Lima City
The Ultimate Contrast: Coastal Mysteries & Andean Majesty
Peru is a land of dramatic geographic contrasts, and this comprehensive 10-day luxury Peru expedition is meticulously designed to showcase its two most captivating faces: the enigmatic southern desert coast and the towering peaks of the Incan Empire. With every logistical detail expertly managed—including all domestic flights, private transfers, scenic rail tickets, and handpicked accommodations—you are free to simply immerse yourself in the wonders of antiquity.
Your journey begins in the historic "City of Kings," Lima, exploring its colonial heart and bohemian coastal cliffs. We then venture south along the Pacific coast to navigate the wildlife-rich waters of the Ballestas Islands in Paracas and take to the skies for a breathtaking scenic flight over the world-famous Nazca Lines. Transitioning seamlessly from sea level to the highlands, a short domestic flight brings you to Cusco. Here, you will spend five unforgettable days delving deep into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, marveling at the agricultural terraces of Pisaq and Moray, learning from traditional weavers in Chinchero, and culminating with a panoramic train journey to the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu and a private Peruvian culinary masterclass.
Package Highlights
Nazca Lines Scenic Flight
Board a light aircraft for a 1.5-hour flight over the desert to witness the massive, enigmatic geoglyphs of the Nazca and Palpa cultures.
Ballestas Islands Wildlife
Navigate the Pacific Ocean on a guided boat tour to observe playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and thousands of marine birds in their natural habitat.
The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Explore the intricate ruins of Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero before ascending to the legendary "Lost City of the Incas" via panoramic train.
Andean Gastronomy
Source fresh native ingredients at the vibrant San Pedro market in Cusco and master iconic Peruvian dishes in a private cooking class with a professional chef.
Detailed 10-Day Peru Itinerary
From Desert to Cloud Forest
Maximum Altitude: 3,399 m / 11,151 ft (Cusco)
DAY 1: Welcome to Peru - Lima City of Kings
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, your private chauffeur and representative will be waiting to provide a warm VIP welcome. We will assist you with your luggage and transfer you directly to your selected hotel in Lima to rest and recharge for the adventure ahead.
DAY 2: Lima & Its Authentic Local Districts
Colonial Heritage & Main Square
In the morning, embark on a private historic Lima city tour showcasing the best of colonial and modern Lima. We will walk from San Martín Plaza through the historic pedestrian boulevard of Jirón de la Unión—founded in 1535—until we reach the UNESCO-listed Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Government Palace, Cathedral, and Archbishop's Palace.
Bohemian Barranco & Chorrillos
Leaving the colonial center, we experience the coastal atmosphere of Chorrillos, famous for its artisanal fishing bay and dramatic ocean lookouts. Finally, we stroll through Barranco, Lima's vibrant bohemian and art district perched atop the Pacific cliffs. Return to your hotel to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: Nazca Lines Flight & Huacachina Oasis
Flight Over the Enigmatic Geoglyphs
Early in the morning, your private transfer will drive you south along the Pan-American coastal highway toward Ica. Upon arrival at the aerodrome, you will board a modern Cessna aircraft for a thrilling 1.5-hour panoramic flight over the Nazca and Palpa Lines. Etched into the desert floor between 400 BC and 650 AD, these monumental geoglyphs remain one of archaeology's greatest mysteries. From the sky, you will clearly behold iconic figures including the Hummingbird, Monkey, Condor, Spider, and Astronaut.
The Desert Oasis of Huacachina
After your flight and lunch, we visit the Huacachina Desert Oasis, a natural emerald lagoon ringed by palm trees and towering golden sand dunes. Adventure seekers have the option to experience a private dune buggy excursion or sandboarding across the dunes before checking into your resort in Ica or Paracas.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: Ballestas Islands Wildlife & Return to Lima
The "Galapagos of Peru"
In the morning, we head to the marina in Paracas to embark on a guided Ballestas Islands marine wildlife tour. Along the peninsula, you will view the "Candelabro," a massive prehistoric geoglyph carved into the coastal cliffside. Navigating around the dramatic rock arches and sea caves of the islands, you will observe Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies, tendrils of Inca terns, and thriving colonies of sea lions. Following a relaxing seaside lunch, your private transport returns you comfortably to Lima.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Flight to Cusco, The Imperial City
Arrival in the Incan Capital
We will pick you up from your Lima hotel and transfer you to the airport for your included domestic flight to Cusco. Upon landing in the ancient Inca capital, your private guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. We begin our Imperial Cusco walking tour in historic San Blas, the bohemian artisan quarter, and admire the famous 12-Angled Stone.
Qoricancha & Megalithic Ruins
We will enter the majestic Cusco Cathedral and Qoricancha (the opulent Temple of the Sun), the most revered sanctuary of the Inca Empire. After visiting the colorful San Pedro Market and enjoying lunch, we head above the city for a private tour of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: The Sacred Valley & Pisaq's Jewel
Pisaq Market & Andean Communities
After breakfast, descend into the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley alongside the Vilcanota River. Arrive at the colonial town of Pisaq to explore its cobblestone streets and traditional market. You will then visit a high-Andean indigenous community where local master weavers demonstrate ancestral dyeing and spinning techniques and introduce you to native varieties of Andean potatoes.
