Portada de Discovering Peru in 9 days

Discovering Peru in 9 days

9 Days/8 Nigths

Overview

Experience the soul of Peru with this carefully designed itinerary that takes you through the vibrant city of Lima, the stunning Ballestas Islands, the historic city of Cusco and its surroundings—including the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Maras, and Moray—and the lush jungle of Tambopata. This journey will immerse you not only in the country’s rich history and culture but also in its incredible biodiversity and the hospitality of its local communities.

Resume

Summary travel plan

  • Day 1: Arrival at Lima Airport, City Tour of Lima
  • Day 2: Lima - Ballestas - Ica - Huacachina – Lima
  • Day 3: Lima - Cusco, City Tour in Cusco
  • Day 4: Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
  • Day 5: Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco
  • Day 6: Maras Salt Mines - Moray Terraces - Cusco - Puerto Maldonado
  • Day 7: Paradise Ecolodge - Canopy - Zipline - Kayak - Monkey Island
  • Day 8: Sandoval Lake
  • Day 9: Visit to a Native Family, Sport Fishing - Puerto Maldonado – Lima

Itinerary Discovering Peru in 9 days

Day 1: Arrival at Lima Airport, City Tour of Lima

Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings! Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for an afternoon full of fascinating discoveries.

In the afternoon, begin the best tour to learn about Lima and its rich history, a journey through three distinct eras that will allow you to appreciate the evolution of this vibrant metropolis.

Ancient Lima: Our tour starts with a panoramic view of the impressive Huaca Pucllana, a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century AD. This site, considered a "sacred town" by the Incas, will transport you back to the times of ancient pre-Hispanic civilizations.

Colonial Lima: Next, we will delve into the heart of Lima's Historic Center, where you will marvel at over fifty monuments and historic buildings. Highlights include the majestic Paseo de la República, the elegant Plaza San Martín, and the iconic Plaza Mayor, each telling an essential part of Lima's colonial history.

Contemporary Lima: To conclude our tour, we will explore the more modern residential areas of Lima, located in the exclusive districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Here, you will enjoy spectacular views from the boardwalk and fall in love with the iconic Parque del Amor, featuring romantic sculptures and blooming gardens.

Exclusive Visit: As part of this unique experience, we will take you to the Museum of the Bank of Reserve, which houses an impressive collection of gold and silver pieces, as well as textiles from various Peruvian cultures (closed on Sundays and Mondays). Additionally, we will explore the Convent of Santo Domingo, whose main attraction is its mysterious Catacombs, offering an intriguing glimpse into the city’s religious past.

After this day full of history and culture, we will return to your hotel. Spend the night in Lima, preparing for more adventures in this incredible country.

Day 2: Lima - Ballestas - Ica - Huacachina – Lima

Experience this unforgettable adventure from dawn! The day begins early at 4:30 AM, when you will be picked up from your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro for an exciting journey. At 5:30 AM, we depart from Lima towards the beautiful resort town of Paracas in comfortable tourist transportation. Anticipation builds as we head to our first stop.

At 9:30 AM, we arrive at the El Chaco port, from where we will set sail towards the stunning Ballestas Islands. For the next two hours, you will enjoy a tour of this natural paradise, home to an amazing variety of marine wildlife, including playful sea lions, charming penguins, and a diversity of birds that will leave you breathless.

At noon, our journey continues to a traditional winery. Here, at 12:30 PM, you will have the opportunity to taste an exquisite selection of wines, piscos, creams, and macerated drinks. If you wish, you can enjoy a delicious optional lunch in this charming place, surrounded by vineyards and a cozy atmosphere.

In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, we will head to the impressive oasis of Huacachina. This magical place, with its lagoon surrounded by palm trees and tall dunes, awaits you for an excursion that will awaken all your senses. Additionally, we will visit a local chocolate shop where you can indulge in typical sweets from the region, an experience you won't want to miss.

At 4:00 PM, get ready for pure adrenaline with an exciting buggy and sandboarding activity over the dunes of the Huacachina desert. Slide down the imposing dunes and feel the thrill of speed while enjoying spectacular views of the desert.

After this adventure, we will return to Lima, arriving around 9:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest.

