The Essence of Peru – 10 Days in Lima, Huaraz, and the Andean Region of Cusco

About the tour

"Essence of Peru " is a tour designed to help you discover the country's most iconic sights through a well-rounded experience that blends history, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes. Over the course of 10 days, you'll explore Lima, Huaraz, and Cusco.

10-DAY, 9-NIGHT ITINERARY

BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE

TICKETS

INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION

The Seven-Colored Mountain—Vinicunca

Itinerary

  • Upon your arrival in Lima, our representative will be waiting for you at the airport to give you a warm welcome and accompany you on a private, comfortable, and safe transfer to your hotel.

📍 Arrival at the hotel 🏨: Once you arrive at your accommodations, you can check in, rest, and get ready for the start of this incredible adventure through Peru.

  • Accommodations in Lima: We'll spend the night at the hotel, ready to begin our adventure the next day.
  • We'll kick off this incredible adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Lima between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., as we head south through Peru to discover the breathtaking landscapes of Paracas and Ica.

📍 Ballestas Islands – Paracas: We’ll take a boat tour of the famous Ballestas Islands, where you’ll be able to observe marine life, rock formations, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Traditional Vineyard – Ica: We’ll continue on to a traditional vineyard, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and a wine and pisco tasting.
📍 Huacachina Dunes – Buggy Ride: In the afternoon, the adventure begins with an exciting buggy ride through the enormous Huacachina dunes, where you’ll enjoy incredible views and plenty of adrenaline.
📍 Sandboarding in the Desert: We’ll stop to go sandboarding, gliding over the sand amidst spectacular desert landscapes.
📍 Sunset in Huacachina 🌅: To wrap up the day, we’ll head to the top of the dunes to watch the spectacular sunset over the Huacachina Desert.

  • In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Ica.
  • We will board a tour bus to Lima (estimated arrival time: 10:00 p.m.), arriving at the Lima bus terminal, where a shuttle will be waiting to take us to the hotel.
  • A Night in Lima
  • In the afternoon, around 2:00 p.m., we’ll begin our city tour of Lima, discovering the contrast between the capital’s modernity and its impressive historical and colonial heritage.

📍 Miraflores Tourist District : We’ll explore this iconic district and enjoy its lookouts overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which are perfect for taking in the beautiful panoramic views of the Lima coastline.
📍 Historic Center of Lima: We’ll continue to the heart of the capital, where we’ll explore its plazas, traditional streets, wooden balconies, and colonial-era facades—a reflection of the important historical legacy of the ancient City of the Kings.
📍 San Francisco Convent and Catacombs: We’ll visit this iconic religious complex, famous for its Baroque architecture and impressive catacombs—one of Lima’s main historical attractions.

  • End of the City Tour: Around 6:30 p.m., we'll wrap up our tour and return to your hotel to pick up your belongings and get ready to continue the trip.

📍 Transfer to the bus terminal 🚌: Afterward, our team will pick you up at your hotel for a private transfer to the Lima bus terminal.
📍 Lima–Huaraz Trip: At 10:00 p.m., we’ll board the tour bus bound for Huaraz, beginning our overnight journey to the Andes.

  • Overnight Trip: We'll travel by bus from Lima to Huaraz, enjoying a comfortable overnight ride and arriving in Huaraz the next day.
  • We’ll arrive in the beautiful city of Huaraz (3,052 m above sea level) around 6:00 a.m., where our team will warmly welcome you and take you to your hotel. There, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready for a day surrounded by nature and high-mountain scenery.
  • At 8:30 a.m., we’ll begin our journey to the picturesque town of Caraz, from where we’ll continue on to the breathtaking Laguna Parón (4,185 m above sea level), one of the Cordillera Blanca’s greatest natural wonders.

📍 Caraz: We’ll visit this charming Andean town, the starting point for the majestic Laguna Parón. Along the way, we’ll enjoy valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and traditional communities surrounded by spectacular scenery.
📍 Laguna Parón 🏔️: Upon arrival, we’ll be amazed by its deep turquoise waters and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Artesonraju, Pirámide de Garcilaso, and Pisco, which surround this beautiful natural setting.
📍 Free time: We’ll have time to walk, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings while gazing at the majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca.

  • Return to Huaraz: In the afternoon, we’ll begin our return to Huaraz to rest and relax after a day filled with nature and adventure.
  • Accommodations in Huaraz 🏨: Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay in Huaraz.
  • We'll leave our hotel at 5:00 a.m. by tour bus, kicking off a day full of adventure in the Cordillera Blanca. Along the way, we'll enjoy a picnic breakfast before arriving in Cebollapampa.

