Essential Peru Tour 8 Days: Coast, Cusco & Machu Picchu

When visiting Larcomar in Lima, there are several activities you can enjoy. Here are a few options:

• • Take in the stunning ocean views: Larcomar offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, where you can relax and enjoy the seascape.
  • Explore shops and boutiques: Larcomar is home to a variety of shops and boutiques where you can find fashion, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Sample Peruvian cuisine: At Larcomar, you will find a wide selection of restaurants offering traditional Peruvian dishes as well as international cuisine. You can taste delicious ceviche, anticuchos, causa limeña, and more.
  • Stroll along the Malecón: Larcomar is located on the Malecón de Miraflores, a 6-mile-long seaside promenade that features green spaces for runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Larcomar. Have fun exploring this unique spot in Lima!

The boat trip to visit the Ballestas Islands in Paracas lasts approximately 2 hours. During this time, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Candelabra—a gigantic geoglyph similar to the Nazca Lines—and have the chance to see a wide variety of marine life, including sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and various other birds.

It is a fascinating and memorable experience for those who love nature and marine life.

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these incredible moments!

The experience of dune buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina is exciting and full of adrenaline. Here is a description of what you can expect:

• • Dune buggy rides: You will hop aboard a 4x4 dune buggy that will take you across the majestic dunes of the Huacachina desert. You will feel the thrill of racing up and down the dunes while taking in the beautiful desert landscape.
  • Sandboarding: Once you reach the dunes, you will have the chance to try sandboarding. You will be provided with a special board to slide down the sandy slopes. You can choose from different difficulty levels, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Throughout the dune buggy ride and sandboarding, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Huacachina desert and capture incredible moments while having a great time. Remember to bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and water to stay hydrated.

The flight from Lima to Cusco typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on average. However, please note that the duration may vary depending on the airline and flight conditions.

As for the airlines that operate on this route, some common options include:

• Viva Air
• JetSmart
• LATAM Airlines
• Sky Airline Perú
• Avianca

These are just a few of the airlines that may offer flights from Lima to Cusco. Keep in mind that the availability of airlines and flights can change; therefore, I recommend checking directly with the airlines or using a flight search engine to get the most up-to-date information on available options.

After arriving in Cusco, you will have free time to explore the city independently and immerse yourself in its cultural charm. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your time in Cusco:

• Visit the Plaza de Armas: This is the heart of the city and the perfect place to begin your exploration. Here, you will find the imposing Cusco Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús), as well as numerous restaurants and shops.
• Wander through the San Blas neighborhood: Known as the artisans' quarter, San Blas is a charming area featuring cobblestone streets and workshops belonging to local artists. You will find beautiful handicrafts, paintings, and jewelry here.
• Visit the Qorikancha: Also known as the Temple of the Sun, the Qorikancha is an ancient Inca temple that was partially destroyed by the Spanish during the conquest. You can still see the impressive Inca walls inside.
  Explore the local markets: Cusco has several colorful markets where you can find local products, such as fruits, vegetables, textiles, and handicrafts. The San Pedro Market is one of the most popular.
• Try Peruvian cuisine: Cusco is known for its delicious Peruvian food. Take the opportunity to sample traditional dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, causa limeña, and rocoto relleno.

Always keep safety recommendations in mind and respect local customs while exploring Cusco. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city, which is rich in history and culture!

The hike to Humantay Lake is an incredible experience, offering stunning views and natural landscapes. Here are more details about the hike and the options available for those who prefer not to walk:

• Hike duration: The hike to Humantay Lake takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will cover a distance of about 2 kilometers over mountainous terrain. Please note that the level of difficulty may vary depending on your physical condition and how well you have acclimatized to the altitude.
• Panoramic views: Throughout the hike, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Humantay Lake and its surroundings. The mountain scenery and natural beauty are truly awe-inspiring.
• Horse rental option: For those who do not wish to hike or would prefer a more comfortable alternative, horses can be rented at the entrance checkpoint. These horses can take you all the way to the lake, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without having to walk.

  Please keep in mind that horse rentals may incur an additional cost and are subject to availability. It is also advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles to pay for the rental.

Remember that the hike to Humantay Lake can be challenging due to the high altitude and the steepness of the terrain. It is recommended to be in good physical condition, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring along water and sunscreen.

