Highlights
- Follow a route linking Lima, Paracas, Nazca rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for urban walking, coastal roads, highland routes, boats, trains and archaeological paths, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with coastal, canyon, Altiplano, Cusco and Sacred Valley communities, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a clear service confirmation covering pickup, entrances, operating hours and optional payments.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 days / 10 nights |
| Region | Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends at the confirmed Lima or Callao pickup area |
| Maximum altitude | above 4,900 m / 16,076 ft on some overland passes, depending on the final transport route |
| Difficulty | Moderate, mainly because of altitude and long travel days |
| Terrain | urban walking, coastal roads, highland routes, boats, trains and archaeological paths |
| Main transport | private or shared road services, boat, train and local transfers |
| Accommodation | ten hotel nights in the selected category |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Acclimatize when altitude is involved, train for the stated walking level and review equipment before payment |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in Peru classic cultural route with Machu Picchu.
- Main places: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and southern Peru highlights.
- Physical demand: moderate, with terrain including city walks, highland roads, train travel and short archaeological paths.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Arrival in Lima
A representative meets the travelers after the international or domestic arrival and coordinates the transfer to the confirmed Lima hotel. The remaining time is free for rest after the flight. When arrival is early, optional touring can be arranged separately, but it is not added automatically because airport formalities and traffic can change the available time. The operations contact reviews the next morning’s bus departure and baggage rules before the day ends. Day highlight: Reach Arrival in Lima after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: airport to hotel transfer – Accommodation: hotel in Lima – Walking: minimal – Meals: not included unless stated by the hotel plan
Lima – Paracas – Paracas National Reserve
The group travels south by intercity bus to Paracas and transfers to the hotel. Later, a guided road route enters the Paracas National Reserve, where desert cliffs meet the Pacific. Stops may include the interpretation center, coastal viewpoints and Lagunillas, according to access and weather. Flamingos and other birds may be seen from designated areas, though wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Swimming is only advisable when the guide confirms sea and beach conditions. The afternoon ends back in Paracas. Day highlight: Reach Paracas National Reserve after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Intercity bus: Lima to Paracas – Road touring: Paracas National Reserve – Terrain: paved roads, dry paths and exposed coast – Accommodation: hotel in Paracas – Meals: breakfast when included by the hotel; lunch on the traveler’s account
Ballestas Islands – Nazca Lines Flight – Overnight Bus to Arequipa
Morning navigation heads toward the Ballestas Islands after port registration and the captain’s safety briefing. Sea lions, seabirds and the Candelabro geoglyph may be seen from the boat, but landings are not part of the standard route. Back in Paracas, the group boards the scheduled bus to Nazca and transfers to the aerodrome. The flight over the Nazca Lines uses a small aircraft and is subject to visibility, aviation control and weight distribution. Motion sickness is common, so travelers should eat lightly. In the evening, the route continues by overnight bus to Arequipa. Day highlight: Reach Overnight Bus to Arequipa after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Boat: Ballestas Islands, subject to sea conditions – Road transport: Paracas to Nazca – Flight: Nazca Lines overflight, subject to aviation approval – Night transport: scheduled bus to Arequipa – Accommodation: overnight bus
Arequipa – Salinas and Aguada Blanca – Chivay
After arrival and the arranged pickup, the road climbs from Arequipa toward the Colca Valley. Stops cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca area, where vicuñas and highland wetlands may appear beside the route. The vehicle pauses near Tocra and at the high pass viewpoint when conditions permit. Thin air and wind are noticeable near the top, so the stop remains brief. After reaching Chivay, travelers check in and have free time. An optional thermal-bath outing and evening show are included only when named on the voucher. Day highlight: Reach Chivay after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Maximum road altitude: about 4,800–4,910 m / 15,748–16,109 ft – Transport: tourist vehicle – Terrain: long highland road and short viewpoint walks – Accommodation: hotel in Chivay or the Colca Valley – Meals: breakfast and other meals according to the selected package
Cruz del Cóndor – Colca Villages – Puno
The morning drive reaches Cruz del Cóndor, where the group waits at an authorized viewpoint above the canyon. Condors often use rising air currents, but their appearance and distance cannot be promised. The return toward Chivay includes selected village and terrace viewpoints, commonly around Maca or Yanque. After lunch, the group boards the confirmed tourist transport to Puno. This is a long high-altitude road stage, and the hotel check-in takes place after the evening arrival. Day highlight: Reach Puno after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: Colca touring and road service to Puno – Terrain: viewpoints, village streets and long road travel – Accommodation: hotel in Puno – Difficulty: moderate because of altitude and travel time – Meals: breakfast; lunch according to the selected service
