This immersive 9-day, 8-night tour from Lima promises to transport travelers through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, from the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the awe-inspiring grandeur of Machu Picchu. With guided visits to iconic destinations, thrilling activities, and comfortable 4-star accommodations, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or simply the chance to bask in the stunning vistas, this comprehensive itinerary has something to captivate every type of traveler. Discover why this tour has earned a well-deserved 4-star rating and let the journey begin.
Key Points
- 9-day tour in the Ica-Paracas-Cusco region, with a 4-star hotel accommodation and guided transportation.
- Explore highlights like Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
- Includes activities such as sandboarding, Humantay Lake hike, and Rainbow Mountain trek.
- Flexible booking and generous cancellation policy, with language support in English and Spanish.
- Priced starting from $1,929 per person, with a maximum of 15 participants.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Cusco
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Ballestas Islands & Huacachina
- Nazca Overflight
- Cusco City Tour
- Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
- Humantay Lake
- Rainbow Mountain
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
- Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Different Activities?
- Are Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place During the Tour?
- Can I Extend My Stay in Peru After the Tour Ends?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
Spanning 9 days and 8 nights, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive exploration of the Ica-Paracas-Cusco region.
Priced from $1,929 per person, the tour accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants and features English and Spanish language support.
Flexible booking and a generous cancellation policy provide added convenience.
The itinerary covers key highlights, including a Lima city tour, an excursion to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina, a Nazca Lines overflight, and in-depth exploration of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Optional add-ons like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain allow travelers to customize their experience.
With airport transfers, guided transportation, entrance fees, and 4-star hotel stays included, this tour provides an all-inclusive, seamless journey through Peru’s iconic destinations.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights an engaging exploration of Peru’s iconic destinations.
In Lima, visitors will enjoy a panoramic city tour, including the historic center and cultural sites.
Travelers then venture to the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina, where they’ll witness the Nazca Lines from the air.
The tour continues to Cusco, where you will acclimate before exploring the city’s highlights.
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu follow, offering a deeper dive into Peru’s Inca legacy.
Optional excursions to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain provide opportunities to venture into the Andes’ breathtaking landscapes.
Throughout the journey, the tour ensures comfortable accommodations and seamless transportation, creating an immersive and memorable experience.
Ballestas Islands & Huacachina
The tour’s second day takes visitors on an early morning excursion to the Ballestas Islands, often dubbed the "Peruvian Galapagos."
Travelers depart from their hotels for a boat ride to this stunning archipelago, where they’ll witness an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, pelicans, and a variety of seabirds.
After the island tour, the group enjoys a vineyard lunch before heading to Huacachina, a picturesque desert oasis.
Here, they’ll have the chance to try sandboarding, gliding down the towering dunes.
This well-rounded day showcases the diverse landscapes and activities that make Peru’s Ica region a must-visit destination.
Nazca Overflight
On the morning of the third day, travelers depart their accommodations and are transferred to the Nazca aerodrome.
There, they board a small aircraft for a 35-minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous geoglyphs etched into the desert floor date back hundreds of years and depict an array of geometric shapes, animals, and mysterious figures.
Soaring over this archaeological wonder, passengers gain a unique bird’s-eye perspective to appreciate the scale and complexity of these ancient creations.
After the unforgettable overflight, travelers return to Lima, concluding the day’s activities and preparing for the next leg of their Peruvian adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyCusco City Tour
Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, travelers are met and transferred to their accommodations to begin the process of acclimatization to the high-altitude city.
In the afternoon, a guided tour explores the city’s highlights, including the Qoricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, and the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress.
The tour continues to other Inca ruins such as Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.
Travelers learn about Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage as they wander through the charming streets and plazas of this former Inca capital.
The tour provides an excellent introduction to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the next destinations on the itinerary.
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
After the Cusco city tour, the tour continues to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu over the next two days.
On Day 5, the group tours the Sacred Valley, including visits to the Pisac archaeological site and the Ollantaytambo fortress. They then take the train to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel.
The next day, they enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, take lunch in Aguas Calientes, and return to Cusco.
This two-day excursion provides an in-depth exploration of the Sacred Valley and the crown jewel of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu.
Humantay Lake
The tour then moves on to the stunning Humantay Lake. Situated high in the Andes, this glacial lake offers a breathtaking sight.
Guests will embark on an early morning hike to the lake, where they can:
- Admire the turquoise waters reflecting the towering peaks.
- Marvel at the Humantay glacier looming over the lake.
- Explore the serene environment and spot local wildlife.
- Take photographs to capture the natural beauty of the site.
Following the visit, travelers will enjoy a delightful lunch before returning to Cusco, ending another remarkable day on this comprehensive tour.
Rainbow Mountain
On day 8, the tour takes guests on an early morning journey to the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain. After a hearty breakfast, the group embarks on a hike to the famous Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain. The trail offers stunning vistas of the multicolored slopes, formed by the natural minerals in the soil. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the Andes. After enjoying a well-deserved lunch, the group returns to Cusco, with memories of this extraordinary natural wonder.
| Elevation | Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,200 m (17,060 ft) | 12 km (7.5 mi) | 4-5 hours | Moderate | Steep, rugged |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for people with certain disabilities, as it includes activities like hiking and sandboarding that could be challenging. Travelers with mobility issues should consult the tour operator to determine if accommodations can be made.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes some meals, and other refreshments may be purchased during the excursions. Bringing outside food or drinks is generally not permitted.
What Is the Dress Code for the Different Activities?
The tour has a casual dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for activities like hiking and sandboarding. Swimsuits are recommended for beach visits. Formal attire is not required on this tour.
Are Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place During the Tour?
The tour provider follows all applicable COVID-19 protocols, which may include mask requirements, social distancing, and enhanced sanitation measures. Specific details are provided to guests upon booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can I Extend My Stay in Peru After the Tour Ends?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Peru after the tour ends. The tour operator offers flexible booking options, and travelers can make additional arrangements through the operator or independently to extend their time in the country.
From Lima: Tour With Ica-Paracas-Cusco 9d/8n + ★★★★
Recap
This comprehensive 9-day tour of Peru’s iconic destinations offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the dramatic Ballestas Islands to the majestic Machu Picchu, this all-inclusive package provides a seamless and immersive travel experience, with comfortable accommodations and expert local guidance. With flexible booking options and multilingual support, this tour is a must-consider for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in the heart of South America.
You can check availability for your dates here:
