Compare Peru and Machu Picchu Family Vacation by Adventures by Disney vs Majestic Peru by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel, Miraflores

Arrive at the Lima International Airport

Upon exiting customs, you will be met by an Adventures by Disney representative who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. Relax as the driver assists with your luggage and escorts you to the JW Marriott Miraflores.

JW Marriott Hotel Miraflores

Unwind while your Adventure Guides check you into your fine hotel in the Miraflores section of Lima. If your flight arrives early, take some time on your own to explore the diverse shops and restaurants in this vibrant neighborhood or enjoy the pool or spa* at the hotel. Ask your Adventure Guide for suggestions.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Fly To Cusco

After a short flight, arrive in Cusco (Elevation 11,200 feet or 3,413 meters above sea level). To begin your journey to the Sacred Valley (8,000 to 9,200 feet or 2,438 to 2,804 meters above sea level). A motor coach takes you to the Center for Traditional Textiles (12,500 feet or 3,810 meters above sea level) for a memorable experience and delicious private lunch of traditional Peruvian foods.

Center For Traditional Textiles

This important center preserves the age-old customs of local Andean communities. Master weavers demonstrate their intricate art, as well as how to spin and dye alpaca wool. You may purchase fine textiles woven in the distinct patterns of different villages at the center's friendly shop.

The Sol Y Luna Lodge & Spa

This peaceful hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful Andean mountains. Relax in your comfortable bungalow or enjoy some time on your own in the hotel's pool or fully equipped spa.* If you feel more energetic, the Sol y Luna offers horseback riding and biking,* which you may choose to do independently.

Welcome Dinner

In the evening, you and your fellow travelers celebrate the beginning of your adventure with a traditional Andean feast known as Pachamanca. Learn the history behind this event, then watch Teatro Sol y Luna perform the dances and stories of the Incas.

*Additional charges apply. Horseback riding and other activities have limited availability. They are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked directly with the hotel.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Raft Trip Down the Urubamba

Enjoy the view and hold onto your hat as you raft down the Urubamba River (Class I - Class II rapids). The experienced guides explain the fascinating cultural and natural history as you glide along this scenic route.

or rafting, you must be at least 7 years of age. Size restrictions apply.

Ollantaytambo Buffet Lunch at Casa Huacatay

Following a hearty buffet lunch explore this quaint town's narrow cobblestone streets and the amazing Inca ruins on the hill above. The hike up the ancient steps is taken at a leisurely pace, enabling you to observe the dramatic surroundings and impressive architecture while minimizing the possible fatigue due to the altitude. (Elevation is 9,160 feet or 2,791 meters above sea level.)

Junior Adventurer's Dinner

Later at the hotel, Junior Adventurers can enjoy their own special dinner and Disney Movie Night. Adults may join them for the movie after their own dinner at the hotel.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Moray

Start the day with a visit to the ruins of Moray and learn about its unique circular terraces and the history of agriculture in the region.

Salt Pans of Maras

Tour the fascinating salt pan terraces where local families have been mining salt for over 500 years. If you choose, you can view more of the salt pans by hiking with an Adventure Guide downhill on a dirt trail into the Sacred Valley.

Lunch at Sol y Luna

After a ride on the motor coach back to Sol y Luna Hotel, join fellow Adventurers for lunch at the hotel. Later, you may want to enjoy a stroll in the delightful gardens.

Taste Of Peru And Pizza Making

Begin the evening with a Pisco Sour tasting for adults and local fruit juices for Junior Adventurers. Afterwards, watch a demonstration of Peruvian cooking and taste some of the delicious local specialties. End the culinary evening by preparing your own pizza, rolling the dough, adding your favorite toppings and then eating your savory creation!

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sol y Luna Lodge and Spa

Train to Machu Picchu

Enjoy the memorable and scenic train journey to Aguas Calientes, where you board a coach to Machu Picchu—"the lost city of the Incas" and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World

Machu Picchu

As your motor coach climbs to the site of Machu Picchu, anticipate the extraordinary sight of these magnificent structures surrounded by green peaks glazed by a soft mist. (Elevation is 8,000 feet or 2,438 meters above sea level.) You may even see llamas peacefully grazing among the terraces. Spend the morning with a local expert exploring the fascinating ruins and stunning views on your own. Remember that this amazing hike is at a high altitude and requires climbing and descending steep, uneven stairs. Take time to sit and marvel at the wonders around you.

