Compare Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Peru with Machu Picchu 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Flight

Board your flight, and arrive in Lima late tonight. After you get through customs, your Tour Director will be there to take you to the hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima

Today, a local guide will lead you on a tour of both the modern and colonial quarters of Lima. Lima was once the center of “the New World,” and is now a bustling metropolis. The city is home to many of South America’s best museums, swankiest shops and tastiest restaurants. You’ll see the city’s cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Church of San Francisco, which houses a museum of religious art and some creepy 16th-century catacombs.

Welcome Mixer

Get to know your fellow travelers over a drink or two.

Day 3: Travel to Cuzco

Wake up and head to Lima’s airport for a flight to Cuzco, the center of Incan culture and a beautiful Spanish colonial city. The entire city is located about 11,200 feet above sea level, and boasts some amazing local food and shopping. This afternoon, check in at your hotel and do some exploring on your own.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco

On today’s guided sightseeing tour, you’ll stop by the old Spanish cathedral, La Merced Church, and the extravagant Koricancha Temple, which was once fully covered in gold and serves as a testament to the wealth and power of the Incas. Later, venture off to three separate Incan archaeological sites, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the location of a historic battle that forever changed Peruvian life. The Spanish defeated the Incas here in 1536.

Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas

A local guide leads you on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled between Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes Mountains. The valley is rich in ruins and traditional, native villages and is in some ways even more historically important than Machu Picchu. You’ll see the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo, and visit several local market towns, including Pisac in addition to exploring the longest man-made, pre-Columbian canal ever built.

After your tour, you'll head to your accommodation in Ollantaytambo, home to massive Inca ruins, and a common starting point for travelers to Macchu Pichu.

Day 6: Experience Machu Picchu

Today, take a train ride through the lush valleys that lead to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” You will be staying the night at the foot of the mountain in the town of Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu is completely hidden from the valley floor and is truly one of the world’s most incredible sights. Cross a big one off your bucket list. Explore the perfect stonework of the Temple of the Sun, the fountains of the Royal Sector, and the views from the Temple of the Three Windows.

Day 7

Excursion:

Sunrise Return to Machu Picchu Extra Cost

If you didn't get enough Machu Picchu yesterday (we don't blame you), you'll have a chance to go back today. Get up bright and early to beat the crowds, and enjoy the quiet, unobstructed beauty of the ruins.

Travel to Cuzco

This afternoon, take a train ride back to Cuzco.

Day 8: Free Day

Spend a free day in Cuzco exploring on your own.

Farewell Dinner

Say your goodbyes over one last dinner with your group.

Day 9: Travel to Lima and Fly Home

Head back to Lima for the afternoon, then board your flight home.

Day 10 (Travel Day)

Arrive Home

Arrive home in the late morning or afternoon from your overnight flight. 

Day 1: Welcome to Lima

Arrive in Lima for the first day of your journey. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the hotel bar for a welcome dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Explore Lima Relaxed Start

Explore the colourful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Monastery and its underground cemetery. One for those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country's religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Lima to Sacred Valley

Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.

Day 4: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start

Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you'll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu

Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.

Day 6: Machu Picchu at Leisure

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 7: On to Cusco

After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Korikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.

Day 8: Exploring Cusco

Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman, a citadel built in the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco. Afterward, choose to join a local expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively you can explore the artisan bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. After lunch at Pachapapa, visit San Blas Church and the surrounding streets, before making your way to San Pedro Market, where you will find local produce. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium, for a private, after-hours tour. Learn about astronomy, cosmology, and its influence on Andean culture. While here, try some local delicacies paired with hot wine.

Day 9: Leisure time in Cusco Relaxed Start

Choose between an optional visit to Rainbow Mountain, the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about the chocolate making process, or perhaps relax and simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel? Set in a beautiful 16th century building, make the most of this boutique hotel’s signature spa and Andean-inspired healing treatments, massages, facials and custom spa packages. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you will toast to your adventures and end of your trip.

Day 10: Depart Cusco

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Take a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.