The Essence of Peru – 10 Days in Lima, Cusco, and Puno
About the tour
Essence of Peru – 10 Days brings together in a single journey the landscapes, history, and energy that define the country— a tour designed to help you discover the essence of Peru in depth and harmony.
10-DAY TRIP - 9 NIGHTS
BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE
TICKETS
INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION
Itinerary
✈︎ Arrival in Lima: Our team will give you a warm welcome at the airport and take you in comfort to the hotel to check in.
- Lima City Tour (approx. 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.): We'll discover the charm of the City of Kings, where modernity and colonial history come together.
📌 Miraflores – Views of the Pacific Ocean: We’ll explore its tourist attractions and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Lima coastline.
📌 Historic Center of Lima – Colonial charm: We’ll admire its traditional balconies, colonial-era facades, and historic monuments, which bear witness to centuries of history.
📌 San Francisco Convent – History and mystery: We’ll explore its impressive Baroque architecture and its famous catacombs, one of Lima’s most iconic sites.
- Return to the hotel: We will finish our tour at approximately 6:30 p. m.
Free evening: We'll have time to rest or explore the city at our own pace.
🛏 A night in Lima.
Departure from Lima: We’ll begin our adventure with a pickup between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., traveling by private tour bus to Paracas and Ica.
📌 Ballestas Islands – A Marine Paradise: We’ll enjoy an exciting boat ride, observing marine life, impressive rock formations, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
📌 Traditional Ica Vineyard – Pisco Trail: We’ll learn about the region’s winemaking tradition and enjoy a tasting of Peruvian wines and piscos.
📌 Ica – Local Lunch: We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing our adventure.
📌 Huacachina – Buggy Adventure: We’ll explore the impressive desert dunes aboard open-air buggies, enjoying an adrenaline-filled experience.
📌 Sandboarding – Fun in the Sand: We’ll make a stop to slide down the dunes and enjoy this exciting activity.
📌 Sunset in Huacachina: We’ll watch a spectacular sunset from the top of the dunes, surrounded by an unforgettable landscape.
- Return to Ica: In the afternoon, we'll head back to the city to continue our trip.
Sightseeing bus to Lima: We will board our bus bound for the capital, with an estimated arrival time of 10:00 p. m.
Transfer to the hotel: Upon our arrival at the Lima bus terminal, our private vehicle will be waiting to take us to the hotel.
🛏 A night in Lima.
✈︎ Lima–Cusco Flight: Early in the morning, we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Lima and transfer you to the airport with plenty of time to board our flight to Cusco.
- Arrival in Cusco: Our team will give us a warm welcome at the airport and transfer us by private vehicle to the hotel to check in.
- Free morning and acclimatization: We'll have time to rest and adjust to the altitude in Cusco (3,399 m above sea level).
Cusco City Tour (2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.): We'll explore the main historical and archaeological attractions of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
📌 Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun: We’ll explore one of the most sacred religious sites in the Tawantinsuyo.
📌 Sacsayhuamán – Ceremonial Fortress: We’ll admire its impressive walls built from enormous stone blocks and its views of Cusco.
📌 Q’enqo – Ceremonial Center: We’ll explore its rock formations and ancient ritual spaces.
📌 Puka Pukara – Inca Fortress: We’ll explore this ancient surveillance and control complex.
📌 Tambomachay – Temple of Water: We’ll discover its stone fountains and canals, a testament to Inca engineering.
Return to the hotel: We will finish our tour at approximately 6:00 p. m.
🛏 Night in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel: We’ll start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, getting ready to enjoy an unforgettable day. Pickup between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m.,heading to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas.
📌 Chinchero – Archaeological Complex: We’ll visit this traditional Andean village, known for its ancestral customs and rich culture.
📌 Moray – Archaeological Site: We’ll explore its impressive circular terraces, a testament to the extraordinary agricultural engineering of the Incas.
📌 Maras Salt Mines: We’ll discover its thousands of salt pools, where an ancient tradition of salt extraction is still preserved .
📌 Ollantaytambo – Inca Fortress:We’ll visit this impressive archaeological complex, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and history.
📌 Urubamba – Buffet Lunch: We’ll visit this impressive archaeological complex, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and history.
- Train to Aguas Calientes: We'll board our tourist train bound for Machu Picchu Pueblo, enjoying spectacular scenery along the way.
Arrival in Aguas Calientes: We’ll check in at the hotel and rest up to prepare for our long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu the next day.
🛏 Overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
Breakfast at the hotel: We’ll get an early start, in accordance with our train schedule, as we prepare to experience one of the most special days of our trip.
