Peru: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Cusco with Anisha
Your TourHero
Hey, I’m Anisha, from Harvard Business School Class of 2022! Come along for a trip filled with fun, outdoor adventure and great food in Peru!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 13 – 19, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
15 - 30
Transportation
Van, bus, train
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Hiking, history, mountains, wildlife.
Fellow Travelers
Daniel
Elias
Sara
Kaan
Anisha
Jeffrey
Danielle
Misha
Alex
Rachel
Conrado
Caroline
JiyoonYour Local Guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peruvian Soul ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Let them take you on a journey to discover the very best of the country, from hidden gems to iconic locations. The team is equipped with valuable education, training, and experience to ensure your safety and comfort. They’ll take care of all the nitty gritty details for you — all you need to do is enjoy a smooth and unforgettable trip!
Get set for an incredible experience on this tour to Peru, with valleys, mountains, ancient sites and a city-break all packed into an amazing six days. The adventure begins the moment you land in Peru, as we take a leisurely journey to the Sacred Valley, stopping off at the major viewing points. Your first full day includes a journey to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy premium views of the Andes throughout and Panchamanca – a traditional Andean feast that promises to be a culinary highlight of the trip. Next up is a two-day, shortened version of the world famous Inca Trail, culminating in the magnificent summit of Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend a morning exploring the ruins and learning everything there is to know about this unique place. When we return from the mountains you’ll have a day in the city to cherish! Cusco is full of colonial history, fabulous architecture and Inca ruins, and the scenic cobbled-streets are the perfect complement to all that mountain trekking. For anyone looking to experience Peru’s heights and ancient culture, this tour is most definitely for you!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hey, I’m Anisha, from Harvard Business School Class of 2022! Come along for a trip filled with fun, outdoor adventure and great food in Peru!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 13 – 19, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
15 - 30
Transportation
Van, bus, train
Get set for an incredible experience on this tour to Peru, with valleys, mountains, ancient sites and a city-break all packed into an amazing six days. The adventure begins the moment you land in Peru, as we take a leisurely journey to the Sacred Valley, stopping off at the major viewing points. Your first full day includes a journey to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll enjoy premium views of the Andes throughout and Panchamanca – a traditional Andean feast that promises to be a culinary highlight of the trip. Next up is a two-day, shortened version of the world famous Inca Trail, culminating in the magnificent summit of Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend a morning exploring the ruins and learning everything there is to know about this unique place. When we return from the mountains you’ll have a day in the city to cherish! Cusco is full of colonial history, fabulous architecture and Inca ruins, and the scenic cobbled-streets are the perfect complement to all that mountain trekking. For anyone looking to experience Peru’s heights and ancient culture, this tour is most definitely for you!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Sacred Valley
- Arrive in Cusco
- Journey to Sacred Valley
- Lunch
- Check-in at AVA Valle Sagrado Spot Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 2 · Ollantaytambo
- Breakfast
- Visit Ollantaytambo
- Pachamanca Lunch
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Enjoy an evening to yourself back in the Sacred Valley.
- Day 3 · Chanchabamba & Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast
- Check-out of AVA Valle Sagrado Spot Hotel
- Transfer to Chanchabamba
- Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu
- Lunch
- Transfer to Aguas Calientes
- Check-in at Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 4 · Machu Picchu & Ollantaytambo
- Breakfast
- Journey to Machu Picchu
- Guided hike to Machu Picchu Citadel
- Transfer to Aguas Calientes
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time in Aguas Calientes
- Journey to Ollantaytambo
- Check-in at Abittare Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 5 · Cusco
- Breakfast
- Free day to do as you please!
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 6 · Cusco
- Breakfast
- Free day in Cusco or Rainbow Mountain trek
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check-out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Peru - enjoy a scenic journey to the Sacred Valley
Welcome to Peru, where a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you! We’ll meet you at Cusco Airport, and once acquainted, will take you on a scenic journey to the Sacred Valley. Almost as soon as we’ve left the airport, we’ll be in the Andes where mountains spread out as far as the eye can see. We’ll take the time to stop en route, so you can experience the very best viewpoints and get snapping with your camera. Lunch will be taken at the beautiful Piuray Lake, before we complete the journey to your hotel, situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once checked-in, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Relax and unwind, or why not head outside and take a look at some of Peru’s greatest sights and heights.
Day 2
Day trip to Ollantaytambo
Wake up and get stretching - today’s your first full-day in the Sacred Valley! After a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel to the village of Ollantaytambo. We’ll explore the sacred landscape with an expert guide in this village that’s virtually unchanged since Inca times.
Enjoy a traditional Andean Pachamancha Lunch
Today, you're in for a culinary treat – you'll be feasting on a traditional Andean lunch known as Pachamanca. This Quechua word means “earth pot” which relates to the dish in which the meal is baked and seeing the whole experience of making the food on this open farm is half the fun! The meal includes a welcome cocktail based on Caña Alta, cuts of lamb, pork and chicken marinated in Andean herbs, fresh salads, seasonal root vegetables, peruvian sauces, purple chica, the desssert of the day, and an Andean elixir shot! Truly a feast for citadels! After lunch, we'll visit the amazing Pinkulluna viewpoint - here you’ll see what’s in store for tomorrow.
