Inca Masterpieces: Machu Picchu to the Nazca Lines | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Inca Masterpieces: Machu Picchu to the Nazca Lines

PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5168

Private Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a morning tour to the famous Ballestas Islands, where impressive wildlife gathers including penguins, boobies, and sea lions that curiously approach the tourist boats.
  • Experiencing the archaeological delights of Cusco on a walking tour of the Inca capital.
  • Interacting with locals and picking up authentic handicrafts at the bustling San Pedro Market.
  • Opting for a horseback ride at sunset near the incredible Sacsayhuaman Ruins.
  • Soaring over the Nazca Lines in a light aircraft, taking in its sheer size and splendor.
  • Visit the Museo Larco in Lima, chronologically showcasing 3,000 years of Peruvian history followed by complimentary cocktails and appetizers overlooking the beautiful gardens.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Enjoy the full breadth of Inca masterpieces from Machu Picchu to the Nazca Lines. In addition to the popular Peruvian destinations of Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, this trip brings Yampu travelers to explore the Nazca Lines and the Ballesta Islands. In Nazca, you will take an unforgettable flight, soaring over the enormous ancient calendar of the Incas drawn in the desert sand. Admire the sheer size and splendor of the Nazca Lines. Then we will cruise to the Ballesta Isles, where you will be amazed by playful sea lions, penguins, and several species of birds.

In Cusco and Lima, you will enjoy fully private tours led by local guides. In Cusco, experience the archaeological delights of the city on a walking tour of the Inca capital. You will have the opportunity to admire the main highlights and visit the Casa Concha museum or the lively San Pedro Market, where you can interact with locals and pick up beautiful and authentic handicrafts. Opt for a sunset horseback ride near the incredible Sacsayhuaman ruins.

In Lima, the capital of Peru and a popular culinary destination, you will enjoy a tour of the city’s colonial and modern buildings, as well as Lima’s history and cultural heritage. Later, you will also have the opportunity to visit the newly renovated Larco Herrera Museum, known for its invaluable collection of Peruvian history. Your tour also includes a visit to the famous citadel of Machu Picchu and an overnight near the ruins.

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

Inclusions
Prices include round-trip airfare from Lima to Cusco; hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast; ll transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; flight over the Nazca Lines; guided tours in English including all entrance fees; and meals where specified.

Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.

*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.
Exclusions

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 5168

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Lima

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Yampu guide who will assist you with the check-in at the airport hotel.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Yampu guide who will assist you with the check-in at the airport hotel.

LATAM Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Day
2

Flight to Cusco

At the appropriate time, you will walk back to the airport to check-in for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the old Inca city became the foundation for the Spanish architecture you see today, and many of the stone walls that line the streets were built by the Incas.

This afternoon is at your leisure to acclimate. Cusco's elevation is approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so we highly recommend resting as soon as you arrive for a few hours and taking in some coca tea.

If you feel up to it later, Cusco is a great walking city with sidewalk cafes, street art, and local shops to explore! We highly recommend the chocolate factory and shop.
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Cusco_Peru
Day
3

Walking Tour of Cusco with visit to Sacsayhuaman

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco, where you will visit the Korikancha Temple, Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During your tour today, you have the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market. The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University. San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where you will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals selling or purchasing items from the market.

This afternoon there will be time for lunch (lunch not included) before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko, and finally, the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Cusco_Market_Fruit_Peru
Day
4

Cusco-Machu Picchu

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the train station.

The train will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, you will board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a private guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes. ...read less

Machu_Picchu_Peru
Day
5

Day at Leisure

Morning read more...

Morning at Leisure at Machu Picchu Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo
Enjoy today at your leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu, or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.

Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. If you decide to return to Machu Picchu, new regulations require you to be accompanied by a guide at all times. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at the time of booking (subject to availability).
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Hiram_Bingham_Train_Peru
Day
6

Cusco- Lima - Paracas

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to the bus station to take the bus to Paracas.

Upon arrival in Paracas, you will be greeted for assistance and transferred to the hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to the bus station to take the bus to Paracas.

Upon arrival in Paracas, you will be greeted for assistance and transferred to the hotel.

Paracas_Peru
Day
7

Paracas- Pisco

This morning, you will be met at your hotel and transfer to the Pisco airport, where you will enjoy a special trip through the desert of Nazca. The enigmatic lines on the desert have given it worldwide fame. Figures like the monkey, spider, and condor, all of the big dimensions, can be seen from the sky on a flight in small planes. If weather conditions permits, passengers will fly over recent discoveries in Palpa. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the scenery, where 150-million-year-old marine fossils can be found.

