Essential Peru 360° – Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ica & Paracas (8D/7N)

Your arrival in the city of Cusco marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience. Whether you arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport or the bus terminal, our staff will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you in a private vehicle to your hotel. This first contact is ideal for receiving key acclimatization recommendations while you settle into your room.

In the afternoon, we will begin the Archaeological City Tour, starting with a visit to the majestic Qorikancha or Temple of the Sun. This is the most important religious center of the Inca Empire, where you can appreciate the astonishing stone construction technique that the Spanish used as a foundation for the Santo Domingo Convent. The contrast between Inca and colonial architecture here is undoubtedly one of the best introductions to the city’s history.

Subsequently, we will move to the outskirts of the city to explore the imposing Sacsayhuamán Fortress, known for its massive stone walls that fit together with millimetric precision. The tour continues at the ceremonial center of Q’enqo, a place of sacrifices and rituals carved into limestone, followed by a visit to the “Red Fortress” of Puca Pucara, which served as a military and administrative control point..

We conclude the day at Tambomachay, a site dedicated to the worship of water with channels and fountains that function to this day. After this tour of the Inca power centers, we will return to the city center so you can rest and enjoy your first night in the Capital of the Incas.

We will begin our adventure with pickup from the hotel at the indicated time to board our transport and venture into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop will be the historic town of Chinchero, where we will explore its archaeological remains and participate in an authentic ancestral textile demonstration, learning the secrets of the natural dyeing of alpaca fibers that have been kept alive for generations.

We will continue the tour to the fascinating agricultural experimentation center of Moray, with its circular terraces that create unique microclimates. Very nearby, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines, a visual spectacle of over 3,000 white salt pools still artisanally worked by local families. After these visits, we will head to Urubamba to enjoy a Buffet Lunch featuring the best of regional cuisine, an ideal moment to rest and recharge.

In the afternoon, we will explore the imposing Fortress of Ollantaytambo, a strategic complex that served as a military and religious center, notable for its Inca streets that are still inhabited today. Finally, we will complete this circuit by heading to the Archaeological Complex of Pisac. Here we will walk through its impressive agricultural terraces and observe the ancient cemeteries set in the mountainside, enjoying one of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota River. After visiting the colorful Pisac Artisan Market, we will begin the return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving near the Plaza de Armas and closing a day of total exploration.

This epic day begins very early, with pickup at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM. We will travel in our tourist transportation to the Ollantaytambo station, a journey of approximately an hour and a half through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, we will board the 6:30 a.m. train, beginning a scenic journey of nearly two hours following the course of the Urubamba River, where the vegetation becomes more exuberant as we approach the cloud forest of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

Upon arriving at the Aguas Calientes station, our guide will be waiting outside the train station calling us by our names, then directing us to the bus station for the 25-minute ascent to the citadel. Once at the entrance, we will begin the guided tour according to the circuit and schedule on your entrance ticket. Over approximately two and a half hours, we will explore the temples, plazas, and main precincts of this modern world wonder, receiving a detailed explanation about the engineering, astronomy, and spirituality of the Incas at Machu Picchu.

After finishing the visit and capturing the best photographs, we will descend again to the town of Aguas Calientes. You will have free time for lunch on your own and to walk through the streets of the picturesque town before heading to the train station. The return trip is scheduled based on availability, generally on the 2:30 PM or 7:00 PM trains, returning to Ollantaytambo. There, our transport will be waiting for the final transfer to the city of Cusco, culminating this unforgettable day at a central point in the city or Plaza Regocijo.

We begin this great experience with pickup at your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, heading south. Our first stop will be at a local restaurant where we will enjoy an energizing Buffet Breakfast. After breakfast, we will continue the journey in our transport to the Pitumarca area, the starting point of the short route, which allows much faster and more comfortable access to the mountain summit.

From the checkpoint, we will begin a walk of approximately 40 minutes on a progressive ascent. Being the optimized route, the path is shorter than the traditional one, allowing you to conserve energy to enjoy the final destination. Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca (16,519 ft / 5,036 m.a.s.l.), the impressive landscape of multicolored layers will open before your eyes. It is at this highest point, upon reaching the main viewpoint, where you can contemplate in all its magnitude the imposing Ausangate Glacier, the sacred protector of the Cusco Andes.

After a reasonable time to capture spectacular photographs and receive our professional guide’s explanation, we will begin the descent back to our transport. We will return to the restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved Buffet Lunch with a variety of regional dishes. Finally, we will begin the return to the city of Cusco, arriving at the historic center between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, thus culminating an epic day of nature and adventure.

