Throughout this 7-day exploration of Peru’s history and culture, uncover some of the country's most treasured historical gems. Discover the ancient wonders of the stunning region of Lima, and fall in love with the friendly people, charming shops, delicious restaurants, and spectacular views. Amble through Lima's downtown, immerse yourself in the ancient civilizations of Caral, and fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – Dinner on the Shoreline
As you touch down along the coastline of Peru's vivacious national capital, you will be greeted by your private transportation, who will transfer you to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the city. Once you arrive at your opulent accommodation, you can settle in and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking ocean views from your private balcony. In the afternoon, you can venture into the city center for some self-guided exploration. You will have a chance to stroll through the pristine parks of Miraflores as the sun begins to set.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima – Ceviche Cooking Class
Day 3
Lima – Visit Ancient Ruins
Day 4
Caral – The Oldest Town in the New World
Day 5
Nazca Lines – Private Helicopter Ride
Day 6
Paracas – Luxury Cruise to Islas Ballestas
Day 7
Lima – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Savor the diverse flavors of Lima's fresh seafood as you dine along the city's sparkling shoreline
- Venture inside the gold-leafed interior of Lima's opulent cathedral and roll up your sleeves for a traditional ceviche cooking class
- Stroll through romantic Parque del Amor and discover the metropolis' hidden Inca and pre-Inca ruins
- Seek out the "Oldest Town in the World" in Caral and visit pre-Columbian ruins, which are known as the Norte Chico civilization
- Fly over the Nazca Lines in a helicopter and explore the history of these ancient geoglyphs
- Embark on a scenic cruise from Paracas to Islas Ballestas, which is teeming with fascinating marine life
- Luxuriate in Lima's prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores and visit the neighborhood's charming lighthouse
Detailed Description
Lima is a hub of all things modern, international, and fast-paced. People from around Peru and the world travel to this nation's capital for exquisite fashion, mouth-watering cuisine, and shopping of all varieties. Still, the opulent skyscrapers of Miraflores mesh well with a calming serenity that can be found along Lima's Pacific coastline. Here, families gather to relax and unwind as they admire some of the best views that the city has to offer. Despite the city's push toward vibrant modernity, cobbled streets and charming plazas still adorn the town and are saturated with a rich history that spans hundreds of years. Ancient civilizations and Spanish colonists have left their mark around every corner.
You will begin your luxurious, 7-day immersion into Peru’s history and culture with a tour of the downtown area. During your tour, you will step inside famed edifices, including the Cathedral of Lima. You will even be provided with the exclusive opportunity to tour the ancient catacombs that are tucked beneath the city's basilica. After enjoying a tantalizing, oceanfront dinner the night before, you will roll up your sleeves with an expert chef and learn how to make Peru's internationally acclaimed ceviche. The following day, you will stroll through Lima's most meticulously coiffed public parks, including Parque del Amor, where you may be hypnotized by the calming ambiance of the water's edge. Finally, you will travel to a nearby archaeological site, where you will witness some of the region's most fascinating relics that were constructed by ancient civilizations.
During the second half of your journey, you will visit the oldest town in the world in Caral, where you will follow your expert guide to learn about the town’s fascinating construction process. Then, you will fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines, which still baffle historians to this day. From overhead, you will come to understand the magnitude of these massive geoglyphs as you learn more about how they may have been formed and why. On your final day in Peru, you can relax along the sparkling shore of Paracas before embarking on a luxurious cruise to Islas Ballestas, where you will witness some of the region's most magnificent wildlife, including sea lions and, possibly, Humpback whales. Throughout your entire adventure, you will stay in luxurious accommodations and have private transportation arranged for all of your travel needs. This tour is customizable, so you can adjust nearly anything and everything to better suit your moods and interests once you are in Peru.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.87 stars based on 891 reviews.
Zicasso’s travel agent managed to ensure we were able to see and do all the things on our list, plus more! It was an amazing family adventure. We only had one issue with an airline delay, but she went above and beyond to help us. The guides and drivers were also spectacular.