- Transfer to Ollantaytambo: We will depart from Cusco for Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hr 30 min), enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Sacred Valley before boarding the tourist train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
📌 Machu Picchu – Wonder of the World: From Aguas Calientes, we’ll take a tour bus up to the majestic Inca citadel, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Tour subject to availability.
📌 Exclusive Guided Experience: We’ll discover the fascinating history and architecture of Machu Picchu, exploring the temples, agricultural terraces, and viewpoints included in the designated tour route. Enjoy an exclusive tour for groups of two or more; if you’re traveling alone, you’ll share the experience with a small group of up to four passengers.
Free time: You’ll have some time to take in the beauty of Machu Picchu and enjoy its magic, while respecting the designated areas and time limits of the tour route.
📌 Aguas Calientes – Local lunch: We’ll take a bus down to Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch before heading back.
Return to Cusco: We’ll board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private vehicle to Cusco, bringing to a close a day full of excitement and unforgettable memories.
🛏 Night in Cusco.
Departure from Cusco: We’ll begin our adventure with a pickup between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., heading to the majestic Humantay Lake while enjoying the Andean scenery.
📌 Mollepata – Andean breakfast: We’ll enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast to recharge our energy before our hike.
Hike to Humantay: We’ll take a hike lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, climbing through beautiful scenery to an elevation of 4,200 meters above sea level.
📌 Humantay Lagoon – The Turquoise Jewel of the Andes: We’ll admire its stunning turquoise waters, surrounded by mountains and the majestic snow-capped Salkantay.
- Free time: We'll take time to take photos, admire the scenery, and connect with nature.
Return to Mollepata: We'll begin the descent, once again enjoying the spectacular views of the mountain range.
📌 Mollepata – Traditional Lunch: We'll enjoy a delicious lunch to recharge our energy after our hike.
Return to Cusco: We will begin our return trip, with an estimated arrival time of 6:00 p. m.
🛏 Night in Cusco.
Departure from Cusco: We’ll begin our adventure with a pickup between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., heading toward the majestic Mountain of Seven Colors while enjoying the Andean scenery.
📌 Cusipata – Andean breakfast: We’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast to recharge our energy before our hike.
- Hike to Vinicunca: We'll hike through stunning mountains and high-Andean landscapes until we reach this natural wonder.
📌 Mountain of Seven Colors – Vinicunca (5,036 m above sea level): We’ll admire its spectacular shades of red, turquoise, gold, and green, which create a unique landscape in the Andes.
- Free time: We'll have time to take photos and admire the breathtaking views of the mountain range.
Return to Cusipata: We'll begin our descent, once again enjoying the beautiful Andean scenery.
📌 Cusipata – Buffet lunch: We'll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch to recharge our energy.
Return to Cusco: We'll arrive at approximately 5:00 p.m.
🛏 Night in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel: We’ll begin our journey from Cusco to Puno at 6:00 a.m., traveling along the famous Ruta del Sol, through Andean landscapes and past cultural treasures.
📌 Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of the Americas: We’ll visit its beautiful colonial church, renowned for its stunning paintings and artistic decoration.
📌 Raqchi – Temple of Wiracocha: We’ll explore this important Inca archaeological complex, dedicated to the god Wiracocha.
📌 Buffet lunch en route: We’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch before continuing our adventure.
📌 Abra La Raya – Altiplano Viewpoint: We’ll admire the spectacular high-Andean landscapes at 4,300 m above sea level.
📌 Pucará – Pre-Inca Legacy: We’ll take a cultural tour to discover the history and traditions of this ancient civilization.
Arrival in Puno: We'll wrap up our tour with a transfer to the hotel to rest.
🛏 Night in Puno.
Hotel pickup: We’ll begin our adventure heading toward the majestic Lake Titicaca, enjoying its breathtaking Altiplano landscapes.
📌 Uros Floating Islands – An ancient tradition: We’ll sail to these fascinating totora reed islands, where we’ll learn about the culture, customs, and way of life of their inhabitants.
Transfer to the lodge: We will continue our boat trip to our lodging on Lake Titicaca, where we can settle in and enjoy the surroundings.
Lunch at the lodge: We'll enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by spectacular views of the lake.
- Optional activities: Depending on weather conditions and lodging availability, we’ll be able to enjoy kayaking, photography, and some downtime.
📌 Sunset on Lake Titicaca: We'll watch a spectacular sunset over the calm waters of the lake.
Dinner and a starry sky: We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge and, weather permitting, an unforgettable experience under the starry sky of the highlands.
🛏 A night at the lodge on Lake Titicaca.
Breakfast at the lodge: We’ll enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Lake Titicaca, accompanied by a delicious breakfast and one last look at this wonderful destination.
