Andean Trail – 8 Days in Lima and Cusco
About the tour
The Andean Trail – 8 Days is a journey that invites you to follow in the footsteps of the civilizations that shaped the Andes, a journey where every landscape leaves an indelible mark on your memory.
8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS
BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE
TICKETS
INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION
Itinerary
- Upon your arrival in Lima, a representative will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel in comfort.
- In the afternoon (around 2:00 p.m.), we will begin our city tour of Lima, discovering the contrast between its modern elegance and its colonial heritage.
- Today's itinerary:
📍 Miraflores Tourist District: featuring lookout points overlooking the Pacific Ocean, perfect for enjoying panoramic views
📍 Historic Center of Lima: a tour of Colonial Lima, surrounded by wooden balconies and viceregal facades
📍 Convent of San Francisco: famous for its catacombs and impressive Baroque architecture
- Return to the hotel around 6:30 p. m. Free evening.
- Accommodations in Lima.
- Very early departure (4:00–5:00 a.m.). After breakfast en route, we’ll arrive at the port of Paracas for a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds.
- Today's itinerary:
📍 Ballestas Islands: a boat tour where you’ll observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat
📍 Traditional vineyard in Ica: enjoy a regional lunch with wine and pisco tastings
📍 Huacachina Oasis: a body of water surrounded by dunes, where you’ll experience sandboarding and sand tubing
- Return to the hotel in Lima around 10:00 p.m.
- Accommodations in Lima.
- Early transfer to the Lima airport to board the flight to Cusco.
- Upon your arrival, our team will welcome you and accompany you to the hotel to check in.
You’ll have the morning free to acclimate to the altitude of majestic Cusco, located at 3,399 meters above sea level— don’t worry, breathing is a bit of a struggle at first, but it’s worth every breath. - In the afternoon (2:00–6:00 p.m.), the Cusco City Tour begins, offering a deep dive into the living history of the ancient Inca Empire:
- Today's itinerary:
📍 Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha): the holiest site in the Tawantinsuyo
📍 Sacsayhuamán: the imposing ceremonial fortress with cyclopean walls that seem to defy logic
📍 Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay: ancient ritual centers dedicated to water, the moon, and the spiritual protection of Cusco
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., we’ll begin our journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a route where time seems to stand still amid mountains, terraces, and villages that still retain their ancestral spirit.
- Today's itinerary:
📍 Chinchero: Visit an artisanal community where you’ll learn about traditional weaving with alpaca wool, dyed with natural dyes and woven with centuries of patience
📍 Moray: Marvel at its circular terraces, the ancient Inca agricultural laboratory that harnessed the microclimate to cultivate sacred plants
📍 Maras Salt Mines: marvel at more than 3,000 salt pools that have been active since pre-Inca times, glistening in the sun like mirrors of the past
📍 Urubamba: enjoy a buffet lunch featuring the most authentic flavors of Andean cuisine
📍 Ollantaytambo: visit its Inca fortress, a monumental complex that combines history, energy, and living architecture. From here, you’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes
- Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
- Accommodations in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Village).
- Breakfast at the hotel.
We begin the most anticipated day of the trip: the ascent to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. - Depart by bus for the Inca citadel (tour subject to availability), enjoying the views that open up between mist-covered mountains and wild orchids.
- Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a private guided tour (available exclusively for groups of two or more; if you’re traveling alone, you’ll join a small group of up to four people), during which you’ll visit the most iconic temples, agricultural terraces, and natural viewpoints from which the Incas used to watch the sunrise.
- You'll have free time to explore, meditate, or simply let yourself be enveloped by the energy of the place.
- Afterward, you’ll take a bus down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a local lunch before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.
From there, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle to Cusco, where this unforgettable day will come to an end. - Accommodations in Cusco.
- Departure: between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. heading to Mollepata, the starting point of one of the most breathtaking trails in the Andes.
After a traditional breakfast, we will begin a hike of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Laguna Humantay (4,200 m a.s.l.), a natural gem of turquoise waters nestled at the foot of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, guardian of the mountain range. - Once you reach the summit, you’ll have some free time to take in the scenery, soak up the mountain’s energy, and snap some photos that, for once, will truly do justice to what you see.
- Afterward, we’ll return to Mollepata for a hearty lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.
- Accommodations in Cusco.
- Departure between4:30 and 5:00 a.m.forCusipata. Breakfast en route.
- Start of the hike to theMountain of Seven Colors (Vinicunca, 5,036 m.a.s.l.), one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes, where shades of red, turquoise, and gold paint the earth like a divine masterpiece.
- We’ll have some free time to take in the surroundings, take photos, and connect with the energy of the place.
- Return to Cusipata for abuffet lunch, then back to Cusco (approx. 5:00 p.m.).
- Accommodations in Cusco
- Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll take you to the airport, our hearts filled with memories: the sunrises over the highlands, the echoes of the Inca temples, and the silence of the mountains.
- Every step of this journey leaves an indelible mark, because Peru isn't just a place to visit—it's a place to experience.
- End of our services.
INCLUDES
Transfers and Transportation
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Lima and Cusco.
- Tour transportation for all tours and excursions.
- Tourist train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Shuttle buses to and from Machu Picchu.
Tickets
- Admission to all attractions listed 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
Food
- Daily breakfast at hotels or en route.
- Lunches included in: Ica (Huacachina), Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Mountain of Colors, and Humantay Lake.
Activities and Experiences
- City Tour of Lima and Cusco with a professional guide.
- Excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis (sand dunes and 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, and Chinchero.
Additional Services
- A professional guide in Spanish will accompany you on all tours.
- Hiking poles, a basic first-aid kit, and oxygen for high-altitude tours.
- Support available throughout the entire 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, and sunscreen. 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.
Andean Trail – 8 Days in Lima 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$619.00 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
The only private tour is the Machu Picchu tour; 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 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.
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.
Attendance
Personalized support 24/7, 365 days a year.