Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines 7-Day Tour

Cusco - Sacred Valley

Day 1: Welcome To Peru!

Welcome to Peru and Cusco!

Upon arriving at Cuzco airport, we will be met by our local staff who will take us on our private transport towards the Sacred Valley Incas.

Because of its lower elevation (2,870 meters above sea level or 9,415 feet) and its peaceful atmosphere, the Sacred Valley is the perfect place to enjoy your first days in Cusco as you adapt to the high altitude.

On the way to our hotel, we'll stop at Awanacancha, where we can see all the different camelids of Peruvian Andes, and at the traditional Indian market of Pisac, where we shall be able to appreciate many local customs and observe innumerable regional products. Sunday is the best day to visit the market because farmers come from all over the area to trade their products; however, the market is open every day and is always a very interesting place to visit.

Finally, before reaching our hotel in the valley, we’ll stop at a nice venue near Urubamba for a tasty local lunch.

Sacred Valley

Day 2: Explore The Majestic Sacred Valley Of The Incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is one of the most beautiful areas in Peru. It spans about 60km from the village of Pisaq until Ollantaytambo and along its length, we can find picturesque Andean towns, towering snow peaks and probably the highest concentration of Inca sites in Peru.

Today, you will visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, an impressive Inca complex that protected this area from incursions from the Amazon Basin. Ollantaytambo is one of the best examples of Inca architecture you can see nowadays. Visiting it in the morning will allow you to enjoy this site to the fullest before the larger crowds arrive in the afternoon.

For lunch, you can experience a traditional cooking technique called Pachamanca. Other available options for today include visiting a local community or going hiking with llamas.

Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Day 3: Discover Breathtaking Machu Picchu

Today, after enjoying a nice breakfast, you'll board the train to Aguas Calientes.

The train journey is a spectacle in itself- appreciate the changing landscape of green fields, eucalyptus forests, and lush jungles while always traveling beside the meandering Urubamba River.

Upon arriving you’ll head up to Machu Picchu. Take a bus up the steep zigzagging road to Machu Picchu Citadel, located on an impressive mountain setting. You can enjoy your tasty lunch with great views of the citadel here. Later, take your guided tour around the main areas of the citadel. You can tour the site until it closes.

Cusco

Day 4: Guided Walking Tour in Cusco

Strap on our walking shoes! It is time for a soft stroll around Cusco’s historical center.

Our walking tour will take us not only through the most touristic sites in Cusco, such as the Main Square, and the “Koricancha” or Temple of the Sun, but you will also walk along the lively neighborhoods and local markets where to discover the true magic of Cusco. This is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic city and its people. A spot we like to visit, where few others go, is San Francisco Church. It has impressive colonial architecture, catacombs, and excellent rooftop views of the city.

Cusco - Lima - Paracas

Day 5: Return to Lima and Start Your Journey to Paracas

We must say goodbye to the Andes today as our adventure now leads us to the coastal desert of Ica and Paracas. 

Upon arriving in Lima, after a morning flight, we begin a 4-hour journey to Paracas bay, a small fishing village in a broad sandy bay. This place is the gateway to Paracas National Reserve and also the beginning of the Ica desert. 

We'll check you into your beachfront hotel once we arrive, and the rest of the day is free to rest and relax. If you wish, this afternoon, we can drive 20 minutes into Paracas National Reserve and its stunning cliff-top lookouts to admire the immensity of the ocean and desert.

Paracas - Lima

Day 6: Fly Over the Nazca Lines

Wake up to ocean views as you enjoy a well-deserved leisurely morning in Paracas. 

At around 10 am, we'll drive to the nearby Pisco airfield and board our aircraft to fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Overflying from Pisco is a considerable advantage as it saves you up to 4 hours of driving, all the way to Nazca City.

During the flight, you'll observe the mysterious figures of animals, humanoids, and geometric shapes perfectly crafted in the desert. 

Finally, we'll have time for lunch in Paracas before starting your journey back to Lima. We'll be arriving at our hotel in Lima at around 19:30 hours.

Paracas - Miraflores

Day 7: Say Goodbye to Peru

Enjoy a last walk around Lima's shops and markets. After, at the coordinated time, we'll head to the airport to board your international flight back home. Hopefully, you will be heading home full of happy memories, new friends, and great pictures of your time with us!