The Karikuy Adventure – 10 Day Peru Itinerary

Your 10 Day Peru Itinerary takes you south along Peru’s stunning coastal desert this morning. After a comfortable transfer to the Cruz del Sur Bus Station, enjoy a scenic 5-hour ride through the arid landscapes en route to Ica.

Upon arrival, your guides will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to the enchanting Huacachina Oasis, a hidden gem surrounded by towering sand dunes. After settling into your hotel, prepare for an adrenaline-filled afternoon Sandboarding Tour (included), where you’ll glide down dunes and soak in breathtaking desert views.

The evening is yours to relax and explore Huacachina at your leisure, with its laid-back vibe and picturesque scenery offering the perfect end to an adventurous day.

Your 10 Day Peru Itinerary continues with an awe-inspiring day in Nazca. In the morning, your guides will transfer you to the bus terminal for a 2-hour journey to the city of Nazca, where local guides will be waiting to greet you.

Begin your adventure at the Nazca Aerodrome, where you’ll meet your pilot for the unforgettable Nazca Lines Overflight. In just 40 minutes, you’ll soar above these mysterious ancient geoglyphs, marveling at their intricate designs and their enigmatic origins. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions before boarding, as the small plane’s maneuvers can be intense.

After your flight, delve deeper into the history of the Nazca culture with a visit to the Chauchilla Cemetery, an ancient burial site remarkably preserved by the region’s arid climate. Explore tombs and view centuries-old mummies that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Later, visit local artisan workshops to learn the traditional methods of pottery making, passed down for thousands of years, and discover how precious minerals are mined in the area.

Conclude the day with a return bus ride to Lima, followed by a seamless transfer to your hotel to relax after a day filled with adventure and history.

Our 10 day Peru itinerary continues with a transfer from your Lima hotel to the airport to catch your domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco you continue with a fascinating exploration of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Cusco City Tour takes you to the city’s most iconic landmarks, starting with Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. Once the most important spiritual center during Incan rule, Koricancha showcases the incredible precision of Incan stonework, standing in striking contrast to the Spanish colonial church built atop its foundations.

Next, head to the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking Cusco. Marvel at the massive stones used in its construction and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and the valley below—a perfect spot for capturing unforgettable photos.

The tour continues with visits to smaller yet equally intriguing sites, including Tambomachay, Qenq’o, and Puka Pukara. Each offers a unique perspective on Incan engineering, ceremonial practices, and daily life.

To conclude your tour, enjoy a stop at artisan shops outside Cusco. Browse and purchase beautifully crafted alpaca sweaters, blankets, artwork, and souvenirs, bringing home a piece of Peruvian culture to remember your journey.

Your Karikuy Adventure continues as you depart at 8:00 AM for a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley, one of the most iconic regions of the Inca Empire. The journey begins with a scenic drive through fertile landscapes surrounded by the majestic Andes.

Your first stop is the town of Pisac, renowned for its vibrant market held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Here, you can barter for handcrafted textiles, souvenirs, and local goods while experiencing the energy of Andean culture. Nearby, explore the Pisac ruins, a marvel of Incan agricultural innovation with its intricate terraces and housing structures. These ancient remnants offer insight into Incan ingenuity and breathtaking views of the valley.

The tour continues to Urubamba, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch amidst the valley’s picturesque scenery. Afterward, visit the historic town of Ollantaytambo, home to an awe-inspiring fortress. Walk along the immense stone terraces that once served as a defensive stronghold and hear the fascinating story of how this site became the only location where the Incas successfully repelled Spanish forces. The stunning backdrop of the valley enhances the storytelling, making this visit unforgettable.

The final stop is Chinchero, a charming market town famous for its talented artisans and traditional craftsmanship. Here, you can shop for authentic Andean souvenirs and explore the town’s impressive ruins. Returning to Cusco around 6:00 PM, you’ll have the evening to relax and reflect on a day filled with culture, history, and breathtaking sights.

Your 10 day Peru itinerary takes an adventurous turn as you set out on the Inca Jungle Trek, an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and breathtaking scenery. The day begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel, followed by a scenic four-hour drive to Carrizales or San Luis, the starting point of your cycling adventure. Along the way, pass through the stunning Abra Málaga Pass, located at 4,300 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the Andes.

From here, hop on your bike and embark on an exhilarating three-hour downhill ride through lush cloud forests. Along the way, marvel at coffee plantations, coca leaf fields, and the vibrant vegetation of this unique ecosystem. The ride ends in the town of Santa Maria, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, for those seeking extra excitement, you can opt for a 1.5-hour rafting excursion on the Vilcanota River, navigating Class III and IV rapids. This thrilling activity is the perfect way to round off the day.

Spend the night in a comfortable guest house in Santa Maria, reflecting on the day’s adventures as you prepare for the next chapter of your 10 day Peru itinerary.

Your Karikuy Adventure continues with a day of trekking that combines breathtaking scenery, cultural discovery, and fascinating history. After a delicious breakfast at 6:30 AM, you’ll set out on the first leg of your hike along a recently uncovered section of the Inca Trail, which once connected Machu Picchu to the city of Vilcabamba.

