Peru's Treasured Past: Fascinating 8-Day History Tour
What to expect on this itinerary
This customizable 8-day Peru tour offers a glimpse of one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. The mystic Andes Mountains conceal secrets of centuries past and riveting tales of the Inca Empire. Beauty exudes from every crevice of the whimsical Sacred Valley, and palaces, cathedrals, and open-aired markets dot the vivacious city streets of Cusco and Lima. Book your trip of a lifetime today.
Customizable Itinerary
Lima – Touchdown in Lima
As soon as you touch down in Lima, you will be serenaded by the sweet melodies of authentic Peruvian music. Shortly after your private driver greets you, they will transfer you to your accommodation in the Miraflores neighborhood. You can enjoy a few leisurely hours to unwind in your room before venturing to the city center. You will truly get a feel for the local culture this evening by dining at the water's edge. You can top off the night with a traditional glass of Peru's national drink, pisco sour, as you look out at surfers and paragliders before settling in for the night.
What's Included:
Cusco – Ancient Inca Ruins
Aguas Calientes – World Heritage Ruins of Machu Picchu
Pisco – Pisco Sour Tasting Event
Nazca – Helicopter Tour of Nazca Lines
Paracas – Scenic Tour of Islas Ballestas
Lima – Ceviche Cooking Class
Lima – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Fly in a helicopter over the ancient Nazca Lines and learn about Peru's pre-Inca civilizations
- Journey to Pisco for an exciting pisco sour tasting event before enjoying self-exploration in the city's downtown
- Touch down in Cusco for a chance to see the vivacious Plaza de Armas and tour ancient Inca ruins
- Travel via a luxury train to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes
- Embark on a luxury boat cruise from Paracas to Islas Ballestas, which is home to rare sea lion and sea birds species
- Indulge in a cooking course in Lima alongside a world-renowned chef and learn to make Peru's authentic ceviche
- Stroll through Lima's downtown and tour eye-catching government buildings and exquisite churches
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 1231 reviews
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!
See more
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!
See more
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.
See more
I wish I could give more than five stars. My husband and I took our two children, ages 16 and 11, on this amazing trip. Zicasso's travel experts made great suggestions to help make the trip one for everybody to remember. They and their vendors were amazingly supportive, beyond what we expected during the trip in-country as well.
See more
Zicasso's travel expert made my travel seamless and stress-free. The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I learned a great deal about the Incan culture. The driver was always on time and I felt safe traveling by car throughout the region.
See more
Our Zicasso travel specialist's communication was great and he did a wonderful job organizing our trip. All went very smoothly.
See more
Related tours
8 Day Trip IdeaFrom $1,800
Eight-Day Gastronomy Tour of Peru
7 Day Trip IdeaFrom $2,600
Nazca Lines Tour Including Visits to Machu Picchu, Lima & Cusco
7 Day Trip IdeaFrom $2,600
Romantic Getaway Tour to Illustrious Peru
8 Day Trip IdeaFrom $2,900
Flavors of Peru: A Culinary Tour to Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu
7 Day Trip IdeaFrom $2,600
Guided Exploration of Peru: Perfect One-Week Tour for Seniors
14 Day Trip IdeaFrom $5,700