Explore Peru's treasures from Cusco to the coast

Cusco

Day 1: Welcome to Peru

Welcome to Cusco, at the heart of the Peruvian Andes! Arrive at the international airport and transfer to your accommodation. There, you'll have time to relax after your travels and enjoy its facilities. If you'd prefer to head out and explore, you could pay a visit to the Mercado Central de San Pedro for colorful local crafts and foodie delights. Optionally, enjoy a traditional Peruvian dinner at a local restaurant, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Cusco

Day 2: Immerse yourself into the sights of Cusco

Today, you will have different options to choose from to further explore Cusco and its surrounding areas. You could visit the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site and marvel at its massive stones, followed by a scenic hike on its outskirts. Elsewhere, you might prefer to explore the town and archaeological site of Pisaq, to understand the sophisticated system and techniques of farming terraces used during the time of the Inca Empire.

Lamay Community Day is another great activity to enjoy today: this immersive, community-focused experience in the Sacred Valley offers a deeper look into traditional Andean life, customs, and agriculture. Or, stay in Cusco and take a walking city tour, exploring markets filled with food and crafts, and visiting sites such as the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), nearby Santo Domingo Church, and Main Square.

Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley

Day 3: Into the Sacred Valley

Start today's adventure by visiting some of the Sacred Valley’s most impressive sites. First you’ll stop at Moray, a unique Inca site consisting of circular terraces built upon a natural depression. Then, continue on to Maras, an impressive salt extraction complex consisting of thousands of small terraces; locals have been collecting and selling its salt at regional markets since before Inca times.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue with a visit to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site - an impressive Inca complex that protected this area from incursions of the Amazon Basin. Lastly, settle into your accommodation in the heart of the Sacred Valley - you could opt to spend the night glamping in Misminay, for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 4: Tour the marvelous Machu Picchu

Take an early train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu, enjoying stunning scenery along the way. Soak up the changing landscape from green fields and eucalyptus forests to lush jungle, always traveling beside the meandering Urubamba River.

Then, from Aguas Calientes, you'll ascend to the mighty Machu Picchu, where a guided tour will help you explore every corner of the ancient citadel. The surrounding trails and panoramic views are filled with wonder, beauty and charm at every turn.

When you're ready, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local café, then take the train back to Cusco. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring this vibrant city by night.

Cusco - Vinicunca - Cusco

Day 5: Journey to Rainbow Mountain

Depart early for a day trip to Vinicunca, famously known as Rainbow Mountain. Hike through stunning landscapes to reach a viewpoint with sprawling panoramas. Up there, you'll have time to capture photos of the mountain's striking colors, as well as enjoy a packed lunch.

Return to Cusco in the evening, with plenty of time to make the most of the city at your leisure, before returning to your hotel for the night.

Cusco - Punta Sal

Day 6: Off to the coast!

Coastal paradise is on the cards for the next leg of your trip! Leaving Cusco behind, you'll board a flight to the city of Tumbes in northwestern Peru, then transfer to your accommodation in Punta Sal.

After checking in and unwinding, you'll have time to relax further on the beach or explore the local area at your leisure. Opt to enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood delicacies at a beachfront restaurant, then take a sunset walk along the shore to soak in the striking views out across the horizon.

Punta Sal

Day 7: At leisure in Punta Sal

Another day of relaxation is yours to enjoy in Punta Sal! Head out on a morning snorkeling or diving trip to explore marine life, then choose from a selection of optional excursions to better appreciate your surroundings. You could embark on a bike tour in search of the city's different and unique neighborhoods, or simply kick back to savor a beachfront dinner - we'd recommend trying fresh ceviche while you're here.

Punta Sal

Day 8: A day of incredible activities in Punta Sal

Enjoy another relaxing day at the beach, or choose from some optional activities to while the hours away in Punta Sal.

You could take a guided tour of the nearby Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary, to explore the country's largest protected mangrove forest. Alternatively, go diving to encounter vibrant marine life, or embark on a boat trip to explore disused oil rigs. Diving near these platforms gives an opportunity to see fantastic underwater life including fish, crustaceans, octopus, sea spiders, anemones, and sea lions. Foodies could otherwise opt to participate in a cooking class to learn more about Peruvian cuisine, and take some valuable skills home with them.

Punta Sal

Day 9: One last day of beach relaxation

Enjoy a final beach day at leisure, with plenty of time for sunbathing and swimming, or for heading out to explore local artisan shops and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. You could opt to enjoy a farewell dinner featuring regional specialties, before retiring to your hotel for your final night in Peru.

Punta Sal - Lima

Day 10: Goodbye, Peru!

Today, at a suitable time, leave Punta Sal behind and transfer to Tumbes for your flight to Lima, where you'll find your connecting international flight back home. Have a safe trip and visit again soon!