Coastal roads to the Inca Empire Tour

13 Days
From $ 1,699

About this SAAT Travel tour: Coastal roads to the Inca Empire

This tour packs an impressive amount into a fantastic twelve-day Peruvian adventure. You'll cover some serious ground and see some amazing sights, while still having the time to relax and soak up the unique atmosphere and history of some of Peru's top destinations. Here at South America Adventure Travel we’ve used our in-depth knowledge of the area to put together a fabulous package that ensures you get the most out of your trip. So, if you want to experience it all - the bright lights of the cities, the silent beauty of the Andes and the sacred sites of the ancient Incas, as well as getting the opportunity to see some fascinating wildlife and take a light air-craft flight over the mysterious Nazka Lines - then take the ‘Coastal Roads to the Inca Empire’ tour and travel to Lima, Cusco, Huacachina, the Ballestas, Nazka, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Salinas and Machu Picchu with South America Adventure Travel.

Travel to Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Lima and Nazca for less with South America Adventure Travel

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Lima


    Lima

  • Costa Verde
  • Upon clearing immigration and customs at the international airport in Lima, look out for your South America Adventure Travel representative with a placard bearing your name. Our rep will give you a warm welcome and escort you to your hotel, briefing you along the way on all your travel arrangements for your stay in Peru. As you'll probably be a little jet-lagged, the rest of the day following arrival at your hotel is set aside for your leisure. If however, you're keen to get out and explore the area, ask your travel representative for some restaurant and bar recommendations. Lima is now the culinary capital of Latin America, and a wide variety of very decently priced restaurants can be found all over the city.
  • Day 2

    Lima City and Museum Tour


    Lima

  • Cathedral
  • After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel you'll begin a guided tour of the city with a South America Adventure Travel expert. The tour centers on the colonial city centre, where you'll be guided around The Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the Governor's Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Church of the Covenant and Plaza San Martin. Following the tour you'll visit either the Gold Museum or the Archaeological Museum where you'll receive a crash course in Peruvian history. Both museums are stunning, and are filled with a wealth of relics and information that bear tribute to the historical cultures that have defined Peru. The evening is once again set aside for your leisure. You can either relax at your hotel or throw yourself into the world-class restaurants and unbeatable nightlife of a Latin American city. (Meals - B)
  • Day 3

    Ballestas: Wildlife Haven


    Lima to Huacachina

  • Seals
  • After breakfast you'll be collected in Lima and transferred to the bus station for a first class trip to Paracas, a comfortable four-hour journey through some interesting landscapes. Upon reaching Paracas you'll be taken on a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands where you'll be able to get a good look at the diverse wildlife of the area. It is common to spot a wide range of birds, such as penguins, boobies and pelicans, as well as sea-lions and maybe even some dolphins and whales. After the boat tour you'll head into the dunes where you will see the amazing Candelabro geoglyph etched into the side of a giant sand dune - to this day it is not known who drew it or what it symbolizes. Finally, it's on to Huacachina for an adrenaline fueled dune buggy ride before being transferred to your hotel where you can relax for the evening and get a good night's sleep (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 4

    The Mystery of the Geoglyphs


    Nazca

  • Nazca Bird
  • Following a satisfying breakfast at your hotel in Huacachina you'll be collected and transferred by first class bus to the city of Nazca, just a couple of hours away. After being given some time to settle into your hotel, you have the option to take a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. The giant geoglyphs are something of a mystery and the riddle behind their creation has never really been solved. Some claim they were designed to follow star patterns, or were created to appease the Gods, and there are some that claim humans didn't create them at all. Whatever the case may be, they are a serious sight to behold, and the only way to really view them is through the window of a light aircraft as you fly a few thousand feet above. While a number of the Nazca Lines are composed of lined patterns, others represent intricately designed animals including a spider, a condor, a hummingbird, a whale, and in one case, a man from outer space. You will have the afternoon to enjoy a day use of the Majoro Hotel facilities before boarding the night bus to Arequipa. (Meals - B, L) *** Please Note: For security purposes SAAT no longer sells Nazca Lines Over flights. Those willing to assume the risk will be able to book with local agencies in Nazca or Ica.
  • Day 5

