Enjoy a 15-day journey through Peru on your preferred dates, with guaranteed departures from just two travelers and expertly guided tours ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience throughout.
In each destination, you’ll join well-organized group tours, offering a social atmosphere while maintaining comfort and expert guidance.
Your journey takes you from the vibrant capital of Lima to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Continue through the dramatic landscapes of Colca Canyon, the serene waters of Lake Titicaca, and the historic heart of Cusco. The experience culminates with a guided exploration of Machu Picchu and a visit to the spectacular Rainbow Mountain.
Peru
peru tour packages 15Days / 14Nights
New Regulations
Peru Tour Packages includes entrance to Machu Picchu through Circuit 2, the most requested route because it offers the most complete experience within the citadel, available only if reserved in advance.
If Circuit 2 is sold out for your travel date, we will arrange your entrance through Circuit 3 or Circuit 1, according to official availability.
Circuit 3: does not include the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Circuit 1: includes the panoramic terraces but does not allow access to the lower part of the citadel.
Once we confirm which circuit is included in your tour, you will have the option to purchase an additional entrance ticket for the circuit you wish to visit (subject to availability) for an extra cost of $50 per person. This allows you to enjoy a more complete experience at Machu Picchu.
Visitors must board the bus to Machu Picchu 40 minutes to 1 hour before the entry time printed on their ticket. This helps prevent long lines in Machu Picchu Pueblo and avoids congestion at the entrance gates of the Inca citadel.
For more detailed information about the different circuits and specific entrance schedules, we invite you to read this link on Schedules and New Circuits for Visiting Machu Picchu or to contact us directly. We can provide you with all the necessary information and address any questions you may have.
Summary
Overview of Peru Tour Packages 15 days: Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Nazca, Ica and Lima
Day 1:
Arrival to Lima and free afternoon
Arrival in the city of Lima Capital of Peru, Reception by our representative at Jorge Chavez airport and private transfer to your selected hotel, Overnight in Lima
Day 2:
Lima- City tour 1/2 day
In the afternoon, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide for your exciting tour of Lima, which will take you to the city’s main historical, religious, and more interesting contemporary sites.
Day 3:
Lima – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina and overningt in Nazca
At 4:00 AM we will pick up from your hotel, We will travel 245 kilometers along the Pan-American Highway until we reach Paracas a tourist resort in the province of Pisco.
Day 4:
Nazca– Nazca Lines Overflight – Bus to Arequipa
Flight over the Nazca Lines, you will be able to observe up to 12 of the most enigmatic figures for 35 minutes: 1. The Whale, 2. Trapezoids, 3. Astronaut, 4. Monkey, 5. Dog, 6. Condor, 7. Spider, 8. Hummingbird , 9. Alcatraz/Flamingo, 10. Parrot, 11. The Hands, 12. The Tree
Day 5:
Afternoon Sillar Route in Arequipa and night in Arequipa
Around 1:00 p.m., we will pick you up from your accommodation or the main plaza and take you towards the quarries. On the way, our professional guide will explain the constructions made from the volcanic rock, sillar.
Day 6:
Arequipa, Colca Canyon -Cruz del Condor, and night in Chivay
At 3:30 AM we will pick up from your hotel, depart to the “Cruz del Condor”, place where the canyon begins from this point, we will enjoy its depth. In this beautiful landscape, you will also have the opportunity to view the Condors in its natural habitat. in the afternoon where you can enjoy the hot springs and enjoy a nice dinner after checking-in to your hotel.
Day 7:
Bus from Chivay – Colca Canyon – Puno
After a good rest, you will have a free morning and then explore Chivay’s town on your own. Around 1:00.p.m you will depart for Puno (approx. 6 hours), traveling through small Andean villages and high-altitude plains of the Altiplano. Upon arrival in Puno, you will check into your hotel and rest for the evening.
Day 8:
Puno -Urus- Taquile Island- Puno Hotel night
In the morning, we will board a boat and take a tour of the fascinating Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. You will see how the people have constructed these islands entirely of reeds. You will then continue to Taquile Island, where the locals are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, which are regarded as among the highest-quality handcrafts in Peru.
