Description of the 10-Day Peru Cultural Tour
Travel to Peru on a 10-day cultural tour and discover beyond the merely traditional tours and connect with the soul of Peru. experience new flavors, landscapes, and communities. From the capital of the food “Lima” to the desertic setting of Paracas and Huacachina to the ancient city of Cusco, every chapter of this journey reveals a different side of Peru.
Travel to the Sacred Valley and discover the ancestral weaving knowledge, natural dyeing, and a Despacho ceremony. Walk with llamas and try Pachamanca. This is a trip that takes you to explore Moray, Maras, Salt Mines, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and the Rainbow Mountain. Combine Peru’s most iconic destinations with meaningful cultural encounters, that allows you to learn from its people, traditions, and ancestral heritage.
10-Day Peru Cultural Tour at a Glance
Immerse yourself in a unique 10-day Peru cultural tour. Explore Peru, the coastal region, and its culture; travel through the Andes and learn its traditions and Inca heritage. Enjoying local cuisine and Pisco. Discover the iconic Huacachina and Paracas, visit remote communities, and interact with local people. Unveil the secrets of Machu Picchu and amaze with the natural color stripes of the Rainbow Mountain.
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Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Land in Peru and transfer to your Lima hotel, relax.
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Day 2: Cooking Classes
Visit a local market and be part of a Peruvian cooking class, afternoon free.
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Day 3: Paracas and Huacachina
Travel to Paracas Reserve, visit a Pisco producer, and travel to Huacachina.
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Day 4: Ballestas Islands & Return to Lima
Visit Ballestas Island on a 2-hour tour and travel back to Lima.
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Day 5: Fly to Cusco
Fly from Lima to Cusco and visit San Pedro Market and nearby streets.
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Day 6: Cultural experience in the Sacred Valley
Despacho ceremony to Pachamama and weaving experience, in the afternoon travel to Moray and the Salt Mines.
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Day 7: Visit Willoq, Ollantaytambo, and Train to Aguas Calientes
Second part of the Sacred Valley: walk with llamas and enjoy a pachamanca dish. Then travel by train to Aguas Calientes.
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Day 8: Machu Picchu
Discover the Lost City of the Incas. Today visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
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Day 9: Rainbow Mountain
Travel south from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain and see local villages and herds of llamas and alpacas.
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Day 10: Depart Cusco
Final day of our adventure in Peru. Transfer to the airport
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Peru Begins – Welcome to Lima
Arrive in Lima, where your Wayna Trekkers representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle into Peru.
- 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores, Casa Andina Standard Miraflores, or Best Western Plus Urban Larco Hotel
- 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Holiday Inn, or similar.
- Meals: None
Day 2. Lima Cooking Class & Culinary Culture
Begin your Peruvian experience through its food. Get ready at 10:00 am. Visit a local market with your chef, discover native ingredients, and learn how to prepare traditional Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, or causa, followed by a delicious drink.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Miraflores or the Pacific coastline.
- 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores, Casa Andina Standard Miraflores, or Best Western Plus Urban Larco Hotel
- 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Holiday Inn, or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), lunch by your own hands
- Experience: Cooking classes & local market
Day 3. Paracas Reserve – Huacachina Oasis & Pisco Experience
Travel south from Lima toward the Paracas reserve; we will begin with the visit to the isthmus of the Paracas Peninsula, an opportunity to enjoy spectacular coastline views. Then stop at Playa Roja, one of the most important beaches, famous for its striking red sand, which gives a great contrast with the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Perfect for photograph lovers.
Following, we stop at La Mina Beach, where you can soak in its waters or just relax in the surroundings. Finally, we will visit the Fishersmen’s Cove, also known as Lagunillas.
Then, visit a traditional Pisco producer to learn about Peru’s national spirit, its production, and its cultural importance. Enjoy a tasting before experiencing the magical atmosphere of Huacachina and its surrounding desert.
We head to the desert oasis of Huacachina. Surrounded by immense dunes, this spectacular landscape offers a completely different side of Peru; enjoy a thrilling buggy ride across the dunes and an exciting sandboarding. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and then go back to your hotel.
