Discover the best of Peru in 9 unforgettable days, starting with Lima’s coastal energy and ending on the peaceful waters of Lake Titicaca. This journey is designed for travelers who want Peru’s biggest highlights in a shorter, well-organized route, without losing the magic of culture, mountains, history, and adventure.
You’ll explore Lima, fly to Cusco, travel through the Sacred Valley, hike the Short Inca Trail through the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu, visit Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, and finish with the floating islands and traditions of Lake Titicaca. With 3-star hotels, expert local guides, reliable transfers, train tickets, entrance tickets, and smooth logistics, this tour lets you enjoy Peru with confidence from the moment you arrive.
Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
Activities Nature, Culture, History, Hiking
Average Group Size 8 to 12 people
Accommodation 3-star Hotels
Tour Language English - Spanish
Starts/Ends Lima / Puno
Destinations Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, PunoPeru Highlights Tour 9 Days with Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This 9-day Peru Highlights Tour is a smart, well-paced journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Puno, and Lake Titicaca. It is perfect for travelers who want Peru’s most iconic places in a shorter itinerary, with expert local support and clear logistics from start to finish.
The trip begins with an early morning arrival in Lima and an afternoon Traditional Lima City Tour, including the San Francisco Catacombs, colonial Lima, modern Lima, and the Miraflores boardwalk. From there, you continue to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca with comfortable 3-star hotels and guided services throughout the route.
- Tour style: Peru highlights + guided sightseeing + Short Inca Trail Km 104 + Machu Picchu + Rainbow Mountain + Lake Titicaca
- Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
- Start: Lima Airport pickup, early morning arrival required
- End: Juliaca Airport transfer, flight to Lima not included
- Accommodation: 3-star hotels, with 4-star and 5-star upgrades available
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate overall
Moderate hiking days: Short Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain
Best for: First-time visitors who want the classic Peru experience, smooth logistics, comfortable hotels, and one unforgettable trekking day into Machu Picchu.
Tour Highlights
- Discover the best of Peru in 9 days with a smooth, well-organized route
- Arrive in Lima early morning and enjoy the Traditional Lima City Tour in the afternoon
- Visit the San Francisco Catacombs, colonial Lima, modern Lima, and the Miraflores boardwalk
- Explore Cusco and the famous Inca sites above the city
- Travel through the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
- Hike the Short Inca Trail from Km 104 and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
- Enjoy a guided Machu Picchu tour on the best available official circuit for your travel date
- Return by panoramic train from the Machu Picchu area
- Experience a full-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
- Travel from Cusco to Puno by tourist bus with guided cultural stops
- Explore Lake Titicaca by boat, visiting the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island
Peru Highlights Tour 9 Days at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Lima Early Morning + Traditional Lima City Tour
Arrive in Lima early morning, meet your driver at the airport, and transfer to your 3-star hotel in Miraflores. In the afternoon, enjoy the Traditional Lima City Tour, including the San Francisco Catacombs, colonial and modern Lima sightseeing, and the Miraflores boardwalk. Lima hotel; meals not included; difficulty: easy.
Day 2: Fly Lima - Cusco + Cusco City Tour
Transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. Domestic flight not included. Upon arrival, enjoy airport pickup, hotel transfer, and a guided afternoon city tour including Cusco’s main highlights and nearby Inca sites. Cusco hotel; breakfast included; difficulty: easy.
Day 3: Super Sacred Valley Tour - Ollantaytambo
Explore the Sacred Valley with visits to a camelid farm, Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo. Overnight in Ollantaytambo for a smoother start to the Short Inca Trail. Breakfast and lunch included; difficulty: easy.
Day 4: Short Inca Trail Km 104 - Sun Gate - Aguas Calientes
Take the train to Km 104 and hike the Short Inca Trail through beautiful Inca sites and cloud forest. Reach the Sun Gate for your first view of Machu Picchu, then continue to Aguas Calientes for the night. Hike: 15 km / 8 mi; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included; difficulty: moderate.
Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Panoramic Train Back to Cusco
Take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour on the best available official circuit for your date. After the visit, return by panoramic train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport to Cusco. Cusco hotel; breakfast included; difficulty: easy to moderate.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley - Cusco
Travel into the high Andes for a full-day adventure to Rainbow Mountain. If conditions are good, continue to Red Valley before returning to Cusco in the afternoon. Cusco hotel; breakfast and lunch included; difficulty: moderate.
Day 7: Cusco - Puno Tourist Bus with Guided Stops
Travel from Cusco to Puno on a comfortable tourist bus with guided cultural stops along the way. Enjoy scenic landscapes, historic sites, and lunch before arriving in Puno in the evening. Puno hotel; breakfast and lunch included; difficulty: easy.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands + Taquile Island
Spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca by boat. Visit the Uros Floating Islands and continue to Taquile Island, known for its traditions, textiles, and beautiful lake views. Return to Puno for the night. Breakfast and lunch included; difficulty: easy to moderate.
