Eight days of contrasts in Peru.
From Lima, a full day leads to the Ballestas Islands of Paracas and the dunes of Ica with sandboarding. Then Cusco and the Inca world: the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu by train and the Rainbow Mountain 'Vinicunca', at over 5,000 m. Accommodation in 3-, 4- and 5-star categories.
Highlights
Colonial Lima: Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo convent
Ballestas Islands: sea lions, Humboldt penguins and the Candelabra
Huacachina: dune buggies and sandboarding on the Ica dunes
Imperial Cusco and the Sacsayhuamán fortress
Machu Picchu by train, one of the New Wonders of the World
Rainbow Mountain 'Vinicunca' at over 5,000 m
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Arrival in the city of Lima. You are met and transferred to the hotel. Accommodation in Lima.
Day2
Day 2: Colonial and modern Lima
In the morning, a half-day tour of Lima. Panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial site from the 4th century. A walk through the historic centre with the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall and Lima Cathedral, and a visit to the Santo Domingo convent, with its baroque façade, where Santa Rosa de Lima and San Martín de Porres rest. Accommodation in Lima.
Day3
Day 3: Paracas, Ballestas Islands and Ica
Early departure from Lima to Paracas for the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, with San Martín Bay and the Candelabra. Continue to Ica: lunch, a wine and pisco tasting, and a dune-buggy adventure with sandboarding on the Huacachina dunes. Return to Lima. Accommodation in Lima.
Day4
Day 4: Lima – Cusco and archaeological park
Flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon, a visit to the Koricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, and the archaeological park with the Sacsayhuamán fortress, the Kenko shrine, Puka Pukará and Tambomachay. Accommodation in Cusco.
Day5
Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Excursion to the Sacred Valley. The artisan market and archaeological site of Pisac, with its Inca terraces and temples. Buffet lunch in Urubamba (drinks not included) and a visit to the Ollantaytambo fortress. Accommodation in the Sacred Valley.
Day6
Day 6: Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Train through the Andean landscapes to Aguas Calientes and a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World. Guided tour of the Inca citadel and lunch in Aguas Calientes. Return train to Cusco. Accommodation in Cusco.
Day7
Day 7: Rainbow Mountain 'Vinicunca'
Very early departure (pickup between 4 and 5 a.m.). Transfer to Cusipata with a basic buffet breakfast and on to the control point; a walk of about an hour and a half to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (over 5,000 m). Time for photographs, then return and a basic buffet lunch in Cusipata. Return to Cusco in the afternoon. Accommodation in Cusco.
Day8
Day 8: Cusco – Lima
At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima.
Suggested hotels
Britania Miraflores
Standard
Lima
3-star option in Lima.
Casa Andina Miraflores Centro
Standard
Lima
3-star option in Lima.
Dazzler Miraflores
Superior
Lima
4-star option in Lima.
José Antonio Deluxe
Superior
Lima
4-star option in Lima.
El Pardo DoubleTree by Hilton
Luxury
Miraflores
5-star option in Lima.
Pool
Spa
Gym
Restaurant
Bar
Business center
Parque Kennedy (half a block)
Larcomar (10-min walk)
Huaca Pucllana (1.5 km)
Malecón de Miraflores (10-min walk)
Hilton Miraflores
Luxury
Lima
5-star option in Lima.
Mabey Cusco
Standard
Cusco
3-star option in Cusco.
Inkarri Cusco
Standard
Cusco
3-star option in Cusco.
José Antonio Cusco
Superior
Cusco
4-star option in Cusco.
Sonesta Cusco
Superior
Cusco
4-star option in Cusco.
Aranwa Cusco
Luxury
Cusco
5-star option in Cusco.
Palacio del Inka
Luxury
Cusco
5-star option in Cusco.
Andean Wings Valle Sagrado
Standard
Valle Sagrado
3-star option in Valle Sagrado.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay
Superior
Valle Sagrado
4-star option in Valle Sagrado.
Aranwa Valle Sagrado
Luxury
Valle Sagrado
5-star option in Valle Sagrado.
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.
What's included
Included: Accommodation in Lima: 3 night(s) with breakfast
Included: Accommodation in Cusco: 3 night(s) with breakfast
Included: Accommodation in Valle Sagrado: 1 night(s) with breakfast
Included: Airport / hotel / airport transfers (private)
Included: Transfers to bus and train stations (private)
Included: Half-day tour of colonial and modern Lima
Included: Full day Paracas and Ica: Ballestas Islands, dune buggies and sandboarding (lunch included)
Included: Half-day tour of Cusco and the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park
Included: Full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (lunch included)
Included: Machu Picchu by Expedition or Voyager train (lunch included)
Included: Full-day excursion to the Rainbow Mountain 'Vinicunca' (lunch included)
Included: Excursions, entrance fees and guiding in regular (shared) service
What's not included
Not included: National and international airfare
Not included: National and international airport taxes and visa fees
Not included: Early check-in and late check-out
Not included: Meals not mentioned in the programme
Not included: Drinks not included with meals
Not included: Expenses not specified in the programme
Not included: Optional excursions and services
Not included: Tips and gratuities
Not included: Personal expenses
Not included: Travel insurance
Not included: Anything not expressly mentioned as included