Day 3: Lima - Cusco, City Tour in Cusco

Prepare for an unforgettable journey to the Archaeological Capital of America. At the agreed time, you will be picked up from your hotel in Lima and transferred to the airport, where you will board your flight to the majestic city of Cusco. Upon arrival, our representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest.

Between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM, you will be picked up to begin a fascinating tour of the city of Cusco and its surroundings. Our journey begins at the impressive Archaeological Complex of Sacsayhuamán, a colossal fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and evidence of the grandeur of Inca engineering.

Next, we will explore the enigmatic archaeological remains of Qenqo and Puca Pucara. Qenqo, known for its labyrinths and stone-carved altars, and Puca Pucara, a red fortress that served as a military checkpoint. We will then visit Tambomachay, a sacred site dedicated to the worship of water, where you can appreciate the sophisticated network of aqueducts and fountains that still flow with crystal-clear water.

Continuing with our interesting tour, we will head to the Convent of Santo Domingo, built on the foundations of the ancient Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was the most important religious center of the Inca Empire. Here, the blend of Inca and colonial architecture will leave you in awe. The optional excursion includes a visit to the impressive Cusco Cathedral, a symbol of the religious and cultural syncretism of the region, with its imposing façade and rich collection of religious art.

Around 6:00 PM, we will return to the hotel where you can relax and rest after a day full of historical and cultural discoveries.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu

At 8:00 AM, the journey will begin with your pick-up from the hotel. In a comfortable bus, we will head to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way, we will stop at a spectacular viewpoint, where you can gaze at the impressive Vilcanota River winding through the beautiful valley and its banks.

After approximately an hour of travel, we will arrive at Pisac. Here, you will have free time to meet and interact with the locals and explore the artisan market, where you can find unique and authentic souvenirs.

Then, we will prepare to ascend to the archaeological site of Pisac, an imposing Inca fortress that protected the capital of the empire. This fascinating place consists of several sectors, including Qanturaquay, Taqanamarka (the largest pre-Columbian cemetery in South America), and the Intihuatana, or solar clock, each with its own mystery and history.

After this magnificent visit, we will continue to Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, recharging your energy for the next stage of the adventure.

After lunch, we will head to Ollantaytambo, known as the "Living Inca Town." Here, you will appreciate the mysteries and beauty of this town, with intact Inca houses, impressive terraces, and food reservoirs. Its pink granite monoliths, assembled with astonishing precision, stand as a testament to the incredible architectural skill of the Incas.

Finally, we will arrive at the train station to board our train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. This adventure will not only allow you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Sacred Valley but also enjoy spectacular landscapes and authentic experiences.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo – Cusco

At approximately 8:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel, and we will head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas by bus. On the way, we will stop at a viewpoint from where you can see the impressive Vilcanota River winding through the beautiful valley. After about an hour of travel, we will arrive at Pisac, where you will have free time to meet and interact with the locals, and even purchase some souvenir crafts.

Next, we will be ready to ascend to the archaeological site of Pisac, a fortress that guarded the capital of the Inca Empire. This place consists of different sectors, including Qanturaquay, Taqanamarka (the largest pre-Columbian cemetery in South America), and the Intihuatana or solar clock. After this magnificent visit, we will continue to Urubamba, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant.

Afterward, we will head to Ollantaytambo, the "Living Inca Town," where we will appreciate the mysteries held within this town, with intact Inca houses, Inca terraces, food reservoirs, and the impressive pink granite monoliths, perfectly assembled. We will then head to our hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Day 6: Maras Salt Mines - Moray Terraces - Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

Throughout this journey, you will be accompanied by expert guides who will share their knowledge and passion for the history and culture of the region, making this experience truly enriching. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a day full of discoveries in one of the most fascinating destinations in Peru.

Maras Village: Our journey begins with a visit to the picturesque village of Maras, known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture that transport visitors to past times. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet friendly locals and learn about their traditions and way of life. Be sure to visit the Church of San Francisco de Asís, a historical treasure that houses religious art and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.

Maras Salt Mines: We continue our tour to the famous Maras Salt Mines, a unique visual spectacle made up of over 3,000 salt pools, which have been exploited since pre-Inca times. These salt terraces, fed by an underground spring, shine under the sun and offer an impressive panorama that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. During the visit, you will observe the traditional salt extraction process and purchase high-quality local products, such as the famous pink salt from Maras.