Uros Islands – Sillustani – Puno
A port transfer is followed by motorboat navigation to the Uros floating islands. A local host explains the construction and maintenance of reed platforms, while the guide sets clear limits for photographs and optional purchases. Any reed-boat ride is voluntary and paid locally unless stated otherwise. After returning to Puno, the afternoon route heads to Sillustani. The guide explains the funerary towers above Lake Umayo and allows time for the uphill path at a slow altitude-aware pace. The group returns to the Puno hotel. Day highlight: Reach Puno after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: road transfer and motorboat – Walking: short reed-island movement and uphill archaeological path – Maximum altitude: about 3,900 m / 12,795 ft – Accommodation: hotel in Puno – Meals: breakfast
Puno – Route of the Sun – Cusco
The overland journey crosses the southern Altiplano toward Cusco. The final sequence of stops depends on the booked operator, but it commonly includes selected points such as Pukara, La Raya, Raqchi and Andahuaylillas. Each entrance and meal must appear on the voucher because packages differ. La Raya is the highest road sector and can feel cold even under strong sun. The route ends with a hotel transfer in Cusco, where the guide confirms the following day’s pickup. Day highlight: Reach Cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist bus or private vehicle from Puno to Cusco – Maximum altitude: about 4,335 m / 14,222 ft at La Raya – Terrain: long road day and short archaeological walks – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast and lunch only when included
Cusco City and Nearby Archaeological Sites
The guided route begins in the historic center with the Cathedral and Qorikancha when their entrances are included. The vehicle then climbs to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. Stone paths, stairs and altitude make a moderate pace more useful than rushing through every stop. The exact order may change around opening hours, religious services and traffic. The evening is free in Cusco. Day highlight: Reach Cusco City and Nearby Archaeological Sites after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle and guided walking – Altitude: about 3,400–3,700 m / 11,155–12,139 ft – Terrain: paved streets, stone stairs and uneven archaeological ground – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo
The road enters the Sacred Valley for the confirmed combination of Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. Market time, archaeological entry and lunch are coordinated around the train departure. In Ollantaytambo, the guide explains the terraces and surviving Inca street plan before the group boards the scheduled rail service. On arrival in Machu Picchu Pueblo, staff assist with hotel check-in and review the entry time, official route and shuttle-bus arrangements for the next morning. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: tourist vehicle and train – Terrain: archaeological stairs and village streets – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Meals: breakfast and lunch according to the selected service
Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
The shuttle bus and site entry follow the time printed on the ticket. The guide leads the assigned one-way route and explains the sectors included on that ticket; access to another circuit cannot be assumed. Separate mountain tickets have their own schedule. After leaving the site, travelers return to town, board the confirmed train and meet the road transfer at the arrival station for Cusco. The final arrival may be late. Day highlight: Complete the return to cusco after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Guided route: according to the official ticket – Altitude: about 2,430 m / 7,972 ft – Transport: shuttle bus, train and road transfer – Accommodation: hotel in Cusco – Meals: breakfast
Cusco – Lima or International Departure
The final transfer is coordinated around the confirmed flight or bus. When the package includes a Cusco-to-Lima flight, the ticket and baggage allowance must be listed in writing; otherwise, the service ends at the Cusco airport or bus terminal. Hotel checkout rules apply even when departure is later in the day. Extra touring or a late checkout can be quoted separately. Day highlight: Reach Lima or International Departure after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: departure transfer and flight only when included – Accommodation: none after checkout – Meals: breakfast according to the hotel plan – End of service: confirmed airport or terminal
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
Several stages reach high altitude and may involve cold, long road travel or limited medical access. Travelers with heart, respiratory or serious mobility conditions should seek medical advice before booking and should report any required assistance in advance.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is ten hotel nights in the selected category.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses private or shared road services, boat, train and local transfers.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | US $2,825 per person |
| 2 travelers | US $2,180 per person |
| 3 travelers | US $1,970 per person |
| 4 travelers | US $1,855 per person |
| 5 travelers | US $1,775 per person |
| 6 travelers | US $1,710 per person |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around urban walking, coastal roads, highland routes, boats, trains and archaeological paths, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through coastal, canyon, Altiplano, Cusco and Sacred Valley communities, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Private planning: A private service can adapt the pace and focus, while opening hours, official routes and road rules remain fixed.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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