The Total Peru Package: Cities, Deserts & Inca Ruins
Duration: 11 days
Begins: Lima
Ends: Cusco
Trip Code: SPMCHW
From
£1,049 per person
or Call 01273 099433
Overview
No traveller should ever have to choose between exploring Peru’s coastal desert or adventuring to Machu Picchu, so we created this 11-day, hostel-based tour to help the world out. Kicking off from Lima, you’ll feast on fresh seafood and cruise around on dune buggies at a desert oasis before heading up to the mountains where ruins, hikes, and outrageous scenery await. In Cusco, you’ll get an insider’s tour of the city and then head out to visit some lesser-known highlights of the Sacred Valley, all leading up to the big moment of seeing Machu Picchu for the very first time.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
Roamies by Hostelworld & G Adventures
Immersive, social, wallet-friendly adventures where epic hostels are your home-base.
Service Level
Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating
3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type
Small Group
Small Group experience; Max 24, avg 16
Age requirement
12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Seafood Lunch at the beach, Cerro Azul
- Seafood lunch near the beach in Cerro Azul
- Sandboarding and dune buggy excursion to a desert oasis
- Boat excursion to spot wildlife at the Ballestas Islands
- Insiders walking tour of Cusco with local lunch
- Visit Killarumiyoq and Iglesia Ñaupa archaeological sites
- Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall in the Sacred Valley
- Train to Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu guided tour
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
Hostels (8 nts), Hotel (2 nts)
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Allow USD220-290 for meals not included.
Transportation
Public bus, train, private van, plane.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Full Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1 : Lima
Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? You've got solid options with all of the great bars and restaurants near the hostel in the funky neighborhood of Barranco.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Day 2 : Lima/Huacachina
Buckle up, it's going to be a big one today. Head south from Lima along the coast to a small fishing town for a delicious seafood lunch and learn how Peruvian ceviche is prepared ... doesn't get much fresher than that! Next, head inland and board dune buggies to rip around the sand dunes and even try your hand at sandboarding before taking a swim in a desert oasis at sunset. Carry on to another desert oasis at Huacachina, where we'll check into our hostel and take a load off. Having fun yet? It’s only day 2!
Private Vehicle
Lima - Cerro Azul 2h 128km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Seafood Lunch at the beach
Cerro Azul
Tuck into a delicious and fresh seafood lunch near the beach featuring ceviche, one of Peru's most iconic dishes. Learn about how it's prepared so that you can try it out when you get home. If seafood isn't your thing, don't worry - there will be plenty of other options available for you.
Private Vehicle
Cerro Azul - Pisco 1h15m 97km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dune Buggies and Sandboarding at a Desert Oasis
Pisco 3h - 3h30m
Get the adrenaline pumping as you zip off into the desert in dune buggies over the rolling sand. Try your hand at sandboarding before arriving to a remote oasis where you'll have the chance to swim, kayak and chill out as the afternoon winds down to sunset.
Private Vehicle
Pisco - Huacachina 1h - 1h30m 78km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Viajero Huacachina
Acommodation
Viajero Huacachina
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 : Huacachina
Today is all about you with a free day in Huacachina. If exploring the surroundings is your thing, you could check out the Nazca Lines from the air, take a kiteboarding class in Paracas, visit some nearby pisco distilleries, or maybe even take another ride in the dune buggies! Otherwise staying near the hostel at the oasis by the pool with a cold drink is always a great option too.
Acommodation
Carola Lodge
Optional Activities - Day 3
Flight over Nazca Lines
Paracas
Take to the skies for the best view of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, a series of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. Marvel at the lines measuring up to 10km (6 mi) in length, yet, remaining perfectly straight. See depictions of birds, insects, and animals only recognizable from the air. Decide for yourself the origin of the lines – who drew the lines, and why, remains a mystery. Current beliefs suggest that they may be part of complex agricultural calendar.
