Spend 11-days on this Peru tour exploring the countries unique landscapes and sights. Lima’s people welcome you with warm smiles and friendly greetings during this comprehensive trip. Visit the lush valleys of Machu Picchu and learn the ancient Inca culture in Cuzco.  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Fly overnight to Peru.

Day 2 - Lima

Arrive this morning in Lima. A Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, an expert local guide leads you on an extensive tour through the two facets of Lima, ancient and new. With over 9 million inhabitants, Lima is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Center but also a bustling modern metropolis. You’ll see the city’s Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas and the Church of San Francisco, which houses catacombs dating back to the 16th century. Tonight, enjoy our included Welcome Dinner in Lima. (B, D)

Day 3 - Lima

Today is free to explore Lima at your leisure. You may want to visit one of Lima’s several museums, such as the Museo de Arte, with its ample collection of pre-Columbian artifacts discovered in nearby Incan ruins. Or you might shop for unique souvenirs at the Polvos Azules city market. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Nazca Lines. There, you’ll fly over one of civilization’s most enduring enigmas—huge geometric designs visible only from the air. This evening, enjoy an optional Ceviche Dinner—Lima's traditional seafood dish. (B)

$59 USD

Ceviche Dinner Captivate your senses with a visit to a cevicheria to taste Peru's favorite dish.

$385 USD

Nazca Lines Today, take flight over one of the world’s greatest remaining mysteries, the Nazca Lines. You’ll take a plane tour of the region, learning about the many theories behind the Lines’ origin—from local Nazca tribes to extraterrestrials. Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 4 - Cuzco

Enjoy a quick flight to Cuzco, center of the ancient Inca culture and South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Take the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy Cuzco’s excellent shopping and night life. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)

Day 5 - Cuzco

Cuzco is a brilliant example of a living museum. This magnificent capital of ancient Peru was—and still is—the base for accessing the surrounding religious sites. The city still contains walls and roads originally built by the Incas. As you walk the streets on this morning’s fully guided sightseeing tour, notice how old Inca markings and ruins blend in with trendy new cafés and restaurants. You’ll see the magnificent 16th-century cathedral and, just east of the city center, the breathtaking Korikancha Temple, a testament to the wealth and power of the Incas that was once fully covered in gold. After lunch, venture off to four separate Inca archaeological sites, including Sacsayhuaman, where an old fortress holds clues to the Spanish victory over the Incas in 1536. Some of the interlocking stones preserved in these ruins weigh as much as 360 tons. (B)

Day 6 - Machu Picchu

Approaching Machu Picchu is a journey you’ll never forget. Today, you’ll take a train up Picchu mountain and through the lush valleys that lead to the evocative “Lost City of the Incas.” Surrounded by emerald green mountains and bathed in an almost constant stream of sunlight, there is nothing in South America—and perhaps in the world—quite like the sight of Machu Picchu. This famed “Lost City of the Incas” is said to have been excavated by Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century, but whose origins remain one of the world’s greatest mysteries. On a full-day excursion to the massive ruins, walk the same steps up the Temples of the Moon and the Sun as the Incas once did. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Cuzco

Spend a free morning in Machu Picchu valley and enjoy an included lunch. Then return to Cuzco via train. (B, L)

Day 8 - Cuzco

A local guide leads a full-day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled below and between Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes Mountains. In some ways even more historically important than Machu Picchu, the valley illustrates the Incas’ technological expertise. You’ll see the famous ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo and visit several local market towns. Also featured is the longest man-made pre-Columbian canal ever built. Lunch is included today. This evening, you might enjoy an optional Peruvian Folk Show and Dinner, featuring native dances and local specialties. (B, L)

$39 USD

Peruvian Folk Show & Dinner The vibrancy of Peru’s diverse cultures comes alive this evening as you experience a native folk show, showcasing the region’s love of folk music and dance. Then taste local dishes during an included buffet dinner.

Day 9 - Cuzco

With a free day in Cuzco, you might choose to head to the Archaeological Museum with thousands of artifacts from nearby ruins. (B)

Day 10 - Lima

Fly to Lima this morning. After an included lunch, view worldwide icons of pre-Colombian art at the Larco Herrera Museum, where you will see the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru as well as the famous erotic archaeological collection. Also, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can enter the storage area and view the museum's 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Then join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner in Peru. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Lima

Board your flight home. (B in flight)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to travel on this tour, but no visa is necessary.

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please contact the consulate for current entry requirements.

Health

It is strongly advised that you drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages while traveling in Peru; avoid tap water. It is also advisable to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables except those that can be peeled.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Transportation on Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu is conducted by private motorcoach and train. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for some more walking through elaborate monuments and museums, with steps.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting layers with lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A lightweight jacket and emergency rainwear is advised. Most Peruvians do not wear shorts except on the beach.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter promotion code JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

Currency is the nuevo sol. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

As a rule of thumb, tip waiters 10% and an additional 5% or some extra coins for good service. There is no need to tip taxi drivers. It is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a token of appreciation at the tour's end. We recommend $2 per person per day for the driver and $3-5 per person per day for your Tour Director.