Photography Experience in Peru — 12 Days / 11 Nights

At around 11:00 am, your guide will meet you at your hotel for your tour to the Pachacamac Sanctuary. On the way, enjoy city views as you head south.

After about an hour, you’ll arrive at Pachacamac, the most important ceremonial center on the central coast of Peru for over a thousand years. This sacred site was revered as an oracle capable of predicting the future and controlling seismic movements. Pilgrims from across the Andes visited to seek divine guidance. The complex includes pyramids, palaces, and temples like the Temple of the Sun, the Acllahuasi, and more.

We’ll continue to a private Paso Horse ranch in the Lurín Valley. Surrounded by lush gardens, a traditional Peruvian rider will introduce you to the Peruvian Paso Horse, sharing the story of this elegant breed. Enjoy a buffet lunch during the show.

To finish, we’ll do a panoramic drive through Lima’s modern districts before returning to your hotel in Miraflores.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel
  
• Private transportation
  
• Expert guide
  
• Entry to the Pachacamac Sanctuary
  
• Paso Horse Show
  
• Buffet lunch
  
• One night at a hotel in Lima
  

Not included:

• Dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Delays or costs beyond our control

According to your flight time, we’ll pick you up 3 hours in advance and transfer you to the Lima airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

In the afternoon (around 3:00 pm), you’ll begin your walking tour of Cusco. We’ll start at San Pedro Market, just 5–10 minutes from most central hotels, where you’ll experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find fresh juices, cheeses, traditional breads, coffee, coca leaves, and locally made textiles like ponchos and chullos.

Next, visit the Santa Clara Arch, the San Francisco Square, and its botanical garden, showcasing native Andean flora. Continue through Marqués Street to reach Plaza de Armas (Aucaypata in Quechua), the city’s historical heart, known for its colonial arcades and cobblestone streets.

Your route will also take you to the Sapantiana aqueduct, a two-story colonial archway, and down Seven Little Lambs Street, a charming alley perfect for photos.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Lima
  
• Transfer from hotel to Lima airport
  
• Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco
  
• Transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel
  
• Guided walking tour of Cusco
  
• One night at a hotel in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Meals: lunch and dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Delays or costs beyond our control

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At approximately 7:40 am, your guide will pick you up to begin the Sacred Valley tour.

Our first stop will be at the Taray viewpoint, where you’ll capture panoramic shots of the valley framed by mountains. We’ll then head to the Pisac archaeological site (2972 masl / 9751 ft), perched on a mountaintop with impressive agricultural terraces. You’ll also visit the Pisac artisan market.

Next, continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town known for its preserved streets and water channels. You’ll also visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, thought to be a military and religious hub with massive stone structures and intricate construction.

On the return journey, we’ll make one final stop in Chinchero, renowned for its Inca terraces and textile traditions. Here, locals continue weaving practices passed down for generations. Afterward, we’ll return to your hotel in Cusco.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel
  
• Private transportation
  
• Expert guide
  
• Entry to Pisac archaeological site
  
• Entry to Ollantaytambo ruins
  
• Entry to Chinchero archaeological site
  
• Buffet lunch in Urubamba
  
• One night at a hotel in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Dinner
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Delays or costs beyond our control

Today is the big day—you’ll visit Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome Observatory train. The 1-hour 40-minute ride features panoramic windows, live music, and onboard entertainment, offering stunning views of the Urubamba River and lush landscapes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel and prepare for your visit. Your guide will meet you and accompany you to the bus station, where you’ll begin a 35–40 minute ascent to the Machu Picchu entrance (2430 masl / 7972 ft).

During your guided visit, you’ll explore Machu Picchu’s stone temples, terraces, and sacred sites, learning about Inca engineering and spirituality. The guide will offer detailed insights and allow time for photos.

After your 2.5-hour tour, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have time to rest at your hotel or explore the town and have dinner on your own. Rest early—tomorrow is another adventure.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel
  
• Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
  
• Vistadome Observatory train ticket to Aguas Calientes
  
• Private tour guide
  
• Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  
• Entry to Machu Picchu
  
• One night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
  

Not included:

• Meals: lunch and dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Delays or costs beyond our control

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and together you’ll head to the bus station to board one of the first buses going up to Machu Picchu. Once at the entrance, you’ll begin Circuit 3, which includes a 20-minute walk through the lower part of Machu Picchu. Along the route, you’ll pass by Inca structures and the impressive water channels of the citadel. Soon, you’ll reach the control gate to start your ascent to Huayna Picchu.

The trail is narrow and surrounded by native vegetation. After about 10 minutes of climbing, you’ll already begin to enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The path includes stone steps, and at certain points you’ll need to use your hands for support—it’s completely worth it. Hydration is key for this climb. After around an hour and a half, you’ll reach the summit of Huayna Picchu (2690 m / 8826 ft), where you’ll witness the remarkable architecture the Incas built atop the mountain. From the top, the panoramic views of the Machu Picchu ruins and the entire mountain range are breathtaking—you’ll also see the town of Aguas Calientes and the powerful Urubamba River cutting through the valley.

After spending some time at the summit, you’ll descend the same way you came up. The return can be tiring on the legs, but the effort is well rewarded. Back in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have free time for lunch before heading to the train station (arrive at least 30 minutes early). You’ll take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Aguas Calientes
  
• Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco
  
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  
• Private professional guide
  
• Roundtrip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
  
• Entry ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain
  
• Overnight stay in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
• Delays or additional costs beyond our control

We’ll begin the afternoon tour with pickup from your hotel at 2:30 pm. You’ll drive for about 30 minutes to “Manos de la Comunidad,” a cultural center dedicated to preserving traditional Andean customs and textile arts. The colorful alpaca and llama wool decor makes this place truly charming.