Our adventure begins very early with pickup at your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. We will head northwest of the city, crossing picturesque Andean towns until reaching the town of Mollepata. At this point, we will enjoy a nutritious Buffet Breakfast to prepare for the altitude hike. After breakfast, we will continue our journey by transport for one more hour until reaching Soraypampa, the base camp from where we will begin our ascent.

From Soraypampa, we will begin a hike of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on your physical pace) toward the summit. As we advance, the landscape will surprise us with the imposing presence of the Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching the summit (13,780 ft / 4,200 m.a.s.l.), we will be rewarded with the impressive view of the Humantay Lake, famous for its crystal turquoise waters contrasting with the whiteness of the eternal glaciers surrounding it. You will have enough time for photographs, connecting with nature, and participating in a small offering ceremony to Pachamama with our professional guide.

After enjoying the serenity of the lake, we will begin the descent back to Soraypampa (approximately 1 hour), where our transport will be waiting. We will return to Mollepata to enjoy a restorative Buffet Lunch with local ingredients. Finally, we will begin the return trip to the city of Cusco, arriving at the historic center between approximately 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, thus concluding one of the most beautiful experiences in the Andes mountain range.

Today concludes your stay in the Capital of the Incas, Cusco. At the coordinated time, our private transport will pick you up at your hotel for the transfer to the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. After a flight of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, you will land in the city of Lima, where our staff will be waiting for you in the arrivals area with a personalized sign to welcome you to the “City of Kings.”

We will provide a private transfer to your hotel located in the exclusive Miraflores district, the most vibrant tourist and gastronomic center of the Peruvian capital. During the ride, you can observe the contrast between colonial history and the modernity of this metropolis facing the Pacific Ocean. Once settled in your hotel, if your flight arrives early, you will have the afternoon free to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

As a local recommendation, you can walk to the Parque del Amor to enjoy one of the best sunset views over the sea, or visit the Larcomar shopping center, built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Miraflores is the ideal place to taste the famous Peruvian gastronomy at world-class restaurants or simply walk along the Malecon, enjoying the sea breeze and the modern parks of the area before your last night in Peru.

This unforgettable day begins very early with pickup at your hotel in Lima for a journey of approximately 4 hours south, heading to the resort town of Paracas. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the El Chaco pier, where you will have the opportunity to take the excursion to the Ballestas Islands. On this tour in modern speedboats, you can closely observe the impressive marine fauna, including colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a wide variety of guano birds. Additionally, during the navigation, we will contemplate the enigmatic Candelabro, a colossal geoglyph shrouded in mystery. Those who prefer to stay on land can enjoy the tranquility and sea breeze of the resort.

We will continue our tour toward the city of Ica, with the spectacular Huacachina Oasis as our main destination. This place, unique in America, is an emerald lake surrounded by immense dunes and palm trees. Here we will enjoy free time to walk and capture dreamlike photographs. For adrenaline lovers, this is the perfect setting for an optional tour in Buggies (tubulares) and the practice of Sandboarding, gliding down the sands of the Ica desert.

The sensory experience continues with a visit to the renowned Noelia Chocolaterie, where we will taste artisanal sweets from the region. Subsequently, we will head to the emblematic Bodega Nietto. At this location, we will learn about the artisanal process of making Wine and Pisco, our flagship drink, ending with a generous tasting of its best varieties. After time for a free lunch at a recommended local restaurant, we will begin the return journey.

Before arriving at the capital, we will make one last stop in Chincha, specifically at the Racimo de Uva winery. Here, in addition to another tasting of wines, piscos, and the traditional cachina, we will enjoy a vibrant folk dance workshop to the rhythm of the Peruvian cajón, connecting with the Afro-Peruvian heritage of the coast. We will embark on the final stretch of the trip to arrive in the city of Lima during the night, thus ending a journey full of culture, flavor, and adventure.

Today concludes your journey through the lands of the Sun and the Pacific Coast. After enjoying a last breakfast at your Miraflores hotel, you will have the morning free (depending on your flight schedule) to take a final walk along the Malecon, buy final handicrafts at local markets, or simply relax facing the ocean view.

In strict coordination with your departure schedule, our staff will pick you up in the hotel lobby to provide a private transfer to the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). We will ensure you arrive with enough time to complete your check-in and security procedures without complications.

We say goodbye with the satisfaction of having shown you the cultural, historical, and natural richness of Peru, from the glaciers of the Andes to the desert oases. Have a safe journey home!