Discover the Culture and Outdoors of Peru with Mika

Peru Trip

Map of where we are going

Hi, I’m Mika Nita, and I’ve always been passionate about travel and hiking, so I can’t wait to explore iconic places like Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and more. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience, and I’m thrilled to share these beautiful moments with you as we discover the magic of Peru together!

Join me on this incredible journey through Peru! Let’s explore these breathtaking destinations together and create amazing memories along the way.

Highlights

Welcome to Lima

Day 1

Lima City tour

Day 2

Lima to Paracas

Day 3

Lima to Cusco

Day 4

Cusco city tour

Day 5

Sacred Valley to Machupicchu

Day 6

Short walk along the Inca Trail

Day 7

Machu Picchu in all its glory

Day 8

Rainbow Mountain

Day 9

Cusco Departure

Day 10

Itinerary

We will begin with a brief stop at Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Site, then we’ll drive to the historic center of Lima, all of which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll visit the beautiful Plaza de Armas (Lima’s main square) which is surrounded by impressive colonial and Republican-era buildings, many of which have ornate wooden balconies. Some of Peru’s most important buildings surround the square, including the Government Palace, Lima Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace of Lima, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of the Union.
Next, we’ll walk one block to the Convent of San Francisco, founded in the 1530s and completed in 1766, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Peru. The Monastery of San Francisco was blessed in the 17th century, 1673 to be precise, but wasn’t completed until 1774. Over the years, it’s withstood several serious earthquakes in Lima and had its fair share of damage from some of them. San Francisco’s library, which holds over 25,000 Spanish, English and Quechua books from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Shelves and shelves of ancient books are stacked above each other in the ornately decorated room. Many of the library’s books are now so old and delicate that they can only be handled by the Franciscan monks themselves. There’s even a version of the Bible dating from 1571. The Convento is built around a peaceful central garden filled with mango and lucuma fruit trees. Above the beautiful tile-work, you may be able to spot the series of murals depicting the life of St Francis of Assisi (to whom the Convent and Church are dedicated to, and named after).
Some of the murals have been restored. Strangely though, all those that haven’t, have chunks missing from the artwork, and no one knows why. The cloisters lead to a series of rooms, each one filled with something a little different. One is filled with ceiling frescoes and a magnificent golden centerpiece depicting angels, flowers, and fruit surrounding the Virgin Mary. The main feature here is Diego de la Puerto’s 1696 painting of The Last Supper. Sure, we’ve all seen pictures of the last supper before but have you ever seen one with guinea pigs and potatoes as part of the meal?
Descend into the foundations of the church and you will find the Monastery of San Francisco Lima catacombs – the largest catacombs in Lima. During Inca times, people were buried under important buildings. When the Spaniards arrived, they changed this tradition so that people were buried under the churches instead. Over 25,000 people were buried in the catacombs up until 1808. They were closed and then forgotten about until they were rediscovered and reopened in 1947. Whether you like the idea of descending into the catacombs or not, there is a somewhat macabre fascination with the way the bones have been organized into patterns and shapes.
Overnight: Hotel Girasoles. Accommodation in a Standard Room.
Meals: Breakfast

Our Cusco day trip begins in the morning, heading first to the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuamán, perched on a hill above Cusco. Here, you will witness some of the finest examples of Inca masonry and construction, including enormous boulders that were meticulously cut and perfectly fitted to form the walls.
After exploring Sacsayhuamán on our Cusco tours, we will climb the hill to Qenqo, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites of the Inca civilization. This enigmatic sanctuary, whose name in Quechua means labyrinth or zigzag, offers visitors a fascinating mix of history, spirituality, and architecture. From here, you will also enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cusco.
Next, on our Cusco excursions, we visit the Tambomachay Archaeological Complex. The exact purpose of this site is unknown, but it may have functioned, at least in part, as an Inca spa. Incan hydraulic engineering is evident here, with a series of aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls running through the terraced rocks.
We then continue to the wonderful Koricancha, adjacent to the Church of Santo Domingo. According to chroniclers writing during the period immediately following the Spanish conquest, the Koricancha was the most sacred and important temple in the Incan Empire. Its walls were covered in gold, and life-size statues of plants and animals, all made of pure gold and silver, decorated its rooms and hallways. Sadly, this wealth was stripped away by the Spanish conquistadors. However, it remains a magnificent temple, and your Cusco private tour guide will show you details that you would almost certainly miss if you visited without a guide.
After visiting the Koricancha, we will head to the Cusco Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas. Built between 1560 and 1654 on the foundations of an existing Inca temple, this spectacular cathedral houses many works of art from the Cusco School of painters, and its main altar and pulpit are covered in gold and silver reliefs. Look closely, and you will also see elements of indigenous religious symbolism incorporated into the church by the natives who worked on its construction, such as the carved head of a jaguar on the doors.
Finally, our guide will bid you farewell, offering restaurant recommendations for a delicious meal (not included) or providing directions on how to return to your hotel.
Overnight: Hacienda Cusco Plaza Regocijo. Accommodation in Standard Room.
Meals: Breakfast

