Join us for the Best of Peru Tour, a 12-day adventure that takes you to the country’s most famous sights and cultural treasures. You’ll visit the wildlife-filled Ballestas Islands, the desert oasis of Huacachina, the ancient site of Machu Picchu, and the traditional communities around Lake Titicaca. This trip brings together history, nature, and real local experiences for a journey you’ll never forget.
Travel from the Pacific coast up into the Andes, discovering Lima’s lively culture, the historic city of Cusco, and the beautiful Sacred Valley. Along the way, you’ll take part in a Peruvian cooking class, join guided tours, and hike the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which is one of the most memorable ways to reach the Lost City of the Incas.
Finish your trip by visiting the colorful Rainbow Mountain and meeting the communities around Lake Titicaca, where old traditions are still alive. This 12-day Peru tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of comfort, adventure, and the highlights of Peru all in one trip.
Discover the Best of Peru in Just 12 Days
See Peru’s top sights, from coastal wildlife to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, all in one well-planned trip.
Check Dates & Reserve Your 12-Day Peru Tour Today
This 12-day Peru tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and comfort, without the demands of longer treks.
We plan every part of your trip to keep you safe and comfortable.
Travel with confidence as we manage every detail to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru, Our representative will be waiting for you at the Lima airport – international exit gate, ready to take you to your hotel accommodation upon arrival. No tours will be arranged for this afternoon.
IMPORTANT: Please confirm your flight arrivel and departure details (airline, flight number, estimated arrival time) so our team can arrange your airport drop-off accordingly.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Lima between 04:30 to 04:45 hrs. From Lima, you’ll embark on a 3.5-hour journey by car to reach Paracas.
The highlight of your tour will be a boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, lasting approximately 2.5 hours. You’ll witness a remarkable variety of rocky formations and encounter diverse bird and marine species in this captivating natural environment.
Following the Ballestas Islands excursion, you’ll explore the impressive and remote Paracas National Reserve. This reserve is part of the Guinness World Record-holding ‘Driest desert on Earth,’ the Atacama Desert. Be sure to bring sunblock, a hat, and plenty of water, as the climate can be harsh. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the desert’s formation, and you’ll have the chance to admire the landscape, including lakes frequented by migratory birds, with the possibility of spotting pink flamingos.
Next, your journey will take you to the Huacachina Oasis, where you’ll embark on an adventure across the stunning sand dunes. Hop aboard dune buggies and enjoy sandboarding, an exhilarating activity amidst the surreal desert dunes. Brave travelers can even try sandboarding down the dunes!
Finally, we’ll embark on the journey back to Lima, which will take approximately 5.3 hours by bus. Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll ensure you are dropped off directly at your hotel, concluding a day filled with exploration and cultural experiences
Today, you’ll get to try traditional Peruvian cuisine. At 9:30 am, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to a local market. As you walk through the market, your guide will talk about the different ingredients, like vegetables, fruits, grains, and meats, many of which come from the nearby mountains and valleys.
After the market tour, you’ll join a cooking class. The chef will introduce the dishes and drinks you’ll make, like ceviche, lomo saltado, and papa a la huancaína. Afterwards, you’ll get to enjoy the food you’ve prepared.
Around 2:00 pm, your city tour of central Lima begins. You’ll visit the Palacio del Gobierno (Presidential Palace), the Main Plaza, and several notable colonial buildings. The Main Plaza is surrounded by impressive buildings, palaces, and the Palacio de Gobierno, which is the official residence of the President of Peru.
After your guide gives an overview and time for photos, you’ll head to the famous Saint Francisco Monastery and its remarkable underground catacombs. You’ll also see other highlights like the De la Union Pathway, the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral, and San Martin Square, which is often used for public events and demonstrations.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Lima was founded by the Spanish in 1535, making it one of the oldest capital cities in South America. It’s also called the City of Kings.
You’ll have time to enjoy each site’s unique features. Your guide will stop often for photos and share interesting details about each historic location. At the end of the tour, you’ll be driven back to your hotel.
Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, our representative will be there to greet you. They will then transfer you to the downtown area of Cusco, where your hotel is located. Cusco sits at an elevation of 3350 meters, and it’s common to experience altitude-related issues upon arrival. To help acclimatize, we recommend enjoying a cup of Coca tea at the hotel.
Check-in at most hotels is typically around 12 pm. If you arrive early, you can leave your luggage at the hotel as they provide free storage. This gives you the opportunity to have lunch, and there are many restaurants around the main Plaza of Cusco.
