Trips to Machu Picchu from Lima: Essential Peru Tour (12D/11N)

0
  • DESTINATIONSCusco - Lima - Puno
  • DURATION12 Days
  • ACTIVITY LEVELModerate
  • ACCOMOTATION4* Star Hotel
  • From$ 3750.00 PP

This exclusive twelve-day journey through Peru blends Lima’s cultural heritage, the mysteries of the Nazca desert, the imperial beauty of Cusco, the harmony of the Sacred Valley, and the spirituality of Lake Titicaca. An itinerary crafted for discerning travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

Throughout this journey, you will explore iconic destinations shaped by history, tradition, and natural beauty. From coastal sanctuaries and desert wonders to ancient temples, vibrant cities, and living Andean cultures, every moment is designed to inspire. Private services, expert guides, panoramic trains, curated hotels, and top-tier gastronomy ensure a seamless, enriching, and luxurious experience that captures the true essence of Peru.

Highlights
  • Discover Lima’s historic and modern contrasts through culture, architecture, and world-class cuisine.
  • Sail the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands surrounded by dramatic rock formations and marine life.
  • Experience Huacachina’s magical oasis with golden dunes and unforgettable sunset views.
  • Fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines and admire precise ancient geoglyphs.
  • Enjoy immersive gastronomic experiences showcasing authentic Peruvian flavors and culinary heritage.
  • Explore Sacred Valley temples, markets, and fortresses in a private, exclusive environment.
  • Reach Machu Picchu aboard a panoramic train and explore with an expert guide.
  • Wander Cusco’s historic center, blending Inca stonework and elegant colonial architecture.
  • Navigate Lake Titicaca and visit communities preserving centuries-old cultural traditions.
  • Relax in hand-selectedcurated 4★ and 5★ hotels offering premium comfort and style.
Itinerary

1 Day – Arrival in Lima - A Warm Welcome to Peru

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, your personal host will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your private vehicle. From the very beginning, every detail has been carefully arranged to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and worry-free arrival.
Your private transfer will take you to your selected hotel in one of Lima’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Along the journey, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Peru’s vibrant capital, where contemporary architecture, Pacific Ocean views, and centuries of colonial history blend seamlessly into a fascinating cityscape.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Unwind after your flight, stroll along the scenic Malecón overlooking the Pacific, or indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at one of Lima’s world-renowned restaurants, celebrated as some of the finest culinary destinations in Latin America.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol or similar
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores or similar

2 Day - Discover Lima's Historic Treasures & the Larco Museum

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at your hotel to begin a fascinating journey through Lima, the historic “City of Kings.” Explore the UNESCO-listed Historic Center as you stroll through San Martín Square and the iconic Plaza Mayor, where you’ll admire the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Government Palace. Continue to the beautiful Church of La Merced before visiting the remarkable Monastery of San Francisco, renowned for its colonial architecture and mysterious underground catacombs.
Your experience continues in the elegant district of Miraflores, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the famous Parque del Amor. Later, visit the renowned Larco Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens. After enjoying lunch at its acclaimed restaurant, discover an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian treasures that reveal over 5,000 years of Peru’s rich history, art, and ancient civilizations.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol or similar
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

3 Day - Ballestas Islands, Huacachina Oasis & Sunset on the Dunes

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic journey along Peru’s Pacific coast to the charming seaside town of Paracas. Here, you’ll board a speedboat to explore the spectacular Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, thousands of seabirds, and the mysterious Candelabra Geoglyph. As this is a private journey, you’ll travel comfortably and enjoy every destination at a relaxed pace.
Later, continue by private vehicle to the breathtaking Huacachina Oasis, a hidden paradise surrounded by towering sand dunes. Enjoy free time to explore before embarking on an exciting dune buggy and sandboarding adventure. End the day watching a magical sunset from the top of the dunes, taking in one of Peru’s most unforgettable desert landscapes before settling into your hotel for the evening.

