Destination: Lima

Arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant coastal capital and the gateway to your Andean and Amazonian adventure. At Jorge Chávez International Airport, an Inside Peru Adventures representative will greet you and accompany you in a private transfer to your hotel in the lively district of Miraflores.

Today is all about rest and gentle arrival. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to stroll along the oceanfront Malecón, watch paragliders soaring above the cliffs, or enjoy your first ceviche or pisco sour at one of Lima’s renowned restaurants.

Upon arrival at the hotel, our team will confirm the time and details of your welcome briefing at breakfast on Day 2, when you’ll properly meet your IPA Tour Leader and fellow travelers and review the full itinerary together.

Arrival Note: We recommend arriving one day before the official itinerary begins, especially when traveling from overseas. Early check-in is subject to availability, but you may safely store your luggage and begin exploring at your own pace.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures.

• Private Airport Transfer: Included (Jorge Chávez Airport → Hotel), 45 min–1 hr approx.

• Meals included: None (meals on your own)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Lima (double occupancy)

Destination: Ica

After a restful night, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and your welcome briefing with your Inside Peru Adventures Tour Leader. This is your chance to get an overview of the entire itinerary—coast, Andes, and Amazon—ask questions, and meet your fellow travelers before hitting the road.

After breakfast, depart Lima and head south along the Pan-American Highway toward Ica, a fertile desert oasis famous for vineyards, pisco, and the dunes of Huacachina. The drive takes around 6 hours with scenic stops along the way to stretch, enjoy Pacific views, and learn more about life on Peru’s southern coast.

Near Ica, visit a traditional pisco distillery to learn how Peru’s iconic spirit is crafted—from grape harvest and fermentation to distillation in copper or clay stills. You’ll have the chance to sample different varieties and discover why pisco is at the heart of Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour.

After the visit, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (meal not included), then continue to your hotel in Ica. Take some time for a short siesta or poolside rest, because the afternoon brings adventure.

Later, head to the Huacachina Oasis, where you’ll board 4x4 dune buggies for an exhilarating ride over rolling sand dunes. (Season permitting, you may also try sandboarding.) Enjoy the surreal desert landscapes and a beautiful sunset over the dunes before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Lima → Ica (approx. 6 hrs with stops); private transport to Huacachina; 4x4 dune buggies in the desert

• Activities & Entrance: Pisco distillery visit & tasting, Huacachina dune buggy (and sandboarding, season permitting)

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Ica (double occupancy)

Destination: Lima

Start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel, then depart Ica by private vehicle toward the port area near Pisco/Paracas (approx. 1–1.5 hrs). Here you’ll board a speedboat bound for the Ballestas Islands, often nicknamed the “poor man’s Galápagos” for their remarkable biodiversity.

Cruise along dramatic rock formations, arches, and sea caves as you look for Humboldt penguins, sea lions, pelicans, boobies, cormorants, and other seabirds, as well as starfish and rich marine life along the shores. Weather permitting, you’ll also see the famous Candelabro geoglyph, etched into the desert hillside facing the bay.

After the boat tour, you’ll have some free time in the port area or nearby Paracas to enjoy a coffee or snack (meals on your own), then begin your overland journey back to Lima—approximately 4 hours with scenic stops along the Pacific coast.

You’ll arrive at your Lima hotel in the evening. Check in, rest, and enjoy dinner independently in Miraflores. Your guide can recommend great spots for seafood, Peruvian fusion, or something light after a full day of exploring.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Ica → Pisco/Paracas → Boat tour to Ballestas → Lima (private vehicle)

• Activities & Entrance: Ballestas Islands boat cruise

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Lima (double occupancy)

Destination: Lima

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your deeper discovery of Lima’s rich colonial and pre-Columbian legacy. With your local guide, explore Colonial Lima: walk through elegant plazas, admire historic balconies and ornate churches, and visit the San Francisco Church and its catacombs—a fascinating window into Lima’s layered past and religious traditions.

At midday, you’ll stop at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you are free to choose your lunch (meals not included today)—a perfect chance to dive further into Lima’s world-class culinary scene.

The afternoon is at leisure. You may:

• Walk along the Miraflores cliffs at sunset

• Explore Barranco with its street art and boutiques

• Simply enjoy an early rest before the Andes.

