Peru, Inca Trail – 11 Days between Arequipa and Machu Picchu

About the tour

Peru: The Inca Trail is a journey designed to take you through the most iconic landscapes of southern Peru, combining ancient history, high-altitude adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Over the course of 11 days, you’ll explore Lima, Arequipa, and Cusco—three regions that reflect Peru’s cultural, natural, and spiritual richness.

11 DAYS - 10 NIGHTS

BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE GUIDE

TICKETS

INCLUDES ALL TRANSPORTATION

Machu Picchu - Cusco

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 the Peruvian capital, discovering the contrast between its modern elegance and its splendid colonial heritage.
  • Today's itinerary:

📍 Miraflores Tourist District: featuring lookout points overlooking the Pacific Ocean, perfect for enjoying panoramic views
📍 Historic Center of Lima: where time seems to stand still amid wooden balconies and colonial-era 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.
  • We'll begin this incredible adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Lima between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. in a private tour bus, and then travel to Paracas and Ica.

📍 Ballestas Islands – Paracas: We’ll take a boat tour of the famous Ballestas Islands, where you’ll be able to see marine life, rock formations, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Traditional Vineyard – Ica: We’ll continue in our private transportation to a traditional vineyard, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and a wine and pisco tasting.
📍 Huacachina Dunes – Buggy Ride: In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy an exciting buggy ride through the Huacachina dunes, surrounded by incredible scenery.
📍 Sandboarding: We’ll make a stop to go sandboarding and glide down the impressive desert dunes.
📍 Sunset in Huacachina 🌅: We’ll wrap up the day by watching the spectacular sunset from the top of the dunes.

  • Evening in Ica: Around 6:00 p.m., our private transportation will take you to your hotel in Ica to rest.
  • Breakfast: We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel to start our day.

📍 Nasca – Aerodrome: We will head to the Nasca Aerodrome to take the impressive flight over the Nasca Lines , lasting approximately 20 minutes .
📍 Nazca Lines: From the air we can appreciate the mysterious figures drawn in the desert, such as the Hummingbird, the Spider, the Monkey, the Condor and other impressive representations .
📍 Nazca Lines: We will enjoy this extraordinary archaeological spectacle , which continues to defy scientific explanations and captivate visitors from all over the world.
• Lunch: After the overflight, we will have free time in Nazca to have lunch on our own .
📍 Nasca Land Terminal: then we will go to the Nasca land terminal to board our tourist bus bound for Arequipa .
📍 Arequipa: We will continue our journey towards the White City , with an approximate arrival time of 00:00 hrs .

  • Accommodations in Arequipa: Upon arrival, we will head to our hotel to rest and spend the night in Arequipa.
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • The morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can stroll through the historic district, stop by a café with a view of Mount Misti, or simply relax before the afternoon tour.
  • Pick-up time: 2:00 p.m. from your hotel. We will begin the Panoramic City Tour of Arequipa, exploring the most iconic sites of the “White City.”
  • Today's itinerary:

📍 Carmen Alto Viewpoint: breathtaking views of the valley and the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes
📍 Yanahuara Viewpoint: a classic viewpoint with ashlar arches and a spectacular view of the city
📍 Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas: one of the most elegant in the country, surrounded by colonial arcades and the majestic Cathedral Basilica
📍 Santa Catalina Monastery: a small city within the city, with colorful alleys and 17th-century architecture that reveals the life of the Dominican nuns

  • End of the tour: approx. 6:00 p. m.
  • Accommodations in Arequipa.
  • Pick-up time: 7:30 a.m. from your hotel in Arequipa.
  • After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to Chivay, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Colca Valley. Along the way, we will pass through the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a stunning Andean ecosystem where vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas graze freely, framed by the imposing silhouettes of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.
  • As we climb, the landscape changes: the highland shrubs give way to vast plains covered in ichu grass.
  • Today's itinerary:

