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Explore Machu Picchu

Classic Peru Group Tour

Small Group Departure - Example 7 Day Tour
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Join like-minded travelers and discover iconic Machu Picchu on this easy-paced 7-day tour. Visit the important Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and spend two days exploring the Lost City of Machu Picchu. Along the way, explore the witches' market in Cusco, bargain over tapestries in Pisac, and walk off the beaten path in the rural Andes. This classic trip (our most popular in Peru) is perfect for anyone looking to share their sense of curiosity and adventure with others.

**NOTE: This is a joinable small group tour on set departure dates. For all departures, visit the Machu Picchu by Train itinerary page.**
How often have we seen this photo?  Why not take it yourself!Group Tour at SacsayhuamanGroup Tour  - Cusco Walking TourUs, and a Peruvian native with his llamas near Pisac, PeruThere are many opportunities for group pictures as you hike the Inca Trail on your Peru tripOur Inca Trail group and invaluable porters in PeruThe most touristy shot of the bunch, but how could we resist this sweet woman and her llama?The Cathedral of CuscoAnother jaw-dropping view in the Sacred Valley.Marco, our guide with Wayna Picchu in backgroundgorgeous view of Macchu PicchuThe terraces at Pisac.  You can see the graineries at the top.  Moray GreenhouseVisit the awesome ruins of Sacsayhuaman during your Peru travelsExploring the Inca Trail during a Peru tripAbove Machu PicchuThe parade in Cusco Pisac marketAt the MarketPisac vendorsAt the Pisac MarketGuide Ayul explains how to get the different colorsPlaza de Armas in QuitoLocal Peruvians dressed in traditional clothingThe Cathedral in CuscoPlaza de ArmasOverlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco - double rainbow Visit the Plaza de Armas in Cusco on your Peru tourCusco town squareExploring and touring the ruins of Peru's Machu PicchuBeth enjoying the fantastic Inca ruins at SacsayhuamanExplore Machu Picchu
Highlights
  • Explore Machu Picchu's intriguing and iconic mountaintop ruins.
  • Take a scenic train ride through the breathtaking Andean landscape.
  • Explore Cusco's colonial churches, markets, & ruins.
  • Tour the ruins and town of Ollantaytambo.
  • Visit a local textile market that hosts indigenous artists from around Peru.
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive to Lima on the flight of your choice today. After picking up your luggage and clearing customs, walk across the street to the comfortable and conveniently located Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel. Settle into your room and rest up for your Peru tour ahead.

Day 2: Fly Cusco | Afternoon Walking Tour

Walk across the street to the airport in Lima for your domestic flight to Cusco. 

Andean history comes alive in Cusco. Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas fill the streets and markets, colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors, and campesinos (Peru's rural farmers) in colorful dress move busily back and forth across the plazas.

You will be picked up at the Cusco airport and taken to your hotel to drop off your luggage and rest. In the afternoon, you'll begin to explore Cusco on a guided walking tour of the city. The sites visited today are flexible, as your guide sets the pace and agenda according to your interests and your ongoing adjustment to the altitude.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

This morning, journey into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru. The Sacred Valley often becomes one of the highlights of your trip and you will soon see why! The day is flexible based on your interests, market days, and the weather. You'll test your bargaining skills with the locals while visiting one of the great textile markets in the area. You may also hike to the inspiring ruins of Pisac or take a short walk through the countryside to the seldom-visited town of Maras, where pre-Columbian salt mines still operate today. Visit the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray, thought to have been a nursery to experiment with and modify different varieties of crops. Eventually, you make your way to the living Inca city of Ollantaytambo and overnight.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo Ruins | Train to Machu Picchu

In the morning, visit the under-rated ruins of Ollantaytambo before the larger groups of tourists arrive. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo served as a royal estate and later a refuge after the Spanish conquered Cusco. The ruins feature expansive terraces, giant building blocks and well-preserved architecture.  Even the town itself is still laid out as it was during the Inca empire, allowing its visitors to glimpse the history which still exists within its boundaries.

Board the Vistadome train late this morning and follow the Urubamba River as it tumbles its way towards the Amazon and the sacred city of Machu Picchu, Peru. After checking into your hotel and enjoying lunch in Aguas Calientes, take the short bus ride up to the gates of Machu Picchu and begin exploring this amazing site - the former retreat of Inca kings. After walking amongst the massive complex of ruins and learning about its fascinating history, you'll return to the village of Aguas Calientes (located at the base of Machu Picchu). Enjoy one of many excellent local restaurants after exploring one of the most magical archaeological sites in the world.

Day 5: Free Day at Machu Picchu | Return to Cusco

Today you will return to the ruins of Machu Picchu for further exploration. Return early with the hope of catching the sun coming up over the mountains at Machu Picchu. Depending on your preference in permits, arrive in time to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for incredible views of the entire area or choose to simply walk amongst the vast expanse of ruins and listen to the spirits of the city's past inhabitants with your guide. (The basic re-entry permit is included in the cost of this tour. Hiking permits require additional costs and should be reserved at the time of booking your tour due to limited availability.)

After your final exploration of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes to catch an afternoon train toward Cusco.  Settle into your hotel or head out on a famous Cusco culinary adventure.

Day 6: Explore Cusco

Today is free to explore with your guide. You can visit the churches and surrounding ruins, such as the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins that overlook Cusco (these ruins showcase building blocks the size of pickup trucks). You can also wander through the bustling Plaza de Armas in the heart of Cusco, shop for love potions in the local markets, or people watch from the cafes and restaurants that line these lovely streets. For those bursting with energy, horseback riding, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged in advance.

The evening is yours to take in some of Cusco's varied and exciting nightlife where live folk music and excellent food abounds! Enjoy the last night of your Peru vacation.

Day 7: Fly Lima | Return home

  • 1 Breakfast
Depart on the recommended flight to Lima and use the included group airport transfer. Or with more time, extend your trip with a visit to the Amazon or to Lake Titicaca. Click here to see our Peru extensions!

Accommodations

Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) - Hotels

Lima - Hotels

Cusco - Hotels

Sacred Valley - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,334

Notes

Select a Date
**This is a joinable small group tour on set departure dates. For all departures, visit the Machu Picchu by Train itinerary page.**
Please inquire for 2023 departures and pricing.
Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 1 Box Lunch
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Round Trip Vistadome train
  • Maras Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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