National Program: Lima, Ica and Cusco 8D/7N
National Program: Lima, Ica and Cusco 8D/7N
Overview
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Lima / City Tour Lima
Upon your arrival in Lima, a representative from our agency will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your selected hotel. Upon arrival, you will receive an informative briefing about the activities we will carry out in Lima.
Between 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., our transportation will pick you up from your hotel to begin our first activity: the City Tour.
We will enjoy a fascinating journey through Lima, exploring its three historical periods: Ancient, Colonial, and Modern Lima. We will start with a panoramic view of the Pucllana Pyramid, an ancient ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century A.D., considered sacred by the Incas.
Afterward, we will head to Lima’s Historic Center, where we will explore what was once the old “Lima Cuadrada.” Here, we will admire more than fifty colonial monuments and buildings, including the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral Basilica, among other emblematic landmarks.
We will continue our tour by visiting the Church of San Francisco, which houses the largest collection of colonial religious art in the Americas and is famous for its underground catacombs.
Finally, we will visit the Contemporary Zone of Lima, where we will observe the main modern buildings and residential areas, including El Olivar Park in San Isidro, Miraflores, Larcomar, and the Love Park.
Our tour will conclude with the return to your hotel at 6:30 p.m.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Ballestas Islands and Oasis Huacachina
At 4:30 a.m., our transportation will pick you up from your hotel. Once on board, we will begin a 4-hour journey to the city of Paracas, arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m. Along the way, we will make a short stop to use the restrooms and buy something for breakfast.
Upon arrival in Paracas, we will head to the “El Chaco” pier to board a speedboat that will take us to the Ballestas Islands.
Our first stop will be in front of the mysterious Candelabro, a huge trident-shaped geoglyph over 2,500 years old. Here, we will explore various theories about its origin, possibly linked to ancient pirates or even to the creators of the famous Nazca Lines.
Continuing our journey, we will reach the Ballestas Islands, three small islands that host an impressive marine and ecological biodiversity. We will be amazed by the large colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous guano birds flying overhead. Finally, we will return to the pier.
Next, we will continue our trip to Ica, where we will visit a traditional winery that produces the famous Peruvian Pisco. Our local guide will show us around the facilities and explain the ancient process of making Pisco and wine. After the tour, visitors will be able to taste the different varieties produced at the winery.
Then, we will head to the Huacachina Oasis, located just 5 km from the city center. In this beautiful oasis, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, stroll around the lagoon, and take wonderful photographs (free time).
At 4:00 p.m., we will begin the exciting dune buggy ride through the sand dunes surrounding the Huacachina Lagoon. The huge dunes also offer visitors the chance to practice one of the desert’s most thrilling sports, sandboarding, which involves sliding down the sand on a board.
Finally, we will return to Lima, arriving at our hotel at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Day 3: Arrival to Cusco / City Tour and surrounding archaeological parks
Upon your arrival in Cusco, our staff will greet you at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and transfer you to your selected hotel. There, you will receive an informative briefing and the tickets to be used during the scheduled tours.
At 1:00 p.m., we will begin the Cusco City Tour. Our excursion starts with a visit to the impressive Temple of Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire.
Next, we will board our vehicle and head to the main archaeological centers located near the city, beginning with Sacsayhuamán, strategically situated with a spectacular panoramic view of Cusco. This site is renowned for its massive polished stones, precisely fitted together without mortar.
We will continue to the mystical Temple of Qenqo, a sanctuary where the Incas performed religious ceremonies and sacrifices. Afterwards, we will explore Puka Pukara, a military and administrative center that controlled access routes to the Inca capital. Finally, we will visit Tambomachay, known as the Temple of Water, famous for its ceremonial fountains and aqueducts.
We will return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m., where you will be dropped off near the Main Square, a perfect place to enjoy the charm and the magical evening atmosphere of the Imperial City.
Day 4: Super Sacred Valley (VIP Valley)
At 6:30 a.m., our transportation will pick you up from your hotel to begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour. We will start by visiting the picturesque town of Chinchero, where we’ll explore its colonial church and fascinating archaeological site. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional art of Andean textiles by visiting a local weaving center that still preserves the ancient techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving wool.
Next, we will head to the impressive archaeological site of Moray, famous for its mysterious circular terraces, once used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to experiment with crops at different altitudes. We will then continue to the famous Maras Salt Mines, a stunning complex of about 5,000 natural salt ponds that have been used since Inca times for artisanal salt extraction.
After this exciting morning, we’ll continue to the city of Urubamba, where we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch made with fresh local products. In the afternoon, we will visit Ollantaytambo, known as the “Living Inca City” for preserving its original urban layout from the Inca period. Here, we’ll explore its archaeological complex, which includes the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Ten Niches, sacred fountains, and the natural rock formation known as the Face of the Andean God Tunupa, among other wonders.
