Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Accommodation

12 nights accommodation

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities Cusco: Explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. Cusco: Join a guided hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara. Prices include economy air and air-related charges for the flights between Lima - Cusco. This trip experiences high elevations, we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel. Machu Picchu: Enjoy a guided visit with a Local Expert. Cusco: Visit Cusco’s planetarium to learn more on how the Incas interpreted the stars. After a reception with hot wine (or tea) and appetizers, local experts will explain and share stories about the influence the stars had on Andean culture. You’ll then be led to a room specially accommodated to view the ancient night skies, weather permitting. Paracas: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs. Sacred Valley: Visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley for a private textile presentation. You’ll learn about ancient weaving techniques and the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Cathedral of Lima: This morning, explore Peru’s buzzing capital with your Local Expert, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Sacred Valley: The Maras Salt Mine will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. Learn how salt once harvested by Incas at this site is now exported to the entire world. Discover how the Incas found a water stream with high salt content and learned - in Pre-Incan times - how to build terraces to extract salt. You’ll be amazed at how, to this day, it is not known where the water actually comes from and has only been measured in the last 20 years during which the flow and intensity has not changed. Sacred Valley: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. At the Moray Incan laboratory northwest of Cusco, learn how the Incas determined the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. You’ll be fascinated by how this ancient culture learned how to build these terraced circular depressions on a high plateau at an altitude of about 11,500 feet and experimented with different kinds of soils and temperatures to grow their crops. Sacred Valley: On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, consisting of a large fortress built in the 1400s, a stepped terrace, and an area known as the Princess Baths, where ceremonial bathing took place. Later, stop by a a local house in the village and meet the family living there. Aguas Calientes: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. With a full day, you have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a different circuit. Or, take advantage of a day at leisure in Aguas Caliente – the town of Machu Picchu of 3,400 residents - to stroll along the river, go shopping for that perfect local souvenir or grab a coffee all midst the cloud forest. Cusco: Once you arrive, head on a walking tour of Cusco with a Local Expert. Explore what’s known as the "historic capital" of Peru as you discover its ancestral magic through visits to the cathedral and the Qorikancha temple. Cusco: Start your day with a walking tour of Cusco, before heading to Sacsayhuaman. Paracas: A windswept coastline and haven for wildlife. The Ballestas Islands are a wildlife sanctuary that hold over 200 species of birds including Peruvian boobies, Inca terns, pelicans, red-legged cormorants and Humboldt penguins. You’ll treasure this opportunity to see these penguins in their natural habitat alongside a plethora of different birds. Paracas: The pride of Peru and their national drink, Pisco is a must-try on any trip to Peru. Visit the beautiful Hacienda La Caravedo to learn about how Pisco was traditionally made on this unique opportunity to see the oldest, continuously operating distillery in the Americas established in 1684 and the biggest distillery in South America. In addition to learning about this tasty beverage, you’ll love learning how the distillery has plants on their rooftop to offset Co2 emissions.

Transport

Machu Picchu: Transfer to the station for your 360° IncaRail train ride. This train ride offers an unforgettable experience journeying through the Andes Mountains in style with large panoramic views allowing guests to enjoy the amazing scenery of the lush mountains and the Urubamba River en route to Machu Piccu Pueblo.

Meals

12 Breakfast (B) 6 Lunch (L) 6 Dinner with Wine (DW) Lima: Make your way to Lima’s Pueblo Libre District and indulge on a lunch in the Museo Larco’s 18th century garden. Sacred Valley: Make your way to the small lagoon of Laguna Piuray where you’ll enjoy your lunch of Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast. Cusco: Enjoy an immersive slow-cooked Cusquenian lunch at Pacha Papa. Lunch will be served al fresco at the courtyard of a historic mansion in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas. Cusco: In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you’ll enjoy innovative interpretations of classic Peruvian Creole dishes while toasting to your new adventures. Lima: Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening for a dinner. Lima: After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District and home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas. Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima for the first day of your Nazca excursion. Situated in southern Peru, Nazca Lines is made up of around 300 geoglyphs, spread over 500 square meters. These include impressive animal and plant drawings. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the hotel bar for a welcome drink.
Day 2 Day 2: Coastal Paracas Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Coastal Paracas Relaxed Start

