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Compare Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque vs Peru Escape with Nazca Lines by Globus

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Duration 8 days 9 days
Price From $ 1,925 $ 2,149
Price Per Day $ 241 $ 239
Highlights
  • Explore the Sacred Valley and discover the treasures of the Inca civilization: Machu Picchu, and the archeological site of Ollantaytambo. 
  • Take a guided tour around Lima and Cuzco to soak up the traditions and history of these Peruvian cultural hubs.
  • Enjoy a unique hike to the Humantay Lagoon. 
  • Best time to travel: All year round.
N/A
Trip Style Self-guided tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 1- Very easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Cusco
  • Inca Trail
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Sacred Valley
  • Urubamba
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Sacred Valley
Flights & Transport Ground transport included No
Activities
  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Culture
Meals Included N/A N/A
Description

Spend 8 days discovering the most enchanting destinations Peru has to offer!

The adventure will start with a guided tour through Lima, Peru’s capital city, which is brimming with historic architecture, fascinating museums, and stunning coastal views from Miraflores. Your adventure will continue in Cusco, where you will spend the day strolling through Pisac’s famed craft market and exploring the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, you will venture to the Sacred Valley and spend two days marveling at the masterpiece of Machu Picchu, the famed 15th century Inca citadel that also happens to be one of the most significant and spectacular sites in the world. Finally, your journey will end in Cusco, where you will have the opportunity to explore incredible landmarks of the lost Inca civilization including Qoricacha temple, the Plaza de Armas, and the Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara fortresses.


We are committed to creating one-of-a-kind experiences for each type of traveler. That’s why our trips are 100% tailor-made! That means that A) You can choose the exact travel experience you’ve always dreamed of, and B) Our services (excursions and transfers) can be private or semi-private, or a mix of both! If you’d prefer to have a car and a tour guide at your disposal, we can make it happen, and if you don’t care about sharing your transportation and/or your tour, we can put together some experiences where you’ll be able to meet other travelers from around the world. Keep in mind that even our semi-private tours are an intimate group size, so you’ll never be lost in a sea of other tourists.  

Escape to Peru with a 9-day adventure from its valleys to mountaintops. Discover Peru’s Nazca Lines giving a whole new meaning to drawing a line in the sand. Flightseeing is the best way to see these massive geoglyphs etched into the desert— where the ancient Nazca people likely performed spiritual ceremonies. Get up close and personal with llamas and alpacas in the Sacred Valley and get more than you bargained for in textiles and treasures at Pisac’s famous market. Journey by train through the Urubamba Valley to explore the lofty “Lost City of the Incas”—Machu Picchu. Dig deeper into ancient Peru with visits to the Incan temple of Sacsayhuaman, as well as cathedrals of Spanish conquistadores. Enter this Incan empire of the past and please the palate with a taste of Peruvian classics in Cusco. Meet the locals who weave magic upon their looms and be won over by the warmth and hospitality of the Peruvian people.
Itinerary: Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire

Day 1: Welcome to Your 8-Day Trip to Perú - Lima

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll be waiting to drive you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in Lima!

Lima is the capital of Peru; the jumping-off point for nearly all trips to the country. In the Colonial Era, it housed the viceroyalty, making it the most powerful city-hub of South America.

Today, its native and foreign heritage coexist; its well-preserved, amazing colonial churches and archeological sites (heading south to Caral Sacred City) exist in harmony with Peru’s beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood.

Day 2: City Tour in Lima

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings.

We’ll start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which expands from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire, like that of the Cathedral, which was built up in the 16th century and finished after 80 years of hard work!

Our next stop will be to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that was granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains.

The last part of this historical day tour in Lima will be dedicated to the Larco Museum. Located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, this meticulously maintained museum is housed in a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion. Its exhibits boast the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of ancient erotic art.

Since we’re on the topic of love encounters, we’ll finish the day at the “Love Park” built in 1993 to celebrate love in all its forms. Nestled in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, you can admire the cliffs from its colorful mosaic benches and take in the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

After enjoying this romantic place and meeting the famous sculpture which immortalized the tender kiss of two passionate lovers, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Continue Your Perú Travel Itinerary - Cuzco

Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lima airport to continue your 8-day trip in Perú. Take an hour’s flight to Cuzco, maybe the most international destination of Peru, since (but not only because…) Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca fortress, is located only 4 hours away! 

