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A Week in Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu

Duration: 8 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 24

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See how ancient history and the modern day mix in vibrant Peru.

Make your way from lively Lima, Peru’s capital city, to colonial Cuzco and the center of the ancient Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. As you travel, uncover how Peru’s indigenous roots, Spanish influences, and pre-Columbian history blend to give the country its captivating character.

Your tour package includes

6 nights in handpicked hotels
6 breakfasts
3 lunches
3 dinners with beer or wine
5 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Huaca Huallamarca
Lima’s Plaza Mayor
Sacsayhuaman
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Lima1 night

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Welcome to Peru! Transfer to your hotel in Lima and get settled in.

Cuzco2 nights

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima & transfer to Cuzco

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

This morning, follow a local guide on a sightseeing tour highlighting Lima’s modern and UNESCO-recognized colonial quarters.

• Visit the Miraflores district and Parque del Amor

• Stop in the San Isidro district to visit Huaca Huallamarca temple and its museum

• View Plaza Mayor and the Municipal Palace in Lima’s historic center

• Enter the Cathedral of Lima and descend into the catacombs below the Church of San Francisco

Get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at this afternoon’s welcome lunch, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Set out on a sightseeing tour of Cuzco, the UNESCO-recognized ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

Stroll through ruins at Kenko, the “red fortress” of Puca Pucara, and Sacsayhuaman, which was once completely covered in gold
View the towering Cristo Blanco statue, a thank-you gift from the Palestinian refugees who took shelter in the city during World War II
Stop at the colonial-era Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral
Walk through the city center and step inside Convent of Santo Domingo, built by the Spaniards where the Inca temple of Koricancha stood

This evening, sit down for a dinner featuring local Peruvian cuisine as you watch a traditional folklore show.

Machu Picchu Region1 night

Day 4: Aguas Calientes via the Sacred Valley

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. First, make a stop in the Sacred Valley to take in the sights.

Peruse the colorful stalls of the open-air Pisac Market, where you’ll find local fare and traditional crafts on display
Continue to the ancient Ollantaytambo ruins to explore still-standing Inca homes and fortress stone walls with a guide
Board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, soaking in views of the Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley2 nights

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Machu Picchu

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Uncover the UNESCO-protected city of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the entire South American continent.

Tour the ruins of the ceremonial center, cultivation terraces, and guard house
Visit Funeral Rock, the Main Temple, Temple of the Three Windows, Chamber of Ornaments, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana stone
Travel through the Sacred Valley on a scenic train ride to Urubamba, where you will spend the night

Day 6: Free day in the Sacred Valley

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in the Sacred Valley or add an excursion.

Incan Traditions: Moray, Maras & Chinchero Village

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 7: Departure

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Transfer to the airport in Cuzco, where you’ll board your flight to Lima.

In Lima tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner. Then, return to your dayroom to relax before a late-night or early morning flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 8: Travel day

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Dreams do come true!

12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Kathy G.

I have always been interested in early Incan civilizations and have done much reading about Peru and Machu Picchu when I was in school. It has been on my bucket list to visit there many, many years. BUT, my dreams finally came true on this trip. Not only did I meet many new friends, some of whom...

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09/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Rimvida O.

Our guide Victor H. was amazing! Peru is amazing country. I wish Go Ahead listened to my request and got non stop tickets to fly.

Amazing!!!

09/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Dakota B.

I have been on several tours with EF and GoAhead, and this by far was one of my favorites! Everything was great! The sites, the food, and our Tour Director! Everything was spot on! Thanks to GoAhead for helping me knock off another Bucket List item with this awesome tour!

Peruvian Bliss

07/15/2019 by 3rd time traveler Cara P.

If you haven't traveled to Peru, you must!!! The people are so friendly and inspiring. We left Peru with such a deep appreciation for their culture and history. Peru's capital and gateway to Machu Picchu, Cuzco, is rich in tradition and archaeological treasures. From the spectacular cathedrals to th...

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Amazing

07/08/2019 by 3rd time traveler Lucille L.

We had a great time visiting Peru. The food was amazing. Our guide Saul was great. He was organized, friendly, always a step ahead and he took such great care of us. Our group felt like a family. I would definitely recommend visiting Peru. It was beyond our expectations.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hotel Jose Antonio Lima

This contemporary hotel is located in Miraflores. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a business center. Nearby, you'll find Miraflores Central P...

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Hotel Jose Antonio Cuzco

El MaPi by Inkaterra

This contemporary hotel is located in Aguas Calientes. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a bar, and laundry service. Nearby, you'll find Machu Picchu, Phuyupatamarc...

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Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay

This colonial hotel is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley near the town of Urubamba. Guests enjoy a foreign currency exchange, a business cente...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Cuzco, Peru

Weather averages

Today
High 57°F Low 46°F

Lima, Peru

Weather averages

Today
High 75°F Low 71°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Peru, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
Upon arrival in Peru, you will receive an Andean Immigration card, which you will need to present when visiting Machu Picchu.In order to secure your entrance to Machu Picchu, travelers are required to confirm their full passport details with Go Ahead Tours no later than 45 days prior to your departure date.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter Peru.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including rocky ground and unpaved or slippery trails, at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive and depart from Lima.A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
PeruRail transit and one round-trip flight between Lima and Cuzco are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
You will need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on bag) for your stay in Machu Picchu, as most baggage will need to be transferred separately or stored for you. The overnight bag must be smaller than 62 inches total (length + width + height).
When visiting Machu Picchu, there are restrictions in place for backpacks, food, umbrellas, and camera tripods.

Clothing & packing tips

Peru’s diverse geography means temperature and climate vary widely across the country. A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear can help you stay comfortable in all types of weather.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
Binoculars will let you get a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
Insect repellent is recommended for outdoor activities.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Peru.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 12,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure, as the sun can be more intense at higher altitudes.
We recommend drinking bottled water and refraining from drinking tap water, even while brushing teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables, unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Peruvian cuisine reflects both the country’s indigenous cultures as well as European colonial and Pacific Rim influences. Staples include grains, like quinoa, maize, and rice, as well beans, potatoes, and meat. Ceviche, traditionally raw sea bass marinated with lime and chilies, is a national dish. Adventurous eaters may want to try cuy, or roasted guinea pig, that’s cooked over an open fire. You can also raise a toast with Peru’s famous pisco, the delicious (and sour) white-grape brandy.

Electricity & air conditioning

Peru operates on 220 volts and uses Types A or C plugs with two flat pins or two round pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Peruvian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Peru falls on the same time as Eastern Standard Time (EST) but does not observe daylight saving time, so is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.
During daylight saving time, when it’s noon in New York, it’s 11am in Lima.

Currency

You will use the Peruvian sol in Peru.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates and prices.

Dates & prices

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20202021

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2020

A Week in Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu

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