  
  

In the evening, gather again for an included group dinner in Lima. This will also serve as your final pre-Andes briefing, where your Tour Leader will review the next days in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Tambopata, answer last questions about altitude, packing, and logistics, and make sure you feel fully prepared for the next stage of your journey.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures (hotel ↔ historic center transfers)

• Entrance Tickets: San Francisco Church & catacombs

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel), Dinner (briefing dinner in Lima)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Lima (double occupancy)

Destination: Sacred Valley

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Lima, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your short domestic flight to Cusco—the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon landing, we won’t stay in the high altitude of the city just yet. Instead, we’ll head directly into the Sacred Valley, which sits at a more comfortable elevation and offers a gentler acclimatization to the Andes.

Your journey into Inca heartlands begins with two of the most extraordinary and photogenic sites in the region:

• Maras Salt Terraces: A surreal mosaic of over 3,000 shallow salt pools cascading down a mountainside, where local families still harvest salt using ancestral techniques. You'll learn about this sustainable practice and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.

• Moray Agricultural Lab: Marvel at this unique archaeological site consisting of concentric circular terraces. Believed to be a sophisticated Inca agricultural experimentation center, Moray showcases the empire’s mastery of microclimates and crop adaptation.

  
  

After the visit, we’ll continue to your 3-star hotel in Urubamba, where you’ll have time to relax, unpack, and breathe in the fresh Andean air. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader and fellow travelers—a warm moment to share impressions, go over the next day’s plan, and receive important tips about traveling in altitude.

Note: We'll stop as a group at a local restaurant between visits. Each traveler will cover their own meal—this is a great chance to try traditional dishes and get to know your fellow adventurers.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. 

• Domestic flight: Lima → Cusco 1h - 1h30m - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

• Entrance Tickets: Included

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel) and dinner (at a local restaurant in Urubamba).

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Urubamba (double occupancy)

Destination: Sacred Valley

After breakfast, embark on a full-day journey through the Sacred Valley’s most iconic landscapes and ancient sites. Your first stop is Pisaq, where dramatic mountain slopes cradle a vast Inca complex of ceremonial plazas, watchtowers, and agricultural terraces. Stroll through the colorful artisan market below, famous for its high-quality textiles, silverwork, and handwoven crafts.

Continue along the Vilcanota River to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a fusion of Andean ingredients and international cuisine.

In the afternoon, explore the spectacular ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. Climb its monumental stone terraces, visit the ancient sun temple, and learn how this fortress once served as a stronghold against the Spanish conquest.

Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at a charming hotel in Ollantaytambo, where cobblestone streets and Inca-built walls still shape the daily lives of locals.

After visiting Ollantaytambo, you’ll be escorted to your 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo for a comfortable overnight stay. 

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. 

• Entrance Tickets: Included

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel), Buffet Lunch 

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Ollantaytambo (double occupancy)

Destination: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)

Start your morning with a light hike from the scenic Purmamarca ruins down to the town of Ollantaytambo. This half-day walk offers intimate views of native flora and fauna, agricultural terraces, and panoramic vistas of the Sacred Valley—perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, you’ll take part in an exclusive immersive cultural experience curated by Inside Peru Adventures. This unforgettable moment invites you to connect with the ancestral spirit of the Andes through tradition, symbolism, and shared flavors. You'll witness the transformation of local ingredients into a powerful ceremonial meal, prepared the way it has been for centuries. More than a lunch—it’s a celebration of heritage.

In the afternoon, board the Expedition train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll rest and prepare for your upcoming visit to Machu Picchu.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. 

• Cultural Experience: Inside Peru Adventures’ exclusive immersive lunch with local traditions.

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel), Immersive Lunch

• Train Tickets: Expedition Class included (upgrades available upon request)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)

Destination: Cusco

Today is the long-awaited highlight of your journey. After an early breakfast at your hotel (or a packed meal for convenience), board the shuttle bus that winds up to the legendary Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the Andes and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your entrance follows Circuit 2 (subject to availability), the most complete route to experience the site. With your expert guide, begin at the panoramic viewpoint—the perfect spot for your iconic photo—then descend into the heart of the citadel. Explore its majestic temples, sacred fountains, ceremonial plazas, and agricultural terraces, all carved with astonishing precision.