Day 3
Begin the short Inca Trail hike to magical Machu Picchu
Rise and shine, for today we’ll begin the hike to Machu Picchu, via a shortened two-day Inca Trail. Following breakfast we’ll catch a train towards Chanchabamba, and complete the rest of the route on foot. Here we’ll visit a small but important Inca site, once used for storage and transport to the neighboring heights of Machu Picchu. We’ll continue the trail, with views of snow-capped mountains and the breathtaking vista of the Urubamba River, until we reach a waterfall. Enjoy the pleasures of alpine bathing, before we continue to the magnificent Inca terraces of Wiñaywayna, located at 2,700 m. After lunch, we’ll reach the Sun Gate, where the first sight of the magical Machu Picchu comes into view. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere as you’ll be scaling the peak tomorrow! Finish off the day with a short journey to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you can grab some much-deserved RnR. Note: If you do not wish to hike and prefer to have a free day then go to Machu Picchu by train, please let us know upon booking. Price remains the same.
Day 4
Trek and explore Machu Picchu - the famous mountaintop Inca Citadel
Today’s the big day, so get those legs warmed up before we set off this morning! Following a bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy a fully-guided excursion around one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Here you’ll learn all the secrets of the ancient Inca culture and enjoy dramatic views of the Andean mountains wherever you look. Following some three hours at the citadel site, we’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to explore this famous village at the foot of the mountain. Later, transfer to your hotel in Cusco and enjoy a fabulously rewarding sleep.
Day 5
Enjoy a day of leisure and exploration in Cusco
Today can be as relaxing or as strenuous as you choose to make it! Once you’ve recovered from yesterday’s exertions, you’ll have one of Peru’s most exciting cities at your disposal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cusco is a delight for the senses and wonderful to explore on foot. Be sure to take in the Main Square, San Francisco Church, Koricancha Temple, and San Pedro Market. Take a stroll through Cuesta San Blas and visit the local craft workshops and galleries. Alongside ancient ruins and stone architecture, Cusco has a wonderful vibrancy, so don’t forget to take some time out, grab a coffee and simply breathe in the atmosphere! This is a great opportunity to pick-up some souvenirs and enjoy a celebratory evening with your fellow explorers.
Day 6
Free day in Cusco with the option to visit Rainbow Mountain
You have one final day in Peru. What will you do? You can explore the city or take an optional trip to Rainbow Mountain. We'll start early as we make our way to the high mountain landscapes of Rainbow Mountain. We leave and travel for about two and a half hours towards the side valleys of the Ausangate Mountain Range, where our hike begins. From here, we'll be hiking approximately 7 km in total, 3. 5 up and 3. 5 down towards the peak of Rainbow Mountain. This high-altitude hike begins at about 4, 500 m and ends at 5, 200 m. , Making it reasonably demanding. Although it's not an easy adventure, the surreal landscape of the area makes this journey well worth the effort. After some time at the top, we begin our return hike and then drive back to Cusco, where we should be arriving at around 4.30 pm. Then, you can enjoy one final dinner in this sacred city.
Day 7
A fond farewell to the Sacred Valley
Where did the time go?! Sadly today marks the end of your amazing adventure, but what stories you’ll have to tell the people back home! Enjoy one last Peruvian breakfast and say goodbye to your new friends before we transfer to the airport. Now’s the time to pinch yourself because yes, that amazing adventure really did just happen! Here’s to the next time.
Accommodation
AVA Valle Sagrado Spot Hotel (or similar)
Delightfully positioned in the Sacred Valley, the AVA Valle Sagrado Spot Hotel is the ideal place to begin your excursion. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, bathtubs, and cable TV, with views overlooking the garden and mountain range in the near-distance. You’ll also be able to kick-back and unwind on the hotel’s terrace, take refreshments from the outdoor bar and fully-acclimatize to the local altitude. WiFi is available in the lobby, restaurant and bar area. Room type: Twin share rooms.
Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)
After a day on the trail, we’ll rest our heads at the Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu in Agua Calientes. This beautiful hotel overlooks the Vilcanota River and the surrounding mountains, providing a tranquil atmosphere after a long day of hiking. The hotel offers everything from free breakfast at their restaurant to oxygen service at reception. You’ll find comfy bedding, free WiFi, 24/7 support, and anything else you’ll need to help you unwind from the heights. Room type: Twin share rooms.
Abittare Hotel (or similar)
After your time in the high mountains, the Abittare Hotel is a home-from-home in the center of Cusco. Its colonial design is a delight, being a former manor house, centered around a courtyard. The bustling city of Cusco is right on your doorstep, so you won't have to walk far to find everything you need. Be sure to enjoy some pisco-themed cocktails at the in-house bar - this is Peru’s national drink and a fine way to celebrate your time in South America. WiFi can be found throughout. Room type: Twin share rooms.
