Peru with Machu Picchu
Inca Ruins, Machu Picchu
10 Days | 4 Cities | Lima to Cusco, Peru | Small Group Tour
High-altitude Incan cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, and vibrant markets make Peru a true bucket-list destination. It is a place where ancient world wonders and rich living traditions instantly captivate you. There is simply no better way to experience its breathtaking history than on a premium small-group journey.
This 10-day Insight Vacations expedition plunges you straight into the land of the Incas, focusing heavily on the stories and people that shape the Andes. You will spend your days doing things most tourists miss, like mapping the night sky at a private planetarium session in Cusco, watching master Quechua weavers bring centuries-old patterns to life, and winding through the mountains on the panoramic IncaRail train. It is an itinerary designed to get you off the standard tourist trail and into the real spirit of Peru, culminating in an unforgettable, expert-guided exploration of Machu Picchu itself.
Piuray Outdoor Centre, Chinchero, Cuzco
What Your Journey Looks Like
Support Quechua Weavers in Sacred Valley Meet a traditional local weaver in the Sacred Valley for a private presentation to see how these ancient textile techniques and vibrant cultural patterns are kept alive
Private, After-Hours Visit and Tour of Planetarium in Cusco Enjoy a private, after-hours visit to a Cusco planetarium, complete with hot wine and appetisers, to learn how ancient Andean cultures mapped the night sky
Ride the Machu Picchu IncaRail Train Journey through the heart of the rugged Andes Mountains in style, taking in dramatic, panoramic views of the lush peaks and rushing Urubamba River
llantaytambo Ruins Visit Tour the massive 15th-century fortress, stepped terraces, and ceremonial Princess Baths, then step inside a village home to meet a local family and see what daily life is like in the valley
Your Itinerary
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Touch down in Peru's vibrant capital and kick off your journey with a premium welcome dinner.
Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, where you will be met and smoothly transferred to your luxury boutique hotel in the historic, stylish city center. Take some time to unpack, shake off any jet lag, and unwind in your upscale surroundings. In the evening, gather at 18:00 to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a celebratory welcome dinner complete with drinks to toast to the incredible 10 days ahead.
Private Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Check-in at the Elegant, Art-Deco MGallery Manto Hotel
Evening Welcome Briefing with Your Travel Director
Welcome Dinner and Drinks with Your Small Group
Included Meals Dinner
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Immerse yourself in colonial majesty and uncover thousands of years of pre-Columbian history.
Spend your morning exploring the historic heart of Peru's capital with an expert guide. Take in the grand Spanish-colonial architecture of the Plaza Mayor, including the Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace. Gain exclusive access to Casa Aliaga, a stunning 16th-century mansion continuously inhabited by the same family for 17 generations. Afterward, head to the Pueblo Libre District to dine on regional Peruvian delicacies at the beautiful garden café of the Museo Larco. Conclude your day with a guided tour of the museum’s world-renowned private collection, showcasing 5,000 years of ancient artifacts, intricate gold and silver work, and pre-Columbian art.
Guided City Tour of Lima's UNESCO-Listed Colonial Center
Exclusive Interior Visit to the Historic Casa Aliaga Mansion
Traditional Peruvian Lunch at the Bougainvillea-Draped Café del Museo Larco
Curator-Style Guided Tour of South America's Premier Pre-Columbian Art Collection
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
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Fly over the Andes into the historic heartland of the Incas and adjust to the beautiful high altitude.
Transfer to the airport this morning for a scenic flight over the snow-capped Andes to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, bypass the highest elevations and descend straight into the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Take in sweeping mountain views during a scenic drive, pausing at majestic viewpoints for photos before sitting down to lunch at Altar Inca. Afterward, check into your tranquil wellness resort in Urubamba for a completely relaxed evening at leisure, perfect for acclimating to the mountain air.
Morning Domestic Flight from Lima to Cusco
Scenic Andean Drive Descending into the Dramatic Sacred Valley
Panoramic Lunch with Mountain Views at Altar Inca
Free Evening to Rest and Acclimate at Your Luxury Sacred Valley Resort
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
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Discover Incan agricultural ingenuity, meet local artisans, and feast on a traditional Andean banquet.
Start your day at the ancient Maras salt pans and the circular stone terraces of Moray, which served as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Next, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a Quechua weaver to learn about the cultural importance of traditional textiles. For lunch, head to Laguna Piuray to experience a Pachamanca—a spectacular multi-course feast cooked in an underground earth oven. This evening, explore the beautiful grounds and private museum of Hacienda Huayoccari before sitting down for a special Peruvian dinner.
Visit the Ancient Maras Salt Pans and Moray Terraces
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience: Quechua Weaving Demonstration
Authentic Pachamanca Earth-Oven Lunch at Laguna Piuray
Private Tour and Dinner at Historic Hacienda Huayoccari
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Board the scenic mountain train and step through the clouds to explore the iconic Incan citadel.
Begin your morning exploring the imposing stone fortress of Ollantaytambo before visiting a local family in the village's original, historic cobblestone old town. Next, step aboard the IncaRail train to journey through the dramatic Urubamba River canyon to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, ascend to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu. Explore the breathtaking 15th-century ruins in a small group led by an expert guide, who will reveal the deep spiritual and archaeological mysteries of this world wonder. Cap off an unforgettable day with dinner and drinks back at your luxury hotel.
