Today you depart from Lima early at 05:00 a.m to travel to the charming coastal area of Paracas (approximately 0 ft 0 m) where the calm sea and gentle breezes set the tone for the day An exciting boat ride takes you to the Ballestas Islands aboard motorized vessels that meet all safety standards During this excursion you will observe the famous Candelabro geoglyph an ancient guano extraction port and a diverse group of marine wildlife including sea lions Humboldt penguins and various seabirds In a casual travel remark you might say “no kidding” when you see these natural wonders In the afternoon the journey continues to the city of Ica where you will learn about the traditional artisanal process of producing Peruvian wine and pisco dating back to 1856; here there is time to enjoy an optional lunch (not included) The next stop is the Huacachina Oasis (approximately 1,200 ft 365 m) where you can experience buggy rides across Ica’s sand dunes and enjoy sandboarding from the heights before returning to Lima

At the scheduled time you will be transferred three hours in advance from Lima to Jorge Chávez International Airport to board your flight to Cusco (11,150 ft 3,400 m) ensuring that you arrive between 9 and 10 in the morning for a relaxed start Upon arrival in Cusco a representative will meet you with a sign bearing your name and transfer you to your chosen hotel Later between 12:30 and 12:50 the tour begins as you are joined by your guide on visits to the Cusco Cathedral known as the Church of Triumph constructed in 1539 on the foundations of the Inca palace of Viracocha and now serving as an auxiliary chapel Next you will explore the Qoricancha or Temple of the Sun spending about one hour learning the technical aspects of Andean symbolism the connection to celestial bodies and its importance in the Inca calendar Following this the entire group will board a tourist vehicle to visit the renowned ruins outside the city The first stop is the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park where you can appreciate massive stone walls inspired by the deity Rayo Then the tour continues to Q’enqo to view the city’s most significant ceremonial huaca followed by a visit to Tambomachay to admire ceremonial fountains that have functioned perfectly since Inca times The final stop is Puka Pukara a military fortress used as a control point during the Inca era offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes The tour concludes around 18:30 hours and you might find yourself saying “you know what” as you reflect on the clear presentation of history

Early in the morning between 06:30 and 06:50 a.m your transfer or guide will collect you to begin the tourist journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas After a 40-minute drive you will arrive at the archaeological center of Chinchero a town that retains its original Inca culture where local artisans produce textiles using ancient methods Next the route takes you to Moray where you will see experimental terraces with microclimates designed for plant acclimatization hybridization and experimentation Later you will visit the Salineras de Maras which have been in use since pre-Inca times featuring over 3000 salt ponds supplied by natural springs from the hill known as Qoripukiu (Source of Gold) The tour then proceeds to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch After lunch you will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo a strategic military religious and agricultural center famous for its stone terraces and imposing constructions over four meters tall reputed to have served as a refuge for Inca royalty and nobility After exploring this historical marvel you will be transferred to the train station to board a train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m) Upon arrival a hotel representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation while your guide provides details and preparatory instructions for the exciting Machu Picchu excursion scheduled for the next day

After breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes (6,700 ft 2,040 m) our team will meet you at the main square to guide you to the bus boarding point for transport to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel The bus ride offers you additional time to appreciate the surrounding natural environment Once at the citadel you will have about two hours to explore under the expert guidance of a professional who explains in clear technical terms the significance and engineering brilliance of the Inca constructions that combine security sustainability and meticulous planning After this thorough exploration you will return by bus to the town where you can enjoy a hearty local lunch at a nearby restaurant with free time for shopping and a stop to collect your luggage At the designated time you must be at the Aguas Calientes train station 30 minutes before departure Following an approximately two-hour train journey you will arrive again at Ollantaytambo and then transfer by road back to Cusco where you will spend the night

You must wake early between 04:30 and 05:00 a.m to fully appreciate this natural marvel Our team will collect you from your Cusco hotel and drive south The first segment of the journey takes approximately one and a half hours to the first stop near the district of Cusipata (10,860 ft 3,310 m) where you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant After breakfast the journey continues for about one hour to Fulawasipata (15,292 ft 4,660 m) where detailed instructions about the route are provided At the foothills of the sacred Ausangate mountain the guided hike begins Over the course of approximately two hours you will ascend to the Mountain of 7 Colors also known as Vinicunca (17,060 ft 5,200 m) where you may observe various South American camelids such as llamas alpacas and vicuñas In a casual traveler remark you might say “for real” when you see the vivid display of red pink turquoise and yellow hues At the designated time the return journey begins back to Fulawasipata where a vehicle awaits to take you to a restaurant for a revitalizing lunch The return drive to Cusco is estimated to arrive at around 16:30 hours and you may find yourself thinking “at the end of the day” that every step of the journey was worth the effort

After breakfast at your hotel and in accordance with your flight schedule you will be transferred to the airport two hours in advance to catch your flight back to Lima ensuring a smooth departure and clear end to your adventure as you carry unforgettable memories of this beautiful country with you “believe me” every detail has been planned to give you a technical and authentic travel experience