MACHU PICCHU, LAKE TITICACA, CUSCO, SACRED VALLEY AND LIMA
Iconic and highly sought out, the natural wonder of Machu Picchu’s towering green mountains and dry-stone wall structures is just one of Peru’s most enticing attractions. Along with getting to visit this ancient Inca settlement in the High Andes, you’ll have the chance to admire even more of Peru’s breathtaking landscapes with stops at the Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca. Plus, immerse yourself in fascinating history and lively culture during stays in the country’s most vibrant cities, including Cusco, Puno, and Lima. From discovering renowned archaeological sites and sampling authentic cuisine to browsing colorful craft markets and cozying up to llamas and alpaca, this trip is a Peruvian dream. 5/5 stars on Tripadvisor!
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our Enchanting Peru with Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands tour which includes 2 nights in Lima and 1 night in Paracas visiting the Nazca Lines and the Ballestas Islands!
Itinerary at a Glance
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 1 night in Lima
- 2 nights in Yucay
- 3 nights in Cusco
- 2 nights in Puno
- 1 night in Lima
Tour Highlights
- Tour of Modern & Colonial Lima
- Larco Museum
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Indian Market in Pisac
- Walking Tour of Cusco
- Lake Titicaca & the Island of Taquile
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Peru flights, ground transportation and transfers
- Accommodations at First Class hotels
- 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees
- Experienced English speaking guides
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.
Welcome to Lima, the capital city of Peru. This afternoon, we'll start our guided tour of the modern side of Lima, visiting the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores which feature modern architecture, shopping centers, and beautiful parks overlooking the ocean like "El Olivar" and "Parque del Amor". We'll drive through Lima's downtown where we can see several colonial buildings and monuments. In the historical center, admire the colorful colonial architecture around Plaza San Martín and the Plaza de Armas where we can also see the Government Palace, Cathedral, and Municipality. We'll visit the San Francisco Monastery, and explore its underground maze of tunnels and catacombs. We'll end our day at the Larco Museum where we can appreciate a collection of pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, gold, and silver pieces totaling over 45,000 artifacts. This evening, we'll enjoy a variety of regional dishes at the Café Del Museo in the museum's lovely terraced garden filled with colorful flowers.
Accommodations: José Antonio Deluxe Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast this morning, we'll fly to Cusco and then travel by bus onward to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Along the way, we'll enjoy a buffet lunch at Princesita Restaurant. In the restaurant's gardens, we'll experience a Shaman ceremony, introducing us to the ancient rituals of Peru. During the ceremony, the shaman will thank Pachamama, or Mother Earth, and welcome us to Cusco. After lunch, we'll continue through the Sacred Valley to Awanakancha, a weaving center that still uses ancient weaving techniques and traditions. Here, we'll also see the four camels of South America - llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. We'll also learn more about how natural plants are used to dye the precious wool of these animals. Next, we'll check in at our hotel and enjoy some free time before we gather together for dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: Sonesta Hotel Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
On today’s full-day excursion, we'll visit the world-renowned and colorful Indian market in Pisac where many beautiful crafts are traded. Later, we'll travel through the lush valley to Ollantaytambo and explore the splendid ruins of this massive ancient fortress. The village below is a fine example of the Incas incredible urban planning skills. This evening we'll enjoy dinner together at the hotel.
Accommodations: ,
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark today on an expedition to Machu Picchu. We'll travel by train through the lush Urubamba Valley passing along stunning scenery. We arrive in Aguas Calientes where we'll take a bus up the steep mountain to “the Lost City Of the Incas”. The beauty of its location and the genius construction make Machu Picchu travel the jewel of all Inca settlements and is theorized to have been an observatory. To this day nobody can explain how the Incas managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone for the city’s construction onto the mountaintop. Our expert guide will lead us through the ruins and share the amazing story of Machu Picchu. We'll have some free time to further discover the mystical ruins and absorb the beauty of this enchanting site. Later, we re-board the train to the Sacred Valley and from there, journey to magical Cusco by bus.
Accommodations: Sonesta Hotel Cusco or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Cusco is a vibrant town, dotted with archaeological sites. This morning we'll enjoy a guided walking tour visiting the city's most important Incan and Colonial landmarks. We'll visit Qoricancha, the Incan temple of the sun which later served as the foundation for the Catholic monastery of Santo Domingo. Next, we'll visit the cathedral, considered the best repository of colonial art from the Cusco school. The cathedral was built over the palace of the Inca Wiracocha, which was considered the religious and political center of Cusco during the Inca era. We'll also walk through the Incan street of Loreto, which perfectly showcases Cusco's old town and remarkable Inca walls. This afternoon is free to explore Cusco independently! Consider a visit to the amazing ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca architectural masterpiece with fabulous views of the city below.
