Discover the richness of Peru’s cultural and natural heritage! This 11-day trip combines history, nature and adventure across Peru. The trip begins in Lima, the capital, where you will explore the historic center, visit the artistic neighborhoods and try Peruvian cuisine. Next come the desert landscapes of Huacachina and the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. Then you fly to Cusco, the former Inca capital,…
Discover the richness of Peru’s cultural and natural heritage! This 11-day trip combines history, nature and adventure across Peru. The trip begins in Lima, the capital, where you will explore the historic center, visit the artistic neighborhoods and try Peruvian cuisine.
Next come the desert landscapes of Huacachina and the marine wildlife of the Ballestas Islands. Then you fly to Cusco, the former Inca capital, with its cobblestone streets and ruins, and visit the markets and terraces of the Sacred Valley.
From Cusco you travel to Machu Picchu on the Inca Jungle route: downhill biking from Abra Málaga, rafting, a hiking day on an old Inca path with a night in a family house, a zipline in Santa Teresa and the walk to Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided visit of Machu Picchu. Back in Cusco, you can add an optional day trip to Rainbow Mountain before you fly home.
Southern Peru Explorers is a local tour operator based in Cusco, running tours since 2009.
Why choose the Fantastic Peru tour? Coast, Andes and jungle in 11 days: Lima, the Huacachina oasis, the Ballestas Islands, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu by the Inca Jungle route: downhill biking from Abra Málaga, rafting,…
Daily trail breakdown, key milestones, altitudes, and campsites.
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores or Barranco, two of Lima’s liveliest districts. Rest and relax after your journey. If you arrive early, take a short walk along the Miraflores Malecon (cliffside boardwalk) to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try ceviche, Peru’s national dish, or anticuchos (grilled skewers).
Overnight in Lima.
Start early (around 6:00 AM) for the 4-hour drive from Lima to Ica. Enjoy the scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway, passing through coastal deserts and small towns. Head straight to Huacachina, a desert oasis just 5 km from Ica. Walk around the oasis, take photos of the palm-fringed lagoon, and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Take a dune buggy ride through the sand dunes around Huacachina. This is a highlight of the trip! Try sandboarding down the dunes for an adrenaline rush. Visit a local winery or Pisco distillery in Ica, such as Tacama Vineyard or El Catador. Learn about the production process and sample Peruvian wines and Pisco.
Stay overnight in Huacachina to enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere.
Leave early (around 6:00 AM) for the 1.5-hour drive to Paracas, the gateway to the Ballestas Islands. Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often called the «Poor Man’s Galapagos.» During the 2-hour tour, you’ll see sea lions, penguins, and boobies in their natural habitat. Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant in Paracas, such as Chalana or Fiesta Restaurant.
If time permits, visit the Paracas National Reserve, a protected area with dramatic desert landscapes, red sand beaches, and coastal wildlife. Stop at viewpoints like Mirador de los Lobos and Playa Roja.
Begin the 3.5-hour drive back to Lima, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. It is advisable to take some time to acclimatize to the altitude (3,399 m above sea level). In the afternoon, you will enjoy a City Tour of the city. The first stop will be at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, surrounded by imposing colonial churches. Then, you will visit the Cathedral, famous for its architecture and works of art.
You will continue to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire. From here, we will head to the outskirts of Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress with enormous stones assembled with great precision. We will also explore other archaeological sites, such as Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Return to the hotel in Cusco. Free night.
Depart in the morning for the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac, a charming village known for its Inca ruins and artisan market. Explore the terraces and temples at the archaeological site. Stop at a local weaving community to learn about traditional textile techniques. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to explore the mysterious circular terraces of Moray, which were an ancient Inca agricultural center that surprises for its ingenious design.
Then, you will continue the tour to the Maras Salt Mines, where you will be able to observe the impressive network of salt ponds in a unique landscape. The route goes through Andean landscape of mountains and valleys.
The mix of history, culture and nature, added to the thrill of riding an ATV, makes this tour an ideal option for those seeking adventure and a touch of adrenaline while discovering the hidden treasures of Cusco.
Overnight in a hotel in Urubamba.
From there we head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through villages and mountain scenery. After a short break in Ollantaytambo, we will continue driving for approximately 1 hour. We will arrive at the Abra Malaga mountain, the starting point of the downhill biking.
After safety preparations by our professional tour guides, we will descend for three hrs, passing through small villages, orchards, rivers, and streams, stopping briefly in the town Huamanmarca and continuing to our final destination of the day (Santa Maria), where we will have a delicious lunch.
After a break, we are ready to continue with the exciting adventure adrenaline of rafting, on level III rapids, for about two hours. We’ll drive back and hike to our local family’s house, Pispitayoc. We will have dinner and spend the night in the family house.
