Escorted Peru Tours 8 Days / 7 Nights

This 8-day escorted tour of Peru offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an immersive experience that highlights the best of Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu. Each day is carefully crafted to provide insights into Peru’s rich heritage while allowing for personal connections with the landscape and its people.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome To Peru

Upon your arrival in Lima, you will be met by your transfer-man who will assist you with your luggage and check-in procedures at your hotel. You will receive a contact information sheet with all the hotel’s information as well as our office’s contact information for each city and the 24-hour emergency numbers for any further assistance you may require. Two nights in Lima at any of our proposed hotels.

• Overnight in Lima.
• Meals: None.

Day 2: Modern and Colonial Lima City Tour.

After breakfast, approximately 10:00AM, we will explore Lima’s historic center with a local guided. In this opportunity, you’ll get to know the attractions with more historical and cultural value within the center of the city, such as: Parque de Exposición, Plaza Grau, Paseo de los Heroes Navales, Plaza San Martín, the Main Square, Palacio del Gobierno, and the Cathedral of Lima.

The Historic Center of Lima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 since it comprises over 600 historical monuments from the Colonial era. After our visit, we’ll continue to the Miraflores district to have a panoramic view from the outside of Huaca Pucllana, one of the 54 “Huacas” found in Lima and a well-preserved Pre-Inca sanctuary inside the city.

After a morning of exploring and getting to know the history of Lima, you’ll have the rest of the day off to explore and continue to enjoy the city.

• Overnight in Lima.
• Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley.

A transportation service with a representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet the local guide and immediately transfer to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will start your tour in Awanakancha, an exhibition center of textiles and South American camelids, considered a living museum and here you can see Andean camelids, learn about the techniques to take their wool and finally acquire finely spun garments.

You will then visit the Pisac market, consisting of dozens of stalls displaying and selling goods crafted by residents of the area. You can find textiles, carvings, and replicas of ancient Inca pieces. Continue to your hotel for check-in. 

• Overnight in Sacred Valley.
• Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4: Sacred Valley Of The Incas – Maras – Moray – Ollantaytambo.

Begin your trip today with visits to the archaeological vestiges of Maras and Moray. Maras is an impressive salt mine complex. These are huge salt deposits that were exchanged for other products from other parts of the empire. Moray’s archaeological vestiges are composed of mysterious concentric circular terraces which, according to some scholars, would be an agricultural research center. The higher external terraces would be at a higher temperature than the inner terraces and could simulate the different ecological strata of the empire.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue the trip to the Ollantaytambo Park, stopping at various points of interest along the route. Ollantaytambo is a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions.

Pachacútec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire, and it is currently considered one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire.

• Overnight in Sacred Valley.
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

Today, explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes and the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the invading Spanish. After visiting Ollantaytambo, take a short walk to the Train Station to board the Vistadome Train bound for Machu Picchu. Enjoy 1 ½ hour traveling in this exclusive train through the impressive lush vegetation along the way, a journey filled in with an unforgettable one-in-a-lifetime experience.

At your arrival, we will assist you to take your bus up to Machu Picchu. Perched at 7,970 feet above sea level and 1,240 feet above the Urubamba river in the Sacred Valley, discover this hidden area that was covered by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for almost 400 years.

Immerse yourself in-depth 2-hour tour, your private guide will show you the mysteries and magic of Machu Picchu by visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and some other cemeteries. Afterward you will have plenty of free time to take pictures, explore, and enjoy the amazing panoramic view from the plateau of the iconic Ancient Citadel.

Make your way to Aguas Calientes by bus and enjoy a peaceful night rest with the sound of the cloud forest around you.

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 6 : Walking the Spectacular Ruins

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. Truly, this amazing spectacle it is worth it.

Visit Huayna Picchu Mountain (you need to book a permit in advance for this), situated to the north of the citadel. It often appears in the background of iconic Machu Picchu pictures. At the summit, marvel at the terraces designed to prevent erosion, supporting Inca gardens. Ascend to the peak by following the trail along the left side of the mountain. Picture the ascent as a stairway to heaven, where many of the steps are carved from the rock of the mountain. You can complete this activity with an approximately one-hour and half brisk walk.

