Machu Picchu & Best of Peru Tour Package
Machu Picchu & Peru Experiences offers custom tour packages for travelers seeking to explore Peru’s most iconic destinations in a single journey. The itinerary begins with a guided Lima city tour, continues to the Ballestas Islands and the desert oasis of Huacachina and then moves into the Andes. Throughout the trip, guests experience Peru’s history, landscapes and traditions through guided visits to its most renowned attractions.
The tour’s highlight is Cusco, the historic Inca capital, where travelers visit the Sacred Valley, hike Rainbow Mountain and explore Machu Picchu through guided cultural and scenic tours. The journey concludes in Puno on Lake Titicaca, where interactions with local communities provide insight into Andean life. Each itinerary is fully customizable and combines comfort, expert local guides and efficient logistics for a memorable Peru experience.
Ultimate Machu Picchu & Peru Experience
Machu Picchu & Peru Experiences is a custom tour package highlighting Peru’s most iconic destinations. The itinerary includes Lima, the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina and the Andes, each chosen for cultural significance and natural beauty. Travelers enjoy a comprehensive and balanced introduction to Peru’s landscapes and heritage.
The tour’s centerpiece is Cusco and the Sacred Valley, where travelers explore legendary Inca sites before experiencing unforgettable adventures such as Rainbow Mountain and the timeless legacy of Machu Picchu. The journey concludes at Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, where meaningful interactions with local communities provide insight into traditional Andean life. Designed with flexibility, comfort, and authenticity in mind, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a seamless, enriching, and deeply memorable Peru experience.
Tour at a Glance
- Destinations: Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca
- Tour Style: Cultural, Adventure & Custom Peru Experience
- Main Highlights: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca
- Group Type: Small group or private tours available
- Accommodation: Carefully selected hotels (standard to luxury options)
- Guides: Licensed, professional local guides
- Departures: Available year-round with flexible start dates
Key Details of This Tour Package
- Custom-designed Peru itinerary covering top attractions
- Guided Lima city tour and coastal excursions
- Wildlife experience at Ballestas Islands and desert adventure in Huacachina
- In-depth exploration of Cusco and the Sacred Valley
- Scenic high-altitude hike to Rainbow Mountain
- Cultural experience on Lake Titicaca with local communities
- Seamless logistics, transportation and 24/7 support
Why Choose This Machu Picchu & Peru Experience?
- All-Inclusive Peru Highlights: See Peru’s most famous destinations in one expertly planned journey
- Custom Peru Tour Packages: Flexible itineraries tailored to your travel style
- Local Expertise: Operated by experienced Peruvian specialists
- Balanced Pace: Designed for comfort, acclimatization and meaningful exploration
- Small Groups: More personalized service and authentic experiences
- Responsible Travel: Supporting local communities and sustainable tourism
Difficulty Level
The Machu Picchu & Peru Experiences tour is rated moderate and suits travelers with average fitness who enjoy cultural exploration and light to moderate activity. Activities include guided tours, site visits, and scenic walks. The Rainbow Mountain hike is the most challenging due to its altitude, but the itinerary includes acclimatization days to ensure safety and comfort.
No technical hiking skills or prior trekking experience are required. Local guides offer support, altitude advice and adjust the pace as needed. Optional upgrades, including horse assistance at Rainbow Mountain or private services are available for added comfort, making the tour accessible while maintaining a sense of adventure.
Best Time to Do This Tour
The optimal time for the Machu Picchu & Peru Experiences tour is the dry season from April to October, when weather is best for sightseeing, hiking and photography. April, May and September are particularly recommended for favorable conditions and fewer crowds.
The wet season from November to March offers greener scenery and fewer tourists, appealing to those who prefer quieter travel. Tours operate year-round, with itineraries adjusted for safety and comfort in all conditions.
Day 01: Welcome to Lima - Peru
Welcome to Lima, Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, our representative will meet you at the international exit gate with a sign displaying your name. You will be transferred directly to your hotel in Miraflores, where you can relax after your flight. No tours are scheduled for this afternoon, so you may settle in or explore the area at your leisure. Please confirm your flight details, including airline, flight number and estimated arrival time, so we can arrange your airport pickup.
Accommodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
Meals: None
Entry Fees: None
Day 02. Lima Culinary Experience & City Tour.
