Essence of Peru - 12 days

Discover the essence of Peru on a 12-day journey through Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, and Cusco. Sail the highest lake, explore ancient ruins, and marvel at Machu Picchu with a private guide. With expert service from Magic Experiences Peru, this is the ultimate Peruvian adventure.

Why choose us as your tour operator in Peru?

From the first step to the last summit, we turn your dream trip into a living story.
At Magic Experiences Peru, we don’t just sell Machu Picchu tours — we craft Cusco packages filled with authenticity, culture, and wonder. Every detail is designed so you can feel the Andes, not just see them.

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Itinerary Essence of Peru - 12 days

Day 1: Welcome to Lima

  • Airport reception and private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores
  • Free time to rest or explore the vibrant coastal city
  • Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands
  • Visit a local winery for wine and pisco tasting
  • Thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding at Huacachina oasis
  • Return to Lima for overnight stay
  • Transfer to the airport and flight to Arequipa
  • Private transfer to your hotel
  • Free afternoon to rest and acclimatize to the altitude
  • Visit the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
  • Explore the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Enjoy panoramic views from Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints
  • Scenic drive through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve
  • Spot vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas in their natural habitat
  • Arrival to Chivay and overnight stay
  • Early visit to Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint
  • Watch the majestic Andean condors in flight
  • Explore traditional villages of Yanque and Maca
  • Journey through the highlands toward Puno
  • Arrival and overnight stay in Puno
  • Full-day excursion on the highest navigable lake
  • Visit the famous floating Uros Islands
  • Continue to Taquile Island to learn about ancestral textile traditions
  • Enjoy a typical lunch with local families
  • Return to Puno for overnight stay
  • Scenic journey along the famous Ruta del Sol
  • Visit Pucará Museum with its pre-Inca sculptures
  • Stop at La Raya, the highest point of the route
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch
  • Explore Raqchi, the Temple of Wiracocha
  • Visit Andahuaylillas, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”
  • Arrival to Cusco and transfer to hotel
  • Overnight stay in Cusco
  • Visit Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun)
  • Explore the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress
  • Discover Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay
  • Return to your hotel for overnight stay
  • Visit Pisac archaeological site and its artisan market
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch in Urubamba
  • Explore Ollantaytambo fortress
  • Board the train to Aguas Calientes for overnight stay
  • Early bus ascent to Machu Picchu
  • Private guided tour through the sanctuary
  • Free time to explore and take photos
  • Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch on your own
  • Train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
  • Overnight stay in Cusco
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Private transfer to the airport
  • Flight Cusco – Lima
  • Connection with your international flight home

Inclusions and activities

included

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • Private airport transfers
  • Ballestas Islands boat tour with dune buggy, sandboarding, and wine tasting
  • Flight Lima – Arequipa
  • City tour in Arequipa with entrance fees
  • Colca Valley tour with entrance fees and Cruz del Cóndor visit
  • Transport Arequipa – Chivay – Puno
  • Lake Titicaca excursion with boat tour and lunch
  • Ruta del Sol tour (Puno – Cusco) with buffet lunch and entrance fees
  • City tour in Cusco with entrance fees
  • Sacred Valley tour with buffet lunch and entrance fees
  • Machu Picchu entrance, train, bus, and private guide
  • Daily breakfast and meals as specified

no includes

  • Tips
  • Meals not specified
  • Personal expenses and optional activities
  • International flights
  • Flight Cusco – Lima

Destinations

  • Lima
  • Paracas
  • Ica
  • Arequipa
  • Colca Valley
  • Puno
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Cusco
  • Sacred Valley
  • Machu Picchu

Foods

  • Daily breakfast
  • Buffet lunch in Sacred Valley
  • Lunch during Lake Titicaca excursion
  • Buffet lunch during Ruta del Sol

Transportation

  • Private airport transfers
  • Tourist transport for all excursions
  • Flight Lima – Arequipa
  • Lake Titicaca boat transfers
  • Round-trip train and bus to Machu Picchu

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in Lima
  • 1 night in Arequipa
  • 1 night in Chivay (Colca Valley)
  • 2 nights in Puno
  • 4 nights in Cusco
  • 1 night in Aguas Calientes
  • Options: 3★, 3★ Superior, or 4★ hotels

You'll see on this trip

Price: Choose your experience

3 stars Experience

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3 stars superior Experience

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4 stars Experience

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Local guides. Authentic moments.

YOU'L LOVE THIS JOURNEY BECAUSE

At Magic Experiences Peru, we offer the best service in Cusco — from your first message to your last photo at Machu Picchu. We handle every detail so you just enjoy the magic.

You don’t just visit Peru. You feel it. No rush. No hidden fees. Just authentic moments with a team that truly cares.

Want to add some experiences to your trip?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Explore everything you need to know about your trip to Peru. Let us help you create a truly magical travel experience.

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and most Latin American countries do not need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days. You only need a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity). If you have questions about your specific country, write to us on WhatsApp and we’ll confirm in seconds.

Cusco is at 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, so it’s normal to feel some tiredness or shortness of breath during the first few days. That’s why our itinerary is designed with acclimatization days (Days 3 and 4) before heading to Machu Picchu and the treks. Additionally:

  • We recommend arriving one day early in Cusco if possible.

  • We include coca beverages (coca tea and leaves to chew) that help with altitude sickness.

  • Our guides are trained to detect symptoms and act quickly.

  • On trekking days (Humantay and Rainbow Mountain), we include trekking poles and polar blankets for your comfort.

No problem. We understand that trekking can be demanding, especially at high altitude. On both days, you have two options:

  • Option 1: Do the trekking with the group (moderate-high level, 2-3 hour walk).

  • Option 2: Stay at the starting point (the base camp or parking lot) and enjoy the panoramic views while the group does the hike. Our guide will coordinate so you’re always accompanied and safe.

If you know in advance that you won’t be doing the treks, let us know and we can adjust the itinerary so you have a more relaxed day in Cusco (visits to museums, markets, or weaving centers).

Yes, as long as there’s availability. You can change your room category (Single, Double, Triple, or Shared) before we confirm the hotels. Once hotels are confirmed (usually 30 days before the trip), changes are subject to availability and may have an additional cost. We recommend choosing in advance to secure your preferred room. Write to us and we’ll help you manage the change without complications.

Peru has two main seasons:

  • Dry season (May to September): The most popular time. Sunny days, clear skies, and cooler nights. Ideal for photography and clear views of Machu Picchu and the mountains. It’s also the busiest season, so book early!

  • Wet season (October to April): Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, and lower prices. You might experience some rain, but mornings are usually clear. Machu Picchu still looks magical (and less crowded!).

Our trips run year-round. If you have a preference, we recommend the dry season for the most stable weather, but both seasons have their charm.