Taste of Peru: 10-Day Journey through Lima, Nasca, Pisco, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Upon your arrival in Lima, the bustling capital of Peru, you will be warmly greeted and assisted with your transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and relax, soaking in the ambiance of this vibrant city. If you wish to adjust your itinerary and spend an extra night at the beginning of your journey, we are happy to accommodate your needs.

At 2 pm, prepare to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of Lima with an exclusive tour of the Historical Center. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, old Lima is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and colonial relics that will transport you back in time.

Your journey begins at the Convent of Santo Domingo, a cornerstone in the foundation of Lima. This historic site is not only the birthplace of the Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas, but also a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance. As you wander through its sacred halls, take in the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, the oldest in the country, and the revered library that houses 25,000 ancient texts, including some from the 15th century. Within these walls rest the remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías, and Santa Rosa de Lima, offering a deep connection to Peru's spiritual past.

Next, cross the iconic Plaza Mayor, the heart of old Lima, where you’ll be surrounded by the stately Government Palace and the Municipality. Here, you’ll step into the grand Cathedral of Lima, a true jewel of colonial architecture. The Cathedral's vast collection of religious art and its magnificent altars will give you a glimpse into the opulent history of the city and its colonial past, making you feel as if you've traveled back to the days of the Spanish Empire.

Leaving the historic center behind, the tour takes you to the renowned Larco Museum, where the rich tapestry of Peru's ancient cultures unfolds before your eyes. As you explore the museum's vast collection, you’ll be captivated by the intricate gold pieces, beautifully woven textiles, and the fascinating erotic ceramics that provide a unique insight into the ancient Peruvian worldview. One of the highlights of this visit is access to the museum's storage, where you can appreciate the full spectrum of artistic expression found in their extensive ceramics collection—a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the legacy of Peru's early civilizations.

After a day filled with cultural exploration, return to your hotel to unwind. Reflect on the day’s discoveries, and perhaps enjoy a quiet evening savoring Peruvian cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Rest well in anticipation of the adventures that await in the coming days.

You'll depart for Paracas Bay via the VIPAC shuttle service. From there, you'll head to the Pisco airport to embark on an unforgettable flight over the Nazca Lines. These massive geoglyphs, depicting various animals like a monkey, hummingbird, condor, and spider, can only be fully appreciated from the sky. While their origins remain mysterious, many believe they served as an astronomical calendar. During the flight, you’ll see 12 geoglyphs of the Nazca plateau and 2 geoglyphs on the Palpa plateau. You'll also fly over the Ocucaje Valley, where oceanic fossils dating back 150 million years can still be found, as well as other valleys where the Paracas and Nazca civilizations once thrived. 

The flight lasts about 1 hour and 40 minutes, including time spent at the airport.

The plane is reserved exclusively for you, with no other passengers on board. 

Please note: The approximate flight time is coordinated on the day of the excursion and depends on weather conditions, so a specific departure time cannot be guaranteed.

After the flight, you'll return to the airport and transfer to your hotel in Paracas.

The Nazca Lines cover an area of 500 square kilometers in a desert where it rains for only half an hour each year. This unique climate has allowed the geoglyphs to remain preserved to this day.

These drawings were first described in 1548, but for many years, they didn’t attract much attention. This may be because they can only be fully appreciated from above, and it wasn’t until much later that flights over the desert became common. In the early 1940s, during the construction of the Pan-American Highway, an American professor, who had been invited to study the hydrology of the coast, regularly flew over the valleys in small planes. He was the first to notice the strange lines forming massive drawings. The sight left him astonished and deeply intrigued.

Professor Kosok and other researchers dedicated many years to studying these lines. They discovered a connection between the lines and the sun during the summer and winter solstices, as well as indications pointing to the moon, planets, and prominent constellations. It seemed as though the Nazca civilization had created a giant observatory here.

The technique for creating these geoglyphs was quite simple: the top darkened layer of soil was removed and piled up alongside the resulting light-colored strip, forming a darker ridge that outlined the lines. Over time, the color of the lines has darkened, making them less contrasting, but the drawings left by the Nazca civilization are still visible today.

In the afternoon, we suggest taking an optional private tour to the city of Ica to visit the impressive Huacachina Lagoon, known as the "Oasis of America". Here, you'll enjoy an exciting adventure in dune buggies through the Ica desert, as well as a visit to a craft distillery of Pisco. There, you'll learn about the traditional methods of producing grape brandy from the port of Pisco.

Set out for Ica, one of Peru’s prime pisco regions, where the sun-drenched fields grow the grapes used for Peru's iconic clear brandy. Your first stop is a traditional pisco cellar, where you'll learn the artisanal process of pisco-making, from fermentation to distillation, and see clay pots, stills, and the oak press in action.

Next, visit Hacienda La Caravedo, where you’ll stroll through lush vineyards and experience the essence of pisco production. Later, at Bodega Tacama, explore their vineyards and learn how they craft pisco, wines, and sparkling wines. Savor a regional lunch at the vineyard restaurant, enjoying the warm flavors of Ica’s cuisine.

In the afternoon, depart by bus back to Lima, with a peaceful evening awaiting at your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco (morning flights are recommended). Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel to settle in and acclimatize.

In the afternoon, embark on an exclusive city tour, beginning at San Cristóbal Square, where panoramic views of Cusco await. Next, explore the vibrant San Pedro Market, absorbing the rich scents, colors, and flavors of local products. From there, visit the magnificent Qorikancha Temple, once adorned with walls of gold.

Stroll through the charming San Blas artisan district, and walk along Hatun Rumiyoc Street to admire the famous Twelve Angled Stone at the Inca Roca Palace. Conclude the tour at the Plaza de Armas with a visit to Cusco Cathedral, home to priceless colonial art.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Start your morning with a visit to the awe-inspiring Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca citadel known for its colossal stone walls and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you explore, feel the deep connection between the structure and its natural surroundings.

Next, head to the mysterious Q’enqo, an ancient Inca sanctuary with a carved altar, thought to be used for ceremonial sacrifices, hidden within its rocky interior.

Your journey continues to the Puca Pucará lookout, offering panoramic views, before ending at Tambomachay, an architecturally remarkable site known for its intricate water channels and spiritual significance in Andean culture.

Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast as you prepare to explore the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The crisp mountain air greets you as you journey through this historic and scenic region. Your first stop is a small, picturesque complex where you’ll get up close to Andean camelids—llamas and alpacas—grazing in the valley's grassy fields. Here, local artisans will share their centuries-old dyeing and knitting techniques, allowing you to witness the vibrant process that brings to life the colorful textiles of the Andes.

Continuing on, you’ll reach the lively Pisac Market, a feast for the senses. Stalls overflow with vibrant handwoven goods, ceramics, and intricate silver jewelry, each item echoing the rich culture of the area. Take your time to wander, shop, and soak in the bustling energy. Don’t miss the chance to sample a freshly baked empanada or a slice of warm, fragrant bread from one of the wood-fired ovens—simple yet authentic tastes of the Sacred Valley.

After a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Peruvian flavors, your adventure continues to Ollantaytambo. This small, charming town, still inhabited since the time of the Incas, offers a glimpse into ancient life. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, you’ll feel the weight of history. The highlight here is the formidable Inca temple-fortress, perched high on the mountainside. 

Climb the terraces for panoramic views of the valley and beyond—perfect for capturing awe-inspiring photos. The fortress itself, with its massive stone walls and intricate masonry, tells the story of the Inca resistance against the Spanish, adding a layer of intrigue to your visit.

End your day with a relaxing evening at your lodging in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by the serenity of the mountains, where you can reflect on the incredible history and beauty you’ve encountered.

Depending on the season, your journey will start from either Poroy or Ollantaytambo train station. As the train departs, you'll be treated to a scenic ride through the Peruvian highlands, where the landscape shifts from rugged peaks to lush green valleys. The train winds alongside the Urubamba River, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and the river’s winding course, each moment building anticipation.

Your destination is Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you in boarding the bus that will take you up the winding road to the Lost City of the Incas. The journey offers spectacular views of the Urubamba River and its dramatic canyon, perfectly setting the stage for what awaits at Machu Picchu.

As you arrive at the entrance, the Lost City of the Incas reveals itself in all its enigmatic glory. Machu Picchu existed for just over 100 years before it was abandoned around 1532 when Spanish colonizers invaded the Inca Empire. The inhabitants mysteriously disappeared around this time. One theory suggests that the city, heavily reliant on food supplies from the capital, Cusco, was gradually abandoned due to famine when these supplies were disrupted by the Spanish invaders. Another theory posits that 5,000 commoners left to fight the Spaniards, while 3,000 nobles retreated to the legendary Vilcabamba, taking their treasures with them.

Prepare to be captivated by this ancient citadel, where history and mystery hang thick in the air. Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu will astonish you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steep steps, and intricate urban areas, all seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.

During your guided tour, you’ll explore the sacred temples, royal quarters, and agricultural terraces that once sustained this remarkable city. The energy of this sacred place surrounds you as you walk among the ruins that have endured through the centuries.

After taking in the incredible sights and stories, you'll enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, where you can savor local flavors while reflecting on your experience.

With your visit complete, you'll descend back to Aguas Calientes and board the train for a picturesque return journey to Cusco. As you make your way back to your hotel, the memories of this extraordinary day will linger, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the wonders you've witnessed.

Today marks your departure from Cusco, but the memories you've made will stay with you forever. From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultures, each moment here has been a chapter in your adventure. As you head home, carry these unforgettable experiences with you, knowing that this is just the beginning of many more incredible journeys to come!

You don’t have to end your journey in Cusco! Contact us to explore other amazing destinations and extend your adventure with even more fantastic experiences!