7-Day Adventures in Peru - Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Sand Boarding

  • Day 1: Lima
    4 hours flight from the US

    Arrive at Lima and explore the city center, Plaza Mayor, and the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Discover the historic streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and Peruvian cuisine.

  • Day 2: Cusco
    1 hour 30 minutes flight from Lima to Cusco

    Experience the ancient Inca capital by visiting the famous Qorikancha Temple, Saqsaywaman, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara. Opt for a walking tour or sign up for a private guide to learn more about the culture and history of the area.

  • Day 3: Machu Picchu
    2 hours train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 30-minute bus ride

    Wake up early to visit the famous Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. Walk through the ruins, explore the temples, and learn about the rich history and culture of the Inca Empire.

  • Day 4: Rainbow Mountain
    4 hours drive from Cusco to the mountain then 4 hours back to Cusco

    Embark on this exhilarating adventure as you trek to the Rainbow Mountain, experiencing the stunning views of the Andes along the way. Take in the beautiful red, orange, and yellow stripes of the mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying the scenery.

  • Day 5: Sand Boarding in Huacachina
    15 hours drive from Rainbow Mountain to Huacachina- 3 hours sandboarding time

    Head to the small oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by the vast sand dunes, to experience an adrenaline rush by sandboarding and dune buggy riding. End the day by watching a stunning sunset over the desert. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience of the thrill of sandboarding.

  • Day 6: Free Day in Cusco
    4 hours drive from Huacachina to Cusco

    Take this day to visit any missed or beloved sites in Cusco. Relax and enjoy the local arts, crafts, and shops. Cusco has a lot to offer from craft markets, cathedrals, museums or even enjoying some local cuisine, so take your time and indulge in whatever you have missed out on during your trip.

  • Day 7: Depart from Lima
    1 hour 30 minutes flight from Cusco to Lima

    Depart from Lima in the evening, but not before exploring the local cafes, trying out the national drink Pisco Sour, and taking a last moment to cherish this magnificent trip.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Lima (2 days, $200)
  • Cusco (3 days, $400)
  • Machu Picchu (1 day, $200)
  • Rainbow Mountain (1 day, $100)
  • Huacachina (1 day, $150)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1050

Transportation:

You can fly from your home city to Lima, then take a domestic flight to Cusco. Most visitors choose to travel to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, and arrange tours or private transport to Rainbow Mountain and Huacachina. However, keep in mind that travel times and costs between locations may vary based on transportation availability and weather conditions during the time of your visit.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can add more to your itinerary such as a trip to the Amazon, Nazca Lines, or Lake Titicaca. However, if your time is limited, consider skipping Rainbow Mountain and Huacachina, or spending less time in Lima. Remember to check the weather conditions in different regions and plan accordingly. We advise checking with local travel agents while planning.

Airports:

The main international airport in Peru is Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), located about 10 kilometers west of Lima's city center. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco is the nearest airport to Machu Picchu, and situated about six kilometers from the city center of Cusco. It’s located at a high altitude, so travelers must take time to acclimate before setting out to explore the region.

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