    The Beauty of the White City


    Lima to Arequipa

  • Misti
  • You'll be met at the airport and assisted with your domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa. Upon arrival in the 'White City', as it is known in Peru, you'll be met by a SAAT representative and transferred to your hotel where you'll have some time to relax before being collected for a tour. Arequipa has a quaint and quiet charm to it, and the beautiful Misti Volcano towering in the city's background makes for some dramatic views. Part of the tour includes a privately guided walk around the Santa Catalina Monastery. Almost like a secret area within the city the monastery was closed to the outside world for over 300 years, and in many ways still remains separate from other sections of the city. The brightly colored colonial architecture set amidst a network of cobbled streets has a unique atmosphere and Santa Catalina's serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Arequipa's streets is worth savoring. The evening will be spent at your leisure, so make sure you chat to your travel specialist about where to find the best bars and restaurants to check out while you unwind.
  • Day 6

    Through Salinas into Colca


    Colca Canyon

  • Vicunas
  • After a relaxed breakfast you'll head out for your adventure to the Colca Canyon. A SAAT representative will collect you at your hotel and transport you to the Canyon, stopping at the Mirador de los Andes along the way. The landscapes in this area are some of the most spectacular in all of Peru. The canyon is also home to the Andean condor and it is sometimes possible to get some quality snaps of these amazing birds in flight. You may also spot some wild vicuna as you pass through the 'Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve'. In the afternoon you'll continue on to Chivay where you'll be invited for lunch at the renowned Casa de Mamayachi before beginning a light trek around the area visiting the Medicinal Baths and Thermal Springs. In the evening you'll be transferred to your comfortable Canyon lodge for an evening of relaxation. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 7

    The Condor's Canyon


    Colca Canyon

  • Condor
  • After enjoying a delicious breakfast in your lodge you'll be collected for another day at the Colca Canyon. The first stop on the day's tour will be the Cruz de Condor which offers the most impressive views over the Canyon. A number of giant Andean condors frequent thermal currents in the area and it is a perfect spot for taking photographs, so don't forget the camera! You'll then continue back to your hotel enjoying a stop in a traditional Andean village along the way. The evening is set aside for you to enjoy at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 8

    To The Ancient Andean Capital


    Lima to Cusco

  • Cusco Fountain
  • As you arrive at the airport in Lima we'll be waiting to assist you with your flight to Cusco. The flight takes about an hour, and as soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.
  • Day 9

    Historical Highlights of Cusco


    Cusco

  • Sacsawayman
  • After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman, and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)
  • Day 10

    Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley


    Sacred Valley

  • Scenic Sacred Valley
  • After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy an easygoing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 11

    Citadel in the Clouds


    Machu Picchu

  • Mapi
  • Following a relaxed breakfast your South America Adventure Travel guide will deliver you to the train station where you'll take a morning departure bound for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Once there our guides will meet you; and while one takes you directly up to the majestic ruins, our other representatives will ensure your luggage arrives safely at your hotel. Machu Picchu is probably best described as being indescribable. The setting alone is unique and leans quite seriously towards the spiritual. It's not easy getting one's head around just how the Inca managed it all; stones the size of houses are beautifully carved and fitted jigsaw-like together with amazing craftsmanship. The Inca hadn't even invented the wheel, and yet somehow they built Machu Picchu. This is all discussed on your tour around the area following which you'll have some time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon transportation is provided back to Aguas Calientes where you can choose to spend the evening in the relaxing hot springs located at the end of town. (Meals - B) *** Note: Ask your travel specialist about our promotional upgrade to Vistadome Train and Private Guided Machu Picchu Tour!
  • Day 12

    Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco


    Machu Picchu to Cusco

  • Backpacker
  • If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, you can return again today for another look. It's best to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)
  • Day 13

    Return to Lima and End of Tour


    Lima and home

  • Marinera
  • Fuel up on a hearty breakfast in preparation for your trip to Lima and from there either back home, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Cusco, taking with you incredible memories of the experiences shared with us in Peru. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)
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