Cusco, Machu Picchu, Nazca

Day 1 of your Cusco Machu Picchu Nazca Lines guided tour. Welcome to Peru!

Lima, the largest city and capital of Peru is a must-see when visiting the country.

In the last years, it became a modern city with nice beaches, lots of seafood restaurants, plenty of museums and last but not least an exciting nightlife.

When you arrive at the airport, our driver is already waiting for you to bring you to your hotel. After an exhausting flight, you probably need some time to relax in the hotel.

By the afternoon, you will explore the impressive city of Cusco. The history of the Inca Empire started 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 Cusco´s historic center, we will see Spanish buildings, native ruins, temples, and finely finished buildings of the Incas. The main attractions are the Temple of the Sun, the main square – Plaza de Armas, the market – San Pedro, and the Papa Museo.

Let your mind drift and feel the energy of the past in this magical city.

Then, we will continue to the nearby ruins of Kenko, where you will see its underground galleries and semicircular amphitheater. Tambomachay is a complex of walls connected by stairways and water springs that feed a central well in which the Inca bathed, for it is believed that he also worshipped water. Puca Pucara; the red fortress that is located on a hill, possibly to defend Tambomachay and  Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture, this fortress was built using large slabs of granite to safeguard the city from Antis attacks or invading forces from the east.

With its amazing 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 different kinds of vegetables and plants. However, the Sacred Valley was not part of the Inca Empire but more like the personal property of the Emperor.

Here you have the chance to visit the beautiful “Pisac Market”. You will find a wide variety of locally produced handicrafts.

Later we will visit the small town “Ollantaytambo”. Enjoy a great coffee or delicious meal in one of the local cafes and restaurants. Furthermore, you will find there one of the finest stonework in Peru.

For many, the highlight of their journey through Peru is Machu Picchu.

Surrounded by dramatic landscape between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, Machu Picchu is maybe the greatest wonder of ancient architecture in the world.

It symbolizes the Inca culture with all its historical, cultural, and natural values. The nearly 200 structures may have been a royal estate or a religious site.

Machu Picchu is divided into lower and upper parts to separate farming from residential areas. It consists of subsidiary centers, an extensive road and trail system, irrigation canals, and agricultural terraces. Be aware of the 3,000 steps you have to climb during the day. It will be an active but unforgettable day.

After visiting Machu Picchu, take the train back to Cusco.

Today you will explore the impressive city of Cusco by yourself.

The Vinicunca Mountain, as known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of the newest destinations for those who love trekking, nature, and landscapes. Vinicunca is a mountain located in Quispicanchis province in Cusco, Peru. Close to one of the highest snow peaks in Peru, Apu Ausangate. Over 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) high, the surrounding landscape shows a bright blue sky and almost no people, plants, or animals.

The rainbow colors make a fully enjoyable contrast with the other mountains and the afternoon sky. As the sun rises and the clouds are dragged by the wind the colors of the Vinicunca mountain change turning brighter or darker making the view even better.

After being taken from your hotel in Cusco by car (3-hour trip) and a traditional breakfast you and your travel partners will start the journey to Rainbow Mountain. You can go at your own pace to enjoy every minute of the trek. In three hours approximately you will turn right to the last hill to hold your breath and get dazzled by the 7 color mountain Vinicunca.

You will have time to chill out and take as many pictures as you want.

At a scheduled time, you will get a transfer to the Cusco airport and take your flight to Lima. Upon your arrival, you will get a transfer to your hotel and then start your city tour in Lima.

Ancestral Lima: We start our tour with a panoramic view of the “Pucllana Pyramid” a magnificent ceremonial and archeological center built in the 4th-century a.D. and considered a “sacred village” by the Incas. The Viceroyalty of Perú was the most important of the Spanish Empire and Lima was its capital.

Colonial Lima: We visit the Historical Center of Lima, where you will appreciate more than fifty monuments and Colonial edifications, such as the Paseo de la República, the San Martín Square, the Main Square, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral Basilica, and the City Council Palace amongst others.

We will visit the Museum of the Banco Central de Reserva*, where we will admire the “Treasures of Perú” Collection, a fine selection of objects made of gold, ceramics, and textiles 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 “Catacumbas” or Catacombs.

Contemporary Lima: We will visit traditional residential areas of Lima and Larcomar.

Early in the morning, you will take the tourist bus and travel to Paracas city where you will take a shared tour of the Paracas reserve. The National Park  “Paracas” is located in the south of Lima.

It represents Peru´s coastal marine ecosystem while being home to millions of birds and different species of flora and fauna. The park is ideal for bird watchers, as well as for nature lovers that enjoy walking.

Distinct straight lines, geometric figures, and animal, as well as plant designs, characterize the town of Nazca. Located between Huacachina and Arequipa, the town is a perfect stopover to learn more about pre-Inca culture.

Like the Paracas, the Nazca people were famous for their work with textiles but even more famous for creating geoglyphs, massive drawings, and lines. While walking through the landscape you might identify distinct shapes like a hummingbird, a spider, or a monkey. It is still unclear 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 have a great view of three of the figures.

After this tour, you will take the tourist bus back to Lima.

At a coordinated time, you will have to catch the shuttle transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

• All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident. Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.

• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.

• You must have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

• Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price.

• Your original passport is required for entrance to Machu Picchu, a copy is not sufficient! The control here is very strict.

Important: Prices are valid all of 2023 except for Holy Week, Intiraymi (June 20th through 29th), Independence Celebrations (July 23rd through 31st), and Christmas & New Year (December 22nd through January 1st)