In the morning, head out on a leisurely coastal drive to the beach town of Paracas. Known for its sandy beaches, wildlife and the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph, you’ll take in the area from above with an aircraft ride over the mysterious Nazca Lines. This top-rated highlight is truly the best way to experience this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its glory. In the evening, catch up on your day, as you enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers at your luxury hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Ballestas Islands And Peruvian Wildlife
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ballestas Islands And Peruvian Wildlife

Have your cameras at the ready as you head out on a scenic cruise to the Ballestas Islands famous for their rock formations and marine life. Explore this beautiful area before heading to the nearby city of Ica for lunch. Visit a pisco distillery for a tasting of the local spirit, followed by a stop at a local museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s culture. With the rest of your evening free, take the opportunity to relax at your beautiful resort right on the beach. Take a cooling dip in one of their two swimming pools or stroll through the fragrant gardens.
Day 4 Day 4: Coastal Peru And Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Coastal Peru And Lima

The final day of your Nazca extension will begin by the coast. Meet a local fisherman who will talk to you about their daily life and routine. Later, enjoy lunch at a historic hacienda on your way to Lima. You’ll get a tour of the plantation and learn more about a dark chapter in Peruvian history and the area’s heart-breaking past of slavery in the cotton business. You’ll also visit the long tunnels which were used to bring slaves from the coast to the hacienda. Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening for a Welcome Dinner with drinks.
Day 5 Day 5: Explore Lima Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Explore Lima Relaxed Start

Explore the colorful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit Casa Aliaga, an impressive mansion that has been home to the Aliaga family for 17 generations. For those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a Local Expert who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country’s religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 6 Day 6: Lima To Sacred Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lima To Sacred Valley

Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you’ll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
Day 7 Day 7: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start

Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you’ll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.
Day 8 Day 8: Explore Machu Picchu Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Explore Machu Picchu Relaxed Start

Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.
Day 9 Day 9: Machu Picchu At Leisure Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Machu Picchu At Leisure Relaxed Start

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 10 Day 10: On To Cusco Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: On To Cusco Relaxed Start

After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Qorikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.
Day 11 Day 11: Exploring Cusco Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Exploring Cusco Relaxed Start

Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman, a citadel built in the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco. Afterward, choose to join a local expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively you can explore the artisan bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. After lunch at Pachapapa, visit San Blas Church and the surrounding streets, before making your way to San Pedro Market, where you will find local produce. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium, for a private, after-hours tour. Learn about astronomy, cosmology, and its influence on Andean culture. While here, try some local delicacies paired with hot wine.
Day 12 Day 12: Leisure Time In Cusco Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Leisure Time In Cusco Relaxed Start

Choose the optional visit to the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about the chocolate making process, or perhaps relax and simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel? Set in a beautiful 16th century building, make the most of this boutique hotel’s signature spa and Andean-inspired healing treatments, massages, facials and custom spa packages. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you will toast to your adventures and end of your trip.
Day 13 Day 13: Chincha And Return To Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Chincha And Return To Lima

Lands so rich with history they will leave you spellbound. Embark on your return to Lima, stopping at Hacienda San José in Chincha. On your insightful tour, learn how this former slave plantation portrays a dark chapter of Peruvian history. Tour the original building and baroque chapel, viewing frescoes, agricultural equipment, a web of catacombs and underground tunnels which were used to bring the slaves from the coast to the Hacienda. After immersing yourself in Peru’s history, your tour concludes with a drop-off at the Lima airport.

+10

13 days tour

Peru With Machu Picchu (Classic, Nazca Lines, 13 Days)

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Itinerary of your trip Peru With Machu Picchu (Classic, Nazca Lines, 13 Days)

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Day 2: Coastal Paracas Relaxed Start

Day 3: Ballestas Islands And Peruvian Wildlife

Day 4: Coastal Peru And Lima

Day 5: Explore Lima Relaxed Start

Day 6: Lima To Sacred Valley

Day 7: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start

Day 8: Explore Machu Picchu Relaxed Start

Day 9: Machu Picchu At Leisure Relaxed Start

Day 10: On To Cusco Relaxed Start

Day 11: Exploring Cusco Relaxed Start

Day 12: Leisure Time In Cusco Relaxed Start

Day 13: Chincha And Return To Lima

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