✈︎ Transfer to Juliaca Airport: Based on your flight schedule, we will take you from the lodge to the airport to board your return flight.
Farewell to Peru: We’ll wrap up this unforgettable adventure, taking with us extraordinary landscapes, unique experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for traveling with Andean Peru Exploor! We hope to join you on your next adventure, because
Peru isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to experience and feel!
End of our services.
INCLUDES
Transfers and Transportation
– Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Lima and Cusco.
– Tourist transportation during all the tours and itineraries mentioned.
– Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo tourist train tickets.
– Buses to and from Machu Picchu.
– Tourist boats on Lake Titicaca.
– Admission to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary:
– Lima (City Tour and Catacombs).
– Cusco (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay)
– Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo).
– Machu Picchu, Lake Humantay, Maras and Moray, Mountain of Seven Colors.
– Uros Islands
– All applicable entrance fees along the Sun Trail are covered.
Meals
– Daily breakfasts at hotels or along the route.
– Lunches included in: Ica (Huacachina), Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Mountain of Colors, Humantay Lake, and Uros.
– Includes lunch on the Ruta del Sol.
– Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge.
Activities and Experiences
– City tours of Lima and Cusco with a professional guide.
– Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis (tubular sandboarding included).
– Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
– Guided hikes to Humantay Lake and the Mountain of Seven Colors.
– Cultural experience in the communities of Maras, Moray, Chinchero, and Uros.
– One night at a luxury lodge.
Additional Services
– Professional Spanish-speaking guide throughout all tours.
– Hiking poles, basic first-aid kit, and oxygen for high-altitude tours.
– Round-the-clock assistance throughout the trip.
– Transportation to the Juliaca airport.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
– International airfare (country of origin – Peru – country of return).
– Domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima).
Additional meals
– Dinners and lunches not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
– Alcoholic beverages or personal snacks during tours.
Insurance and personal expenses
– Travel insurance or international medical assistance.
– Tips for guides, drivers, and local staff.
– Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Optional activities
– Vistadome Train (USD 40 one-way / USD 70 round-trip).
– Hike up Waynapicchu Mountain (USD 60), (Not recommended for people with a fear of heights or respiratory difficulties).
Other charges
– Bank fees or transfer costs for international payments.
– Expenses not specified as included in the itinerary.
– Hotels
– Original passport valid for at least 7 months: This is essential for entry; without this document, you will not be able to take the tour. In addition to your passport, you may bring a digital or physical copy of your important documents.
– Full sun protection: a cap or hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The Andean sun is intense even on cloudy days.
– Warm, layered clothing: The weather can change quickly; bring a light jacket, fleece, or windbreaker, especially for the early morning hours.
– Comfortable sneakers or hiking boots: Ideal for walking safely on uneven terrain.
– Personal medications: If you take any medication regularly, bring it with you for the entire trip.
– Small backpack with essentials: Snacks such as candy, cookies, chocolate, or nuts to keep your energy up during the trip.
– Water: Bring enough water to stay hydrated during the trip.
– Camera or cell phone with a fully charged battery:You won’t want to miss the best views or the most special moments of the trip.
– Cash in soles: Useful for personal purchases and any expenses that may arise during the tour.
Eternal Peru – 12 Days in Lima, Cusco, Nazca, and Puno 🌄
Experience the essence of Peru on a tour that combines history, culture, and nature. Explore the heart of the Inca Empire, from Cusco to Machu Picchu, with the comfort and security of an all-inclusive service. This tour is available every day of the year, with guaranteed departures in group or private tours.
– Price
Group tour price: US$ 899.00 per person
– Easy booking:
Confirm your spot with a 20% deposit of the total amount.
– Balance payment:
You can pay the remaining 80% upon arrival via:
✓ Credit or debit card
✓ PayPal
✓ Cash (soles or dollars)
✓ Pix
The only private tour is Machu Picchu; all other tours are regular shared tours.
Access to Machu Picchu is organized through three official routes:
- Tour 1: Panoramic View (classic photo).
- Tour 2: The most comprehensive tour (panoramic views + temples).
- Tour 3: Temple Tour (no panoramic view).
Availability is limited and subject to demand, so we recommend booking in advance.
If we are unable to find availability for your travel dates, Andean Peru Exploor will assist you in purchasing your ticket in person in Aguas Calientes. This process involves waiting in line at the official ticket office, always accompanied by our team.
Important: This option is subject to daily availability and does not guarantee admission.