Later, we’ll go to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the train bound for the charming town of Aguas Calientes. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Upon arrival, our staff will meet you and take you to your assigned hotel. In the evening, a local guide will visit you to coordinate the details of the next day’s Machu Picchu tour.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
We’ll begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. One hour before our scheduled entry to Machu Picchu, we will head to the bus station to start a short 25-minute ride that will take us to the majestic Inca Citadel. There, our specialized guide will be waiting to accompany us on this unique and unforgettable experience.
Once inside, we will enjoy a guided tour of approximately two hours, exploring the most iconic and mysterious corners of Machu Picchu. We will learn about the history and secrets behind its construction and centuries-long abandonment, and we’ll be amazed by the impressive agricultural terraces and advanced irrigation systems that allowed year-round cultivation.
The complex includes over 200 structures, such as residences, plazas, granaries, temples, and observatories. Among the main highlights we’ll visit are: the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Temple of the Condor, and the enigmatic Intihuatana, known as the “Inca solar clock”. We will also see the Funerary Rock, the Main Gate, the Acllahuasi, the Royal Mausoleum, and the House of the Princess, among many other architectural wonders.
At the end of the tour, we will board the bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time for lunch at your own expense. At the agreed time, we’ll head to the train station to take the return train to Ollantaytambo, and finally continue by private transport back to the city of Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 6: Humantay Lagoon
The tour will begin at 4:00 a.m. We will start with the pickup from your hotel and begin our journey along a paved road until we reach the picturesque town of Mollepata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Afterward, we’ll continue along a dirt road to the charming village of Soraypampa, the starting point of our hike. From there, we will begin a 1.5-hour trek up to the stunning Humantay Lagoon, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
At this breathtaking spot, you will have time to admire the scenery and capture memorable photographs of this natural wonder, surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of Salkantay and Humantay. Please note that this tour has a moderate level of difficulty and requires a reasonable level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
After the visit, we will descend back to Soraypampa, where we’ll board our vehicle for the return trip to Mollepata. There, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before heading back to the city of Cusco.
We expect to arrive around 5:30 p.m. You’ll spend the night in Cusco, carrying with you fresh memories of the spectacular Humantay Lagoon and its unparalleled natural beauty.
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
At 4:30 a.m., we will pick you up from your hotel and begin our journey along a paved road toward the town of Cusipata. We will then continue along a dirt road until reaching the charming village of Paucarpata, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.
Once we’ve recharged our energy, we’ll continue to Qomer Qocha, where you’ll have time to prepare while our tour guide provides important recommendations before starting the 1-hour hike. This trek has a moderate level of difficulty and requires a good physical condition, as the destination point — Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain — is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level.
Upon reaching the Mountain of Seven Colors, you’ll have time to take photos, admire the stunning landscape, and create unforgettable memories in this unique natural setting. We’ll then return to Qomer Qocha, where we’ll board our vehicle and head to a local restaurant to enjoy lunch.
After a short rest, we’ll begin our journey back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 p.m.
You will spend the night in Cusco, having experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) — a truly unforgettable adventure.
Day 8: Cusco / Departure
At the agreed time, our transportation will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Cusco Airport. With this, our services come to an end.
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey back to your destination and hope you have enjoyed your stay in Cusco and all the wonderful experiences you lived during your visit to Peru.
We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
Included:
- Transfer airport – hotel – airport (in Lima and Cusco).
- 02 hotel nights In Lima.
- 04 hotel nights in Cusco.
- 01 hotel night in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 Buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley Tour.
- 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch in the Tour of the Colors Mountain.
- 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch on the Humantay Lagoon Tour.
- Tourist transport on the tours.
- Professional tour guide.
- BTG (General Tourist Ticket) in Cusco.
- Entrance ticket to Qorikancha.
- Entrance ticket to the salt mines.
- Entrance ticket to the Humantay lagoon.
- Entrance ticket to the mountain of colors.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
- Aguas Calientes bus ticket – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Tourist train ticket Voyager or Expedition (Ollantaytambo – Machupicchu and vice versa).
- Income for tourist places in Lima.
- Buggie and sandboarding (Ica).
- Slider ride (Boat in Paracas).
- Tax in Paracas.
- Tax in Huacachina.
- First aid kit; Oxygen ball in the Tour of the Color Mountain and the Humantay Lagoon (Group Use).
- Permanent guidance and monitoring to the passenger.
Not included:
- International air tickets.
- Internal air tickets Lima – Cusco – Lima.
- Meals not mentioned.
- Consumption or personal expenses of passengers.
Recommendations
- Travel documents and money.
- Suitable clothing and footwear.
- Personal hygiene items and medicines.
- Sun protection and sun hat.
- Camera.
- Plug adapter (if necessary).
- Rain poncho (depending on the weather).
- Insect repellent (if necessary).
- Travel insurance and copies of itinerary and important contacts.
