Peru is a wonderful place, full of places to visit and explore, so there's no wonder why there are so many tours in Peru. With Machupicchut we offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore solo and in a group; for more information check here. From escaping the big and beautiful city of Lima; Peru tours range from the Paracas Desert and Huacachina, to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Whether you choose a long trip, a quick trip or just want a day trip, we've got you covered.
Short Trips from Lima
The capital city is an interesting destination for all travelers coming to Peru, and for most, a must-stop. Full of magnificent history and rich in culture, there are plenty of things to see and do within Lima, but many more to see just a couple of hours outside the city. Enjoy the best and most unique places Peru has to offer, all of which are unknown to the typical tourist, giving you the chance to experience the real Peru.
For those who are looking forward to escaping Lima for 1, 2 or 3 days to discover what lies just outside the city, there are plenty of options for you. From full days to weekends, our Peru tours are based around enjoying Paracas and its red beach, where the desert meets the ocean, the oasis of Huacachina hidden in the largest sand dunes in South America and the ancient and mysterious Nazca Lines. All of these are wonderful hidden treasures just a couple of hours outside of Lima.
Paracas
Just a few miles across the ocean from Paracas are the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife paradise. Sit back and enjoy the boat ride as you traverse the water towards the Ballestas Islands; also known as the “poor man’s Galapagos Islands”, the Ballestas allow you to get up close to exotic species such as sea lions and literally millions of birds including penguins. Dolphins are also occasionally spotted along the way! All of these animals are wild, and they all call these islands home.
The Ballestas Islands, however, are not all that Paracas has to offer, as it has a 200,000 hectare nature reserve; one of the largest on the continent. With us you can explore the best places, such as the red beach; as its name suggests, it is a beach with beautiful ruby ??red sand and bright blue water that together make a once-in-a-lifetime contrast. With us, you can learn everything there is to know from the people who have been there, what they have done, what they have loved, and what they want to share with you.
The Huacachina Oasis
Huacachina is a special place, not only in Peru, but in all of South America. It has the largest dunes in South America; hidden in these huge dunes, it is the only natural oasis in the desert on the entire continent. You can enjoy the village, sample traditional Peruvian food at one of the family-run restaurants around the oasis, explore some of the small stalls selling traditional Peruvian crafts, or rent a boat to paddle through the oasis.
After you've relaxed a bit, it's time to ramp up the excitement. Huacachina's main event is riding the dune buggies and sandboarding. Hop on a dune buggy and experience the thrill of a roller coaster, then ride down them at incredible speeds, sandboarding style. This is the adrenaline rush your trip needs; feel your heart beating a mile a minute (all with due safety). You can enjoy all the excitement, unforgettable views on the dunes, and watch an unforgettable sunset in the desert. Some time before you board the luxury buses to travel not only to Lima, but to the doorstep of your accommodation.
Nazca
Home of the mysterious Nazca Lines; one of the most popular Peru tours. The Nazca Lines are ancient geoglyphs in southern Peru; Some of the markings in the desert are over 2,000 years old, and historians and archaeologists have spent hundreds of years researching and studying these markings, and still, to this day, there is no uniform agreement on how or why they were created. They stretch across nearly 80 km of desert, where a flight over the Nazca Lines is the only way to fully enjoy these incredible landmarks (included on our Short Trips from Lima to Nazca); and on long routes, one of our exclusive stops is at the Nazca Lines Viewpoint, a way to see them without paying for the flight.
Peru Tours: From Cusco
When people talk about Peru, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Cusco. Whether it's the magnificent Machu Picchu, the indigenous textiles, or the world-class cuisine, there are many other reasons to visit the Incan capital. So, you'll soon discover that there's more to this city than just that; and all the better when it's just outside. Whether you want to escape for a day or two, everything in Cusco is so amazing and beautiful that any activity you choose will be once in a lifetime. This is Cusco, this is Peru.
Full day to Lake Titicaca from Cusco
Visit the unforgettable and very unique Lake Titicaca. You can board one of our luxury buses and travel in the evening to reach Lake Titicaca for sunrise, allowing you to enjoy the full day to appreciate the beauty and explore the incredible place. The tour begins with a boat ride to the famous floating islands of the Uros. These islands are made entirely of totora root, and have been used by locals for hundreds of years to live on; ever since the Incas invaded their land and forced them onto the water. After a few hours chatting with the locals and getting to know life on the islands, you will board the boat and sail across the highest navigable lake in the world until you reach one of its islands, Taquile.
Once in Taquile, you will enjoy a guided tour, which will take you to the most beautiful spots on the islands, tell you all the history and stop for a delicious lunch, which is included in the price. Once everyone has recharged on the island, you will board the boat again and head back to the dock, where you will have time to explore Puno before getting back on the bus to Cusco. This is the perfect way to explore Puno and Lake Titicaca if you have little time to see Puno.
If you have a little more time, you can also explore another island on Lake Titicaca, Amantani Island. Amantani Island is home to around 3,600 inhabitants, and while you're here, you can stay in a local's home and take part in intercultural activities during the day, as well as a traditional dance and bonfire to appreciate at night. The two-day tour also allows for more time on Taquile Island, meaning travelers can learn more about the history of the island and the culture of the people who call it home. We even managed to squeeze in just enough time for you to explore the city of Puno at your leisure. The two-day tour is the best way to really get to know the different people, cultures, and history of Lake Titicaca.
Visit the Rainbow Mountain
The Rainbow Mountain is a newly discovered gem in Cusco. It has gained popularity over the years, being considered the second most visited destination in Cusco, after Machu Picchu. Previously known only to locals, the Rainbow Mountain is located in the Red Valley; a valley of stones (as the name suggests) of an incredible ruby ??red color. The Rainbow Mountain, however, has more to tempt travelers. With its astonishing array of colors and steep summit, this is a place that is quickly becoming a must-see for those in Peru.