Sunset Sandboarding & Dune Buggies
Huacachina
Get your adrenaline pumping in a dune buggy on the desert dunes, ride the ups and downs in these desert mountains. Strap on a board and try out sandboarding, just like it sounds like snowboarding, but on sand. Enjoy the softer landings and the warmer temps. After, head back to the oasis of Huacachina through the stunning dunes and watch the sunset in the distance.
Acommodation
Carola Lodge
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : Huacachina/Lima
Start early today and hop on a bus to the nearby town of Paracas for a boat excursion out to the Ballestas Islands. Seabirds, penguins and sea lions galore! Take some time to eat some more great seafood for lunch if that's your jam before returning to Lima in the afternoon for a final night out on the town with your mates. Pisco sour anyone?
Private Vehicle
Huacachina - Paracas 1h30m 75km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ballestas Islands Trip
Las Ballestas
Get ready to do some amazing wildlife watching on this trip to Ballestas Islands (aka Lima's Little Galapagos) on the Peruvian Coast. Spot playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, boobies, pelicans, and more than 200 species of sea birds. Be sure to bring a camera to capture some amazing pics.
Local Bus
Paracas - Lima 4h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Barranco
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : Lima/Cusco
Rise and shine and get ready to head high up into the Andes today on a short 1 hour flight to Cusco. You'll check into our comfy hostel in the historical centre and then take taxis up to the "Cristo Blanco" statue with the CEO for awesome views of the city and of the sprawling Sacsaywaman archaeological site right next to it. We'll wander back down to the main plaza through the backstreets of the city and then have the rest of the afternoon to explore and acclimatize to the altitude, grab a drink at a cafe on the main plaza or just relax back at the hostel.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Cusco
Bust out the walking shoes as today we’re going to hit the pavement! Set out on foot with your CEO to the San Pedro market before heading up into the narrow cobblestone backstreets to check out the Sapantiana aqueduct and stairway waterfall, a hidden gem of the city. Continue to San Blas for killer views and scarf down a delicious local lunch at one of the restaurants near the small plaza. Take the rest of the day to continue exploring or grab a drink near the main plaza and watch the world go by.
Backstreets walk of Cusco: San Pedro, Sapantiana and San Blas with Lunch
Cusco
Head out on foot with your CEO today to the backstreets of Cusco along the cobblestone alleyways and plazas. Take in the sights and smells of the sprawling San Pedro market and try out a glass of fresh fruit juice from one of the stalls. Head up through the oldest part of the city to the huaca and aqueduct of Sapantiana with a cascading waterfall tumbling over the stone steps. Carry on to the San Blas neighborhood for awesome views over the city and to eat a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 7 : Cusco/Ollantaytambo
You may have seen the typical day tours to the Sacred Valley, well today is definitely not one of them! Head out in a private ride and make the first stop at the lesser-visited (but awesome) Inca ruins of Killarumiyoq, a sanctuary dedicated to the moon. After a visit with our expert guide we'll carry on to another site at Iglesia Ñaupa before setting off on foot along a trail through the mountains to the beautiful waterfall of Perolniyoc. Soak in the scenery while eating a tasty boxed lunch before hiking back out to the bus and continuing to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Still want more? Check out the Ollantaytambo ruins at sunset, have a drink at a cafe or just hang out with friends at the hostel.
Visit to Killarumiyoq
Ancahuasi
Located 50km to the west of Cusco, the ruins of Killarumiyoq may not be as well-visited but they are no less impressive than some of the other Inca sites in the area. Thought to be a ceremonial centre dedicated to the moon and the divinity of womanhood, Killarumiyoq demonstrates how the Incas used the lunar cycles to plan agricultural calendars and to celebrate the fertility of the earth.
Iglesia Ñaupa and Hike to Perolniyoc Waterfall
Pachar
A hidden gem of the Sacred Valley, Iglesia Ñaupa is a small Inca temple that roughly translates to "old church" in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua. We'll access the site by walking up through a series of ancient terraces with the temple on top, carved out of a natural cave. After exploring the site with our local guide, continue on to embark on a short trek into the mountains to the spectacular Perolniyoc watervall. The hike is about an hour up the mountain trail until reaching the waterfall, where we'll have plenty of time to rest, take pictures and eat a delicious boxed lunch before returning on the same trail out.