Day 9: Puno - Juliaca Airport Transfer
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in Puno to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Domestic flight not included. This marks the end of your 9-day Peru journey. Breakfast included; difficulty: easy.
Note: This itinerary requires an early morning arrival in Lima on Day 1 in order to operate the Lima City Tour in the afternoon. Hotel early check-in is not included unless confirmed separately. The exact timing and order of some visits may vary depending on flight schedules, ticket availability, weather, train times, official Machu Picchu entry times, and local conditions.
Included
- Lima Airport pickup on arrival
- Lima Airport transfer for your flight to Cusco
- Cusco Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel
- Juliaca Airport transfer on the final day
- All hotel-to-hotel transfers as described in the itinerary
- All ground transportation for included tours in comfortable vehicles
- 8 hotel nights in comfortable 3-star hotels
- Hotel breakfasts as listed from Day 2 to Day 9
- 5 lunches as listed: Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, Cusco to Puno tourist bus, and Lake Titicaca
- 1 dinner in Aguas Calientes on the Short Inca Trail day
- Traditional Lima City Tour with San Francisco Catacombs, colonial and modern Lima sightseeing, and Miraflores boardwalk
- Cusco City Tour and nearby Inca sites above the city
- Super Sacred Valley Tour: Pisac, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Ollantaytambo
- Short Inca Trail permit for Km 104
- Train to Km 104 for the Short Inca Trail
- Professional guided Short Inca Trail hike
- Machu Picchu entry ticket
- Guided Machu Picchu tour
- Bus transportation between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes as described in the itinerary
- Panoramic return train service from the Machu Picchu area
- Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour
- Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno with guided cultural stops
- Lake Titicaca full-day boat tour to Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island
- Professional English-speaking local guides for the included guided tours
- Entrance tickets for included sights as described in the itinerary
- First-aid kit and oxygen available on hiking and adventure days
- Local support and assistance throughout the trip
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights: Lima - Cusco and Juliaca - Lima
- Travel insurance, highly recommended
- Meals not specifically listed as included
- Optional hikes at Machu Picchu, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Hotel upgrades to 4-star or 5-star category
- Early check-in in Lima unless confirmed separately
- Single supplement or room upgrades unless quoted separately
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and support teams
Peru Highlights & Short Inca Trail 9 Days - Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima Early Morning + Traditional Lima City Tour
Welcome to Peru. After your early morning arrival in Lima, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Miraflores, one of the best areas of the city for travelers, close to ocean views, restaurants, cafés, and walking paths.
If your room is ready, you can check in. If not, you can leave your luggage at the hotel and get ready for your first experience in Peru. In the afternoon, enjoy the Traditional Lima City Tour, including the San Francisco Catacombs, colonial Lima, modern Lima, and the Miraflores boardwalk with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
This first day is designed to feel smooth and easy: arrive, settle in, see the best of Lima, and start the trip without feeling rushed.
- Transportation: Lima airport pickup + private transfer
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lima
- Meals: Not included
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Fly Lima - Cusco + Cusco City Tour
At the right time, we’ll transfer you to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco. The domestic flight is not included. When you arrive, we’ll pick you up and take you to your hotel so you can settle in and start adjusting to the altitude.
In the afternoon, your guide will introduce you to Cusco’s main highlights: the main square, classic Inca stone streets, Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, and impressive Inca sites above the city such as Sacsayhuaman and nearby ruins.
This is a great first day in the Andes: cultural, beautiful, and paced gently so you can enjoy Cusco without overdoing it.
- Transportation: Lima airport transfer + Cusco airport pickup + private transfer
- Meals: Hotel breakfast
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 3: Super Sacred Valley Tour + Overnight in Ollantaytambo
Today you travel into the Sacred Valley, one of the most beautiful and important regions of the Inca world. The day combines mountain views, local culture, traditional markets, and impressive archaeological sites.
Visit a camelid farm, explore Pisac and its market, and enjoy lunch in Urubamba. In the afternoon, continue to Moray, famous for its circular terraces, and the Maras Salt Mines, one of the most unique landscapes in the valley.
The day ends in Ollantaytambo, a living Inca town with narrow stone streets, mountain views, and a powerful fortress above the village. Sleeping here is a big advantage because you are closer to the train and ready for the Short Inca Trail the next day.
- Duration: Full day tour
- Meals: Hotel breakfast + lunch
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ollantaytambo
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 4: Short Inca Trail Km 104 - Sun Gate - Aguas Calientes
Today is one of the biggest highlights of the tour. You’ll take the train to Km 104, where the Short Inca Trail begins, and start hiking along an original section of the famous Inca path.