Your cultural excursion will begin when we pick you up in Cusco and drive you out to the Ccaccaccollo Community. When we arrive, we’ll meet some of the locals who live in the community, which is home to some 50 families. Here, the two main activities are farming and weaving, with the men working the land while the women doing the weaving.
The weaving techniques have been passed down from one woman to another for centuries, and today Ccaccaccollo produces some of the most amazing textiles in Peru. During your visit, you’ll be able to attend a talk and see a demonstration about how these textiles are made, learning all about the ancient techniques that are still used today.
One of the Quechua-speaking weavers will tell us (through a translator) about the secrets of the traditional iconography used in their designs, and will show you the entire manufacturing process from the shearing of the wool to spinning and the washing of the wool with natural soap. You’ll also learn about the plants and flowers that are collected to use as dyes. You can also have a go at weaving a blanket, a poncho, a chullo hat or one of the many other items made by the women weavers of Ccaccaccollo.
After the weaving, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the community at your leisure, getting to know the locals and seeing what else they do to keep the community thriving. And, of course, you’ll be able to purchase the amazing high-quality textiles on offer, helping to support the community directly. Here we’ll find ourselves beside the sacred Urubamba River and the pretty village of Pisac. In Pisac, we will visit the colorful traditional market, where you can browse the array of local artisan work and other souvenirs – which of course you can buy to take home with you. We’ll spend about 30 minutes here, and then head up to the ruins of Pisac which sit atop a hill at the entrance to the valley.
After visiting the Ccaccaccollo, visit Pisac archaeological site, we’ll explore the extensive ruins and enjoy the beautiful views across the valley. You’ll be given a guided tour of the ruins, passing through various structures that once served as homes, storage rooms and temples, and you’ll see Inca altars, carvings, tunnels, caves and the famous Intihuatana, the “hitching post of the sun.” We’ll explore Pisac for about 90 minutes. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend more time in the market in Pisac instead of seeing the ruins, you can talk to your guide and arrange a time and a place to meet when the tour group returns through the market after the ruins.
We’ll now head on towards Urubamba, where we’ll stop for about 45 minutes for lunch (not included). After another 30-minute drive, we’ll reach the wonderful Inca town and archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. We’ll spend about an hour exploring these magnificent ruins, visiting the amazing Temple of the Sun and seeing massive blocks of rock that were perfectly carved and polished by master Inca stonemasons. Ollantaytambo is also a fine example of Inca agricultural construction and hydro-engineering, with a complex series of stone water fountains, channels and agricultural terraces, the latter organized by elevation to create different microclimates for crop experimentation.
We’ll see the extent of the water system when we return to the town, where fast flowing water channels built by the Incas are still in use today. Walking to the town square, we’ll have great views of the ruins above us, as well as Inca granaries and store houses built on the sides of the surrounding mountains. Here we can also watch the daily life of Ollantaytambo, where many of the locals still wear traditional dress.
After Ollantaytambo is the last destination on our Sacred Valley tour, we’ll drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight: El Albergue Ollantaytambo. Accommodation in Standard Room.
Meals: Breakfast

Our Machu Picchu adventure begins in Cusco, as we pick you up from your hotel in the morning (the exact time will depend on the train schedule). We then head to the train station and board the train for a scenic 2.5-hour journey to a point known as Kilometer 104. This is where we start our short Inca Trail trek.
From here, we have a walk of about four hours up to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young'), at about 2,680 meters (8,792 feet) above sea level. Wiñay Wayna is an impressive Inca ruin built into a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. It consists of an upper and lower section of housing or storage, connected by an Inca staircase and a cascade of water channels and fountains. Almost the entire hillside above and below the structures is covered by beautiful Inca agricultural terraces. As well as being an agricultural center, Wiñay Wayna was also a religious or ceremonial site.
After exploring Wiñay Wayna, we’ll continue our trek all the way to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). From the Sun Gate, you’ll have your first, dramatic view of Machu Picchu. It is believed that Inti Punku was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu. The site was dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god, and was positioned on a ridge near Machu Picchu at just the right location to allow the rising sun to pass through the gate each year on the summer solstice.
We’ll continue our trek down towards Machu Picchu, moving tantalizingly close to the famous citadel. But before we reach Machu Picchu, we’ll take a side path off the trail and head down to Aguas Calientes, leaving our exploration of Machu for the following day, when we’ll have more time to explore. Aguas Calientes is the town below Machu Picchu, and this is where we’ll have dinner and take you to your hotel. You’ll probably want to have an early night, as we wake up early the next day for our exploration of Machu Picchu.
Total trekking distance: 11 km / 7 - 8 hours approx.
Highest altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft).
Lowest Altitude: 2,100 m (6,889 ft).
Overnight: Hotel Susanna Inn. Accommodation in Standard Room.
Meals: All included