Lunch At Sanctuary Lodge

Join your fellow Adventurers for lunch at the eco-friendly Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located next to the ancient Incan site. After lunch, continue exploring the endless wonders of Machu Picchu.

Dinner At Sol Y Luna

After a train ride and motor coach back to Sol y Luna Hotel, enjoy a leisurely dinner and share tales from the day with your fellow Adventurers.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Pisac Market

On the way to Cusco, stop at lively Pisac Market where you can shop for local crafts, silver jewelry and alpaca sweaters. Practice your bartering skills or simply enjoy browsing at the colorful stalls.

Awana Kancha Camelids Center

In the Camelids Center (elevation 9,160 feet or 597.4 meters above sea level), get up close and personal with llamas, alpacas and even the rare and precious vicuña. See how the soft wool from these South American "camels" is used to make beautiful woven textiles

Lunch At A Local Peruvian Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a favorite neighborhood Peruvian restaurant.

Arrive At Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Built in the cradle of the Incan Empire, this hotel was once a palatial, 16th-century estate. It's surrounded by extraordinary historical sites that you'll soon encounter.

Explore Cusco On Foot

Discover historic Cusco with a local expert. (Elevation is 11,200 feet or 3,413 meters above sea level.) View the charming Spanish buildings and the amazing stone foundations of the original Inca city. Afterwards, stroll through the cobblestone streets of this colonial jewel and discover more treasures on your own. Again, pace yourself for the high altitude and occasional steep streets. The town is filled with wonderful places to rest.

Dinner On Your Own

Venture into beautiful Cusco for dinner on your own in this lively traveler's destination.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

The Stones of Sacsayhuaman

Just outside Cusco is the imposing Inca fortress Sacsayhuaman, where 200-ton stones were moved miles with no modern machinery. Wander through the ruins and take photos of the panoramic views. A local expert is there to explain the history and answer your questions. Afterward, you may choose to join an Adventure Guide for a downhill walk back to town.

Lunch on Your Own and Afternoon Activities

Spend your final afternoon on your own in Cusco discovering its many charms. Your Adventure Guides can suggest where you can enjoy a family lunch.

Dinner at Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel

Dine on delicious local and international cuisine in your hotel's historic colonial restaurant. Junior Adventurers have their own special menu.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Libertador Palacio Del Inka Hotel Cusco

Farewell Lunch

Following a short flight to Lima, enjoy a special farewell lunch with your fellow travelers at Casa Aliaga. This magnificent 16th-century colonial mansion is the longest continually inhabited family home in Peru. Pay attention, though, because the mansion is rumored to be haunted! Cap off your exciting week with a splendid meal and musical entertainment.

Afternoon in Lima

Following lunch, you check back into the JW Marriott Hotel located in the trendy Lima neighborhood of Miraflores. Spend a relaxing afternoon in Lima on your own. Your Adventure Guides will be happy to assist you should you choose to independently explore the sites of this coastal capital.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel, Miraflores

Breakfast At The Hotel

Enjoy a last breakfast in Peru with your fellow travelers.

Transfer To The Airport

Relax as your Adventure Guides handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the Lima airport.

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Kick off your adventure in the coastal capital of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head out on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps meet back up with the group for an optional dinner. Whether you dine with the group or sample the city's renowned food scene on your own, don't miss the chance to try Peru's national dish – ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, often served with hot peppers). If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other excellent options on offer – ask your leader for tips on the best local eats.

Day 2 Paracas

Today, start with a guided walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets flanked with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish colonial churches, taking in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the central market. Your leader will guide you through the market, where you'll find vendors selling a variety of fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda. This pedestrian strip is where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to beautiful Paracas.

