Cusco and Beyond: Ancient Trails and Tasty Tales with Ifti

duration
6 days · 5 nights
travel date
Jun 22 - 27, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
6 – 10
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Iftishamul Nihal
bio

Hi there, I'm Ifti, a passionate traveler and trip planner. I curated this Peru trip because I believe travel is the best way to connect with new places and people. It's all about exploring, enjoying local culture, and creating unforgettable experiences together. If you're ready for an adventure with like-minded travelers, I'd love for you to join me!

Peru > Cusco and Beyond: Ancient Trails and Tasty Tales with Ifti

The sound of vibrant Andean music fills the air as you wander through bustling markets alive with colorful textiles and the scent of roasting corn. Ancient stone terraces stretch across the mountainsides, whispering stories of empires long gone but never forgotten. This trip invites you to dive deep into Peru’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine, where every meal is a celebration and every path leads to a new discovery. For those who crave adventure with a side of soulful connection, this journey through Cusco and the Sacred Valley offers a perfect blend of exploration, hands-on experiences, and unforgettable encounters that will leave you inspired and craving more.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · June 22, 2026 · Cusco
Arrive in Lima at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) - (not included in price)
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco (not included in price)
Arrive in Cusco at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Group transfer from airport to accommodation
Check in at accommodation
City orientation on foot
Welcome dinner with entertainment
Day 2 · June 23, 2026 · Cusco & Sacred Valley
Breakfast at accommodation and check out
Group transfer to Sacred Valley
Visit Chinchero
Musical reception and lunch with local community
Visit Moray experimental farm
Visit Salineras de Maras (natural salt wells)
Optional hike into Sacred Valley
Chica making and Sapo experience
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at accommodation
Free night
Day 3 · June 24, 2026 · Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Breakfast at accommodation
Group transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
Train ride to Aguas Calientes
Walk to bus stand
Shuttle to Machu Picchu archaeological complex
Photo opportunity before tour
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Shuttle back to Aguas Calientes
Lunch and free time to explore the town
Train back to Ollantaytambo train station
Return to accommodation
Free night
Day 4 · June 25, 2026 · Sacred Valley
Breakfast at accommodation and check out
Group transfer to Pisac market town
Visit local community and participate in workshops
Pachamanca lunch
Visit local shops and market
Check in at accommodation
Free night
Day 5 · June 26, 2026 · Sacred Valley & Cusco
Breakfast at accommodation and check out
Free morning
Group transfer to Cusco
1:00 - 5:00 PM: Horse Ranch visit (includes snacks)
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at accommodation
Free time
Farewell dinner in downtown Cusco
Day 6 · June 27, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at accommodation and check out
Group transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Flight from Cusco to Lima (not included in price)
Arrive in Lima at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · June 22, 2026
Cusco arrival and city orientation — where history meets modern vibes

Your Peruvian adventure begins as you arrive in Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and a city where history and contemporary life blend seamlessly.

After your domestic flight from Lima, you will be transferred to your accommodation to settle in.

The afternoon features a guided city orientation on foot, lasting about an hour to an hour and a half, designed to introduce you to Cusco’s vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and Incan ruins that peek through the cityscape. This walk offers a glimpse into Cusco’s layered past, from its origins as the heart of the Inca civilization to its transformation under Spanish rule.

As night falls, gather for a welcome dinner accompanied by traditional entertainment, where you will experience the rhythms and flavors of Peruvian culture, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2 · June 23, 2026
Sacred Valley immersion — ancient farms, salt wells, and local traditions

After breakfast and check-out, the journey continues into the Sacred Valley, a region that was once the agricultural heartland of the Incas.

Your first stop is Chinchero, a village known for its vibrant textiles and colonial church built atop Inca foundations. Here, you will be welcomed with music and a community lunch, offering a chance to connect with local traditions.

Next, visit Moray, an extraordinary Inca experimental farm featuring concentric terraces that were used to study microclimates and optimize crop production.

Then explore the Salineras de Maras, a centuries-old network of natural salt pans that continue to be harvested by local families using traditional methods.

For those feeling adventurous, an optional hike into the valley reveals stunning landscapes and ancient terraces.

The day concludes with a unique cultural experience involving chica (a traditional fermented corn drink) making and a game called Sapo, deepening your understanding of local customs before returning to your accommodation for a free evening.

Day 3 · June 24, 2026
Machu Picchu — the iconic Lost City of the Incas

Begin the day early with a transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu.

From there, a shuttle takes you up to the archaeological complex where you will have the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos before embarking on a guided tour.

