Day 1: Welcome to Peru & Airport Pickup Lima
Welcome to Peru! 🦙
Our team is excited to greet you at the airport (in the welcome area which is as you pass customs and taxi stands in the next small area - they'll be with a sign and your name on it and you'll receive our guide's name the afternoon prior to your arrival).
They'll provide a seamless transfer to your hotel to start your exploration of this beautiful country.
Welcome Dinner: This serves as an event to get to know each other.
Day 2: Huacachina + Ballestas
Paracas & Huacachina
Today, we start by visiting the "Galapagos of Peru" in Paracas (3-hour drive from Lima to Paracas) with a tour from 10:00 to 12:00, where we'll observe sea lions and Paracas penguins.
Then, we continue for 1 hour to Ica where we have lunch and finish in the oasis of Huacachina.
Our grand finale is an exciting buggy ride (30 min) and sandboarding adventure (1 hour) in Huacachina with a breathtaking sunset (45 min) before returning to Lima.
Group size: Mixed (private guide and small group activities in boat and buggy)
Start at hotel: 6:00
End at hotel: 23:00
Entrance: Included
What to bring: Light clothing, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, camera
Day 3: Flight to Cusco + Cusco City Tour
Airport drop-off in Lima
Our team will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport.
Flight from Lima to Cusco
Flight time: 7.50 - 09.00 am with LATAM.
Arrival in Cusco & Pickup
Welcome to Cusco, the heart of the Central Peruvian Andes of South America.
Located at 3.400 m (11.150 ft), Cusco is famous for its spectacular main square, cobbled streets, and houses with terracotta tile roofs.
Our team awaits you outside of the airport building on the parking lot, where all transfers have to wait (you cannot miss them), with a sign and your name on it, to welcome you and take you to your accommodation.
City tour in Cusco
Ever wondered how the walls of an ancient temple might speak to you?
Begin your journey at Qorikancha, where tales of a bygone era resonate. Feel the vibrant pulse of the San Pedro market as you savor the burst of exotic fruits, an authentic taste of Cusco.
As we continue to the main square, the Cathedral unveils its majesty, echoing the city's deep-rooted heritage. Alternatively, we can walk through the cobblestone streets of San Blas, where time seems to stand still.
Your day culminates atop Sacsayhuaman, where panoramic views of Cusco await us.
Group Size: Private.
Start time: 2 pm
End time at hotel: 6:30 pm
Entrance tickets: Included
Costs not included: -
What to bring: Hat, sun glasses, water, snacks, sunblock
Day 4: Sacred Valley Tour + Train to Aguas Calientes
Sacred Valley Tour with Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Highlight: Enjoy an immersive journey through the Sacred Valley with an optimized itinerary that helps you avoid the crowds and soak in every moment—without the rush.
Delve into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where every path tells a tale. In Chinchero, connect deeply with local artisans. Feel the soft alpaca wool glide through your fingers and watch as ancestral traditions turn it into vivid textiles.
Maras gleams in the distance, waiting for you. Ever wondered how it feels to explore its crystalline marvels before the crowds arrive? Venture to Moray and marvel at the agricultural brilliance of ancient terraces. Lastly, in Ollantaytambo, let the fortress whisper stories of battles and triumphs from a time long gone before taking the train to Aguas Calientes.
By staying overnight, you’ll enjoy more rest the next morning and skip the longer return route from Cusco.
Note: You'll bring a small suitcase or backpack with everything that's required for the night in Aguas Calientes and the next day at Machu Picchu. The train won't allow heavy luggage. Your main luggage will remain in your hotel in Cusco in the safety storage until your return.
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Group size: Small group (max 8)
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Start time at your hotel: 6:45
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End time at train station: 16:00
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Entrance: Included
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What to bring: Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, pocket money for souvenirs, luggage for Aguas Calientes & Machu Picchu, camera
Standard Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) 16:36 - 18:06
Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Sacred Valley in this unique train ride. Upon arrival at the train station, our staff will meet you and escort you to the bus station. From there, you'll take a shuttle bus to the entrance, where you'll meet your Machu Picchu guide.
Day 5: Machu Picchu + Return to Cusco
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
You'll be accompanied to the bus station by our team. From there, you'll take the bus up to Machu Picchu during a 25-minute zig-zag ride.
There may be waiting lines.
Pickup at hotel: 5:00
6:00 am - 2 hours 30 minutes
Tour to Machu Picchu
Highlight: Enjoy more time with 2.5-3h instead of typical 1.5-2h, with a true expert guide focusing on your interests while visiting the best spots for pictures.
Walk in the footsteps of Incan royalty as you uncover the secrets of Machu Picchu, guided through its temples, terraces, and sacred plazas. With more time to explore than most tours allow, you'll truly soak in the wonder of this ancient citadel. Afterward, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes.
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Group size: Private (guided tour 2.5-3h)
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Start time: 06:00 am (pickup 5:00)
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End time: 09:00 am
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Entrance tickets: Included
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What to bring: Hat, sun glasses, water, snacks, sunblock, camera, passport
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Circuit*: 2
*the availability of specific Machu Picchu circuits and times cannot be guaranteed until the final booking due to limitation and constant changes in availability. In case the desired time or circuit is sold out, we'll propose alternative times or circuits.
Bus from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes village
After this magical exploration, you return by bus to Aguas Calientes with another 25-minute ride.
The bus leaves right at the exit of Machu Picchu's archeological site.
Standard Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo 14:55 - 16:31
Upon your arrival in Ollantaytambo, our team awaits you to take you to your accommodation.
Transfer from Ollantaytambo Train Station to Hotel in Cusco
Upon arrival, our team will await you to take you to your accommodation in Cusco safely.
Day 6: Andean Ceremony + Alpaca Hike
Andean Ceremony + Alpaca Hike
Visit Casa Sulca near Cusco (30 min away) to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Andean weaving (40 min).
Take part in a hands-on weaving experience, explore their museum showcasing intricate textiles (40 min), join an authentic Andean ritual (20 min), and enjoy a peaceful walk with llamas (1 hr) — all offering you a deep dive into local culture and craftsmanship.
Group Size: Private
Start: 2:00 PM
End: 6:30 PM
Entrance: Included
What to bring: Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, water, snacks
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain + Airport Drop-Off
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
Highlight: Arrive before the crowds and enjoy stunning views, free from the typical tourist groups.
As you hike, immerse yourself in the rich stories of local communities, their lives in the high-altitude landscape, and their deep reverence for the Apus, the ancient mountain gods.
After a 1.5-2 hour climb, reach the summit and pause to savor a moment of serenity while taking in breathtaking views and capturing photos without the usual crowds. If you're lucky, friendly alpacas may even join in to make the experience even more special.
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Group Size: Small group (max 8)
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Start time: 03:00
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End time at hotel: 15:30
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Time in vehicle: 2h to restaurant > 1h breakfast > 1h to starting point of trek (reverse for return ride)
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Trekking time: 1.5-2h up / 1-1.5h down
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Distance: 3.5 miles / 6 km total
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Difficulty: Difficult (we recommend 1-2x exercise per week as the altitude is very demanding. A horse can be rented for 3/4th of the way up for about $20, whereas the last part has to be walked due to its steepness).
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Entrance tickets: Included
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What to bring: Hat, sun glasses, water, snacks, sunblock
Airport drop-off & Flight from Cusco to Lima
Flight time is at 19:00 - 20:10 with LATAM.