Facts and Figures:
We will begin early in the morning after a hearty breakfast, climbing up the jungle Mountains (Not high Altitude); this also will include a section of the authentic Inca trail. This climb provides beautiful landscapes, local culture, animals, coffee and coca plantations, and various native fruits such as bananas, avocados, pineapples & passion fruit. We will stop for a delicious lunch in the family house in Quellomayo village, where we will also have time to relax in a lovely garden area with hammocks.
We will continue Hiking and crossing the Urubamba river and winding our day down once we reach the town of Santa Teresa for some much-needed rest and relaxation after our nearly 13 km day trek. Here you can take an optional relaxation time in the hot springs (additional ten soles). We will enjoy our dinner and then sleep for the next day of adventure.
Facts and Figures:
After breakfast, we will drive to have another excellent adventure morning at the zipline park in Santa Teresa. If you’ve never “zipped” before, this is an adrenaline-buzzing way to explore this part of the region with expert guides and professional safety equipment in the canyon of Santa Teresa; this adventure includes six ziplines, and a canopy bridge of 200 m.
After the zipline we drive to Hidroelectrica, where we will enjoy a lunch break and start our hiking through the lush forest of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu to reach our next destination, the town of Aguas Calientes. We will have dinner and stay our last night in a hotel at the foot of the great Machupicchu.
We will leave at 4:30 am to hike to Machu Picchu (one and a half hours) to arrive to appreciate the magnificent city as the sun rises. Your guide will provide a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of this lost city, shedding light on issues about the design of their housing and family living situations.
After your guided exploring tour, you have the free time to continue exploring or choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (an additional USD 75) to gain an even better panoramic view of the entire area (this is an extra 45-minute walk and with limited availability, please arrange this activity when you book your adventure with our staff in the office). We will return back by foot to Aguas Calientes, where you will take the train to Ollantaytambo and then be picked up and bussed back to Cusco.
Depart early (around 4:00 AM) for a full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The drive goes through the Andes and traditional villages. Arrive at the trailhead and begin your hike (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours) to Rainbow Mountain.
Alternatively, rent a horse for part of the journey. At the summit you see the colors of the mountain, caused by mineral deposits. Hike back to the trailhead and enjoy a box lunch. Return to Cusco in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy your final night in Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima. If time permits, enjoy a final meal in Lima or do some last-minute shopping at Larcomar in Miraflores.
Transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your international departure. Goodbye Peru!
Complete transparency for all equipment, meals, transport, and admissions.
Transportation & Transfers
Guided Tours & Adventure Activities
Accommodation & Meals
Personal Expenses
Flights: International airfare and domestic flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima).
Entrance Fees: Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico) for Sacred Valley and City Tour ruins.
Optional Hikes: Permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (must be requested in advance at an additional cost of USD 75).
Specific Meals: Lunch in Aguas Calientes on Day 09.
Other dinners in Lima and Cusco, apart from the welcome dinner in Lima.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive medical and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended for adventure trekking).
Depart early (around 4:00 AM) for a full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). 1.5 to 2 hours) to Rainbow Mountain.
Return to Cusco in the late afternoon. Overnight in Cusco.
Recommended gear and apparel checklist from our mountain guides.
For this expedition, you must prepare for drastic climatic shifts: from 30°C (86°F) in the Ica desert to -5°C (23°F) at Rainbow Mountain.
For Day 09 (Machu Picchu), the train operators restrict luggage to a small bag of 5kg to 8kg (11-17 lbs) per person. You must pack your essentials for the jungle and Machu Picchu in your daypack, leaving your main suitcase in the secure storage of your hotel in Cusco or Urubamba
11 photos from this tour.
Absolutely. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and other dietary needs. Please notify us at the time of booking so arrangements can be made accordingly.
After your guided exploring tour, you have the free time to continue exploring or choose to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (an additional USD 75) to gain an even better panoramic view of the entire area (this is an extra 45-minute walk and with limited availability, please arrange this activity when you book your adventure with our staff in the office).
Booking information for this tour.
Thank you for choosing our 11-Day Peru Expedition. This trip takes you from the Pacific coast of Lima and the desert oasis of Huacachina to the high Andes of Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. This expedition demands careful logistics to manage the rapid shifts between coastal, jungle, and glacial environments.
How to Book the 11-Day Peru Tour?
Booking your expedition is easy, safe, and efficient. To confirm your reservation, we kindly ask you to provide the information listed below. These details are mandatory for securing Machu Picchu entrance tickets, train seats, and domestic flight permits, which have strictly limited daily availability. All personal information must match your original passport exactly to avoid denied entry at government checkpoints.
Passenger Information Required
To make your booking for the 11-day trip, please provide the following details for each traveler:
Full Name:
Passport Number:
Nationality: Copy of Passport (Photo/Scan):
Date of Birth:
Note: If you are renewing your passport, please inform us immediately, as your ticket must match the document you present at the Machu Picchu gate.
