Ultimate Peru Itinerary 10 Days

Arrival in Lima - Welcome to Peru!

Your 10-day Peru itinerary begins with your arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru. Upon landing at Jorge Chavez International Airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro, two safer areas of the city. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing after your flight. You can take a short walk along the Miraflores Malecon, enjoy the ocean views at Parque del Amor, or taste Peruvian cuisine for the first time.

Explore Lima - Colonial Landmarks & Magic Water Circuits

After breakfast, begin your cultural immersion with a half-day city tour of Lima that will take you through three distinct eras of Peruvian history: pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern.
The tour begins with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an ancient adobe ceremonial center in the heart of Miraflores. Then, continue to Colonial Lima, where you will explore the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the San Francisco Convent, including its famous Catacombs.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and have lunch on your own. In the evening, we'll visit the Magic Water Circuit, the largest fountain complex in the world, located in Parque de la Reserva. Admire the impressive laser and light projections that dance over the fountains in perfect harmony with Peruvian music and imagery: an unforgettable nighttime experience in Lima.

Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Oasis adventure

Adventure in Paracas, Ballestar Islands, and Huacachina Oasis. The day begins early with pickup from your hotel in Lima at 5:00 a.m. for an unforgettable full-day tour of Peru's southern coast. After a scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway, you'll arrive in Paracas, a charming fishing village and gateway to the wonders of the sea.

Ballestas Islands Tour: Embark on a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, often called the "Poor Man's Galapagos." En route, admire the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph, etched into the coastal cliffs. Once on the islands, spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and dozens of species of seabirds.

Next, visit La Caravedo Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Americas. Tour the vineyards, learn about the grape harvest and distillation process, and enjoy a guided tasting of pisco, Peru's national and native drink.

Peruvian Paso Horse Show & Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch at Los Horcones and witness an elegant Peruvian Paso horse show, where tradition and elegance come together in a cultural spectacle.

End the day at the impressive Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by imposing dunes, you will get to know the best of this incredible desert, we will take you for a ride in the Buggies where you will feel the true adrenaline, you will practice sandboarding to be able to excite yourself on the dunes or simply relax next to the lagoon, enjoying the surreal views of the desert.

We'll return to Lima around 10 p.m. so you can rest and remember how incredible this day was.

Flight to Cusco - Welcome to the Heart of the Andes

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your short flight from Lima to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, our team will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel in the historic city center, where you will be welcomed with the incredible coca tea, a natural remedy for altitude sickness. Experience the altitude and acclimatize.

Cusco is a high-altitude city. Take the rest of the day to acclimatize (3,400 meters / 11,155 feet). Stroll through Cusco's charming cobblestone streets in the evening, or even better, enjoy the incredible lights at night. Visit places like the Plaza de Armas and San Pedro Market, and have a light dinner in the city center. Cusco has incredible cuisine, with many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy more coca tea.

We recommend a relaxing day to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. If you're feeling very ill, you can consider stopping at a pharmacy to take something for altitude sickness. If you're feeling better, you can take a light hike or get dressed downtown. This is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the exciting adventures that await you.

Pisac - Ollantaytambo - Ceramic

Your journey through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas begins after breakfast. It begins with a visit to the stunning archaeological site of Pisac, perched high on the hillside with panoramic views of the valley. Your guide will explain its agricultural terraces, temples, and ancient tombs. Then, descend to the Pisac artisan market, perfect for purchasing colorful textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.

Immerse yourself in a hands-on ceramics workshop where local artisans will teach you how to work Andean clay using ancient techniques. It's a meaningful way to connect with the land and culture. Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch in the heart of the Sacred Valley, featuring a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes.

In the afternoon, we'll visit Ollantaytambo, one of the last remaining inhabited Inca villages. Climb the stone steps of the Ollantaytambo fortress, learn about its strategic military role, and admire the impressive mountainous backdrop. This full-day experience offers a deep immersion in Andean heritage, Inca architecture, and vibrant cultural expressions.

We'll sleep in Ollantaytambo and stay near the train station because the next day is your unmissable tour to one of the wonders of the world!

Machu Picchu

Today is the long-awaited day of your Peru itinerary: a full-day tour to Machu Picchu. Get ready for an unforgettable trip filled with natural beauty, ancient ruins, and unforgettable views. After breakfast, we'll head to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the panoramic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Clientes). This breathtaking journey will take you along the Urubamba River, surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, a short 30-minute bus ride through the city will take you along a winding road to the citadel of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andes. It's time to enter the citadel! Your expert guide will lead you through the iconic citadel on a comprehensive 2.5-hour tour. Depending on the itinerary, we'll visit top attractions such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Sacred Rock, terraces, plazas, and other important areas. This is a great time to take advantage of the opportunity and take in plenty of photos.

After the tour, enjoy free time to explore on your own or take optional short hikes (if booked in advance) to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains for panoramic views. Once the guided tour is over, we'll return to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our private transportation will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Cusco, where you can spend the night.

Maras and Moray Tour + Traditional Pachamanca in Piuray Lagoon.

Begin the day with a panoramic tour to Moray, a mysterious Inca site with enormous circular terraces built in natural depressions. These rings served as agricultural research stations, where the Incas experimented with crops in different climates.

Continue to the charming colonial town of Maras and then visit the nearby Maras Salt Mines, where more than 3,000 salt pools are carved into the mountainside. See how locals still extract pink salt using ancient techniques and capture stunning photos of this otherworldly landscape.

The day ends at Laguna de Piuray, a peaceful and picturesque spot surrounded by mountains. Here, you'll enjoy an authentic Pachacmanca lunch, a traditional Andean meal cooked underground with hot stones. Savor meats, potatoes, corn, and local herbs, all slow-cooked and smoky—an unforgettable cultural experience. We'll return to Cusco at the end of the day.

Rainbow Mountain Day trip (Vinicunca Hike)

Get ready for one of Peru's most impressive hikes! Today, you'll visit the Seven Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, Cusco's second most popular destination. This natural wonder is famous for its colorful stripes and panoramic Andean landscapes.

Your day begins around 4:30 a.m. with pickup from your hotel and a trip south to Cusipata, where you'll enjoy a light Andean breakfast before continuing to the start of the Phulwasipata Trail.

We'll begin the 1.5-hour hike at high altitude (over 4,600 m / 15,000 ft). The trail is firm but challenging due to the altitude. Along the way, you'll come across llamas and alpacas and enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Ausangate. After reaching the summit (5,036 m / 16,522 ft), you'll have time to admire the mountain's natural rainbow-like colors, formed by layers of minerals.

At the highest point, we'll have 30 to 45 minutes to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Depending on time and energy, you can also explore the nearby Red Valley (optional, not included; please inform in advance). We'll descend back to Cusipata for a well-deserved buffet lunch, followed by the return trip to Cusco, arriving between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m.

Traditional Cusco City Tour and Dinner Show

Today, you'll explore the historical and cultural heart of the Inca Empire. The Cusco City Tour will take you through ancient times, colonial monuments, and Inca ruins surrounding the city, followed by a festive dinner with a Peruvian show.

After breakfast, begin your guided tour of the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), once the most sacred Inca temple covered in gold, later transformed into the Santo Domingo convent.

We will continue exploring archaeological sites outside of Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, an imposing Inca fortress built with gigantic stones; Q'enqo, a ceremonial site with altars and passageways carved into the rock; Puka Pukara, a red stone military lookout; and Tambomachay, a water temple with ceremonial fountains.

In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at a local restaurant in Cusco. While you dine, immerse yourself in Andean music and folkloric dance, offering a colorful end to your journey through Inca history.

Farewell to Peru - Departure from Cusco

Your unforgettable 10-day Peru 10 Itinerary has come to an end. After breakfast at your hotel, we'll pick you up at the scheduled time for your transfer to the Cusco airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a few hours to do some last-minute shopping or take a last stroll through the historic streets of Cusco. Don't forget to buy some souvenirs and enjoy the last views of this magical Andean city.

Our team will assist you with your transfer to the airport, ensuring a smooth and timely departure. End of service.