Peru 7 Days: Lima, Paracas, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Summary

1. Day 01

   Welcome to Lima – City Tour (Discover the Peruvian Capital)

   • •Jorge Chávez International Airport (pick-up)
   • •Hotel in Lima (check-in)
   • •Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Complex
   • •Plaza Mayor of Lima
   • •Government Palace
   • •Lima Metropolitan Cathedral
   • •Archbishop’s Palace
   • •Municipal Palace
   • •San Francisco Monastery Complex and catacombs
   • •San Isidro and Miraflores districts
   • •Love Park (Miraflores)
   • •Miraflores boardwalk (Malecón)
   • •Return to the hotel
2. Day 02

   Paracas & Ica Excursion – Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis

   • •Breakfast at the hotel (Lima)
   • •Transfer to Paracas
   • •San Martín Port
   • •Ballestas Islands (boat tour)
   • •The Candelabra geoglyph
   • •Wildlife viewing
   • •“El Catador” winery (lunch and tasting)
   • •Huacachina Oasis
   • •Sandboarding and dune buggies
   • •Sunset in the dunes
   • •Return to Lima
   • •Overnight stay in Lima
3. Day 03

   Lima – Cusco – City Tour and Archaeological Sites

   • •Breakfast at the hotel (Lima)
   • •Flight Lima – Cusco
   • •Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (pick-up)
   • •Hotel in Cusco (acclimatization)
   • •Cusco Cathedral
   • •Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
   • •Sacsayhuamán
   • •Qenqo
   • •Pucapucara
   • •Tambomachay
   • •Overnight stay in Cusco
4. Day 04

   Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco

   • •Breakfast at the hotel (Cusco)
   • •Pisac (market and archaeological site)
   • •Coya
   • •Lamay
   • •Calca
   • •Urubamba (buffet lunch)
   • •Ollantaytambo (archaeological site)
   • •Train to Aguas Calientes
   • •Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
5. Day 05

   Machu Picchu | The Lost City of the Incas

   • •Breakfast at the hotel
   • •Bus to Machu Picchu
   • •Machu Picchu Citadel (guided tour)
   • •Temple of the Sun
   • •Intihuatana
   • •Temple of the Three Windows
   • •Sacred Plaza
   • •Free time (optional: Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu)
   • •Train to Ollantaytambo
   • •Transfer to Cusco
   • •Overnight stay in Cusco
6. Day 06

   Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca

   • •Early hotel pick-up
   • •Cusipata (buffet breakfast)
   • •Trekking to Rainbow Mountain
   • •Vinicunca viewpoint
   • •Buffet lunch
   • •Return to Cusco
   • •Overnight stay in Cusco
7. Day 07

   Farewell to the Imperial City

   • •Breakfast at the hotel
   • •Transfer to the airport
   • •Departure flight

Itinerary

• 1

  DAY 1Welcome to Lima – City Tour (Discover the Peruvian Capital)

  Our service begins with a reception at Jorge Chávez International Airport, including personalized assistance and immediate transfer to your selected hotel. The check-in process is pre-arranged to make your stay smoother, allowing time to rest before the cultural program.

  City Tour

  At exactly 14:00, our specialized tour guide will begin the Lima Colonial and Modern City Tour, a four-hour circuit covering the pre-Columbian, Viceroyal, and Republican periods of the Peruvian capital.

  The cultural experience in Lima starts at the Huaca Pucllana Archaeological Complex, a ceremonial center of the Lima culture dating back to 200 A.D. We continue to the Historic Center of Lima, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, where we explore the Plaza Mayor of Lima with its well-preserved colonial architecture, including the Government Palace, the Lima Metropolitan Cathedral with its colonial treasures, the Archbishop’s Palace representing ecclesiastical power, and the Municipal Palace as an example of civil authority.

  The historical tour continues with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery Complex, a jewel of Lima’s baroque architecture that houses the most important colonial library in South America and the famous underground catacombs used as a cemetery during the Viceroyal period.

  The experience concludes in the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where we will admire contemporary Peruvian architecture, visit themed parks such as the Love Park with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and walk along the Miraflores boardwalk offering spectacular views of Lima Bay.