Reviewed By Pamela N.
Zicasso's travel consultant planned the perfect itinerary for our family trip to Peru. She really listened to the types of experiences we wanted to have and absolutely delivered on everything she planned. All of our travel logistics went smoothly, with no issues, hiccups, or delays. She was also very responsive prior to our trip and the few times we reached out during our travels. And the app she used was extremely intuitive and helpful. I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour operator!
Reviewed By Jenifer Z.
Our trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The Amazon jungle was a blast. I paid for an extra full-day excursion to fish for piranhas, which was definitely a great decision and one of the highlights of our trip (we had the piranhas for lunch, and they were delicious).
The Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu were fabulous. And then, the Galápagos were extraordinary, from the unexpected serenity of the place to the crew of the boat, and, of course, the proximity to wildlife, including snorkeling with sea lions. It was especially meaningful to be in these places with our entire family (10 of us). Everyone understood how special it was and we will all cherish the experience all of our lives.
The Zicasso travel company was fantastic from start to finish. Our travel specialist went far beyond the call of duty to help us, especially when one family members could not make the trip. He helped us with replacing that person with another. He was remarkably prompt, clear, and informative in all communications, both in planning the trip and during it. He has a very kind heart and is a great human being. I cannot say enough positive things about him.
Reviewed By bradley P.
My adult daughter and I had the most wonderful trip planned by Zicasso's travel company. Their team was exceptional; educational, on time, and just a pleasure to be with. Our itinerary was just what we were looking for. From Lima to the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, and ending with Machu Picchu, it was well planned and well executed. We have memories that will last us forever.
Our travel specialist was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our thoughts and improved our experience with her great knowledge of the country, cities, and historical sites we wanted to visit. The travel company exceeded our expectations on every level. Thank you to our specialist and the team she assembled. We now have fantastic memories that will last us forever!
Reviewed By Darrin G.
Zicasso's travel agent is a phenomenal trip planner and advisor, and he helped make my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary trip exactly what we were hoping for. He listened to what we were interested in exploring, provided multiple options for tours and activities, and was incredibly responsive, even after we booked the trip. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants.
Furthermore, he paired us with an outstanding tour guide for our time at the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He even left us a surprise at our hotel on the final leg of our journey! When we go back to visit South America, we will definitely reach out to him!
Reviewed By Kasha H.
Zicasso's travel specialist was spectacular in every way. From the inception of communication and planning, through arranging for all of our tickets, hotels, transport, and amazing dining experiences, to the incredible support and guides we enjoyed along the way... they were outstanding and we received five-star service.
We were a demanding group of 13, ranging in ages from 17 to over 60, and we all had an absolute blast! We had an absolutely amazing trip. The Lares Trail and Machu Picchu (and our climb up Huayna Picchu) are by far some of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.
Our guide and driver were awesome... kind, professional, and accommodating, and our guide especially was very knowledgeable, with so much respect and love for the surrounding nature and culture.
Our travel specialist was timely, attentive, and responsive to all of our requests, and helped us collectively achieve one of the greatest vacations we have ever experienced.
They were 100% accurate in terms of how to prepare us for the altitude and allow us enough time to acclimatize in Cusco (and with a great, long, mountain bike ride at high elevation). Our specialist provided excellent recommendations for how to fill some additional time in Cusco while we acclimated. We loved touring Cusco itself, and seeing Sacsayhuaman, several spots in the Sacred Valley, and the Maras Salt Mines were all unforgettable experiences. We also loved the hotel she had us at in Cusco. It was a great spot to be able to explore the city on our own time.
After seeing all of the coordination, especially for the Lares Trail and Machu Picchu, we're so relieved we chose to go through Zicasso for this trip and were connected with our travel specialist and her company. Everything was well planned and thought out, and if anything was not right, they sought to immediately correct it. Our guide was on top of every detail and it was great knowing our agent was just a text or phone call away.
Reviewed By Gary W.
