7-Day Exploration of Nazca & Machu Picchu
Unveil the Secrets of Peru: From Nazca’s Ancient Geoglyphs to Machu Picchu’s Incan Marvels
Embark on “Mystic Andes,” a 7-day adventure unveiling the wonders of Peru. Start this extraordinary journey with an awe-inspiring flight over the Nazca Lines, where enigmatic geoglyphs sprawl across the desert, telling tales of an ancient civilization. Continue to the vibrant city of Cusco, blending Inca heritage with colonial influences, and explore the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas, home to traditional markets and stunning landscapes. The pinnacle of your expedition is the iconic Machu Picchu, a mystical Inca citadel perched high above the clouds. Experience the breathtaking vistas and delve into the site’s rich history. This small-group tour emphasizes sustainable and responsible travel, ensuring a safe and authentic experience while contributing to the conservation of these historic sites and the well-being of local communities.
Highlights
- Nazca Lines Flight: Experience a breathtaking flight over the Nazca Lines, marveling at ancient geoglyphs that have mystified scholars and travelers alike for centuries.
- Cusco’s Cultural Blend: Wander through Cusco, where Inca heritage and colonial influences coalesce, offering a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Peruvian history and culture.
- Sacred Valley Wonders: Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, known for its picturesque landscapes, traditional markets, and remnants of Inca civilization nestled in the Andean highlands.
- Machu Picchu’s Majesty: Stand in awe at Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel, and soak in its mysterious beauty perched amidst cloud-wreathed Andean peaks.
- Sustainable Travel Experience: Engage in a sustainable and responsible journey through Peru, focusing on small-group experiences that prioritize the conservation of heritage sites and local well-being.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Land in Lima and transfer to your hotel. Spend your first day at leisure, acclimatizing to the new environment.
Day 2: Lima Colonial Walking Tour
Discover the rich history of Lima with a guided walking tour through its colonial heart. Experience the diverse culture and cuisine of Peru’s capital city.
Day 3: Nazca Lines Overflight and Huacachina Adventure
Embark on a flight to witness the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert. Head to Huacachina for an exhilarating dune buggy ride and sandboarding experience in the desert oasis.
Day 4: Journey to Cusco
Take a morning flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Explore the vibrant streets of Cusco, visiting key historical sites and soaking in the local atmosphere.
Day 5: Sacred Valley Exploration
Tour the Sacred Valley, visiting the traditional Pisac market and the impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. Learn about the Incan history and culture that permeates the valley.
Day 6: Machu Picchu Visit
Iconic Inca Citadel: Travel to the legendary Machu Picchu for a guided tour of this ancient wonder, exploring its ruins and stunning surroundings.
Day 7: Departure from Cusco
Enjoy some final moments in Cusco before your transfer to the airport. Board your flight, taking home memories of a lifetime from your Peruvian adventure.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 1359 | US$ 174 |
Tourist | US$ 1463 | US$ 200 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1626 | US$ 311 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 6 nights in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes Hotel.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Air ticket: to overflight Nazca Lines.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- Pisco Airport taxes for the Overflight the Nazca lines US$ 10 approx.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: NMP7D01-SIC
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
- Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting at Lima airport with a customized sign with the client’s name.
- Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- No scheduled activities exist, so check into lodging and restore the energy.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2 – Lima Colonial Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; enjoy a free morning to explore the city alone.
- At 14:00, pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We will take a fascinating walking tour. We will show our clients the palaces, castles, magnificent Saint Francisco Monastery, and spectacular subterranean Catacombs throughout our city.
- We visit the main square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, the train station Palace, the unique old-fashioned “Cordano Bar” colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union Pathway, the Post Office Palace, the Dominicans Tower, and the Historical Rimac Bridge, as well as the lovely surrounded wooden Balconies.
- The historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by UNESCO.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
Day 3 – Nazca Lines Air Tour – Day Trip from Lima
- Hotel breakfast; At 07:00, pick up from the hotel and transfer to Paracas; the trip takes approximately 4 hours along the South Pan-American Highway.
- At 11:00, once we arrived at the Pisco airport, we met with our representative and overflight the classic Nazca Lines tour.
- The route will be through the Ocucaje Valley panoramic view of the mountains that keep marine fossils from 150 million years old. Fly over the Valleys of Santa Cruz, Palpa, and Ingenio, where Paracas and Nazca cultures developed.
- There is an opportunity to see the following lines and geometric figures: Trapezoids, The Whale, Compass, Astronaut, Monkey, Dog, Hummingbird, Condor, Spider, Alcatraz, Flamingo, Parrot, Hands, and Tree, and finally, overflight through 2 geoglyphs; Palpa Hummingbird and the Star. (Between the departure and return of the Pisco airport, it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes – just flying over the Nazca lines takes 30 minutes). The schedules are subject to programming, the number of passengers per day, and weather conditions.
- Once the air tour is complete, we will have a delightful lunch.
- Around 15:30, after lunch, we returned to Lima and arrived at the hotel around 20:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4 – Flight to Cusco & Colorful Cusco Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:30, picked up from the hotel and escorted to the airport to trip to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
- Hotel pickup at 14:30. The walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a firsthand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
- After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
- Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
- The tour ends around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
Day 5 – Tour to the Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain. There have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
- Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market to buy intricate, beautifully hand-crafted products.
- Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 7 – Departure from Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.