Walk through cloud forest, enjoy mountain views, and visit beautiful Inca sites such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna. After your lunch, continue to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above.
Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest well for your guided Machu Picchu visit tomorrow.
- Hiking distance: 15 km / 8 mi
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highest altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Machu Picchu Guided Tour - Panoramic Train Back to Cusco
Start early and take the bus up to Machu Picchu for your guided tour. Your guide will help you understand the history, design, and meaning of this incredible site while showing you the best areas available on your official circuit.
After the guided visit, you’ll have time for photos and, if booked in advance, an optional hike such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
In the afternoon, return by panoramic train to Ollantaytambo, then continue by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Tour duration: 2.5 hours exploring Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- Meals: Hotel breakfast
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley - Cusco
Very early pickup for a scenic drive into the high Andes. After breakfast, hike up to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, to see the famous color bands and wide mountain views.
If conditions are good and you feel strong, you can also visit Red Valley, a quieter add-on with dramatic landscapes and fewer people. This day is not very technical, but the altitude makes it challenging, so your guide will set a steady and safe pace.
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi
- Highest altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Cusco
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 7: Cusco - Puno Tourist Bus with Guided Stops
Today you travel from Cusco to Puno on a comfortable tourist bus service made for travelers, with guided cultural stops along the route. It is a relaxed and scenic way to cross the Andes and see more of Peru between destinations.
Stops typically include Andahuaylillas Chapel, Raqchi, La Raya Pass, and Pukara Museum, depending on the service schedule. You arrive in Puno in the evening and transfer to your hotel near Lake Titicaca.
- Transportation: Tourist bus from Cusco to Puno + hotel transfer
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Puno
- Difficulty: Easy
Day 8: Lake Titicaca - Uros Floating Islands + Taquile
Today you explore Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. By boat, you’ll visit the Uros Floating Islands, built from reeds and still home to local families today.
Then continue to Taquile Island, known for its strong traditions, beautiful textiles, and peaceful lake views. After lunch and time to enjoy the island, return to Puno for your final night.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Puno
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Day 9: Puno - Juliaca Airport Transfer
After breakfast, we pick you up from your hotel in Puno and transfer you to Juliaca Airport, the closest airport to Puno, for your flight to Lima. The domestic flight is not included.
This is the end of your 9-day Peru journey, full of memories from Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca.
- Transportation: Juliaca airport drop-off + private transfer
- Meals: Hotel breakfast
- Difficulty: Easy
Note: This itinerary requires an early morning arrival in Lima on Day 1 in order to operate the Lima City Tour in the afternoon. Hotel early check-in is not included unless confirmed separately. The exact timing and order of some visits may vary depending on flight schedules, ticket availability, weather, train times, official Machu Picchu entry times, and local conditions.
Peru Highlights Tour 9 Days - Price and Booking
This 9-day Peru Highlights Tour is designed for travelers who want Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and Lake Titicaca in a shorter, well-organized route. The tour includes 3-star hotels, selected meals, transfers, guided tours, train tickets, entrance tickets, and local support throughout the trip.
The final price depends on your travel date, group size, room type, hotel availability, and whether you choose small-group or private service. If you are traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, contact us and we’ll send a clear quote based on your exact trip details.
Small-Group Tour: Price Per Person
| Traveler Type | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adults | From US$ [POR DEFINIR] |
| Children and students | From US$ [POR DEFINIR] |
Private Tour: Price Per Person
| Number of Participants | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 participant | Contact us for a private quote |
| 2 participants | Contact us for a private quote |
| 3 participants | Contact us for a private quote |
| 4 participants | Contact us for a private quote |
| 5+ participants | Contact us for a special group rate |
Booking and Payment
- Deposit: US$ [POR DEFINIR] per person to secure your booking. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco by credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need an alternative payment option.
- To confirm your booking, we need each traveler’s full name exactly as shown on the passport, passport number, date of birth, passport expiration date, and nationality.
- This itinerary requires an early morning arrival in Lima on Day 1 so the Lima City Tour can operate in the afternoon. Early check-in is not included unless confirmed separately.
- Domestic flights are not included: Lima to Cusco and Juliaca to Lima must be booked separately unless quoted as an additional service.
Student and Child Discount
- US$ [POR DEFINIR] off
This discount may apply to children and students with valid documents, depending on ticket rules and availability. To qualify for a student discount, the university ID must include:
- Student name, photo, and university name
- A valid expiration date; expired IDs will not be accepted
- ISIC cards are not accepted
The child discount is applied when valid according to the traveler’s age and ticket rules. Students must send a copy of their university ID when booking; if the ID is not accepted, the adult rate will apply.
Peru Tour 10 Days - Packing List
Peru has very different climates in one trip (coast, Andes, cloud forest, and high-altitude mountain areas). Packing in layers is the secret.
