Lima, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines

Day 1

After your arrival in Lima we will meet you and transfer to your chosen hotel.  For Classic 3*/4* clients this will be the Boutique Hotel Second Home or similar and for Luxury Travellers the 5* Miraflores Park Hotel or similar. Enjoy the rest of the day as free time in this frantic capital city.

Day 2

Today you will be collected from your hotel for full day tour of Colonial and Modern Lima, visiting the Lima Cathedral and the Church and Convent of San Francisco amongst other sites.

In the afternoon we will transfer you by private transport to Nazca. The city of Nazca is 6 hours drive away along the Panamerican Highway and we will break the drive along the way at places of interest such as the Huacachina Oasis near to Ica. In Nazca we will select the perfect hotel for you, maybe the Majoro, the Casa Andina or the Nazca Lines Hotel.

Day 3

In the morning you will enjoy an overflight of the amazing Nazca Lines in a light aircraft. We can also include a visit to the Chachilla Cemetery if time permits and you like the idea. In the afternoon you will be driven to the town of Paracas 3 hours from Nazca and stay overnight in this fishing village. There are several hotel levels to choose from, just speak to us about your preferences.

Day 4

After an early breakfast we visit the Ballestas Islands by motor boat.  Commonly referred to as the "little Galapagos", here you will see an amazing concentration of sea birds and sea lions in their natural habitat. Returning to the mainland you will have a trip to the Paracas National Reserve, the only protected coastal reserve in Peru. The trip includes a visit to a museum showing the natural history of the Paracas Reserve in addition to the pre-Inca Paracas culture. A visit to the beautiful natural rock formation known as the cathedral before taking lunch. The return journey to Lima will take about 3 hours. Overnight in Lima.

Day 5 -  Fly to Cuzco and City Tour. 

In the morning you will be transfered to Lima airport for your short flight to Cuzco.  Upon arrival in Cuzco we will meet you and transfer you to you chosen hotel.  For Classic travellers this will be the Boutique Hotel Casa San Blas or similar and for Luxury Travellers the fabulous Monasterio Hotel, subject to space of course.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a Cusco city tour visiting the Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Cuzco Cathedral and the most important temple of the Inca Empire, the Coricancha - Inca Temple of the Sun.

Day 6

Collection from your hotel for a full day tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollayantambo also the Market at Pisac, a great place to buy souvenirs. You will have an English speaking guide all day and a great buffet lunch included in the sunny valley.

Day 7

Today you will have an early start to catch your chosen train to Machu Picchu which will be either the Vistadome or luxury Hiram Bingham service.

Comparison of the Trains to Machu Picchu

After reception in aguas Calientes and your bus transfer to the Machu Picchu site you will enjoy a private tour with a qualified English speaking guide. Enjoy the rest of the day as free time to enjoy the incredible site.  In the late afternoon you will return to your chosen hotel in Aquas Calientes, the town that nestles in the valley below Machu Picchu. 

For Classic travellers we recommend the Inti Inn, Machu Picchu Inn, or similar.  For Luxury travellers we recommend the Pueblo Hotel or the Sumaq Hotel, both excellent high end hotels down in the village. If you wanted to stay right at the gate of Machu Picchu you could choose the Sanctuary Hotel, the location cannot be beaten.

Day 8 - A day to revisit Machu Picchu and enjoy this fabulous site at leisure.

A day to revisit Machu Picchu and enjoy this fabulous site at leisure.  You may choose to climb Huayna Picchu, the peak that overlooks Machu Picchu and affords fantastic views and photo opportunities.  In the late afternoon you will board the train for your trip back to Cuzco.  You will leave the train at the last station before Cuzco, Poroy, for a more swift and convenient transfer by road back to your hotel.  

Day 9 - A free day to enjoy Cuzco. 

A free day to enjoy Cuzco at your leisure.  Your tour includes the "Cusco Tourist Ticket" which gives you free access to many museums, art galleries and Inca sites in and close to Cuzco.  If you wish, we can arrange additional activities for you on this day.  Please ask us for the details and options.

Day 10 - Fly to Cusco, home, or onward with Simply Latin America. 

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Lima. When you arrive in Lima, if you are going home that day, we can arrrange for you to have a reservation in the VIP lounge to kill some time. If you are staying over then speak to us about arranging this and anything else you might need in and around Lima.