Compare Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Sacred Valley Tour by Andean Discovery vs Peru with Machu Picchu 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 9 days | 10 days |
Price From | $ 2,990 | $ 4,157 |
Price Per Day | $ 332 | $ 416 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 2 Dinners |
N/A |
Description |
Discover Peru’s abundance of coastal wildlife and its most fascinating, mysterious historic sites. |
Feast on Peruvian delicacies in Lima, tour the ancient Korikancha temple in Cusco and adventure through the Ollantaytambo ruins of Machu Picchu, on this 10-Day exploration of Peru. Embark on a Private Planetarium Tour in Cusco and uncover the influence of astronomy on Andean culture. Join a Local Expert in Machu Picchu for a guided tour through the ancient ruins—set high in the Andes against breathtaking backdrops. Visit the salt pans of Maras in the Sacred Valley where the Incas used to harvest the mineral and visit with a local Quechua Weaver to learn their ancient weaving techinques in a private presentation. In Paracus, be sure to pause at the Pisco distillery to sample this tasty local aperitif. |
Day 1: Home | Lima, Peru
Upon arriving in Lima this evening, a member of our staff will transfer you to your hotel, just steps away from the airport. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Day 2: Lima | Paracas
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, travel 4 hours by private vehicle to the Nazca Lines. Originally thought to be the remains of irrigation lines beyond the verdant Nazca Valley, it wasn’t until they were seen from the air that the lines were recognizable as giant animals and geometric figures. The lines are thought to have been etched by three different groups from 900 BC to AD 630. Take to the sky to see for yourself during a short, comfortable flight. Please note that, due to weather conditions, a short wait should be expected before boarding your flight. Lunch and dinner today are on your own.
Day 3: Paracas | Lima
Meals: Breakfast
This morning transfer 45 minutes to the pier in Paracas for a group boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. This extraordinary archipelago is teeming with wildlife including thousands of resident and migratory sea birds—pelicans, boobies, cormorants, terns, and penguins among them—along with sea lions and fur seals. The famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face, can also be seen during the boat ride. After returning to the mainland, explore Paracas National Reserve with your guide. A UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, the reserve is home to 216 bird species. As you explore, learn about pre-Inca cultures who thrived in this rugged landscape over 1000 years ago. Transfer to Lima in the late afternoon and enjoy lunch and dinner today on your own.
Day 4: Lima | Cusco | Pisac | Urubamba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning transfer to the airport for your short flight above the Andes Mountains to Cusco. Then journey down a winding mountain road into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is the indigenous market in Pisac, a centuries-old market that sells a variety of foods and colorful indigenous handicrafts. Above the market lies the largest fortress-city complex of the Incas. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the ruins and the hillside terraces, part of the sophisticated Inca agricultural system. You may opt to hike to the ruins from the Pisac market. After lunch check in at your cozy Andean lodge.
Day 5: Urubamba | Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Experience one of the world’s great train rides, with stunning views of the Urubamba river gorge, on your way to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in the quaint village of Aguas Calientes, you will be greeted by staff from your luxurious eco-lodge. This afternoon choose from several activities at the lodge, including a nature walk in the orchid pavilion, natural sweat lodge-sauna, bird observation, or relax on your own. An additional visit to the Machu Picchu ruins can be scheduled for this afternoon if desired. This evening enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Day 6: Machu Picchu | Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning take a short bus ride to the sacred ruins of Machu Picchu for a private tour. Explore the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, ceremonial fountains and baths, and the Sacred Plazas. Opt for an exhilarating one-hour hike up the steep trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu (Young Peak) for a breath-taking bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu. (Tickets must be purchased in advance.) After your visit, transfer to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train for Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred the rest of the way to Cusco. This evening enjoy dinner on your own at one of Cusco’s many fine restaurants.
Day 7: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
This morning continue your exploration of the illustrious history of the Inca civilization. Travel by foot and private vehicle during a city tour that takes you down Cusco’s cobbled streets and narrow passageways with brightly painted balconies overhead. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, the Coricancha, the Inca’s Sun Temple, the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and the ceremonial pools of Tambo Machay. Enjoy lunch and dinner on your own. This evening stroll around the main plaza for views of the Cathedral lit up at night.
Day 8: Cusco | Lima
Meals: Breakfast
This morning is yours to explore Cusco on your own. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, our staff will help you check in for your international flight home. Lunch and dinner today are on your own.
Day 9: Arrive Home
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
Arrive in Lima for the first day of your journey. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the hotel bar for a welcome dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Explore Lima Relaxed Start
Explore the colourful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Monastery and its underground cemetery. One for those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country's religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Lima to Sacred Valley
Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
Day 4: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start
Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you'll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu
Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.
Day 6: Machu Picchu at Leisure
Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 7: On to Cusco
After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Korikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.
Day 8: Exploring Cusco
Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman, a citadel built in the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco. Afterward, choose to join a local expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively you can explore the artisan bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. After lunch at Pachapapa, visit San Blas Church and the surrounding streets, before making your way to San Pedro Market, where you will find local produce. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium, for a private, after-hours tour. Learn about astronomy, cosmology, and its influence on Andean culture. While here, try some local delicacies paired with hot wine.
Day 9: Leisure time in Cusco Relaxed Start
Choose between an optional visit to Rainbow Mountain, the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about the chocolate making process, or perhaps relax and simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel? Set in a beautiful 16th century building, make the most of this boutique hotel’s signature spa and Andean-inspired healing treatments, massages, facials and custom spa packages. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you will toast to your adventures and end of your trip.
Day 10: Depart Cusco
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Take a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.