Peru Coast & Andes Tour – Nazca, Machu Picchu & Cusco 9 Days

We depart from Lima for Paracas, a coastal destination famous for its biodiversity and its landscapes that blend sea and desert. Upon arrival, you'll have some time to settle in and enjoy a light snack before the main activity begins.

Then we board a boat to visit the Ballestas Islands, where you can see the Candelabro geoglyph from the sea and observe marine wildlife such as sea lions, guano birds, and, depending on the season, Humboldt penguins. It's an ideal experience for taking photos and learning about one of the most important ecosystems on the Peruvian coast.

Upon returning to Paracas, you'll have free time for lunch on the boardwalk, with a variety of seafood and local dishes to choose from. (Lunch is at your own expense.) Afterward, we continue to Ica to visit the Huacachina oasis, surrounded by giant dunes. Here we offer a dune buggy and sandboarding experience, exploring the desert with stops at scenic viewpoints for photos. It's the most adventurous part of the day and a traveler favorite. Afterward, we return to Paracas, where the tour concludes with check-in and rest. You'll have the evening free to stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.

Overnight in Paracas.

Maximum height: 154 m / 505 ft

Minimum height: 154 m / 505 ft

Climate: Humid

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 - 3 hrs

IMPORTANT
For Ballestas: windbreaker (there's a cold breeze at sea). For Huacachina: closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and a scarf for the sand.

In the morning, our staff will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the bus station, where you will board a tourist bus to the city of Nazca, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to take you to the Nazca airport, where you will receive the necessary instructions before the overflight.

You will enjoy a breathtaking 30-minute flight over the famous Nazca Lines, from where you can appreciate 12 geoglyphic figures, including the Spider, the Monkey, the Dog, the Lizard, the Hummingbird, and the Condor. These figures, ranging from 15 to 300 meters in length and 30 centimeters in depth, represent an invaluable pre-Incan cultural legacy of the region. During the flight, you will have the opportunity to take photos and videos to capture this unique experience.

At the end of the tour, you will have free time for lunch if you wish, before returning to the city of Nazca by tourist bus.

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Overnight in Nazca.

Maximum height: 500 m / 1,640 ft

Minimum height: 154 m / 505 ft

Climate: Humid

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

IMPORTANT
Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking geoglyphs. We also recommend bringing local currency, as you may wish to offer a voluntary tip to our driver as a token of appreciation for the experience (entirely optional).

At the agreed-upon time, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Nazca and transfer you to the bus station. There, you will board a tourist bus bound for Lima, a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The trip will be in a comfortable and safe service, traveling along the southern coast of Peru and
admiring the vast desert landscapes characteristic of the region. During the journey, brief rest stops may be made, if needed.

Upon your arrival at the bus station in Lima, our staff will be waiting to provide your private transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, you will be assisted with check-in.

The afternoon will be free to relax after your trip, shop, enjoy Lima's renowned cuisine, or stroll around your hotel.

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Overnight in Lima.

Maximum height: 500 m / 1,640 ft

Minimum height: 154 m / 505 ft

Climate: Humid

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 3 - 4 hrs

RECOMMENDATION
You can stroll around the city and enjoy Peruvian cuisine before heading to Cusco.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Lima airport to board your flight to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. During the flight, you can enjoy the changing landscapes as we approach the Peruvian Andes.

Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cusco's historic center, where you can check in and settle in. Due to the altitude (3,399 m / 11,152 ft), it is recommended that you take it easy and use the time to rest and acclimatize.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to begin exploring this enchanting city. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, visit the Plaza de Armas with its impressive churches and balconies, or enjoy a coffee on a terrace overlooking the majestic Andes. This first afternoon in Cusco is ideal for acclimatizing, relaxing, and immersing yourself in the history and culture that make the city unique. •
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Overnight stay in Cusco

Maximum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Minimum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 hrs

RECOMMENDATION
Before your return flight, be sure to check your belongings and documents, confirm your airport transfer time, and arrive at least 2 hours in advance. (REMEMBER TO SEND US YOUR FLIGHT SCHEDULE).