  Finally, return to the hotel with free time for rest and optional dinner at your own expense in contemporary Peruvian restaurants.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees

• 2

  DAY 2Paracas & Ica Excursion – Ballestas Islands and Huacachina Oasis

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  At 4:30 a.m., departure from Lima to the Paracas Peninsula, a journey of approximately four hours along the Pan-American Highway South, crossing unique coastal ecosystems. Arrival at San Martín Port in Paracas, where we begin the Ballestas Islands maritime expedition, known as the “Peruvian Galápagos” due to its extraordinary marine biodiversity.

  During the two-hour navigation aboard specialized boats with naturalist guides, we will observe the mysterious geoglyph “El Candelabro,” a 180-meter-long figure whose origin is still debated between astronomical theories and maritime signaling hypotheses.

  At the Ballestas Islands, we will observe endemic wildlife including South American sea lions, endangered Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans, guanay cormorants, Peruvian boobies, and various seagulls that form part of the Humboldt Current marine ecosystem.

  After the marine experience, we continue to the wine valleys of Ica, where we will enjoy an executive lunch at the traditional winery “El Catador,” a century-old establishment known for the production of premium wines and pisco. The gastronomic experience includes a guided tasting of grape spirits, an explanation of the Peruvian pisco production process with denomination of origin, and regional culinary pairings.

  The day concludes with an adventure at the Huacachina Oasis, a natural lagoon surrounded by fine sand dunes, where we will enjoy supervised sandboarding and dune buggy rides across the desert. These activities end with a sunset view from the highest dunes.

  Return to Lima.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Lima

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, sandboarding, buggy rides, lunch

• 3

  DAY 3Lima – Cusco – City Tour and Archaeological Sites

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Lima – Cusco Flight & Acclimatization Process

  Breakfast at the hotel in Lima before transfer to the airport. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, flying over the majestic Andes Mountains before arriving at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

  Reception at Cusco airport and transfer to the hotel by a specialized representative of our travel agency. The acclimatization process is essential, as Cusco is located at 3,350 meters above sea level, so we recommend a full day of rest to allow gradual adaptation to the Andean altitude.

  CITY TOUR

  Departure from the hotel around 13:00 to begin the guided tour of Cusco and nearby archaeological sites. The Cusco City Tour showcases the impressive colonial city built on Inca foundations, where we will visit Cusco Cathedral with its Renaissance architecture and beautiful paintings from the Cusco School, and Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, known as the Royal House of the Sun of Urin Cusco and considered the most important temple of the Inca Empire.

  We continue with visits to the four main archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, a great Inca fortress located 5 km from Cusco and famous for its massive megalithic stone blocks; Qenqo, a sacred amphitheater and center of worship of the Puma god, where ceremonies and ritual sacrifices were performed; Pucapucara, known as the Red Fortress due to the reddish tone of its volcanic stones at sunset; and Tambomachay, a temple dedicated to water worship and known as the Baths of the Inca, where we will observe the perfectly preserved Inca hydraulic system.

  During the archaeological tour, our specialized Inca history guide will provide detailed explanations about Andean architecture, Inca construction techniques, Andean worldview, and the ceremonial importance of each site visited.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, flights

• 4

  DAY 4Cusco – Sacred Valley of the Incas – Cusco

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Sacred Valley Tour – Exploration of Pisac and Ollantaytambo

  Breakfast included at the hotel in Cusco.

  At 7:45 a.m., pick-up from the hotel to begin our visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of the most important archaeological destinations in Peru and considered the heart of the Inca Empire.

  During the Sacred Valley tour, we will visit the town of Pisac, a picturesque colonial town with mixed architecture where Quechua mass is still celebrated on Sundays, keeping Andean ancestral traditions alive.

  We then continue to the archaeological complex of Pisac, where we can observe large, well-preserved Inca agricultural terraces, an advanced system of Andean farming platforms that demonstrate Inca agricultural engineering developed more than 500 years ago.

  We continue visiting the traditional towns of the Sacred Valley: Coya, Lamay, Calca, and Urubamba, communities that preserve the living culture of the Sacred Valley, where we will appreciate contemporary Andean lifestyles. Buffet lunch with Andean cuisine specialties and organic products from the Sacred Valley.

