Peru's Majestic Mountains, Cities & Desert with Jackie Xu
Your TourHero
Hi there, I’m Jackie! I’m an avid traveler with a love for chasing sunsets and exploring the wild outdoors. I also have a deep fascination for different histories and cultures, and I’m eager to jam pack my trips with as much adventure as possible. I look forward to sharing my love for learning and exploring with like-minded people like you!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 5 – 11, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 - 20
Transportation
Van, bus, train, flight
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 25
Travel interest
Adventure, nature, hiking, nightlife.
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.
Welcome to a tour of Peru’s amazing landscapes on this 7-day, 6-night adventure. Beginning with a city break in the capital city of Lima, you’ll learn about its history, take in its sights and have ample time to party once the sun goes down. Next stop, the desert! We’ll travel to Ica, the city of desert-like valleys, where you’ll see brandy being made and get to taste it yourself. You’ll also spend a night in Huacachina, the village in the desert, complete with its own oasis. From here on in, it’s mountain-time! We’ll be based in the city of Cusco, and head first to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With ample time to explore and unwind throughout the trip, this is a tour for anyone wanting a taste of everything Peru has to offer.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hi there, I’m Jackie! I’m an avid traveler with a love for chasing sunsets and exploring the wild outdoors. I also have a deep fascination for different histories and cultures, and I’m eager to jam pack my trips with as much adventure as possible. I look forward to sharing my love for learning and exploring with like-minded people like you!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 5 – 11, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 - 20
Transportation
Van, bus, train, flight
Welcome to a tour of Peru’s amazing landscapes on this 7-day, 6-night adventure. Beginning with a city break in the capital city of Lima, you’ll learn about its history, take in its sights and have ample time to party once the sun goes down. Next stop, the desert! We’ll travel to Ica, the city of desert-like valleys, where you’ll see brandy being made and get to taste it yourself. You’ll also spend a night in Huacachina, the village in the desert, complete with its own oasis. From here on in, it’s mountain-time! We’ll be based in the city of Cusco, and head first to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. With ample time to explore and unwind throughout the trip, this is a tour for anyone wanting a taste of everything Peru has to offer.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Lima
- Arrive in Lima
- Transfer to hotel
- Check-in at Selina Miraflores (or similar according to availability)
- Relax, unwind and meet your tour leader
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 2 · Lima
- Breakfast
- 9:00 am - Lima city tour
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 3 · Lima & Ica
- Breakfast
- Check-out of Selina Miraflores
- 6:30 am - transfer to bus station
- 8:00 am - bus to Ica
- ~ 4 hrs 15 mins bus
- Check-in at Bananas Adventure Hostel (or similar according to availability)
- Visit local artisans and vineyards
- Taste unique Pisco brandy
- Free afternoon to explore Ica Huacachina
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 4 · Lima & Cusco
- Breakfast
- Check-out of Bananas Adventure Hostel
- 6:30 am - transfer to bus station
- 7:15 am - bus to Lima
- ~ 4 hrs bus
- 11:15 am - transfer to the airport
- 4:00 pm - flight to Lima
- ~ 1 hr 23 mins plane
- Check-in at Selina Cusco Saphi Hotel
- Free time to explore Cusco
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 5 · Machu Picchu
- Breakfast
- Train ride to Calientes
- Machu Picchu Inca Citadel Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer to Cusco
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 6 · Cusco
- Breakfast
- Free day in Cusco
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check-out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Peru! Relax, unwind and explore Lima, the Peruvian capital
We’re delighted to welcome you to Lima, our capital city. One of our guides will meet you at the airport, with transfers arranged to your hotel. You’ll have the chance to rest or take in the beautiful vibe of the city, before meeting your tour leader for an in-depth brief, covering your adventures ahead. In the evening, take in Lima’s nightlife and culinary delights before the tour begins in full on day two!
