Best Cusco Tours + Ica

Description

This 8-day journey blends Peru’s coastal scenery with its most iconic Andean highlights. The experience begins in Lima, followed by a full-day excursion to Paracas and Ica, featuring the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina dunes, and a pisco tasting. The route continues to the Andes to explore Cusco, the terraces of Maras and Moray, and the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. The journey culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu and a hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, offering a perfect balance of culture, nature, and adventure.

Prices per person

	Single	Double/Triple
Superior Tourist 3*	USD $1,799.00	USD $1,299.00
Superior 4*	USD $2,099.00	USD $1,599.00

**Please note that the prices listed above are only applicable for 2026.

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Highlights

Lima & Paracas–Ica Experience: Enjoy time in Lima before traveling south to Paracas and Ica, including the Ballestas Islands, dune buggy and sandboarding in the Huacachina Oasis, and a pisco tasting experience.

Cusco City Tour with Four Ruins: Explore Cusco’s main highlights, including the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), and the nearby Inca sites of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.

Sacred Valley of the Incas (Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo): Discover the heart of the Sacred Valley with visits to Moray’s unique agricultural terraces, the traditional Maras salt pans, and the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo.

Machu Picchu Tour: Guided visit to the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, terraces, and panoramic viewpoints.

Rainbow Mountain Hike: Trek to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a spectacular natural wonder known for its colorful mineral layers and stunning high-Andean scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to PERU! – Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Peru, the beginning of an unforgettable adventure!

Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, one of our representatives will be waiting to offer a warm welcome and assist you with your private transfer to your selected hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the day exploring the surroundings, savoring local cuisine, or simply taking a walk around Miraflores. However, we recommend resting early, as the following day will start early.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour – Ballestas Islands, Pisco Winery & Huacachina Dunes

Transfer to Paracas & Ballestas Islands Navigation

At 6:00 a.m., we begin our full-day adventure with a private transfer to the southern coast of Peru, heading to Paracas Bay (approximately 4 hours).

Upon arrival, we will go directly to the pier to board an exciting 2-hour guided boat excursion to the spectacular Ballestas Islands.

During this maritime journey, we will explore one of Peru’s most important natural sanctuaries. Sailing among impressive rock formations, there will be opportunities to observe sea lion colonies, Humboldt penguins, guano birds, and possibly dolphins, among other marine wildlife.

On the return, we will admire the mysterious “Candelabro”, a massive geoglyph carved into a hillside facing the sea. Its resemblance to the Nazca Lines and unknown origin make it one of the great enigmas of the Peruvian coast.

Pisco and Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

After the Ballestas Islands tour, we continue to the city of Ica, stopping at a traditional local winery known for its welcoming atmosphere and authentic coastal cuisine.

Here, we enjoy a guided visit at no additional cost, where a local expert explains the wine and pisco production process—from grape harvest to artisanal distillation. The visit concludes with a tasting of pisco, offering an authentic introduction to the region’s flavors.

Those who wish may have lunch at the winery’s restaurant, which serves typical dishes made with local ingredients in a rustic and cozy setting. The full experience, including lunch, takes approximately 2 hours before continuing toward the desert and Huacachina dunes.
(Lunch not included)

Huacachina Dunes: Buggy Ride & Sandboarding

In the afternoon, an unforgettable experience begins among the towering golden dunes of the coastal desert.

We board a 4x4 dune buggy, specially designed to navigate the vast sand hills. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled ride as an expert driver takes you through steep climbs, thrilling descents, and sharp turns—like a natural roller coaster.

The adventure also includes sandboarding, sliding down the dunes as if they were snow-covered slopes, set in one of the most scenic and photogenic landscapes in Peru.

As the day comes to an end, enjoy breathtaking views of the desert bathed in the golden light of sunset, an unforgettable panorama and the perfect way to close the day.

After the experience, we return by private transport to Lima (approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes) and private transfer to your hotel.