- 3* Hotel: DM Mossone Ica Hotel or similar
- 4* Hotel: Viñas Queirolo Hotel or similar
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), lunch
- Experience: Paracas, Huacachina & Pisco tasting
Day 4. Ballestas Islands & Travel to Lima
After breakfast, at 8:00 AM, we will depart toward Paracas. At our arrival we will board a boat to explore the Ballestas Islands, known as the “Little Galápagos.” During the excursion, we will see the famous Candelabra geoglyph and varied fauna, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous seabirds in their natural environment.
The experience will last 2 hours, and then we will continue our journey to Lima, with a stop along the coast for the wonderful landscapes. We will arrive in Lima in the afternoon or early evening. This day combines a relaxed departure from Huacachina with one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on Peru’s southern coast.
- 3* Hotel: Tierra Viva Miraflores, Casa Andina Standard Miraflores, or Best Western Plus Urban Larco Hotel
- 4* Hotel: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores, Holiday Inn, or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Experience: Ballestas Islands & Travel to Lima
Day 5. Fly to Cusco, Local Flavors & Inca Heritage
Transfer from your Lima hotel, fly from Lima to Cusco, and begin your introduction to the Andes with a relaxed walking tour through the historic center.
Explore the Plaza de Armas, its nearby quaint streets, local neighborhoods, and the famous San Pedro market, where you can discover new flavors such as Andean fruits, herbs, potatoes, and grains. Today we learn about everyday local life.
This gentle start to your journey in the ancient city of Cusco also gives you time to acclimatize to the altitude.
- 3* Hotel: Hacienda Hotel, Maytaq Wasin Hotel, or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium, or Novotel Hotels
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Experience: City walking tour & San Pedro Market
Day 6. Chinchero & Sacred Valley: Weaving, Despacho Ceremony – Moray & Salt Mines
Start your experience through the Sacred Valley with a visit to Chinchero, a community renowned for its ancient traditional weaving knowledge. Meet local artisans and learn how Andean textiles are created using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation and natural dyes.
We will also celebrate a Despacho Ceremony. It’s an offering to Pachamama, one of Peru’s oldest and most sacred rituals, one that allows the people of the Andes to give thanks to their one and only goddess: Pachamama, our Mother Earth.
Continue through the Sacred Valley to the ancient agricultural laboratory of Moray and its circular terraces, which created different microclimates at varying elevations, allowing our ancestors to experiment with and adapt crops to the diverse climate conditions. Then head to the Salt Mines, where there are more than 2000 salt pools carved into the mountainside. The site has been used since the pre-Inca period, which remains as one of the main economic activities for locals today. Finally, drive to Urubamba, where we spend the night.
- 3* Hotel: Intipunku Sacred Valley, Tierra Viva Sacred Valley, or similar
- 4* Hotel: Taypikala Urubamba, Tierra Viva Urubamba, or Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch
- Experience: Chinchero weaving experience, Despacho Ceremony, Moray & Maras
Day 7. Huilloc: Walking with Llamas, Andean Culture & Train
Today travel into the Sacred Valley to the Quechua community of Huilloc, where you’ll meet local families and experience traditions that remain part of everyday life. Walk through the surrounding landscapes alongside llamas and alpacas, learn about Andean agriculture, and discover the community’s ancestral traditions.
Meet locals and learn about the medicinal herbs found in the wild. And delight your palate with delicious ancestral dishes such as pachamanca (a traditional Andean dish where meats, potatoes, vegetables, and herbs are cooked underground over heated stones) while learning about traditional Andean agricultural practices and discovering how to use ancient tools like the chaquitaclla, a traditional foot-plow that has been used by Andean farmers for centuries. Your visit directly supports community-based tourism and local artisans.
Once we finish, we will drive towards Ollantaytambo, one of the finest surviving examples of Inca urban planning. Visit its massive Inca site with impressive terraces and the astonishing Temple of the Sun atop the hill.
In the afternoon board the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes, winding through the spectacular Andes, along the sacred Urubamba River.
- 3* Accommodations: Ferre Hotel, Tara, or Santuario Machu Picchu.
- 4* Accommodations: El Mapi, Tierra Viva Aguas Calientes, or Hatun Inti Boutique.
- Meals included: breakfast (hotel), lunch “Pachamanca.”