Day 9:
Day Bus from Puno to Cusco: La Raya – Raqchi – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
You will have a bus tour of the countryside while on your way to Cusco, We will make stops at La Raya pass then to Incan temple of Raqchi and finilly to Andahuyalillas which is considered the Sistine Chapel of the Andes, we arrive in Cusco and stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 10:
Free day in Cusco
Airport pick-up and transfer to the chosen hotel
Day 11:
Sacred Valley tour with Salt Mines, Moray- An Nigh in Aguas Calientes
We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning for a tour of the Sacred Valley. We will stop in Pisac to visit the market and the nearby ruins and continue to the scenic town of Ollantaytambo. In the evening we will take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Day 12:
Machu Picchu Tour and Returning to Cusco
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hostel/hotel and lead you to the bus station where you will board a bus to Machu Picchu.
Day 13:
Free Morning and Afternoon City Tour of Cusco
You can do a walking tour in the city or just relaxs or do any other tour you wanted
Day 14:
Rainbow Mountain full day
Our day will begin with an early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our private transportation will take you from the south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata.
Day 15:
End of the journey
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to Cusco Airport for your onward journey. If your flight is later in the day, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring nearby attractions. Upon your arrival in Lima, you will connect with your international flight back to your country.
Iitinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Lima.
Highlight of the day: Arrival in Peru’s vibrant capital and time to relax or explore at your own pace.
Upon your arrival in Lima, we will transfer you to the hotel of your choice. After you arrive, you will have free time to take a short rest.
Day 2: Lima City Tour
Highlight of the day: Discover Lima’s rich history, colonial architecture, and impressive archaeological sites.
We will enjoy a tour exploring Lima in its three stages: Ancestral, Colonial, and Modern Lima. The tour begins with a panoramic view of the “Puccllana Pyramid”, an ancient ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century A.D. and considered a Sacred Town of the Incas.
Next, we will head to the Historic Center of Lima, where we will see what was once the old “Cuadrada” Lima and admire more than fifty monuments and colonial buildings, including the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Municipal Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, Basilica Cathedral, among others.
Continuing the tour, we will visit the Central Reserve Bank Museum, where we will see the Treasures of Peru Collection, which includes objects made of ceramics, gold, and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures.
We will also visit the San Francisco Monumental Complex, which is the largest example of colonial religious art in the Americas. Its main attraction is the visit to its underground crypts, known as The Catacombs.
Finally, we will head to the Contemporary Area of Lima, where we will admire the main buildings and residential areas of Lima, including El Olivar in San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Park of Love.
Note: The Central Reserve Bank Museum is closed to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, and closed all day on Mondays.
Hotel night in Lima.
Day 3:Lima – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina and overningt in Nazca
Highlight of the Day: Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands and an exciting buggy ride through the Huacachina desert.
After breakfast, you will depart Lima and travel south to Paracas/Ica (approximately 4 hours).Upon arrival in Paracas, you will board a boat for a tour of the Ballestas Islands, often called the “Galapagos of Peru,” where you can observe sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds. Next, you will travel a short distance to Huacachina, a stunning desert oasis surrounded by towering sand dunes. Here, you can enjoy exciting sandboarding and a buggy ride across the dunes. Around 7:00 p.m., you will take the Cruz del Sur bus to Nazca (approx. 2 hours), where you will check in to your hotel for the night.
Hotel night in Nazca
Day 4: Flight on the Nazca Lines – Overnight bus to Arequipa
Highlight of the Day: Scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
After breakfast, we will take you to the local María Reiche Neuman Airport (NZC), a small airfield in the Vista Alegre district primarily used for tourist flights in small planes and helicopters, rather than regular commercial flights. Here, you will take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines, where you can admire famous geoglyphs such as the Monkey, Hummingbird, and Spider from the air.
After the flight, there will be optional time to visit the Antonini Archaeological Museum or simply explore the town. Around 3:00 p.m., you will board the Cruz del Sur bus to Arequipa (approximately 12 hours). Once you arrive at the bus station, we will pick you up and transfer you to your selected hotel, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Free morning. In the afternoon, enjoy the Arequipa Sillar Route Tour.
