National Program: Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco 9D/8N
National Program: Lima, Ica, Nazca and Cusco 9D/8N
Overview
A journey full of culture, nature, and adventure, designed for those who wish to experience the most iconic treasures of the country.
Itinerary
Day 1: 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 - Huacachina
We begin our adventure very early, at 4:00 a.m., heading towards the beautiful bay of Paracas. After approximately four hours of travel, we’ll arrive at El Chaco pier, where we’ll board a speedboat to explore the impressive Ballestas Islands.
Along the way, we’ll admire the mysterious Candelabro, an ancient geoglyph whose origin remains unknown. Once at the islands, we’ll enjoy the region’s rich marine biodiversity — playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of seabirds flying overhead. All of this can be appreciated from the boat, in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
The experience continues in Ica, where we’ll visit a traditional winery to learn about the Peruvian Pisco and wine-making process, with a tasting included.
Later, we’ll arrive at the famous Huacachina Oasis, a stunning natural site surrounded by golden dunes. You’ll have free time to walk around, take photos, or simply relax by the lagoon.
In the afternoon, the excitement rises with an adrenaline-filled buggy ride through the dunes and the chance to try sandboarding, gliding over the soft desert sands.
At the end of the day, we’ll spend the night in the magical Huacachina.
Day 3: Nazca
At 7:00 a.m., we will depart toward the province of Nazca, where we will enjoy three unique experiences:
Tour of the Cantalloc Aqueducts (2 hours)
Just 3 km from Nazca, we’ll visit these ingenious underground canals, built over 1,500 years ago to ensure a constant water supply in the desert. They are an impressive example of the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Nazca culture.
Flight over the Nazca Lines (30 minutes)
Experience the thrill of observing from above the mysterious geometric and zoomorphic figures drawn across the desert nearly 2,000 years ago — trapezoids, spirals, animals, and plants that remain an unsolved enigma to this day.
Tour of the Cahuachi Ceremonial Center
We’ll visit this impressive complex of plazas, temples, and adobe pyramids, considered the most important religious center of the Nazca civilization and closely linked to the creation of the famous lines. The tour also includes a visit to the María Reiche Museum and local artisanal workshops specializing in ceramics, jewelry, and traditional weaving.
At the end of this fascinating day, we will return to Lima to spend the night.
Day 4: Arrival to Cusco / City Tour and surrounding archaeological parks
Upon your arrival in the historic city of Cusco, you will be greeted at Velasco Astete International Airport and transferred to your designated hotel, where you will receive all the tickets corresponding to your scheduled tours.
At 1:00 p.m., our City Tour will begin. The experience starts with a visit to the impressive Temple of Qoricancha, a sacred site of great importance during the Inca period. Then, we will board our vehicle to head toward the fascinating archaeological centers surrounding the city.
Our first stop will be Sacsayhuamán, renowned for its strategic location and its massive, perfectly polished stones that form its structure. From this site, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Cusco.
Next, we will visit the mystical Temple of Qenqo, where the Incas performed religious ceremonies and sacrifices in ancient times. We will then explore Puka Pukara, an ancient control and military center of the Inca Empire.
Finally, we’ll visit the enigmatic Temple of Tambomachay, known for its impressive water fountains that still flow today—symbols of purification and the Inca worship of water.
We will return to your hotel around 6:30 p.m., where you will spend the night in Cusco, surrounded by the city’s rich history and culture.
Day 5: Super Sacred Valley
Your exciting tour will begin early, at 6:30 a.m. The first stop will be in the picturesque town of Chinchero, where you will have the opportunity to visit its beautiful church and explore the fascinating archaeological site of the area. You will also experience a visit to a traditional textile workshop, where ancient weaving and dyeing techniques are still used. Here, you will appreciate the traditional art that has been passed down through generations.
Next, we will head to the impressive archaeological site of Moray, famous for its circular terraces. These concentric circles represent an astonishing feat of Inca engineering, admired for centuries for their design and precision.
We will then continue to the Maras Salt Mines, where you will find around 5,000 small salt ponds still used for artisanal salt production intended for human consumption. This panoramic view is a testament to the Incas’ ability to use natural resources wisely.
After these fascinating visits, we will continue to the town of Urubamba, where you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
Our next stop will be the charming town of Ollantaytambo, known as the “Living Inca City.” Here, you will visit the archaeological park that houses the Temple of the Sun, an impressive megalithic structure. You will also explore the Temple of the Ten Niches, the sacred fountains, and the face of the Andean god Tunupa, among other archaeological treasures.
Then, we will head to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will board a train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be greeted by our staff and taken to your assigned hotel for a well-deserved rest.