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our Meta Peru Travel team will pick you up to begin a fascinating excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, one of Peru's most impressive and culturally rich routes.
Our first stop will be at the Taray viewpoint, where you can admire the majesty of the valley and its agricultural terraces. Next, we'll visit the traditional town of Pisac, famous for its impressive archaeological site and lively artisan market, ideal for finding colorful textiles, ceramics, and local jewelry.

We'll continue to Urubamba, where you'll enjoy a buffet lunch at a cozy local restaurant surrounded by Andean landscapes. In the afternoon, we'll explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo, an architectural gem of the Inca Empire, whose enormous carved stones and agricultural terraces reflect the grandeur of this civilization.

At the end of the tour, we'll return to the city of Cusco, where you can rest and prepare for the next adventure of your trip.

Overnight stay in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,762 m / 12,343 ft

Minimum height: 2,792 m / 9,160 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 2 hr

IMPORTANT
The Cusco City Tour tourist ticket is also valid
for visiting sites in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray. Be sure to keep it, as it is valid for several days.

Early in the morning, after a light breakfast at your hotel, our Meta Peru Travel team will pick you up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley to begin the most anticipated trip: a visit to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.

We will board the luxury train to Aguas Calientes, enjoying a scenic journey surrounded by mountains, verdant valleys, and the murmur of the Urubamba River. During the trip, you can relax with first-class service, Andean music, and landscapes that seem straight out of a dream.

Upon arrival, a short bus ride will take us to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, where our expert guide will reveal the mysteries and secrets of this majestic feat of Inca engineering. Explore temples, staircases, and terraces while feeling the mystical energy of this sacred place, surrounded by lush nature. After the visit, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant of your choice (lunch at passenger's expense). Afterward, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our team will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

Minimum height: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate walk: 3 hrs

IMPORTANT
To enter Machu Picchu, you must present the original ID or passport you used to book your ticket. Without this document, you will not be allowed to enter the archaeological site.

After picking you up from your hotel, we'll head to the gastronomic kitchen where you'll experience one of the most authentic tastes of Peruvian cuisine.

We'll begin with a guided tour of the local market, where you'll discover a variety of fresh and colorful produce: Andean tubers, chili peppers, exotic fruits, aromatic herbs, and ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth. Our guide will explain the cultural significance of each ingredient while we select what we need for the class.

Back at the workshop, we'll begin the hands-on cooking class, where, guided step-by-step by the chef, you'll learn to prepare iconic Peruvian dishes. We'll start with a delicious appetizer, such as a fresh ceviche or causa limeña. Then we'll move on to the main course, where you can prepare a traditional lomo saltado, ají de gallina, or an Andean option, depending on the day's program. While enjoying the preparation, you'll also learn to create the classic pisco sour, Peru's signature drink, using professional techniques you can replicate at home.

Finally, you'll taste all the dishes you prepared, accompanied by a warm atmosphere and a brief explanation of the culinary history of each recipe. At the end of the experience, our team will transfer you back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Maximum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Minimum height: 3,399 m/12,139 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 hr

RECOMMENDATION
Wear comfortable clothing and bring cash for purchases at the market. Follow the chef's instructions and enjoy every step of the process to make the most of the culinary experience.

In the morning, after breakfast in Cusco, we will transfer to the train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer, a luxury train with panoramic views that travels through the Andean highlands.

During the journey, you will enjoy:

- Spectacular landscapes: mountains, plains, and Andean lagoons.

- La Raya: the highest point on the route (4,335 m), ideal for memorable photos.

- Comfort and luxury on board: panoramic carriages, live music, and a gourmet lunch.

- Local culture: passing through Andean communities, where you can observe their traditional way of life.

At the end of the journey, we will arrive in the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where our staff will transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Puno

Maximum height: 3,827 m / 12,555 ft

Minimum height: 3,121 m / 10,240 ft

Climate: Cold - Sunny

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate walk: 1 - 2 hrs

IMPORTANT
Before checking out in Cusco, be sure to che history and art of the imperial city.