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Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley & Cusco

Peru Cultural Walking Tour

7 DaysStarting at $6,925
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Overview

Machu Picchu is actually in a jungle. Travel by foot along the Inca Trail to the lost city, you approach from above. And the stupendous blocks of stone in its walls are so finely carved that you could barely slip a piece of paper between them. Believe us, Machu Picchu retains the ability to startle and inspire you no matter how many years you’ve thought about visiting. You will get the shivers the first time you see it. On this unforgettable journey, you’ll spend all or part of three days at Machu Picchu (unlike the brief in-and-out visits many tours make). Plus we give you leisurely exposure to the rest of the country as our walking tours to Peru immerse you into its conquistador-tinged history, indestructible Inca architecture and spectacular geography. We’re in the Andes, so there are inevitable up-and-down trails, but we also offer frequent, easier walking options. And our guide is a native Quechua who’ll make you as comfortable in Cusco as you’ll be among mountain villagers and llama herders.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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• Acclimate to Cusco’s mountain air in your five-star hotel, a historic 500-year-old mansion

• Enjoy an easy walk through the colonial town to the artists’ quarter

• Walk through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the mountaintop ruins of Pisac 

• Savor a traditional lunch at a gracious hacienda Discover the Sacred Valley as you walk to a remote Andean village 

• Learn about ancient ceramic and weaving techniques 

• Visit a remote village school and meet with the young students

• Choose how you get your first jaw-dropping views of the famed Machu Picchu: hike the most cinematic stretch of the Inca Trail or ride the first-class train following the curves of the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes

• Enjoy two leisurely days at Machu Picchu to see the site on your own as well as with your guide

• Take an orchid or birdwatching walk, admiring the local flora and fauna

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Cusco – 1:30 pm – Lobby of Palacio Del Inka

  • Ending Point:

    Cusco – 3:30 pm – Airport
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Cusco and the Sacred Valley villages, as well as well-maintained mountain, countryside and riverside trails, terraced farmland and shepherds’ paths of compressed dirt and stone. There is also the included option to hike a one-day section of the Inca Trail. Altitude will exaggerate the general elevation gain and loss on the walks.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Peru

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Set among 13 acres of tropical gardens with over 140 species of orchids, this hotel is proudly 100% carbon neutral. Immersed in nature, the spacious rooms are situated in unique hillside casitas and feature carved wood furniture and luxurious bathrooms.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

This contemporary hotel with colonial inspiration is located in the heart of Urubamba Valley. From the comfort of this luxurious Andean property, you can discover the history, nature and charm of the Sacred Valley.

Palacio Del Inka

A Luxury Collection Hotel, Palacio del Inka is a historic 500-year-old mansion in the heart of Cusco. Enjoy the historic charm, modern amenities, relaxing spa, and local artwork that is featured on the property.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Peru tours?
If you want to experience Peru’s heart—its food, history, and landscapes—Classic Journeys is your answer. You’ll walk hand-in-hand with expert guides, meet market vendors and artisans, dine in Lima’s top kitchens, and step onto ancient trails in the Sacred Valley and at Machu Picchu. Every detail is curated, and you enjoy genuine local connections only Classic Journeys can unlock.
What does the Classic Journeys Peru itinerary include?
Your Classic Journeys Peru walking adventure serves up hands-on food experiences in Lima, market strolls and explorations of ruins in the Sacred Valley, a discovery of the sweeping salt pans of Maras and the circular terraces of Moray. You’ll get a scenic ride on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes with the time to explore Machu Picchu with an expert local guide. With curated walks and immersive local encounters in Cusco, your guided tour of Machu Picchu becomes the highlight of a journey steeped in Peru’s flavors, traditions, and natural beauty.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Peru is a great destination to visit year-round. The dry season—April through October—is the perfect time for clear skies and comfortable exploring at Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. Expect sun by day, cool nights, and truly spectacular scenery. The green season, November to March, adds lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but can bring afternoon showers.
How strenuous are the walks and how is altitude managed on this Peru cultural walking tour?
Walks on your Classic Journeys Peru tour range from easy to moderate countryside and historical trails—adjusted for your comfort and the altitude. You’ll acclimatize gently, with extra days in the Sacred Valley before Cusco and Machu Picchu. Your expert local guides will keep a close eye on your well-being, pacing days and providing expert advice so every guest enjoys Peru’s heights, one step at a time.
How many travelers are in each group on the Peru & Machu Picchu tour?
Classic Journeys Peru groups are small and friendly—typically 10 to 12 guests. t’s the perfect size for walks, and exploring ruins with your expert local guide, and also getting you “only with Classic Journeys experiences” that larger groups don’t have access to.
Can I extend my Peru trip with Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Rainforest or extra nights in Cusco and the Sacred Valley?
Absolutely! You can extend your Classic Journeys Peru adventure with Lake Titicaca island explorations, Amazon rainforest eco-lodges, or extra days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. When reserving, be sure to tell our Travel Experience Team so they can help arrange it all and make your travel dreams come true.
What should I pack for Peru?
While you’ll be given a comprehensive list after booking, when traveling on tour to Peru, you’ll want to pack layers for cool mountain evenings and light clothes for sunny afternoons. You’ll also need sturdy shoes for Inca stone steps, and sun protection for every outing. A small daypack and a sense of adventure are always a good idea too.