Tripadvisor
Magnificent Peru 8D/7N
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Peruvian Great Journeys that will take you from the coast to the Peruvian Andes. Over 8 days and 7 nights, you’ll explore the cultural, historical, and natural richness of Peru, visiting Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Rainbow Mountain. Ideal for those seeking a complete experience with cultural, archaeological, adventure activities and breathtaking landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Reception at Lima’s international airport and private transfer to your selected hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and adjust to your new surroundings.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Adventure in Paracas and Ica (B)
03:00 AM: Pickup from the hotel and transfer to the bus terminal.
03:30 AM: Departure to Paracas by tourist bus (Cruz del Sur).
07:30 AM: Arrival and transfer to the pier.
Ballestas Islands
Boat tour through the Paracas National Reserve. You’ll observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and various seabirds. On the way back, you’ll see the famous geoglyph “El Candelabro”.
City Tour in Ica
After the marine tour, departure to Ica to visit the cathedral, regional museum, wineries, and the magical Huacachina Lagoon.
Desert Adventure Tour
Enjoy an exciting buggy ride through the dunes and try sandboarding.
At the end of the day, return by bus to Lima. Reception and hotel transfer.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: Flight to Cusco – City Tour (B)
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Cusco.
Reception, transfer, and welcome with coca tea.
City Tour + Archaeological Complexes
Explore the city of Cusco and its surroundings. Visit the Cathedral, the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), and the complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes (B-L)
08:00 AM: Departure to the Sacred Valley.
We’ll visit Pisac and its archaeological site, pass through traditional Andean towns like Lamay and Calca, and arrive in Urubamba for a buffet lunch.
Ollantaytambo
Guided tour of its Inca fortress. Then we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Discovering Machu Picchu (B)
Bus ride up to the Machu Picchu citadel.
Guided tour through the most iconic points: the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Temple of the Three Windows, among others. Enjoy an enriching journey through Inca heritage.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes and train back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Excursion (B-L)
Pickup between 04:30 and 05:00 AM for departure to Vinicunca.
Breakfast along the way and a hike from 4200 m.a.s.l. to 5100 m.a.s.l. Along the way, you’ll see llamas, alpacas, and stunning Andean landscapes.
From the summit, admire the minerals that form the Rainbow Mountain and the majesty of Apu Ausangate.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 7: Return to Lima and City Tour (B)
Morning flight back to Lima.
2:20 PM: Start of Lima City Tour.
Ancestral, Colonial and Modern Lima
Panoramic tour of the Pucllana Pyramid, followed by a visit to the Historic Center: Main Square, San Martín Square, Lima Cathedral and more. Entrance to the Central Reserve Bank Museum and San Francisco Convent with its famous catacombs.
We’ll then head to Lima’s most exclusive districts: San Isidro, Miraflores, and Larcomar.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 8: Departure from Lima (B)
At the coordinated time, transfer to the airport to catch your return flight home.
Included
Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers in each city.
- 03 nights in Lima, 03 in Cusco, 01 in Aguas Calientes.
- Daily breakfasts + 2 lunches (Sacred Valley and Rainbow Mountain).
- Bus tickets Lima – Paracas – Ica – Lima.
- Tours: Ballestas Islands, Ica City Tour, Sandboarding, Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lima City Tour.
- Round-trip Expedition train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance fees to all mentioned tourist sites.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Domestic flights Lima – Cusco – Lima.
- Personalized assistance throughout the journey.
Not Included
- Meals not mentioned.
- Huayna Picchu entrance (optional: USD 25, subject to availability).
Recommendations
Recommendations
- Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
- Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Walk slowly and avoid heavy meals in high-altitude areas.
- Purchase international travel insurance.
- Carry a light backpack for daily excursions.
- Respect the rules of archaeological and natural sites.
- Always have your valid ID or passport on hand.
- Avoid carrying bulky luggage on the Machu Picchu tour.
- Double-check pickup and departure times with your local guide.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior experience required to hike Rainbow Mountain?
It’s not mandatory, but moderate physical condition is recommended due to the altitude.
Does the package include lunch every day?
No. Only two lunches are included: one in the Sacred Valley and one during the Rainbow Mountain excursion. The rest of the meals are not included.
What if I want to climb Huayna Picchu?
You must request it at the time of booking. Entry has an additional cost and is subject to availability.
How are transfers between cities managed?
All transfers are organized by Peruvian Great Journeys using tourist transport, buses, or flights as per the itinerary.
Can the tour be done with children or elderly travelers?
Yes, though it’s important to consider the altitude hikes. A prior medical check-up is recommended for pre-existing health conditions.
