From Lima: Fantastic Tour With Ica-Paracas-Cusco 9d/8n

This comprehensive 9-day tour from Lima takes travelers on an immersive exploration of Peru’s diverse cultural heritage. Highlights include a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, sandboarding in Huacachina, aerial views of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, and an in-depth discovery of Cusco and the iconic Machu Picchu. With guided tours, some meals, and transportation included, as well as flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for a moderate price. Those seeking an unforgettable journey through Peru’s captivating landscapes and ancient wonders won’t want to miss this tour’s impressive array of activities.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 9-day tour from Lima exploring Peru’s diverse cultural heritage, including Lima, Ica, Paracas, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
• Small group size of up to 15 participants, with live guides providing commentary in English and Spanish.
• Inclusions such as transportation, entrance tickets, some meals, and train tickets to Machu Picchu.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Immersive experiences, including boat tours, sandboarding, and hiking to natural wonders like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 9-day tour from Lima takes travelers through the stunning landscapes and historic sites of Ica, Paracas, and Cusco, offering a comprehensive exploration of Peru’s diverse cultural heritage.

Priced at $1,180 per person, the tour features flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and is limited to small groups of 15 participants.

Along the journey, knowledgeable live guides provide insights in both Spanish and English.

Highlights include discovering the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, exploring the Ballestas Islands and Huacachina, and hiking to scenic locations like Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.

With transportation, entrance tickets, some meals, and train rides included, this tour provides an immersive and convenient way to experience the best of Peru.

Highlights and Inclusions

In this fantastic 9-day tour from Lima to Ica, Paracas, and Cusco, the highlights include discovering the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, where travelers will learn about its history and culture, and exploring the tourist attractions in Lima and Cusco.

Participants will also travel by tourist train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town, providing a scenic and convenient mode of transportation.

The tour includes:

1. Transportation and entrance tickets to all the major sites and attractions.
2. Tour guides who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.
3. Some meals, as well as train tickets to Machu Picchu.
4. Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Day 1: Lima City Tour

Kicking off the 9-day adventure, travelers embark on a city tour of Lima, Peru’s bustling capital.

Renowned for its colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, the tour showcases the city’s most iconic sites, providing an insightful introduction to the country’s rich heritage.

Guests will stroll through the charming Plaza de Armas, admiring the grand colonial buildings that surround it, including the Government Palace and the stunning Lima Cathedral.

They’ll also visit the Monastery of San Francisco, renowned for its catacombs and impressive Baroque architecture.

Along the way, the tour explores the vibrant Barranco neighborhood, known for its artsy vibe and bohemian flair.

This comprehensive introduction to Lima sets the stage for the remarkable journey ahead.

Days 2-3: Ica and Paracas

After exploring Lima, the tour ventures south to the coastal region of Ica and Paracas, where travelers discover the natural wonders and rich heritage of these dynamic destinations.

On Day 2, they embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, often referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Galapagos,’ teeming with diverse marine life, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and a variety of seabirds. Later, they visit the oasis town of Huacachina, where they can opt to try their hand at sandboarding down the towering dunes.

On Day 3, the group takes to the skies for a captivating overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the vast ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert landscape, which continue to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.

The tour’s highlights in Ica and Paracas include:

1. Exploring the Ballestas Islands, a natural sanctuary for diverse wildlife
2. Sandboarding down the towering dunes of the Huacachina oasis
3. Marveling at the mysterious Nazca Lines from a bird’s-eye view
4. Taking in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: Cusco City Tour

The tour’s fourth day takes travelers to the historic city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they embark on a comprehensive city tour to uncover its rich cultural heritage.

The tour explores Cusco’s main square, Plaza de Armas, featuring the impressive Inca stone walls and colonial-era structures like the Cathedral and the Jesuit Church of the Company. Visitors will marvel at the artistry and engineering of Inca landmarks, including the Koricancha, an ancient Inca temple dedicated to the sun god.

The tour also includes a visit to the vibrant San Pedro Market, where travelers can enjoy the local culture and purchase handicrafts and traditional Andean produce.

Days 5-6: Machu Picchu

From Cusco, travelers embark on the next leg of the journey, venturing into the Sacred Valley to board a tourist train bound for the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Inca civilization.

On arrival, they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins, marveling at the intricate stone architecture, terraced gardens, and breathtaking vistas.

The Machu Picchu experience includes:

1. Exploring the remarkable Temple of the Sun, where the Incas worshipped their solar deity.
2. Climbing the steep staircases to the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain for a panoramic view of the site.
3. Learning about the site’s history, including its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
4. Experiencing the serene atmosphere and spiritual energy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Days 7-8: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain

Following their captivating exploration of Machu Picchu, the intrepid travelers now set their sights on two more breathtaking natural wonders – Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. On Day 7, they’ll embark on a hike to the stunning glacial Humantay Lake, surrounded by the majestic Andes. The next day, they’ll tackle the challenging ascent to Rainbow Mountain, marveling at its vibrant, multicolored slopes. This tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and culture, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes of Peru.

Humantay Lake	Rainbow Mountain
Glacial lake in the Andes	Multicolored mountain slopes
Scenic hiking trail	Challenging high-altitude hike
Stunning views of the Andes	Panoramic vistas of the Andes
Opportunity to see local wildlife	Cultural significance for indigenous communities
Refreshing respite from the heat	Sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit

Day 9: Airport Transfer

On the final day, travelers will be provided with a seamless airport transfer, ensuring a stress-free departure from their Peruvian adventure. This convenient service is included in the tour package, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation or worry about navigating the airport.

The transfer service will pick up participants from their hotel in Cusco and deliver them directly to the Cusco airport, allowing for an easy check-in and boarding process. The transfer will be handled by the tour operator, providing a smooth and efficient end to the 9-day journey.

Key features of the airport transfer include:

1. Door-to-door service from hotel to airport
2. Dedicated transportation for the group
3. Assistance with luggage and check-in
4. Arrival at the airport with ample time for departure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Add Extra Days to the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for extra days to be added. Travelers can customize the itinerary and extend their stay to explore more of the destinations at an additional cost. The tour operator offers flexible booking options to accommodate these requests.

What Are the Departure Times for Each Day?

The tour’s departure times vary by day, with the tour typically starting early in the morning to maximize sightseeing time. Exact departure times are not specified, but travelers should be prepared for an active, early-rising schedule throughout the 9-day itinerary.

How Much Cash Should I Bring for Additional Expenses?

The amount of additional cash needed can vary, but a reasonable estimate is $200-$300 per person. This would cover any optional activities, meals not included, and incidentals during the 9-day tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can work with the tour provider to modify the itinerary to suit their interests and preferences, such as adding or removing certain activities or destinations, within the constraints of the tour’s duration and inclusions.

Is There an Option to Upgrade Accommodations?

Yes, there are options to upgrade accommodations on this tour. Guests can choose from a range of hotel categories, from standard to deluxe, to suit their preferences and budget. Additional fees may apply for upgraded accommodations.

Recap

This comprehensive 9-day tour from Lima provides an immersive exploration of Peru’s diverse cultural heritage.

Highlights include boat tours, sandboarding, and in-depth discovery of Cusco and Machu Picchu.

With guided tours, some meals, and transportation included, as well as flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience for a moderate price of $1,180 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: