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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential Peru and the Nazca Lines

Independent Peru tour combining Machu Picchu rail travel and the Nazca Lines

Illustration of Essential Peru and the Nazca Lines

Railbookers operates this 12-day independent rail vacation across Peru, starting and finishing in Lima with stops in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Paracas. Private guided tours fill most days, from Lima's colonial Casa de Aliaga and Larco Herrera Museum to the Sacred Valley's Maras Saltpans and Moray terraces. A train carries travellers from the Sacred Valley through changing Andean and jungle scenery to Aguas Calientes for a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and day 6 is left unguided, with an optional climb to Huayna Picchu, before a scenic train back to Cusco. The final days head south to Paracas for a flight over the Nazca Lines, a winery visit, and a motorboat tour of the Ballestas Islands to see sea lions and penguins. It suits travellers who want Peru's Inca history and desert coast covered by private guides, with just one day built in to explore Machu Picchu independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 6 at Machu Picchu is left entirely unguided, so the choice between strolling the ruins, climbing Huayna Picchu or visiting the hot springs is up to you rather than arranged by a guide.
  • The Nazca Lines flight on day 10 is explicitly weather permitting, so visibility of the geoglyphs isn't guaranteed.
  • The evidence doesn't name specific hotels for this trip, only that breakfast is included each night, so ask the operator which properties are used.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima

    Your Journey Begins in Lima

    Welcome to Peru! You will be met on your arrival at the airport, then transported to your city center hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure. (Overnight Lima)

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima

    Lima

    Today is a day exploring the riches of the city, with your private guide. Visit Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, and the Government Palace. Discover the Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima, with its remarkable interior and rich history dating back to 1535. Then, the Larco Herrera Museum to delve into Peru's ancient past, featuring a vast collection of pre-Columbian art. Enjoy a delightful meal at Café del Museo Restaurant within the museum complex. Explore the bohemian district of Barranco, known for its artistic history and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros. (Overnight Lima)

  3. Day 3overnight: The Sacred Valley

    Lima to The Sacred Valley

    Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport, where they will also assist with all check-in procedures and departure formalities. The flight to Cusco is just 1hr and 25mins, and you will be met on arrival, then driven on the 1hr 30min drive to The Sacred Valley. Along the way, you can visit the impressive Sulca Museum, which recreates fabrics from ancient Peru, and lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayoccari. (Overnight The Sacred Valley)

  4. Day 4overnight: The Sacred Valley

    Sacred Valley

    After breakfast enjoy a guided journey through the Inca's Sacred Valley, exploring the ancient Maras Saltpans where salt has been harvested for millennia. Witness the breathtaking array of colors in the salt deposits and visit the enigmatic Moray terraces, considered a colossal agricultural lab, astronomical observatory, and place of worship with its circular terraces nestled in cone-shaped depressions. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Community of Misminay, and following your tour you will be transferred back to your hotel. (Overnight The Sacred Valley)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Machu Picchu

    The Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

    After a brief visit to the historic site of Ollantaytambo, transfer to the train station for a memorable journey. As you travel from the Andean highlands to the jungle, enjoy the scenic transformation before reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. Your luggage will be managed seamlessly as you embark on a short bus ride to the renowned ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Revel in a guided tour of this enigmatic Lost City of the Incas. (Overnight Machu Picchu)

  6. Day 6railovernight: Cusco

    Machu Picchu to Cusco

    Rise and shine early today as the sunrise over Machu Picchu is a sight you don’t want to miss. It’s a day to enjoy unguided, so be it a stroll around the ancient ruins, a climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for even better views, or a visit to the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, it's up to you. In the afternoon return to Cusco by scenic train, and then you will be escorted to your hotel. (Overnight Cusco)

  7. Day 7overnight: Cusco

    Cusco

    Explore the beautiful city of Cusco today. The cobbled streets and original Inca walls are second to now when it comes to archaeological treasures. Highlights of the tour include the Santa Domingo church, which is built on Inca Temple Koricancha’s foundations, the Cristobal viewpoint for some amazing views, Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Inca baths of Tambomachay, and finally a tour of the magnificent Main Plaza and Cathedral. Head back to your hotel to refresh, then perhaps return to the Main Plaza for dinner. (Overnight Cusco)