During the Sacred Valley VIP tour, we will visit several impressive sites. Here is a description of the places included in the tour:

• Chinchero Archaeological Center: Chinchero is a picturesque village located in the Sacred Valley. Here, we will visit the archaeological center, which features Inca agricultural terraces and a colonial church built atop an ancient Inca temple.
• Moray: Moray is known for its circular terraces, which the Incas used for agricultural experimentation. These terraces are arranged in different levels, creating microclimates that allowed the Incas to cultivate a variety of crops.
• Salineras (Salt Mines): This site is both impressive and unique. The Salineras consist of a complex of terraced salt pools that have been in use since the time of the Incas. You will be able to walk among the terraces and learn about the salt extraction process.
• Ollantaytambo Fortress: Ollantaytambo is an important archaeological site and a living town. Here, we will visit the fortress—built by the Inca ruler Pachacútec—which is renowned for its striking terraces and stone structures. This is also where we will board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu is located in the high-altitude jungle fringe at 2,200 meters above sea level. It features a mild, warm climate; depending on the season (dry or rainy), you may experience either sunny or rainy days.

On trains to Machu Picchu, you are only permitted to carry hand luggage, with a weight limit of 5 kilograms (11 pounds). For this reason, it is advisable to bring only the essentials for your visit to Machu Picchu.

There are 5 new circuits at Machu Picchu. The visit to the archaeological site lasts 2 hours, and once you leave, you cannot re-enter. The circuits are as follows:

• Circuit 1: This route includes various points of interest, such as the Guardian’s House (where you can take the classic photo), the upper and lower terraces, the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, and the Pisonay Plaza, among others. To access this circuit, you must purchase the "Llaqta Machu Picchu" ticket.
• Circuit 2: This circuit allows you to visit the Main Temple, the Temple of the Sun, the Guardian’s House (for the classic photo), the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana, and the Sacred Rock, among other sites. To access this circuit, you must purchase the "Llaqta Machu Picchu" ticket.
• Circuit 3: This circuit takes you through the lower part of the citadel, where you can see the water mirrors, the Temple of the Sun, the agricultural sector, and the Inca’s House. Please note that this route does not include the classic photo spot; it is designed for older visitors. To access this circuit, you must purchase the "Llaqta Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain" ticket.
• Circuit 4: This route also covers the lower part of the *llaqta* (citadel), including the agricultural sector, the Inca’s House, the Temple of the Sun, and the Sacred Rock. While this circuit does not include the classic photo spot, it does allow access to Huayna Picchu Mountain. To access this circuit, you must purchase the "Llaqta Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain" ticket.
• Circuit 5: Like the previous options, this circuit explores the lower part of the *llaqta*, with the added option of visiting the Inca Bridge. To access this circuit, you must purchase the "Llaqta Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge" ticket.

There are several restrictions that must be followed when visiting the Machu Picchu citadel. Failure to comply will result in immediate expulsion from the site—with no right to a refund—and the initiation of appropriate legal action.

• Large backpacks and large quantities of food are not permitted. Snacks are allowed, provided that you do not discard any wrappers within the archaeological site.
• The possession or consumption of illegal substances or alcohol is prohibited; visitors under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to enter. Walking sticks, parasols, umbrellas, tripods, camera mounts, selfie sticks, and similar items are also prohibited. Animals are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs.
• Making loud or disruptive noises—such as clapping, shouting, whistling, or singing—is forbidden, as is jumping.
• Banners, poles, signs, or any items intended for advertising or promotional purposes are not permitted.

The hike to the 7-Colored Mountain—also known as Vinicunca or the Rainbow Mountain—is an awe-inspiring experience that offers unique landscapes. Here are more details about the hike, as well as alternatives for those who prefer not to walk:

• Hike duration: The trek to the 7-Colored Mountain takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will cover a distance of about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across mountainous terrain. Please note that the level of difficulty may vary depending on your physical condition and how well you have acclimatized to the altitude.
• Panoramic views: Throughout the hike, you will enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and, of course, the 7-Colored Mountain itself. The vibrant colors and unique geological formations are truly breathtaking.
• Horse rental option: For those who prefer not to hike or are looking for a more comfortable alternative, horses can be rented at the entrance checkpoint. These horses can take you all the way to the summit, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without having to walk.

Please keep in mind that horse rentals may incur an additional cost and are subject to availability. It is also advisable to carry cash in Peruvian soles to pay for the rental.

Remember that the hike to the 7-Colored Mountain can be challenging due to the high altitude and the steepness of the terrain. It is recommended to be physically prepared, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring along water and sunscreen.

At Andino Perú Tours, we are pleased to provide you with information regarding the transfer to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. Here are some important details:

• • We will ensure that the airport transfer is scheduled for an appropriate time, allowing you to arrive well in advance of your departing flight from Cusco. This accounts for potential traffic congestion and ensures you have ample time to complete check-in and security procedures.
  • Our airport transfer service is provided using safe, comfortable vehicles, with professional drivers who are well-acquainted with the routes. We guarantee a punctual and seamless transfer, offering you peace of mind and comfort throughout the journey.

Please keep in mind how important it is to stay aware of your flight’s departure time and to follow the airline’s recommendations regarding arrival at the airport.