Meals: Breakfast
Today is free to explore this magical city independently! Cusco has so much to offer from incredible museums like Museo de Arte Pre-Colombino (MAP) and the Museo Inka, or spend the day exploring local markets or the picturesque San Blas district! We may also consider joining an optional tour Moray with its unique circular agricultural terraces and the Maras salt ponds or a visit to the chocolate museum!
Accommodations:
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, we'll travel by bus through the Peruvian highlands along snow-covered peaks before we descend down to Puno located on the edge of Lake Titicaca. En route, we'll visit the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, with its lovely simple exterior and beautifully ornate interior.
Accommodations: GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll discover the uniqueness of the Uros, islands that literally float on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. We'll meet resident families dressed in traditional and colorful outfits who welcome us and show us their homes, boats, and islands made of totora reed. Every year, they replenish the islands with a new layer of reed and continue to maintain the Aymara language and other traditional ways of living. Next, we'll take a boat ride to the island of Taquile. Be amazed by this matchless island with elaborate pre-Inca terraces, unpaved roads where there are no cars, no electricity nor pollution. Learn about the people’s unchanged lifestyles for thousands of years and their unique traditions based on community collectivism. On the island, men are taught to knit and women weave and yarn, blending these crafts into their unique social arrangements.
Accommodations: ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we'll visit a local house where we'll learn how a local family works their fields and more about their daily life and customs. After our visit, we'll continue to Juliaca airport for our flight back to Lima. This evening, we'll share a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today! Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will return to the U.S. today.
Meals: Breakfast
Book early and save up to $600 per person.
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
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From
$2,699
$2,399 |
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From
$2,699
$2,249 |
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Flights not available |
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From
$2,699
$2,399 |
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From
$3,614
$3,014 |
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From
$2,599
$1,999 |
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone
(1.800.337.7773)
and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable,
non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the
time of reservation.
Deposits are $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Featured Accommodations
Once an 18th-century monastery, this beautiful hotel is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Your hotel room features a digital safe, hairdryer, and WiFi.
Plaza Manco II 123 Yucay
Urubamba, Cusco, Peru
Website
Just blocks from the main square, the Sonesta Hotel Cusco boasts a restaurant and bar with excellent food, laundry service, and rooms with a hairdryer, minibar, safe-deposit box, and WiFi.
Av. El Sol 954
Cusco, Peru
Website
Formerly the Hotel Libertador Puno
Isla Esteves s/n Lago Titicaca
Puno, Peru
Website
Located in Lima's cosmopolitan Miraflores district, enjoy the hotel's swimming pool, gym, restaurant and WiFi! Rooms here have a hairdryer, coffee kit, safe, and WiFi.
Calle Bellavista 133
Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Website
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
On this morning tour, we'll journey into the past as we explore the different Inca ruins around Cusco. We'll start at Sacsayhuamán, the Inca ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Here we'll admire the gigantic rocks used to build the site and the way they were perfectly fitted together with some are as high as 8.5m (28ft.) and up to 200 tons. Next, we'll head to nearby Qenqo, a temple carved in a gigantic monolith. Enjoy stories about the tunnels and chambers that were hand-carved by people thousands of years ago. We'll continue to the Puca Pucara Fort with its strategic location, large walls, terraces, and stairs was a military checkpoint for the Inca Empire. End your tour at the Inca Baths known as Tambomachay and learn about the aqueducts and channels that allow the water to flow naturally.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
We'll start our morning tour at Moray with its unique circular agricultural terraces. The pre-Inca platforms have underground irrigation channels, different soils, and changing temperatures, which made it ideal for a plant nursery and research center. Walk down 30m (98ft) and appreciate its ingenuity and splendor. About seven miles away, go to Maras and admire over 3,000 salt ponds with a stunning view of the Andes Mountains in the background. To this day, a network of water canals fills the ponds, the water evaporates, and the salt is harvested by hand.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
On this afternoon tour, visit the chocolate museum and learn about cacao’s history, the cacao tree, and the different processes to make chocolate. Then, roll up your sleeves and get to work. First, help roast the cacao beans and remove the husk. Then, grind the nibs to form a paste. To this paste, add your favorite ingredients: almonds, nuts, coffee beans, etc. While you wait for your chocolate to harden, sip on a cup of chocolate tea brewed from the husks or taste fresh hot chocolate. Once your chocolate bar is ready, bring it home to savor.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 3
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods of up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature hikes, stairs, and/or climbs which may be on hilly and/or uneven terrain at potentially high altitudes. Learn More
Pacing Level: Moderate
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
This tour includes destinations with high altitudes. In Cusco, the elevation is 11,000 ft and may be a consideration for those with heart conditions or those affected by altitude. Please consult with your physician.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Cindy M
1 year ago
I had a wonderful time on this trip. Everything was planned so well, and the sights we seen was amazing! My favorites were Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. I was in awe withe the ruins at Machu Picchu, it was a spiritual experience that I will never forget. Lake Titicaca was an immersion into the culture the people who lived on the Floating Islands. Then, we took a boat ride to see Taquile Island where we were greeted by the most humble group of people who shared their culture with us. And on top of that they made us a delicious lunch! This trip truly immersed us in the culture of Peru. I came back to the U.S. feeling so centered and humbled...