  8. Day 8overnight: Lima

    Cusco to Lima

    A driver will collect you from your hotel at the appropriate time to take you to the airport for your included flight to Lima. Here check in at your hotel for an overnight stay, and perhaps enjoy one of the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants for dinner. (Overnight Lima)

  9. Day 9overnight: Paracas

    Lima to Paracas

    Once again you will be collected in the morning by your private driver and guide, and this time drive south to the city of Ica – known to the locals as the “Land of Eternal Sun”. The region here is rich in fertile ground, famed for its wine and pisco production, and it borders the Paracas National Reserve. Following a short stop journey into the reserve, where you will observe beautiful landscapes and wildlife. (Overnight Paracas)

  10. Day 10overnight: Paracas

    The Nazca Lines and Huacachina Oasis

    Another morning pick-up, but this time for a day like no other. You will be driven the Paracas airport for a 90-minute flight over the Nazca Lines. Weather permitting you will witness twelve of the world-famous geoglyphs etched into the desert sand including the hummingbird, condor, and monkey. On your return to the airport, you will be whisked to a local winery where you will learn (and taste!) all there is to know and love about the famous Pisco brandy. In the afternoon it's on to the beautiful Huacachina Oasis – famed for its healing properties and spectacular setting amid vast dunes. Take a comfortable and specialized buggy ride into the desert from where you have the chance to take some spectacular views of the Oasis. Head back to Paracas for the evening and enjoy dinner in any of its great local restaurants. (Overnight Paracas)

  11. Day 11overnight: Lima

    The Ballestas Islands, and Lima

    It’s an early start today as you board a motorboat bound for the Ballestas Islands. This two-hour tour is a must-see for wildlife lovers, and this rocky archipelago is often called a mini Galapagos thanks to its abundant wildlife. They are home to thousands of birds and mammals, including penguins, sea lions, and pelicans. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged! Following your cruise you will be met again by your private driver and guide for the four-hour drive along the Desert and Panamerican Highway back to Lima for a final night in Peru. (Overnight Lima)

  12. Day 12

    Your Journey Ends in Lima

    Following breakfast at your hotel you will be escorted to the airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4A guided tour of the Sacred Valley visits the Maras Saltpans and the circular Moray terraces.
  • Day 5A train journey from the Sacred Valley carries travellers through changing Andean and jungle scenery to Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  • Day 6An unguided day at Machu Picchu offers the choice of a stroll around the ruins, a climb to the top of Huayna Picchu, or the Aguas Calientes hot springs, before a scenic train back to Cusco.
  • Day 10A 90-minute flight over the Nazca Lines reveals geoglyphs including the hummingbird, condor and monkey, weather permitting.
  • Day 11A motorboat tour of the Ballestas Islands passes sea lions, dolphins and Humboldt penguins.

Included

  • Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lima
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in The Sacred Valley
  • 1 night’s hotel accommodation with breakfast in Machu Picchu
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cusco
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Paracas Full-day private city tour of Lima Full-day private tour of Maras Saltpans, and Moray Terraces including lunch Afternoon, and morning tours of Machu Picchu, including entrance fees Half-day private tour of Cusco, and the surrounding archaeological sites
  • Morning flight over the Nazca Lines from Paracas Winery visit and pisco tasting Huacahina Oasis visit, and a dune buggy tour
  • Morning shared cruise and tour of the Ballestas Islands Roundtrip airfare between Lima and Cusco Roundtrip private guided car transfer between Lima and Paracas All airport/hotel/station private transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu is included, covering the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes leg and the return scenic train to Cusco.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent travel with private transfers; most sightseeing is by private guided tour, but day 6 at Machu Picchu is left entirely unguided.
What is included?
Roundtrip rail to Machu Picchu, roundtrip airfare between Lima and Cusco, hotel stays with breakfast, private tours of Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, a Nazca Lines flight, a winery visit, the Huacachina Oasis and dune buggy tour, and a Ballestas Islands cruise.
How much walking is involved?
Day 6 at Machu Picchu offers an optional climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for better views over the ruins.
Is the Nazca Lines flight guaranteed to show the geoglyphs?
The itinerary notes it is weather permitting.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $10,529 per person, about $877 per day.

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