Moray Terraces: Our next destination is the archaeological site of Moray, known for its circular terraces that descend in concentric rings. This site, used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory, will allow you to understand the advanced cultivation and agricultural experimentation techniques developed by this ancient civilization. The different levels of the terraces simulate varied microclimates, demonstrating the ingenuity and adaptability of the Incas to optimize agricultural production.

We will return to the city of Cusco for lunch. In the evening, we will be picked up from the hotel to head to the bus station to continue our journey to Puerto Maldonado, where we will arrive the following day

Day 7: Paradise Ecolodge - Canopy - Zipline - Kayak - Monkey Island

The journey begins with a transfer from the bus station to Puerto Acosta, where you will board a boat that will take you along the majestic Madre de Dios River. The boat trip will lead you to a cozy lodge, the starting point for a series of exciting adventures in the Amazon jungle.

Upon arriving at the lodge, we will venture into the forest through a hike that will take us to the Canopy Tower. From this imposing structure, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the forest canopy and appreciate an incredible variety of birds in their natural habitat. This is a perfect moment for nature and photography lovers, as the biodiversity of the area is truly impressive.

Next, the adventure continues with an exciting zipline experience. Gliding through the forest canopy, we will cross a hanging bridge that will take us back to the lodge, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for us.

In the afternoon, the exploration continues with a kayaking activity on the serene Madre de Dios River. Paddling through its calm waters allows for a deep connection with nature and the observation of wildlife from a unique perspective. The next stop is Monkey Island, a charming place where you can interact with various species of monkeys in their natural environment.

Before dinner, the day's adventure will culminate with an exciting night outing on the river to spot caimans. Equipped with flashlights, we will navigate in search of these fascinating reptiles that inhabit the waters of the Madre de Dios River, an experience that will surely be etched in your memory.

Upon returning to the lodge, a comforting dinner will await you, concluding a day full of discoveries and excitement in the Amazon jungle. This experience is designed to offer you total immersion in the beauty and biodiversity of the Amazon, combining adventure, relaxation, and the opportunity to closely encounter local wildlife

Day 8: Sandoval Lake

After breakfast, the day begins with an exciting boat journey to the impressive Sandoval Lake, located in the heart of the Tambopata National Reserve. This paradisiacal destination is a biodiversity refuge that promises an unforgettable experience.

Once we reach the shore, a 3 km hike through the lush Amazon jungle awaits us. During this trek, the opportunity to observe a wide variety of flora and fauna presents itself at every step. Endemic plant species, exotic birds, and perhaps some curious mammals will make each moment fascinating.

Upon arriving at the beautiful Sandoval Lake, we will enjoy lunch by the lake, surrounded by the tranquil landscape and the songs of birds. This revitalizing pause will prepare us for the next part of our adventure: a relaxing boat ride on the serene waters of the lake. Here, birdwatching and observing aquatic animals becomes a magical experience, as many unique species call this lake their home.

After this immersion in nature, we will return to the lodge to rest and prepare for a nighttime activity. As night falls, a walk through the jungle will lead us to discover the fascinating nightlife of the Amazon. Equipped with flashlights, we will delve into the darkness to observe nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat, from small insects to birds and nocturnal mammals.

Finally, we will return to the lodge to enjoy a comforting dinner and share the day's experiences before retiring to rest. This day is designed to offer a deep connection with nature and the opportunity to discover the beauty and mystery of the Amazon jungle, both day and night

Day 9: Visit to a Native Family, Sport Fishing - Puerto Maldonado – Lima

Our day begins with a fascinating visit to a native house, where you will enjoy a demonstration of the customs of the indigenous peoples of the region. This experience offers an authentic and enriching insight into their way of life, traditions, and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to admire their unique handicrafts and, if you wish, purchase local products as souvenirs from this special visit.

In the afternoon, we will board a boat to reach a picturesque stream, the perfect setting for rustic fishing. This activity not only offers fun and relaxation but also a deep connection with nature, following the traditional techniques used by local inhabitants for generations.

