Leading Adventure-Travel Provider | Unique Treks & Tours

COASTAL DESERT AND MACHU PICCHU

Price Per Person:

From $2660
Trip Durations:

10
Trip difficulty

Easy
Trip start:

Lima
Trip End:

Lima

Fly over the Nazca Lines and marvel at the mystery of the Nazca culture. Sail to Ballestas Island to view, from close range, Marine wildlife and sea birds. Walk and explore Machu Picchu, visit local Indian markets and vibrant local people in the Sacred Valley. This tour is for those wishing to explore Peru’s cultural and historical treasures.

Trip At A Glance

Price Per Person: $2660, (High season)

Single Supplement: $$405

Trip Duration: 10

Easy/Difficulty: Easy

Trip Start Date: Lima

Trip End Date: Lima

Highlights: Nazca, Machu Picchu, Ballestas Islands, Lima, Cusco

Code: EBACDMP10

Activities:

Accommodations: 9 nights 3-Star Hotel accommodations

Best time to travel: March - December

Day 1: Lima

Arrive in Lima, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Lima - Ica

After breakfast depart southward on a deluxe coach bus to the city of Ica. Sunny Ica is an oasis of palm trees and moonscape sand dunes. Ica is known for is its vineyards, planted by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Ica is surrounded by more than 80 bodegas (wineries), which produce the world's best Pisco, or white grape brandy, and a variety of ports and wines, whose traditional way of production has changed very little over 5 centuries. Visit the Plaza de Armas, lined with ancient trees and the San Francisco Church. The city of Ica changed dramatically in the 1990's after a wave of highland settlers came here. Visit the Oasis Huacachina, a magical sight - a lake of green waters fringed with palm trees and reed swamps surrounded on all sides by huge sand dunes. The Regional Museum exhibits treasures of the pre-Columbian cultures such as Paracas and Nazca. Stay at Las Dunas hotel resort, a lush resort with golf, poolside café/bar. Bike rental and dune buggy rides available at extra costs. (B)

Day 3: Paracas - Ballestas Islands

After breakfast, transfer to the port in Paracas where you will take a boat to Ballestas Islands. These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve, they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine birds including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. Take warm clothing for this boat trip! Upon return to Paracas, transfer to Nazca. (B)

Day 4: Nazca - Lima

After your buffet breakfast, embark on a very special adventure: Over flight Nazca Lines. The Nazca lines are a series of geoglyphics located in the Nazca Desert, a high arid plateau that stretches 53 miles or more than 80 kilometers between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana in Peru. They are believed to have been created by the Nazca culture between 200 BC and AD 700. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, fish, sharks, llamas and lizards.

To fly over the Nazca lines is something truly awe-inspiring. The experience takes you on a 20-minute flight over the lines, whose origin nobody knows...though speculations are numerous. During the flight, the pilot shows the entire 12 line Nazca complex, with some detailed explanations of the monkey, eagle, astronaut and other giant symbols.

Return to Lima. (B)

Day 5: Lima – Cusco

Arrive in Cusco - The old capital of the Inca Empire. Transfer to your hotel, free time to acclimate to the altitude. Cuzco (Cusco) or Q'osqo means in the native Quechua language "Navel of the World", it was indeed the capital of the great Inca civilization from the 13th to the 15th century, when most of its amazing stone structures were built. After the Spanish conquest, most of the Inca palaces and temples were destroyed and their fundaments were used for the construction of the colonial buildings and churches. This has made Cuzco a rich mixture of Inca and colonial architecture and nowadays a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site. (B)

Day 6: Cusco

After breakfast visit to the Korikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun, where the Spaniards built the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then visit the Cathedral, on the Main Square of Cusco. The tour continues with a visit to the nearby Inca ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman - a series of imposing stone structures, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, the Bath of the Inca. Tonight enjoy a dinner and Folklore show! (B, D)

Day 7: Scared Valley of the Incas

Full day visit to Sacred Valley of the Incas. The route follows a winding mountain road providing superb vistas of the rugged canyon formed

by the Urubamba River. Descending into the warm valley, our first stop is the town of Pisac (9,708') where we catch the traditional weekly market. Artists and vendors set up their stalls around the main plaza to sell food and colorful handicrafts. We enjoy a delicious Andean lunch and tour Pisac’s impressive Incan ruins, perched spectacularly on a ridge overlooking the town and countryside. The walking tour is about 2 miles and follows a wide, exposed, stone-paved trail high above the valley. We visit the main sections of the site including the religious center Intihuatana, or Hitching Post of the Sun. Observing dozens of agricultural terraces, these formations were aesthetically built to follow the contours of the hillside rising from the Urubamba River valley. We continue down the valley to the community of