📍 Cebollapampa: We’ll arrive at this beautiful spot, the starting point for our hike to Laguna 69.
📍 Laguna 69 🏔️: We’ll begin an ascent that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, enjoying breathtaking scenery surrounded by waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and Andean nature. Upon arrival, we’ll admire the intense blue of its waters—one of Peru’s most breathtaking natural settings.
📍 Llanganuco Lakes (3,850 m a.s.l.): We’ll continue our journey to this beautiful group of lakes, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Cordillera Blanca. We’ll have the option to take a boat ride (not included) and enjoy the scenery.

  • Return to Huaraz: Around 7:00 p.m., we'll begin our return to Huaraz to pick up our belongings and get ready to continue our trip.

📍 Huaraz–Lima Trip 🚌: Tonight, at 9:45 p.m., we’ll board the tour bus bound for Lima and enjoy a comfortable overnight trip.

  • Arrival in Lima: At approximately 6:30 a.m. the following day, we will arrive in Lima, where we will transfer you to your hotel.
  • Overnight Trip: We’ll travel by bus from Huaraz to Lima overnight, bringing our adventure through the Cordillera Blanca to a close.
  • We’ll head to the Lima airport early ✈️ to board our flight to Cusco, kicking off a new leg of our adventure through Peru.
  • Arrival in Cusco: Upon arrival, our team will give us a warm welcome and provide a private transfer to our hotel, where we can check in.
  • Free morning to acclimate: We’ll have the morning free to rest, acclimate to the altitude in Cusco (3,399 m above sea level), and enjoy the city at our own pace.
  • In the afternoon, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., we'll begin our Cusco City Tour, visiting some of the main historical and archaeological treasures of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

📍 Qoricancha – Temple of the Sun ☀️: We’ll visit one of the most important religious sites in Tawantinsuyo, considered one of the main ceremonial centers of the Inca era.
📍 Sacsayhuamán 🏔️: We’ll explore this impressive ceremonial fortress, famous for its massive walls built from gigantic stone blocks.
📍 Q’enqo: We’ll explore this ancient ceremonial center, associated with important ritual practices of the Inca culture.
📍 Puka Pukara: We’ll visit this ancient watchtower and checkpoint, strategically located near Cusco.
📍 Tambomachay 💧: We’ll explore this important ceremonial center associated with the worship of water, notable for its ancient stone fountains and canals.

  • End of the City Tour: Around 6:00 p.m., we'll wrap up our tour and return to Cusco after enjoying a day filled with history, culture, and tradition.
  • Accommodations in Cusco 🏨: Transfer to the hotel to rest and get ready for the next experiences on our trip.
  • We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel, and between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., we’ll begin our tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking in Andean landscapes, traditional communities, and some of the region’s most important cultural sites.

📍 Chinchero 🧶: We’ll visit an artisanal community, where we’ll learn about the traditional process of making textiles from alpaca wool, using natural dyes and ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.
📍 Moray 🌿: We’ll explore its impressive circular terraces, a uniquely designed Inca agricultural complex associated with the use of different climatic conditions for farming.
📍 Maras Salt Mines 🧂: We’ll admire the famous salt pools, an impressive complex of thousands of terraces that are still used by local communities.
📍 Urubamba 🍽️: We’ll stop to enjoy a buffet lunch, featuring the traditional flavors of Andean cuisine and the beautiful landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
📍 Ollantaytambo 🏔️: We’ll visit this historic Inca city and its impressive fortress, notable for its massive stone structures and ancient architecture. From here, we’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes.
📍 Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes Train 🚆: We’ll enjoy a journey through mountains and landscapes of lush vegetation until we reach Machu Picchu Pueblo.

  • Arrival in Aguas Calientes: We'll check in at our hotel and have time to rest and get ready for the next day's adventure.
  • Lodging in Aguas Calientes 🏨: We'll spend the night in Machu Picchu Pueblo, ready to explore the impressive Inca citadel the next day.
  • We'll start the day with breakfast at the hotel, getting ready to experience one of the most anticipated moments of our trip: a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world.

📍 Machu Picchu 🏔️: We’ll board the bus to the Inca citadel, enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way—with mountains, mist, and lush vegetation. The tour itinerary is subject to availability.
📍 Private guided tour: Once at the citadel, we’ll take a private guided tour of Machu Picchu, visiting its main temples, agricultural terraces, and natural viewpoints, while discovering the history and legacy of this impressive Inca structure.
📍 Free time in Machu Picchu: After the tour, we’ll have free time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the incredible scenery surrounding the citadel.
📍 Return to Aguas Calientes: Afterward, we’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll enjoy a local lunch before continuing our journey.
📍 Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo Train 🚆: At the scheduled time, we’ll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, passing through beautiful mountain scenery and lush vegetation.
📍 Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco 🚐: Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our team will be waiting to take us to Cusco in a private vehicle.

