Classic Lima, Ica, Cusco, Machu Picchu 8 Days Tour

About the Tour

An 8-day adventure from the coast and desert to the most stunning Andean wonders of Peru.

Lima, Paracas (Ballestas Islands), Ica (Huacachina), Cusco, VIP Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Humantay Lake

This incredible 8 Days and 7 Nights trip [cite: 148] will take you through the most spectacular landscapes of Peru. We will start in the capital, head south to explore the Ballestas Islands in Paracas, and experience the adrenaline of dune buggies and sandboarding at the Huacachina Oasis [cite: 154, 156, 157].

The adventure continues with a flight to Cusco [cite: 160], where we will explore its history on a detailed City Tour [cite: 164] and discover the VIP Sacred Valley (including Chinchero, Maras, and Moray)[cite: 223]. We will visit the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu (Circuit 2) [cite: 227], and conclude our Andean challenge by crowning two natural gems: Rainbow Mountain alongside the Red Valley [cite: 178], and the breathtaking turquoise waters of Humantay Lake[cite: 185].

Cusco

The imperial city of Cusco is located in southeastern Peru, in the Andes Mountains. It sits at over 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level and was the former capital of the Inca Empire. Today, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America.

Ica

Ica is located on the southern coast of Peru, about 4–5 hours from Lima, surrounded by desert landscapes and close to the Pacific Ocean.

Lima

Lima is located on the central coast of Peru, along the Pacific Ocean, and is the main international gateway to the country.

Step by step

Itinerary – Classic 8 Days / 7 Nights

📍

Day 1

Arrival in Lima

Reception at the Lima airport and transfer by private transport to your selected hotel[cite: 150, 151]. Hotel check-in is at 14:00 PM [cite: 152].

🏜️

Day 2

Paracas + Ica + Huacachina

Pick-up at 04:30 am[cite: 155]. Tour to the Ballestas Islands to see the Candelabra and wildlife[cite: 203, 205]. In the afternoon, wine/pisco tasting and buggy & sandboarding adventure in the Huacachina dunes[cite: 207, 210, 211]. Return to Lima around 22:00 pm [cite: 214].

✈️

Day 3

Flight to Cusco + City Tour

Airport transfer and flight to Cusco[cite: 216]. In the afternoon, City Tour visiting Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay [cite: 217, 218, 219].

🌾

Day 4

VIP Sacred Valley + Connection

Pick-up at 06:30 am[cite: 223]. Visit Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray[cite: 223]. Buffet lunch in Urubamba and visit to Ollantaytambo, then take the train to Aguas Calientes [cite: 224].

🏔️

Day 5

Machu Picchu Tour

Bus ascent and 2-hour guided tour along Circuit 2[cite: 226, 227]. We will visit the terraces and the Temple of the Three Windows[cite: 229]. Afternoon train return to Cusco [cite: 231].

🌈

Day 6

Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley

Early pick-up (03:50 am) and breakfast in Cusipata[cite: 234]. A 1.5-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain, followed by an extra 25 minutes to the stunning Red Valley[cite: 235, 236]. Buffet lunch and return to Cusco at 17:30 [cite: 182, 183].

💧

Day 7

Humantay Lake

Pick-up at 04:10 am[cite: 186]. Breakfast in Mollepata and a 1.5 to 2-hour hike to the majestic Humantay Lake[cite: 242, 243]. Buffet lunch and return to Cusco at approx 18:00 pm [cite: 189, 190].

🏁

Day 8

Farewell to Cusco

Breakfast, hotel check-out, and transfer to the Cusco airport or bus terminal[cite: 193, 194, 195]. End of our services[cite: 196].

✅

Included

Airport – hotel – airport transfers [cite: 249].
Tourist transport and mobility for all tours [cite: 249].
Professional guide and Box Lunch on board (Lima-Ica) [cite: 249].
Entrance to Dune Buggies, Sandboarding, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mtn, and Humantay [cite: 249].
General Tourist Ticket (City Tour & Sacred Valley) [cite: 249].
Round-trip Train tickets and Consettur Bus [cite: 249].
2 buffet breakfasts and 3 buffet lunches (Urubamba, Cusipata, Mollepata) [cite: 249].
Personalized assistance [cite: 249].

❌

Not Included

Accommodation (the displayed rate is for tours only) .
Meals not mentioned and drinks like water [cite: 251, 252].
Phone calls, snacks, or tips [cite: 253, 254].
Diving equipment, binoculars, or masks [cite: 255].
Flights (Lima-Cusco flight can be added for $170 USD)[cite: 292].

Tour duration

8 Days / 7 Nights[cite: 148].

Max altitude

Over 16,500 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain).

Difficulty

Moderate / Difficult. Good physical condition needed for Humantay and Vinicunca.

Tour type

Adventure, Culture & Nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

The base rate of $618 is for the “Tours Only” option. We offer comprehensive packages ranging from 2-star hostels to 5-star hotels (e.g., Palacio del Inka or Hilton) [cite: 280, 290].

Not by default, but you can add the Lima-Cusco domestic flight, which includes 10 kg of luggage, for approximately $170 USD [cite: 292].

It is a stunning valley with reddish hues and unique formations, located about a 25-minute light walk from Rainbow Mountain[cite: 236].

Recommendations

Prepare for your 8-day trip

👕

Appropriate Clothing

Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and light shoes or sneakers[cite: 257, 260, 261]. A long waterproof poncho is essential during the rainy season [cite: 259].

☀️

Protection

Apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and use insect repellent[cite: 262, 263, 265].

🎒

Hand Luggage

During the tours, travel with one light backpack or bag per person. Bring your camera and stay very hydrated [cite: 258, 267, 268].

💵

Money & Health

Bring personal medication and keep small denomination coins in dollars, euros, or soles handy[cite: 266, 269].

Classic Lima, Ica & Cusco
8D

An 8-day adventure from the coast and desert to the most stunning Andean wonders of Peru.

Itinerary – Classic 8 Days / 7 Nights

Any questions?

Prepare for your 8-day trip

Tours You May Be Interested In

Lima, Ica, Huacachina & Machu Picchu

Huacachina, Machu Picchu & Puno

Lima, Huacachina & Machu Picchu

Classic Lima, Ica & Cusco8D

An 8-day adventure from the coast and desert to the most stunning Andean wonders of Peru.

Itinerary – Classic 8 Days / 7 Nights

Any questions?

Prepare for your 8-day trip

Tours You May Be Interested In

Lima, Ica, Huacachina & Machu Picchu

Huacachina, Machu Picchu & Puno

Lima, Huacachina & Machu Picchu

Classic Lima, Ica & Cusco
8D