Peru with Machu Picchu - Small Group
Peru with Machu Picchu - Small Group
$4475
Peru with Machu Picchu - Small Group
10 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Cusco
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SZPERM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Feast on Peruvian delicacies in Lima, tour the ancient Korikancha temple in Cusco and adventure through the Ollantaytambo ruins of Machu Picchu, on this 10-Day exploration of Peru. Embark on a Private Planetarium Tour in Cusco and uncover the influence of astronomy on Andean culture. Join a Local Expert in Machu Picchu for a guided tour through the ancient ruins—set high in the Andes against breathtaking backdrops. Visit the salt pans of Maras in the Sacred Valley where the Incas used to harvest the mineral and visit with a local Quechua Weaver to learn their ancient weaving techinques in a private presentation. In Paracus, be sure to pause at the Pisco distillery to sample this tasty local aperitif.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Cusco: Join a guided hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara.
- Cusco: Delight your senses during a guided tour of the San Pedro Market.
Top Rated Highlights
- Cusco: Start your day with a walking tour of Cusco, before heading to Sacsayhuaman.
- Cusco: Once you arrive, head on a walking tour of Cusco with a Local Expert. Explore what's known as the "historic capital" of Peru as you discover its ancestral magic through visits to the cathedral and the Qorikancha temple.
- Aguas Calientes: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. With a full day, you have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a different circuit. Or, take advantage of a day at leisure in Aguas Caliente – the town of Machu Picchu of 3,400 residents - to stroll along the river, go shopping for that perfect local souvenir or grab a coffee all midst the cloud forest.
- Machu Picchu: Transfer to the station for your 360° IncaRail train ride. This train ride offers an unforgettable experience journeying through the Andes Mountains in style with large panoramic views allowing guests to enjoy the amazing scenery of the lush mountains and the Urubamba River en route to Machu Piccu Pueblo.
- Sacred Valley: On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, consisting of a large fortress built in the 1400s, a stepped terrace, and an area known as the Princess Baths, where ceremonial bathing took place. Later, stop by a a local house in the village and meet the family living there.
- Sacred Valley: The Maras Salt Mine will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. Learn how salt once harvested by Incas at this site is now exported to the entire world. Discover how the Incas found a water stream with high salt content and learned - in Pre-Incan times - how to build terraces to extract salt. You’ll be amazed at how, to this day, it is not known where the water actually comes from and has only been measured in the last 20 years during which the flow and intensity has not changed.
- Sacred Valley: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveller. At the Moray Incan laboratory northwest of Cusco, learn how the Incas determined the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. You’ll be fascinated by how this ancient culture learned how to build these terraced circular depressions on a high plateau at an altitude of about 11,500 feet and experimented with different kinds of soils and temperatures to grow their crops.
- Cathedral of Lima: This morning, explore Peru's buzzing capital with your Local Expert, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall.
- Lima: After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima's Pueblo Libre District and home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art.
Make Travel Matter
Sacred Valley: Visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley for a private textile presentation. You'll learn about ancient weaving techniques and the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities.
Authentic Dining
Cusco: In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Inka Grill, where you'll embark on a journey of flavours from Ceviche Palteado to Quinotto and Aji de Gallina.
Cusco: Enjoy an immersive slow-cooked Cusquenian lunch at Pacha Papa. Lunch will be served al fresco at the courtyard of a historic mansion in the artsy neighbourhood of San Blas.
Sacred Valley: Make your way to the small lagoon of Laguna Piuray where you’ll enjoy your lunch of Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast.
Lima: Make your way to Lima's Pueblo Libre District and indulge on a lunch in the Museo Larco's 18th century garden.
Lima: Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers in the evening for a dinner.
Insight Choice
Cusco: Join a guided hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara.
Cusco: Delight your senses during a guided tour of the San Pedro Market.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: MGallery Manto, Lima
Accommodation Name: MGallery Manto, Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Lima for the first day of your journey. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers in the evening for dinner with drinks.
