8-Day Enigmas of Peru: Lima, Nasca, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Day 1 Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures. Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, an exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima. Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Day 2 Enigmatic Nazca Lines. Departure to Paracas Bay by bus. We will go the airport of Pisco to fly over the Nazca lines, huge drawing that can only be seen from the sky and which represent several insects and animals like a monkey, hummingbird, condor or a spider. The origins are unknown, while many think it is a big astronomic calendar. Return to airport and transfer to your hotel. Free rest of the day to enjoy the hotel facilities and surrounding areas. Overnight at Paracas.

Day 3 Paracas Natural Reserve. Early in the morning we will embark on a boat tour to the Ballesta Islands. The “Chandelier” a giant figure marked in the sand in the style of the Nazca lines can also be seen on our way to the islands. On the islands you will be able to observe sea lions, pelicans, Humboldt penguins and other sea birds. In the afternoon, departure to Lima by bus. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Lodging.

Day 4 Cusco, Capital of Inca´s Empire. Breakfast. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to the city of Cusco. (Airfare is not included. We suggest to book a morning flight). Arrival to the airport of Cusco and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon (13:30 hrs), our exclusive city tour starts with a visit to the San Cristobal Plaza to enjoy its panoramic view of the city. Then, we will visit the San Pedro Market to soak in its local flavors and to learn about more of the products grown in the area which supply the whole city. After this, the Korikancha temple will welcome us in all his magnificence; this temple, whose Quechua name means “Gold Enclosure” still bedazzles us with the thought of its gold covered walls. Then it is the turn to visit the Santo Domingo Church. We will walk from San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, to the Hatun Rumiyoc street, stopping at the Inca Roca Palace, nowadays home to the Archbishop’s Palace and also at the famous Twelve Angle Stone. We will continue our walk to the Main Square to visit the Cathedral and its valuable and beautiful colonial masterpieces. Lodging.

Day 5 Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. In the morning we will distance from the crowds and visit Sacsayhuaman, a huge and impressive fortress of colossal constructions and surrounded by beautiful views blending together perfectly. Our adventure continues at the Inca Shrine Qenqo, to see the sacrificial altar embedded inside a rock cave. Finally we will arrive to the Puca Pucara viewpoint and Tambomachay, monument of impressive architectonic knowledge considered as one of the pillars of Andean Cosmo vision. Free afternoon to explore the city.

Day 6 Sacred Valley of Incas, Chinchero, Moray & Ollantaytambo. Let’s visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be in the town of Chinchero, the most typical and picturesque of the Sacred Valley where we will appreciate its Inca archaeological complex and its beautiful colonial Church. Chinchero is also famous for its women weavers, who may teach us the ancient Inca techniques for dyeing and spinning with Alpaca wool. We will continue to Moray, beautiful and curious Inca archaeological complex composed of colossal concentric terraces simulating a large amphitheater. In Incas times, it served as an agricultural laboratory where diverse microclimates were recreated. Lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. Finally, we end our tour visiting the fabulous archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo important for the Incas as a military, religious and agricultural center. We will visit the Temple of the ten windows, the bathrooms of the ñusta, the Temple of the Sun among other places of interest. The postcards from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging at the Sacred Valley.

Day 7 Machu Picchu, the lost citadel. A train trip away to see one of the Sacred Lost Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. We arrive at the town station where our staff will assist you on boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. You can feel the energy around. After a guided visit, we will take the lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. On time, our train will go back to Cusco. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Lodging.

Day 8 Farewell day. Departure transfer to the airport of Cusco. (airfare is not included). Our staff will assist you with the connection flight in the airport of Lima. If you like to add nights in Lima, transfers or extensions of your trip, we can help you with all details and bookings.