Begin your adventure in Miraflores, a trendy and affluent district in Lima. Explore Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid, and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean from Parque del Amor. Visit Larcomar, an open-air mall built on a cliff overlooking the ocean, for shopping and dining.
Take a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, known as the "Peruvian Galapagos," home to sea lions, penguins, and numerous bird species. Visit the Candelabra Geoglyph, an enigmatic design etched into the hillside, resembling the Nazca Lines. End the day by relaxing on the beach in Paracas.
Experience the thrill of sandboarding down the towering sand dunes in Huacachina. Take a dune buggy tour for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Enjoy sunset views of the desert while sipping a pisco sour, a national cocktail, from a desert view restaurant.
Take a small aircraft for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the Nazca Desert terrain. Visit the Antonini Museum to learn more about the Nazca culture and history. End the day with a delicious traditional Peruvian dinner in Nazca.
Explore the historic city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Visit the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral and the Inca Museum. Hike to Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a magnificent Inca ruin overlooking the city.
Visit ancient ruins in Ollantaytambo, a temple that served as a fortress during the Inca Resistance, and Pisac, an impressive set of terraces and fortifications. Enjoy the beautiful Sacred Valley scenery while hiking or biking. End the day with a delicious Peruvian dinner.
Early morning arrival at Machu Picchu to avoid crowds, and embark on a guided tour, learning about its fascinating history and remarkable architecture. Take a hike to Huayna Picchu, the peak overlooking the city, for stunning views of the ruins and surrounding mountains. Enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes before returning to Cusco.
Travelers should consider flying to Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima and taking buses, trains or flights to other destinations on this itinerary. Bus and train travel can be scenic and budget-friendly options. Domestic flights can also be an efficient way to get to other regions of Peru. Travel time and cost vary depending on the destination and mode of transportation.
If you have more time, consider taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a 4-day trek through stunning Andean landscapes, or exploring other regions of Peru such as Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon Rainforest. If you have less time, consider skipping Nazca or Paracas and spending more time in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is located in Callao, 11km northwest of Lima's historic center. It is the main international and domestic gateway to Peru. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is located in Cusco, about 5km from the main square. It serves as the main hub for tourists visiting Machu Picchu and other Inca ruins.