📍 Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve: natural habitat of vicuñas and unique Andean landscapes
📍 Patapampa Viewpoint (4,900 m a.s.l.): known as the “Viewpoint of the Andes,” offering views of snow-capped peaks and spectacular panoramic vistas
📍 Chivay: arrival in the town where we will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local products

  • In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to relax at the La Calera Hot Springs (optional activity), where the pools reach temperatures of up to 38°C, surrounded by mountains and open skies.
  • Dinner is on your own—the perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine or take a stroll through the quiet streets of the town at sunset.
  • Accommodations in Chivay.
  • Pick-up time: 6:00 a.m. from your hotel in Chivay.
  • After breakfast, we will set off for the Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint, one of the most iconic spots in the Colca Valley. From this natural viewpoint, at over 3,800 meters above sea level, you can witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, a bird sacred to ancient pre-Inca cultures. Its wingspan can exceed 3 meters, and watching it glide between the canyon walls—considered one of the deepest on the planet—is a breathtaking sight.
  • Today's itinerary:

📍 Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint: a stunning vantage point for watching condors in flight
📍 Colca Valley Viewpoints: photo stops to admire agricultural terraces and Andean landscapes
📍 Maca: traditional town with colonial churches and vibrant culture
📍 Coporaque: Andean community where ancestral customs and local crafts are preserved
📍 Chivay: return to enjoy a buffet lunch

  • Next, we will discuss the return trip to Arequipa.
  • Estimated time of arrival in Arequipa: 4:00 p.m.
  • Departure for Cusco at 9:00 p. m.
  • Overnight trip from Arequipa to Cusco.
  • Arrival in Cusco (approx. 6:00 a.m.), the city that bids travelers farewell as if it wanted to keep them there just one more day.
  • Upon arrival, our team will meet you and take you to your hotel. You’ll have the morning free to acclimate to the altitude (3,399 m above sea level).
  • 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.
  • The day starts early, according to the scheduled train departure time. The trip begins with a transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), where we will board the tourist train bound for the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
  • We begin the most anticipated day of the trip: the ascent to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the modern world. We depart by bus for the Inca citadel (tour subject to availability), enjoying the views that open up among mist-covered mountains and wild orchids.
  • Once you arrive, you'll enjoy a private guided tour, visiting the most iconic temples, agricultural terraces, and natural lookouts. You'll have free time to explore and enjoy the area.
  • 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. for Mollepata, the starting point of one of the most breathtaking routes in the Andes.
  • After a traditional breakfast, we’ll set out on a hike of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Humantay Lake (4,200 m a.s.l.), a natural gem with turquoise waters nestled at the foot of the majestic snow-capped Salkantay, guardian of the mountain range.
  • Once at 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 to enjoy a hearty lunch before heading back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.
  • Accommodations in Cusco.
  • Departure between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. for Cusipata. Breakfast en route.
  • Start of the hike to the Mountain 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 a buffet 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.
  • Interprovincial tourist buses: Nazca–Arequipa and Arequipa–Puno (sleeper bus).
  • Interprovincial tourist buses: Puno–Cusco (sleeper bus).
  • 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)
  • Arequipa: Tickets to the Monastery of Santa Catalina
  • Colca Canyon
  • Cusco (Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay)
  • Machu Picchu
  • Humantay Lake
  • Mountain of Seven Colors.

Food

  • Daily breakfasts at hotels or along the route.
  • Lunches included in: Ica (Huacachina), Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu, Mountain of Colors, and Lake Humantay.

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).
  • Scenic flight over Nazca (approximately 20 minutes).
  • Guided tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
  • Guided hikes to Colca Canyon, Lake Humantay, and the Mountain of Seven Colors.

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, 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.

Peru, Inca Trail – 11 Days in Lima, Arequipa, Machu Picchu, Lake Humantay, and the Mountain of Colors

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$ 1,149.00 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:
$1,149.00

100% secure payments

What Our Customers Say

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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.

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travel

with Andean Peru Exploor?

Because we don't just organize tours… We create experiences that connect with the traveler's soul.