Experience Peru with the 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour! Stroll through Lima’s historic center and its San Francisco Catacombs. In Ica, feel the adrenaline on dune buggies through Huacachina and sample pisco at Bodega Nietto. Sail the Ballestas Islands in Paracas to see sea lions. In Cusco, explore the VIP Sacred Valley (Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo), the vibrant Vinicunca Mountain, and Machu Picchu, the Inca jewel. Includes Vistadome train, centrally located hotels, and local guides.
Summary
DAY 01: City Tour in Lima
- Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
- Pucllana Pyramid (panoramic view).
- Historic Center of Lima.
- San Francisco Convent and Catacombs.
- Costa Verde.
DAY 02: Full Day Tour to Paracas and Ica
- Ballestas Islands (Paracas).
- Candelabro (geoglyph).
- Bodega Nietto (Ica) – Wine and pisco tasting.
- Huacachina Oasis – Dune buggy ride and sandboarding.
DAY 03: Flight to Cusco + City Tour
- Flight from Lima to Cusco.
- Qoricancha.
- Sacsayhuamán.
- Q’enqo.
- Puka Pukara.
- Tambomachay.
DAY 04: Sacred Valley + Train to Machu Picchu
- Chinchero (archaeological site and colonial church).
- Chinchero textile center.
- Moray (circular terraces).
- Maras Salt Mines.
- Lunch in Urubamba.
- Ollantaytambo (archaeological site).
- Train journey to Machu Picchu Town (Aguas Calientes).
DAY 05: Visit to Machu Picchu
- Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (guided tour).
- Free time in Machu Picchu Town.
- Train journey back to Ollantaytambo.
- Road transfer to Cusco.
DAY 06: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Hike to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- Main viewpoint (5,200 m / 17,060 ft).
- Lunch in Cusipata.
DAY 07: Humantay Lagoon
- Hike to Humantay Lagoon.
- Soraypampa (starting point of the hike).
- Lunch in Mollepata.
DAY 08: Return to Lima and Flight Home
- Transfer from the hotel to Cusco airport.
- Return flight to Lima for international connection.
Itinerary
Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival in Lima + City Tour
Tour schedule: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Reception and welcome at Jorge Chávez International Airport by our TOP INKA TRAVEL team, who will be waiting with a sign with your name. Then we’ll transfer you to the hotel for check-in and room assignment. Enjoy a comfortable night at our Lima hotel.
In the afternoon, around 1:30 PM, we’ll begin the city tour. We’ll start with a panoramic view of the Pucllana Pyramid, then visit the historic center, San Francisco Convent and its catacombs, and the Costa Verde. Tour ends around 6:30 PM at your hotel.
Overnight in Lima
DAY 02: Paracas – Huacachina Full Day
Tour schedule: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Early pickup from your hotel for a 4-hour trip to Paracas. From El Chaco dock, we’ll take a boat to Ballestas Islands, where you’ll observe sea lions, penguins, flamingos, and the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph.
Later we’ll go to Ica, arriving around 12:30 PM, and visit Nietto Winery for wine and pisco tastings and lunch at their restaurant.
Next, we visit Huacachina Oasis for sandboarding and dune buggy rides. Free time for photos and exploration.
Return to Lima, arriving around 10:00 PM.
Overnight in Lima
DAY 03: Transfer to Lima Airport – Cusco City Tour
Tour schedule: 12:40 PM – 6:30 PM
We’ll transfer you from your hotel to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival, our team will meet and transfer you to your hotel.
Around 12:40 PM, we’ll start the Cusco City Tour visiting 5 key sites: Qoricancha, Sacsayhuamán, Puka Pukara, Q’enqo, and Tambomachay. Experience the history and architecture of the Inca capital.
Tour ends around 6:30 PM.
Overnight in Cusco
DAY 04: Sacred Valley Vip + Machupicchu Pueblo
Tour schedule: 6:40 AM – 7:00 PM
Hotel pickup and visit to Chinchero for its Inca ruins, colonial church, and textile center. Then visit Moray’s circular terraces and the salt mines of Maras.
Buffet lunch in Urubamba, then visit Ollantaytambo’s ruins and board the train to Machupicchu Pueblo. Our staff will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Overnight in Machupicchu Pueblo
DAY 05: Machu Picchu
Tour schedule: 4:30 AM – 22:00 PM
Early morning, meet your guide and take the bus to Machu Picchu. Guided tour (2.5 hrs) of the Inca citadel, learning about its history, architecture, and mysteries.