Urubamba and check-in to the charming Andean hacienda-style, Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure with dinner together this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Chinchero - Ollatatambo

After breakfast we will enjoy a beautiful ride with a view of the snow-capped Urubamba range including Mount Veronica and Pitusiray-both over 18,000 feet high. We arrive midmorning at Chinchero (12,335'), a charming community characteristic of Andean towns in that it combines both Incan and colonial architecture. We can observe a massive Inca wall with ten trapezoidal niches, which dominates the village's main square, and visit the colonial church. After exploring the ruins of Inca Yupanqui's palace, we join a local family in their courtyard for an overview of the Andean weaving process. After wool is carded, spun, and dyed, learn about the different techniques used to create ponchos, belts (fajas), and shawls (mantas). On the way back to the fertile Urubamba Valley we stop at the Inca Salt Mines, then continue in our private vehicle to enjoy a buffet-style Andean lunch. Here we have a chance to sample a variety of native delicacies including: several types of potatoes (tubers such as oca); quinoa (sacred to the Incas, referred to as the “mother of all grains”); fava beans; and perhaps try a taste of cuy, a savory meat roasted with a variety of herbs traditionally used in fertility celebrations. Afterwards, we drive past burial tombs and ancient farming terraces still in use today to grow barley, wheat, and corn to reach the town of Ollantaytambo. We visit the main plaza and some of the side streets of this unique community that still retains the original street plan and foundations designed by the Incas. We’ll explore the impressive terraced remains of the Sun Temple before returning to the peaceful comforts of the Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa in Urubamba to relax and unwind. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Machu Picchu

1.5 hr train ride from Ollatatambo to Aguas Calientes and ascending to Machu Picchu by bus. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the world. The stunning ruins of the ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the Andes, are perhaps the greatest surviving testament to Inca civilization. Enjoy a private tour of this superb archaeological site, overlooking the meandering Urubamba River and surrounded by rugged, green Andean hillsides. Machu Picchu stands as more than just the jewel of Inca architecture. It represents the perfect union of human engineering and the natural environment, a city in harmony with its surroundings. Never reached by the Spanish, this magical place was brought to the world’s attention in 1911 by the Yale historian, Hiram Bingham. Our explorations of The Lost City of the Incas include all of the various sectors of the ruins; the industrial area, the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Tomb, the ceremonial water fountains and baths, and the Sacred Plazas. Return to Cusco in the afternoon. (B, L)

Day 10: Cusco – Lima

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. We will have a day room at the hotel to refresh, and time for shopping and transfer to the airport for the flight home. End of trip. (B)

We at Earthbound Adventures carefully choose hotels that are safe, clean and ideally located, we stay in charming locally owned 3 stars hotels with great and friendly service. We go to great length to make sure the hotel are up to our high standard, we personally visited each and every hotel on our list and we are constantly evaluating the hotels we stay in.

We are listing 4 and 5 stars hotels, if you choose to upgrade your hotel an additional fee will apply to the tours according to the hotels you choose.

