About this trip
This 11-day trip runs from Lima's coast to the mountains around Cusco, covering both Peru's desert landscapes and the Inca ruins most people come for.
You start with fresh seafood and dune buggy rides around a desert oasis before moving up into the Andes, where the pace shifts to ruins, hikes and long views over the Sacred Valley.
It builds toward Machu Picchu, but the days beforehand — an insider's look at Cusco and some of the Sacred Valley's quieter sites — are given real time rather than treated as a warm-up.
What you'll do
- Try fresh seafood in Lima
- Ride dune buggies around the desert oasis at Huacachina
- Get a local's tour of Cusco
- Visit lesser-known sites in the Sacred Valley
- See Machu Picchu for the first time
- Hostel-based, with private rooms rather than dorms
- Moderate pace — a mix of travel days, city time and hiking
- Covers both coastal desert and highland Peru, so expect some big scenery and temperature shifts
Worth it if you want diverse Peruvian landscapes sorted and cracking guides. Think twice if you need downtime or travel at a slower pace.
- Guides consistently went above and beyond with genuine knowledge and energy throughout.
- Packs genuinely different landscapes—deserts, mountains, ruins—into 11 days without logistical stress.
- Group dynamic strong; reviewers repeatedly mention making lasting friendships on the trip.
- Non-stop activity schedule suits those wanting maximum experiences; not ideal for leisurely travel.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Oct is cheapest — from £960, about 18% below the priciest month (Sep).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Lima · 6 Oct – 7 Oct
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