Essentials
What to wear?
What to put in your Daypack?
Peru Highlights & Short Inca Trail 9 Days - Travel Information
Day 1 in Lima: early arrival is required
This 9-day version starts with an early morning arrival in Lima. We pick you up at the airport, transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores, and run the Traditional Lima City Tour in the afternoon. If your room is not ready, you can leave your luggage at the hotel. Early check-in is not included unless confirmed separately.
What you will see on the Lima City Tour
The Lima tour includes the San Francisco Catacombs, colonial Lima, modern Lima, and the Miraflores boardwalk. It is a great first look at Peru before flying to Cusco the next day. The Larco Museum is not included in this updated 9-day itinerary.
Domestic flights are not included
You need to book two domestic flights: Lima to Cusco on Day 2 and Juliaca to Lima on Day 9. Airport transfers are included on the correct tour days. We recommend sharing your flight options before booking so we can confirm the best timing for transfers and tours.
Cusco altitude: take it easy when you arrive
Cusco is high altitude, so Day 2 is planned at a gentle pace. Drink water, eat light, avoid alcohol on your first night, and walk slowly. The afternoon city tour is cultural and beautiful, but it is not designed to be exhausting.
Why you sleep in Ollantaytambo before the Short Inca Trail
Sleeping in Ollantaytambo after the Sacred Valley tour makes the next morning smoother. You are closer to the train station and better positioned for the Short Inca Trail, avoiding a very early transfer from Cusco before the hike.
Short Inca Trail permits and passport details
The Short Inca Trail has limited permits, and they are issued using your passport information. Your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and passport expiration date must be correct. If you renew your passport after booking, tell us immediately so we can guide you.
Machu Picchu circuits and time slots
Machu Picchu uses official circuits and timed entry. We reserve the best available option for your travel date, but the exact circuit depends on availability when booking. Optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain require separate permits and should be requested early.
Train luggage rules for Machu Picchu
Trains to and from Machu Picchu are carry-on only. Pack a small overnight bag for Aguas Calientes and leave your larger suitcase stored at your Cusco hotel when possible. This makes the train journey easier and avoids luggage issues.
Rainbow Mountain is the highest day of the tour
Rainbow Mountain reaches around 5,200 m / 17,060 ft, so the altitude makes this day more demanding. Walk slowly, dress warmly, drink water, and follow your guide’s pace. If conditions are not good, your guide will advise the safest option.
Lake Titicaca and Puno: what to expect
Puno and Lake Titicaca are also high altitude, and mornings can feel cold and windy. Bring warm layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the boat tour. The Lake Titicaca day is not difficult, but there is walking on the islands and time outdoors.
Peru Highlights & Short Inca Trail 9 Days - FAQs
Is this 9-day tour good for first-time visitors to Peru?
Yes. It is a great option for first-time visitors who want the classic Peru route in a shorter itinerary: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Puno, and Lake Titicaca.
What happens if I arrive late on Day 1?
This itinerary requires an early morning arrival in Lima so the city tour can operate in the afternoon. If your flight arrives later, we recommend adding one extra night in Lima or adjusting the itinerary if availability allows.
Are flights included in the tour?
No. International and domestic flights are not included. You need to book Lima to Cusco and Juliaca to Lima. Airport transfers are included on the correct tour days as described in the itinerary.
Do I need hiking experience for the Short Inca Trail?
You do not need technical hiking experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven stone paths and stairs. The hike is moderate, and your guide will keep a steady pace with time to rest.
Which day is the hardest physically?
Rainbow Mountain is usually the hardest day because of the high altitude. The Short Inca Trail is longer, but it is at a lower altitude than Rainbow Mountain. Both are moderate hiking days.
Can I skip Rainbow Mountain if I do not feel well?
Yes. If you feel tired or affected by altitude, you can choose to rest in Cusco instead. Safety and comfort come first, and your guide can help you make the best decision based on how you feel.
Can I add Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, if permits are available. These optional hikes require separate tickets and should be requested as early as possible because spaces are limited.
What kind of hotels are included?
The base tour includes 3-star hotels in each destination. Upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels can be quoted separately, depending on availability and travel dates.
What meals are included?
Hotel breakfasts are included from Day 2 to Day 9. Lunches are included on the Sacred Valley, Short Inca Trail, Rainbow Mountain, tourist bus to Puno, and Lake Titicaca days. Dinner is included in Aguas Calientes on the Short Inca Trail day. Any meal not listed is not included.
What flight time should I choose from Juliaca on the final day?
Choose a flight that allows enough time for the transfer from Puno to Juliaca Airport, check-in, and possible local delays. Before booking, send us your preferred flight time and we will confirm if it works well with the itinerary.