Essential Peru: Lima, Ica and Cusco

5 Days | 4 Nights

¡Enjoy the best of Peru in 5 days on a tour that will take you from the desert oasis of Huacachina to the wonder of the modern world: Machu Picchu.

Visit Peru in just 5 days: a tour that will take you from the modernity of Lima to the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu. Enjoy Paracas and the Ballestas Islands, revel in the dunes of Ica, and above all, experience the history of Cusco, capital of the ancient Inca empire. This tour has been designed for those who want to explore the best of Peru in a short time, combining culture, nature, and adventure in a unique experience.

ITINERARY

DAY 01: “ARRIVAL IN LIMA”

Upon arrival in the city of kings, one of our representatives will greet you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it. After greeting you, you will be taken in our tour vehicle to your pre-selected hotel. Here you can rest from the journey and prepare for the following days of sightseeing.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may have time to explore the Peruvian capital.

Overnight stay: Lima

DAY 02: “FULL DAY ICA - PARACAS”

Our second day will begin with a typical local breakfast, including freshly brewed coffee, natural juices, traditional breads, and the classic chicharrón criollo (criollo pork rinds).

Afterward, we will depart for the Paracas pier, where we will register with SERNAMP (National Maritime Police) to obtain an entry permit to the National Reserve. Once ready, we will board the speedboats bound for the Ballestas Islands.

During the cruise, we will stop in front of the imposing geoglyph known as "The Candelabro." Our guide will explain the various theories about its meaning and origin, a figure that continues to intrigue scholars and travelers. The ocean voyage will allow us to admire the area’s marine ecosystem up close. The islands are home to a wide variety of species such as sea lions, grackles, pelicans, and penguins, as well as other coastal birds. If we are lucky, we might see a pod of dolphins alongside our boat.

After this natural experience, we will continue the journey by land to the city of Ica, a journey of approximately one hour. Our destination will be the "Cultur Pisco" country restaurant and vineyard, where we will enjoy a typical regional lunch, followed by a guided tour of the facilities and a wine tasting and artisanal piscos.

To conclude the day, we will head to the charming Huacachina Oasis. There, we will ride the famous tubular tubes for an adventure over the desert dunes. You can also sandboard from the top of the sand hills. We will then have some free time to stroll around the lagoon, take photos, or buy a souvenir.

After completing our visit to the Huacachina Oasis, we will return to Lima so you can rest and prepare for the next day’s trip.

Noche de alojamiento: lima
Comidas: desayuno y almuerzo

DAY 03: “HEADING TO CUSCO + CITY TOUR”

We will begin the day with a transfer from your accommodation to the airport, where you will board your flight to the imperial city of Cusco.

Upon arrival, either at the airport or the bus terminal, one of our representatives will greet you with a sign and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in our tour vehicle. There you can settle in, rest, and prepare for the city tour.

At the scheduled time, we will pick you up to begin our tour of the main historical attractions of the city and its surroundings. We will visit the following sites:

• Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun): An ancient Inca temple dedicated to the god Inti, considered one of the most important religious centers of the Empire.
• Sacsayhuamán: An Inca ceremonial fortress built with enormous stone blocks, famous for its architecture and panoramic views of the city of Cusco.
• Qenqo: A ritual site carved into the rock where religious ceremonies and sacrifices were held.
• Pukapukara: An archaeological site known as the "red fortress," possibly used as a military outpost and resting place.
• Tambomachay: A ceremonial center related to water, with canals and still-flowing fountains, dedicated to purification rituals.

At the end of the tour, we will return to your hotel so you can rest or continue exploring the city on your own.

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the tourist transport that will take you back to Cusco. Upon your return to the imperial city, you will be transferred directly to your hotel so you can rest.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 04: “MACHU PICCHU TOUR”

Starting a new day of adventure, we'll pick you up from your accommodation and head to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we'll embark on a scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes, the access point to the Inca citadel.

Once we arrive in Hot Waters, we'll transfer to the tourist bus station, where we'll ascend a mountain road for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until we reach the entrance to Machu Picchu.

It's important to respect the entry time, as entrances are timed. You should also bring your ID or passport, entrance ticket, and be prepared in advance.

Once inside the archaeological site, we will take a guided tour for approximately two hours, visiting the most important sites of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, such as:

• The panoramic viewpoint or main lookout
• The Temple of the Three Windows
• The Intihuatana, an ancient solar observatory
• The Main Plaza
• Among other Inca sites.

After the visit, we will board the bus back down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to have lunch, buy souvenirs, or simply relax before the return trip.

In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then the tourist transport that will take you back to Cusco. Upon arrival back in the imperial city, we will transfer you directly to your hotel so you can rest.

Overnight stay: Cusco

DAY 05: “RETURN”

This day is set up so you can get ready to return to your destination. Our staff will be ready to escort you to the airport or bus terminal.

Meals: breakfast at the hotel

INCLUDES:

• Transfers Airport/Bus Terminal – hotel – Airport/Bus Terminal
• 02 nights accommodation in Cusco
• 02 nights accommodation in Lima
• Tours with regular or shared service:
  • Full day tour Ica Paracas
  • Cusco city tour
  • Round trip train to Machu Picchu with Expedition Service or upgrade to selected train
  • Tourist bus to Machu Picchu round trip
  • Guided shared service
• Entrance tickets to the attractions to visit and Machu Picchu
• Professional guide in Spanish or English
• Meals according to the itinerary and breakfast if you choose hotel accommodation.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals not mentioned
• Others not mentioned.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Rates are expressed in US dollars, per person; exchange rate for payments in soles is S/ 3.80.
• Children under 3 years old do not pay (no seat or bed).
• Children ages 3 to 11 years old are free.
• Student rates for children ages 12 to 24 (with ID or student ID) – USD 25.00 discount.
• Guidance is provided in Spanish or English.
• Shared service.
• Subject to availability. Does not apply to holidays such as Easter, Inti Raymi, Fiestas Patrias, Christmas, New Year's, and other local holidays.
• The order of tours may vary.
• Pickups are provided from centrally located hotels; if they are outside the pickup area, a fee for transfers outside the city center will apply.
• Rate valid until December 2025.
• Rates do not apply during peak seasons (Long Holidays, Holy Week, Inti Raymi, Fiestas Patrias, New Year's Day).
• Rates do not include VAT.

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Small backpack
• Light clothing
• Hiking shoes
• Jacket to keep warm during the early morning or evening
• Hats or sun hats
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera