This 7-day itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in Peru, combining ancient history, stunning landscapes, and adventure. Highlights include the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Nazca Lines, along with the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant city life of Cusco and Lima. From archaeological wonders to natural beauty, this itinerary provides a little bit of everything that makes Peru a top destination in South America.
7-Day Itinerary in Peru
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your centrally located hotel, just a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Free day: The first day is designed for you to acclimate to the high altitude (Cusco is located at 3,400 meters or 11,150 feet above sea level). You can spend the day relaxing or, if you feel comfortable, explore the city on your own. Recommended visits include the Qoricancha Temple (the Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral, San Pedro Market, and wandering through the charming streets of the historic city center.
Day 2: Sacred Valley and Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Base)
Morning: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit important Inca sites like Pisac (famous for its terraces and archaeological site) and Ollantaytambo (known for its impressive ruins and ancient town layout).
Afternoon: From Ollantaytambo, you’ll take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This scenic train journey offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River and the lush mountains surrounding the valley.
Night: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. The town is small but offers a variety of restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Morning: Wake up early to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This iconic archaeological site is best experienced in the early morning when the crowds are fewer, and the site is bathed in the soft morning light. Your guide will lead you through the main temples and structures, explaining the history and significance of this sacred Inca citadel.
Afternoon: After exploring Machu Picchu, take the train back to Cusco. The return train ride offers another opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Andean landscape.
Night: Arrive back in Cusco and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4: Free Day in Cusco
Free Day: Today is a day for you to explore Cusco at your own pace. You may choose to revisit any of the attractions you liked the most, explore nearby neighborhoods such as San Blas (known for its narrow streets and artisan workshops), visit Sacsayhuamán (an ancient Inca fortress overlooking Cusco), or simply relax and enjoy the local cafes and shops.
Night: Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Early Morning: Depart early for a full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). This incredible mountain, known for its vibrant colors, is located at over 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level. The hike to the summit is a challenge due to the altitude, but the breathtaking views and colorful landscape are well worth the effort.
Afternoon: After visiting the Rainbow Mountain, return to Cusco for some rest and relaxation.
Night: Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: Lima – Huacachina Oasis and Nazca
Morning: Take a morning flight from Cusco to Lima, Peru’s capital. Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to the city of Ica (approximately 4-5 hours drive).
Afternoon: Arrive in Ica and visit the Huacachina Oasis, a stunning desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. You’ll have the chance to take a thrilling dune buggy ride and try sandboarding down the massive dunes, an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers.
Evening: After your desert adventure, continue your journey to Nazca (another 2 hours by car) and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Nazca Lines and Return to Lima
Morning: Early in the morning, you will take a small plane ride to see the Nazca Lines, one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries. These giant geoglyphs, etched into the desert floor, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Some of the lines are over 2,000 years old and can only be fully appreciated from the air.
Afternoon: After the flight, you’ll be transferred by bus back to Lima, where you’ll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel to conclude your Peru adventure.
End of Service.
Summary:
This 7-day itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in Peru, combining ancient history, stunning landscapes, and adventure. Highlights include the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and the Nazca Lines, along with the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant city life of Cusco and Lima. From archaeological wonders to natural beauty, this itinerary provides a little bit of everything that makes Peru a top destination in South America.
7-Day Itinerary in Peru
Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your centrally located hotel, just a short walk from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Free day: The first day is designed for you to acclimate to the high altitude (Cusco is located at 3,400 meters or 11,150 feet above sea level). You can spend the day relaxing or, if you feel comfortable, explore the city on your own. Recommended visits include the Qoricancha Temple (the Temple of the Sun), Cusco Cathedral, San Pedro Market, and wandering through the charming streets of the historic city center.
Day 2: Sacred Valley and Train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Base)
Morning: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a day trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit important Inca sites like Pisac (famous for its terraces and archaeological site) and Ollantaytambo (known for its impressive ruins and ancient town layout).
Afternoon: From Ollantaytambo, you’ll take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. This scenic train journey offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River and the lush mountains surrounding the valley.
Night: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. The town is small but offers a variety of restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.
Day 3: Machu Picchu
Morning: Wake up early to take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This iconic archaeological site is best experienced in the early morning when the crowds are fewer, and the site is bathed in the soft morning light. Your guide will lead you through the main temples and structures, explaining the history and significance of this sacred Inca citadel.
Afternoon: After exploring Machu Picchu, take the train back to Cusco. The return train ride offers another opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Andean landscape.
Night: Arrive back in Cusco and overnight at your hotel.
Day 4: Free Day in Cusco
Free Day: Today is a day for you to explore Cusco at your own pace. You may choose to revisit any of the attractions you liked the most, explore nearby neighborhoods such as San Blas (known for its narrow streets and artisan workshops), visit Sacsayhuamán (an ancient Inca fortress overlooking Cusco), or simply relax and enjoy the local cafes and shops.
Night: Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Early Morning: Depart early for a full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). This incredible mountain, known for its vibrant colors, is located at over 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level. The hike to the summit is a challenge due to the altitude, but the breathtaking views and colorful landscape are well worth the effort.
Afternoon: After visiting the Rainbow Mountain, return to Cusco for some rest and relaxation.
Night: Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: Lima – Huacachina Oasis and Nazca
Morning: Take a morning flight from Cusco to Lima, Peru’s capital. Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to the city of Ica (approximately 4-5 hours drive).
Afternoon: Arrive in Ica and visit the Huacachina Oasis, a stunning desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. You’ll have the chance to take a thrilling dune buggy ride and try sandboarding down the massive dunes, an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers.
Evening: After your desert adventure, continue your journey to Nazca (another 2 hours by car) and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Nazca Lines and Return to Lima
Morning: Early in the morning, you will take a small plane ride to see the Nazca Lines, one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries. These giant geoglyphs, etched into the desert floor, depict various animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Some of the lines are over 2,000 years old and can only be fully appreciated from the air.
Afternoon: After the flight, you’ll be transferred by bus back to Lima, where you’ll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel to conclude your Peru adventure.
End of Service.
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