Today, you will experience traditional Peruvian cuisine. At 9:30 am, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to a local market. There, you will walk through the market as the guide explains the various ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, grains and meats, many of which are sourced from nearby mountains and valleys. After the market tour, you will participate in a cooking class. The chef will introduce the dishes and drinks you will prepare, such as ceviche, lomo saltado, and papa a la huancaína. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy these dishes.
At around 2:00 pm, you will continue with a city tour of central Lima, visiting the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace), Main Plaza and several notable colonial buildings.
We will visit the Main Plaza of Lima, surrounded by impressive buildings, palaces, and the Palacio de Gobierno, the official residence of the President of Peru. After your guide provides an overview and time for photos, you will continue to the renowned Saint Francisco Monastery and its remarkable underground catacombs.
Other notable sites include the De la Union Pathway, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, and San Martin Square, which often serves as a gathering place for public events and demonstrations.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Lima, founded by the Spanish in 1535, is one of the oldest capital cities in South America and is known as the City of Kings.
You will have the opportunity to appreciate each site’s unique features. Your guide will make frequent stops for photos and provide detailed explanations of the historic locations. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Entry Fees: included
Day 03: Full-Day Ballestas Islands & Huacachina Sandboarding Tour
The tour begins with a 5:00 a.m. hotel pick-up in Lima, followed by a comfortable drive south along the Pan-American Highway to Paracas. Along the way, you will see the landscape shift from city to desert and ocean. Upon arrival, you will proceed to the pier to board a motorized boat for a guided excursion to the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Galápagos of Peru.”
During the boat tour, you will observe diverse marine wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, cormorants, and other seabirds. The tour also features the Paracas Candelabra, a large geoglyph etched into the desert hillside with debated origins. The excursion lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and offers excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
After the Ballestas Islands tour, you will travel to Huacachina, a desert oasis surrounded by sand dunes. There, you will experience a dune buggy ride and sandboarding for an exciting, adrenaline-filled adventure. You will also have free time to relax, explore the oasis, or have lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included).
In the afternoon, you will return to Lima, arriving at your hotel in the evening after a day of adventure, wildlife encounters, and desert landscapes.
- Accommodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores or similar
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel.
- Entry Fees: included
Day 04. Flight to Cusco & Free Day for Acclimatization
About three hours before your flight, our driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. When you arrive in Cusco, our local representative will welcome you to the Land of the Incas and escort you to your hotel in the historic downtown area.
The rest of the day is free, so you can rest and adjust to the altitude at your own pace. You may relax at the hotel or take a gentle walk around Cusco’s Main Square, where you can admire colonial architecture, Inca stonework and the city’s vibrant atmosphere. This relaxed introduction to Cusco helps ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
- Accommodation: Rumi Punko or similar
- Meals: Breakfast at hotel.
- Entry Fees: NA
Day 05: Sacred Valley Tour - Sacsayhuayman - Pisac - Ollantaytambo.
- Accommodation. Sol Natura or SImilar
- Entry Fees: Included
- Meals: Lunch
Day 06: Moray & Salt Mines Tour
- Accommodation. Sol Nature or SImilar
- Entry Fees: Included
- Meals: Brekfast - Lunch
Day 07: Short Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Your day begins with a 5:45 a.m. hotel pickup in Ollantaytambo. Your guide will walk with you to the train station for a scenic ride to Km 104, the official start of the 2-day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will pass through the checkpoint and present your original passport. After a brief orientation, you will prepare for the hike by applying sunscreen and insect repellent, organizing water, and getting your camera ready.
The hike begins with a gentle ascent to Chachabamba, an Inca complex believed to be a ceremonial gateway to Machu Picchu. After a guided tour, you will continue uphill for about three hours to Wiñay Wayna, known for its agricultural terraces and temples. After exploring the site, you will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by your trekking chef.
After a short rest, you will hike for about one hour to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, which provides your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You will then descend to enter Machu Picchu through the upper section of the citadel, known as Circuit 1, famous for its classic views. After enjoying the scenery and taking photos, you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes and stay overnight in a comfortable hotel, preparing for the next day's exploration.
• Accommodation: Inti Punko Machu picchu or Similar.
