9-Day Epic Peru: From Coastal Deserts to Machu Picchu & Sacred Mountains

Private Peru Grand Tour: 9-Day Coast, Desert & Machu Picchu Expedition

From $989 per person · 09 Days / 08 Nights
5.0 · 8 reviews on TripAdvisor Official agency · ESNNA Code “Everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.”
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Activity Level
Moderate
Tour Type
AdventureCultural

Your Private Tour, At a Glance:

  • Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights.

  • Start Time Flexible (Day 1 Airport Pickup).

  • Strategic Focus Biodiversity, Gastronomy, History & High-Altitude Adventure.

  • Key Note A complete contrast journey—experience the heat of the desert and the chill of the glaciers in one seamless trip.

  • Difficulty Level Variable (Relaxed Cultural Touring + One Active Trekking Day).

  • Group Size 100% Private (Your family/pod only).

  • Languages Native English & Spanish.

  • Gastronomy ‍ Includes Pisco Tasting, Limeño Churros, and a Luxury Picnic.

Highlights

  • Plaza de Armas

  • Catacombs of San Francisco

  • San Martín Square

  • Miraflores Boardwalk

  • Ballestas Islands

  • Huacachina Oasis

  • Dune Buggy Ride

  • Maras Salt Mines

  • Mountain-View Picnic, Exclusive Experience

  • Panoramic Train Journey (Vistadome Observatory)

  • Machu Picchu

Focus

  • History (Inca, Colonial & Pre-Inca)

  • Urban Landscapes

  • Marine Life & Wildlife

  • Nature & Landscapes

  • Hiking & Trekking

Overview:

Detailed tour information

Detailed Itinerary

9-Day Epic Peru: From Coastal Deserts to Machu Picchu & Sacred Mountains

Day 1

Arrival in the City of Kings

Welcome: Your private driver greets you at Lima Airport and whisks you to your hotel in Miraflores or San Isidro.

Relax: Spend the evening enjoying the Pacific breeze or dining at one of Lima's world-renowned restaurants.

Day 2

Lima Private City Tour – History & Flavor

The Historic Center: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Plaza San Martín and the Plaza de Armas.

The Depths: Descend into the Catacombs of San Francisco, a colonial ossuary beneath the church.

The Taste: Stop for a traditional, hot Limeño Churro (included).

The Coast: End with a walk along the Miraflores Malecón and the romantic Parque del Amor overlooking the ocean.

Day 3

The Pacific Wildlife (Lima to Paracas)

Private Drive: We head south along the Pan-American Highway to Paracas.

Ballestas Islands: Board a speedboat to see the Galapagos of Peru—thousands of sea lions, penguins, and birds, plus the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph.

The Reserve: Explore the dramatic cliffs of the Paracas National Reserve by private vehicle.

Overnight: Stay in Paracas (Hotel not included, can be added).

Day 4

Dunes & Distilleries (Ica to Lima)

Hacienda Caravedo: Visit a historic vineyard in Ica. Learn the art of Pisco making and enjoy a tasting followed by a 3-Course Lunch.

Huacachina Oasis: The adrenaline kicks in. Ride a tubular dune buggy across the massive sand dunes and try sandboarding.

Return: Private transfer back to Lima in the evening.

Day 5

Ascent to the Empire (Fly to Cusco)

Transfer: Private drive to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco.

Arrival: Reception in Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Acclimatization: Free afternoon to adjust to the altitude (11,000 ft). Drink coca tea and take it slow.

Day 6

Sacred Valley VIP – Maras, Moray & Picnic

Moray: Visit the Inca agricultural laboratory with its circular terraces.

Maras Salt Mines: See the stunning white salt pools carved into the canyon.

The Highlight: Enjoy a Private Outdoor Picnic with local ingredients and wine, overlooking the Andes mountains—far from the crowded tourist buffets.

Day 7

The Lost City – Machu Picchu

The Train: Board the Vistadome or Vistadome Observatory train for a scenic ride through the cloud forest.

The Citadel: Your private guide leads an exclusive 2.5-hour tour of Machu Picchu. Explore the temples and terraces without the rush.

The Return: Train back to Ollantaytambo/Cusco and private transfer to your hotel.

Day 8

Choose Your Adventure (Trekking Day)

Select ONE of the following private treks:

  • Option A: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain): The classic, colorful, challenging hike.
  • Option B: Palccoyo (Alternative Rainbow): Easier, flatter, 3 rainbow mountains, fewer crowds.
  • Option C: Humantay Lake: Steep hike to a turquoise glacial lake.
  • Option D: 7 Lakes of Ausangate: A longer, immersive circuit of glacial lakes.
Day 9

Farewell to Peru

Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping in Cusco.

Transfer: Private drive to Cusco Airport for your departure flight.

