Peru with Machu Picchu - Small Group
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.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 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.
- 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.
- Cusco: In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Inka Grill, where you'll embark on a journey of flavors 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 neighborhood 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 travelers in the evening for a dinner.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 traveler. 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 traveler. 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 traveler. 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.
- 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.
- Small Group
About Insight Vacations
Learn More About Insight Vacations
There's more to travel than simply visiting new places – join us for experiences that spark your curiosity and take you beyond traditional sightseeing. On our premium guided tours, every day is filled with fascinating facts and intriguing stories, while superior dining nourishes the body and stylish hotels rest the soul.
When you join a guided tour, you travel hassle-free. But when you join an Insight Vacations tour, you travel ‘business class’ - with all the perks.
Discover the superior touring experience you deserve.
About Insight Vacations
There's more to travel than simply visiting new places – join us for experiences that spark your curiosity and take you beyond traditional sightseeing. On our premium guided tours, every day is filled with fascinating facts and intriguing stories, while superior dining nourishes the body and stylish hotels rest the soul.
When you join a guided tour, you travel hassle-free. But when you join an Insight Vacations tour, you travel ‘business class’ - with all the perks.
Discover the superior touring experience you deserve.