Private Vehicle
Cusco - Ollantaytambo 1h45m 94km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Acommodation
Inkas Heaven Hotel
Acommodation
Inkas Heaven Hotel
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 : Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes
All aboard! Jump on the morning train and sit back for stunning views of the valley along the Urubamba River. For the hikers amongst us who have pre-booked the 1-day Inca Trail option, you'll get off the train early at km 104 to hike to the Sun Gate with a local guide and see Machu Picchu in the afternoon before meeting up with everyone again in the evening. For the rest of us, we'll arrive in town before lunch and will have the rest of the day to explore, shop, see a nearby waterfall or soak in the local hot springs. Don't stay up too late tonight though, tomorrow's the big day!
Train
Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes 1h30m
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Acommodation
Machu Picchu Inn
Optional Activities - Day 8
Hot Springs Visit
Aguas Calientes
Soak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
Aguas Calientes, or hot waters, is the perfect place to soak in some natural hot springs.
Mandor Waterfall Hike
Aguas Calientes 2h
Head out on a nature walk to Mandor Waterfall with your CEO. See how many different types of butterflies you can spot along the way. Enjoy the waterfall set in lush green jungle before returning to Aguas Calientes.
1-Day Inca Trail Hike
Inca Trail 6h - 8h 16km
Traverse cloud forests while enjoying spectacular views on this '1-day Inca Trail' trek. Start by disembarking the train at km 104. Follow the local guide as the trail rises steeply up into the mountains and winds past the archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna and Inti Pata. Gain insight into the fascinating culture of the Incas en route to the trek's culmination at the Sun Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way, and reach the Sun Gate in the late afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore a bit of Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following day. After, take one of the blue buses from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in a hotel in town. Opt to visit nearby hot springs to soak sore muscles, if time permits. **Please note this must be pre-booked as it requires an Inca Trail permit, which is on request and subject to availability. Please speak to your GCO or travel agent for more information.
1 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE PERMIT REQUEST Want a taste of the Inca Trail experience without committing to four days on the trail? Our 1 Day Inca Trail hike has you jumping off the train at Km 104 to trek about six hours to the Sun Gate, catching your first glimpse of Machu Picchu that afternoon. After soaking in the views, you'll hike down to the bus, taking you to Aguas Calientes where you'll catch up with the rest of your group. Get some rest because the next day you'll be up early to head back to Machu Picchu to get to know this site a little better with a guided tour around the area and free time to explore. By adding this Permit Request to your booking, you'll be notifying our team that you'd like us to purchase an Inca Trail permit on your behalf. One of our amazing Sales CEOs will contact you shortly after completing this booking process to gather all the required information to apply for a permit. Please have available your full name as it appears on your passport, passport number, expiry date and date of birth. PLEASE NOTE: Permits are limited and selecting this option does not guarantee we will be able to secure you a permit. There are only 500 permits available globally each day but our local Cusco office will do its very best to procure a permit for you. In the event permits are sold out, you will receive a full refund for the price of the permit. Your place on the tour will still be booked and you will take the train to Aguas Calientes with the group as outlined in the regular itinerary.
Acommodation
Machu Picchu Inn
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 9 : Aguas Calientes/Cusco
Rise and Shine! The early start today might be a bit painful but it's more than worth it, we swear. Before dawn, take a bus from town up the mountain to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our local expert. Grab some lunch in Aguas Calientes at one of the many restaurants and then head back to Ollantaytambo by train to catch the bus back to Cusco. If you haven't noticed by now, the nightlife is pretty great in Cusco, and if not.. well, now's your chance to see for yourself.