At 1 pm, your Cusco city tour will commence. This tour includes visits to various sites in the city as well as Inca sites located in the upper part of Cusco. The tour usually begins at the Main Plaza of Cusco, a stunning location. You’ll then visit the renowned Qoricancha, considered the center of the Inca Empire and where Inca civilization began.
Continuing the tour, you’ll travel by transportation to the next Inca site, Sacsahuayman, which is the largest and most unique site on this tour, distinct even from Machu Picchu. You’ll have ample time to explore and appreciate its grandeur. The tour also includes visits to Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, smaller Inca sites with significant roles in Inca history. Throughout the tour, your expert guide will provide detailed information about each site and help you capture the best photographs.
The tour is expected to conclude by 6 pm, and you will be dropped off at your hotel in Cusco.
The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 am. Then, we will leave Cusco in our private transportation towards our first stop – an Alpaca farm, where you will have the chance to see the four of them: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. These animals were very important to our ancestors, and the guide will explain the difference of each of them. Then, we will continue to Pisac, this place was the capital of corn and potatoes. Depending on the season, we will see the farming area.
Once we are in the Pisac Inca site, we will have a walking tour exploring the famous circular Andean terraces, rooms, and water fountains. It’s one of the biggest Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. After you explore and see the beauty of this amazing Inca site, we will drive back to Pisac town where we will have the chance to visit the local market. It’s one of the typical ones where the population still practices the exchange of products. It will be a good place in case you want to buy some souvenirs.
After that, we will continue driving for almost an hour until Urubamba where we stop for lunch. After enjoying the delicious lunch, we continue for 30 minutes driving to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. This beautiful place has a nice Inca archaeological site where you will have a guided tour. It takes around an hour to explore and know the importance of this Inca site. After that, you will have time to walk and explore the local village, then the guide will take you to the hotel.
We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:45 AM and walk a few minutes to the train station, where we will take the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. There is an official checkpoint where you must show your original passport and can get a stamp if desired. You will prepare for the hike and begin your journey.
The Chachabamba Inca site is located at the beginning of the hike, where you will have a guided tour. Then, you will continue walking. The first section is a gradual uphill climb for about 3.5 hours. Along the way, there will be many stops to enjoy the view, take pictures, and have snacks. The scenery is breathtaking, passing through a cloud forest section that offers amazing flowers, mostly orchids, and hummingbirds. Next, we will reach an incredible Inca site called Wiñayhuayna, often considered a small Machu Picchu by most travelers. You will have a guided tour and time to explore this unique Inca site. Afterward, you will have lunch.
Following lunch, there is about 1 more hour of walking to the Sun Gate. Only Inca Trail hikers have the chance to reach Machu Picchu by walking through the Sun Gate. We usually arrive there around 2:00 PM, which is the perfect time to enjoy the afternoon views of the citadel and possibly witness the sunset. From the Sun Gate, there is 1 more hour of gradual downhill walking until you finally reach the Machu Picchu citadel. The trail takes you directly to the upper part of Machu Picchu, offering the best views. You will have ample time to enjoy the views and take pictures and videos.
Afterward, you will take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night. Once you arrive at your hotel, you can take a shower, and then you will have dinner at a restaurant.
Today will be the most important day. After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive there, the guide will lead you to the upper part of the Inca site, from where you will have the chance to witness and enjoy the sunrise (depending on the season you visit) and, for sure, capture the best Machu Picchu pictures. You will have ample time to see and relish all the magic that the New Wonder of the World offers to its visitors.
Afterward, we will continue with the walking tour during which the guide will take you to the most important sectors and palaces that Machu Picchu has to offer. This tour lasts around 2.5 hours. Once you complete the tour, if you have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you can hike the famous mountain. The hike takes about 2 hours round-trip, and it costs $75 per ticket. It’s necessary to book in advance. If you don’t have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you will bid farewell to the Lost City of the Incas until next time and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes town.
There, you will have your last lunch with the group (lunch is not included). Afterward, you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. The approximate return time is around 8 pm.
It promises to be an extraordinary day! Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4 am to kick off your adventure. You’ll embark on a roughly 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Around halfway to your destination, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a hearty breakfast. As you approach the trailhead at an elevation of 4,350 meters, make sure you’re dressed warmly and prepared for the cold and dry conditions.
The hike itself covers approximately 4 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours to ascend. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey, culminating in the breathtaking summit of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Winikunqa, which stands at an impressive 5,150 meters above sea level. Take your time to relish the experience, capture stunning photographs, and soak in the remarkable surroundings.
Following your time at Rainbow Mountain, your adventure continues with a hike to the Red Valley, located on the backside of Rainbow Mountain. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire valley, drenched in vibrant shades of red – a truly unique sight.
