Lima to Lost City: A Peruvian Quest with TJ

duration
5 days · 4 nights
travel date
May 9 - 13, 2026
activity level
Moderate
group size
7 - 12
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
TJ Cheeks
bio

🌍 Meet Your Host, TJ – the Excursion Queen! 👑
I’m a globe-trotting adventurer who lives for passport stamps and unforgettable moments. Traveling is my ultimate form of self-care, and now I’m inviting you to experience the magic with me! Join me for 5 epic days in Peru as we explore 5 breathtaking locations, make new memories, and turn adventure into luxury. ✈️💫 Let’s make this trip unforgettable!

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Peru > Lima to Lost City: A Peruvian Quest with TJ

What if your next adventure rewrote the rules of travel, blending ancient mysteries with adrenaline-fueled escapades and mouthwatering flavors? This Peru journey throws you into the heart of vibrant cities, sacred valleys, and cloud-kissed ruins where every step tells a story. From the bustling streets of Lima to the salt mines and terraces of the Sacred Valley, then trekking through misty jungles to the legendary Machu Picchu, this trip is a playground for curious explorers who crave culture, nature, and epic experiences. Perfect for those who want to taste the world, move their bodies, and soak up history all in one unforgettable ride.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · May 9, 2026 · Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)
Optional city tour exploring local sights
Cooking class (includes lunch)
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at Aloft Lima Miraflores (or similar)
Free night
Day 2 · May 10, 2026 · Lima & Sacred Valley
Breakfast at hotel and check out
Group transfer to airport
Flight to Cusco
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado (or similar)
Visit the salt mines of Maras
ATV from Salinas de Maras to Moray
Lunch and pachamanca experience
Yoga class
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 3 · May 11, 2026 · Sacred Vally & Aguas Calientes
03:00 - 05:00: Check out of hotel
Train from Ollantaytambo to km 104 (includes breakfast)
Start of the trek
Visit the Wiñay Huayna Complex
Lunch
Arrival at Sun Gate
Visit the entrance to Machu Picchu
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at El Mapi by Ikaterra (or similar)
Free night
Day 4 · May 12, 2026 · Machu Picchu & Cusco
Breakfast at hotel and check out
Group transfer to Machu Picchu
Sunrise watch from the summit of Machu Picchu
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu climb (not included in price)
Return to Aguas Calientes
Return journey to Ollantaytambo by train
Farewell dinner
Group transfer to accommodation
Check in at Antigua Casona San Blas (or similar)
Day 5 · May 13, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast at hotel and check out
Group transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)
Flight to Lima
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · May 9, 2026
Discovering Lima: A taste of Peruvian culture

-Your adventure in Peru begins as you arrive in the vibrant city of Lima. After being welcomed, you have the option to embark on a city tour, where you'll explore local sights that showcase Lima's rich history and culture. Discover the colonial architecture of the historic center, visit the bustling markets, and take in the coastal views that make this city unique.

-In the afternoon, dive into the heart of Peruvian culture with a cooking class. Here, you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes, gaining insight into the diverse ingredients and flavors that define Peruvian cuisine. This hands-on experience will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide you with skills to recreate these dishes at home.

-As the day comes to a close, settle into your selected hotel for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the exciting experiences of your first day in this captivating country.

Day 2 · May 10, 2026
Sacred Valley adventures: From salt mines to serenity

-After breakfast, fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, a region famed for its breathtaking landscapes and Inca heritage.

-Visit the fascinating salt mines of Maras, where salt has been harvested since pre-Inca times, glistening in geometric pools on the hillside.

-Then, embark on an exhilarating ATV ride from Salinas de Maras to the agricultural terraces of Moray, an ancient Inca experimental farm showcasing their advanced understanding of microclimates.

-Enjoy a traditional pachamanca lunch, a communal feast cooked underground with hot stones, celebrating Andean culinary traditions.

-Cap the day with a rejuvenating yoga class amidst the valley’s serene surroundings before your free evening.

Day 3 · May 11, 2026
Trekking to the Lost City: Discovering Machu Picchu

-Rise early for a pre-dawn check-out and board the train from Ollantaytambo to kilometer 104, the gateway to one of the most iconic treks in the world.

-Begin your hike through lush cloud forests to the Wiñay Huayna complex, an impressive Inca site perched on a steep mountainside overlooking Machu Picchu. This trek offers a unique perspective on Inca ingenuity and the stunning biodiversity of the region.

-After a well-deserved lunch, continue to the Sun Gate (Puerta del Sol), the classic entrance to Machu Picchu, where breathtaking views of the citadel unfold.

-Transfer to your accommodation in Aguas Calientes for a restful evening.

Day 4 · May 12, 2026
Mystical Machu Picchu: A journey through the Incan marvels

-Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Machu Picchu, witnessing the first light illuminate this mystical citadel.

-Join a guided tour to uncover the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, once the heart of the Inca Empire.

-For the adventurous, an optional climb up Huayna Picchu offers panoramic views over the ruins and surrounding mountains.

-After descending, return to Aguas Calientes and then travel back by train to Ollantaytambo.

-The day concludes with a festive farewell dinner celebrating your journey through Peru’s cultural and natural wonders before heading to Cusco for overnight.

Day 5 · May 13, 2026
Farewell: Journey from Cusco to Lima

-Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out and transferring to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight back to Lima.

-Reflect on your immersive journey through Peru’s cities, sacred sites, and adventurous landscapes as your trip concludes.

