imperial adventure in peru huacachina machpicchu
From the dunes of Huacachina to the heights of Machu Picchu and the Rainbow Mountain
TRIP SUMMARY
Embark on a unique experience with our “Magical Peru 8D/7N” package, a comprehensive tour that combines culture, adventure, and unparalleled natural landscapes. From the modern capital, Lima, to the desert dunes of Huacachina, passing by the impressive Ballestas Islands, you’ll continue to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, to explore the Sacred Valley, the mystical citadel of Machu Picchu, the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, and the stunning Humantay Lagoon.
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to discover the best of Peru in just 8 days, with guided activities, organized transfers, and comfortable accommodations at each destination.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Ballestas Islands and Paracas Full day
Enjoy an exciting full-day trip from Lima to two of the most visited destinations in southern Peru: the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina Oasis. We’ll start early with a transfer to Paracas, where you’ll board a boat to explore the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, penguins, and guano birds, and admire the enigmatic figure of the Candelabra.
Then, we’ll continue to Ica to visit an artisanal winery and taste wines and pisco. Finally, we’ll visit the impressive Huacachina, an oasis surrounded by dunes where you’ll experience an unforgettable experience with tubing and sandboarding, ideal for adrenaline lovers.
Day 2: Arrival in Cusco - Afternoon city tour
Discover the history and culture of the navel of the world with our Cusco City Tour, an essential tour for visitors to Peru’s historic capital. This half-day tour combines the best of the Inca heritage and colonial architecture, taking you to the most iconic sites in and around the city.
During the tour, you’ll visit the majestic Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha) and the main archaeological ruins located on the outskirts of the city: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Includes a professional guide, tourist transportation, and entrance fees to the sites visited. Ideal for your first day in Cusco, as it allows for gradual adaptation to the altitude while you discover the highlights of this ancient city.
Day 3 - Sacred Valley of the Incas
Explore the most iconic destinations in the Sacred Valley with personalized attention and high-end tourist transportation. This VIP tour takes you through the majestic landscapes of the Vilcanota River, visiting the main attractions: Pisac, with its impressive archaeological site and artisan market; Urubamba, where you will enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch; Ollantaytambo, with its imposing Inca complex and cobblestone streets; and Chinchero, known for its colorful textile art and archaeological remains.
Includes a professional guide, entrance fees, comfortable transportation, and meals, all designed to provide you with an enriching cultural experience with the best service.
Day 4: Machupicchu Full day
This tour is designed for those who want to visit Machu Picchu in a single day, without sacrificing comfort or important details. We begin early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station. Aboard the tourist train, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes.
From there, we take the bus that takes us to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll visit the main points of interest in Machu Picchu, learning about its history, architecture, and culture. After the tour, you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the surroundings.
We return via the same route, concluding the tour at night in Cusco.
Day 5: Humantay Lake
Enjoy a unique experience in the Andes with our tour to Humantay Lagoon, one of Cusco’s most impressive natural gems. This turquoise lagoon, located at over 4,200 meters above sea level and surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, is the perfect destination for nature, hiking, and photography lovers.
The tour begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive to the town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy breakfast. We then continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of the approximately 2.5-hour hike to Humantay Lagoon. Upon arrival, you will have time to explore, take photos, and connect with the energy of the place before returning.
Includes transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, and lunch. Ideal for those seeking a moderately difficult hike with unforgettable scenic rewards.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Explore one of Peru’s most stunning destinations with our Rainbow Mountain Tour, also known as Vinicunca. Located at over 5,000 meters above sea level in the Vilcanota mountain range, this mountain impresses with its vibrant bands of natural colors, the result of minerals unique to the area.
The tour begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a ride in a tourist transport to the starting point of the hike. The route takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on foot (or optional horseback riding) to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, from where you can enjoy stunning Andean landscapes and panoramic views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
WHAT DOES THE TRIP INCLUDE?
Includes
- Tourist transportation
- Bilingual guide
- Admission to all sites
- Buffet lunch in Urubamba
- First aid kit, including a small oxygen tank
- Breakfast and lunch for the mountains and Humantay Lagoon
- Admission to Machu Picchu
- Round-trip tourist train ticket
- Consettur bus ticket
Does not include
- Accommodation in Cusco and Lima.
- Water and snacks.
- Horseback riding available upon request (Mountain and Lagoon).
- Flights
- Dinners
- Not mentioned in the program
Recommendations
- Water.
- Raincoat – poncho – long-sleeved shirt.
- Trekking shoes.
- Winter hat and gloves.
- Waterproof pants.
- Snacks.
- Sunscreen, SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Camera with spare batteries: batteries drain faster at high altitudes.
- Binoculars.
Cash for extra cats (souvenir or horse rental is optional). - Trekking poles (especially recommended for steep descents; can be rented from us).