Peru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
8 Days
Starting From
$4,595.00
10 Days
Starting From
$5,695.00
per person, double occupancy
Want more from your experience?
Add an ExtensionPeru: Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley
Morning light pierces the forest canopy, and your heart quickens. Another few steps up the centuries-old Inca stairway and…you’re there! Intipunku—the Sun Gate. Far below, Machu Picchu’s ruins lie across a knife-edge ridgeline of green. As you’ve discovered on this walking tour, Peru’s culture stands the test of time. At Sacsayhuaman fortress, it’s impossible to fit even a slip of paper between the massive stones that comprise its walls—mortarless craftsmanship so resilient it’s survived wars and earthquakes. Outside Maras, survey the vast checkerboard of steeply terraced evaporation ponds, where locals still harvest salt as they did before the conquistadors. And in Pisac market, meet women resplendent in traditional embroidery busily working handheld spindles, while their children play among bags of multihued native potatoes. Here too, the ancient endures.
Highlights
- Delight in a morning walk on ancient farm paths through the peaceful Andean Highlands.
- Trek a scenic footpath through the lush Andean countryside to Maras village, where the locals still use traditional techniques to mine the terraced saltpans.
- Marvel at mountain and river views from the panoramic windows of the Vistadome train as you make your way down the narrowing valley from Ollantaytambo.
- Hike the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate – the original entrance to Machu Picchu – taking in sweeping views of the ancient ruins from above.
- Discover the ancient Inca capital Cusco on a walking tour of the old city. Enjoy free time to shop for delightful Peruvian crafts, art, woolen textiles and silver jewelry.
Positive Impact
Country Walkers is proud to support Wine to Water with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour. Wine to Water is an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions. We believe in giving back to the places that have enriched the lives of our guests. We’re committed to identifying and supporting sustainable initiatives in a variety of areas including education, world health, economic equality, safe drinking water, the environment, and the preservation of cultural traditions.
Accommodations
Linger Longer with a Tour Extension
2024 Pre-Trip Extension - Lima
- Two nights at Pullman Lima Miraflores
- Airport car service for arrival
- Guided visits in Lima including the Larco Museum
- Daily breakfast, one lunch
- City information
2 Nights From $545
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $145
Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
Start off your first day in Lima right by having a Country Walkers representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
A County Walkers representative will meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby today for your included exploration of Lima. Today you will visit the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery, and the Larco Museum. The Larco Museum holds the world’s most extensive private collection of pre-Columbian art. You may want to try the local ceviche during an included lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, after an early breakfast, you’ll take complimentary transportation from your Lima hotel to the Jorge Chaves International Airport for your flight to Cusco. A representative will meet you in the hotel lobby and assist with your transportation.
Upon arrival at Cusco airport, gather your luggage and exit the baggage claim to look for a representative holding a Country Walkers sign. Enjoy complimentary transportation to your Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel, about 20 minutes away. Please note that your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m.; however, you may store your luggage at the reception desk while you explore the city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps explore the city, rest up in the hotel, or select a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day.
Once you arrive in Cusco, it is advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activity as your body acclimates to the altitude (10,900 feet / 3,322 meters). Also, be aware of dehydration and drink plenty of water to help prevent altitude sickness. A couple of hours’ rest at this time will go a long way toward feeling more comfortable later.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Pullman Lima Miraflores
2024 Post-Trip Extension - Lake Titicaca
- One night onboard the Belmond Luxury sleeper train between Cusco and Lake Titicaca & one night at the GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca on the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Flight between Juliaca and Lima
- Belmond’s overnight luxury sleeper train “Spirit of the Water” journey between Cusco and Puno, Lake Titicaca
- Full-day boat excursion of Lake Titicaca’s floating islands of Uros and Taquilein
- Guided walking tour of the archeological complex of Sillustani
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast, two lunches, one dinner
- City information
2 Nights From $1145
per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $795
Wake early and take in a spectacular scene as the sun rises across Lake Titicaca while breakfast is served on board the train. After a wonderful overnight trip, bid the crew farewell and disembark at Lake Titicaca Station (Puno). Meet your private guide, shuttle to the town’s pier, and embark on your shared fast boat for a full-day excursion of Uros and Taquile with lunch in a local restaurant.
You will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. You will continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile. In this peaceful place, old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Refresh your senses, and enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views, in a local restaurant on Taquile Island.
In the afternoon you return to the shores of Lake Titicaca and check into your lakefront accommodations for the night. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out and departing for the Andean town of Juliaca. On your way, you will visit the archeological complex of Sillustani. Join your guide on a walking tour (approximately two hours) of this fantastic pre-Incan cemetery where more than 90 Chullpa, or funerary towers, some up to 40 feet (12 m) high rise up imposingly around Lake Umayo.
After your tour continue to the Juliaca airport where you will board your departing flight via Lima. (If you have customized your itinerary and don’t have a flight departing on this day, Country Walkers has not arranged your transportation.)
Upon arrival, check into comfortable rooms for day use. For overnight flights departing in the late evening, dinner is at your leisure before returning to the airport. Your flights may arrive at your final destination in North America the following day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
This was the most fantastic trip. I had no idea how beautiful Peru is, how gracious the people are and how gorgeous the accommodations would be. Sergio and Alvaro were knowledgeable and answered everyone’s questions. They are interesting with not one dull moment. They made sure the trip was perfecto for every hiker no matter your abilities. This trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley
Country Walkers packed a lot into our Peru trip. Our 2 local guides, Jorge and Miquel, were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, and went the extra mile. Waters and snacks were plentiful each day. The boutique hotels were beautiful, immaculate, and convenient. The meals exceeded all of our expectations. The scenery was ever changing and so interesting. Hiking up to Machu Picchu and entering via the Sun Gate was the highlight as it was such an inspiring walk. That lunch was so delicious too. I would highly recommend the Peru tour to anyone who loves the outdoors and loves culture, food,…
Peru: Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley
Expert Local Guides
Experience your destination like an insider with people who call it home.
Boris Bonnet
Born and raised in Cusco, Boris has been guiding travelers through his homeland for over 20 years. After graduating from the University of San Antonio de Abad, Boris found his calling-introducing travelers to the rich tapestry of Peruvian cultural folklore, spiritual mysticism, and traditional local cuisine that feeds both body and soul.
Sergio Prieto
Born and raised in Cusco, Sergio Prieto attended the University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cusco, one of the oldest universities in South America. An experienced guide, Sergio knows the key to a successful and enjoyable trip is not only sharing information about a place but also immersing guests in the local culture while providing a deep understanding of an area’s history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage.
Miguel Vergara
A native of Peru, Miguel Stalin Vergara Ugarte studied tourism at Andina University of Cusco and started guiding trips along the Inca Trail in 2004. Miguel’s passion lies in pre-Incan and Incan cultures and he makes great effort to retain his ancestral Andean traditions, particularly around folk medicine, rituals, and music. In fact, when not guiding or hiking in the surrounding mountains, you are likely to find Miguel entertaining his wife and children playing pre-Hispanic musical instruments.
Jorge Olivera
Jorge Olivera, a native of Cusco, is passionate about hiking and sharing the rich history of Peru with travelers from around the globe. As a veteran guide with over a decade of experience, Jorge is a boundless source of knowledge of local culture and gastronomy and looks to give guests unforgettable memories and an experience of a lifetime when they visit his home country.