Included
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- 2 nights at AVA Valle Sagrado Spot Hotel
- 1 night at Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu Hotel
- 3 nights at Abittare Hotel
- Twin share rooms in accommodation
- Traditional Andean Pachamanca Lunch with cocktails and elixir shots
- Airport transfers
- Activity transfers
- Trains to/from Machu Picchu
- Tolls, fuel and parking fees
- Bilingual private driver and guides
- All breakfasts
- Lunch (days 1 - 3)
- All activities as described in the itinerary
- All entrance fees required for activities
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Pre-trip Extension: Walking Food Tour in Barranco on Mar 12
While you’re spending time in Lima, take a walking food tour through the city and enjoy all the traditional flavors of Peru with new and innovative treats, too! This three-hour adventure will start in Saenz Peña Square in Barranco and fill your heart and stomach. Note: For this excursion to run, there must be a minimum of four travelers.
Price: USD 95
12 spots left
Full-day Rainbow Mountain trek on Mar 18
Spend your last day in Peru trekking at the iconic Rainbow Mountain. The day will start at 5:00 am and will include significant hiking at a high elevation. You’ll travel for about two and a half hours towards the side valleys of the Ausangate Mountain Range, where the hike begins. From here, you’ll be hiking approximately 7 km in total, 3.5 up and 3.5 down towards the peak of Rainbow Mountain. This high-altitude hike begins at about 4,500 m and ends at 5,200 m. making it reasonably demanding. However, the reward at the end will be worth the difficulty! This add-on includes lunch, entrance tickets, expert guide, and transportation. Note: For this excursion to run, there must be a minimum of six travelers.
Price: USD 85
10 spots left
One night at Urban Larco on Mar 11
Spend an extra night at the Best Western Urban Larco on Mar 11.
Price: USD 70
19 spots left
Private transfer from Lima Airport to Urban Larco for Misha
Private transfer from Lima Airport to Urban Larco for Misha
Price: USD 30
19 spots left
Shared transfer from Lima Airport to Urban Larco on Mar 12
Shared transfer from Lima Airport to Urban Larco on Mar 12
Price: USD 8
11 spots left
Shared transfer from Urban Larco to Lima Airport on Mar 13
Shared transfer from Urban Larco to Lima Airport on Mar 13
Price: USD 8
10 spots left
Private transfer from Cusco Airport to Sacred Valley
Private transfer from Cusco Airport to Sacred Valley
Price: USD 45
17 spots left
Private transfer from Inkarri Cusco to Cusco Airport
Private transfer from Inkarri Cusco to Cusco Airport
Price: USD 15
15 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- We’ll head to Ollantaytambo, a town that is home to an imposing archaeological site that showcases stonework only second to that of Machu Picchu. - Wikimedia Commons
- The shores of Piuray, a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains. - Wikimedia Commons
- Vistas of lush emerald vegetation await you. - Serena's Lenses
- Cusco is a delightful city to explore. - Joe Green
- Calientes Village lies at the base of Machu Picchu — it's all uphill from here! - Giancarlo Revolledo
- A heady mix of sun and altitude makes the grass here really tasty! - InstagramFOTOGRAFIN
- Urubamba is known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas — truly majestic scenery as far as the eye can see! - Paul Daly
- Take a day trip to the Rainbow Mountains and marvel at this colorful act of nature. - Unsplash: McKayla Crump
- Today, we'll get to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu and learn the fascinating history of the Incan Empire. - Facebook
- Soak in the picturesque views of the ruins, the mountains, and the waterfalls cascading all around you. - Facebook
- Head to the Main Square and check out the San Pedro Market and San Pedro Church. - Unsplash: Renny Gamarra
- Walk through the colorful streets and buy some handmade souvenirs along the way. - Unsplash: NINA PASCAL
- Grab a quick bite at the market or head to a traditional restaurant for an authentic Peruvian meal. - Unsplash: Ashim D’Silva
- Today, we start our trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. - Unsplash: KAL VISUALS
- We'll make our way down into the site and learn the ins and outs of Machu Picchu from our guide. - Pixabay: Poswiecie
- You'll see incredible views of the Urubamba River and snow-capped mountains along the journey. - Peruvian Soul
- We'll see various Inca ruins along our trek including Wiñaywayna, a sister site to Machu Picchu. - Flickr: Wasif Malik
- We'll hike to the Sun Gate high above the Machu Picchu Citadel. - Pixabay: AdamHillTravel
- Hiking at over 17,000 ft will be a challenge, but the views will make the difficult journey worth it! - Unsplash: Michael Busch
- Cozy rooms at the Casa Andina at the base of Machu Picchu mountain. - Casa Andina
- Book your transfers to and from the airport for a hassle-free travel experience. - Viator website
- Add-on: One extra transfer from airport to hotel for morning arrival (10:45 am) - Rolando Garrido
- Eat your way through Lima on a walking food tour. - Unsplash: Pirata Studio Film
- Welcome to Cusco, Peru, a historic city that was once the capital of the largest empire in pre-Colombian history. - Unsplash: Anibal Porras
- Welcome to Cusco! - Unsplash: Adrian Dascal