Afterward, descend to town, enjoy free time, and have lunch. Later, take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will bring you back to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
DAY 06: Rainbow Mountain
Tour schedule: 4:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Hotel pickup to travel to Cusipata for breakfast. Continue for 1 hour to the trailhead, then a 1.5-hour hike to Vinicunca viewpoint (5,200 m.a.s.l.).
Admire the colorful mountain and get a guide’s explanation about the geography, ecosystem, and culture. Free time for photos.
Hike back and have lunch in Cusipata. Return to Cusco around 5:00 PM.
Overnight in Cusco
DAY 07: Humantay Lake
Tour schedule: 4:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Hotel pickup and 2-hour drive to Mollepata for breakfast. Continue for 1 hour to Soraypampa, the starting point of a 2-hour hike to the beautiful Humantay Lake (4,200 m.a.s.l.).
Our guide will explain the lake’s importance. Free time for photos and admiring the landscape.
Hike back to Soraypampa, return to Mollepata for lunch, then drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:30 PM.
DAY 08: Hotel – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10:00 AM, but you may store your luggage at reception until your departure for convenience.
Includes
Includes
Lima – Peru Tour
- Airport pickup in Lima.
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Lima.
- 1 breakfast at the hotel.
- 1 box breakfast.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English) for each tourist attraction.
- Entrance tickets to all sites visited.
- Tourist transportation for each tour.
- Tourist bus Lima – Paracas – Lima.
- Ballestas Islands boat tour.
- Sandboarding boards.
- Dune buggy ride.
- Transfer to Lima airport.
Cusco – Peru Tour
- Airport pickup in Cusco.
- 4 nights in a 3-star hotel in Cusco.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Machupicchu Pueblo.
- 2 breakfasts at the hotel.
- 1 box breakfast.
- 1 buffet lunch during the Sacred Valley VIP tour.
- 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch during the Rainbow Mountain tour.
- 1 breakfast and 1 buffet lunch during the Humantay Lake tour.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English) for each tourist attraction.
- Private professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) for Machu Picchu only.
- Entrance tickets to all sites visited.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Circuit 2 (Subject to availability).
- Executive Tourist Train (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo).
- Round-trip CONSETTUR bus (Machu Picchu up and down).
- Transfer to Cusco airport.
Not Included
- International and domestic flights.
- Laundry services.
- Snacks and/or refreshing beverages.
- Some lunches and dinners.
- Additional nights due to weather conditions.
- Personal care items.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
Important Information
- Before making a reservation, please contact us at reservas@topinkatravel.com or via WhatsApp at +51 961731825 to confirm if there are tickets available for Machu Picchu on your travel date.
- One day before your arrival in Lima, we will request your boarding pass in order to coordinate your airport pickup and transfer to your hotel.
- All our tours in Lima include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- All our tours in Cusco include hotel pickup and end at Plaza Regocijo, located one block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas). The only exception is the Machu Picchu tour, which ends at your hotel.
- The evening before each tour, before 8:00 PM, we will contact you to provide the exact pickup time and important recommendations for your experience.
- Hotel check-in time in Lima is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM.
- Hotel check-in time in Cusco is at 12:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM.
- Our hotels are strategically located. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will provide you with the best hotel options.
- We will stay in constant communication with you to ensure an exceptional experience.
Recommendations
Recommendations for the 8-Day / 7-Night Lima – Ica – Cusco Tour
To get the most out of your 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour, please prepare:
- Original Passport or ID (mandatory for flights, the Vistadome train, and Machu Picchu).
- Trekking shoes for hikes in Vinicunca, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu.
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for Lima, Ica, and the Andes.
- Insect repellent for Huacachina and Paracas.
- Layered clothing: t-shirts for Lima/Ica (68-86°F); thermal layers and a thick jacket for Cusco (41-59°F).
- Reusable water bottle and snacks like nuts for the hikes.
- Fully charged phone/camera for photos at San Francisco, Ballestas, and Qoricancha.
- Rain poncho (especially from December to March).
- Personal medications and altitude sickness pills.
- Cash in Peruvian Soles for tips.
Wear light clothing for Huacachina (buggies/sandboarding) and warm clothing for Cusco. For families, the tour includes breaks and clear storytelling.
Useful Information for Your Trip
The 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour travels through altitudes ranging from 154 m (505 ft) in Lima to 5,200 m (17,060 ft) in Vinicunca. Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) and Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) can cause altitude sickness. Arrive in Cusco one day early, stay hydrated, and try coca tea.
The dry season (May-September) is ideal for Paracas, Huacachina, and Vinicunca. The wet season (December-March) requires a waterproof layer. Book 1-2 months in advance to secure your Machu Picchu tickets (2,500/day).