Day 3 Nazca

Today, take a 2-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to abundant wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. After some awesome wildlife viewing, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping off at the oasis town of Huacachina to grab some lunch. Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to the dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with clear snapshots of the highly developed, pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower, or maybe take an optional flight over the lines for even better views! Leave Nazca at sunset, then drive south to a local’s traditional mud house in the middle of the desert. Among paintings of local flora, you’ll have a homemade pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, pacha means earth and manka means pot) – a traditional Peruvian dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Eat with your hosts after a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama (with chicha, otherwise known as corn beer).

Day 4 Arequipa

Leave Nazca behind this morning and travel to Arequipa by private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and boasting beautiful baroque buildings, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander and stretch your legs after a long driving day.

Day 5 Arequipa

Get to know this beautiful city with the help of a local guide. Visit the main plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and San Ignacio Chapel on a walking tour. After, head for lunch with your group at a picanteria for some classic Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Practice your Spanish with the locals and then you're free to explore Arequipa at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the suburb of Yanahuara. You may also like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’, the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. Ask your tour leader for other tips on how to make the most of your free afternoon.

Day 6 Puno

This morning you’ll travel by minivan to Puno – a town located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the dramatic views of Peru’s highlands, the Altiplano, make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to pay a visit to the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a beautiful peninsula near Lake Umaya, the pre-Inca ruins comprise circular towers called chullpas that served as burial sites for noblemen. Continue to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indigenous culture. Traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here, earning the town the title of Folklore Capital of Peru.

Day 7 Puno / Lake Titicaca

Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. It is 3820 m above sea level and holds the title of the highest navigable lake in the world. While cruising across its waters, hop in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made entirely from layers of totora reeds. As you'll find out, the islands are constantly under construction – as the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added. Reeds are used for making everything on the island, including the boats used to travel to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make their livelihood out of textiles. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there is a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch consisting of a local staple, quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea). After a brief stay, a descent of about 500 steps brings you back to the boat, which will take you back to Puno.

Day 8 Cusco

Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco. You’ll be travelling by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before your journey. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and colonial buildings are built upon foundations that remain from Inca times. Set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight, ask your leader for great restaurant recommendations for dinner.

Day 9 Cusco

Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with your included boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, and Pisac. The most easily accessible among these sites is Qoricancha, which was once the Incan empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.

Day 10 Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo

Today, you’ll hop on a bus and drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced valley walls and the sacred river beneath. Just outside Cusco, stop off for a guided tour of the Inca fortress, Sacsayhuaman. Overlooking the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. You’ll then head to the AMA restaurant in Urubamba for coffee and homemade cakes – this café provides job opportunities and childcare solutions to single mothers and decadent treats to visitors. Travel further into the Sacred Valley to visit the Huilloq community, where tourists are an uncommon sight. Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and learn about the community’s ancestral textile techniques. Sit down for a pachamanca lunch and then drive onwards to the day’s final destination – Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll take a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, including remnants of an Inca city and soaring views over the present-day settlement.

Day 11 Aguas Calientes

This morning, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley, climbing to Aguas Calientes – this seriously scenic journey will surely give your camera a good workout. If you’d like to give your legs a workout too, your leader can recommend some beautiful walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your peaceful surroundings. One Day Inca Trail If you're the active type, you can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles). Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. If you choose this option, the day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. With a local guide leading the way, the trail will lead uphill and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites. See Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude), also known as 'Forever Young'. This impressive complex is considered by many to be the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail and is made up of a terraced agricultural centre, religious sector and urban sector. From here, it's about a 1.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where (weather permitting) you'll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu. Depending on how long the trek takes, you'll have time to snap some pics and look around before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll re-join the group and spend the night at a hotel.

Day 12 Machu Picchu - Cusco

Take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the awe-inspiring ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After your tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and finally a drive to Cusco, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 13 Cusco

Enjoy free time to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You may like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed last time you were here or simply grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those still seeking an active adventure, the hills that surround Cusco are well-suited for some mountain biking. Ask your tour leader for advice on optional activities and how to make the most of your free day.

Day 14 Lima

Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima. You will be unescorted on your flight today. When you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. When you arrive in Lima, the day is free to spend how you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip, or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your tour leader will be happy to offer tips on how to make the most of your last day.

Day 15 Lima

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, just get in touch with your booking agent.