This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Return international airfares included
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 20 people
✓ Fully escorted by local, expert, English-speaking guides
✓ 8 nights in quality, hand-picked accommodation
✓ All internal flights, coach and rail transportation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Incredible sightseeing including time to explore Lima and Cusco, a ride on the iconic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and an early-morning guided tour of Machu Picchu to beat the crowds and be astounded by the grandeur of this archaeological site
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today fly from home to Lima to begin your Peru vacation.
Welcome to Lima, the City of Kings!
Upon arrival at Lima airport, please make your way to the starting point hotel. Tonight you will meet your tour guide and the rest of your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting held at the lobby of your hotel at approximately 5pm. Your tour guide will leave more information in this regard at the hotel’s front desk.
While Peru’s capital officially began life in 1535, Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city’s attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. You’ll find excellent museums – a given considering the history and culture of its surroundings – and interesting colonial architecture. One such museum, the Museo de la Nación, is the largest museum in Lima and an ideal place to begin exploring Peru’s ancient history.
At night, the Magic Water Circuit show in the Parque de la Reserva is a tourist drawcard. Every one of the 13 fountains at the park is illuminated with different colours and synchronised to music.
Arrival Information: The easiest way to transfer between the airport and your hotel is by taxi. Official airport taxi boots are available after clearing customs and inside the airport building. Avoid engaging transport providers outside the airport building. Alternatively, you can pre-book your arrival transfer with us at the time of booking.
After breakfast, your tour leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Miraflores and its surroundings.
The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Lima at your own pace. Perhaps consider joining an optional city tour.
This tour begins with a panoramic view of “Pucllana Pyramid” a magnificent ceremonial and archeological centre built in the 4th century A.D. and considered a “sacred village” by the Incas (entrance not included). The Viceroyalty of Peru was the most important of the Spanish Empire and Lima was its capital.
Then, you’ll visit the colonial side of the city and see attractions such as the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Government Palace, City Hall, and other important monuments. Later, you’ll visit the Convent of San Francisco, a seventeenth-century architectural complex that includes a church, a convent and a square. The facade of the church, which has an image of the Immaculate Conception painted on it, was carved in stone and is characterised by its Corinthian columns. You will also see the catacombs, a dark chamber found under the church.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Lima airport in time to board your flight to Cusco.
Your tour Cusco tour leader and the rest of the day is free to start exploring this towb at your own pace
Cusco is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world.
Make sure you take the time to walk up to San Blas. This traditional old quarter of Cusco is the city's most picturesque district characterised by narrow and steep streets, colonial houses built with walls of Inca stone and numerous art workshops.
If you are into your chocolate, you may want to consider visiting the ChocoMuseo to uncover the secret and history of cocoa while tasting organic Peruvian chocolate. Consider joining their workshop and cooking classes.
Museo Quechua is another popular stop. It is located next door to the Qorikancha temple and showcases 3000 years of history and culture of the Quechua culture.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to start discovering the city of Cusco in a leader-led walking tour.
You will visit some of the most characteristic places in the centre of Cusco, such as the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace. You’ll walk by the Qoricancha temple, considered the most sacred Inca building. According to archaeologists it housed over 1000 priests and attendants. It was built over an Inca palace dedicated to the worship of the Sun.
Then, you will visit the heart of the city, “the Plaza de Armas”, surrounded by colonial arcades and four churches. Pass by the beautiful “Cathedral” of Cusco. This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI. It contained nearly 400 colonial paintings, including many from the Cusco School, which was prominent in the 17th century. The cathedral is a fine example of colonial baroque art.
Finally, explore the San Pedro Market where you will find vegetables, meats, local cheeses (which you should certainly try), local chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to purchase some souvenirs. The market is also a place where many locals go to eat ‘mystery soups’. Some may be just chicken; however, the most popular amongst the locals are usually the more unusual ones like frog soups or soups that contain the nose or tail of various animals.
In the late afternoon, you will learn all about one of the most traditional drinks of South America: Pisco Sour! We’ll visit a local venue to learn about the distillation process before learning what it takes to blend the perfect Pisco Sour – and yes, you will get to savour the frothy result of your hard work — salud and enjoy responsibly!
Today you will travel by private car through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.
You will head to the town of Pisac and spend time browsing its market stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua.
Later you will continue to the town of Ollantaytambo which has been built over an ancient Inca town. This is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish.
Sleep-in a little, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps visit the Ollantaytambo archaeological site. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.
Later on you will make your way to Ollantaytambo train station which is located 5–10-minute walking distance from your hotel and board the train towards Aguas Calientes.
The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys you can experience in Peru. It’s an almost two-hour journey that passes through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then descends gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, before finally reaching the cloud forest. The train reaches its last stop in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), on the foothills of Machu Picchu. From here it’s a short bus ride – about 30 minutes – up the steep, zigzagging road to the famed ancient site.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around Aguas Calientes along with your tour leader.
The one day Inca Trail is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru. This hike will take you through the same section as the last day of the classic four-day Inca Trail.
You will meet your local guide in Ollantaytambo and take the train towards Aguas Calientes - disembarking at the 104km mark. From here you cross the Urubamba River and shortly after visit the Inca ruins of Chachabamba. After an upwards climb, arrive at the Inca site Wiñay Wayna ('Forever Young') (2680m/8792ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Many consider this the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail.
You will then continue for about one hour further onto 'Inti Punku' (The 'Sun gate') (2730m/8792ft) from where you will enjoy the most impressive views of Machu Picchu. As you are late in the day, you may be lucky enough to enjoy the view all by yourself!
Continue down by bus to Aguas Calientes to re-join the rest of the group.
Whilst generally altitude doesn’t have a significant impact on trekkers, this hike covers approximately 12km of uphill and uneven terrain and requires a good fitness level.
Today is an early start. By 6.30am you will board a bus to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a jewel in South America’s crown.
At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.
After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo and a bus ride to Cusco.
Today is free for you to recover from a busy day and to enjoy the stunning town of Cusco one more day.
If you are feeling active, perhaps consider taking an optional tour to the ever photogenic Palcoyo Mountain, commonly known as the Rainbow Mountain.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Peruvian adventure comes to an end. At the appointed time, you will be transferred to the airport in time to board your flight home.
Check out: Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time.
Some flights may arrive home a day later, subject to flight schedules
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.\
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry and is a welcome way to show your appreciation. If you feel that your guide/s and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
The suggested tipping amounts are: USD 2-3 per person per day for local guides; USD 1-2 per person person day for your driver and USD 2-4 per person per day for your tour leader. In restaurants and cafes a 10% of the bill is normally expected. Please note that this information is to be used as a guideline only and it’s based on the recommendation from our ground teams and past travellers. Tipping in local currency is the norm.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $353.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of return.
No visas are required for the countries visited on this itinerary, for travel less than 30 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
8-20 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Altitude Sickness:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
Before your trip:
Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
During your trip:
While your leader has basic first aid training and is aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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