9 Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Titicaca & More

Lima Arrival & Airport Pick-Up

Welcome to Peru. Upon landing at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), a Marfes Tours representative will be waiting at the arrivals area with a sign bearing your name. After a brief meet-and-greet, you’ll take a private, 45-minute transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco, Lima’s safest and most convenient districts for travelers.

Once checked in, you’ll receive a quick orientation packet for your 9 Day Peru Itinerary—flight times, emergency contacts, and local dining suggestions. The rest of the day is free to:

Stroll the Malecón clifftop park for sunset views over the Pacific.

Sample classic Peruvian dishes—cebiche, lomo saltado, or a pisco sour—at one of Miraflores’ renowned restaurants.

Rest after your flight and acclimate to Peru’s time zone.

Paracas, Ica & Huacachina Full-Day Adventure

Kick off Day 2 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary early with a scenic transfer from Lima to the coastal town of Paracas. At around 8:00 a.m., board a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands—often called the "Poor Man’s Galápagos." Here, you’ll marvel at playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, and other seabirds amidst dramatic coastal cliffs and the famous Candelabro geoglyph

Mid-morning, we’ll journey inland to Ica, the heart of Peru’s wine and pisco industry. Visit a traditional vineyard, learn the distillation process, and enjoy a curated pisco and wine tasting—a delicious way to savor local culture

The adventure continues at Huacachina Oasis, a beautiful desert lagoon surrounded by towering dunes of Ica. Take an exciting dune buggy ride and glide down the slopes with a sandboarding session at sunset, an exhilarating way to close the day

At approximately 6:30 p.m., enjoy a comfortable private transfer back to Lima, arriving in the evening with unforgettable memories of Peru’s coastal and desert landscapes.

Cusco City Tour: Inca Ruins & Colonial Splendor

On Day 3 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary, you’ll land in Cusco and begin with an essential half-day Cusco City Tour—perfect for acclimatizing to the high altitude (≈ 3,400 m) and diving into Peru’s rich heritage.

At around 1:00 p.m., meet your guide at Plaza Regocijo or Plaza de Armas and start exploring:

Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun) – once the most sacred Inca temple, later converted into the Santo Domingo convent. Cusco Cathedral – a stunning colonial-era basilica located in the Plaza de Armas. Sacsayhuamán – impressive Inca fortress known for its massive stonework and panoramic city views. Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay – explore Inca ceremonial sites, water temples, and defensive structures just outside the city.

This tour lasts approximately 4–5 hours, includes private transport, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide—ideal to ease into the Andes both mentally and physically

Afterward, you’re free to enjoy a delicious Andean-inspired meal at a local restaurant or take a relaxed walk through Cusco’s historic center.

Super Sacred Valley & Train to Aguas Calientes

Day 4 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 a.m., heading directly into the Sacred Valley. Your first stop is the Andean town of Chinchero, where you'll explore ancient Inca ruins, a colonial-era church, and witness a live weaving demonstration by local Quechua women, showcasing traditional dyeing techniques and textiles.

The journey continues to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site made up of concentric circular terraces believed to have served as an Inca agricultural research station. Not far from there, you’ll visit the dramatic Maras Salt Mines, a network of thousands of white salt pools clinging to the side of a mountain, still harvested using ancestral methods.

Afterward, you’ll stop in the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Andean dishes. In the afternoon, continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca settlements still inhabited today. Here, you’ll climb the impressive stone terraces to reach the Temple of the Sun, learning about its defensive and ceremonial purposes while enjoying panoramic views of the valley.

By late afternoon, you'll board the tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and offers scenic views of the Urubamba River, jungle-covered mountains, and remote communities. Upon arrival, a hotel representative will assist with check-in. The evening is free for you to rest, explore the town, or enjoy the local hot springs in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Machu Picchu: Sunrise Citadel Tour & Return to Cusco

Day 5 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary starts before dawn with breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes, followed by the short walk to the shuttle-bus station. The first buses leave at 5:30 a.m. and lines often form by 4:30 a.m., so arriving early is the best way to catch sunrise at the ruins

At the entrance your guide will brief you on the park’s three-circuit system introduced in 2024—Panoramic (Circuit 1), Classic (Circuit 2), and Royal (Circuit 3). Most visitors use Circuit 2 because it covers the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Main Plaza, and the classic postcard viewpoint, all in about 2½ hours . Your timed ticket determines the route, so changes on the day are not possible.

