Explore Machu Picchu
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys
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.
Highlights
- Explore ancient ruins off the beaten path in the Sacred Valley with our expert guide
- Take in mountain views on the scenic train to Machu Picchu
- Enjoy traditional treats and foods
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $2,649* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
8 Days – Lima to Lima
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 3 – Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
- Your G for Good Moment: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Pisac
- Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
- Your Discover Moment: Cusco.
- Arrival transfer.
- Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Inca salt pans.
- Traditional pachamanca-style dinner.
- Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Lima
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Accommodation: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 2
Lima – Urubamba, Sacred Valley
Breakfast, Dinner
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 in a pachamanca, or underground stone oven.
Accommodation: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 3
Urubamba
Breakfast, Lunch
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 4
Urubamba – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast
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 set out to discover Machu Picchu on your own before our guided tour the following morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Taypikala Machupicchu (or similar)
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Taypikala Cusco (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 6
Cusco
Breakfast
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 7
Cusco – Lima
Breakfast
Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or choose to take a half-day guided tour of 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 8
Lima
Breakfast
Depart at any time.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Explore Machu Picchu” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.