Tour Price
USD 2,200
per person
Flexible payment plans available
13 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
City tours, cultural sites, outdoor adventures, food adventures
Fellow Travelers
1 total travelers
Deloris
Your local guide
With a passion for creating unique and customizable itineraries that highlight authentic experiences in Peru, the team at Peru InsideOut ensures that no two trips with them are ever the same. Their pioneering spirit takes visitors to dynamic and unforgettable places, offering insights into city life, history, wildlife and nature. With years of experience, local knowledge and training, every trip is a varied delight from start to finish. Let the knowledgeable guides from Peru InsideOut do all the hard work for you, so you can simply concentrate on the adventure of a lifetime.
The best tour company I've used!! I will start by saying that Roberto made this trip a dream come true, and I've never experienced a more organised tour. From the moment I first emailed him to inquire about the tour, to the last taxi journey to the airport for our flight home, my friend and I felt safe and well looked after the whole trip! We travelled to Chile, Bolivia and Peru and every aspect of the trip ran smoothly and if there were any questions, Roberto was only a whatsapp message away! From all the tours I looked at, Peru Inside Out was the most flexible and best value, and I would recommend their tours to anyone without a doubt!
An Tran
Excellent service – We used Peru InsideOut for a 13 day trip to Peru. Roberto was very professional and helpful from the initial quote request to the last day of the tour. He arranged all the hotels and guided tours very well. No issues at all with airport pickups and drop offs. The guided tours were very good. We met both Roberto and Karla in Arequipa- both are very friendly and nice people to interact with. Someone from his team was in touch with us daily in Peru to make sure things were going well. We had a very enjoyable Peru trip thanks to Peru InsideOut. Roberto is highly recommended!
Neeraja A
GREAT SERVICE AND VALUE – We were referred to Peru InsideOut by a friend who had traveled with them. We gave them a list of what we wanted to do (Inca Trail, Cusco, Jungle, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Lima, Sacred Valley, La Paz) and they sent us a few proposed itineraries. They were patient as we had many questions and made a few changes. We ended up booking a 16 day trip. Most of the trip was Private - just the 6 people in our family and a local guide and driver. The local guides were great - especially Huber on the Inca Trail. They gave us a choice of either Basic or Comfort Accommodation - we looked at the accommodation on line and chose the Basic - it was all pretty good. A few of the day tours were group. They were also able to accommodate one person bypassing the Inca Trail - they provided a separate itinerary for those days. We were always able to contact their office as they provided a cell phone and were accessible on whatsapp. We also booked some shore excursions through them as we ended up taking a cruise to get to South America. The shore excursions worked out well. All of the travel with this company was good value and exceeded our expectations.
Mike M
Accommodation
Aloft Lima Miraflores (or similar)

Aloft Lima Miraflores is a 4-star hotel located in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood, offering a blend of modern design and comfort. Guests have access to amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a 24-hour Re:charge® Gym with various cardio equipment, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The hotel features 164 rooms with contemporary decor, many offering city views, and are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Dining options include the WXYZ restaurant, serving international cuisine, and a lively bar/lounge . Additional services and activities include Camp Aloft for movie afternoons, billiards, bicycle rentals, and various tours or classes focusing on local culture. The hotel is also pet-friendly and well-regarded for its attentive staff and prime location. Room type/ configuration: Double occupancy.

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado (or similar)

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado is a tranquil mountain retreat nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering stunning panoramic views of the Andes from every room. Set on over eight acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel combines rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring spacious rooms and Andean-style cottages that invite guests to relax in harmony with nature. The property boasts a full-service spa, sauna, jacuzzi, and a fitness center, along with unique amenities such as a planetarium for stargazing under the vast Southern Hemisphere sky. Guests can enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine at the Alma Cocina Viva restaurant, participate in cultural activities like pachamanca cooking experiences, and unwind by bonfires in the evening. Ideal for families and adventure seekers alike, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado offers a peaceful base to explore the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Room type/ configuration: Double occupancy.

El Mapi by Inkaterra (or similar)

El Mapi by Inkaterra is a contemporary and welcoming 4-star hotel located in the heart of Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), just steps away from the town center and close to the iconic Machu Picchu Archaeological site. The hotel combines modern design with natural elements, featuring high ceilings, panoramic windows, and an open café space where natural light filters through eucalyptus branches, creating a bright and calming atmosphere. With 130 comfortable rooms equipped with amenities such as heating, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms, it offers a cozy retreat after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast with local touches, relax in the spa with sauna and massage services, and benefit from attentive, multilingual staff in a lively yet laid-back setting. Its prime location and thoughtful design make El Mapi an ideal base for immersing in the magic of Machu Picchu while enjoying contemporary comforts. Room type/ configuration: Double occupancy.

Antigua Casona San Blas (or similar)

Antigua Casona San Blas is a charming boutique hotel located in the historic center of Cusco, housed in a beautifully restored colonial building dating back to the late 18th century. The restoration preserved original features such as hand-carved wooden balconies and traditional adobe walls, blending authentic colonial architecture with modern comforts. The hotel offers 49 cozy rooms with radiant heating, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms, many overlooking a peaceful central courtyard with a fireplace. Guests can enjoy a highly rated buffet breakfast and relax in the spa facilities, which include a jacuzzi, sauna, and a variety of massage treatments. Its prime location places visitors within walking distance of key attractions like the San Blas neighborhood, Plaza de Armas, and the Qorikancha temple, making it an ideal base for exploring Cusco’s rich cultural heritage. The hotel also embraces a philosophy of community support and environmental respect, donating to local reforestation efforts and fostering sustainable tourism. Room type/ configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 1 night in Lima

  • 1 night in Sacred Valley

  • 1 night in Aguas Calientes

  • 1 night in Cusco

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch day 2 & 3

  • Dinner day 4

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • Train tickets

  • Bus transfers

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Local guides during activities

  • Option for English, French, or Italian speaking tour leader on request

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

Not included
  • International flights and airport taxes

  • Domestic flights

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • 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 Feb 3, 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 Feb 4, 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 Feb 3, 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 480
3 spots left