Lima, Nazca, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Humantay 9D

About the Tour

From the Ica desert dunes to the Nazca Lines overflight and the Andean peaks: 9 unique days in Peru.

Lima, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, Nazca, Nazca Lines, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake

This 9-day Peru itinerary combines the country’s most breathtaking landscapes in one journey from coast to mountain summit. It starts in Lima with the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina oasis. On day 2, the tour ends in Nazca, ready for the next morning’s spectacular overflight of the Nazca Lines — one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries.

The journey continues in Cusco with the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the legendary Machu Picchu citadel. The program ends with two of the Andes’ most breathtaking natural excursions: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) at over 16,500 ft, and the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake beneath Andean glaciers.

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.

Lima

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

Nazca

Nazca is located on the southern coast of Peru, in the Ica region, about 6–7 hours from Lima, surrounded by desert and near the Pacific Ocean.

Step by step

Itinerary – Lima, Nazca & Cusco 9 Days

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Day 1

Arrival in Lima

Private airport transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Lima.

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Day 2

Paracas + Ballestas Islands + Huacachina – Night in Nazca

Pick-up at 4:00 a.m. Boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. Huacachina oasis: buggy ride and sandboarding. Return approx. 5:00 p.m. Private transfer to hotel in Nazca or Huacachina (2 hrs). Overnight in Nazca or Huacachina.

⏱ Pick-up: 4:00 a.m. – Arrival Nazca: ~7:00 p.m.

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Day 3

Nazca Lines Overflight + Return to Lima

Breakfast at hotel. Pick-up 7:00–9:00 a.m. Panoramic overflight of the Nazca Lines (30–35 min): The Monkey, Hummingbird, Spider, Condor, Astronaut, and more. Free time for lunch. Private transfer back to Lima (~4 hrs). Return to hotel. Overnight in Lima.

⏱ Pick-up: 7:00–9:00 a.m. – Arrival Lima: ~5:00 p.m.

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Day 4

Flight Lima – Cusco + City Tour

Airport transfer and flight to Cusco. Hotel transfer. Afternoon City Tour: Qorikancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, Tambomachay. Ideal for acclimatization.

⏱ City Tour pick-up: 12:45 p.m. – End: 6:30 p.m.

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Day 5

Sacred Valley VIP + Transfer to Machu Picchu

Breakfast at hotel. Pick-up at 6:30 a.m. Sacred Valley tour. Buffet lunch in Urubamba. Train Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

⏱ Pick-up: 6:30 a.m. | Train: 3:37–7:04 p.m.

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Day 6

Machu Picchu Full Day

Breakfast at hotel. Guided tour of Machu Picchu. Free time for photos. Return train. Transfer to Cusco.

⏱ Return train: 3:20 p.m. or 6:20 p.m.

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Day 7

Rainbow Mountain

Pick-up at 3:50–4:20 a.m. Buffet breakfast in Cusipata. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (16,522 ft / 5,036 m). Buffet lunch. Return to Cusco 5:00–5:30 p.m. Overnight in Cusco.

⏱ Pick-up: ~4:00 a.m. – Return: 5:00–5:30 p.m.

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Day 8

Humantay Lake Full Day

Pick-up at 4:30 a.m. Buffet breakfast in Mollepata. Hike to Humantay Lake (13,780 ft / 4,200 m) surrounded by Andean glaciers. Buffet lunch. Return to Cusco 6:00 p.m. Overnight in Cusco.

⏱ Pick-up: 4:30 a.m. – Return: 6:00 p.m.

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Day 9

Airport Transfer – End of Services

Breakfast at hotel. Private transfer to Cusco airport. End of services.

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Included

Private airport – hotel transfers (Lima and Cusco).
2 nights accommodation in Lima.
1 night in Nazca or Huacachina.
4 nights accommodation in Cusco.
1 night in Aguas Calientes.
Hotel breakfasts (all days).
Tourist transport Lima – Paracas – Ica – Nazca.
Private transport Nazca – Lima (day 3).
Buggy ride and sandboarding at Huacachina.
Panoramic overflight of the Nazca Lines.
Domestic flight Lima – Cusco (additional cost).
Professional bilingual guide on all tours.
Cusco General Tourist Ticket (City Tour & Sacred Valley).
Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.
Consettur bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
Entrance tickets to all mentioned attractions.
2 buffet breakfasts (Cusipata and Mollepata).
3 buffet lunches (Urubamba, Cusipata, Mollepata).
Trekking poles and oxygen for mountain hikes.
Personalized assistance.

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Not Included

International flights.
Lunch in Nazca (day 3 — own account).
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Water, snacks, and personal expenses.
Tips.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).

Duration

9 days / 8 nights (2 Lima, 1 Nazca/Huacachina, 4 Cusco, 1 Aguas Calientes).

Max altitude

16,522 ft / 5,036 m (Rainbow Mountain, day 7).

Difficulty

Moderate. Two high-altitude hikes (days 7 & 8) with progressive acclimatization from Cusco.

Tour type

Adventure Tours

Destinations & altitudes

Lima: 505 ft / 154 m
Huacachina: 1,332 ft / 406 m
Nazca: 1,706 ft / 520 m
Cusco: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m
Machu Picchu: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
Rainbow Mountain: 16,522 ft / 5,036 m
Humantay Lake: 13,780 ft / 4,200 m

Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions?

The panoramic flight lasts approximately 30 to 35 minutes, during which you’ll see the most famous geoglyphs: The Monkey, Hummingbird, Spider, Condor, Astronaut, Dog, Hands, and Tree, among others.

The small aircraft makes turns so all passengers can see the figures, which can cause airsickness in sensitive individuals. We recommend eating a light breakfast before the flight.

Yes, provided you book in advance. Tickets are limited. We recommend booking at least 2–3 months ahead during peak season.

Both are moderate hikes at high altitude. Basic fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are recommended. Trekking poles and oxygen are included. Horse rental is optional on both routes.

Yes. Night 2 is spent in a selected hotel in Nazca or Huacachina depending on preference, ready for the next morning’s overflight.

Recommendations

Get ready for 9 incredible days

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For the Nazca Overflight (Day 3)

Eat a light breakfast before the flight to avoid airsickness. Bring a fully charged camera or phone — the geoglyphs are stunning from the air. Bring your original ID document.

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Dress for Every Climate

Light clothing for Lima and Nazca (desert climate); thermal layers for Cusco and the mountains. A waterproof jacket and trekking boots are essential for days 7 and 8.

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Altitude Acclimatization

Rest on your first day in Cusco, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. The program builds in progressive acclimatization before the mountain hikes on days 7 and 8.

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Sun Protection

Solar radiation is intense in both the Nazca desert and the Andean highlands. Use high-SPF sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and a hat on all outdoor days.

Lima, Ica, Nazca & Cusco
9D

From the Ica desert dunes to the Nazca Lines overflight and the Andean peaks: 9 unique days in Peru.

Itinerary – Lima, Nazca & Cusco 9 Days

Any questions?

Get ready for 9 incredible days

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Itinerary – Lima, Nazca & Cusco 9 Days

Any questions?

Get ready for 9 incredible days

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