Optional Hike: If you’ve pre-booked the hike to Huayna Picchu, prepare for a steep but exhilarating climb with sweeping views over Machu Picchu. Limited spaces available—reserve early.

Details:

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel)

• Entrance Tickets: Included

• Bus Tickets: Included

• Train Tickets: Expedition Class included (upgrades available upon request)

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)

Destination: Cusco

After breakfast, enjoy a slow morning before your immersive city tour begins in the early afternoon—perfect timing after the previous days of exploration.

At 1:00 PM, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin discovering the most iconic sites of Cusco, once the majestic capital of the Inca Empire. Your journey starts outside the city at Tambomachay, a ceremonial Inca site dedicated to water and spiritual purification.

Just nearby lies Puca Pucara, a striking reddish ruin believed to have served as a military checkpoint and administrative center.

Continue to Q’enqo, a sacred space of carved stone used for rituals and offerings, featuring mysterious altars and underground chambers. Then stand before the breathtaking walls of Sacsayhuaman, an enormous Inca fortress known for its zigzag walls built with massive stones that fit together so precisely that not even a blade of grass fits between them.

Back in the historic center, step into Qoricancha, the revered Temple of the Sun, whose brilliant Inca stonework lies beneath the colonial Santo Domingo Convent. The day ends at Cusco Cathedral, home to opulent altars, intricate wood carvings, and paintings from the famous Cusco School of Art—a true fusion of Inca and colonial culture.

After this cultural immersion, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy your evening in the heart of the Andes.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. 

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel)

• Entrance Tickets: Included

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Cusco (double occupancy)

• Tour Times: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (approx.)

Destination: Cusco

Today, travelers will choose from three unforgettable high-altitude hikes, each offering a unique perspective of the Andean landscape. Whether you're drawn to vibrant mineral mountains, sacred turquoise lakes, or remote glacial circuits, this day is designed to connect you deeply with the spirit of the Andes. 

🌿 Sustainable Travel Tip: All options support local communities and respect the natural environment. Inside Peru Adventures ensures small group sizes and certified guides for safety, comfort, and authentic connection.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures. 

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch in a local restaurant

• Entrance Tickets: Included

• Hotel Accommodation: 3★ hotel in Cusco (double occupancy)

• Tour Time: Full day (approx. 3:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Destination: Tambopata

Today, swap mountain peaks for lush rainforest.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, in the Tambopata region of the Amazon.

Upon arrival, your jungle team will welcome you and escort you by road and motorized canoe along the river to your Amazon lodge (IPA-selected partner lodge). As you travel, watch for your first sightings of tropical birds, lush vegetation, and river life.

Settle into your comfortable room, enjoy lunch, and receive a briefing on lodge activities and Amazon safety. In the late afternoon, you may join a short orientation walk or introductory activity, followed by dinner at the lodge.

Details

• Comfortable Transportation: Hotel → Cusco Airport → Puerto Maldonado → river boat to lodge

• Domestic Flight: Cusco → Puerto Maldonado

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Amazon lodge (Tambopata area) (double occupancy)

Destination: Tambopata

Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest. Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible biodiversity of the Tambopata region with expert naturalist guides.

Typical activities (may vary by lodge and season):

• Oxbow lake excursion: Canoe along a tranquil forest lake, watching for giant river otters, caimans, hoatzins, macaws and other wildlife.

• Jungle walks: Learn about medicinal plants, towering trees, insects and animal tracks.

• Time to relax in a hammock, visit a nearby small plantation or swimming hole (if available).

• After dinner, head out on a night boat or walking safari to look for caimans and other nocturnal animals.

  
  

Details

• Comfortable Transportation: Short boat rides and guided walks from the lodge

• Activities & Entrance: Guided wildlife excursions, day & night

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Amazon lodge (Tambopata area) (double occupancy)

Destination: Lima

In the morning, enjoy your last breakfast in the jungle. Then return by boat to Puerto Maldonado, and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima.

Upon arrival in Lima, a private transfer will take you to your Miraflores hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at your own pace:

• Walk along the Malecón,

• Do some last-minute shopping,

• Or enjoy a farewell dinner in one of Lima’s great restaurants (meals not included to give you full flexibility).

  
  

Details

• Comfortable Transportation: Lodge → Puerto Maldonado → airport → Lima hotel

• Domestic Flight: Puerto Maldonado → Lima 1h30m - 2h - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

• Meals included: Breakfast

• ccommodation: 3★ hotel in Lima (double occupancy)

Enjoy your final breakfast in Peru at your hotel. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax, pack, or take a last walk around Miraflores.

At the coordinated time, your private transfer will take you from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your flight home.

Though your journey in Peru comes to an end, we hope the essence of the Andes, the Amazon, and the Pacific, along with the warmth of its people, remain with you long after you return home.

Details:

• Comfortable Transportation: Travel comfortably and confidently with Inside Peru Adventures.  

• Meals included: Breakfast (at hotel)

This itinerary combines cultural immersion, nature, and light adventure. Most days feature easy to moderate walking through cities, archaeological sites, and nature trails, plus one optional high-altitude adventure day hike in the Andes.

General activity overview:

• Coast & Desert (Lima, Ica, Huacachina, Ballestas Islands):

• Light to moderate activity – city walks, a pisco distillery visit, the Huacachina dune buggy ride (with optional sandboarding), and a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.

• Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco:

• Moderate walking on uneven stone paths, steps, and terraces at sites like Pisaq, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and the Cusco archaeological circuit (Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Q’enqo, Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha, Cathedral).

• High-Andes Adventure Day (Rainbow Mountain, 7 Lakes of Ausangate, or Humantay Lagoon):

• This is the most physically demanding day, reaching altitudes above 4,000 m / 13,000 ft with steep sections and variable terrain. It is optional but highly rewarding for active travelers.

• Amazon – Tambopata:

• Mild to moderate activity – guided jungle walks, canoe outings on oxbow lakes, night walks or caiman-spotting, with plenty of time to rest at the lodge.

We recommend preparing with light cardio, walks or short hikes before your trip. No prior trekking experience is required, but being in decent physical shape will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the high-altitude hike and long travel days.

Yes. Horse rentals are available at the trailhead and are managed by local community members. Horses can help you reach close to the summit but cannot go all the way up due to steep and narrow terrain. 

Note: Horse rental is not included in our tour package and must be arranged in person on-site.

The Peru Grand Immersion – Coast, Andes & Amazon – 14D/13N itinerary is thoughtfully designed so your body gradually adjusts to altitude, starting at sea level and moving step-by-step into the high Andes before your demanding hike day.

Acclimatization flow:

• Day 1–4 – Coast & Desert (Lima, Ica, Ballestas) – Sea Level

  You spend your first days at sea level, exploring Lima, traveling to Ica and Huacachina, and visiting the Ballestas Islands. This gives your body time to recover from flights and adapt without altitude stress.

• Day 5 – Arrival in the Andes: Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley

  You land in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) but immediately descend to the Sacred Valley (lower elevation) and visit Maras & Moray, then stay overnight in Urubamba. This “step down” approach helps your body adjust more gently.

• Day 6 – Sacred Valley: Pisaq & Ollantaytambo

  You remain at moderate altitudes in the Sacred Valley, visiting Pisaq and Ollantaytambo with plenty of breaks and vehicle support—a perfect acclimatization day.

• Day 7 – Purmamarca Hike, Inside Experience & Aguas Calientes

  You enjoy a short, controlled hike from Purmamarca down to Ollantaytambo, plus an immersive Andean experience, then take the train to Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,692 ft) where you sleep at a lower altitude.

• Day 8 – Machu Picchu

  You explore Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) at a comfortable elevation with relaxed pacing and many photo stops, then return toward Cusco region according to your itinerary’s logistics.

• Day 9 – Cusco City Tour

  Now better acclimatized, you visit Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Q’enqo, Sacsayhuaman, Qoricancha, and the Cathedral with controlled walking and guided breaks.

• Day 10 – High-Andes Adventure Day (Rainbow, Ausangate 7 Lakes, or Humantay)

  By this point, your body has spent several nights in the Sacred Valley and Cusco region, making you far more prepared for high-altitude demands (4,200–5,100 m). This is the most demanding day physically, but it’s carefully timed for when your body is best acclimatized.

• Day 11–12 – Amazon Lowlands (Tambopata)

  After the Andes, you descend dramatically to the Amazon jungle’s low altitude, giving your body a break from high elevation while you enjoy warm, humid rainforest conditions.