Accommodation & Travel Logistics
To organize your transfers between the coast and the Andes, please provide: Lima Arrival Details: Flight number and arrival time for your private airport pick-up. Cusco Accommodation: The name of your hotel in Cusco for coordinated pick-ups before the Inca Jungle and Rainbow Mountain excursions. All accommodations-from hotels in Urubamba to the cultural family eco-lodge in Pispitayoc are pre-arranged to balance comfort with an authentic Andean experience.
Food & Dietary Requirements
Your well-being is our priority, especially during high-altitude trekking and jungle activities. If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific allergies), please inform us during the booking process. Meals during the Inca Jungle Trek and Rainbow Mountain are prepared to provide the necessary energy for these demanding days.
Secure Payment & Tour Confirmation
Our payment system is fully secure and encrypted. To finalize your 11-Day Peru Adventure, please complete your deposit or full payment using the secure link below:
Contact us to confirm availability and request a payment link Important: Availability for Machu Picchu and the Inca Rail/PeruRail services is highly restricted. We cannot secure your permits until the payment is successfully confirmed.
Travel Documents & Local Support
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a comprehensive travel voucher and a detailed digital briefing. These documents include your final pick-up schedule for every stage of the tour, a specialized technical packing list for the Inca Jungle and Rainbow Mountain, and 24/7 emergency contact details. Our team will be in contact with you before and during your trip.
Peru's government provides reduced Machu Picchu entry fees for students, and we pass these savings directly into our tour prices. To qualify for this discount, the following requirements must be met:
Because the Peruvian government strictly enforces these discount rules, you are required to present your qualifying student ID at the Machu Picchu checkpoints. Failure to meet these exact standards may result in having to pay the full adult ticket price or potentially being denied entry if tickets are sold out. Therefore, please verify your student card meets all criteria before finalizing your reservation.
Answers to the most common questions regarding trail preparation and logistics.
Passenger safety is our highest priority. We operate with professional safety equipment and carefully selected routes, and you will always be accompanied by our experienced guides. Our team is trained to manage logistics, provide assistance, and ensure that every activity is conducted under strict safety protocols. You can travel with confidence knowing you are in good hands.
Most of the trip is easy to moderate and suits travelers with a reasonable level of fitness: the Inca Jungle days combine biking, rafting and hiking with nights in hotels and a family house. The optional Rainbow Mountain day is challenging, because the viewpoint is at 5,036 m. Spend your first days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley getting used to the altitude, as the itinerary is planned.
Each tour is assigned a difficulty level based on terrain, duration, and traveler feedback. Our classification system helps guests choose an experience that matches their expectations and physical condition.
Difficulty scale:
Easy-Moderate-Challenging-Difficult
We recommend carrying a small amount of cash for personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional services, or minor purchases along the route. While many services are arranged in advance, having some local currency provides flexibility and convenience.
Weather conditions are generally more stable during the dry season, typically from May to October. These months offer clearer skies and more predictable conditions, enhancing visibility and overall comfort.
Traveling close to the rainy season (April and November) may provide greener landscapes and increased chances of observing wildlife. Each season offers a unique perspective of the region, including spectacular views near the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
If you have any medical concerns, it is important to inform us before your trip. This allows our team to provide appropriate recommendations and consider any necessary adjustments. Guests with ongoing conditions should consult their physician prior to travel to ensure the experience is suitable for them.
Depending on the season and environmental conditions, travelers may observe birds, butterflies, and various native species. The region’s biodiversity is remarkable, and we encourage respectful observation without disturbing natural habitats. Binoculars are recommended for a better viewing experience.
Accommodations are arranged in comfortable local hotels or guesthouses. These locations provide proper rest, shower facilities, and a relaxing environment after each day’s activities.
Connectivity may vary depending on location. Certain areas may have limited or no signal due to the remote nature of the route. Many travelers appreciate this as an opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy the landscapes. We recommend bringing a camera to capture the scenery.
Choose your start date
Numbers = Machu Picchu tickets left on day 9, the day you visit Machu Picchu. Dates without a number: we check tickets for you.
No payment now: we confirm availability and price first.
Compare this tour with similar ones: duration, altitude, difficulty and price.
| Tour | Duration | Distance | Max altitude | Difficulty | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cusco Classic Tour: 5 Days | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 12 km | 5,036 m | Easy to moderate | $750 |
| Cusco Adventure Experience: 8 Days | 8 Days / 7 Nights | 45 km | 4,300 m | Moderate | $950 |
| Cusco Family Holiday: 8 Days | 8 Days / 7 Nights | 10 km | 5,036 m | Easy / Relaxed | $980 |
| The Best of Peru: 9 Days | 9 Days / 8 Nights | – | 5,036 m | Easy to Moderate | $1,750 |
| Fantastic Peru Experience: 11 DaysThis tour | 11 Days / 10 Nights | 28 km | 5,036 m | Moderate and challenging | $2,250 |
| Peruvian Highlands Experience: 12 Days | 12 Days / 11 Nights | 74 km | 5,036 m | Moderate to Challenging | $2,350 |
Travel guides from our team in Cusco to help you prepare.
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