Your adventure with Valencia Travel begins as we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00, ensuring an early start for a day filled with awe-inspiring experiences. The journey to the trailhead and the subsequent hike requires time, making an early departure essential. Over approximately three hours, we'll traverse captivating Andean landscapes along the South Valley, offering breathtaking views.
En route, we'll make a stop for a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for the day's exploration. Continuing on, we reach the trailhead in the town of Cusipa, positioned at an elevation of about 3,310 m (10,859 ft) above sea level.
Embarking on our hike, we'll initially follow a serene stream, encountering herds of alpacas and llamas grazing on the picturesque slopes. The sacred Ausangate mountain will grace our journey with consistent views, providing a spiritual backdrop to our adventure. Passing through towns where ancient Andean traditions thrive, we'll witness the vibrant living culture of the region.
Drawing closer to our destination, the landscape transforms, and after an invigorating walk of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach the magnificent Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain. Standing at an astonishing altitude of 5,100m (16,732ft) above sea level, the panoramic views unfold before us. Our knowledgeable private guide from Valencia Travel will accompany us throughout, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Exploring the area, we'll discover that Rainbow Mountain is not just one peak but a series of vibrant, multicolored mountains. Our ascent to the top of Rainbow Mountain offers a mesmerizing perspective, allowing 30 minutes to absorb the breathtaking surroundings, capture photos, and create lasting memories.
Descending, we'll embark on the return hike, a one-hour journey, where our private transport awaits. Next, we'll head to a local restaurant for a delectable buffet lunch, savoring the flavors of the region.
The return to Cusco, approximately three hours, provides time for reflection on the day's extraordinary encounters. Anticipate arriving in Cusco around 16:00, where we'll drop you off at your hotel. Valencia Travel ensures a personalized touch with our private guide, who accompanies you at every step, enhancing your exploration of the captivating Rainbow Mountain.
Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey with Valencia Travel, where nature's wonders and vibrant traditions converge in a truly magical experience.
For a memorable farewell dinner at Suyu in Cusco, immerse yourself in a refined culinary experience that highlights Peru’s rich biodiversity and contemporary Andean flavors. Located in the heart of Cusco, Suyu is known for its innovative approach to traditional cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to create artfully presented dishes. Celebrate the end of your journey with a carefully curated tasting menu or signature dishes like slow-cooked Andean meats, native tubers, and exotic Amazonian flavors. This elegant dining experience is the perfect way to reflect on your adventures in Peru before bidding farewell to the Andes.
Overnight: H
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Trip Inclusions

Private Transfer Lima Airport to Hotel (Transport & English Guide).

Welcome Dinner Criollo Menu.

Private Excursion | Half Day Lima City Tour (Transport, Entrance Fee & English Guide).

Private Excursion | Full Day Paracas & Ica (Transport, Entrance Fee & English Guide).

Private Transfer Hotel to Lima Airport (Transport & English Guide).

Flight from/to Lima-Cusco included ( 10kg luggage)

Private Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel (Transport & Assistance English Guide).

Entrance Fee | Basilica Cathedral.

Entrance Fee | Koricancha.

Entrance Fee | General Tourist Ticket BTG.

Private Excursion | Full Day Exploring the Sacred Valley, with Lunch (Transport, English Guide & Entrance Fee).

Briefing | Pre-Departure Information.

Private Package | 2 Days & 1 Night Short Inca Trail to Machupicchu (Transport, Entrance Fee & English Guide).

Train Ticket | Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes -(07h45-09h15) Expedition Train 83.

Entrance Fee | Inca Trail KM 104 | Passenger.

Bus Ticket | Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Guide & Entrance Fee).

Farewell Dinner Tourist Menu.

Bus Ticket | Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Guide & Entrance Fee).

Bus Ticket | Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (Guide & Entrance Fee).

Train Ticket | Aguas Calientes to Poroy -(15h20-19h05) Expedition Train 34.

Private Transfer Poroy Train Station to Hotel.

Semi Private Excursion | Full Day Rainbow Mountain.

Entrance Fee | Vinicunca.

Private Transfer Hotel to Cusco Airport (Transport & Assistance English Guide).

Kit list

Your passport, or your DNI for Peruvians (Mandatory)

Cash money, as in many of the places we visit debit cards or credit cards are not accepted

Waterproof clothing for rainy days, and warm clothes for cold weather

Long pants, and long sleeve sweaters and shirts. And comfortable hiking footwear

Changes of clothes appropriate for the amount of days that you are traveling. Preferably light weight clothes

Sandals and personal hygiene items

Sun block, sun glasses, and belt pouch.

Insect repellent cream.

Bring your doctor’s prescriptions if you are taking any medications.

Water proof backpack.

Camera with spare cards and batteries.

10 Days
September 27 to October 6 2025