• Entry fees: Included
• Meals: B-L-D
Day 08: Machu Picchu Guided Tour & Return to Cusco
Today features a guided visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your day begins with an early wake-up call and breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes. You will then board a morning bus to the Machu Picchu citadel, arriving during the quieter hours.
Upon arrival, you will take a guided tour of Machu Picchu via Circuit 3, the official route for all Inca Trail hikers as required by Machu Picchu regulations. This circuit covers the central and lower sectors of the citadel, including ceremonial rooms, the Temple of the Sun, sacred water fountains, agricultural terraces, and residential areas. Your guide will share insights into Inca history, architecture, astronomy, and daily life during the 2.5-hour tour.
• Accommodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
• Entry fees: Included
• Meals: Only Breakfast at Hotel.
Day 09: Hike Raimbow Mountain & Red Valley
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 am for a three-hour drive to the trailhead, with a stop for a substantial breakfast along the way.
At the 4,350-meter trailhead, we will prepare and begin our hike. The high altitude means a cold, dry climate, so please dress warmly. The 4-kilometer trek to the summit of Rainbow Mountain (Winikunqa) takes about 2.5 hours and reaches 5,150 meters.
At the summit, you will have time to appreciate the remarkable scenery and take photographs. The vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain offer a unique visual experience.
We will continue to the Red Valley behind Rainbow Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the red landscape. After exploring both sites, we will return along the same path to meet our driver. A scenic 50-minute drive will take us to a restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel by approximately 5:30 pm. This day features exceptional natural scenery and memorable experiences.
• Accomodation. Hotel Rumi Punko or Similar.
• Entry fees: Included
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: Journey Cusco to Puno (Sun Route)
This full-day journey from Cusco to Puno follows the Sun Route (Ruta del Sol), providing an opportunity to experience Peru’s cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The day begins with a 6:20 AM pick-up and transfer to the bus station. The route includes stops at Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” the Raqchi archaeological site, and the La Raya Pass at 4,335 meters, which offers panoramic views of the Andes. You will also visit the Pukara Lithic Museum to see pre-Inca artifacts. Arrival in Puno is scheduled for 5:30 PM, with hotel drop-off to conclude the day.
• Accomodation. Tierra Viva Puno or Similar.
• Entry fees: Included
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Full-Day Lake Titicaca Tour
Lake Titicaca, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the Andean Highlands, is one of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. It is known for its deep blue waters and the floating Uros Islands, constructed from reeds. This tour focuses on exploring the lake’s unique islands and engaging with the indigenous communities who live there.
Uros Islands: Visit the floating islands made entirely of totora reeds. Learn about the Uros people, their traditions, and how they build and maintain their islands.
Taquile Island: Explore this island, recognized by UNESCO for its textile arts. Interact with the local community, who preserve traditional Andean customs. Enjoy a traditional meal and have the opportunity to purchase handmade textiles as souvenirs.
You will return to Puno around 4 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel.
- Accommodations: Tierra Viva Puno
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Tickets: All required
Day 12: Journey to Lima – Farewell.
Our representative will pick you up from your accommodation in Puno three hours before your flight to Lima. You will be transferred to Juliaca airport. All travelers must arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for national flights. Please confirm your flight details, including airline, flight number and estimated arrival time, so we can arrange your airport drop-off. Our services conclude upon your arrival at Juliaca airport.
- Accommodations: None.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Tickets: None required.
Tour Package Inclusions
What’s Included
✔️ Pre-Departure Briefing
Once you arrive in Cusco, your guide will meet you at your hotel at 6:00 p.m. the evening before the tour begins to review the itinerary, answer questions, and ensure you are fully prepared.
We will create a WhatsApp group before you leave home to assist with last-minute questions, updates, or support. Our customer service is available 24/7 throughout your journey.
✔️ All Entry Fees & Permits
All entrance tickets and permits for the Inca archaeological sites and attractions in your itinerary are covered. To avoid inconvenience at checkpoints, please provide your full name and passport number exactly as shown in your passport.
If you renew your passport after booking, please send us a copy of both the old and new passports so we can update the information accordingly.
✔️ Professional English-Speaking Local Guides
You will be led by experienced local guides in each region of Peru. Tours in Lima, Puno, Cusco and Tambopata lodge are guided by specialists who know their regions well. Their knowledge ensures deeper cultural insight, safety and life-changing travel experiences.