Highlight of the Day: Explore the “White City” and its beautiful colonial architecture.
After a good rest, you will have a free morning to do laundry and then explore Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas on your own, surrounded by the Cathedral and charming arcades. You will also visit Santa Catalina Convent, which is located nearby the plaza.
Around 1:00 p.m., we will pick you up from your accommodation or the main plaza and take you towards the quarries. On the way, our professional guide will explain the constructions made from the volcanic rock, sillar.
Our first stop will be the Zamacola viewpoint, where you can enjoy a different-angled view of the city and take 360º panoramic photos of the three volcanoes that surround Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
Next, the journey continues to the quarries, the place where the White City originated. You will enter the quarries and observe the immense man-made stones.
After that, you’ll have a unique experience observing sillar extraction, which still uses ancestral techniques that have been preserved for centuries.
Continuing with the tour, you will board the transport to visit the quarry Virgen de Culebrillas. Inside, you will experience a mysterious and unique environment, where you can see petroglyphs that reveal the life and beliefs of ancient cultures. You will also learn about apachetas (stone pyramids) and have the opportunity to build your own. After exploring this sacred site, you will return to the city center by private transport.
In the evening, you are free to explore local restaurants or cafes and try regional specialties such as rocoto relleno or adobo arequipeño.
Hotel night in Arequipa
Day 6: Chivay- Condor cross- Overnight in Chivay
Highlight of the Day: Witness the majestic Andean condor at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint.
Early in the moorning, you will depart Arequipa for Chivay, the gateway to the Colca Canyon (approx. 4–5 hours). Along the way, you will enjoy scenic stops at the Pampas de Cañahuas, home to wild vicuñas and llamas, and the Patapampa viewpoint, where you can admire snow-capped Andean peaks.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Condor Cross (Cruz del Condor), a famous vantage point to observe majestic condors soaring over the Colca Canyon. In the evening, you will stay overnight in Chivay, with the option to relax in nearby hot springs.
Hotel night in Chivay
Day 7: Bus from Chivay – Colca Canyon – Puno
Highlight of the Day: Scenic journey across the Altiplano with views of llamas, alpacas, and high Andean landscapes.
After a good rest, you will have a free morning and then explore Chivay’s Plaza de Armas on your own. Around 1:00.p.m you will depart for Puno (approx. 6 hours), traveling through small Andean villages and high-altitude plains of the Altiplano. Upon arrival in Puno, you will check into your hotel and rest for the evening.
Hotel night in Puno
Day 8: Puno -Urus- Taquile Island- Puno
Highlight of the Day: Visit the unique Uros Floating Islands and experience local culture on Taquile Island.
After breakfast, set out on a scenic boat excursion across Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Your journey begins at the Uros Floating Islands, where local families preserve their traditions by building their homes and islands from totora reeds.
Continue on to Taquile Island, a place known for its rich cultural heritage and intricate handmade textiles. While on the island, enjoy a traditional lunch accompanied by spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Later in the afternoon, return to Puno, where you will spend the night.
Hotel night in Pno
Day 9: Bus to Cuso, La Raya – Rachi – Andahuaylillas- Rachi- Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Cultural stops along the Andes, including La Raya and Raqchi.
After breakfast, you will depart Puno for Cusco (approx. 8 hours) via a scenic route. Along the way, you will stop at:
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La Raya Pass, the highest point along the journey, for breathtaking panoramic views.
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Raqchi, home to the Inca Temple of Wiracocha.
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Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” for its richly decorated church.
You will then continue to Cusco, arriving in the evening to check in to your hotel and rest.
Hotel night in Cusco
Day 10: Free Day in Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Free day to explore the historic capital of the Inca Empire.
After a restful night, enjoy a free morning to relax, take care of personal tasks, or explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit Cusco Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, surrounded by historic architecture and vibrant local life.
