7-Day Adventure from Lima: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Sand Dunes Exploration

Day 1: Lima to Paracas

Lima to Paracas, Peru on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel Lima to Paracas

Depart Lima early morning by bus or private transfer to Paracas, approximately a 3.5 to 4-hours journey on the Panamericana Highway heading south along the coast.
PEN70, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Bigote

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at El Bigote, a popular Paracas restaurant open until 4pm, specializing in ceviche and local specialties.
PEN40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Sand Dune Adventure

Experience dune buggy rides and sandboarding on the majestic desert dunes of Paracas, a thrilling way to explore this unique landscape.
PEN150, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check Into Hotel

Rest at your accommodation in Paracas to recharge after travel and activities.
PEN150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at La Candelaria

Dine on traditional Peruvian fare with a coastal twist at La Candelaria, open until 10pm.
PEN50, 1h30m

Day 2: Paracas to Cusco Travel

Paracas to Cusco, Peru on May 3, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing.
Included, 1h0m

7:00am

Travel to Lima

Return to Lima by bus or private transfer, approximately 4 hours.
PEN70, 4h0m

11:30am

Lunch near Lima Airport - Tanta Miraflores

Enjoy classic Peruvian dishes in a stylish setting, open until 5pm, perfect for a quick meal before your flight.
PEN50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Fly Lima to Cusco

Catch an afternoon flight (approximately 1h20m) from Lima to Cusco, gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
USD100, 1h20m

3:00pm

Check Into Cusco Hotel

Settle in and acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco.
PEN200, Overnight

5:00pm

Visit Plaza de Armas

Stroll through Cusco’s historic main square to absorb local culture and architecture; open any time.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Greens Organic

Try fresh, organic Andean cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, open until 10pm.
PEN60, 1h30m

Day 3: Machu Picchu Day Trip

Cusco to Machu Picchu, Peru on May 4, 2025

5:00am

Depart Cusco for Machu Picchu

Board early train from Cusco (Poroy Station) to Aguas Calientes, then bus to Machu Picchu entrance.
USD150, 4h0m

9:00am

Explore Machu Picchu

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site Machu Picchu, exploring ancient Incan ruins and spectacular mountain views. Open 6am to 5:30pm.
USD70, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Aguas Calientes

Have lunch at Indio Feliz, a cozy spot with local dishes, open 11am-3pm.
PEN50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Cusco

Catch afternoon train back to Cusco, enjoying scenic views.
Included, 4h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cicciolina

Relax with Mediterranean-Peruvian dishes at one of Cusco’s top restaurants, open until 11pm.
PEN80, 1h30m

Day 4: Rainbow Mountain Trek

Cusco Region, Peru on May 5, 2025

3:30am

Rainbow Mountain Tour Departure

Join an early morning guided trek to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), experiencing colorful mountain strata and stunning landscapes. Trek lasts about 6-8 hours.
USD60, 10h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Packed on Trek

Enjoy a packed lunch provided by the tour during the trek to refuel amidst nature.
Included, 1h0m

6:00pm

Return to Cusco Hotel

Rest after a full day of trekking at your hotel.
N/A, Overnight

7:30pm

Light Dinner at Jack's Cafe

Have a casual meal featuring international and Peruvian fusion dishes, open until 9:30pm.
PEN40, 1h0m

Day 5: Cusco Cultural Day

Cusco, Peru on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before cultural excursions.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Sacsayhuamán Visit

Explore the impressive cliff-side Incan fortress just outside Cusco, open 7am to 6pm.
PEN40, 2h0m

11:30am

San Pedro Market

Immerse in local life at the bustling market with food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Limo Cocina Peruana & Pisco Bar

Delight in upscale Peruvian cuisine with a view over Plaza de Armas; open from noon.
PEN70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Visit this important Incan temple known for its golden history and Spanish colonial overlay, open 9am to 5:30pm.
PEN15, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Afternoon free for resting or light exploring nearby cafes.
N/A, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Morena Peruvian Kitchen

Try traditional dishes in a modern setting that celebrates local ingredients, open till 11pm.
PEN60, 1h30m

Day 6: Cusco to Lima

Cusco to Lima, Peru on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Cusco as you prepare for travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Cusco to Lima

Catch a mid-morning flight back to Lima; approximately 1h20m flight time.
USD100, 1h20m

11:30am

Lunch in Lima at Panchita

Sample traditional Peruvian comfort food from the iconic chef Gastón Acurio, open from 12pm.
PEN60, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Larco Museum

Explore world-class collections of pre-Columbian art in a beautiful mansion setting, open 9am to 7pm.
PEN40, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Miraflores

Stroll along the cliffside Malecón for ocean views and visit the Parque Kennedy central park.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Mar Cebichería

End your trip with renowned ceviche and seafood dishes at one of Lima’s top restaurants, open until 11pm.
PEN80, 1h30m

Day 7: Departure Day

Lima, Peru on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last Peruvian breakfast in Lima to start the day well.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Airport Transfer

Head to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your departure flight, allowing time for check-in and security.
PEN40, 1h0m