Compare Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Sacred Valley Tour by Andean Discovery vs Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque

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 Your 8-Day Trip to Perú - Lima

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll be waiting to drive you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in Lima!

Lima is the capital of Peru; the jumping-off point for nearly all trips to the country. In the Colonial Era, it housed the viceroyalty, making it the most powerful city-hub of South America.

Today, its native and foreign heritage coexist; its well-preserved, amazing colonial churches and archeological sites (heading south to Caral Sacred City) exist in harmony with Peru’s beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood.

Day 2: City Tour in Lima

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings.

We’ll start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which expands from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire, like that of the Cathedral, which was built up in the 16th century and finished after 80 years of hard work!

Our next stop will be to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that was granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains.

The last part of this historical day tour in Lima will be dedicated to the Larco Museum. Located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, this meticulously maintained museum is housed in a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion. Its exhibits boast the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of ancient erotic art.

Since we’re on the topic of love encounters, we’ll finish the day at the “Love Park” built in 1993 to celebrate love in all its forms. Nestled in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, you can admire the cliffs from its colorful mosaic benches and take in the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

After enjoying this romantic place and meeting the famous sculpture which immortalized the tender kiss of two passionate lovers, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Continue Your Perú Travel Itinerary - Cuzco

Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lima airport to continue your 8-day trip in Perú. Take an hour’s flight to Cuzco, maybe the most international destination of Peru, since (but not only because…) Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca fortress, is located only 4 hours away! 

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cuzco

Upon your arrival in Cuzco, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 4: Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress - Cuzco

Full-day tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley, and visit Pisac, famous for its craft market where you’ll find the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, ceramic, and textile craftwork. We’ll continue our trip by visiting the archeological site of Pisac to admire the stone terraces built by the Incas, and last, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to visit its stunning fortress. Admire the remaining towers and walls that used to keep the citadel safe and the royal guests it used to host. You will sleep in Cuzco tonight, at the end of the day, a transfer will drop you at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco

Tour to Machu Picchu, discover the legendary city!
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll finally reach Machu Picchu (the ancient sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec) after a short transfer by bus through the mountains.

Here, when we arrive at the exact destination that is the highlight of your trip, we will have special moments which will most certainly be cherished forever. Enjoy your first impressions of this jaw-dropping place, and breathe the magic in the air.

At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cuzco where a transfer will drive you to your hotel.

Day 6: City Tour in Cuzco

City tour in Cuzco and archeological sites

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to start your Cuzco tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471).

This is where the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the reign of the Inca Empire, and during that time its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were adorned with golden corn and life-sized sculptures of llamas.

We’ll continue on to visit the Cathedral, the most important building in the Main Square (whose construction lasted almost a century) and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America.

Our next stop will be the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an emblematic Incan piece of work, which protected the Holy City. The Sacsayhuamán complex was constructed with giant megalithic blocks, the transportation and construction of which continue to be a mystery.

This day will end with a visit to some archeological main attractions. You’ll visit Qenqo, located just over 2 miles away from Cuzco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and where it is believed that agricultural rituals took place.

You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located 4.5 miles away from Cuzco. Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes.

At the end of this full historical and natural immersion in Cuzco’s heritage, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7 Hike to Humantay Lagoon - Cuzco

Hike to Humantay Lagoon

You will leave Cuzco early in the morning heading to Soraypampa. On the way, pass by the city of Limatambo, an important entrance to Cuzco during the Inca Empire, and see the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Make a quick breakfast stop in a local restaurant before reaching Soraypampa and begin a mountain hike to Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful place and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Heading back to Cuzco, take lunch at a restaurant along the route.

Day 8 The End of Your 8-Day Travel Itinerary to Peru

This is the end of your 8-day travel itinerary to Peru…at least for now! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the Cuzco airport to take your flight.

Keep on exploring other amazing destinations in Perú. Fire up your wanderlust with our featured trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.