Machu Picchu stands as one of the most remarkable engineering feats of the ancient world, with its perfectly crafted stone terraces, temples, and plazas nestled high in the Andes. Your guide will share the history and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site, explaining its significance as a royal estate and spiritual center.

After descending back to Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch and free time to explore the town’s markets and hot springs before the return train journey to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Day 4 · June 25, 2026
Pisac market and community workshops

Following breakfast and check-out, travel to Pisac, a market town renowned for its vibrant artisan market and Inca ruins. Here, you will visit a local community where you can participate in workshops that showcase traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery, providing a hands-on connection to Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Lunch features Pachamanca, a traditional Andean meal cooked underground with hot stones, celebrating the ancient agricultural cycle and Pachamama, or Mother Earth.

After lunch, enjoy time to browse local shops and the bustling market, where colorful textiles, ceramics, and jewelry reflect centuries of indigenous artistry. The day ends with check-in at your accommodation and a free evening to relax or explore.

Day 5 · June 26, 2026
From Sacred Valley to Cusco — horse ranch and farewell celebration

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring back to Cusco.

The afternoon is dedicated to a visit to a horse ranch, where you can experience the Andean countryside on horseback and enjoy light snacks. This activity offers a different perspective on the region’s landscape and traditions, connecting you to the rural lifestyle that has persisted for centuries.

After returning to the city, you will have free time to wander Cusco’s lively streets before gathering for a farewell dinner downtown. This special meal celebrates the friendships forged and the incredible cultural and historical discoveries made throughout the trip.

Day 6 · June 27, 2026
Departure — until next time, Peru

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before checking out and transferring to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight back to Lima.

Although the journey concludes here, the memories of ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and the warmth of Peruvian culture will continue to inspire long after you leave the Andes behind.

Tour Price
USD 2,052
per person
Flexible payment plans available
18 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Hiking, history, food, culture, nature, adventure
Your local guide
Absolute experts when it comes to Peru's finest destinations, South Andes Travel is a DMC ready to make your dreams come true in Peru. Their mission is to serve as the point of connection between international travelers and Peru, and they accomplish this through a variety of ready-made itineraries as well as personalized trips. They focus on responsible travel by honoring local cultures, respecting the natural areas that make Peru so beautiful, and supporting local businesses.
Accommodation
Cusco: Novotel Cusco (or similar according to availability)

Situated on a cobbled street in central Cusco, Novotel Cusco is an upscale Colonial-style hotel that's only a 5-minute walk from the Museo de Arte Precolombino and other major tourist attractions, making it prime for Cusco exploration. Laid-back rooms feature wooden floors and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars. An international restaurant set in a roomy courtyard and a contemporary bar are on-site, and the lobby hosts regular live music events. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Sacred Valley: Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado (or similar according to availability)

Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado is a serene retreat nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, just a short drive from both Cusco and the Ollantaytambo train station—the gateway to Machu Picchu. The hotel features 36 spacious rooms, many with balconies or terraces offering garden or valley views, and all equipped with orthopedic mattresses, private bathrooms, LCD TVs, and free WiFi for a comfortable, restful stay. Guests can unwind in the lush gardens, enjoy a soak in the hot tub, or relax in the spa’s sauna and massage area after a day of exploring nearby Inca sites like Moray and the Maras salt pans. The on-site SUNO Restaurant serves a diverse menu with buffet breakfast and local Andean specialties, while the lobby bar is perfect for an evening wind-down. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Sacred Valley: Lodge Lamay (or similar according to availability)

Lodge Lamay is a luxurious retreat nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, just an hour outside of Cusco. This charming lodge seamlessly blends traditional Peruvian architecture with contemporary comforts, offering a tranquil escape amidst stunning mountain views. Guests can unwind in the outdoor hot tub, explore the picturesque gardens, or indulge in delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.

Included
  • 2 nights in Cusco

  • 3 nights in Sacred Valley

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on days 2, 3, & 4

  • Welcome & farewell dinner (Days 1 & 5)

  • One group airport arrival transfer with assistance

  • One group airport departure transfer with assistance

  • Round-trip train fare to Machu Picchu

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local guides during activities

  • General tour assistance from operator on-ground

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

  • Private transport throughout tours and during excursions

Not included
  • International and domestic flights

  • International airport departure tax

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Activities other than mentioned in the itinerary

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Mar 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Mar 18, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -5) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Mar 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -5), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single room upgrade

Upgrade to a private room for the duration of your trip.

USD 555
2 spots left