Local Bus
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu 0h15m
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Machu Picchu
Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Local Bus
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes 0h15m
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Ollantaytambo - Cusco 1h30m - 1h45m 60km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Train
Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo 1h30m - 1h45m 31km
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 10 : Cusco
Free day in Cusco, yes please! For those that have not gotten enough hiking and feed-worthy moments, you could take on the full-day trek to Rainbow Mountain. Otherwise there are plenty of other things to keep you busy like mountain biking, or exploring the city's museums, markets and shops - or you may just want to relax at the hostel with friends. It's pretty win-win no matter what.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Optional Activities - Day 10
Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip
Cusco
Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 2 hours to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 14km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint.
Cusco City Tour
Cusco
Enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Cusco
This ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Horseback Riding
Cusco
Hop in the saddle and explore Cusco’s archaeological sites by horseback on a 3.5 hr tour – no previous experience needed. Dress for the weather, and bring sunblock and a hat, just in case.
Mountain Biking
Cusco
Take to two wheels and head out into the hills around Cusco for some nature-meets-adrenaline fun. Try a trip to the Sacred Valley, perhaps, visiting an Inca ruin along the way.
Inka Museum
Cusco
Get ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Acommodation
Hostelworld Viajero Cusco
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 11 : Cusco
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | |||
| Wed, 08 Jan - Sat, 18 Jan | 4 Request | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 22 Jan - Sat, 01 Feb | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Mar 2025 | |||
| Wed, 05 Mar - Sat, 15 Mar | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 19 Mar - Sat, 29 Mar | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Apr 2025 | |||
| Wed, 02 Apr - Sat, 12 Apr | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 16 Apr - Sat, 26 Apr | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 30 Apr - Sat, 10 May | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| May 2025 | |||
| Wed, 14 May - Sat, 24 May | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 28 May - Sat, 07 Jun | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2025 | |||
| Wed, 11 Jun - Sat, 21 Jun | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 25 Jun - Sat, 05 Jul | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Jul 2025 | |||
| Wed, 09 Jul - Sat, 19 Jul | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 23 Jul - Sat, 02 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Aug 2025 | |||
| Wed, 06 Aug - Sat, 16 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 20 Aug - Sat, 30 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2025 | |||
| Wed, 10 Sep - Sat, 20 Sep | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2025 | |||
| Wed, 01 Oct - Sat, 11 Oct | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 22 Oct - Sat, 01 Nov | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2025 | |||
| Wed, 12 Nov - Sat, 22 Nov | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2025 | |||
| Wed, 03 Dec - Sat, 13 Dec | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Jan 2026 | |||
| Wed, 07 Jan - Sat, 17 Jan | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 21 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Mar 2026 | |||
| Wed, 04 Mar - Sat, 14 Mar | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 18 Mar - Sat, 28 Mar | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Apr 2026 | |||
| Wed, 01 Apr - Sat, 11 Apr | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 15 Apr - Sat, 25 Apr | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 29 Apr - Sat, 09 May | 7+ available | £1,049 | Request a quote |
| May 2026 | |||
| Wed, 13 May - Sat, 23 May | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 27 May - Sat, 06 Jun | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2026 | |||
| Wed, 10 Jun - Sat, 20 Jun | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 24 Jun - Sat, 04 Jul | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Jul 2026 | |||
| Wed, 08 Jul - Sat, 18 Jul | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 22 Jul - Sat, 01 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Aug 2026 | |||
| Wed, 05 Aug - Sat, 15 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 19 Aug - Sat, 29 Aug | 7+ available | £1,199 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2026 | |||
| Wed, 02 Sep - Sat, 12 Sep | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 16 Sep - Sat, 26 Sep | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2026 | |||
| Wed, 07 Oct - Sat, 17 Oct | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Wed, 28 Oct - Sat, 07 Nov | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2026 | |||
| Wed, 18 Nov - Sat, 28 Nov | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2026 | |||
| Wed, 09 Dec - Sat, 19 Dec | 7+ available | £1,129 | Request a quote |
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