflores district.

-Grab a pic near the coast, breathe in that ocean air, and get excited — the adventure is just beginning.

Day 2 · September 20, 2025
Desert dreams and dune thrills

-Rise and shine! We’re road-tripping south before sunrise to Huacachina, Peru’s legendary desert oasis surrounded by massive golden dunes.

-Once we arrive, you’ll have the option to hop on dune buggies and fly across the sand or try your hand at sandboarding for that adrenaline rush.

-After soaking up the surreal landscape, we head back to Lima in the evening.

-The rest of the night is yours to relax or explore the city vibes on your own.

Day 3 · September 21, 2025
Up to the Andes

-This morning, we trade the coast for the highlands with a flight to Cusco — the ancient heart of the Inca Empire.

-From there, we head straight into the stunning Sacred Valley, known for its lush beauty and powerful spiritual energy.

-Our first stop is Pisac, where we’ll browse the colorful artisan market and visit the cliffside Pisac fortress for sweeping views and Incan history.

-After settling into our hotel in Urubamba, you’ll have free time to unwind and acclimate to the altitude.

Day 4 · September 22, 2025
The magic of Machu Picchu

-It’s bucket list time! We catch an early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

-A guided tour takes us through the majestic Lost City of the Incas, one full of mystery, legend, and unreal mountain views.

-Want a little extra challenge? Climb Huayna Picchu (optional) for that iconic summit shot.

-In the afternoon, we ride the train back and continue to Cusco, where we'll check into our new hotel and chill for the night.

Day 5 · September 23, 2025
Ausangate trek begins

-Our trekking journey kicks off early as we drive to Tinki, a charming Andean village with a local market that gives us a glimpse of daily life in the highlands.

-After breakfast at Upis Pampa, we begin our hike to Upis Camp with panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier.

-Once at camp, you’ll have the option to explore Upis Lake or soak in nearby natural hot springs. A hearty dinner and mountain silence await.

Day 6 · September 24, 2025
High passes and hidden lagoons

-We’re up with the sun for a challenging but breathtaking day. Today’s trek takes us past Arapa Pass at nearly 5,000 meters — the altitude is real, but so are the views.

-We stop for lunch at Pucaqocha, near shimmering alpine lagoons, then continue to our next overnight spot: Ananta Camp.

-You’ll fall asleep under a galaxy of stars, miles away from the noise of the world.

Day 7 · September 25, 2025
Descend into the rainbow

-It’s an early rise to reach one of Peru’s most Insta-famous natural wonders — Vinicunca, aka Rainbow Mountain.

-The hike up to Ananta Pass is steep but rewarding, with surreal layers of color painted across the landscape.

-After soaking it all in, we descend into the Mars-like Red Valley, an underrated gem with fewer crowds and epic photo ops.

-Post-trek, we head back to Cusco for one last night of city charm and maybe a little celebration.

Day 8 · September 26, 2025
Hasta Luego, Perú

-After breakfast, it’s time to pack up the hiking boots and souvenirs.

-Our group transfer takes us to the airport for departures. Whether you came for the mountains, the history, or the vibes — this adventure was all about connection, culture, and stepping into your boldest, most curious self. 'Til the next one, familia!

Tour Price
From USD 2,138
per person
USD 500 deposit only
18 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Adventure, culture, sightseeing, hiking, history, community
Your local guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
The best tour company I've used!! I will start by saying that Roberto made this trip a dream come true, and I've never experienced a more organised tour. From the moment I first emailed him to inquire about the tour, to the last taxi journey to the airport for our flight home, my friend and I felt safe and well looked after the whole trip! We travelled to Chile, Bolivia and Peru and every aspect of the trip ran smoothly and if there were any questions, Roberto was only a whatsapp message away! From all the tours I looked at, Peru Inside Out was the most flexible and best value, and I would recommend their tours to anyone without a doubt!
An Tran
Excellent service – We used Peru InsideOut for a 13 day trip to Peru. Roberto was very professional and helpful from the initial quote request to the last day of the tour. He arranged all the hotels and guided tours very well. No issues at all with airport pickups and drop offs. The guided tours were very good. We met both Roberto and Karla in Arequipa- both are very friendly and nice people to interact with. Someone from his team was in touch with us daily in Peru to make sure things were going well. We had a very enjoyable Peru trip thanks to Peru InsideOut. Roberto is highly recommended!
Neeraja A
GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE – We were referred to Peru InsideOut by a friend who had traveled with them. We gave them a list of what we wanted to do (Inca Trail, Cusco, Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Lima, Sacred Valley, La Paz) and they sent us a few proposed itineraries. They were patient as we had many questions and made a few changes. We ended up booking a 16 day trip. Most of the trip was Private - just the 6 people in our family and a local guide and driver. The local guides were great - especially Huber on the Inca Trail. They gave us a choice of either Basic or Comfort Accommodation - we looked at the accommodation on line and chose the Basic - it was all pretty good. A few of the day tours were group. They were also able to accommodate one person bypassing the Inca Trail - they provided a separate itinerary for those days. We were always able to contact their office as they provided a cell phone and were accessible on whatsapp. We also booked some shore excursions through them as we ended up taking a cruise to get to South America. The shore excursions worked out well. All of the travel with this company was good value and exceeded our expectations.
Mike M
Accommodation
Arawi Express (or similar according to availability)

Arawi Express offers a comfortable and affordable stay in Lima's vibrant Miraflores district. The hotel features modern, air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, soundproof windows, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast and dine at The Corner Sports Bar & Grill, located nearby. Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, tour assistance, and meeting facilities. Its prime location places attractions like Larcomar, Kennedy Park, and the beach within walking distance. Travelers should note that while the rooms are clean and well-maintained, they are compact, making it ideal for short stays. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (or similar according to availability)

Nestled in the picturesque town of Yanahuara, Urubamba, the Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Peru's stunning Sacred Valley. Located just an hour and a half from Cusco and a mere 20-minute drive from the Ollantaytambo train station, this charming hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's rich cultural and natural treasures. With 36 spacious rooms, Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado provides comfort and convenience. The hotel boasts a range of amenities, including lush green spaces, the inviting SUNO Restaurant serving buffet breakfast, lunch, and a diverse à la carte dinner menu, a cozy lobby bar, and a Spa with jacuzzi, sauna, and massage area for relaxation. Guests can also look forward to a variety of activities and experiences during their stay. With Wi-Fi included, complimentary buffet breakfast, 24-hour hot drinks station, and additional services like airport pick-up and pet-friendly accommodations (for an extra fee), Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado promises a memorable and well-rounded stay for travelers seeking the ultimate Sacred Valley experience. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Hotel San Agustín El Dorado (or similar according to availability)

Hotel San Agustín El Dorado is a refined hotel located in the heart of Cusco, Peru, blending contemporary elegance with touches of Andean culture. Just steps away from major landmarks like the Koricancha Temple and Plaza de Armas, it offers modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a welcoming ambiance, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history. The on-site restaurant serves a fusion of local and international cuisine, adding to the convenience and comfort of your stay. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 1 night in Arawi Express (or similar)

  • 1 night in Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (or similar)

  • 2 nights in an Agustín El Dorado (or similar)

  • 2 nights camping on the Ausangate Trek

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 5, 6, 7

  • Dinner on day 5, 6

  • Huacachina visit

  • Pisac market and fortress visit

  • Machu Picchu guided tour

  • 3-day Ausangate guided trek

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

Not included
  • International and domestic flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jun 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jun 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jun 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.