9-Day Epic Peru: From Coastal Deserts to Machu Picchu & Sacred Mountains
Private Peru Grand Tour: 9-Day Coast, Desert & Machu Picchu Expedition
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
Focus
Overview:
The Complete Peruvian Spectrum
Why settle for just one side of Peru? This 9-Day Private Coast & Andes Expedition is the definitive itinerary for travelers who want to experience the country's dramatic biodiversity without the stress of logistical planning. We take you from the sea-level colonial elegance of Lima to the towering heights of the Rainbow Mountain, with every transfer, train, and ticket managed by our expert team.
Your journey begins on the Pacific Coast. You’ll taste the salty air of the Ballestas Islands, feel the adrenaline of sandboarding in Huacachina, and sip premium Pisco at the oldest distillery in the Americas. Then, we trade the desert for the mountains. You’ll fly to Cusco, acclimatizing with style through private city tours and a gourmet picnic in the Sacred Valley.
The climax of the trip is a double-header: an exclusive guided tour of Machu Picchu followed by a Choose Your Own Adventure trekking day. Whether you want to hike to a turquoise glacial lake or the famous 7-color mountain, you do it with the safety net of oxygen, private transport, and expert guides.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Farewell to Peru
Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping in Cusco.
Transfer: Private drive to Cusco Airport for your departure flight.
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.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Do we have to do the sandboarding?
No. The dune buggy ride stops at the top of the dunes for photos. You can stay in the buggy or just watch others sandboard. It’s entirely up to your comfort level.
Is the flight to Cusco included?
Domestic flights are not included in the base rate because prices fluctuate wildly. We recommend booking a flight around 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Day 5 to allow for a comfortable transfer and afternoon acclimatization.
Can I skip the trek on Day 8?
Yes. If you prefer a relaxing day, we can swap the trek for a cultural tour to the South Valley of Cusco (Tipón & Pikillacta) or a free day to enjoy the city.
Is this safe for seniors?
Yes, provided they are mobile. The private nature means we can slow down. For Day 8, we strongly recommend Palccoyo for seniors as it is flat and much easier than the other options.
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.
9-Day Epic Peru: From Coastal Deserts to Machu Picchu & Sacred Mountains
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.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
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.