✔️ Airport Pickup & Drop-Off
We provide airport transfers at every destination. To coordinate pickup, please share your flight number and arrival time.
Your driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name and we will share the driver’s name and WhatsApp number in advance. This is important in Lima, where the airport can be busy and flight delays or baggage issues may occur.
✔️ Hotels
You will stay in selected 3-star hotels offering comfort, cleanliness and excellent locations. Once your tour is confirmed, hotel details will be finalized within one week.
If a listed hotel is unavailable, we will arrange an alternative of equal quality.
Typical hotel options include:
- Lima: Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro, Casa Andina Miraflores
- Cusco: Rumi Punku Hotel (guest favorite for location and charm), Tierra Viva Centro, San Agustin Dorado.
- Sacred Valley: Sol Natura Hotel, Tika Wasi I & II, Pakaritampu.
- Aguas Calientes: Inti Punku Machu Picchu, Tierra Viva, La Jaya.
All hotels can be upgraded to luxury categories upon request. Let us know your preferences at booking.
✔️ Meals as Per Itinerary
All hotels include breakfast (typically from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.). Some lunches are included according to the itinerary. Meals not listed are at your expense, and your guide will recommend quality local restaurants.
We recommend light dinners at high altitude, as digestion is slower. A simple meal like chicken soup with chamomile or anise tea is ideal. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, especially above 3,000 meters.
✔️ Guided Tours at All Sites
Enjoy in-depth guided visits at every archaeological site, including a complete guided tour of Machu Picchu. We select our guides and partners to ensure excellent storytelling, safety, and cultural authenticity.
✔️ First Aid Kit & Oxygen
All trekking tours include a first aid kit and oxygen. Altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 meters, so staying hydrated is essential. Coca tea is available in hotels and is helpful when consumed in the morning or early afternoon. Avoid it at night due to caffeine.
✔️ Train Tickets
Round-trip tourist-class train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back are included.
Optional upgrades:
- Vistadome Observatory Train: +USD 85 per person (one way)
- Luxury Hiram Bingham Train: +USD 550 per person (one way)
✔️ Private Transportation
All tours include private, modern transportation with licensed drivers. Vehicles range from taxis and minivans to Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz vans, all insured and professionally maintained.
✔️ 24/7 Customer Support
Full support from Champions Peru Travel from booking until the end of your tour.
📱 WhatsApp: +51 986 029 262 (Ronaldo)
For custom tour packages, we arrange an online meeting to review the itinerary day by day, ensuring clarity and confidence.
What’s Not Included
❌ Some meals not listed in the itinerary
❌ Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
❌ Travel insurance (strongly recommended, including high-altitude coverage)
❌ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities)
❌ Domestic flights (must be booked separately)
Optional Upgrades
✔️ Huayna Picchu Entrance – USD 75 per person
A 2-hour round-trip hike after your Machu Picchu guided tour, offering panoramic views. Not recommended for those afraid of heights.
✔️ Vistadome Observatory Train Upgrade – USD 85 per person
Panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and onboard refreshments.
Complete Packing List
Proper packing is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Peru, especially when visiting diverse regions such as Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the Andes and the Amazon. Since temperatures vary by altitude and season, packing thoughtfully ensures your comfort and safety throughout your journey.
Essentials (Travel Documents & Core Items)
✔️ Original Passport : Your original passport is required for domestic flights, train travel, Machu Picchu entry, and Inca Trail permits. Ensure your passport details match your tour reservations exactly.
Required for Machu Picchu tours, Inca Trail hikes, and Peru travel permits.
✔️ Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance for Peru should include coverage for high-altitude trekking, emergency medical care, trip cancellations, and delays, especially for adventure tours such as the Inca Trail or Rainbow Mountain.
✔️ Cash & Credit Cards: Carry small bills in Peruvian soles for markets, tips, and rural areas. While credit cards are accepted in major cities such as Cusco and Lima, cash is necessary in remote areas.
✔️ Mobile Phone, Charger & Power Bank: A mobile phone is essential for travel coordination, photography, navigation, and communication with your tour operator. A power bank is recommended for long days.
✔️ Personal Medications: Bring any prescription medications, as well as remedies for altitude sickness, stomach discomfort, headaches, and allergies, which are common concerns for travelers in Peru.