Cusco is full of photogenic spots perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Consider stopping by San Pedro Market, where colorful stalls, fresh produce, and traditional textiles create a lively and authentic atmosphere. For a quieter experience, head to Mirador de San Blas, a charming viewpoint offering beautiful views of the city’s red-tiled rooftops.
You can also spend time wandering through the picturesque streets of the San Blas neighborhood, known for its artistic vibe, narrow cobblestone alleys, and unique local shops.
Day 11: Cusco, Sacred Valley including Salt mine and Moray -Overnight in Agua Caliente
Highlight of the Day: Discover Moray and the Salt Mines of Maras, then travel to Aguas Calientes.
We will pick up you from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. and travel for one hour by tourist van to Chinchero, a small village with beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. In this charming village, you will see adobe homes, narrow cobbled streets, and people in traditional Peruvian dress. Here, the villagers still practice many Incan traditions and crafts. If you wish, you will see a demonstration of how wool is washed and dyed using native plants and minerals Also the beautiful INKA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIDE AND COLONIAL TEMPLE OF CHENCHERO.
We will then continue our journey to MORAY in order to see the fascinating site used by the Incas for agricultural experiments and cultivating seeds. There, you will learn how they cleverly designed a drainage system at the bottom of the terraces in order to avoid flooding during the rainy season.
After the tour of Moray, you will take a 20 minute bus ride to THE SALT MINES OF MARAS. At this amazing site, you can see the pans fed by saline spring water that were built on steep terraces along one side of a narrow valley. The water is sent throughout the pans by a network of channels where the water slowly evaporates leaving the salt behind. Salt has been collected from Maras since Pre-Incan times and it is thought that a collective of salt ‘miners’ has maintained the terraces and channels for hundreds of years. Then we will follow the beautiful route to Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, where we will stop for a BUFFET LUNCH.
We will continue our scenic journey to the amazing town of OLLANTAYTAMBO. Ollantaytambo is a classic Incan city which conserved the traditional Incan urban construction of narrow streets adjacent to flowing streams. As you walk through the stone streets, the gentle sound of flowing water will make it easy for you to imagine the city as it was in the time of the Incas. In the upper part of the town, there is an impressive ceremonial center that was used for water worship and also a mighty fortress that protected the access point to the lower part of the valley
Finally, you will board the 4:30 p.m train to Aguas Calientes, After an hour and forty minute journey through the Andes, you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station, where you will be greeted by our staff and escorted to your hotel and hostel. Here you can relax and rest before your day at Machu Picchu. At dinner, you will be briefed on the next day´s tour.
Day 12: Machu Picchu Tour and Returning to Cusco
Highlight of the Day: Explore the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Visiting Machu Picchu
There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes:
Hike: For a more active experience, you can hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Bus: The fastest and easiest option. Buses take you directly to the entrance of the site. Each journey lasts 25 minutes, and the ticket is included in the tour package
New Entry Regulations
Your entry time will depend on how early you booked the tour and the circuit you’re assigned
Inside Machu Picchu
Once inside the Inca citadel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours. You’ll explore the most important sectors of this ancient wonder, including temples, houses, terraces, and agricultural areas. The ingenuity of Inca engineering—far ahead of its time—continues to inspire awe and curiosity to this day.
After the Tour
Once your visit to Machu Picchu is over, you’ll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes. In town, you’ll find plenty of great spots to relax and enjoy lunch. After your meal, make your way to the train station in time for your return departure
Can I Still Climb Huayna Picchu?
Yes, you may still have the chance to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, but please note:
The climb is only allowed in the morning and is split into two entry groups:
Group 1: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Group 2: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
You can choose to climb either before or after your scheduled visit to Machu Picchu, depending on availability and your ticket.
Note: Machu Picchu Inca site is different from Machu Picchu Mountain. When most people refer to Machu Picchu, they are referring to the archeological site. Machu Picchu Mountain requires a separate permit to climb. Please notify us if you are interested and we can book this for you. It must be done in advance and is a part of your entry into the site
Day 13: Morning City Tour of Cusco and Free Afternoon
Highlight of the Day: Visit Cusco’s most important archaeological and colonial sites.
