Discover the Highlights of Lima - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lima & Get Oriented

Welcome to Lima, Peru! The country's largest city is home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous settlement, conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian — especially Chinese and Japanese — influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore. 

Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of many award-winning restaurants. Or take in views over the ocean in the clifftop neighborhood of Miraflores. You'll go on a guided tour tomorrow, but this afternoon, you can take it easy and enjoy Lima!

Day 2: Tour the City & Sample Local Delicacies in Barranco

Get out and explore Lima today on a guided tour. First, you'll head to the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating Spanish architecture. Stroll over to the 16th-century Cathedral, which took 80 years to construct in grandiose Spanish colonial style. Visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion given by conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains, in 1535. This is the only house from that era that still belongs to the same family. Walk around the Pucllana Pyramid, a magnificent ceremonial and archeological center built in the 4th century CE and considered a sacred village by the Incas. You will also visit the monumental San Francisco Convent, which displays the largest collection of religious art in America, and the underground Catacombs.

Later in the day, you'll have the chance to try a wide range of Peruvian snacks, street foods, traditional dishes, and drinks on a walking food tour of artsy Barranco. A local chef will teach you how to prepare Peru's most famous treats, including ceviche and pisco sours. 

Day 3: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology, and History

Day 4: Explore Pachacamac & the Gold Museum

Day 5: Fly High Over the Nazca Lines

Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Lima, followed by a scenic drive along the coast south to the seaside town of Paracas. After arriving, transfer to the nearby airport in Pisco. From here you will take a 90-minute flight south aboard a 12-passenger plane to view the sprawling Nazca Lines. These massive images, the longest of which are 1,200 ft (370 m), vary from geometric lines to figures of animals and people. Due to the stable environment of the Nazca Desert, these geoglyphs — which were created by removing the top layer of iron-oxide coated pebbles to reveal the light-colored clay underneath — have been remarkably well preserved. You will get a chance to see many of the most famous geoglyphs, including the hummingbird, dog, tree, whale, lizard, and more.

After the flight, head to Huacachina for an adventure in the desert sand dunes. In the evening, transfer to your hotel in Paracas. You'll have dinner and spend the night here.

Day 6: Boat Around the Ballestas Islands

Day 7: Depart Lima - End of Trip

Today the trip comes to an end. You'll transfer to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!