- Experience: Llama walk, Pachamanca + train ride
Day 8. Machu Picchu “The Lost City of the Incas”
We start our day with a visit to Machu Picchu. Take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu and explore its Inca temples as the first rays of the day hit this iconic temple. Accompanied by your guide, learn how this sanctuary was constructed and discover its history and the mysteries that its ancient walls hide.
Later, return to Aguas Calientes town by bus for a deserved lunch. In the afternoon, take the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a car ride to Cusco. We arrive at around 7:30 pm
- 3* Hotel: Hacienda Hotel, Maytaq Wasin Hotel, or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium, or Novotel Hotels
- Meals included: breakfast (hotel)
- Experience: Machu Picchu guided tour
Day 9. Rainbow Mountain: Into the High Andes
Rise early, as we begin at 4:00 am for our unforgettable journey into the high Andes and Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain.
Travel south through remote Andean communities, and drive around 3 hours to the basecamp where we start to hike. As you ascend, see dramatic landscapes and local life. Reach the colorful mountain and admire the multicolored slopes. The Colors of the Rainbow Mountain comes from the different layers of mineral-rich sediments. This incredible mountain is located at approximately 5,000 m / 16,400 ft, with the majestic Ausangate glacier rising in the distance.
After enjoying and taking photographs, we will hike down the same way to get in the car and drive for 1 hour to Cusipata town for our lunch, then 2 more hours to Cusco.
- 3* Hotel: Hacienda Hotel, Maytaq Wasin Hotel, or Rumi Punku
- 4* Hotel: Wyndham Costa del Sol, Casa Andina Premium, or Novotel Hotels
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner.
- Experience: Rainbow Mountain
Day 10. Farewell to Peru
Enjoy your final day in Cusco before your driver comes to drive you to the airport for your departure flight.
Experience: Private airport transfer
What’s Included in the 10-Day Peru Tour
Included
- All entrances to attractions
- Machu Picchu Entrances
- All ground transportation and transfers
- Bilingual licensed guide
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- 3 nights in Lima,
- 1 night in Huacachina,
- 3 nights in Cusco
- 1 in the Sacred Valley
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes
Not Included
- Domestic and international airfare
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs, spa treatments, or additional services such as laundry
- Anything not stated in the itinerary
Add-ons
- Optional train or hotel upgrades
- Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain, 70 USD each.
Best Price for the 10-Day Peru Cultural Tour
Rates:
| COSTS | Double | Single |
| 3* Hotels | US$2,549 Per Person | US$2,950 Per Person |
| 4* Hotels | US$2,999 Per Person | US$3,890 Per Person |
Discounts:
- $50 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17 years old or younger. For those using a University Student Card or under 17 years old, we need to see a copy of their student card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- $80 USD off per person. For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send a passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com.
Add-ons:
- Optional train or hotel upgrades
- Huayna Picchu, or Machu Picchu Mountain, 70 USD each.
Packing List for 10-Day Peru Cultural Experience
On this 10-day trip, we will visit the coast, the deserts of Paracas, Huacachina, and the Andean region of Peru. So weather and temperature will vary significantly. We recommend packing light and clothing that can be layered.
Packing List
- Original passports and copies of important travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Lightweight, breathable shirts and T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and cooler temperatures
- Comfortable hiking pants or trekking trousers
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Waterproof and windbreaker jacket
- Thermal layers for the cold nights
- Thick socks
- Comfortable clothes for evenings and sleeping
- Swimsuit and sandals
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for excursions
- Personal medications
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Good Camera
- Travel insurance
- Extra cash in local currency
- Lightweight rain protection, especially for the Andes
- Comfortable, modest clothing for the cultural experiences in the Andes and Despacho
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service, ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500 m and 2,000 m (4,921 ft – 6,561 ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen—you breathe faster and deeper, and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time, so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3,399 m / 11,152 ft. However, people react differently to altitude sickness, and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness, and disturbed sleep and, in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are numbers of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. The tours we do in Cusco are good to help you acclimate, as we do not do too much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax, and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume; try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light and high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and asking for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness: WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Luggage.
We offer a free secure luggage store while you’re touring with us. Please advise prior to your arrival how big they are.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa, but you have to pay 5.5% service fee charged by Visa and PayPal.
10-Day Peru Cultural Tour: Authentic Experiences from Lima to Machu Picchu
