Visit the ancient Nazca Lines and explore the legendary lost Inca city, Machu Picchu, with this incredible tour of the Andes. Through a flight over the Nazca lines, you can see ancient figures carved in the desert. Travel to visit the magnificent city of Cusco and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas with its vibrant Pisac market. You can also see the ruins of Machu Picchu and explore the rich heritage of the area that presents a spectacular face high in the Andes.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Lima
Transfer to Lima airport: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting for you at the Lima airport with a personalized sign with your name and private transfer to your hotel.
There are no planned activities, so check in at the hotel and rest.
DAY 2: Lima Tour
Breakfast at the hotel; Free morning to explore the city on your own.
Pick up from the hotel at 14:00 pm and transfer to the historic center of Lima. We will take you on a fascinating walking tour. We will show you Palaces and castles that our city hides, we will also take you to our great Monastery of San Francisco and the impressive underground Catacombs!
We also visit “The Plaza de Armas”, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Municipal Palace, other great places that you will visit are: the Palace of the Train Station, the only old “Cordano Bar”, the palaces of the colorful mansions, the path Jiron del Union, the Palacio de Correos, the tower of the Dominicans, the historic Rimac bridge and the beautiful wooden balconies surrounded and the next big project in the city of the Under River metro.
Our historic center is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site; We will show you the Palace of the Original Mansion of Spain and we will enjoy its large collection of 18th century paintings, its impressive sculptures, wooden rails, fashionable golden mirrors and a large original terrace. The tour will end around 6:00 p.m.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
DAY 3: Nazca lines tour
Breakfast at the hotel. At 07:00 a.m. , transfer from your hotel and transfer to the city of Pisco in a private vehicle, the travel time by car is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes along the South Pan-American Highway.
At 10:30 a.m., once you arrive at the Pisco airport, our representative will meet you to help you with your classic flight over the Nazca Lines.
The route will be through the panoramic view of the Ocucaje valley of the mountains that maintain marine fossils of 150 million years. Fly over the valleys of Santa Cruz, Palpa, Viscas, Ingenio, where the Paracas and Nazca culture developed.
You will have the opportunity to see the following lines and geometric figures: trapezoids, the whale, the compass, the astronaut, the monkey, the dog, the hummingbird, the condor, the spider, the gannet, the flamingo, the parrot, the hands and the tree, and finally fly over 2 geoglyphs; Feel the hummingbird and the star. (Between the departure and return of the Pisco airport, it takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, only flying over the Nazca lines takes 30 minutes) – The schedules are subject to the programming and the number of passengers per day and the weather conditions.
Once the air tour is complete, you will have a delicious lunch.
Around 15:00 p.m. after lunch, we return to Lima and we will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
DAY 4: Lima – Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; At 07:00 am, pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas.
Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transportation to your hotel, where the rest of the morning is free time to rest at the hotel to avoid altitude sickness.
Hotel pickup at 2:30 pm: The walking tour will start at the colorful San Pedro market, there is probably not a better market to experience Cusqueñan life. Enjoy a first-hand look at how local residents live day after day out of the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide will explain the history of this market as you stroll through the narrow corridors laden with colorful fabrics, food, fruit juices, breads, shaman stalls, etc.
After visiting the main square of Cusco, a busy and vibrant space that marks the colonial center of the city; It features wide stone trails and well-kept colorful gardens.
Afterwards, we will go to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) on which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: According to a legend, this temple was completely gold plated, which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here. – The tour will end around 6:00 p.m.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
DAY 5: Tour to the Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel – Pick up from your hotel at 7:30 am.
Then we will embark on a journey back in time to the Sacred Valley of the Incas that begins in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Inca archaeological site and the city are located on top of a mountain. There you will have the opportunity to witness first-hand the impressive masonry skills of our ancient ancestors.
Then, you will go to the picturesque city and stroll through its colorful market where you can buy locally intricate and beautifully crafted products.
After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious and agricultural center of the Incas located on top of a mountain. Note: Unlike other small towns, this one has kept its original Inca design, including stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
Stop in Ollantaytambo from where we take the train to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 6: Machu Picchu Tour
Breakfast at the hotel; around 06:00 a.m. , you will travel by bus to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the citadel on the top of the hill deserved every part of his fame.
Around 07:30 a.m. , the guided tour begins, the guide will expertly guide you through the amazing ruins and its main streets. Then you can stroll through the city squares and up the intricate stone-carved stairs. Machu Picchu is considered as the spiritual center of the world by esoteric wisdom. The guided tour lasts around two hours.
From 10:00 a.m. At 12:00 p.m., after the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own.
From 12:30 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
From 13:30 p.m. at 15:00 p.m., have lunch on your own.
Return to Cusco: Then board the train for the return trip to Cusco. You will stop at Poroy station and then you will be picked up and driven to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
DAY 7: Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel; At the scheduled time, our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
INCLUDED:
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast included.
- All the entrances and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.
- All ground transportation.
- All transfers to the airport, the train station or the bus station, pick up and drop off at the hotel.
- All transfers are assisted by English speaking staff
- Guided tours by quality local English speaking guides.
- Meals: as mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available)
- Train tickets
- National air tickets
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Orientation in other languages.
- International air tickets
- Other personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Tips for guides, drivers and other staff.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?
The season is not really a problem in Machu Picchu, the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum around 20 ºC. We recommend you always carry something waterproof, since the geography of Machu Picchu makes it possible for rains to fall at any time of the year.
Can I walk up to Machu Picchu or do I have to take the bus?
There is a path that goes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Although you can walk, the most recommended is to take a bus.
Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours and requires energy since several steps are climbed.
Buses leave from 5.30 a.m. It takes only 30 minutes to get on the bus to Machu Picchu. The last bus leaves Aguas Calientes at 3.30 p.m.
What is the Huayna Picchu?
The Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The top of this mountain offers you some of the most spectacular aerial views of Machu Picchu.
Reaching the top of Huayna Picchu is an incredible adventure. You climb up a steep path built on the side of the mountain. Most of the trail will be between the mountain walls and the cliffs.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
Trains to Machu Picchu will only allow you to get on with your hand luggage and it must not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).
That is why it is recommended to take to Machu Picchu only what is absolutely necessary.
Can you visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day?
Machu Picchu opens every day of the year from 6 a.m. at 5 p.m. To stay all day, the tourist needs to purchase 3 entrance tickets: from 6 a.m. at 10 a.m .; from 10 a.m. at 2 p.m. and from 2 p.m. at 5 p.m.
The Machu Picchu ticket allows you to stay a maximum of 4 hours from the time of entry.