The tour includes transportation from Jorge Chávez Airport, tourist buses, the Vistadome train, and bilingual guides, many of whom are Quechua speakers. With Top Inka Travel, you will travel in small groups for an authentic experience. Book your Lima Ica Cusco 2025 package now!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the 8-Day / 7-Night Lima – Ica – Cusco Tour
What is the best time of year for the 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour?
The dry season (May-September) is ideal, with clear skies in Paracas, Huacachina, and Vinicunca. June-August are popular months, perfect for photos. The wet season (December-March) offers lush green landscapes, but bring a rain poncho for Cusco.
Is the tour suitable for beginners or families with children?
Yes, the Lima Ica Cusco 2025 package is perfect for beginners and families (children aged 6 and above). The hikes in Machu Picchu (2.5 hours) and Vinicunca (1.5 hours) are moderate, with breaks included. The guides from Top Inka Travel adapt their storytelling for children.
How challenging is the hike to Vinicunca Mountain?
Vinicunca (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) requires a 1.5-hour hike on gentle slopes. The altitude can be challenging, but it is manageable for people with average physical fitness. Stay hydrated, try coca tea, and walk at your own pace. Portable oxygen is available.
Can I take photos or videos at the visited sites?
Absolutely! You can freely take photos at San Francisco, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Sacsayhuamán, Qoricancha, Moray, Maras, and Machu Picchu. Drones require a special permit in Machu Picchu (contact us on WhatsApp at +51 961731825). Make sure to charge your phone to capture the Vistadome train.
How much time is spent at Machu Picchu?
The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts 2.5 hours (Circuit 2), exploring the citadel with a bilingual guide who details its Inca history. Afterwards, you have free time in Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the Vistadome train back.
What safety measures are in place for the altitude in Cusco?
Top Inka Travel provides certified guides, portable oxygen, and coca tea for altitudes ranging from 154 m (505 ft) in Lima to 5,200 m (17,060 ft) in Vinicunca. We recommend arriving in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) one day early, staying hydrated, and resting to acclimatize.
What transportation is included in the tour?
It includes pickup at Jorge Chávez Airport (Lima), tourist buses in Paracas, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco, the Vistadome train (Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes), and the Consettur bus to Machu Picchu. Domestic flights are not included; please coordinate with us.
What are the hotels like in Lima, Ica, and Cusco?
You will enjoy 3 nights in 3-star hotels in Lima (near Miraflores), 2 nights in Ica (near Huacachina), and 3 nights in Cusco (near the Plaza de Armas). All include Wi-Fi, hot water, and an Andean breakfast (quinoa, fruits).
Is it necessary to book well in advance?
We recommend booking the Lima Ica Cusco Tour 2025 1-2 months in advance, especially during the high season (June-August). Machu Picchu tickets are limited (2,500 per day). Confirm availability by contacting us on WhatsApp at +51 961731825.
What makes the Paracas Huacachina Tour unique in this package?
The Paracas Huacachina Tour (Day 2) includes a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins, pisco tasting at Bodega Nietto, and buggy rides/sandboarding in the Huacachina oasis, perfectly combining nature and adventure.
Additional
Additional Information
The 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour is ideal for all ages, including children from 6 years old, thanks to manageable altitudes (Cusco: 3,400 m / 11,150 ft; Vinicunca: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft). Book 1-2 months in advance during the high season (June-September, December-January) to secure your Lima Ica Cusco 2025 package, as Machu Picchu tickets (2,500/day) sell out quickly. Domestic flights are not included.
With Top Inka Travel, you journey in small groups (maximum 10 people) for a personalized experience. This ensures you have ample time for photos at San Francisco, Moray, and Maras, and receive close attention from our local guides, many of whom are Quechua speakers, during the Lima City Tour and VIP Sacred Valley tour.
More Reasons to Book With Us
With 15 years of experience, Top Inka Travel connects you with the soul of Peru on the 8-Day Lima Ica Cusco Tour. You will explore the vibrant Huacachina Oasis, the Ballestas Islands with their sea lions, the VIP Sacred Valley (Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo), Vinicunca Mountain, and Machu Picchu, the Inca jewel. The tour includes the Vistadome train and 3-star hotels.
Our guides, some of whom are Quechua-speaking, bring Qoricancha and Machu Picchu to life. For families, we offer breaks and clear storytelling, with an option for a second visit to Machu Picchu. From the Jorge Chávez Airport, we guarantee secure transportation and an authentic adventure. Book your Lima Ica Cusco 2025 package now!