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cuzco

Upon your arrival in Cuzco, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 4: Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress - Cuzco

Full-day tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley, and visit Pisac, famous for its craft market where you’ll find the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, ceramic, and textile craftwork. We’ll continue our trip by visiting the archeological site of Pisac to admire the stone terraces built by the Incas, and last, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to visit its stunning fortress. Admire the remaining towers and walls that used to keep the citadel safe and the royal guests it used to host. You will sleep in Cuzco tonight, at the end of the day, a transfer will drop you at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco

Tour to Machu Picchu, discover the legendary city!
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll finally reach Machu Picchu (the ancient sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec) after a short transfer by bus through the mountains.

Here, when we arrive at the exact destination that is the highlight of your trip, we will have special moments which will most certainly be cherished forever. Enjoy your first impressions of this jaw-dropping place, and breathe the magic in the air.

At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cuzco where a transfer will drive you to your hotel.

Day 6: City Tour in Cuzco

City tour in Cuzco and archeological sites

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to start your Cuzco tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471).

This is where the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the reign of the Inca Empire, and during that time its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were adorned with golden corn and life-sized sculptures of llamas.

We’ll continue on to visit the Cathedral, the most important building in the Main Square (whose construction lasted almost a century) and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America.

Our next stop will be the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an emblematic Incan piece of work, which protected the Holy City. The Sacsayhuamán complex was constructed with giant megalithic blocks, the transportation and construction of which continue to be a mystery.

This day will end with a visit to some archeological main attractions. You’ll visit Qenqo, located just over 2 miles away from Cuzco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and where it is believed that agricultural rituals took place.

You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located 4.5 miles away from Cuzco. Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes.

At the end of this full historical and natural immersion in Cuzco’s heritage, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7 Hike to Humantay Lagoon - Cuzco

Hike to Humantay Lagoon

You will leave Cuzco early in the morning heading to Soraypampa. On the way, pass by the city of Limatambo, an important entrance to Cuzco during the Inca Empire, and see the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Make a quick breakfast stop in a local restaurant before reaching Soraypampa and begin a mountain hike to Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful place and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Heading back to Cuzco, take lunch at a restaurant along the route.

Day 8 The End of Your 8-Day Travel Itinerary to Peru

This is the end of your 8-day travel itinerary to Peru…at least for now! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the Cuzco airport to take your flight.

Keep on exploring other amazing destinations in Perú. Fire up your wanderlust with our featured trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.

 

Itinerary: Peru Escape with Nazca Lines

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LIMA PERU

Welcome to Lima!
Meet your Globus representative at your hotel.
Please note: You will meet your Tour Director on day 3 in Lima.

Day 2: LIMA–PARACAS

Lines in the Sand
Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the town of Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for flightseeing over the Nazca plains. Your pilot will point out the mysterious markings known as the Nazca Lines, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Take a once-in-a-lifetime flight over the Nazca Lines which can only be appreciated by air. Dating back to 500 BC, these geoglyphs etched into the ground consist of over 10,000 lines depicting plants and animals. Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians.

Day 3: PARACAS–BALLESTAS ISLANDS–LIMA

Wild Island Honeys
Embark on a cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Continue back to Lima this afternoon to meet your Tour Director. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Nicknamed “The Peruvian Galápagos,” the protected area of the Ballestas Islands are a must-see for wildlife lovers. Search for sea mammals, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins commonly found in these waters.

Day 4: LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY

Empire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you stop to visit Awanakancha. See a pre-Columbian weaving demonstration, and llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop its famous market for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewellery, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION At Awanakancha, meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fleece. This is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña, indigenous to the region.

Day 5: SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO

Mystery on the Mountain
Board a scenic train that travels through scenic Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas,” high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the Pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Later this afternoon, return to Cusco via train. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

NOTE:
7-8 hours will be spent in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes region.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Machu Picchu – Found between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon basin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most impressive Incan site from the Incan Empire. Discover this city that was abandoned in the 16th Century when the Spanish conquered the Incas, only to be rediscovered in 1911.

Day 6: CUSCO

Monumental Stories
This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cusco city tour, with visits to the Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, Kenko Amphitheater, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built.

Day 7: CUSCO

Sun Worship & Spanish Rule
Enjoy a free day before a farewell dinner this evening. (Breakfast,Dinner)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Cusco with an optional walking tour that includes visits to the imposing Cathedral and the Inca Temple of the Sun, Koricancha, which became the Spaniards’ Santo Domingo Monastery. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 8: CUSCO–LIMA

From Plaza to Palace
Fly to Lima today and begin your guided sightseeing. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery. Free afternoon and evening. (Breakfast)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lima with a visit to Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world, followed by dinner at the museum’s restaurant. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 9: LIMA

Hasta Luego, Lima
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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