Relaxing 5-Day Itinerary in Lima, Peru with a Highlight on Easter Island

  • Day 1: Explore the Magic Water Circuit in Lima
    30 minutes (10 miles) from Jorge Chávez International Airport

    The Magic Water Circuit is a large park with interactive water fountains where visitors can enjoy various light shows and water performances. There are 13 fountains in total, and the biggest one reaches 270 feet. Locals and tourists alike often come here to relax and have fun.

  • Day 2: See the Historic Center of Lima and the Miraflores District
    25 minutes (5.5 miles) from Magic Water Circuit

    The historic center of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for any traveler visiting the city. Here, you'll visit the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, and the Church of San Francisco, which includes a mesmerizing catacomb tour. Only 25 minutes away is the Miraflores district, a popular spot for its beaches, parks, and upscale restaurants.

  • Day 3: Day trip to the Ballestas Islands
    3 hours (120 miles) from Miraflores District

    The Ballestas Islands are known for their variety of marine wildlife, such as penguins, sea lions, and different species of birds. Visitors typically enjoy taking a boat tour and marvel at the unique rock formations. It's advisable to start early in the day to avoid overcrowding on the boats.

  • Day 4: Visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
    1hr flight from Lima to Cusco, then 1.5hrs train to Aguas Calientes

    Machu Picchu is a world-famous ancient site, known for its impressive ruins and breathtaking views. Visitors usually hike Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu early in the morning to catch the sunrise, followed by a guided tour of the site's many wonders. Don't forget to purchase tickets far in advance, as they tend to sell out fast.

  • Day 5: Visit Easter Island
    6 hours 20 minutes (2,200 miles) from Cusco

    Easter Island is a remote island located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its mysteries and unique culture. Visitors will find numerous Moai statues that are over 1,000 years old, representing the island's ancestors. Apart from the statues, visitors can also enjoy a plethora of beaches and hiking trails.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Magic Water Circuit (1-2hrs, $5)
  • Historic Center of Lima and the Miraflores District (1 day, $50)
  • Ballestas Islands Day Trip (4-6hrs, $120)
  • Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (1 day, $300)
  • Easter Island (2-3 days, $500-1000)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $975-1,275

Transportation

Travelers need to consider different forms of transportation during this trip. Lima offers taxis and ride-sharing like Uber and Cabify for getting around the city. For the day trip to Ballestas Islands and Machu Picchu, it's best to book tours from reliable tour companies for convenience and safety. There are flights available from Lima that connect to Easter Island.

Estimated Travel Costs: Magic Water Circuit (taxi $10), Historic Center of Lima and the Miraflores District (taxi/Uber $10), Ballestas Islands Day Trip (tour with transportation $40), Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu (tour with transportation $200), Easter Island (flight $500-800).

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, explore other districts in Lima that offer different experiences, such as Barranco, known for its bohemian culture and street art. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more relaxed pace, spend an additional day exploring Cusco or visit the nearby Rainbow Mountain.

If you have less time, it's recommended to skip the Easter Island trip, as it can be quite expensive and time-consuming to travel to. You can take this opportunity to do a day trip to Paracas, a nearby port town with a beautiful coastal view.

Airports

Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is located in Callao, only 7.5 miles from Lima's city center. It's the main hub for domestic and international flights in Peru.

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