12 day Peru travel package
This fascinating 12-day Peru travel package begins by exploring Lima and its surroundings, discovering the Peruvian capital, its rich colonial history and vibrant cultural life. Then, the journey continues to Cusco with a city tour through the ancient Inca capital and its impressive archaeological sites.
The adventure continues with an exciting ATV tour through Maras and Moray, culminating with a unique accommodation experience in the suspended capsules of Sky Lodge in the Sacred Valley. The highlight of the trip is the journey along the legendary Inca Trail for 4 days, finally reaching the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
The itinerary is completed with two impressive natural wonders: the vibrant Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the spectacular circuit of the 7 Lagoons, surrounded by imposing glaciers. A comprehensive experience that combines history, culture, adventure and the most spectacular landscapes of Peru.
Highlights
Day 1 – Lima: Airport reception, hotel transfer and city tour through Huaca Pucllana, Historic Center, San Francisco Convent (catacombs) and neighborhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larcomar.
Day 2 – Cusco: Visit to the Cathedral, Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and archaeological complexes of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Day 3 – ATVs and Sky Lodge: Tour through Chinchero, Huaypo lagoon, Misminay, Moray, Maras and Salt mines; night in hanging capsules at Sky Lodge.
Day 4 – Sacred Valley: Zip-line or via ferrata descent and visits to Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Days 5-7 – Inca Trail:
Day 5: Start at Km 82, visit to Patallacta, camp at Wayllabamba.
Day 6: Warmiwañuska Pass (4215 m) and camp at Pacaymayo.
Day 7: Runkurakay Pass, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and camp at Wiñayhuayna.
Day 8 – Machu Picchu: Sunrise from Inti Punku, guided tour and free time; return by train to Cusco.
Day 9 – Walking Tour Cusco: Cristo Blanco, San Blas neighborhood, San Pedro market and Plaza de Armas.
Day 10 – Rainbow Mountain: Hike to Vinicunca and starry camping in Pacchanta.
Day 11 – Ausangate and 7 Lagoons: 4-hour hike with Andean landscapes and local fauna; return to Cusco.
Day 12 – Departure: Private transfer to airport.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1: Lima – City and surroundings
Reception upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport and transfer to chosen hotel. In the afternoon (02:00 p.m.), we will pick you up to begin a panoramic tour of the capital. We will start with a view of Huaca Pucllana, a notable pre-Columbian ceremonial site, considered by the Incas as a sacred space.
Then, we will tour Lima's Historic Center, where we will contemplate more than fifty colonial-era buildings such as Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, the Cathedral and other outstanding colonial-style buildings.
We continue with a visit to the Monumental Complex of San Francisco, considered one of the greatest expressions of viceregal religious art. Its mysterious underground catacombs stand out there. We finish with a stroll through Lima's most emblematic residential neighborhoods: San Isidro, Miraflores and Larcomar.
Hotel night in Lima
DAY 2: Cusco – City Tour
In the afternoon (01:00 p.m. approx.), we will begin our journey through the ancient capital of the Inca empire. We start by visiting the imposing Cathedral of Cusco and the majestic Temple of Qorikancha, also called Temple of the Sun, one of the main centers of Inca worship.
The tour continues to the archaeological complexes on the outskirts of the city: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay, surrounded by mountainous landscapes that invite you to immerse yourself in Andean history and worldview.
Hotel night in Cusco
DAY 3: ATV Adventure – Maras, Moray, Salt mines – Sky Lodge
We will begin this day full of nature and adrenaline with an ATV route from Chinchero, passing through extensive plains, rural communities and the viewpoint of Huaypo lagoon. From there, we will head to Misminay, with an incredible view of the enigmatic Moray complex, famous agricultural laboratory of the Incas. We continue towards the picturesque town of Maras and then descend to the fascinating Salt mines of Maras, ending in the Sacred Valley. Later, we will arrive at Sky Lodge Adventure Suites, a unique overnight experience in transparent hanging capsules that offer a spectacular view of the valley and the starry sky.
Night at Sky Lodge
DAY 4: Sky Lodge descent – Sacred Valley Tour
After breakfast, we will descend from Sky Lodge by zip-line or via ferrata, according to your choice. Subsequently, in private transport, we will take a guided tour of the main archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Ollantaytambo and Pisac, each with its historical and cultural charm.
Hotel night in Sacred Valley
DAY 5: Inca Trail start – Wayllabamba
Very early we will begin the legendary Inca hike from Km 82. Along the way we will visit the archaeological remains of Patallacta and make a stop for lunch in Miskay. In the afternoon, we continue to our first camp in Wayllabamba, surrounded by Andean nature.
Camp night – Wayllabamba
DAY 6: Wayllabamba – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayo
After breakfast, we will begin the ascent to the challenging Warmiwañuska pass (4215 masl), the highest point of the trek. After enjoying the Andean landscape, we will descend to Pacaymayo, where the camp awaits us to rest and share dinner.
Camp night – Pacaymayo
DAY 7: Pacaymayo – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñayhuayna
The day continues ascending to Runkurakay Pass, visiting sites like Sayacmarca and traversing forests, tunnels and misty landscapes until reaching the citadel of Phuyupatamarca. Then we will descend to Wiñayhuayna, the final point before reaching Machu Picchu.
Camp night – Wiñayhuayna
DAY 8: Machu Picchu – return to Cusco
Very early, we will head to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. We will enjoy a complete guided visit to this wonder of the world and free time to explore on your own. Then we will take the train back to Cusco.
Hotel night in Cusco
DAY 9: Walking Tour Cusco
Discover the authentic side of Cusco with a walking tour through its most emblematic streets. We will visit the Cristo Blanco viewpoint, the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, the traditional San Pedro market and finish at the vibrant Plaza de Armas. Ideal for soaking up the local lifestyle.
Hotel night in Cusco
DAY 10: Rainbow Mountain – Starry night in Pacchanta
Early departure to Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain, where we will take a hike of approximately 1h30. After the visit, we will enjoy a buffet lunch in the community. At night, we will camp in Pacchanta, under a sky full of stars.
Camp night – Pacchanta
DAY 11: Ausangate – 7 Lagoons – return to Cusco
After breakfast, we will begin a scenic hike of approximately 4 hours through the Ausangate area, touring its famous 7 lagoons. We will enjoy unique Andean views and presence of local fauna. In the afternoon, return to Cusco.
Hotel night in Cusco
DAY 12: Cusco – Airport
At the agreed time, private transfer to the airport to take your return flight.
INCLUDES (12 days)
Transportation
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers (Lima and Cusco).
- Tourist transportation for all tours and itinerary routes.
- Private transportation in Sacred Valley, Maras–Moray, and Sky Lodge.
- Return tourist train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Voyager service).
- Tourist bus Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Transportation for Inca Trail: Cusco – Km 82 (starting point) and return.
Accommodation
- 2 nights in hotel in Lima.
- 4 nights in hotel in Cusco.
- 1 night in hotel in Sacred Valley.
- 1 night at Sky Lodge Adventure Suites.
- 3 nights camping during the Inca Trail.
- 1 night camping in Pacchanta (Ausangate).
Meals
- Breakfasts included in hotels.
- 1 box lunch during the ATV tour.
- 1 lunch in Sacred Valley.
- 1 dinner and 1 breakfast at Sky Lodge.
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 afternoon teas on Inca Trail.
- Breakfast and lunch during the Rainbow Mountain excursion.
- Breakfast in Pacchanta on the day of the 7 lagoons hike.
Entrances and Tickets
- Entrance to Huaca Pucllana and Lima Historic Center.
- Entrances to Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
- Entrances to Maras, Moray and Salt mines.
- Entrance to Sky Lodge (includes via ferrata and zip-line equipment).
- Entrances to Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
- Official entrance to Inca Trail (4 days) + entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu.
- Ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
- Access to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate.
Guiding and Assistance
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English) on all tours.
- Cycling specialist guide for the Maras–Moray tour.
- Official guide for the entire Inca Trail.
- Support staff: porters, cook, assistants during the hike.
- Informative briefing prior to the Inca Trail.
- Permanent assistance throughout the trip.
Camping and Equipment
- 3 nights camping on the Inca Trail.
- 1 night camping in Pacchanta.
- Tents, thermal mats and sleeping bag included.
- Camping equipment: tents, tables, chairs.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank (Inca Trail).
- Safety equipment at Sky Lodge (via ferrata and zip-line).
Not included
- Lunches and dinners in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes (except where indicated).
- Optional entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- Meals not detailed (such as lunches or dinners in Lima, Cusco and Sacred Valley).
- Drinks, snacks or personal products.
- Domestic or international flights.
- Entrance to unspecified market or museum.
- Trekking poles, showers or extra porter on the Inca Trail.
- Tips for guides, cooks, porters or service staff (optional).
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Personal expenses, laundry, calls or additional purchases.
- Entrances to museums or attractions not expressly mentioned.
Recommendations
What to bring
- Daypack (25-30 liters) for excursions.
- Large backpack or luggage to leave at hotel.
- Comfortable and breathable clothing for hiking.
- Thermal clothing for cold nights in Cusco, Inca Trail and 7 lagoons.
- Waterproof clothing (poncho or jacket) for unexpected rain.
- Sneakers or trekking boots.
- Sandals for resting at camp.
- Swimsuit (hot springs in Pacchanta).
- Headlamp or portable lamp.
- Quick-dry towel.
- Trekking poles (optional, recommended).
Protection and health
- High protection sunscreen.
- Insect repellent with DEET (especially for rural areas).
- Hat, sunglasses and head protection.
- Reusable water bottle or camelbak.
- Personal medications and basic first aid kit.
- Altitude sickness pills (consult with your doctor).
Practical tips
- Arrive at least one day before the Inca Trail to acclimatize.
- Respect the guide's recommendations during hikes.
- Have a valid passport and digital or physical copies of it.
- Carry cash in soles for personal expenses and minor entrances.
- Enjoy the natural and cultural environment with respect and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moderate to good physical condition is required, as the itinerary includes several days of hiking and stretches at high altitude. It is not necessary to be an athlete, but it is necessary to be used to walking long distances and on slopes. We recommend previous training with hikes and climbs before the trip.
Yes, the package includes all the necessary entrance fees, including the ticket for the Inca Trail, entrance to Machu Picchu and access to the main archaeological and natural sites mentioned in the itinerary.
It is important to wear light and breathable clothing for the day, as well as thermal clothing for the cold nights. Good trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen and insect repellent are essential. For camping, basic equipment will be provided, but it is advisable to bring a good quality sleeping bag for sub-zero temperatures.
The itinerary is designed for a progressive acclimatization, starting in Lima and then passing through Cusco before starting the most demanding treks. In addition, it is recommended to hydrate constantly, avoid heavy meals the first few days and consider the use of coca tea or preventive medication. The local team is trained to assist in case of symptoms of altitude sickness.