Day 3: Flight from Lima to Cusco & Free Time

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Lima for a private transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport, where you will board your flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering views of the majestic Andes Mountains as you transition from the coast to the Andean highlands.

Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco, one of our representatives will welcome you and assist you with a private transfer to your selected hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to rest, acclimatize to the altitude (3,399 m / 11,152 ft above sea level), and enjoy the colonial streets and historic charm of Cusco’s city center.

Day 4: Super Sacred Valley – History, Tradition & Natural Wonders of the Inca Sacred Valley - Train to Aguas Calientes

Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines At 6:00 a.m., your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel to start the group Super Sacred Valley tour, one of the most scenic routes in Peru. The first stop is Chinchero, a charming Andean town known for its colorful artisan market, traditional textiles, and a colonial church built atop Inca foundations. Here, you will witness natural dyeing demonstrations and learn about ancestral weaving techniques passed down through generations. Next, continue to Moray, an impressive complex of circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas as an experimental farming laboratory, creating different microclimates for crop cultivation. The tour then proceeds to the Maras Salt Mines, a remarkable natural and historical site featuring more than 3,000 salt pools that have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times, forming a dazzling white landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Lunch in Urubamba & Ollantaytambo Fortress Around midday, arrive in Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, to enjoy a buffet lunch at Tunupa Valle Sagrado Restaurant, offering a wide variety of traditional Andean dishes, fresh salads, local side dishes, and desserts. In the afternoon, explore Ollantaytambo, one of the most impressive and best-preserved archaeological sites in Peru. This monumental Inca fortress, built on perfectly carved terraces, served as an important military, religious, and agricultural center. From the upper levels, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. You will also see ancient Inca storehouses clinging to the mountainside and walk through the original stone streets of the town, where time seems to have stood still. Ollantaytambo is truly one of the jewels of the Sacred Valley and a living testament to the Inca Empire. Train to Aguas Calientes – Journey to Machu Picchu At the end of the Sacred Valley tour, you will be dropped off at Ollantaytambo’s main square around 4:30 p.m., with approximately 2 hours of free time to stroll through the village or enjoy a light drink before boarding your train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). Boarding for the PeruRail Expedition train begins 30 minutes prior to departure, so you should arrive at the station by 6:30 p.m. for your scheduled 7:04 p.m. departure. The train journey lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, allowing you to relax in comfortable seating while admiring the changing scenery—from Andean landscapes to lush cloud forest—as you approach one of the world’s great wonders. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes at approximately 8:45 p.m., a hotel representative will be waiting at the station to escort you to your selected hotel.

Day 5: The Big Day – Machu Picchu, the Wonder of the World Among the Mountains - Train to Cusco

At the time indicated on your entrance ticket, your guide will meet you in Aguas Calientes to begin a shared experience to Peru’s most iconic sanctuary: the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

After a scenic bus ride along a winding mountain road, you will arrive at the entrance of Machu Picchu, surrounded by towering Andean peaks and an unmistakable mystical atmosphere that seems to emanate from every stone.

During approximately 2 to 3 hours, you will explore one of the official circuits of the site with your group, led by an expert guide who will share the history, symbolism, and secrets of this ancient legacy. Along the way, you will discover sacred plazas, agricultural terraces, ceremonial structures, and breathtaking views that feel almost dreamlike.

There will also be time to take unforgettable photographs from various panoramic viewpoints and to fully appreciate the natural setting that makes Machu Picchu one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth.
A truly magical visit that will remain in your memory forever.

After the guided visit, you will descend by bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have some free time before boarding your return train to Cusco.

Train Return to Cusco

At 2:50 p.m., you should be at the Aguas Calientes train station to begin boarding for your train, scheduled to depart at 3:20 p.m..

You will travel aboard the PeruRail Expedition, a comfortable and reliable tourist service offering beautiful panoramic views along the route back toward Cusco.