Dagmara R
1 year ago
We had a great time, we visited beautiful places.
Bev R
1 year ago
This was an awesome tour. Our tour director, Enrique Virto was fabulous. He was attentive, intelligent, energetic, and very aware of the group and individual needs. He shared his knowledge and experiences in Peru readily.
Linda
1 year ago
Peru trip with SmartTour was a excellent experience. MachuPicchu, Lake Titikaka, Sacred valley ,Cusco city … were wonderful. Hotels were very nice, food was delicious. Most of most, our tour director is very kind, very knowledgeable, responsible and humor. The bus driver was also very nice and exceptional skill on driving made us feel so safe and relax.
Lilia L
1 year ago
Muy bueno el tour. Recomendaría que el tour al Templo Sagrado (2do día) se hiciera mas adelante, para darnos oportunidad de aclimatarnos o adaptarnos a la altura. Y el cierre fue excelente pero ese tour de 2 horas por el Museo fue hermoso pero al ser de ultimo es algo agotador. Solo se los dejo como una recomendación.
Saludos y gracias.
Herbert L
1 year ago
My wife, Faye, and I just finished your "Enchanting Peru" Tour led by Enrique, Of course, Peru is indeed Enchanting, but it was made even more so by the excellence leadership of Enrique. His vast knowledge of the Incas and Peru is enlightening to his travelers. But his fine sense of humor, his wide travel experience, his facility with languages, and his genuine, friendly helpfulness are all top-notch. Smartours is fortunate to have Enrique as a tour director. His recommendations for restaurants and other venues were excellent in every case. This was my 9th Smartours trip, and because of Enrique it was truly outstanding. I recommend the trip and Enrique very highly!
Donna
1 year ago
Smartours name says it all. We just returned from Peru and because of our extremely knowledgeable tour director, Enrique Virto, we’re much smarter about this country ‘s history, people, geography and culture. I can’t begin to express my appreciation for all that Enrique taught us and his humor, knowledge and resourcefulness were invaluable. Because of him we easily averted several issues that would have been disastrous if we had planned this trip personally. One faux pas that was resolved resulted in us visiting Arequipa, which was a simply beautiful city. Each day on this trip was like stepping into history. Daily we were amazed by something and when we thought it couldn’t get better it did! The quality of everything provided on this tour was top level, making it an AMAZING value for the money. When you travel with Smartours you KNOW that your satisfaction is their top priority.
This was my second trip with SmarTours and I’m already planning my next.
Andrea M
1 year ago
Fantastic tour through high spots of Peru. Hit a few travel snags (cancelled flight, cancelled train) which the tour directors took care of promptly, minimizing disruptions to travel. THAT is what you pay for in a tour! Henriqué truly made the trip!
Donna
1 year ago
SmarTours name says it all! We just returned from Peru and because of our extremely knowledgeable tour director, Enrique Virto, we’re much smarter about this country ‘s history, people, geography, beliefs and culture. I can’t begin to express my appreciation for all that Enrique taught us and how he kept us safe and healthy at such high altitudes. His humor, knowledge and resourcefulness were invaluable and made the trip so special. Because of him we easily averted several issues that would have been disastrous if we had planned this trip personally. His attentiveness to each of our needs as truly commendable! One faux pas that was outside of anyones control was quickly resolved & resulted in us visiting an additional city; Arequipa, which was simply beautiful! Each day on this trip was like stepping into history. Daily we were amazed by something and when we thought it couldn’t get better it did! The quality of everything provided on this tour was top level, making it an AMAZING value for the money. When you travel with SmarTours you KNOW that your satisfaction is their top priority. Not having to struggle with pushing my luggage, knowing that my belongings were safe on our bus, having great sleeping accommodations, good food and any issues and or question quickly addressed are only a few things that keep me coming back. This was my second trip with SmarTours and I’m already planning my next.
JANINE B
1 year ago
Its started off with lots of confusion, but the whole trip ended up being amazing, thanks to Dagmar.
We loved every day on the trip with everyone.