✔️ Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitude. Using a reusable bottle reduces plastic waste and supports eco-friendly travel in Peru.
✔️ Daypack (20–30L): A lightweight daypack is ideal for city tours, excursions, and hikes, allowing you to carry essentials comfortably.
Clothing (Layered for Peru’s Climate)
✔️ Lightweight T-Shirts (Quick-Dry): Breathable, quick-dry T-shirts are ideal for tours and warmer regions, helping regulate body temperature.
✔️ Long-Sleeve Shirts: Long-sleeve shirts provide sun protection, warmth during cooler evenings, and help reduce insect bites in jungle areas.
✔️ Warm Fleece or Insulated Jacket: A warm fleece or insulated jacket is necessary for early mornings and high-altitude tours, where temperatures can drop significantly.
✔️ Waterproof Jacket or Rain Poncho: A waterproof jacket or rain poncho is essential during the rainy season (November to March) and for unpredictable Andean weather.
✔️ Thermal Base Layers: Thermal base layers are highly recommended for camping and high-altitude destinations to keep you warm in cold conditions.
✔️ Hiking Pants: Choose comfortable, flexible, and durable pants for trekking and archaeological site visits.
✔️ Casual Pants or Jeans: Casual pants or jeans are suitable for city tours and provide comfort during free time.
✔️ Shorts: Shorts are useful in warmer climates, such as Lima, jungle areas, or for relaxing at your hotel.
Underwear & Sleepwear: Select moisture-wicking underwear and comfortable sleepwear for multi-day tours.
Footwear (Comfort Is Key)
✔️ Hiking Boots or Trekking Shoes: Hiking boots or trekking shoes are essential for uneven terrain. Ensure they are broken in before your trip.
✔️ Walking Shoes or Sneakers: Walking shoes or sneakers are ideal for city tours and light walking days.
✔️ Sandals or Flip-Flops: Sandals or flip-flops are useful for hotels, showers, and relaxing in the evenings.
✔️ Warm Hiking Socks: Wool or thermal socks provide comfort and help prevent blisters during long walks and cold mornings.
Accessories & Travel Gear
✔️ Sun Hat or Cap: A sun hat or cap protects against strong sun, especially at high elevations.
✔️ Warm Hat & Gloves: A warm hat and gloves are important for cold mornings and mountain tours.
✔️ Sunglasses (UV Protection): UV exposure is stronger at altitude; sunglasses are essential for eye protection in Peru.
✔️ Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is necessary year-round, especially for tours in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
✔️ Insect Repellent: Insect repellent is recommended for the Sacred Valley, jungle regions, and warm valleys.
✔️ Camera or GoPro: A camera or GoPro allows you to capture memorable moments at Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and other Peruvian landscapes.
✔️ Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is useful for trekking, hot springs, and multi-day adventures.
Trekking & Hiking Essentials
✔️ Rain Cover for Backpack: A rain cover for your backpack protects your belongings during rainy conditions on hiking tours.
✔️ Headlamp or Flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight is essential for early starts on treks or camping nights.
✔️ Energy Snacks: Energy snacks provide quick nourishment during long hiking days.
✔️ Electrolyte Tablets: Electrolyte tablets help prevent dehydration and fatigue at high altitude.
✔️ Lip Balm with SPF: Lip balm with SPF protects your lips from sun, wind, and dry mountain air.
Luggage & Suitcase Recommendations
✔️ Suitcase or Travel Duffel (Medium Size): A medium-sized, soft-sided suitcase or duffel bag is ideal for Peru tours, as it is easier to transport and store, especially on trains and domestic flights.
✔️ Duffel Bag for Treks: For the Inca Trail or multi-day hikes, a duffel bag is recommended and is often carried by porters or transported separately.
✔️ Small Lock: A small lock is useful for securing your luggage in hotels and on trains.
Optional but Useful Items
Swimsuit (hot springs or hotel pools)
Small first-aid kit
Earplugs (trains & hotels)
Laundry soap
Scarf or neck gaiter
Binoculars (wildlife & landscapes)
Final Packing Advice
Peru offers coast, mountains, jungle and ancient history in one journey. Packing thoughtfully ensures you enjoy each destination comfortably. If your tour includes camping or trekking, we will inform you in advance about included gear and rental options.