During the journey, relax in spacious and comfortable seats while enjoying the scenery of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba River. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board, accompanied by soft music inspired by Andean culture, making the ride both pleasant and authentic.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Station, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Day 6: Cusco Sightseeing Tour with 4 Inca Ruins

Cusco City & Archaeological Sites Tour

Around 12:30 p.m., pickup from your hotel marks the start of a group tour full of history and culture in the capital of the ancient Inca Empire.

The tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of Cusco, surrounded by colonial buildings and wooden balconies. Visit the Cusco Cathedral, one of the continent’s most impressive churches, showcasing Baroque masterpieces, golden altars, and unique paintings from the Cusco School. Next, explore Qoricancha, the legendary Temple of the Sun, whose perfectly carved stone walls reflect Inca architectural excellence and deep spiritual knowledge, contrasted with the colonial convent built atop it.

The tour continues outside the city to visit key archaeological sites:

Qenqo, with underground passages and rock-carved altars used for ceremonial rituals.
Tambomachay, the Water Temple, featuring flowing stone channels symbolizing purification and spiritual connection.
Puca Pucara, a strategic fortress that served as a lookout and rest stop for Inca travelers, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Sacsayhuamán, a majestic fortress famous for its massive stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons, assembled with remarkable precision. From here, enjoy an unforgettable view of Cusco at sunset.

The tour ends around 6:00 p.m. at the Plaza de Armas, leaving the evening free for dinner.

Day 7: Vinicunca – Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Excursion

At approximately 4:00 a.m., the adventure begins with a private pickup from your hotel in Cusco for a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a natural wonder in the southern Andes of Peru. The journey begins with a 2-hour drive to the picturesque town of Cusipata, where a traditional Andean breakfast will be served.

After breakfast, continue for about 1 hour by vehicle to the starting point of the hike at Phulawasipata. From here, embark on a 1.5 to 2-hour trek to the classic Vinicunca viewpoint, where the famous Rainbow Mountain reveals its stunning multi-colored slopes. Along the way, enjoy the high-Andean landscapes, local flora, and fauna, including llamas and alpacas that grace the trail.

After taking in the spectacular scenery, return along the same route to Phulawasipata, where a buffet lunch awaits in Cusipata to restore energy.

The day concludes with a return drive to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m., completing a day filled with adventure, nature, and unforgettable landscapes.

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco for a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, where you will board your flight back to Lima.

The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a final opportunity to admire the majestic Andes Mountains as you say farewell to the Peruvian highlands.

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you will have plenty of time to complete international check-in procedures and prepare for your flight home.

Included/Excluded

In Lima & Paracas/Ica: Full-day excursion to Paracas and Ica including Ballestas Islands, Huacachina dune buggy and sandboarding experience, and pisco tasting.
In Cusco: Sightseeing Tour with 4 nearby ruins. Rainbow Mountain Hike.
In Machu Picchu: Guided visit of the Inca Citadel.
In Sacred Valley of the Incas: Full-day excursion through the Sacred Valley including key archaeological sites. Lunch included. Train to Aguas Calientes.
7 Nights’ accommodation.
All breakfasts and meals as specified in the program.
All entrance tickets for the excursions mentioned above.
All the transfers indicated in the itinerary.
Train ticket Expedition Cusco – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Flight ticket Lima / Cusco / Lima. Includes checked baggage of 23 kg or Carry-on.
Bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
All applicable taxes.
All bilingual guided tours (English/Spanish). Group service.

International flights
Baggage excess
Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water
Personal expenses
Tips
International or National personal telephone calls
Meals not mentioned

Languages

English

Espanol

FAQs

Yes, acclimatization is important. Cusco is located at about 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) above sea level. It's recommended to spend at least one to two days in the city before engaging in strenuous activities like hiking to help prevent altitude sickness.

The standard tour to Machu Picchu involves moderate walking. However, if you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, be prepared for a strenuous climb that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours round trip on steep terrain.