What Our Customers Say
EXCELLENT
Based on 100 reviews
Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Cristiane F VVerified
Choosing this agency made all the difference on our trip. I booked all my transportation and tours for my trip to Peru through them—from transfers from the airports in Lima and Cusco to tours like the Lima City Tour, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Everyone who assisted us was very professional. Starting with all the attention and tips from Yolanda, who always responded to me on WhatsApp, and including the drivers and guides. They were always on time and respectful of our pace. We did everything via private transfers and private tours. Our choice of agency certainly contributed greatly to making this trip a memorable one for us. Thank you once again.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Alejandra BVerified
Highly recommended experience—it was perfect An incredible experience! The agency took care of absolutely everything and made the trip run like clockwork. They were always available to answer our questions and very attentive to ensuring that everything went according to plan. It was truly perfect—they took care of every detail, and everyone who worked with them was extremely punctual, friendly, and helpful. If we were to return, we would definitely choose Andean Perú again. The hotels they selected were incredible and very well located; the transfers were always on time; the lunches were delicious; and, overall, everything was perfectly organized. Plus, they included many thoughtful touches that made the experience even more special. 100% recommended!Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Carla VVerified
Wonderful agency! I highly recommend Andean Peru Exploor. They were incredibly attentive and kind, and managed to get last-minute tickets to Machu Picchu for me and my family (other agencies didn't have any), and everything was wonderful—from the transportation to the incredible guide, and they even gave us a super cute little gift. I would definitely take the same tour with the same agency again—I loved it!!!Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Joe TVerified
Great Day at Machu Picchu! This was a fantastic experience. Andean Peru Explorer communicated frequently and well in advance, was able to secure the tour we wanted and a slightly later departure time so we didn’t have to leave Cusco at 3:00 a.m. Our morning pickup was fantastic, the train was great (I definitely recommend the Vistadome), and the tour was informative, exciting, and professional. The only hiccup was that we had to wait a few minutes for our guide, since Machu Picchu only allows guides in once every 3 hours, and our guide had already led one tour that morning.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Caio CVerified
The best experience The best company in terms of organization and punctuality, and the guides are perfect. I will definitely use their services again. As for the experience at Machu Picchu, the guide was exceptional, attentive, and very clear in his explanations—I highly recommend them.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Aline SVerified
Excellent I can’t thank Peru Andean Exploor enough for all their care, attention to safety, and, above all, their impeccable organization. They were always very attentive, providing information in advance, and extremely punctual and clear with schedules and instructions. The hotels they chose and the restaurant reservations were excellent, and I can’t help but mention the guides: everyone who took care of us was friendly, attentive, and made our trip even more special and enchanting, beyond the beauty of the gorgeous Inca city. If I could give a thousand stars, I would do so without a second thought! If you want to explore Cusco and enjoy an experience with top-notch service, I recommend Peru Andean Exploor without hesitation!Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Mariane SVerified
Excellent A wonderful experience—everything went perfectly, and I’ll cherish this memory for the rest of my life. I highly recommend Andean’s services.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Gavrilo KVerified
Great company I was very skeptical when I received the offer because it was 20–30% cheaper than the competition, but I found good reviews and decided to go with them. Absolutely everything went perfectly—even better than expected. I led a group of 28 people to Peru, and it wasn’t easy managing such a large group, especially since it was my first time working with this agency. However, I was truly impressed. Two people canceled the trip a month before departure, and the Machu Picchu tickets couldn’t be changed, so we had to buy new ones on the spot. The agency accompanied us from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, and then their staff welcomed us in Aguas Calientes and guided us through the process of buying tickets for the two people who joined later. Incredible service. Very professional and responsible. The guides were good, the buses/vans were good, and the price was very fair. Overall, it was a very positive experience. Highly recommended agency, and I will definitely work with them again for future tours.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Letícia LimaVerified
An incredible and safe experience I highly recommend Andean Exploor. From the moment I arrived in Peru, I was assisted by Yolanda (who helped me book the package). I received full support with transportation for the tours and to the airports, as well as tours that included admission and meals—all while feeling completely safe. They took care of all the logistics for me, and the experience was absolutely worth it. Communication is clear and straightforward, and when any normal travel hiccups arise, we have direct support from them.Posted on TripAdvisor![]()
Lisette GVerified
An excellent experience Yolanda, the coordinator, was always on top of everything, and the guides and drivers were very punctual and responsible.
Why
travel
with Andean Peru Exploor?
Because we don't just organize tours… We create experiences that connect with the traveler's soul.
Guarantee & Trust
A company legally registered with Mincetur, Gercetur, and Sunat, ensuring reliability and professionalism.
No Hassle
A hassle-free trip: from the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of—transfers, trains, tickets, meals, and hotels based on your chosen category.
Different Packages
We offer a variety of packages tailored to your needs, with small group sizes for your convenience.
Customized Services
Services tailored to your needs: private or shared options, designed for different lifestyles and budgets.
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Personalized support 24/7, 365 days a year.