Day 2
Explore Lima’s history and culture on a guided city tour
Stretch those limbs and let’s get started! You and Lima are about to get acquainted. The day begins at 9:00 am with a trip to Huaca Pucllana, the city’s most sacred place. See this great clay pyramid in Lima’s Miraflores district and discover its history as a ceremonial and administrative center. Move on to explore the city’s downtown and colonial heritage, visiting some of the city’s oldest streets and treading in the footsteps of the Spanish Conquistadors. Take in the Government Palace, Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and beautiful San Martin Square, before winding down in the sublime culture of Barranco, Lima’s bohemian quarter. Take a moment to catch your breath, before enjoying another night as you please.
Day 3
Discover Ica Huacachina, the village in the desert
Today we’ll journey to Ica at 6:30 am, to experience a completely different side of Peru. Once arrived, we’ll visit local artisan craftspeople, the perfect place to snap up a unique souvenir or two! You’ll also be taken on a stroll through the region’s vineyards, where grape-based Pisco brandy is made, learn about the blending process and get to try it for yourself. In the afternoon you’ll be able to explore the amazing village of Huacachina, a village in the desert. Housing around 100 locals, it sits in a vast bowl of sand-dunes and is centered around a beautiful blue lagoon. Sand buggies and boards can be hired, or why not bathe in the water – it’s believed to have magical healing powers! Finally, wind down with another overnight stay.
Day 4
Enjoy a day of exploration in Cusco
Today we bid farewell to the desert, but fresh delights await us! After breakfast, we’ll leave the hotel at 6:30 am and take the 7:15 am bus back to Lima to catch a flight to Cusco, the land of the mountains. Once arrived and checked-in to your new home, you’ll have one of Peru’s most exciting cities at your disposal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is a delight for the senses and wonderful to explore on foot. Be sure to take in the Main Square, San Francisco Church, Koricancha Temple, and San Pedro Market. Take a stroll through Cuesta San Blas and visit the local craft workshops and galleries. Alongside ancient ruins and stone architecture, Cusco has a wonderful vibrancy, so don’t forget to take some time out, grab a coffee and simply breathe in the atmosphere. Be sure to get some rest in the evening though, as the mighty Machu Picchu awaits tomorrow!
Day 5
Visit the amazing natural sanctuary of Machu Picchu
It’s time to get your mountain legs ready! After a short train ride to Calientes — the village at the base of the mountain — you’ll soon be at the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, built around 1450 AD. Named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, you’ll spend the morning on the platform at 2,430m and learn all about the secrets of ancient Andean culture. Marvel at a city built without mortar or the aid of modern tools. More daring adventurers will have the optional chance to scale the peaks of either Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain, for a bird’s-eye view of the sanctuary. In the afternoon, catch the train back to Cusco and recharge your batteries for another big mountain day ahead.
Day 6
Free day in Cusco to relax and explore
Good morning, travelers! Wake up at your own pace, eat a delicious breakfast, and enjoy a day of leisure in Cusco. You can take a walk to the market for snacks and souvenirs, explore the ancient history of the city through a guided tour, or simply wander the streets and see where the mood takes you. This is your last day in Peru, so enjoy it to the fullest!
Day 7
Farewell to Peru, we hope to see you again!
Following an overnight stay in Cusco, board your flight and head home. Cherish your experiences in Peru’s magical mountains, cities and desert and get planning your next adventure with us!
Accommodation
Selina Miraflores (or similar according to availability)
The Selina Miraflores is perfect for starting your Peruvian vacation with a bang! Situated close to music spots including the Vinyl Factory and Jazz Zone, you’ll be in an ideal place to explore Lima by day and by night. The groovy 1970s building includes community rooms for hanging out with your traveling chums, a restaurant, cocktail bar, coworking room and outdoor space. You’ll find live music most nights, and yoga lessons on-site - perfect for stretching those limbs before you hit the high mountains! WiFi is available throughout. Room type: Private standard rooms with private bathrooms.