Guided Tour of the Ollantaytambo Fortress and Living Inca Village
Scenic Andean Rail Journey Along the Urubamba River Gorge
Small-Group Guided Exploration of Legendary Machu Picchu
Premium Evening Dinner and Drinks at the Sumaq Hotel
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
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Return to the breathtaking Incan citadel for a free morning before a relaxed evening in the cloud forest.
Wake up early for a second opportunity to experience the magic of Machu Picchu, exploring the ancient terraces and paths at your own pace with your Travel Director nearby for insights. Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering through the mountain town of Aguas Calientes or unwinding at your luxury hotel. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers to share stories and enjoy a delicious group dinner.
Morning Free Time to Revisit and Explore Machu Picchu at Your Own Pace
Open Afternoon to Explore the Markets of Aguas Calientes or Relax at Your Resort
Evening Group Dinner at the Sumaq Hotel
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
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Journey back to the vibrant, high-altitude capital of the Incas and explore its colonial and ancient treasures.
Board the train back to Ollantaytambo this morning, then transfer by road to the historic city of Cusco. Nestled high in the Andes, the former capital of the Inca Empire features an incredible blend of massive Incan stone foundations and grand Spanish colonial architecture. Set out on a walking tour with a local expert to visit the ornate Cusco Cathedral and the sacred Qorikancha, once the most important gold-lined temple in the entire Incan Empire. Enjoy a free evening to discover Cusco’s lively culinary scene at your own pace.
Scenic Return Rail Journey Through the Urubamba Valley
Guided Historic Walking Tour of Cusco's UNESCO-Listed Center
Interior Visit to Qorikancha, the Legendary Incan Temple of the Sun
Evening at Leisure to Dine in Cusco's Cosmopolitan Neighborhoods
Included Meals Breakfast
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Uncover towering Incan fortresses, choose your own city adventure, and stargaze at a private planetarium.
Begin the morning at Sacsayhuamán, a massive Incan citadel featuring jaw-dropping, interlocking stone boulders. Afterward, personalize your day with Insight Choice by embarking on a scenic guided hike through the red fortress ruins of Puca Pucara, or immersing your senses in the bustling stalls, local fruits, and artisanal crafts of San Pedro Market. Cap off the day with an exclusive, after-hours private tour at the Cusco Planetarium. Sip warm mulled wine and sample local treats while learning how ancient Incan astronomers read the southern night skies.
Guided Walking Tour of the Monolithic Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Insight Choice Guided Hike of Puca Pucara Ruins OR Cultural Walk of San Pedro Market
Included Regional Lunch in the Heart of Cusco
After-Hours Private Tour and Stargazing Experience at the Cusco Planetarium
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
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Enjoy a completely open day to explore Cusco's vibrant streets before gathering for a farewell dinner.
Spend your final full day in the Andes entirely at your own pace. You can use the free time to relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your 16th-century convent hotel, or head out to explore the city's cobblestone alleys. If you are looking for an adventure, you can opt for a high-altitude day hike to the vibrant slopes of Rainbow Mountain, or take a sweet detour to the local ChocoMuseo to learn about Peru's premium cacao bean production. In the evening, regroup with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner at the acclaimed Inka Grill.
Free Day to Relax, Shop for Andean Crafts, or Explore Cusco at Your Leisure
Optional High-Altitude Day Hike to the Striking Rainbow Mountain
Optional Artisan Chocolate Workshop and Tasting at the ChocoMuseo
Celebratory Group Farewell Dinner and Drinks at Inka Grill
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
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Bid farewell to the majestic Andes as your memorable Peruvian journey comes to an end.
Enjoy a final breakfast at your historic hotel before taking a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your onward flight home. Take with you the incredible memories of colonial Lima, the traditional weavers of the Sacred Valley, and the breathtaking, mist-shrouded peaks of Machu Picchu.
Private Departure Transfer from the Hotel to Cusco Airport
Included Meals Breakfast
Classic Group tours of no more than 40 guests are also available in only 2026 departures. A small group and classic group tour version that includes a 3-day post-extension to the Nazca Lines is also available.
Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress
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Handpicked 4 & 5-star hotels in great locations
Superior dining in top-rated restaurants
Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9 am
24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver**
Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
Local discovery led by Local Experts
Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included
Take advantage of the Early Booking offer and save 10% on selected small group tours when you book by 30 September 2026
From $7,051* per person, save $722
Terms & Conditions *From price is based on the departure date 17 April 2027. *Early Bird Offer Sale is only valid on new bookings made between 20 April and 30 September 2026; not valid on existing bookings. Deposit is due at time of booking to lock in savings; full payment is due 120 days before departure or at time of booking if within 120 days. Prices are per person, land or river cruise only, based on double occupancy, are subject to availability, and Insight Vacations reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Bookings made and confirmed before this offer is withdrawn or amended will be honoured at the price advised at the time of booking confirmation. Where reasonably practical, we will endeavour to provide advance notice of any withdrawal or material changes to this offer on our website. A minimum number of guests is required to operate departures. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible for paying the difference and adhering to different payment conditions; discounts are not transferrable.
Offer is combinable with 5% Global Tour Rewards loyalty discount available to eligible past guests only but cannot be combined with: any other promotional offer or discount code; Future Travel Credit carry-forward discounts or any other special offer, unless expressly stated otherwise. All bookings are subject to confirmation of availability following your booking request. International airfares are not included. Travel agent service & credit card fees may apply.
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1216 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.