Five blocks from Cusco’s Main Square and tucked away in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas, the colonial Casa Andina San Blas hotel features a charming courtyard and a view of the Inca city from almost all its rooms as well as its central lobby. The bar and chimney complement the hotel’s Cusqueñan colonial architecture and make Casa Andina San Blas one of the most cozy and inviting hotels in town. Delicious Novoandino cuisine is served in the hotel’s excellent rustic restaurant. All rooms are comfortable, tastefully decorated with warm colors, and equipped with all modern amenities. Here, visitors will find friendly staff providing an excellent and personalized service.
http://www.casa-andina.com
The Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco is the most recent addition to the renowned Casa Andina Hotels. Built in a large colonial house dating back to the 18th century, the hotel is ideally located in the center of Cusco, just a few blocks from the main square in the direction of Koricancha. Relax in the beautiful courtyard with its gurgling stone fountain, one of Cusco’s emblematic colonial sights, and get lost in the intriguing maze of corridors that lead you to the various patios. Casa Andina’s first upscale hotel in Cusco features 94 heated rooms with private bathrooms, cable television, telephones, hairdryers, and in-room safes. The hotel is equipped with a gourmet restaurant, a bar, 3 courtyards, and offers room service as well as many other excellent amenities. Discover the magic of this beautiful city while staying at Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco, where you will enjoy the warm atmosphere and the outstanding service from the very hospitable and highly qualified staff.
The brand new Aranwa Boutique Hotel, opened in October 2010, is operated by Aranwa Hotels Resorts & Spas, one of the most luxurious hotel chains in Peru, known for their careful attention to their clients’ well-being. Probably the best value luxury accommodation in Cusco, this elegant 5-star hotel is housed in a converted 16th century mansion and is decorated with colonial era furniture, impressive paintings from the Cusco school, and colonial gold-leaf plated carvings and sculptures. This boutique hotel is conveniently located right behind Plaza San Francisco, a new upscale neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of Cusco’s main square. With each room boasting an oxygen system and a variety of soothing spa treatments available, this just may be the best place to acclimatize to the high altitude in Cusco in a most comfortable setting.
http://www.aranwahotels.com/
Opened in July 2010, is located in the heart of the popular Miraflores neighborhood and close to many of the main attractions in Lima. Comfortable, chic, and convenient, this smart hotel is an excellent option for savvy travelers who want a great value hotel with all the modern amenities. Crisp white walls, cleanliness, and a contemporary touch characterize this modern and minimalist hotel. All rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, creating a comfortable resting area for guests. Try the excellent Italian restaurant located in the hotel’s lobby.
http://allpahotel.com/
The new Casa Andina Select Miraflores hotel boasts one of the best locations in Lima, only a couple blocks from the vibrant Parque Kennedy and minutes from the ocean front. It’s also right next to the Metropolitano, Lima’s express bus system, allowing easy access to all the most interesting neighborhoods in the city. Thanks to its excellent and modern amenities, the hotel is a great option for both business and leisure travel. Guests will delight in the health center including a gym, spa, and sun terrace with a Jacuzzi. There is also a fully equipped business center with meeting rooms, secretarial support, 4 computers, and high speed wireless Internet. Finally, the bar and restaurants on the rooftop are great places where guests can unwind while tasting some delicious local and international specialties after a long day of sightseeing.
https://www.casa-andina.com/
The Casa Andina Private Collection is ideally located in the heart of the modern Miraflores district, only 2 blocks from Kennedy Park. This luxury hotel boasts an elegant interior decorated in the classic Andean theme, with modern furnishings and rooms offering panoramic views of the bustling commercial and leisure district. Here you will find 148 rooms all fully equipped with modern and comfortable amenities, as well as a gourmet restaurant, coffee shop, heated open-air swimming pool, spa, upscale bar in the lobby, and much more to make your stay in Lima a truly luxurious and unique experience.
https://www.casa-andina.com/
Nestled in Lima’s prestigious San Isidro district, surrounded by elegant embassies, The Country Club Lima Hotel is a five-star landmark boutique that epitomizes sophistication; and one of the only hotels recognized as a Peruvian national monument. Every detail has been conceived with luxury in mind; ornate chandeliers complement lofty, wood-beam ceilings, and 300 pieces of original artwork - on loan from the Pedro de Osma Museum - adorn the walls. Each of our 83 private luxury rooms and suites are opulent and welcoming, with many featuring exquisite marble bathrooms and deep-soaking Jacuzzis. Enjoy world-class amenities, an award-winning restaurant, and guest privileges at the exclusive Lima Golf Club, all in a setting of warmth and intimacy. The Country Club Lima Hotel invites you - the traveler of discerning taste - to experience the finest that Lima has to offer.
http://www.hotelcountry.com