Bananas Adventure Hostel (or similar according to availability)
The only adventure hostel in Huacachina has two rooftop terraces, a bar and swimming pool, all surrounded by banana trees, with hammocks making it a great setting for a siesta. There are countless eateries close by and an on-site restaurant. You can hire sand buggies and boards here and be taken on a local tour by the hostel’s experienced local drivers. The dorms have bunk beds, lockers, fans and an ensuite bathroom, plus WiFi. Room type: Private standard rooms with private bathrooms.
Selina Cusco Saphi Hotel (or similar according to availability)
In the heart of the Andean Mountains, the Saphi serves up some of the most fabulous views you’ll ever see. The building has been adorned with locally-curated artwork, and features a garden, common rooms, massage, yoga, a traditional restaurant and cozy movie room. You’ll also be just a stone’s throw from Cusco’s attractions, with shops, galleries, markets and bars almost on your doorstep. And of course, you’ll be just a short ride away from the mountains. WiFi can be found throughout. Room type: Private standard rooms with private bathrooms.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- 2 nights at Selina Miraflores Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night at Bananas Adventure Hostel (or similar)
- 3 nights at Selina Saphi Hotel (or similar)
- Multiple occupancy in accommodation
- Domestic flight Lima to Cusco - includes 23kg check-in baggage allowance
- All activities as described in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Activity transfers and transfers between cities
- Entrance fee to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Mountain
- Round trip bus ticket Calientes/Machu Picchu/Calientes
- Round trip train ticket Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes/Ollantaytambo
- Tolls, fuel and parking fees
- Bilingual guides
- All breakfasts
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- International flights (to and from Peru)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (USD 35)
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- All meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Huacachina Dune Buggies & Sandboarding Tour
Travel with our expert guides and experience the desert dunes in the best way possible! An exhilarating buggy trip across the sands takes you to the heart of the desert, where you can enjoy sandboarding down the slopes in some of the most amazing scenery you’ll find on Earth. These thrilling tours take around 1 hour and 30 minutes — be sure to take your camera!
Price: USD 35
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- The Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! - Unsplash: Eddie Kizka
- The majestic lost city of the Incas. - Agnieszka Mordaunt
- Lima's Plaza Mayor. - Wikimedia
- Llamas and alpacas live all around Machu Picchu. - Nathalie Marquis
- Be in awe of both Inca engineering and the grandeur of the Andes mountain range. - Adriana Aceves
- Cusco is a delightful city to explore. - Joe Green
- The beautiful sands of Huacachina Desert. - Tamara Bravo
- Peaceful Huacachina Village under the stars. - Alex Azabache
- Visit the magnificent Government Palace in Lima. - Jhordy Rojas
- Downtown Lima shows the city's colonial past. - Eduardo Garcia
- See monuments, history and culture galore at Plaza San Martin. - Juan Manuel Portocarrero Ramírez
- Stroll down Lima's beautiful city streets and soak up the local vibe. - Adrian Dascal
- Coast and city are on your doorstep in Lima! - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Start your adventure in fascinating Lima, Peru's largest city. - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Stay in unique Huacachina, a village in the desert. - Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
- Calientes Village lies at the base of Machu Picchu — it's all uphill from here! - Giancarlo Revolledo
- Book a city sightseeing tour with a local guide and learn about Cusco's culture and history. - Unsplash: Raul Varela
- The city of Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. - Peruvian Soul
- Head to the Main Square and check out the San Pedro Market and San Pedro Church. - Unsplash: Renny Gamarra
- No trip to Cusco is complete without a trip to Qorikancha. This historic church was built atop ancient Inca ruins that date back to 1438 and was created for the sun god El Inti. - Unsplash: Amauri Mejía
- Walk through the colorful streets and buy some handmade souvenirs along the way. - Unsplash: NINA PASCAL
- Grab a quick bite at the market or head to a traditional restaurant for an authentic Peruvian meal. - Unsplash: Ashim D’Silva