7 day itinerary for Lima

Itinerary

Lima is a fantastic starting point for your Peruvian adventure, and with your interests in Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and the Ballestas Islands, we can create a fun and exciting 7-day itinerary. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Morning: Arrive in Lima! Check into your hotel and freshen up. If you arrive early, grab a delicious breakfast at a local café. Try some pan con chicharrón (pork sandwich) or a refreshing jugos naturales (natural juice).

Afternoon: Explore the historic center of Lima. Visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

Evening: Head to the Miraflores district for dinner. Enjoy a meal at a seaside restaurant with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Try some ceviche, a must-have Peruvian dish!

## Day 2: Ballestas Islands and Paracas

Early Morning: Depart early for a day trip to the Ballestas Islands. You can book a tour that includes transportation from Lima. The boat ride will take you to see sea lions, penguins, and stunning rock formations.

Afternoon: After the Ballestas Islands, head to Paracas National Reserve. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and maybe even take a short hike.

Evening: Return to Lima. Have a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) to refuel after your day of exploration.

## Day 3: Nazca Lines

Early Morning: Depart for Nazca. You can take a bus or book a tour that includes transportation. The journey takes about 6-7 hours, so bring some snacks and enjoy the scenery!

Afternoon: Once in Nazca, take a flight over the Nazca Lines. This is an unforgettable experience as you’ll see the massive geoglyphs from above. Make sure to have your camera ready!

Evening: Spend the night in Nazca. Enjoy a local dinner and rest up for the next day’s adventures.

## Day 4: Return to Lima and Explore

Morning: After breakfast, take a bus back to Lima.

Afternoon: Once back in Lima, visit the Larco Museum, which showcases pre-Columbian art and artifacts. It’s a great way to learn more about Peru’s rich history.

Evening: Explore the Barranco district, known for its bohemian vibe. Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant and maybe check out some local art galleries or live music.

## Day 5: Travel to Cusco

Morning: Fly from Lima to Cusco. The flight is about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude.

Afternoon: Explore Cusco’s historic center. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun).

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try alpaca steak or aji de gallina (chicken in a spicy sauce) for a taste of local cuisine.

## Day 6: Sacred Valley

All ## Day: Take a day tour of the Sacred Valley. Visit Pisac Market, explore the ruins, and then head to Ollantaytambo, where you can see impressive Inca architecture.

Evening: Return to Cusco and enjoy a relaxing dinner. You might want to try some local craft beer or pisco cocktails!

## Day 7: Machu Picchu

Early Morning: Take an early train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. From there, take a bus up to Machu Picchu.

All ## Day: Spend the day exploring the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu. Don’t forget to hike up to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for stunning views if you have the energy!

Evening: Return to Aguas Calientes for dinner and then take the train back to Cusco.

Bonus Tips:

• Make sure to book your Machu Picchu tickets and train in advance, as they can sell out quickly!
• Stay hydrated and take it easy in Cusco to adjust to the altitude.
• Enjoy every moment! Peru is full of incredible experiences, and you’re in for a treat!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing week in Peru! If you have any questions or need adjustments, just let me know! 🌎✈️