Peru in 7 Days: Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu

From US$900 per person (2-star hotel, triple room), up to US$3740 per person (5-star hotel, single room). Prices are per person in US dollars and depend on hotel category and room occupancy.

Peru in 7 Days: Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu

Seven days is the shortest version that still reaches both the coast and Machu Picchu without feeling like a sprint. Three days in and around Lima, including the Ballestas Islands, Huacachina and the **Nazca Lines from the air**, then four in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

**How the week runs.** Day one arrives in Lima and tours Miraflores and the historic centre. Day two is the long coastal day: Ballestas Islands by boat, a pisco distillery in Ica, and the Huacachina dunes. Day three flies over the Nazca Lines and returns to Lima. Day four flies to Cusco at 3,400 m with a half day city tour. Day five crosses the Sacred Valley by the VIP route, Chinchero, Moray and the Maras salt pans, ending in Aguas Calientes. Day six is Machu Picchu. Day seven is the transfer out.

**The tight spot is day four.** You land in Cusco at 3,400 m and tour the city the same afternoon. That is doable, and the city tour is deliberately gentle, but it is the day to drink water, walk slowly and skip the third pisco sour. The itinerary then drops you into the valley on day five, which is the right direction.

**Do this itinerary if** you have one week and want both landscapes. **Consider the ten day version instead if** you want Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake, because seven days has no room for a high mountain day, and squeezing one in after a single day of acclimatisation is how people end up on oxygen.

**The Nazca overflight** is about thirty minutes in a small aircraft, and it banks hard in both directions so every seat sees each figure. That motion, plus desert heat, makes some people sick. Eat lightly beforehand. From the ground the lines are invisible, which is why the flight exists.

**What Machu Picchu looks like on day six.** You are already in Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m, so the morning is short: bus up the 400 metres to the entrance at 2,430 m, tour the citadel with a licensed guide, then train and road back to Cusco. Being there in an early slot is the difference between the site and a queue, and that is the main argument for sleeping in the town the night before rather than commuting from Cusco.

At US$900 per person the week includes domestic flights within the itinerary, hotels, transport, entrance fees, the Machu Picchu ticket and licensed guides.

At a glance

Route map of Peru in 7 Days: Lima, Nazca, Cusco and Machu Picchu
Route map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima and City Tour, Modern Lima, Miraflores and Colonial Historic Center

Altitude: 154 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Lima (154 m)

Upon your arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, our team will give you a warm welcome and comfortably transfer you to your hotel. At 14 hrs we will begin the Lima City Tour, discovering the elegant modern area of the Peruvian capital. We will visit the exclusive district of Miraflores, where we will walk through the romantic Parque del Amor (Love Park) and the well-known Larcomar, a modern shopping center built on the cliffs with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We will continue with a panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana, an important pre-Inca ceremonial center that reveals the fascinating archaeological legacy of the ancient Lima culture.

The tour will continue through the Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where we will admire some of the most emblematic colonial monuments in Peru. 14 hrs We will visit the Convent of San Francisco and its famous Catacombs, one of the most important historical attractions in South America, as well as tour the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the elegant Plaza San Martín, and the historic Casa Aliaga, considered the oldest continuously inhabited colonial residence in the Americas. An ideal experience to discover the history, architecture, and cultural richness of the Peruvian capital before beginning your adventure through the country. Lasts approximately 4 hrs.

Day 2: Ballestas Islands, Pisco Winery & Huacachina Oasis, Full-Day Experience

Altitude: 154 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Lima (154 m)

Very early, between 04:40 and 05:00 a.m., we will begin our trip from Lima to the beautiful bay of Paracas, one of the main nature destinations on the Peruvian coast. After a box-lunch breakfast, we will board a boat to sail toward the impressive Ballestas Islands, an extraordinary wildlife sanctuary where we will observe the enigmatic Paracas Candelabra, as well as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, pelicans, boobies, and numerous guano birds in their natural habitat. Afterward we will visit a traditional winery, where we will learn about the artisanal process of making Pisco, Peru's national drink, as well as local wines, enjoying a tasting before having free time for lunch (optional).

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous Huacachina Oasis, surrounded by impressive golden sand dunes. Here, we will enjoy an exciting adventure through the desert in dune buggies and practice sandboarding, with the option of using a professional board for an additional fee for those with experience. Before departing, we will enjoy a spectacular sunset from the dunes, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru. Finally, we will continue our journey to Nazca, where we will spend the night in preparation for the activities scheduled for the following day.

Day 3: Nazca Lines Flight & Return to Lima

Altitude: 154 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Cusco (154 m)

After breakfast, between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., we will transfer you to the Nazca Aerodrome to enjoy one of the most fascinating experiences in Peru: a flight over the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During approximately 45 minutes, we will admire from the air the impressive geoglyphs created more than two thousand years ago by the Nazca culture, including iconic figures such as the Hummingbird, Monkey, Spider, Condor, and other monumental designs that continue to captivate archaeologists and travelers from around the world.

At the end of this experience we will transfer to the bus terminal at 14 hrs to board the regular bus service to the city of Lima, arriving at approximately 11 pm, with transfer to your hotel

Day 4: Flight to Cusco & City Tour, Discovering the Capital of the Inca Empire

Altitude: 3400 a 3800 m · Meals: Buffet Lunch · Overnight: Aguas Calientes (3400 m)

In the morning, we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cultural destinations in the Americas. Upon arrival at more than 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, you will have time to acclimatize before exploring a city where Inca and colonial architecture coexist in perfect harmony, creating a unique setting recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, 13 hrs, we will begin the Cusco City Tour, visiting the impressive Qoricancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun and main religious sanctuary of the Tahuantinsuyo. We will continue to the monumental fortresses of Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, extraordinary examples of Inca engineering and worldview. 18:30 hrs We will finish near the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of the city and the ideal spot to enjoy the atmosphere, architecture, and essence of the Andes.

