The Mysterious Nazca Lines with Lima, Cuzco and the Inca Trail (9 days)

Day 1: LIMA

• Upon arrival to Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport, you will be transferred with one of our guides by first class van to your selected hotel.
• You will be given a radio for the duration of your trip to communicate with us for any last-minute needs or any emergency you may have
• Depending on arrival time, we can arrange:
  • optional museum visits
  • city tours
  • culinary tours
  • a crash course in Spanish
  • or even paragliding off the cliff tops of Miraflores!
• You will finish the day with an overnight stay in the Miraflores District or near the Lima airport.

Day 2: LIMA/NAZCA/PARACAS

• The morning will begin with a drive south on the Pan American Highway to the city of Nazca by first class bus through the desert along the amazing Pacific coast.
• In the early afternoon you will take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines, drawings in the desert over 5,000 years old which includes a humming bird, monkey, spider, and a condor.
• In the afternoon you will be transferred to your hotel along the Pacific coast town of Paracas.

Day 3: PARACAS/LIMA

• Early morning you will cruise in the Pacific to see the Ballesta Islands and all they have to offer. You will see sea lions, penguins, and up to 60 different species of birds!
• At the end of the day, return to Lima by way of a luxurious first class bus.

Day 4: LIMA/CUZCO

• In the morning you will be transferred to airport and your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival to the Cuzco airport, you will be met by our staff and driven to your selected hotel. We strongly advise you to rest to acclimatize to the altitude.
• After lunch, your Cuzco adventure begins with:
  • A guided tour of the Plaza de Armas: the main cathedral
  • The amazing Coricancha: the temple of the sun
  • The guided tour continues to the beautiful Incan sites of Sacsahuaman: an impressive Incan military fortress overlooking Cuzco
  • Kenko: an ancient amphitheater with unique stone carvings
  • Tambo Machay: fountains once for the sole use of Incan royalty
  • The small fortress of Puca Pucara
• The day ends with a return to your hotel, or there are various nightlife options available!

Day 5: CUZCO/HUAYLLABAMBA

• Our guides will pick you up at your hotel at approximately 6:30 am and then drive by bus to Piskacuchu, a small town located along the train tracks to Machu Picchu. We start the Inca Trail here at 2,700 meters above sea level. This amazing trail takes us along the rushing Urubamba River ascending to the city of Miskay.
• After lunch in Miskay, the journey continues upwards to 3,000 m above sea level where we will be camping, Huayllabamba. During this 5 to 6 hour trek you will see gorgeous valleys and Veronica peak that reaches an impressive 5,832 m above sea level.
• We will end the day by camping overnight in Huayllabamba.
• Total distance traveled on the trail 12 km or 7.5 miles.

Day 6: HUAYLLABAMBA/PACAYMAYO

• We will wake up around 6:00 am to have breakfast and shortly after begin day 2 of the Inca Trail. Today, the trail ascends steeply for a distance of 9 km before reaching the highest point (4,200 m) known as Abra Waarmihuanusca (Dead Woman’s Pass). At this altitude there is little vegetation, but surprisingly abundant life. We are very likely to see llamas, hummingbirds, sparrows, and even the chance of seeing an Andean Bear.At this altitude we recommend you bring candy, chocolates, coca leaves, or other snacks to keep you blood sugar level high.
• After Dead Woman’s Pass we will descend to about 3,500 m to the Pacaymayo valley to camp for the night. Today’s hike is an estimated 6-8 hours with a maximum altitude of 4,200 m or 13,776 ft.

Day 7: PACAYMAYO/WINAYHUAYNA

• Today on the trail will be the most interesting day, as we will see numerous archeological sites. After leaving Pacaymayo, we will climb to see another beautiful pass know as Abra de Runkurakay at 3,970 m. Along the way is an archeological site believed to have served as a watchtower or lookout.
• After the pass, we will be descending to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and then entering the cloud forest with spectacular views.
• Ascending once again we will visit another pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3,700 m) and two more Inca ruins, one being very complex with fountain systems and beautiful views of the valley below.
• The last descent of the day will bring us to Winayhuayna, our campsite, which will have a restaurant, bar, and bathrooms with hot showers. Estimated walking time 8 hours. Maximum altitude point 3,900 m.

Day 8: WINAYHUAYNA/MACHU PICCHU

• We will start the last day of the Inca Trail early, after our 4:00 am breakfast, we will hike about an hour before reaching the Sungate. We will have a view of Machu Picchu from above as the sun rises over the beautiful citadel.
• From here we will hike down to the controlled entrance point and begin a guided tour that lasts about 2 hours. After the tour your day is free to explore the mystical ruins. You can hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, visit the Temple of the Moon, or the Inca Bridge. You can choose to take a bus to Aguas Calientes (the village below Machu Picchu), relax in the natural hot springs near the village or explore the curious village itself. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Hiking time is estimated 2 hours. Maximum altitude 2,700 m (8,829 ft).

Day 9: MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO

• After breakfast, you have the option of returning to visit to Machu Picchu. Go see the ruins at sunrise before other tourists arrive or climb the beautiful towering peak of Huayna Picchu to see the ruins from above.
• At 5:00 pm the train leaves to return to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to airport or your hotel.

Additional Information:

• For booking the Inca trail you must send the following information:
  Complete name as it appears on your passport
• Date of birth
• Nationality and passport number
• Students also need to send their scanned ISIC card and passport.
• Visitors to the Inca Trail should bring with them the following personal items:
  • Personal hygiene items
  • A small first-aid kit containing bandages, muscle ache lotion, pills against altitude sickness, fever, and stomach aches
  • Extra bottled water
  • Sun block
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • Plastic bags (to keep personal items dry)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Hiking stick
  • Warm clothes for the cold nights, and light clothes for the day
  • Your original passport
  • Some cash for tips, souvenirs, drinks and your meals on the last day.
  • Note: These expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition and able to hike on full-day treks over variable terrain and high altitude passes (up to 14,000 ft). This trip includes camping in remote areas in high altitude sites, possible rugged travel conditions and varying temperature and weather conditions.
  • Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler’s responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.

  Optional Additional Costs:

  • Extra Porter to carry your personal items: $150
  • Single Person Tent if you do not want to room with others: $150
  • Vistadome Train service: $79
  • Extra Night in Cuzco or Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu, Puno or Lima from $69 per person Contact Venture Peru for details