Pricing
From $989 per person · 09 Days / 08 Nights

Group Size

Travelers Price* (USD)
2 Pax $1307/ person
3 Pax $1143/ person
4 Pax $1069/ person
5 Pax $1009/ person
6+ Pax $989/ person
Inclusions
What's Included
  • 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver for all transfers (Airports, inter-city, tours).
  • Expert Private Guides: Dedicated specialists for Lima, the Coast, Cusco, and Trekking.
  • Coastal Experiences: Ballestas Islands (shared boat), Private Paracas Reserve tour, Dune Buggy & Sandboarding.
  • Gastronomy: Limeño Churro tasting, 3-Course Lunch at Hacienda Caravedo, and Private Picnic in Sacred Valley.
  • Machu Picchu: Vistadome/Observatory train tickets, Consettur bus, and Citadel Entrance Fee.
  • Trekking Day: Oxygen, first aid, and logistics for your chosen Day 8 hike.
  • ‍Entrance Fees: All sites mentioned in the itinerary (BTC, Cathedral, Catacombs, etc.).
Not Included
  • Domestic Flights: Lima -> Cusco flight is not included (we can assist with booking).
  • Accommodation: Hotels are not included (add-on packages available for 3, 4, or 5-star hotels).
  • Meals: Breakfasts (usually hotel provided), dinners, and lunches not specified above.
  • Gratuities: Tips for guides and drivers.
  • ‍Wayna Picchu: Optional hiking ticket inside Machu Picchu (requires early booking).
What to bring
Recommendations
  • The Coast First Strategy: Starting in Lima/Paracas is excellent for avoiding altitude sickness. You spend the first 4 days at sea level before flying to Cusco.
  • Packing for Two Worlds: You need swimwear and light clothes for Paracas (hot desert), but thermal layers, gloves, and beanies for Cusco and the Day 8 trek (freezing mornings).
  • Day 8 Decision: If you are tired by Day 8, choose Palccoyo. It offers stunning views with minimal physical effort. If you want the trophy photo, choose Vinicunca.
  • ‍Luggage: We store your large suitcases during the Machu Picchu trip (train luggage limits apply), so pack a small overnight bag.
Terms & Conditions

Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.

1. Reservations and Payment Policy

  • Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
  • Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

  • Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
  • [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
  • [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
  • Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
  • No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
  • Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
  • Inca Trail permits.
  • Train tickets.
  • Domestic flights.

3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)

  • Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
  • Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
  • Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.

4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)

  • Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
  • Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
  • Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
  • Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Email us at:
sales@trueperuexperience.com
Phone:
+51 951 779 027
WhatsApp
+51 951 779 027
Tripadvisor

Don't just take our word for it

Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.

Carlos Augusto R
5 out of 5 stars

Machu Picchu Tour

Date of experience:September 2025

The one-day tour to Machu Picchu is well organized and the scenic train is lovely. The guide was friendly and explained everything well during the visit. I felt the time inside Machu Picchu was a bit tight to take it all in calmly, but I understand there's a set time limit for visitors. Overall, it met my expectations.

Carlos Augusto R

View review
Juan Perez
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Date of experience:September 2025

It was a refreshing experience to explore the history and landscapes over these four days — every destination, from Moray to Ollantaytambo, left us wanting to learn more. Machu Picchu was without a doubt the highlight, though at times it was quite crowded, which made it a little harder to enjoy peacefully — still, everything was made easy to manage. Totally worth it!

Juan Perez

View review
Rommel C
5 out of 5 stars

With True Peru Experience, more than just a trip to the Sacred Valley

Date of experience:September 2025

A unique experience in the Sacred Valley! The artisan market and the archaeological site were truly memorable thanks to our guide's work and comfortable, hassle-free transport. Thank you to True Peru Experience for turning this trip into pure enjoyment! We look forward to taking other destinations with their guidance.

Rommel C

View review
Jose Carlos G
5 out of 5 stars

Service 10/10

Date of experience:August 2025

The experience was calm and very enriching, since they were with me from the very beginning — I felt I could count on them at every moment. This trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu was completely worth it; I'll be back with the whole family and will use their services again!

Jose Carlos G

Cusco, Cusco

View review
Samanta L
5 out of 5 stars

Comfort, safety, and punctuality

Date of experience:August 2025

They were very attentive and made my travel experience very enjoyable — they gave me accurate information about every site I visited. I recommend using their services.

Samanta L

View review
valerhy c
5 out of 5 stars

A different and relaxing experience🙂‍↕️

Date of experience:August 2025

We took the valley tour with an outdoor picnic and the views were stunning! The peacefulness of the place made everything feel so different and special! The only thing was that time flew by — we would have liked to stay a bit longer to enjoy the scenery in the evening light. Still, it was totally worth it and I'd recommend it for anyone looking for something different and peaceful near Cusco.

valerhy c

View review
Eric Gardener
5 out of 5 stars

Great experience.

Date of experience:July 2025

The 5-day tour was really great overall. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the private city tour of Cusco was a great way to get oriented. Visiting Moray and Maras with the picnic was a unique experience, and seeing Machu Picchu was definitely a highlight. The full-day hike to Vinicunca was tough but rewarding, though I wish there had been a bit more time to rest afterward. Still, the trip was well organized and comfortable, and I would definitely recommend it.

Eric Gardener

Budapest, Hungría

View review
Louis Walker
5 out of 5 stars

Sacred Valley

Date of experience:July 2025

I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.

Louis Walker

Chicago, Illinois

View review
Awards and recognitions
Marca Perú
Lonely Planet
PromPerú
Tripadvisor
Cercetur

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