Cuzco, Machu Picchu & Nazca

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Lima. Transfer by shuttle to the hotel.

  Welcome to Peru! Lima, the largest city and the capital of Peru, is a must-see during your visit to the country. In recent years, it has become a modern city with beautiful beaches, many seafood restaurants, numerous museums, and, finally, an exciting nightlife.

• day 2

  Transfer, flight to Cusco, arrival in Cusco, city tour

  When you arrive at the airport, our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. After an exhausting flight, you will probably need some time to relax at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will explore the impressive city of Cusco. The history of the Inca Empire began here. The imperial city of the Incas was a complex urban center with different religious and administrative functions. Many years later, the Spanish conquerors destroyed the ancient culture and sent its treasures to Spain. In the historic center of Cusco, we will see Spanish buildings, indigenous ruins, temples, and finely finished Inca buildings. The main attractions are: the "Temple of the Sun," the main square "Plaza de Armas," the "San Pedro" market, and the "Papa Museo." Let your mind drift and feel the energy of the past in this magical city. Next, we will continue to the nearby ruins: Kenko, where you will see its underground galleries and semi-circular amphitheater. Tambomachay is a complex of walls connected by stairs, with water sources that feed a well via channels in which, apparently, the Inca used to bathe. It is said that he particularly worshipped water. Puca Pucara, the red fortress located on a hill, may have served to defend Tambomachay and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture. This fortress was built using large granite slabs to protect the city from enemy attacks or invading forces. Meals included: breakfast

• day 3

  Sacred Valley

  With its incredible nature, breathtaking views, ancient ruins, and various adventure activities, the Sacred Valley has a lot to offer. The valley was chosen by the Incas because of its geographical and climatic conditions. It was the best place in Peru to plant all kinds of vegetables and plants. However, the Sacred Valley was not part of the Inca Empire, but rather a personal property of the Emperor. Here, you will have the chance to visit the magnificent "Pisac Market." You will find a wide variety of locally produced handicrafts there. Later, we will go visit the small town of "Ollantaytambo." Enjoy a good coffee or a delicious meal in one of the local cafés and restaurants. In addition, you will find one of the most beautiful stones in Peru there. Meals included: breakfast, lunch

• day 4

  Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu - Cusco

  For many, the highlight of their journey through Peru: Machu Picchu. Surrounded by a spectacular landscape between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon basin, Machu Picchu is perhaps the greatest wonder of ancient architecture in the world. It symbolizes Inca culture with all its historical, cultural, and natural values. The nearly 200 structures could have been a royal estate or a religious site. Machu Picchu is divided into a lower and an upper part in order to separate agriculture from residential areas. It includes subsidiary centers, an extensive network of roads and trails, irrigation canals, and agricultural terraces. Be aware of the 3000 steps you will have to climb during the day. It will be an active but unforgettable day. After visiting the Machu Picchu site, you will take the train back to Cusco. Meals included: breakfast

• day 5

  Free day in Cusco.

  Today, you will visit and explore the incredible city of Cusco on your own! Included meals: breakfast

• day 6

  Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

  The Vinicunca mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of the newest destinations for those who love trekking, nature, and landscapes. Vinicunca is a mountain located in the province of Quispicanchis in Cusco, Peru, near one of the highest snow-capped peaks in the country, Apu Ausangate. At over 5000 meters above sea level, the surrounding landscape offers a bright blue sky and almost no human, plant, or animal presence. The rainbow colors create a pleasant contrast with the other mountains and the afternoon sky. When the sun rises and the clouds are carried by the wind, the colors of Vinicunca mountain change, becoming lighter or darker, making the view even more impressive. After being transferred from your hotel in Cusco by car (3-hour drive) and having a traditional breakfast, you and your travel companions will begin the trek to Rainbow Mountain. You can go at your own pace to enjoy every minute of the hike. About three hours later, you will turn right on the last hill, holding your breath, to admire the mountain of 7 colors, Vinicunca. You will have time to relax and take as many photos as you wish. Meals included: breakfast & lunch.

• day 7

  Flight from Lima to Cusco, shared tour of downtown Lima

  At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Cusco airport and take your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, then begin your city tour in Lima. ANCESTRAL LIMA: We will start our tour with a panoramic view of the "Pyramid of Pucllana," a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological center built in the 4th century BC and considered a "sacred village" by the Incas. The Viceroyalty of Peru was the most important of the Spanish Empire and Lima was its capital. COLONIAL LIMA: We will visit the historic center of Lima, where you will appreciate more than fifty colonial monuments and buildings, such as the Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, the main square, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral, the Basilica, and the City Hall Palace, among others. We will visit the MUSEUM OF THE CENTRAL RESERVE BANK, where we will admire the "Treasures of Peru" collection, a beautiful selection of gold, ceramic, and textile objects from different pre-Columbian cultures. We will visit the monumental SAN FRANCISCO convent, which displays the largest collection of religious art in America. Our highlight will be the visit to the underground vaults, known as the "Catacumbas" or Catacombs. CONTEMPORARY LIMA: We will visit the traditional residential districts of Lima and Larcomar. Meals included: breakfast

• day 8

  Cusco transfer, flight to Lima, arrival and transfer to Ica, Paracas Nature Reserve

  Early in the morning, you will take the tourist bus and go to the city of Paracas where you will take a shared tour to the Paracas reserve. The "Paracas" national park is located south of Lima. It represents the coastal marine ecosystem of Peru while hosting millions of birds as well as different species of flora and fauna. The park is ideal for birdwatchers, as well as for nature lovers who enjoy walking. Meals included: breakfast.

• day 9

  Nazca, Lima

  Distinct straight lines, geometric figures, and drawings of animals and plants characterize the city of Nazca. Located between Huacachina and Arequipa, the city is a perfect stop to learn more about pre-Inca culture. Like the Paracas, the Nazca were famous for their work with textiles, but even more famous for the creation of geoglyphs, drawings, and massive lines. While walking through the landscape, you might identify distinct shapes such as a hummingbird, a spider, or a monkey. It is still not known why the lines exist, but it is assumed that they may have been used for astrological or ceremonial purposes. To better see the lines, you can walk to the observation tower. There, you will have a beautiful view of three of the lines. After this visit, you will get back on the tourist bus towards Lima. Included meals: breakfast

• day 10

  Return transfer to the airport, international flight.

  At a coordinated time, you will need to take the shuttle transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Included meals: breakfast We hope you enjoyed your stay in Peru. Thank you for choosing Gulliver Expeditions. *** END OF OUR SERVICES ***