Peru · Archaeology

8-Day Peru Adventure to Machu Picchu with Nazca and Huacachina

8 Days Round trip from Lima Moderate pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Peru's vibrant capital, historic Lima, and its iconic culinary scene
02 Witness wildlife at Ballestas Islands and the coastal beauty of Paracas National Reserve
03 Experience adrenaline in Huacachina with dune buggy rides and sandboarding adventures
04 Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines and uncover ancient geoglyphs from the sky
05 Discover Cusco's Incan heritage and tour the breathtaking Machu Picchu ruins

Discover the best of Peru on this 8-day adventure through Lima, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. Explore the breathtaking Paracas National Reserve, encounter wildlife on the Ballestas Islands, and experience thrilling dune buggy rides and sandboarding in the Huacachina Desert. Take a scenic flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines before continuing to Cusco to uncover the ancient heart of the Inca Empire. The journey culminates at breathtaking Machu Picchu, where terraces, temples, and plazas reveal the grandeur of Peru's past.

The journey culminates at breathtaking Machu Picchu, where terraces, temples, and plazas reveal the grandeur of Peru's past.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cusco, Ica, Nazca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ballestas Islands, Paracas

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Lima and Leisure Time

Arrive in Lima.
Meet the team at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Spend the day at leisure.
Explore Plaza de Armas or enjoy Lima's culinary scene.
Rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

Meals included: None.

Overnight: Lima.

Day 02

Lima to Paracas and Paracas National Reserve

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Travel by bus to Paracas.
Explore Paracas National Reserve and visit the Interpretation Center.
View the Cathedral rock formation and learn about Paracas culture.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Paracas.

Day 03

Ballestas Islands Tour and Transfer to Ica

Take a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands.
Spot sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and seabirds.
See the Candelabro geoglyph.
Travel to Ica and check into your hotel.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Ica.

Day 04

Huacachina Desert Adventure and Return to Paracas

Experience dune buggy rides and sandboarding on the Huacachina dunes.
Return to Paracas for relaxation.
Optionally visit a local winery to taste pisco.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Paracas.

Day 05

Nazca Lines Flight and Return to Lima

Take a flight over the Nazca Lines.
Return to Lima by bus.
Spend the evening exploring Lima or dining out.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Lima.

Day 06

Fly to Cusco and Explore Inca Heritage

Fly to Cusco.
Receive coca tea to aid acclimatization.
Take an afternoon city tour visiting the Cathedral, Qoricancha, and Sacsayhuaman.
Explore the ruins at Qenqo, Puca Pucará, and Tambomachay.
Immerse yourself in Cusco's culture.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Cusco.

Day 07

Machu Picchu Excursion from Cusco

Rise early and board the train to Aguas Calientes.
Take the bus to Machu Picchu citadel.
Explore terraces, temples, and plazas with a guide.
Absorb breathtaking views and history.
Return to Cusco by train.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: Cusco.

Day 08

Departure from Cusco

Transfer to the airport for departure.
Take lasting memories of Peru's culture and landscapes.
Begin planning your next visit.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Overnight: None.

Where this trip takes you

Paracas National Reserve, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina dunes, Machu Picchu terraces

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lima 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Standard category hotels, 2.5 to 3 stars
All guided tours with an English-speaking guide
Meals as per itinerary, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Private transportation for airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers
Peru Rail train ticket in Expedition class from Poroy to Aguas Calientes and return
Group tour activities with shared transportation

What's Not Included

International flights
Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the program
Pisco Airport Tax: USD 5.68
Nazca Lines Tourist Ticket: USD 13.50
Dock El Chaco Tax: USD 5
Huacachina Tax: USD 1
Meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses and tips
Alcoholic beverages
International airport fees, if applicable

What to bring

Your passport must be valid for 6+ months.
Comfortable walking shoes; hiking boots are ideal for Machu Picchu.
A daypack for daily excursions.
Layered outfits suitable for the cool coast and chilly Andes.
A light jacket for the Paracas wind.
A warm fleece and hat for Cusco nights.
A swimsuit for hotels with pools.
Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen for the strong desert and Andean sun.
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated at altitude.
A camera and phone with an extra battery for non-stop photo opportunities.
Cash in PEN and USD, with small bills for tips and souvenirs.
Altitude pills such as soroche chews to help in Cusco.
Motion sickness medication for boat rides and the Nazca flight.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

Know before you go

Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required.
Printed copies of flight and tour confirmations are necessary.
Vaccination proof may be required. Check current regulations before travel.
Cusco's elevation is 3,400 meters (11,150 feet). Take it easy during the first 24 hours.
Prevent altitude sickness with medication and rest.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for your safety.
Use Peruvian Sol (PEN) as currency. USD 1 equals approximately S/3.7.
ATMs are widely available. They offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices.
Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in cities.
Carry cash in small amounts for markets and street vendors.
Dress in layers because temperatures vary drastically throughout the day.
Bring a rain jacket, especially for travel during the November to March rainy season.
Carry a power adapter for Type A/B plugs, 220V voltage.
Greet locals with a handshake or cheek kiss among friends.
Always ask permission before photographing locals out of respect.
Remove hats in churches and avoid touching ruins at sacred sites.
The Nazca flight lasts about 30 minutes on a small plane. Avoid it if you have severe motion sickness.
Ballestas Islands boat tours can be bumpy. Take seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness.
Machu Picchu prohibits single-use plastics to protect the environment.