You’ll meet the four most iconic camelids of the Andes: the suri, guanaco, alpaca, and llama. Enjoy feeding, interacting, and taking photos with them. You’ll also learn about the textile process—how raw alpaca wool is transformed into blankets, bags, sweaters, and decorative items.

Next, head to Cristo Blanco, a panoramic viewpoint perched at 3575 m / 11729 ft, just above Cusco and near Sacsayhuaman. Take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Descend along a cobblestone path to reach the San Cristóbal viewpoint, right in the city center, for more stunning shots. From there, stroll down into San Blas, Cusco’s oldest and most artistic neighborhood, with steep cobbled streets full of history and charm.

To close the day, you’ll visit a nearby venue for a hands-on Pisco Sour experience. A bartender will guide you through the recipe and ingredients: pisco, lime juice, egg white, and bitters. After mixing your own drink, enjoy it on the spot—if you nail the recipe, it might be your new party trick back home!

You’ll have the option to stay for dinner at the same venue, which features a menu of local flavors.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco
  
• Bilingual private guide
  
• Visit to Manos de la Comunidad
  
• Tourist transportation to and from the community center
  
• Stops at Cusco’s main viewpoints
  
• Pisco Sour ingredients & workshop
  
• Overnight stay in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  
• Additional beverages
  
• Return transport (walking distance)
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
  

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up around 7:00 am. You’ll head west of Cusco toward the Chonta viewpoint in Limatambo district. Along the way, you’ll pass through Anta and Limatambo, stopping briefly at Tarawasi, an archaeological site believed to have served ceremonial purposes.

Continue along a dirt road flanked by rugged landscapes and local farmlands. From the parking area, a one-hour hike leads to the viewing platforms situated about 3 km in. There are three viewpoints, and we’ll head to the most scenic one to spot the majestic Andean condors.

The Apurímac Canyon below offers a dramatic backdrop for watching these massive birds take flight, typically between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. The dry season from April to October is ideal for sightings thanks to the strong winds that aid their soaring.

If weather conditions are poor, sightings may be limited, but the view alone makes the hike worth it.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco
  
• Tourist transport
  
• Professional guide
  
• Box lunch
  
• Entry tickets to Chonta viewpoint
  
• Overnight stay in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Delays or costs beyond our control

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and drive south for two hours to the town of Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast. Then we’ll continue on a rural road for about 1 hour and 40 minutes through picturesque Andean villages and scenic landscapes.

Once we arrive at the base, we’ll begin our gentle hike to Palccoyo Mountain. The trail features gradual climbs and designated stops for photo ops. In about 50 minutes to an hour, you’ll reach the summit at 4900 m / 16076 ft. From here, the views of the colorful mountain range are simply breathtaking—layers of red, ochre, and magenta stretch across the valley.

After a well-deserved break and lots of photos, descend back to the vehicle and head to a nearby restaurant for lunch made with local ingredients. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken to your lodge by the river in Cusipata—a small, peaceful village perfect for unwinding and recharging for the next day’s adventure.

Included:

• Private tourist transportation
  
• Specialized trekking guide
  
• Buffet breakfast and lunch
  
• Dinner at the ecolodge
  
• Entry ticket to Palccoyo
  
• Trekking poles
  
• First aid kit and oxygen
  
• Overnight stay at Cusipata Lodge
  

Not included:

• Extra beverages
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Additional expenses
  

At 5:00 am, your guide will pick you up for the journey to Pallay Poncho Mountain in Layo district. After a 2.5-hour drive, passing towns like Checacupe, Sicuani, and Marangani, we’ll reach the trailhead.

The hike to the summit takes about an hour, through open fields and surrounded by llamas and alpacas. The final stretch is steep and requires some effort, but the reward is spectacular. The mountain displays fine, colorful lines—red, ochre, magenta, turquoise, brown, and yellow—that resemble the patterns of a traditional Andean poncho.

From the summit at 4700 m / 15420 ft, you’ll also have a view of the Langui Layo lagoon and the surrounding peaks of the Andes. After exploring and taking photos, you’ll return by the same route. Back in Cusipata, enjoy a buffet lunch before heading back to Cusco.

Included:

• Tourist transportation
  
• Private trekking guide
  
• Box breakfast from the ecolodge
  
• Buffet lunch
  
• Entry ticket to Pallay Poncho
  
• Trekking poles
  
• First aid kit and oxygen
  
• Overnight stay in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Dinner
  
• Additional beverages
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses

Today is yours to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Visit museums, shop at artisan markets, or simply unwind at your hotel.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel
  
• Overnight stay in Cusco
  

Not included:

• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  
• Optional activities or tours
  
• Extra expenses
  
• Travel insurance
  

Optional: Day tour to Maras and Moray, rafting, llama trek, or hot air balloon flight. Ask your travel consultant for more information.

Depending on your flight time, we’ll pick you up and transfer you to the Cusco airport. From there, you’ll fly back to Lima and connect to your international flight.

Included:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Cusco
  
• Transfer from hotel to Cusco Airport
  
• Domestic flight Cusco – Lima
  
• Transfer from Lima airport to your hotel (if applicable)
  
• Transportation to the Magic Water Circuit
  

Not included:

• Hotel in Lima
  
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
  
• Travel insurance
  
• Extra expenses or delays outside our control