Journeys: Explore Machu Picchu image
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Operated by G Adventures

Journeys: Explore Machu Picchu

From
CAD 2,942
Duration
8 days
Countries
Peru
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Delve into the historical mysteries and cultural treasures of Peru on this compact adventure. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu and historic Cusco—alongside knowledgeable local guides. Travel across the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions that continue to endure in the misty valleys.

At a glance

Duration
8 days
Route
Lima → Lima
Countries
Peru
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Food & Drink, Rail Journeys
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Journeys: Explore Machu Picchu image

Day by day

Overlooking a small village in a Peruvian valley with a cloudy sky backdrop.
Your journey through

Peru

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalGet ready for a very busy tour exploring the best of Peru in a week. We recommend booking a pre-night in Lima (in particular if your flight arrives into Lima in the evening) to recover from international flights and rest up before the excitement.
Get ready for a very busy tour exploring the best of Peru in a week. We recommend booking a pre-night in Lima (in particular if your flight arrives into Lima in the evening) to recover from international flights and rest up before the excitement.
Day 2Board an early flight to Cusco
Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we’ll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared by chefs in this region for a millennium.
Day 3Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit…
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the G Adventures–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the G Adventures–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Day 4Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station…Machu Picchu
Stunning aerial view of the historic Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains, showcasing its ancient architecture and lush surroundings.Machu Picchu
Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 5This morningMachu Picchu
Explore the ancient stone ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush mountain backdrop.Machu Picchu
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
Map showing Machu Picchu
Day 6Spend the day exploring charming Cusco
Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city’s museums and ornate churches. This evening, we’ll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Day 7Fly back to Lima
A vibrant street parade featuring a brass band in brown jackets marching through a city street.Lima
Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city’s oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.
Map showing Lima
Day 8Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Peru

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Breathtaking view of snow-capped Andes mountains under blue skies in Cusco, Peru.
Captivating and rugged mountain landscape under bright daylight, showcasing natural beauty.
A breathtaking aerial view of the sunset over mountains and valleys in Cusco, Peru.
Explore the breathtaking Andes mountains in Cusco, Peru with dramatic skies and rugged terrain.
Stunning mountain landscape in Pajchanta, Peru, showcasing rolling hills and clouds.

Upcoming departures

10% off The Americas · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
14 Jun 202621 Jun 2026CAD 3,579unknownBook my trip
20 Jun 202627 Jun 2026CAD 3,579unknownBook my trip
27 Jun 20264 Jul 2026CAD 3,579unknownBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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