After enjoying fishing and the serene atmosphere of the stream, we will return to the lodge for a brief rest. Here, the tranquil environment and the lodge's hospitality provide the perfect closure for a day full of learning and adventures.

Finally, we will be picked up at the lodge to begin our journey back to the city. We will head to the airport to take the flight back to Lima, taking with us unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for the cultural and natural wonders of the Amazon.

This experience is designed to immerse you in the life and traditions of indigenous peoples, enjoy nature in its purest state, and return with stories and memories that will last a lifetime. Finally, we will return to the city of Puerto Maldonado to head to the airport and take our flight to the city of Lima

 

This tour includes

  • Group service
  • Arrival and departure transfers at each destination
  • Admission to Lima city tour
  • Tourist transportation
  • Personalized assistance during your stay
  • Tourist-class accommodation
  • Professional guide in all destinations
  • Tourist bus throughout the route
  • Buffet lunch (Sacred Valley)
  • Tourist train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
  • Bus up/down to/from Machu Picchu
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Lodge accommodation in Tambopata
  • Full meals in Tambopata
  • Bus ticket from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado

This tour does NOT include

  • Flight ticket Lima – Cusco
  • Flight ticket Puerto Maldonado – Lima
  • Cusco tourist ticket
  • Entrance to Cusco Cathedral
  • Entrance to Koricancha
  • Meals not specified
  • Additional beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses 

Important tour information "Discovering Peru in 9 days "

Recommendations

  • Physical Preparation: Be sure you're in good physical condition, as the trek can be demanding and requires stamina. Train with long walks and uphill hikes before the trip.

  • Proper Equipment: Bring suitable clothing for both the Andean and jungle regions, including comfortable hiking boots, warm layers, rain gear, and sun protection.

  • Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and bring energy snacks. Water is essential, so make sure you have access to clean drinking water.

  • First Aid Kit: Carry a basic kit with medicine for altitude sickness, pain relief, wounds, and insect bites.

  • Itinerary Planning: Plan your route in advance and be aware of distances and travel times for each segment.

  • Environmental Conservation: Respect natural and archaeological sites. Don’t leave trash, stick to marked trails, and protect local flora and fauna.

  • Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers trekking activities and potential emergency evacuations.

  • Open Mindset: Maintain a positive and open attitude. The trek is not only a physical challenge but also a chance to connect with nature and history.

What to bring for this tour?

  • Passport or ID
  • Waterproof walking shoes
  • Cash for personal expenses
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Small backpack

Our passengers experienced the best tours in Peru

Enriqueta García Ecuador Ecuador 14 Oct, 2023

Hice un tour durante dos semanas entre Perú y Bolivia, los tour a lo largo de estos dos países fueron excelentes, la atención y servicios buenos. Siempre predispuestos a la atención.

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César N México México 05 Jul, 2023

Excelente servicio. Una gran atención al detalle para que no te preocupes por nada. Nos arreglaron todos los recorridos y siempre fueron puntuales con los horarios

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Thein Win Tailandia Tailandia 29 Jan, 2023

Inca World arranged La Paz city tour and Lake Taticaca tour. Guide Efrain is amazing and even picked us from the airport. We really enjoyed the tour.

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Karin Australia Australia 29 Jan, 2023

It was a great experience, the tour guide was prepared and very helpful. Just loved the trekking with stunning site seeing's of the lakes and mountains. Highly recommend it!

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Moon Italia Italia 04 Dec, 2022

La mejor experiencia con Inca World Peru. Desde que contacte con la agencia resolvieron todas nuestras dudas, nos hicieron sentir como en casa. La mejor experiencia que tuve en el maravillo pais Perú - Cusco

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Johanna G Italia Italia 18 Nov, 2022

Inca World fue muy cumplido en los tres tours que hicimos, sus guias tienen una actitud divina…nos fuimos muy felices y agradecidos ❤️

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Consult I want to price

Extensions for this tour

Here we recommend some tours which you can add to your itinerary for a more complete experience

Tour to the Sacred City of Caral

12 Hours
USD 300.00
Lima

Swimming with sea lions in Callao

4 Hours
USD 50.00
Lima

Visit the Show "Caballo de paso"

5 Hours
USD 110.00
Lima

Humantay Lake Full Day

1 Day
USD 0.00
Cusco

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