For those who want extra altitude and sweeping aerial photos, a limited-entry hike to Huayna Picchu can be added but must be booked months in advance and carries an additional fee; only 200 permits are released daily. After completing your chosen circuit, take the shuttle back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch, souvenir shopping, or a quick visit to the hot springs.

In the afternoon you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, then continue by private vehicle to your Cusco hotel, arriving around 7:30 p.m. Rest well—tomorrow’s early departure to Rainbow Mountain requires fresh legs and plenty of energy.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca Hike)

On Day 6 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary, prepare for an early start: a 4:30 a.m. hotel pick-up in Cusco takes you on a 3-hour scenic drive through Andean landscapes to the trailhead near Cusipata. After a light breakfast provided along the way, your hike begins at about 4,700 meters (15,400 ft), ascending steadily toward the summit of Vinicunca, commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, which peaks around 5,100 meters (16,700 ft).

The hike takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way, depending on pace and weather. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of vividly striped mineral layers set against the backdrop of the Ausangate glacier. Your experienced guide will explain the geological formations, local flora, and cultural significance of the area—essential information for understanding what makes this site unique.

After ample time for photos and celebration at the peak, you’ll descend the same trail, returning to Cusipata for a hearty buffet lunch featuring fresh, regional specialties. The afternoon drive through Andean villages concludes this epic day, with a return to your Cusco hotel around 5:00 p.m. Rest and hydrate well; tomorrow’s full-day journey to Puno along the scenic Route of the Sun awaits.

The Route of the Sun: Cusco to Puno with Buffet Lunch

On Day 7 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary, you'll begin with an early wake-up in Cusco, preparing for the scenic Route of the Sun journey to Puno. Departing around 6:40 a.m., you'll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned tourist bus with onboard service that includes hot and cold drinks, clean restroom facilities, and even oxygen supply for effortless travel through the high-altitude Andes.

Your first stop is at the village of Andahuaylillas, home to the remarkable Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" for its stunning Baroque frescoes. From there, the journey continues to the archaeological site of Raqchi, known for the imposing Temple of Wiracocha, built to honor the Andean creator god, featuring impressive colcas (Inca storehouses) and sacred architecture.

Midway through the day, you'll enjoy a buffet lunch in Sicuani, offering a variety of traditional Andean dishes in a dining hall with mountain views—an authentic highland culinary experience. After lunch, the route ascends to Abra La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno at approximately 4,335 m, where you'll pause for panoramic photos of the Andes and the Chimboya glacier,

The final stop is at the Pukará Lithic Museum, which showcases ancient pre-Inca stone sculptures and pottery, providing insights into indigenous cultures that predate the Incas. You will arrive in Puno by late afternoon (around 5 p.m.), where a private transfer will take you to your hotel, completing this eventful yet seamless leg of your journey.

Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Islands Excursion

Day 8 of your 9 Day Peru Itinerary brings you to the world’s highest navigable lake—Lake Titicaca. Starting around 7:00 a.m., you’ll depart from Puno by private transport to the pier and board a boat for your full-day tour across the glittering waters.

Your first stop is the floating Uros Islands, a collection of hand-built reed islands that have been home to the Uros people for over 3,000 years. Here you'll learn how they construct their homes, boats, and even schools using layers of totora reeds—an encounter with a living cultural tradition.

Next, you'll continue to Taquile Island, where communities speak Puno Quechua and are celebrated for their intricate, UNESCO-recognized textiles. Walk through the island’s main village, meet local artisans, and observe their weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations.

A buffet lunch on Taquile provides time to savor traditional cuisine and further immerse in the island’s atmosphere. The return boat ride to Puno is rich in panoramic views of the Andes and the deep-blue lake. You will arrive back in Puno by late afternoon (around 5:00 p.m.), with the evening free to relax or explore the city’s colonial charm, local markets, or lakeside views.

Return to Lima & End of Tour

Your final day of the 9 Day Peru Itinerary begins with breakfast at your hotel in Puno. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Juliaca Airport (JUL)—located approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Puno—for your domestic flight back to Lima.

Our team will assist with your airport check-in and provide any final documentation or support needed. Upon arrival in Lima, your journey officially concludes. If you're connecting to an international flight the same day, be sure to allow at least 3 hours between your domestic arrival and your international departure.

This marks the end of your curated 9-day adventure through Peru—from coastal cities and ancient ruins to Andean peaks and island cultures. Thank you for traveling with Marfes Tours Perú, and we hope to welcome you back for your next South American journey.