Peru 9 Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Upon arrival at Lima’s international airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and escorted via private transfer to your hotel.

Peru’s cosmopolitan capital offers a fascinating blend of colonial heritage, contemporary culture, and one of the most celebrated culinary scenes in the world.

Your accommodation will be located in the exclusive districts of Miraflores or Barranco, both renowned for their ocean views, elegant restaurants, art galleries, and vibrant cultural atmosphere. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or perhaps enjoy a gentle stroll along the scenic Pacific coastline.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima

Included: Private airport transfer and personalised arrival assistance

Following breakfast, you will embark on a guided exploration of Lima’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in architectural splendour and colonial history.

 Highlights of your visit include:

•      The elegant Plaza Mayor, the historic heart of the city
•      The magnificent Lima Cathedral
•      The renowned Larco Museum, home to one of the world’s finest collections of pre-Columbian art.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to explore the charming districts of Miraflores or Barranco, known for their coastal parks, boutique cafés, art galleries, and lively cultural scene.

For those interested, an optional visit to the spectacular Magic Water Circuit can also be arranged, featuring one of the largest illuminated fountain displays in the world.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima

Included: Breakfast, private transport, expert guide, and entrance fees

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of South America’s most captivating historic cities.

Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the morning is reserved for rest and acclimatisation, as Cusco sits at an altitude of over 3,300 metres above sea level.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through Cusco’s enchanting historic centre. You will visit the iconic Plaza de Armas, admire colonial architecture built upon Inca foundations, and wander through narrow cobblestone streets that echo centuries of history.

The tour continues to the artistic quarter of San Blas, celebrated for its bohemian atmosphere, artisan workshops, and charming galleries. Depending on your arrival schedule, a refined lunch or dinner experience may be arranged at the acclaimed Suyu Restaurant, where Andean ingredients meet contemporary culinary artistry.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Breakfast, airport transfer, private transport, and guided walking tour

This morning, after breakfast, you will embark on a cultural journey through Cusco, a city where Inca engineering and Spanish colonial architecture coexist in remarkable harmony.

Your first stop is Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most sacred site of the Inca Empire dedicated to the worship of Inti, the Sun God.

You will then continue to the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, an extraordinary archaeological complex overlooking the city, famous for its colossal stone blocks, some weighing more than one hundred tonnes.

The tour proceeds to Qenqo, an important ceremonial centre featuring intricately carved stone passages, altars, and channels used in ancient rituals.

Finally, you will visit Puka Pukara, known as the “Red Fortress”, believed to have served as a strategic checkpoint for travellers entering Cusco during Inca times. In the evening, delight in a carefully selected gourmet dining experience at one of Cusco’s refined restaurants, offering a sophisticated interpretation of Peruvian cuisine.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Breakfast, transport, expert guide, and entrance tickets

Today’s excursion reveals two remarkable sites that highlight the ingenuity of the Inca civilisation.

Begin with a visit to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological complex composed of circular agricultural terraces. These terraces functioned as an advanced agricultural laboratory where the Incas experimented with crops and microclimates.

Continue to the breathtaking Maras Salt Mines, a dazzling patchwork of over three thousand salt pools cascading down the mountainside. These salt pans have been used since pre-Inca times and are still harvested today by local families using traditional techniques. After the visit, return to Cusco where the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Breakfast, transport, expert guide, and entrance tickets

After breakfast, depart for a full-day journey through the spectacular Sacred Valley, once the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire.

Your first stop will be the picturesque village of Pisac, where you will explore its vibrant artisan market filled with colourful textiles, ceramics, and traditional crafts.

You will then visit the Pisac Archaeological Complex, perched high above the valley and offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding terraces and landscapes. The journey continues to Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive surviving Inca towns. Its monumental terraces, temples, and original street layout provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient urban planning.

During the excursion, enjoy a buffet lunch at a charming countryside restaurant overlooking the valley.

Later in the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where a tranquil atmosphere awaits amid the majestic Andes.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in the Sacred Valley

Included: Breakfast, transport, expert guide, entrance tickets, and buffet lunch

Today marks the highlight of your journey.

After breakfast, board the scenic train from the Sacred Valley to the charming village of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

From there, a short bus rides winds through lush cloud forest to reach the entrance of the legendary citadel.

Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Machu Picchu is an architectural masterpiece set dramatically between towering Andean peaks and tropical vegetation.

During your guided exploration, you will discover the most important sectors of the site, including the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the agricultural terraces that once sustained the ancient city.

Your guide will reveal the history, symbolism, and mysteries surrounding this remarkable sanctuary built in the 15th century.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to take photographs and absorb the magical atmosphere of this iconic destination.

In the afternoon, return by train to Cusco, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, transport, guide service, entrance to Machu Picchu, and lunch.

Early in the morning, depart for one of the Andes’ most extraordinary natural landscapes: Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.

The journey takes you through dramatic high-altitude scenery where traditional Andean communities, alpacas, and llamas dot the landscape.

Upon arrival, begin a moderate hike leading to the viewpoint from which the mountain’s striking natural colours can be admired. These vibrant hues are formed by the presence of different minerals within the rock layers.

From the summit viewpoint, enjoy one of the most photogenic panoramas in the Cusco region.

As an alternative, travellers seeking a gentler walk may choose to visit Palcoyo, a group of colourful mountains offering spectacular views with a shorter and more accessible hike. Return to Cusco in the afternoon

Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

Included: Breakfast, transport, guide service, lunch, and entrance tickets

At the scheduled time, private transfer to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima and onward international connection.