Day 2: Explore Lima Relaxed Start
Location: Lima
Accommodation: MGallery Manto, Lima
Accommodation Name: MGallery Manto, Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the colourful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit Casa Aliaga, an impressive mansion that has been home to the Aliaga family for 17 generations. For those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a Local Expert who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country's religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Lima To Sacred Valley
Location: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Urubamba
Accommodation Name: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Urubamba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
Day 4: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Urubamba
Accommodation Name: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness, Urubamba
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you'll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.
Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu Relaxed Start
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.
Day 6: Machu Picchu At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Sumaq Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Accommodation Name: Sumaq Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 7: On To Cusco Relaxed Start
Location: Machu Picchu, Cusco
Accommodation: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Accommodation Name: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Qorikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.
Day 8: Exploring Cusco Relaxed Start
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Accommodation Name: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman. Afterwards, explore with Insight Choice. Choose to join a Local Expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively, you can explore the lively and colourful San Pedro Market. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium for a private, after-hours tour, sample some local delicacies and hot wine as you gaze at the night sky.
Day 9: Leisure Time In Cusco Relaxed Start
Location: Cusco
Accommodation: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Accommodation Name: JW Marriott El Convento, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, explore Cusco at your own pace. Perhaps head out on an optional visit to the ChocoMuseo to learn about chocolate making. Another active option is a hike to the Rainbow Mountain. Or maybe relax and unwind at your hotel, set in a beautiful 16th- century building. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable dinner at Inka Grill.
Day 10: Depart Cusco
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Take a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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Guided Activities
Enjoy guided tours and activities such as a hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara, a tour of the San Pedro Market, and a visit to Cusco's planetarium.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about tipping or searching for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Travel Director
A highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide and organizer.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights that align with the itinerary start and end dates.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights, ensuring you don't miss any commentary.
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Internal Flights
Prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Lima and Cusco.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols with hand sanitizer freely available on board.
What's Not Included
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Transfers for Flights Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included for flights outside the itinerary start and end dates unless purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a visit to the ChocoMuseo or a hike to Rainbow Mountain are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy seamless transfers including a scenic IncaRail train ride to Machu Picchu, with flights between Lima and Cusco included, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey through Peru's breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at MGallery Manto in Lima, Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness in Urubamba, and Sumaq Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes, with a final stay at JW Marriott El Convento in Cusco, offering a blend of modern amenities and historical charm.
Dining Summary
9 Breakfast (B)4 Dinner with Wine (DW)4 Lunch (L)1 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Prices include economy air and air-related charges for the flights between Lima - Cusco. This trip experiences high elevations, we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
Insight Experiences
Cusco: Visit Cusco's planetarium to learn more on how the Incas interpreted the stars. After a reception with hot wine (or tea) and appetizers, local experts will explain and share stories about the influence the stars had on Andean culture. You'll then be led to a room specially accommodated to view the ancient night skies, weather permitting.Machu Picchu: Enjoy a guided visit with a Local Expert.
Well-being
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as a Highlight Lunch in the 18th-century garden of Museo Larco, a traditional Pachamanca feast at Laguna Piuray, and a memorable Celebration Dinner at Inka Grill in Cusco. Additionally, there are dinners with wine and other local specialties throughout the journey.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special activities such as a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara, a visit to Cusco's planetarium for a private tour, and a visit to a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley for a private textile presentation.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes transfers from the airport to your hotel upon arrival in Lima and a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport at the end of the tour. It also includes an IncaRail train ride to Machu Picchu Pueblo with panoramic views of the Andes Mountains.
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How does the tour accommodate for high elevations?
The tour takes place in areas with high elevations, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. It is recommended that guests with preexisting medical conditions consult with a doctor prior to travel. The itinerary also allows for leisure time to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
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What kind of expert guidance is provided during the tour?
The tour is led by a highly-skilled Travel Director who ensures a seamless journey and serves as an expert guide. Local Experts provide guided visits to key sites such as Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Museo Larco, offering fascinating commentary and insights.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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