The initial two hours of the trek are uphill, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, enjoy several stops to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the region. One memorable pause will be at a local family home, where you can rest for 20 minutes, replenish your water supply, and taste fresh tropical fruits from the area.

As you continue on the Inca Trail, your guide will share insights into the Incan communication system, describing how this historic pathway served as a vital link between sacred cities. The combination of natural beauty and historical storytelling makes this journey both enriching and unforgettable.

The day ends in the town of Santa Teresa, where you’ll settle into a comfortable hostel for the night. Enjoy a well-earned rest as you prepare for another day of adventure on your 10 day Peru itinerary.

Your 10 day Peru itinerary continues with a mix of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the anticipation of reaching Machu Picchu. Begin the morning with an exciting canopy or zip-lining experience, often referred to as “Monkey Tail,” for those seeking an adrenaline rush. After breakfast, set off for Old Santa Teresa, where you’ll cross the Urubamba River via a cable pulley—an unforgettable way to connect with the rugged terrain.

The journey then transitions into a 2.5-hour hike through lush landscapes filled with coca, coffee, and fruit plantations. Along the way, marvel at cascading waterfalls and savor the sight of local crops such as bananas, oranges, avocados, and mangos. As you ascend, the imposing Machu Picchu Mountain comes into view, a thrilling preview of the ancient citadel awaiting you.

Arrive at Hydroelectric, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before embarking on the final leg of the day’s trek. Walk 2 hours along the railroad tracks, surrounded by lush vegetation, until you reach Aguas Calientes, the charming village nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Spend the night in a cozy hotel, relaxing and preparing for tomorrow’s highlight: your visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu.

Your 10 day Peru itinerary builds to an unforgettable highlight with a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. The day begins early, with breakfast at 5:00 AM, followed by a one-hour hike up to the Inca citadel. Arriving with the first groups, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sunrise over this ancient wonder, a magical moment that will stay with you forever.

Explore the site with a two-hour guided tour, during which your expert guide will reveal the history, architecture, and sacred significance of Machu Picchu. Afterward, enjoy time to explore the citadel at your own pace, marveling at its mysteries and taking in its breathtaking surroundings. Optional hikes to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu are available for those seeking even more adventure (additional cost).

Later, descend to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board the return train to Ollantaytambo. From there, travel by car back to Cusco, arriving in the evening at approximately 8:00 PM. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can enjoy your final night in Cusco at your leisure.

Tomorrow, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return flight to Lima, bringing this incredible leg of your journey to a close.

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your lodging for a seamless transfer to the airport, where you’ll board your domestic flight back to Lima. With that, your unforgettable journey through Peru comes to an end.

As your Karikuy Adventure 10 Day Peru Itinerary concludes, we hope your time with Karikuy Tours has been filled with awe-inspiring experiences, from the breathtaking Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines to the serene beauty of Cusco and the vibrant energy of the Inca Jungle Trek. Each destination, a chapter in a story you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you have questions, need assistance, or wish to plan another unforgettable journey, we’re always here to help. Thank you for trusting Karikuy Tours, and we look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of Peru’s wonders. Until next time, safe travels!

The itinerary allows you to arrive at any time on day 1, our guides will be ready to pick you up from the airport and take your lodging. You are free to choose what date you arrive in Peru. The most popular months to travel are from April to August.

To give you the best pricing as well as  the flexibility to schedule your tour at your convenience, group tours have you join different daily groups departing for each tour. These tours group sizes differ on location but can be anywhere from 6 people to 25 people. For the 4 and 5 star tour options you have private tours included that are just yourselves and a guide.

Peru gives most travelers temporary Visas upon arrival. These Visas are from 30 days to 6 months. If you are unsure if your country needs a Visa you can check here, countries marked NO are given Visas upon arrival, countries marked SI require a Visa to enter Peru.

Our tours do not include international or domestic airfare. We do not include international airfare to keep our prices low as you can purchase your own international airfare at better prices directly from the airline websites or Google Flights. We can assist you with domestic airfare as we get good prices, you will need to contact us and we will send you the pricing with domestic airfare included.

Our tours include transfers to and from the airport, and between your tours and hotels. So technically you do not need to hire your own transport. If you want to get transportation on a free day or evening we would recommend you have your hotel call you a taxi or UBER also works really well in Peru. Please note that all our Backpacker category tours do not include transfers.

Yes we do accept 50% deposits, make sure to choose that option at checkout, full price of a tour is due 45 days before your arrival to Peru so we can pay all the reservations in advance. We have some of the best customer service when it comes to cancellations, we work with our customers to get the best outcome even going above and beyond our own terms and conditions. 

The most popular Machu Picchu admissions are the 2A or 2B Circuits, these give you the longest circuit to see the most at Machu Picchu including the classic photo locations. We include these to our tours.

Please note however that since 2023 that these new circuits sell out quickly due to their popularity. You should try to make your reservation 3 months or more in advance to secure these admissions. Once these advanced purchase admissions sell out you can only purchase walk in admissions that will have you spend an extra day at Aguas Calientes to secure them in person. Please try to book in advance and contact us to check availability.