After finishing your visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, make your way back to Aguas Calientes by bus. Then, board the return Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. We will be waiting for you at the train station and bring you to your hotel in Cusco for a well-deserved good night’s rest.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7: Cusco City Tour.

Inca rulers once called Cusco the “Navel of the World”. Cusco remains today a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory. One can see the foundations of Inca structures on many of its city streets today.

Today you will go on a guided visit of the Imperial City of Cusco. In this Cusco city tour, you will visit the Main Plaza, which has been the scene of great historical events in the Capital of the Incas, the main Cathedral church, built of great slabs of red granite in renaissance style and thus contrasting with the baroque style silverwork which decorates its interior.

You will then continue on to the Santo Domingo church, built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to Sun worship.

Later, you will head to the City’s nearby ruins; the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent example of Incan military power; Qenqo, a ritualistic site with subterranean galleries that form an underground maze; Puca Pucara, the red fortress and finally Tambomachay, also known as the Incan Baths. After this amazing educative Cusco city tour, you will be driven back to your hotel.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast.
• Entrance Ticket: Included

Day 8: Depart Lima – Design Your Day

This morning, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Visit the San Blas Neighborhood, a unique, bohemian enclave where you find the workshops of artisans.
• Stroll San Pedro Market and Visit the Inca Museum for a taste of local fruits and cheese, and a glimpse of daily life, followed by a look back into Peru’s rich history.
• Explore with an Expert Photographer who helps you refine your skills and capture Cusco as a local sees it, including its narrow streets and beautiful houses.

Later, board your departing flight.

• Overnight in Lima 
• Meals: Breakfast

Included:

• Private airport transfers.
• Transport throughout the itinerary.
• Professional tour guide, English-speaking.
• 7 Nights in Recommended 4* Hotels inc. Breakfasts
• Tickets for all Archaeological complexes to visit.
• City Tour of Lima.
• Cusco City Tour and surrounding ruins.
• Tour of the Sacred Valley with buffet lunch.
• Train tickets Ollanta – Aguas Calientes – Ollanta in Vistadome Class.
• Round-trip bus ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• 24-hour assistance in Spanish and English.

Not Included:

• Domestic or international air tickets US$31.00 tax for all international air departures.
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip’s scheduled dates.
• Meals not mentioned in the program.
• Entrance tickets to Huchuy Picchu or Huayna Picchu mountains.
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.
• Travel insurance.
• Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

Escorted Peru Tours Packing List:

After spending a lot of time travelling around Escorted Peru Tours we have come up with our definitive list of what to pack for a trip to Peru.

• Original Passport.
• Worn in hiking boots or walking shoes.
• Light weight rain poncho.
• Down or thermal jacket and fleece.
• Sun protection; sunscreen and providing hat.
• Layerable clothing: t- shirts, heavy shirts and jackets, thermals, hiking pants, shorts.
• Toiletries pack with toilet paper, tissues and a lightweight towell.
• Day pack.
• Reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste.
• Personal first aid kit with prescriptions, pain relievers, antihistamine & stomach aids.
• Spare prescription glasses, contacts & lens solution plus a copy of prescription.
• Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
• Warm hat, scarf & gloves.
• Extra zip lock bags of various sizes always come in handy.
• Insect repellent.
• Camera with extra batteries and SD cards.
• Combination locks to protect luggage, useful while traveling & in hotel rooms.
• Valid passport with at least six months remaining.
• Photocopies of important documents like passport, tickets and prescriptions.
• Travel insurance.
• Blood donor/type card.

Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):

• Machu Picchu Mountain climbing:  USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
• Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).

Train Upgrades:

• Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Booking:

1. Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
2. You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
3. You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
4. The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.

Cancellations:

1. Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:

ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.

Inca Trail Tours:

1. Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
2. In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
3. Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

Medical Information:

1. You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
2. You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
3. Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
4. Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
5. It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.

Tours and Treks:

1. All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee.
   You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
2. All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
3. If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
4. Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
5. Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
6. Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
7. Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
8. All tours are done in English.

Delays:

1. Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.

Thank you so much for choosing Cusco Journeys!!!