Pisaq Ruins & Inkariy Museum
After a farm-to-table lunch in the valley, explore the archaeological citadel of Pisaq, renowned for its sweeping agricultural terraces carved into the mountain slopes. Later, we visit the Inkariy Museum, an immersive exhibition showcasing the pre-Hispanic civilizations that shaped Peru (Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nazca, and Inca). Relax for the night at your handpicked Sacred Valley hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7: Chinchero, Maras, Moray & Ollantaytambo
Chinchero Palace & Moray Laboratory
Your private Sacred Valley tour continues to the Archaeological Park of Chinchero, the former royal estate of Inca Tupac Yupanqui. Afterwards, we venture to Moray, an extraordinary Inca agricultural laboratory featuring deep concentric circular terraces that created distinct microclimates for ancient crop adaptation.
Maras Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo
Next, we visit the striking Maras Salt Mines, consisting of over 3,000 shimmering white salt pans harvested since pre-Incan times. To conclude the day, we transfer you to the living Inca town and monumental fortress of Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night surrounded by ancient stone architecture.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Scenic Train & The Citadel
Prepare for an unforgettable highlight! Board the scenic train in Ollantaytambo for a picturesque 1.5-hour journey into the cloud forest. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, your private guide will escort you via the dedicated Consettur shuttle bus up the mountain to the gates of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
Guided Exploration & Free Afternoon
During your comprehensive private tour, you will uncover the history of the citadel, visiting the Sun and Condor temples, ceremonial fountains, and royal quarters. Afterwards, we return to Aguas Calientes via shuttle bus, where you will enjoy lunch and relax at your selected hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: Return to Cusco & Culinary Masterclass
Train Return & Andean Cooking
In the morning, board the return panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, where your private chauffeur will meet you to ascend back to the imperial city of Cusco. In the afternoon, dive into Peru's world-renowned gastronomy with a private Cusco cooking class led by a professional Peruvian chef. You will learn to prepare iconic Andean dishes, enjoying an appetizer, main course, dessert, and a celebratory Pisco Sour toast.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Prepared during class)
DAY 10: Departure from the Andes
Farewell to Peru
Enjoy your final breakfast in the Andes. At the coordinated time, your private chauffeur will transfer you to the Cusco airport to board your included domestic flight back to Lima, connecting seamlessly with your international flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Curated Accommodations
Select your preferred hotel tier—every option includes our 100% private VIP guiding and logistics.
Paracas
The Legend Paracas Resort
Sacred Valley
Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection
Machu Picchu
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Cusco
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Lima (Barranco)
Second Home Peru
Ica (Desert)
Hotel Las Dunas
Sacred Valley
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Machu Picchu
El Mapi by Inkaterra
Cusco
Palacio Manco Capac
Lima City
Hotel Antigua Miraflores
Ica
Villa Jazmin Hotel
Sacred Valley
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado
Machu Picchu
Tierra Viva Machu Picchu
Cusco
Unaytambo Boutique Hotel
Inclusions & Prices
Select Your Hotel Category (All Include Private VIP Service)
Per Person, Double Occupancy
3-Star Boutique
$2,889 USD
4-Star Premium
$3,739 USD
5-Star Luxury
$4,610 USD
What's Included
- Round-trip domestic flights (Lima - Cusco - Lima).
- Flight over the Nazca Lines (1.5-hour scenic flight from Ica).
- Private airport pick-ups and all ground transfers (Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco).
- 9 Nights handpicked hotel accommodation based on selected category (3-Star Boutique, 4-Star Premium, or 5-Star Luxury).
- Guided boat expedition to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas.
- Round-trip scenic panoramic train tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Round-trip Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu citadel).
- Professional, English-speaking private guides for all excursions.
- All entrance tickets to archaeological sites and museums (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Inkariy Museum, Cusco sites).
- Exclusive Peruvian Culinary Masterclass in Cusco.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Not Included
- International flights to and from Peru.
- Optional Huacachina Dune Buggy or Sandboarding activities.
- Permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs (Available upon request at booking).
- Meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Machu Picchu Circuits & Availability: To secure the most complete circuits, booking months in advance is strictly required. For last-minute bookings, the Ministry of Culture releases 1,000 tickets daily for in-person purchase in Aguas Calientes for the following day. Your private guide will personally assist you in securing these tickets upon arrival.
- Nazca Flight Motion: The light aircraft makes banked turns so passengers on both sides can clearly view the geoglyphs. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking motion sickness medication 1 hour prior to the flight and eating a light breakfast.
- Train Luggage Limits: The train to Machu Picchu has a strict luggage limit (1 small backpack/bag up to 5kg/11lbs per person). Your main luggage will be securely transferred and stored at your hotel in Cusco.