Day 5: VIP Sacred Valley Tour, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo & Panoramic Train to Machu Picchu

Altitude: 2430 a 3400 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Machu Picchu Pueblo (2400 m)

After breakfast between 06:20 and 06:50 hrs, we will begin the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour, one of the most complete and unforgettable experiences in Cusco, Peru. We will discover Chinchero, renowned for its textile traditions and Inca legacy; continue toward the impressive circular terraces of Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory, and the spectacular Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked using ancestral techniques passed down from generation to generation.

After enjoying an exquisite buffet lunch featuring traditional flavors of the Sacred Valley, we will visit the majestic Ollantaytambo Fortress, considered the last living Inca city. Afterwards, we will board the panoramic tourist train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley, surrounded by majestic Andean mountains and lush vegetation. This will be the perfect prelude to discovering Machu Picchu the following day, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and Peru’s most iconic destination.

Day 6: Machu Picchu, Discovering the Lost City of the Incas

Altitude: 2400 a 3800 m · Meals: Andean Breakfast + Traditional Lunch · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

After breakfast, we will board the tourist bus that will take us to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by a professional guide, we will spend approximately two and a half hours exploring its main temples, agricultural terraces, ceremonial plazas, and viewpoints, discovering the extraordinary engineering, spirituality, and legacy of the Inca civilization in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

After the guided tour, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch or explore this charming Andean town. In the afternoon, we will board the panoramic tourist train back to Ollantaytambo, traveling through the spectacular Urubamba River Valley before continuing by private transfer to Cusco. An unforgettable day that represents the highlight of any journey through Peru.

Day 7: Farewell to Cusco, Airport Transfer

Altitude: 3400 m · Meals: None · Overnight: Cusco (3400 m)

After breakfast, you will have free time to enjoy your final moments in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the spiritual heart of the Andes. This will be the perfect opportunity to stroll peacefully through its historic streets, visit local artisan markets, or simply take in once more the essence of a city where history, culture, and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

At the agreed time, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Thus concludes an experience of conscious tourism in Peru, where every destination offers a meaningful lesson and every encounter strengthens our respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth), local communities, and the legacy of ancient Andean civilizations. More than a journey, you will have experienced a transformation that will remain forever in your memory and in the way you discover the world.

What is included

What is not included

Frequently asked questions

What does the 7-day package add compared to the 6-day one?

The 7-day package adds an extra day in Cusco which can be used to visit the Southern Valley (Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas), the Rainbow Mountains, or to rest and explore the city freely.

Is Machu Picchu included?

Yes, Machu Picchu is included in the package. It includes the round-trip train (Expedition or Vistadome), the bus up to the citadel and Machu Picchu entry.

What type of hotels are used?

3-star hotels in Lima and Cusco with breakfast included are used. To upgrade to 4 or 5-star hotels, see our upgrade option (additional cost).

Are internal flights included?

The Lima, Cusco domestic flight can be added to the package. Ask us when booking to get a quote with available airlines (LATAM, Sky, Avianca).

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes, we can customize the order of activities, replace excursions or add extra days. Contact us on WhatsApp and we will put together the ideal trip for your group.

Are 7 days enough for Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu?

Yes, 7 days is one of the most comfortable durations for this circuit. It allows 1 day in Lima, 1 acclimatization day in Cusco, 1 day for the City Tour, 1 day for the Sacred Valley, 1 day for Machu Picchu and 1, 2 free days to explore Cusco at your own pace. It is the ideal balance between time and experience.

Are the tours private or shared group?

We offer both options. Shared group tours are more budget-friendly (you join other travelers). Private tours allow greater schedule flexibility and pace, ideal for families or groups of more than 4 people. Specify your preference when booking so we can prepare the best option for you.

How much altitude difference is there between Lima and Cusco?

Lima is at sea level (0, 100 m) and Cusco is at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft. That is a difference of over 3,300 m. This sudden change can cause altitude sickness in the first 1, 2 days in Cusco. The 7-day package treats the arrival day in Cusco as an acclimatization day so the body can gradually adapt.

Is the 7-day package suitable for families with children?

Yes. The 7-day package with its extra acclimatization day is one of the most recommended for families. Children over 8 generally tolerate Cusco's altitude well and very much enjoy Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and the City Tour. For children under 6, consult your doctor about altitude precautions.

Is the flight time from Lima to Cusco long?

No. The direct flight from Lima to Cusco takes only 1 hour 15 minutes. It is one of the most frequent domestic routes in Peru with multiple daily flights operated by LATAM, Sky and Avianca. The flight can be added to our 7-day package upon request.

What does the 7-day package add over the 6-day, and how does it differ from the 8-day?

Compared to the 6-day package, the 7-day offers one extra day in Cusco for an additional excursion (such as Laguna Humantay) or more comfortable acclimatization at 3,400 m / 11,150 ft. Compared to the 8-day, the 8-day package includes Lima with more depth (2 nights) or an additional excursion such as Pachacamac. The 7-day is the perfect balance for those with exactly one week available who want to see Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu without rushing.

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