  In the afternoon, guided visit to Ollantaytambo, where the Ollantaytambo archaeological park is located, a gigantic complex that functioned as an agricultural, social, administrative, religious, and military center during the Tahuantinsuyo period. This archaeological site is considered one of the most impressive examples of Inca urban planning and military architecture, where our guide will explain its strategic importance as the last stronghold of resistance against the Spanish conquest.

  Finally, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes to spend the night in the town of Machu Picchu.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Aguas Calientes

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, train, lunch

• 5

  DAY 5Machu Picchu | The Lost City of the Incas

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Today you will experience the most anticipated moment of your adventure: a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  Your day begins with an energizing breakfast at the hotel, followed by an eco-bus ride along the famous winding road up to the entrance of the citadel. Each curve of the journey brings you closer to this archaeological treasure, protected by sacred mountains.

  Once in Machu Picchu, your guide will take you through the main sectors of this Inca masterpiece. You will walk through the Temple of the Sun, where golden rays filter through perfectly carved stone windows. You will discover the Intihuatana, the mysterious solar clock that connected the Incas with celestial movements, and the Temple of the Three Windows, a symbol of Andean cosmology. In the Sacred Plaza, the ceremonial heart of the citadel, you will feel the echoes of ancient celebrations that once filled this space with spiritual life.

  After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own and connect with the ancestral energy of the site. You can take photos of the citadel with the impressive Huayna Picchu in the background and find your own spot for reflection in this historic sanctuary.

  Optional: For the most adventurous travelers, there is the option to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu for an additional cost of $65.00 USD per ticket, subject to availability. From the top, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and a unique perspective of the Lost City.

  At the end of this unique experience, you will begin your return to Cusco. The journey starts with the train ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, once again enjoying the stunning Andean landscapes through the windows. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a comfortable transport will take you back to Cusco, closing this unforgettable day with the satisfaction of having experienced one of the most extraordinary adventures Peru has to offer.

  Accommodation:** Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, train, lunch

• 6

  DAY 6Rainbow Mountain – Vinicunca

  Breakfast on the route.

  Discover one of Cusco’s new natural wonders: the spectacular Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca, known worldwide as the 7 Colors Mountain.

  the beginning of the adventure

  Your day begins very early with hotel pick-up in Cusco between 04:00 and 04:30 a.m. After a journey of approximately 2 hours through impressive Andean landscapes, you will arrive at the picturesque village of Cusipata, where you will enjoy a buffet breakfast to energize yourself before the great adventure.

  trekking to the natural wonder

  After an additional one-hour drive to the starting point, you will begin a unique mountain hike through authentic Andean ecosystems. During the trek, you will observe typical Andean flora and fauna, including llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, as well as scenic ravines and snow-capped peaks that frame this natural paradise.

  vinicunca viewpoint

  Upon reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint at 5,080 meters above sea level, you will witness one of the most extraordinary geological phenomena on Earth. Your specialized guide will explain the fascinating geography, unique ecosystem, and mineral origin of the colors that create this natural spectacle.

  From this privileged spot, you will admire the majestic Vinicunca range (5,020 m / 16,466 ft) and have time to take photographs of this natural wonder, one of the most sought-after destinations for adventure and nature lovers.

  return and relaxation

  At midday, you will begin the descent back to the starting point, where transportation will take you to a local restaurant. There you will enjoy a buffet lunch of traditional Peruvian cuisine and have time to relax and reflect on this unique experience in the Andes.

  Finally, you will return to Cusco with unforgettable memories of having visited one of the most photographed natural attractions in the world, taking with you the satisfaction of having conquered the most famous Rainbow Mountain on the planet.

  Accommodation: Selected hotel in Cusco

  Includes: Transportation, guide, entrance fees, lunch

• 7

  DAY 7Farewell to the imperial city

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Your last day in the capital of the Inca Empire will be a complete immersion in Cusco’s history and archaeology.

  After breakfast, our representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport at the scheduled time, marking your departure from Cusco and bidding farewell to the city.

  Accommodation: none.

  Includes: transportation, transfer.

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