  • Accommodation in Huacachina
  • 4★: Las Dounas or similar
  • 4★: El Huacachinero or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

4 Day - Nazca Lines Overflight & Return to Lima

After breakfast, your private driver will take you to Nazca Airport for one of Peru’s most extraordinary experiences—a scenic flight over the legendary Nazca Lines. From the air, admire the remarkable geoglyphs of the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Astronaut, and other mysterious figures, while your pilot points out these ancient masterpieces that have fascinated archaeologists and travelers for centuries.
Following your flight, relax during a comfortable private journey back to Lima, enjoying the changing landscapes of Peru’s southern coast. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure, whether unwinding after the day’s adventure or preparing for the next chapter of your Peruvian journey.

  • Accommodation in Lima
  • 5★: Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol or similar
  • 4★: Radisson Miraflores or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast

5 Day - Arrival in Cusco & Discover the Sacred Valley

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, your private guide will warmly welcome you and accompany you toward the breathtaking Sacred Valley, where the lower elevation offers the perfect setting to acclimate comfortably. Along the way, discover the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, explore the ceremonial fountains of Tambomachay, and admire the ingenuity of the Inca civilization through these remarkable archaeological sites.
Your journey continues to the charming town of Pisac, where you’ll have time to browse its traditional artisan market before exploring the magnificent Pisac Archaeological Site, famous for its agricultural terraces and panoramic views over the Sacred Valley. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Andean flavors, continue to your carefully selected hotel, where the peaceful surroundings provide the perfect beginning to your adventure through the heart of the Inca Empire.

  • Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
  • 5★: Casa Andina Premium or similar
  • 4★: Taypikala Valle or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

6 Day - Private Sacred Valley Experience: Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a personalized journey through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. Discover the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, once used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, before continuing to the iconic Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of shimmering salt ponds have been carefully cultivated by local families for generations. As this is a private experience, you’ll have the freedom to explore each site at a comfortable pace while taking in the spectacular Andean scenery.
Later, immerse yourself in Andean culture with an authentic Pachamanca, a traditional feast prepared beneath the earth using ancestral cooking techniques in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth). In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns, where original stone houses, ancient water channels, and vibrant local life preserve the spirit of the Inca Empire. Afterward, return privately to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for a relaxing evening.

  • Accommodation in the Sacred Valley
  • 5★: Casa Andina Premium or similar
  • 4★: Taypikala Valle or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

7 Day - Luxury Train Journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Ollantaytambo Train Station, where you’ll board the exclusive PeruRail Observatory Train. Sit back and enjoy one of Peru’s most scenic rail journeys as you travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, surrounded by towering mountains, panoramic windows, and spectacular views of the winding Urubamba River.
Upon arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo, your private guide will welcome you at the station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—stroll through the charming streets of Aguas Calientes, visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, relax in the natural hot springs, or simply unwind before your private visit to Machu Picchu the following day. Your guide will be delighted to recommend activities based on your interests, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.

  • Accommodation in the Aguas Calientes
  • 5★: Inkaterra Machupicchu or similar
  • 4★: Tierra Viva Machupicchu or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast 

8 Day - Private Cusco City Experience

Following breakfast, your private guide and vehicle will take you on a relaxed exploration of the Imperial City of Cusco.
Begin with the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, famous for its enormous perfectly carved stones, before continuing to the ceremonial sites of Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, each offering fascinating insight into Inca engineering and spirituality.
Back in the historic center, stroll through Cusco’s charming cobblestone streets, discover picturesque viewpoints overlooking the city, admire the vibrant Plaza de Armas, and experience the perfect blend of Inca heritage and colonial architecture. Because this is a private tour, you’ll enjoy plenty of time for photography, shopping or simply appreciating the city’s unique atmosphere without following a rigid schedule. Return privately to your hotel.

  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • 5★: Casa Andina Premium or similar
  • 4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast

9 Day -Cusco Highlights & Private Lunch Cooking Class

Begin your day with a guided tour of Cusco’s stunning historic center, visiting two of its most emblematic landmarks. Start at the Cusco Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece blending Andean and colonial artistry, home to remarkable works from the Cusco School. Then continue to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important spiritual site of the Inca Empire, renowned for its exquisite stonework and sacred legacy. Your guide will reveal the cultural and historical significance these sites hold within the Andean and Inca legacy.
At midday, you will be transferred to your hands-on cooking class, immersing yourself in the flavors of Peruvian gastronomy. The experience begins at the traditional San Pedro Market, exploring the local ingredients, aromas, and colors that reflect the richness of Peru’s culinary heritage. Guided by a professional chef, you will prepare an authentic Pisco Sour and two iconic Peruvian dishes. The activity concludes with a refined lunch paired with white wine—an ideal blend of culture, flavor, and creativity.