That evening, a local tour guide will visit your hotel to coordinate the details of the exciting tour awaiting you the next day. You will overnight in Aguas Calientes, preparing for your adventure in Machu Picchu.
Day 6: Machu Picchu
At the scheduled time, you will head to the bus station for a 25-minute ride that will take you to the entrance of the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where your guided tour of approximately 2 hours will begin. During the visit, our professional guide will provide a detailed explanation about the history, architecture, and mysteries surrounding this wonder of the modern world.
Once the circuit inside the citadel is completed, the guide service will conclude, and you will have free time to enjoy lunch on your own or continue exploring this impressive sanctuary at your own pace, taking in its mystical energy and spectacular scenery.
For the return to Cusco, you must arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure, according to the schedule indicated on your tickets. Afterwards, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting to continue the journey by tourist bus back to Cusco.
Finally, you will spend the night in Cusco, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your visit to Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive treasures of the world’s heritage.
Day 7: Humantay Lagoon
Our exciting journey begins at 4:00 a.m., with a pick-up from your hotel to start the trip along a paved road toward the charming town of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast that will provide the energy needed for the day.
We then continue along a dirt road until reaching the village of Soraypampa. From this point, the hike to Humantay Lake begins, lasting approximately one and a half hours. The lagoon, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, offers a breathtaking landscape with turquoise waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains. Here, you will have free time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and connect with the natural energy of the Andes.
It is important to note that this tour has a moderate level of difficulty, so a reasonable physical condition is recommended.
After marveling at Humantay Lake, we will descend back to Soraypampa, where we will board our vehicle to return to Mollepata and enjoy a hearty lunch.
Finally, we will begin the return trip to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 5:30 p.m. You will spend the night in the city, carrying with you the memories of a day filled with nature, adventure, and incomparable beauty.
Day 8: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
Your exciting day will begin early, at 4:30 a.m., when our transportation will pick you up from your hotel. From there, we will start our journey along a paved road toward the picturesque town of Cusipata. We then continue on a dirt road until reaching Paucarpata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to recharge your energy for the hike ahead.
After breakfast, we will continue to Qomer Qocha, the starting point of the hike. Here, our professional tour guide will provide all necessary instructions and recommendations before beginning the ascent. The hike lasts approximately one hour, with a medium level of difficulty, requiring a good physical condition. The route ends at the highest point of Vinicunca, located at 5,200 meters above sea level, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view.
Once at the Rainbow Mountain, you’ll have free time to take memorable photos and admire the breathtaking Andean landscape, a true natural wonder of Peru. Afterwards, we’ll descend back to Qomer Qocha, where our vehicle will be waiting to take you to a local restaurant for a revitalizing lunch.
After a short rest, we will begin our return to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 p.m. Your day of adventure, nature, and unforgettable scenery will come to an end as you spend the night in the imperial city.
Day 9: Cusco / Departure
At the previously agreed time, we will provide your transfer from the hotel to the Cusco Airport.
With this service, our program will come to an end.
Included:
- Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport (both in Lima and Cusco)
- 02 nights of accommodation in Lima.
- 01 night accommodation in Huacachina.
- 04 nights of accommodation in Cusco.
- 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- 01 Buffet lunch on the Sacred Valley Tour.
- 01 Breakfast, and 01 Lunch on the Color Mountain Tour.
- 01 Breakfast, and 01 Lunch at the Humantay Lagoon Tour.
- Tourist transport on the tours.
- Professional tour guide
- Tourist ticket in Lima.
- BTG (General Tourist Ticket) in Cusco.
- Entrance ticket to Qorikancha.
- Entrance to the Parque de la Montaña de Colores.
- Entrance to the Humantay lagoon.
- Entrance to the salt mines Maras.
- Entrance ticket to Machupicchu.
- Aguas Calientes bus ticket – Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Voyager or Expedition tourist train ticket (Ollantaytambo route – Machupicchu and vice versa).
- Tax in Paracas (Islas Ballestas).
- Tax in Huacachina.
- Bus tickets (Ica – Lima).
- Air ticket for overflight in Nazca.
- Tax at the Nazca Aerodrome
- Buggie and sandboarding (Ica).
- Slider ride (Boat in Paracas).
- First aid kit, oxygen balloon in the Tour of the Mountain of Colors and Laguna Humantay (group use).
- Orientation and permanent monitoring of 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 water bottle.
- Camera or phone.
- Plug adapter (if necessary).
- Map, travel guide and book.
- Padlock and resealable bags.
- Umbrella or raincoat (depending on the weather).
- Insect repellent (if necessary).
- Travel insurance and copies of itinerary and important contacts.