  • Arrival in Cusco: We will conclude this unforgettable day with our arrival in the imperial city.
  • Accommodations in Cusco 🏨: Transfer to the hotel to relax and enjoy a well-deserved night's rest after visiting one of Peru's most impressive wonders.
  • We’ll depart between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. from Cusco, heading toward Cusipata, and enjoy the Andean scenery along the way. On the way, we’ll stop for breakfast before continuing on to the starting point of our hike.

📍 Mountain of Seven Colors – Vinicunca (5,036 m a.s.l.) 🌈: We’ll begin our hike toward one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes, where shades of red, turquoise, and gold create a unique natural setting at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.
📍 Free time: Upon arrival, we’ll have free time to take in the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the mountain range’s stunning natural surroundings.
• Return to Cusipata: After enjoying the Mountain of Seven Colors, we’ll begin our descent back to Cusipata.
📍 Buffet lunch 🍽️: Upon arriving in Cusipata, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch to recharge after the hike.

  • Return to Cusco: Afterward, we will begin our return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 p. m.
  • Accommodations in Cusco 🏨: Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay in Cusco, where we can rest after an exciting day in the Andes.
  • Based on your flight schedule, we will provide a private transfer to the Cusco airport ✈️, accompanying you on the final leg of this unforgettable adventure through Peru.

📍 Final memories: We’ll say goodbye to this wonderful country, taking with us memories of sunrises on the high plateau, Inca temples, mountains, landscapes, and the experiences we’ve had during the trip.

  • End of our services ❤️: We’ll wrap up our tour with the satisfaction of having shared an experience rich in culture, nature, history, and tradition. Because Peru isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience.

INCLUDES

Transfers and Transportation

● Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Lima and Cusco.
● Transportation for all tours and excursions.
● Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes–Ollantaytambo tourist train tickets.
● Buses to and from Machu Picchu.
● Interprovincial tourist buses: Lima–Huaraz–Lima (sleeper bus).

Tickets

● Admission to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
● Lima (City Tour and Catacombs),
● Cusco (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay), Machu Picchu,
● Maras and Moray,
● Mountain of Seven Colors.

Food

● Daily breakfasts at hotels or along the route.
● Lunches included in: Ica (Huacachina), Laguna Parón (picnic), Laguna Llanganuco (picnic), Laguna 69 (picnic), the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Mountain of Colors.

Activities and Experiences

● City tours of Lima and Cusco with a professional guide.
● Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis (sandboarding and sand tubes included).
● Guided tour of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
● Guided hikes to Laguna 69, Laguna Llanganuco, Laguna Parón, and the Mountain of Seven Colors.
● Cultural experience in the communities of Maras, Moray, and Chinchero.

Additional Services

● Professional Spanish-speaking guide on all tours.
● Trekking poles, a basic first-aid kit, and oxygen for high-altitude tours.
● Round-the-clock assistance throughout the trip.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights

  • International airline tickets (country of origin – Peru – country of return).
  • Domestic flights (Lima–Cusco–Lima).

Additional food

  • Dinners and lunches not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Alcoholic beverages or personal snacks during the 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 who suffer from vertigo or have breathing difficulties.

Other positions

  • Bank fees or transfer fees for international payments.
  • Expenses not listed as included in the itinerary.
  • Hotels
  • Original passport valid for at least 7 months. This is required for entry; without this document, you will not be able to take the tour.
  • Full sun protection: a cap or hat, sunglasses, andsunscreen. The Andean sun is intense even on cloudy days.
  • Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes. Ideal for walking safely on uneven terrain.
  • A small backpack with the essentials:water, snacks like candy, cookies, chocolate, or nuts to keep your energy up during the hike.
  • A camera or cell phone with enough battery life. You don't want to miss the best views or the most special moments of your trip.

The Essence of Peru – 10 Days in Lima, Huaraz, and Cusco

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 for both group and private tours.

  • Price

Group tour price:US$ 919.00 per person

  • Easy booking:

Secure your spot with a deposit of 20% of the total amount.

  • Payment of the balance:

You can pay the remaining 80% upon arrival by:

  • Credit or debit card
  • PayPal
  • Cash (soles or dollars)
  • Pix  

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 views)

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.

Price:
$919.00

100% secure payments

What Our Customers Say

EXCELLENT
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Cristiane F V
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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.
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Alejandra B
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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!
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Carla V
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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!!!
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Joe T
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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.
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Caio C
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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.
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Aline S
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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!
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Mariane S
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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.
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Gavrilo K
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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.
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Letícia Lima
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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.
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Lisette G
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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.