• Day 13–14 – Back to Lima & International Departure

  You return to sea level in Lima, with time to relax, enjoy the coast, and prepare for your flight home.

💡 Your Inside Peru Adventures guide is trained in altitude management and first aid and always carries oxygen and a first-aid kit on high-Andes days. Coca tea, hydration, light meals, and a relaxed pace are key. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

This itinerary crosses several climate zones, so you’ll experience a bit of everything:

• Lima (Coast – Sea Level)

  Mild coastal climate, often overcast (especially in winter) with some sunny days. Temperatures are generally comfortable year-round.

• Ica & Huacachina Desert + Ballestas Islands

  • Ica/Huacachina: Warm to hot and dry, strong sun during the day, cooler in the evening.

  • Ballestas Islands: Cool marine breeze on the boat; can feel colder with wind and spray—layers are helpful.

• Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Cusco (Andes)

  • Dry Season (approx. Apr–Oct): Sunny days, cold mornings and nights, minimal rain—ideal for hikes.

  • Rainy Season (approx. Nov–Mar): More frequent showers, cloudy periods, very green landscapes.

    Temperatures vary with elevation; layering is essential.

• Tambopata (Amazon Rainforest)

  Warm, humid, and tropical with chances of rain year-round. Expect hot days, cooler nights, and occasional heavy showers. Light, quick-dry clothing is best.

In all regions, pack layers, a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.

Yes—Peru Grand Immersion – Coast, Andes & Amazon is a fantastic experience for curious families, especially those who enjoy nature and culture.

• The itinerary includes fun elements for kids and teens:

  • Dune buggies and desert sunset in Huacachina

  • Boat ride to see penguins and sea lions at Ballestas Islands

  • Llamas and alpacas in the Sacred Valley

  • Trains to and from Machu Picchu

  • Jungle wildlife and night walks in the Amazon

    
    

• However, the optional high-Andes hike day (Day 10) can be demanding, especially for younger children or anyone sensitive to altitude. Families can:

  • Choose shorter or gentler options,

  • Or skip the high-altitude hike and enjoy a lighter day in Cusco instead (on a custom/private basis).

    
    

For safety and comfort, we generally recommend this program for children 8+, but active families with younger children (6+) may also join if:

• They are used to walking,

• Parents understand the altitude factor,

• And they choose activities accordingly.

We’re happy to adapt pace, breaks, and meal times to make the experience enjoyable for younger travelers in a private or partially private configuration.

Inside Peru Adventures offers a truly integrated Peru itinerary that combines coast, desert, Andes, and Amazon in one seamless, small-group experience, with a strong emphasis on authenticity, safety, and sustainability. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Small Groups, Big Experiences

  We cap our groups at 12 travelers—not the 30+ of mass tours—so your experience remains intimate, interactive, and flexible.

• Expert Local Guides & Safety-First Culture

  Our guides are Peruvian professionals, trained in altitude management, first aid, and emergency response, and are deeply knowledgeable about history, archaeology, Andean cosmology, and Amazon ecology.

  We carry oxygen and first-aid kits on all high-Andes excursions.

• Community-Centered & Sustainable Travel

  We work directly with local communities, family-run businesses, and eco-lodges, ensuring fair tourism and positive impact. Part of our model includes the IPA Fund, which supports sustainability and community projects in the regions we visit.

• Thoughtfully Designed Itinerary

  This is not a rushed checklist. The route is crafted to provide:

  • Gradual altitude acclimatization

  • A natural flow from Lima → Desert → Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu → Cusco → Tambopata Amazon → Lima

  • A balance between guided experiences and free time

• Immersive & Meaningful Moments

  Beyond the “must-see” highlights, you’ll enjoy:

  • An Inside Peru immersive Andean experience with ancestral food and traditions

  • Time to connect with local culture, nature, and people in an honest, respectful way

• Seamless Logistics

  We handle domestic flights, trains, transfers, entrance tickets, and lodge coordination, so you can focus on experiencing Peru, instead of worrying about details.

  
  

In short: this is a premium small-group Machu Picchu & Amazon tour that also includes Lima, Ica, Huacachina, Ballestas, Sacred Valley, and Cusco, designed for conscious travelers who want depth—not just photos.