The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is split into a main building and bungalows, emulating a small Andean town. The architecture is Spanish colonial in style with stone archways and red tiled roofs. White walls, red tiles, high windows flanked by exposed beams, and a private veranda, all contribute to make this the perfect place to enjoy your stay at Machu Picchu. Guests can sit on their verandas or walk leisurely along garden paths. The Pueblo is home to 372 species of orchids, 100 species of birds, and 250 species of butterflies. Even if you don't stay at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel it is well worth a visit. Spend some time wandering the paths or take one of their orchid or bird tours. The hotel offers a wide range of ecotourism activities that promote contact with nature and the local culture. It is also involved in a project to rehabilitate spectacled bears and eventually to release them into the wild.
https://www.inkaterra.com/inkaterra/inkaterra-machu-picchu-pueblo-hotel/the-experience/
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This excellent value hotel is located near the Urubamba River in a peaceful and stunning setting. Its collection of benches perched near the riverbanks allows guests to relax while enjoying the spectacular landscape. Each of the 30 rooms comes with cable TV, a safety deposit box, telephone, and private bathroom. This cozy hotel also features comfortable and inviting salon, restaurants, and a bar/pub serving drinks in the evenings to help stave off the Andean chill.
http://www.santuariohotel.com/
Situated right in the heart of downtown Nazca, this 3-star Casa Andina Classic Nazca Hotel offers friendly service, tastefully decorated guestrooms, delicious breakfasts, and a fabulous patio and swimming pool. Consistently rated as one of the top hotels in Nazca based on customer reports, guests rave about the convenience and comfort of this chic hotel.
http://www.casa-andina.com
Conveniently situated near the ancient Cantalloc Aqueduct, mysterious Nazca Lines, and breathtaking Cerro Blanco, the Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort is truly a desert oasis. With breathtaking mountain views, a large swimming pool, luxurious spa, widespread gardens, and spacious rooms featuring Balinese and Tibetan décor, the resort provides a tranquil atmosphere with a rustic style. A special treat, the hotel's restaurant is the finest in Nazca and serves many indigenous and organic fruits cultivated on the lovely grounds: table grapes, mangoes, avocados, black figs, pomegranates, apples, pears, guanabanas, bananas, cherimoya, and lucuma.
http://www.hotelnuevocantalloc.com/
Taypikala Hotel & Spa is located on the outskirts of Puno, in the picturesque town of Chucuito right on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The hotel is an attraction in itself, overlooking the countryside of the altiplano and examples of Aymara agriculture. Its original construction blends in with the local architecture and natural environment. You will notice the relaxed tranquil ambience, and with the world’s highest navigable lake on your doorstep, this is the ideal place to relax.
http://www.peruforless.com/resources/hotels-puno.php
Boasting magnificent views of Lake Titicaca, this upscale hotel in Puno, featuring an amazing gourmet restaurant, bar and terrace, will guarantee you a memorable stay. The traditional Andean architectural theme of Casa Andina Private Collection Puno can best be described as understated elegance, where obvious care has been taken to allow the spectacular surroundings to speak for themselves, rather than detract from them. Rooms are sophisticatedly furnished in a classic but elegant style, and most of them feature attractive wooden balconies from which to admire the spectacular views of Lake Titicaca. With its private dock, this hotel is the perfect launching point for the spectacular Suasi Island where the exceptional sister hotel, Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi, is located.
https://www.casa-andina.com/
Urubamba is located to 76 km from Cusco, it is a stunning valley with an incredible scenic beauty, and historical heritage, thanks to its excellent location, it becomes the best starting point to visit Machu Picchu (just an hour and a half by train). The Recoleta Hotel is a historical religious monument built up in the XVII century. This charming Boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas was and is the mixed races purest example of the colonial art. The Recoleta Hotel, cautiously remodeled in 2007, has all ascetic, monastic, and magical tradition of an ancient monastery, together with the comfort and technology will make you feel part of the spiritual mysticism of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Monasterio de la Recoleta Hotel is nearby the most important ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Maras Moray. Its convenient location attracts travelers because it is ideal for acclimatization to the Cusco altitude, and for its pleasant climate and low altitude (2.700 m.a.s.l.), 700 m.a.s.l. less than Cuzco.
http://www.hotelessanagustin.com.pe
Built on a seventeenth century colonial hacienda, along the tranquil banks of the Vilcanota River, the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is the picture-perfect place for a countryside retreat. The hotel showcases a fusion of minimalist and colonial style rooms and buildings, all surrounded by sweeping views of the breathtakingly beautiful Sacred Valley.
http://www.aranwahotels.com
Casona de Yucay Hotel, is an old Colonial Home Hacienda built in 1810. Situated in the picturesque village of Yucay, in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it is a family owned and run hotel which strives at all time to provide top class service in a homely and friendly atmosphere
http://www.hotelcasonayucay.com