In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour while visiting part of the 355,000 ha of the Paracas Natural Reserve. Travel across what seems like desert wasteland but what really is home to a huge variety of marine birds (locally known as aves guaneras for their production of guano - droppings used as fertilizer) and other wildlife, the entire time taking in the unique beauty of their natural habitat.
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Nazca_Lines_Peru
Day
8

Pisco - Ballesta Isles- Lima

Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the dock to visit the Ballestas Islands.

Enjoy a morning tour to the famous Ballestas Islands, located 45 minutes from the coast of Paracas. The islands gather impressive animal wildlife consisting of guano birds, penguins, tendrils, boobies, and sea lions that curiously approach the tourist boats and jump around them. The motorboat, conducted by a professional sailor, leaves the hotel dock in the morning and includes life jackets, a bilingual guide (English / Spanish), and water bottles. Finally, you will return to the hotel with a group bus trip to Lima with VIP seats.

Upon arrival to the bus station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
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Humboldt_Penguins
Day
9

City Tour of Lima

This afternoon, enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. As you journey through the historic center of the city, admire San Martin's beauty and its major squares, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note that the Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday.

During your tour, you will also visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926, the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture, including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th-century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco, enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful surrounding gardens.
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Museo_Larco_Lima_Peru
Day
10

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or overlap with the add-on of choice.

Note: If the departing flight is in the evening, Yampu recommends adding a tour to Pachacamac with an introduction to the Peruvian Paso horse.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or overlap with the add-on of choice.

Note: If the departing flight is in the evening, Yampu recommends adding a tour to Pachacamac with an introduction to the Peruvian Paso horse.

Cusco, Peru

Machupicchu, Cusco, Peru

Paracas, Ica, Peru

Lima, Peru

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    Cusco

    Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).

  • Machu Picchu

    Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

  • Paracas

    Paracas

    Travel across what seems like desert wasteland but what really is home to a huge variety of marine birds (locally known as aves guaneras for their production of guano droppings used as fertilizer) and other wildlife, the entire time taking in the unique beauty of their natural habitat.

  • Nazca-Lines

    Nazca

    The town of Nazca is enjoyable both by land and by air. Take a trip to the Museo Arqueologico Antonini, to learn about the many local archeological sites. Or visit the Cemetery of Chauchilla to see ancient mummies in their original graves. Take a small plane over the town to see its star attractions, the Nazca Lines, massive geometric shapes carved into the desert ground.

  • Peru_Lima_city

    Lima

    Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Cusco : El Mercado

Cusco : Palacio Manco Capac 

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

Paracas : Aranwa Paracas Resort & Spa

Paracas : La Hacienda Bahia Paracas (Suite)

Lima : Doubletree El Pardo, Lima

Lima : Innside by Meliá Lima Miraflores

5 Star Properties

Cusco : Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco : Palacio del Inka by Libertador, Cusco

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Paracas : Doubletree Guest Suites by Hilton Paracas

Lima : Hilton Lima Miraflores

Lima : Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima

Luxury Properties

Cusco : Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco : Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (Mountain View With Terrace)

Paracas : Paracas Luxury Collection Libertador

Lima : Miraflores Park Plaza (Ocean View)

Lima : JW Marriott, Lima

Testimonials

Jeff and family

Traveled August, 2014

We all had a great time in Peru!

We all had a great time in Peru! Beautiful country and history. Here’s a picture of me and Jordan at Machu Picchu. Highlight of my trip was the Wayna Picchu hike. Only Jordan and I were able to make the hike and it was worth it! The hike down, yikes! But fun. Thank you for your attention to detail. It showed throughout the duration of the trip!

Traveled To

Ray M.

Traveled January, 2015

Yampu arranged a fabulous trip to Peru for us.

Yampu arranged a fabulous trip to Peru for us. The tour guides and drivers were all excellent; they were knowledgeable, always on time, interesting, fun people (and they knew very aware whenever we were out of breath!!). The overall coordination between Lima to Cusco to Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes to Cusco to Puno and back to Lima with all the cars, buses, trains was simply superb. Yampu was extremely helpful in all the planning they did for us and answering all our questions.

Traveled To

Gunilla B.

Traveled October, 2014

You did an excellent job.

You did an excellent job. Thanks for all your help. The trip was incredible. Almost everything was perfect and the things that weren’t were very minor.

Traveled To

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