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At 9:00 p.m., we will meet you at the main entrance of Cusco Cathedral to begin your tour. You will start with a visit to the famous cathedral. Afterwards, you will continue on foot along an ancient Inca-built street from the Plaza de Armas to the Q’oricancha, the Temple of the Sun. At Q’oricancha, you will have the opportunity to compare and contrast the building methods of the Inca culture and Catholicism. This was the key spiritual center of the Incas, connecting all four quarters of the Inca Empire. You will also see a bronze high altar.
From Q’oricancha, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you will board your transportation for a 25-minute drive outside the city. You will then visit the majestic Inca site Sacsayhuaman, famous for its massive, enigmatic 200-ton monoliths. Your guide will provide explanations, after which you can explore the site on your own.
Next, you will take a five-minute bus ride to the Q’enqo Inca site to see its fascinating Incan altars. Following this, another five-minute drive will bring you to Puca Pucara, a small circular Inca site. The final stop on the tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive fountains, believed to have been used by the Inca for bathing.
After visiting Tambomachay, we will drive back to Cusco, where the tour will end at the Plaza de Armas where you can enjoy lunch and later return to your hotel at your convenience.
Day 14: Rainbow Mountain Full day Hike
Highlight of the Day: Hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain and admire its vibrant natural colors.
Your day will begin with an early pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, between 4:30 and 5:00 am. Our private transportation will take you from the south of Cusco to the town of Cusipata. The transfer lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Cusipata, we will have breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue our trip to the Rainbow Mountain for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way to the mountain, you will have the chance to enjoy beautiful landscapes and to see the wildlife.
We will start our adventure with a walk uphill for about 1 hour and a half, appreciating in the background snowy mountains and wonderful landscapes. Then, we will finally reach the point to which we will be able to appreciate the colors of the Rainbow Mountain and the stunning view it offers.
After visiting and taking pictures, we will return the same way we came with a 1.5-hours hike, have lunch, and start the drive back to Cusco, arriving between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.
Day 14: Lima – End of tour
Highlight of the Day: Departure with unforgettable memories of Peru.
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and be transferred to Cusco Airport for your onward journey. If your flight is later in the day, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring nearby attractions. Upon your arrival in Lima, you will connect with your international flight back to your country.
Options Pricing
Tour and Guided Services Only
USD$1480.00Per Person
In this tour price option, you have the flexibility to book your own hotels or accommodation, and we will exclusively handle organizing the tours. We will provide experienced guides, manage all the transportation, transfers, and cover all the tickets for the various tours that will take place throughout the entire itinerary of your 15-day / 13-night vacation in Peru.
Basic and Comfortable Hotels
USD$1980.00Per Person
In this tour price option, we will exclusively take care of organizing all the reservations for basic yet super comfortable hotels, as well as coordinating the tours. We will provide experienced guides, manage all the transportation, transfers, and cover all the tickets for the various tours that will take place throughout the entire itinerary of your 15-day / 14-night vacation in Peru.
Only Comfortable Hotels
USD$2380.00Per Person
In this tour price option, we will exclusively take care of organizing all reservations for comfortable 2 to 3-star hotels, as well as coordinating the tours. We will provide experienced guides, manage all transportation, transfers, and cover all the tickets for the various tours that will take place throughout the entire itinerary of your 15-day / 14-night vacation in Peru.
PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of the type of accommodation you choose, tours and transport are included. Also, the prices above are for group tours (except for the trails, that are in private tours), if you want to change all of them to private tours, let us know and we will pass you the new prices.
You can read all our review in Tripadvisor: TRIPADVISOR INTI SUN TREK
Inclusions
Included in Your 15-Day Peru Tour Package (Group Service):
- Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Arrival at Lima Airport and transfer to your selected hotel. Free afternoon at leisure. - Day 2: Lima City Tour
Guided city tour including transportation, professional guide, and entrance fees to the archaeological sites visited. - Day 3: Lima – Ballestas Islands – Ica – Huacachina – Overnight in Nazca
Hotel pick-up, tourist transportation, professional guide, boat tour to the Ballestas Islands with entrance fees included, buggy ride in the Huacachina dunes, and bus ticket to Nazca. Overnight in Nazca. - Day 4: Nazca – Nazca Lines Overflight – Bus to Arequipa
Hotel transfer, scenic overflight of the Nazca Lines (including airport tax), and bus ticket with Cruz del Sur to Arequipa. - Day 5: Arequipa Sillar Route Tour – Overnight in Arequipa
Afternoon Sillar Route tour with transportation, professional guide, and entrance fees included. - Day 6: Arequipa – Colca Canyon – Cruz del Condor – Overnight in Chivay
Transportation to the Colca Canyon, visit to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, professional guide, entrance tickets, and overnight in Chivay. - Day 7: Chivay – Puno – Overnight in Puno
Hotel pick-up, tourist transportation to Puno, and transfer to your hotel upon arrival. - Day 8: Lake Titicaca – Uros & Taquile Islands – Overnight in Puno
Hotel pick-up, speedboat excursion on Lake Titicaca, visits to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, including entrance fees. - Day 9: Puno – Cusco by Tourist Bus
Bus journey from Puno to Cusco with stops at La Raya, Raqchi, and Andahuaylillas Church, before arriving in Cusco. - Day 10: Arrival in Cusco – Free Day
Arrival in Cusco, transfer to your hotel, and free time to rest or explore the city. - Day 11: Sacred Valley – Maras & Moray – Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Hotel pick-up, guided tour of the Sacred Valley including Moray and Maras Salt Mines, buffet lunch, and train to Aguas Calientes. - Day 12: Machu Picchu Tour – Return to Cusco
Round-trip bus to Machu Picchu, entrance ticket, guided tour, return train to Ollantaytambo, and transportation back to Cusco. - Day 13: Cusco City Tour (Afternoon)
Morning at leisure. Afternoon guided city tour including transportation, professional guide, and entrance fees. - Day 14: Rainbow Mountain Tour
Round-trip transportation, professional guide, breakfast, buffet lunch, and entrance to Rainbow Mountain. - Day 15: Departure
Transfer from your hotel to the airport. Upon arrival in Lima, connect with your international flight. - Accommodation Included:
- 2 nights in Lima
- 1 night in Nazca
- 2 nights in Arequipa
- 1 night in Chivay
- 2 nights in Puno
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes
- 5 nights in Cusco
Not Included in Peru Tour Packages 15 days -Group Tours :
- All breakfast, lunchs and dinners that are not mentioned in the tour itinerary
- Flights (Lima – Cusco – Lima)
- Entrance to the mountain of Huayna Picchu
What to bring
What you need to bring
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What you need to bring:
Travel Essentials
- Original Passport and copies
- Flight tickets and travel documents
- Travel insurance information
- Credit/debit cards and some cash (Peruvian soles and USD)
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts)
- Warm layers for high-altitude destinations (fleece or sweater, thermal underwear)
- Waterproof/windproof jacket or poncho
- Comfortable pants for trekking/hiking
- Shorts or light pants for lower-altitude areas like Lima or Ica
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Swimwear (for hot springs in Chivay or hotel pools)
- Sleepwear
- Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and museums
- Sturdy shoes for Rainbow Mountain, Colca Canyon, and Machu Picchu
- Sandals or flip-flops for hotel or relaxing
Accessories
- Small daypack/backpack for daily excursions
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel towel (optional, some hotels provide them)
- Camera, smartphone, and chargers
Health & Hygiene
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm
- Mosquito repellent (especially for Machupicchu)
- Personal medications and first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, altitude sickness medication)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant)
Altitude Preparation
- Diamox (consult your doctor) or other remedies for altitude sickness
- Energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, granola bars)
- Hydration tablets or electrolyte powder
Optional Items
- Travel pillow for overnight bus rides
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for Lake Titicaca and desert activities
- Lightweight scarf or buff for dust protection in desert areas
Tips:
- Pack light but in layers; temperatures can vary from warm coastal areas to freezing highlands.
- Avoid cotton for high-altitude trekking—it doesn’t keep you warm when wet.
- Always have a small daypack with essentials during excursions.
before you go
When is the best time to visit Peru
The best time to visit Peru is between the months of May and September (Peru’s winter). This is the dry season in the Andes Mountains, therefore it’s the best time to see the most popular sites like Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Inca Trail. The best time to visit coastal Lima is the opposite, between December and April (Peru’s summer). During the summer months you can enjoy Lima’s warm sunshine and avoid the chilly mist and clouds of winter.
What currency is used in Peru?
The official currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it’s recommended to have local currency for small purchases, markets, and transport.
Do I need a visa?
Visitors from the United States, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and select other countries do not need a tourist visa to visit Peru. Peruvian Immigrations will mark your passport upon arrival to Peru with how many days you are permitted to stay, typically 90 days. Remember that your passport must be valid for more than six months after your departure date. For specific information about additional countries’ visa requirements, visit VisaHQ.
What vaccinations should I get??
In general, all travelers should have their routine vaccinations up-to-date, plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines (especially those staying in rural areas). Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for those visiting the Amazon rainforest. For more information, visit the CDC Peru website and speak with your doctor for information about vaccination recommendations and requirements when traveling to Peru.!!
What language is spoken in Peru
The primary language spoken throughout Peru is Spanish. Other official languages of Peru are the indigenous languages of Quechua and Aymara, which you will hear more in rural areas. English is not widely spoken in Peru, though you can get by with no problem with the help of guides, hotel personnel and language translation apps. It is helpful to learn some basic Spanish before your trip if possible as well.
Will I experience altitude sickness?
Yes, some destinations like Cusco (3,400 m), Puno (3,800 m), and Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m) are high-altitude areas. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on arrival, eat light meals, and walk slowly. Medication like Diamox can help if recommended by a doctor.
Is tap water safe to drink?
In Peru, the tap water is not safe to drink. For drinking water, stick to bottled water. We recommend brands like San Mateo and San Luis, which can be found at any corner bodega or supermarket. Tap water boiled vigorously for a minute or more is also safe for hot beverages, although those with a sensitive stomach should boil bottled water instead. The tap water is fine for brushing your teeth, just avoid swallowing it.
What is the best mode of transportation
Our Peru packages include all your secure transfers and transport with specific pickup locations for your ease and convenience. For any independent exploring throughout the city, we recommend simply booking a secure taxi through your hotel. Or, you can use a rideshare app like Uber or Cabify. We recommend apps like Uber over hailing a street taxi, so that you can confirm your driver/vehicle and easily visualize your route. The street bus system can be a bit tricky to navigate, but Lima’s Metropolitano offers easy rides to the historic center.
What kind of adapter/converter do I need for my electronics?
Peru uses a 220 volt, 60 cycle current while the US uses a 120 volt supply. Luckily, most laptops, cameras and mobile phones can accept dual voltage (110V/220V) , but be sure to confirm before plugging in. Other electronics, like hair straighteners, are likely 110V so you will need a converter for those. Conveniently, the outlets in Peru are often the two-pronged flat type like in the US, especially at popular hotels, but in some locations you will find the two or three prong circular kind. It’s a good idea to bring both a converter and adapter just in case. However, the converter can be skipped if you are sure your electronics are dual voltage
Can I use the ATMs?
Yes, and they are plentiful in the major cities. You can step into any BCP, Scotiabank, Interbank, BBVA Continental or others and use their ATM with your debit card for a $3-$6 fee. The machines at these banks all have options in English. Opt to use an ATM located inside a bank rather than on the street for higher security.
Is Lima worth visiting?
Lima is a very interesting metro area with many things to see. There is a historic central area, a beautiful coastline with 2+ miles of continuous parks, an artsy bohemian district and a world-renowned culinary scene. You can stay at a comfortable hotel in the popular Miraflores, San Isidro or Barranco districts and enjoy day tours or wander around at your leisure sampling the amazing food and wandering into the shops. Keep in mind that between the months of June and October it is extremely cloudy and often misty in Lima, the rest of the year is more moderate and sunny.