Peruvian Desert, Nazca Lines and Machu Picchu

Begin your journey south as you leave the bustle of Lima behind and travel along the Pacific coast to the bay town of Paracas. Upon arrival, set out on a speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, Peru’s miniature Galápagos. On the way, pause to admire the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the coastal hillside—its origins and meaning still debated. As you reach the islands, enjoy close-up views of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and an array of seabirds in their natural rocky habitat.

Returning to land, your cultural journey continues at the Julio C. Tello Museum, where you’ll learn about the ancient Paracas civilization and their remarkable funerary textiles. Later, head inland to Ica to visit the Regional Museum, known for its captivating collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including skulls demonstrating early forms of surgery. After a day filled with natural and archaeological wonders, you’ll spend the night in the warm desert town of Ica.

Enjoy a free day in Huacachina, Peru’s enchanting desert oasis, where adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, the village offers a variety of activities to suit every traveler. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around the tranquil lagoon, taking in the serene reflections of palm trees and the surrounding dunes. For a more active experience, consider renting a paddle boat to glide across the oasis waters. As the day progresses, embark on a hike up the nearby dunes to witness a breathtaking desert sunset, a perfect opportunity for photography and reflection.

If you’re seeking adventure, Huacachina is renowned for its sandboarding and dune buggy tours. These excursions offer an exhilarating way to explore the vast desert landscape. For a more relaxed pace, visit a local café or restaurant to savor traditional Peruvian dishes while enjoying the unique ambiance of the oasis. Whether you choose to unwind by the lagoon, explore the dunes, or indulge in local cuisine, a free day in Huacachina promises a memorable and enriching experience.

Begin the morning with a journey further south to the arid plains outside Nazca. Here, you’ll explore the Chauchilla Cemetery, where ancient tombs reveal mummies, textiles, and ceramics that have survived centuries in the dry desert climate. It’s a rare opportunity to see burial traditions of the Nazca culture up close, preserved in striking detail.

Later, board a small aircraft for a thrilling flight over the Nazca Lines—massive geoglyphs carved into the desert that are best appreciated from above. These enormous designs, including hummingbirds, monkeys, and abstract forms, remain one of archaeology’s great mysteries. After the flight, begin your return northward, traveling back to Lima where you’ll head straight to the airport to catch your evening flight to Cusco, ready to continue your Andean adventure.

Our team will pick you up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon to begin your half-day tour of the city of Cusco. Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere and was once the heart of the Incan Empire during the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the city showcases a unique blend of ancient pre-Inca and Inca architecture with Spanish colonial influences, offering a fascinating journey through history. On this tour, we will visit some of the city’s most remarkable sites, where you’ll have the chance to appreciate its extraordinary cultural heritage.

Our first stop will be the Cusco Cathedral, the city’s main temple, located on the Plaza de Armas. Here, you’ll admire its impressive architecture and view several masterpieces from the Cusco School of art. Next, we’ll head to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the most important Inca temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti. On top of this sacred site, the Santo Domingo Convent was built, yet much of the original Inca stonework remains intact. We’ll then visit Sacsayhuaman, the ceremonial fortress with megalithic stone walls, offering a panoramic view of the city of Cusco. Our next stops will be Q’enqo, a mysterious site with underground passageways, Puca Pucara, a fortress showcasing Inca military architecture, and finally, Tambomachay, a stunning site featuring aqueducts, canals, and waterfalls, highlighting the Inca’s mastery of water manipulation. After exploring these incredible sites, we’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or explore.

Your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a transfer to the train station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. The train journey offers spectacular views of the lush mountains and valleys, setting the stage for your adventure ahead. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll meet your guide, who will take you to the entrance of the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Perched high in the Andes, this ancient citadel reveals the Inca civilization’s architectural and engineering marvels. As you explore its temples, plazas, and terraces, you’ll be struck by the sophisticated construction techniques that have allowed it to endure centuries of earthquakes and extreme weather conditions, all while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

After your guided tour through the iconic site, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Aguas Calientes, where you can relax, have lunch, shop for souvenirs, or even visit the town’s famous hot springs (optional, not included). Later in the afternoon, you’ll board your return train, and after arriving at the station, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and reflect on today’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As your adventure in Peru comes to a close, we’ll ensure your departure is smooth and stress-free. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel at the designated time and escort you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Once there, you’ll have ample time to check in for your flight and prepare for your journey home or onward.

We hope that your time in Cusco has been filled with unforgettable experiences. As you bid farewell to the Inca imperial capital, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.