  • Accommodation in Cusco
  • 5★: Casa Andina Premium or similar
  • 4★: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch

10 Day - Route of the Sun – Cusco to Puno

Embark on a fascinating overland journey along the Route of the Sun, connecting the ancient Inca capital of Cusco with the highland city of Puno, the city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Throughout the day, enjoy guided visits to historical and cultural landmarks.
Begin at Andahuaylillas, home to the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” famous for its baroque murals and gilded altarpieces. Continue to Raqchi, where the grand Temple of Wiracocha stands as one of the most significant Inca constructions. After lunch in Sicuani, ascend to La Raya Pass (4,335 m / 14,222 ft), the highest point of the route, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes.
Finally, visit the Pukara Museum, showcasing artifacts from one of the region’s earliest pre-Inca civilizations, famed for its iconic ceramic bull figurines. As evening falls, arrive in Puno, on the serene shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca — the highest navigable lake in the world.

  • Accommodation in Puno
  • 5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno or similar
  • 4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

11 Day - Uros & Taquile – The Culture of Lake Titicaca

Experience the mystical allure of Lake Titicaca, a sacred body of water shimmering at over 12,500 feet above sea level. Begin your navigation toward the Uros Floating Islands, man-made islands crafted entirely from totora reeds — the same material used for their homes, boats, and crafts. Here, the Uros people share their ancient traditions, preserved through centuries.
Continue by boat to Taquile Island, celebrated for its remarkable community organization and UNESCO-recognized textile art. Discover their customs, admire the intricate handwoven garments, and enjoy a traditional lunch with sweeping views of the lake’s endless blue horizon.
This day is a journey through time, where the vastness of Titicaca and the warmth of its people reveal the true spirit of the Andes.

  • Accommodation in Puno
  • 5★: Lake Titicaca Hotel Puno or similar
  • 4★: Sonesta Posadas del Inca or similar
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

12 Day - Farewell in Juliaca – Return to Lima

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to the Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima. As you leave the highlands of Puno, take with you the unforgettable memories of Peru’s vibrant culture, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and the warmth of its people. This final farewell marks the end of a remarkable journey that will stay with you long after your return home.

  • Meals: Breakfast

A complete journey through the heart of Peru: coast, desert, Andes, and sacred lake—blending history, culture, and spiritual connection.

Price Includes

  • Premium private tours
  • Selected 4★ and 5★ hotels.
  • Machu Picchu ticket
  • Private bilingual professional guides.
  • Vistadome panoramic train
  • Round-trip shuttle bus ticket
  • All private transfers included.
  • Personalized assistance throughout.

Price Excludes

  • Domestic and international flights.
  • International flights
  • Dinners not included
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Complementaries

  • Premium welcome kit.
  • Special touches for birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons.
  • Assistance coordinating unique romantic or special moments (including proposals)
  • Farewell kit with an Andean gift.
  • Small festive-season surprises.
CRAFT YOUR OWN

Private Peru Tours Crafted for Discerning Travelers

    Related Tours

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best time to travel?

    The itinerary is enjoyable year-round. Dry season (May–October) offers clear mountain skies, while green season (November–April) provides lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

    Is the Nazca Lines overflight safe?

    Yes. We partner with airlines that follow strict safety protocols, with certified pilots and well-maintained aircrafts. Flights operate only under optimal weather conditions.

    Do I need to acclimatize for Cusco and Puno?

    Yes. Since the journey continues from Cusco to the even higher elevations of Puno, the itinerary builds altitude progressively to ease the adjustment. Staying hydrated and resting on your first day is highly recommended.

    What type of hotels are included?

    Hand-selected 4★ and 5★ hotels known for comfort, service, and premium standards. Hotels are chosen based on your preferences and availability.

    6 travellers are considering this tour right now!