After fully appreciating both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, you’ll retrace your steps, hiking back along the same route to the point where our driver will be waiting for you. A short 50-minute drive will bring you to a restaurant where you can savor a delicious lunch. After indulging in the meal, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. You can expect to return to Cusco at around 5:50 pm.
Enjoy this remarkable experience exploring Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley!
It is now time to continue your journey to Peru´s folkloric capital, Puno. This journey will be by bus and will include guided visits to pre-Inca and Inca sites.
The tour will have an early start between 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. It will be a full-day tour with stops at the Andahuaylillas church, the archaeological site in Raqchi, la Raya Pass, and the lithic museum of Pukara with arrive in Puno by 5,30pm, Once in Puno, you will be dropped off at your hotel for the night.
Pick-up will be between 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. You will be transferred to the lakes port where you will take a boat to the floating island of Uros, where you will have time to explore around.
Following this, you will take a boat ride to the next island, Amanti Island, where you will stay with a local family. Tonight will be a basic accommodation, but a memorable one, as you will be surrounded by a nice family. This will allow for an opportunity to see how the indigenous people of the lake live. In the afternoon, you will climb the mountain up to the Temple of Pachatata to watch the sunset and party with the locals.
You will have an early breakfast with the family and take a boat to the next island called Taquile. This island is known for its intricate and rich textile and weaving traditions and sustainable tourism practices. You will have the opportunity to walk around the island and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake.
You will return to Puno around 3:30 p.m. for the rest of the afternoon free of activities.
Our representative will come to pick you up from your accommodation in Puno 03 hours prior to your departure flight to Lima. From Puno, you will be shuttled to the nearby airport in Juliaca. Please know all travelers are required to be at the airport by no later than 02 hours to flight departure (national flights).
IMPORTANT: Please confirm your flight departure details (airline, flight number, estimated arrival time) so our team can arrange your airport drop-off accordingly.
❌ International – Domestic Flights tickets: International and domestic airfare (flights from your home country to Lima and back) and Lima – Cusco – Lima. You will need to arrange your own flights.
❌ Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, personal shopping, laundry, and other personal expenditures during your trip.
❌ Tips for Guides and Porters: Tips for local guides, and driver (e.g., during the Inca Trail trek) and are generally expected as a gesture of appreciation.
❌ Travel Insurance: Travel insurance (including coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss, etc.) is recommended. Please ensure you have appropriate coverage for your trip.
❌ Additional Meals or Drinks Outside of the Specified Meals: Any meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary, including alcoholic beverages or snacks outside of included meals.
UPGRADE ONES. You may upgrade the following:
Here’s a comprehensive packing list for your Best of Peru Tour Package, designed to keep you comfortable, prepared, and ready for the variety of experiences you’ll encounter, from hiking the Short Inca Trail to exploring Lake Titicaca. This list ensures you’re ready for different altitudes, climates, and activities throughout your journey.
Lightweight & Quick-Dry Clothing:
Fleece or Light Sweater (for chilly mornings and evenings)
Waterproof Jacket or Poncho (for rainy days, especially in the Sacred Valley or on the Inca Trail)
Windbreaker (if you’re trekking or visiting higher altitudes)
Thermal Layer (for high-altitude sites like Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca)
Undergarments (quick-dry is ideal)
Hat or Beanie (for sun or warmth)
Sunglasses (UV protection)
Scarf or Buff (to protect from sun, wind, or dust)
Comfortable, Lightweight Shoes for everyday wear in cities or towns
Hiking Boots (waterproof and broken-in)
Sandals or Flip-flops (for relaxing at your hotel)
Warm Gloves (especially for higher altitudes)
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Lip balm with sunscreen
Insect repellent (especially for the Sacred Valley)
$2695 per person: Per Person (Minimum 2 People)
Instant Permit Confirmation: We secure your legal permits immediately upon booking.
No Hidden Fees: Your price includes trains, buses, transfers, meals and Hotels.
Support Local: Qoricancha Expeditions funds the library through a percentage-of-profit model. A portion of the cost from every Tour or Inca Trail booking goes directly towards:
Book Donations: Purchasing textbooks, literature in both Spanish and Quechua, and reference materials.
Infrastructure: Maintaining the physical space and providing furniture like desks and shelves.
Supplies: Providing basic school supplies (notebooks, pens, art materials) that are distributed to the children who use the library.
Guarantee Your 2026 Dates | Secure your place to Classic Inca Trail. While we orchestrate every logistical detail, you are free to immerse yourself in the majesty of the Andes.
WhatsApp: +51 981 345 935
Email: info@qoricanchaexpeditions.com
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