Compare 12 days in Peru - Peru Trip: 12 Days (For 18 - 35 years) by Free & Easy Traveler vs Peru with Machu Picchu & the Nazca Lines 2023 with the Nazca Lines by Insight Vacations

Day 1 - Lima

At first glance, Lima may seem much like many other unattractive major cities full of concrete buildings and crowded, noisy streets and worth not much more than a quick pass in and out when using its airport. But you’ll find that Lima is hiding a great deal of fun and wonderment within its city limits. When the fog lifts from this massive desert city and you take a closer look around, you’ll find ancient temples strewn amongst modern houses and old, well-preserved colonial mansions over-looking Lima’s coastline, which boasts some wicked surf! A thriving art scene, fascinating museums, some super fun nightclubs and some of the best and most diverse food options of any city in the world, Lima is a complete city that provides a great experience worth much more than just a quick pass through.

Day 2 - Huacachina

A very cool destination situated around an oasis surrounded by looming sand dunes that sprawl out far into the distance, Huacachina is a traveler’s refuge. The town itself, positioned around a dream-like picturesque lagoon, has grown into an infamous party spot for travellers in Peru. The surrounding desert dunes offer a playground to Huacachina’s visitors who can bomb up and down the dunes at breakneck speeds in dune buggies or strap on a sand-board and carve down the faces of the sandy mountains. Wine lovers can venture to the nearby vineyards as well and sample the famous Pisco wines. Huacachina is also the jumping point to one of Peru’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries: the Ballestes Islands, known as ‘the mini Galapagos’ on account of the massive concentration of animals living there - including penguins, blue footed boobies, a plethora of different birds and thousands of sea lions!

Day 3 - Cusco

The historic capital of the great Inca Empire, the legendary city of Cusco should be on every traveller’s wish list. Situated at a breathtakingly high elevation of 3400m, the cobblestone streets and very well preserved colonial buildings still sit atop the ancient stone foundations laid by the Incas. Around the city, the Andean peaks soar in the backdrop as the lush Amazon jungle and cloud forests encroach closer on the stunning terrain surrounding Cusco. And it is within this nature that you find the Sacred Valley of the Río Urubama, the Inca’s mythical homeland where some of the world’s most fascinating ruins lie and one of the most awe-inspiring places to trek through. With a ton of incredible markets selling Peru’s best handmade clothes and goods, a tantalizing diversity in delicious food options, and a vibrant fiesta-loving atmosphere to the town, Cusco is much more than a place to stop en route to Machu Picchu.

Day 4 - Machu Picchu

Perched high up in the Andes Mountains, surrounded by lush green peaks and misty clouds sits the great lost Incan city of Machu Picchu. 1 of the 7 Wonders of the World and the most renowned archaeological site in the western hemisphere, what more is there to say about Machu Picchu? It's incredible in every way, from its mysterious and elaborate temples to its out-of-this-world location, it's a sight that everyone should aim to see once in their life. The town of Machu Picchu, in the Urubamaba Valley, exists solely as a base camp for people to view the magnificent ruins by day and have a nice place to catch their breath by night. Despite being a town built around tourism, there is a mystical feel to the town appropriate of its location and it boasts one of the best night-markets you'll find in Peru.

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima for the first day of your Nazca excursion. Situated in southern Peru, Nazca Lines is made up of around 300 geoglyphs, spread over 500 square metres. These include impressive animal and plant drawings. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the hotel bar for a welcome drink.

Day 2: Coastal Paracas Relaxed Start

In the morning, head out on a leisurely coastal drive to the beach town of Paracas. Known for its sandy beaches, wildlife and the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, you'll take in the area from above with an aircraft ride over the mysterious Nazca Lines. This top-rated highlight is truly the best way to experience this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory. In the evening, catch up on your day, as you enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel.

Day 3: Ballestas Islands

Have your cameras at the ready as you head out on a scenic cruise to the Ballestas Islands. Famous for its rock formations and marine life, you'll discover the wildlife sanctuary that holds over 200 species of birds including Peruvian boobies, Inca terns, pelicans, red-legged cormorants and Humboldt penguins. Explore this beautiful area before heading to the nearby city of Ica for lunch. Visit a pisco distillery for a tasting of the local spirit, followed by a stop at a local museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s culture. The rest of your evening is free to do as you please.

Day 4: Coastal Peru and Lima

The final day of your Nazca extension will begin by the coast. Meet a local fisherman who will talk to you about their daily life and routine. Later, enjoy lunch at a historic hacienda on your way to Lima. You’ll get a tour of the plantation and learn more about a dark chapter in Peruvian history and the area’s heart-breaking past of slavery in the cotton business. You’ll also visit the long tunnels which were used to bring slaves from the coast to the hacienda. If you are joining the Peru with Machu Picchu journey today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers in the evening for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.