Feel good about putting a tour on the calendar today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you'll get your money back.†
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 on this small group Adventure Tour, 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
1 tasting
Read more
Included highlights
Huaca Pucllana
Sacsayhuaman
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Balcon del Inka textile cooperative
Ollantaytambo
Read more
Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to Peru! Transfer to your hotel in Lima and get settled in.
Cuzco2 nights
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima & flight to Cuzco
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Welcome lunch
Set out on a guided tour highlighting the Peruvian capital’s modern and UNESCO-recognized quarters.
Walk through Plaza de Armas, viewing the Cathedral of Lima and Church of San Francisco
Enter the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana to learn about the towering abode and clay pyramid
Visit the Parque del Amor in the Miraflores district and see views of the Pacific Ocean during a walk along the boardwalk
Stroll through the artsy Barranco district, stopping to sample coffee and alfajores cookies
Sip on a pisco sour as you 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, a city located in the Andes Mountains.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco
Included meal: Breakfast
Join a local guide on today’s tour of Cuzco, the UNESCO-recognized ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
Stroll through the Sacsayhuaman ruins, which were 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
Walk through the city center and step inside the Convent of Santa Domingo, built by the Spaniards where the Inca temple of Koricancha stood
Stop in Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral
Visit San Pedro Market to see crafts made by local artisans and try fresh fruits
Spend a free evening in Cuzco or add an excursion.
Cuzco Cooking Class & Dinner
From $119 per person
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 stops in the Sacred Valley to take in the sights.
Start your morning in the quaint village of Chinchero to visit Balcon del Inka, a local textile cooperative run by Quechuan women
Watch as artisans demonstrate their traditional weaving, spinning and dying techniques on both alpaca and sheep yarn
Try your hand at spinning on the loom
Peruse the colorful stalls of the open-air Chinchero Market, where you can shop for local textiles
Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant in Chinchero
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
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Please note: Travelers must submit full passport details by Tour Finalization Date or risk being denied entry to Machu Picchu due to scarcity of tickets and daily entrance restrictions.
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
Spend a free late-morning before enjoying an included lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. Then, 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 meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free day in the Sacred Valley or add an excursion.
Sit down for an included dinner this evening.
Misminay Village Home-Hosted Lunch, Moray & Maras
From $109 per person
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.
Please note: If you’re traveling on the extension, you’ll spend the night in Lima.
Arrive Home
Day 8: Travel day
Arrive home today.
Extension to Lima & Paracas
Paracas is a region known for it's diverse landscapes, we're talking rolling ocean waves to the west and stretches of desert sand dunes to the east. Sip pisco in a vineyard before spotting penguins sunbathing off the Peruvian coast. Then, end with some extra time in Lima where your Tour Director will continue to show you the best that this destination has to offer.
Lima1 night
Day 7: Flight to Lima
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, settle in to your hotel.
Paracas1 night
Day 8: Pisco Vineyards & transfer to Paracas
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Lunch
Travel south along the Pacific Highway to Paracas, a beautiful small town by the sea, making several stops en route.
Take photos of the contrasting desert and coastal landscapes
Tour the family-run Pisco Vineyards
Learn how red wine and pisco, Peru's national drink, are made using traditional methods invented when the Spanish invaded the Inca Empire
Sample wine and pisco during a tasting paired with an included lunch
Continue on to Paracas and spend free time in the city or add an excursion.
Paracas Desert Dune Buggy Ride
From $105 per person
Lima1 night
Day 9: Ballestas Islands wildlife cruise & transfer to Lima
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hop aboard a boat and sail to the Ballestas Islands where you’ll enjoy a wildlife cruise with a naturalist guide.
Learn about the islands, which are considered a smaller version of the Galápagos Islands
View the massive rock formations including the many arches and caves created by erosion
Stay on the lookout for fur seals, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and birds relaxing in their natural habitat
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming in the water
Spend free time in Paracas or add an excursion.
This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant before traveling back along the scenic Pacific Highway to Lima.
Nazca Lines Flight
From $349 per person
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 10: Free day in Lima & departure
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Lima or add an excursion.
Then, relax in your dayroom before a late-night or early morning flight home.
That's all it takes to secure your spot on tour with AutoPay. Then, pay for your trip in interest-free, monthly installments.†
Reviews
4.8 star rating
Overall rating 4.8 out of 5
Based on 58 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by
Featured
5.0 star rating
A week in Peru
9/2/23 by 3rd-time traveler Linda
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour, a week in Peru. Nila was an excellent tour guide. Machu Picchu was the highlight of the trip and entire tour was incredible.
EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/24/23
Thank you for this review, Linda! What a great pho...
Read more +
5.0 star rating
Magical and memorable
9/2/23 by 2nd-time traveler Rebecca
This was my second trip with EF GoAhead tours and it was just as fabulous as my first. Everything was safe, well organized and fun. Peru is a beautiful country...from the mountains, the desert, the rainforest, the people, the food, the culture, the animals and the vegetation. Our Peruvian tour guide...
Read more +
5.0 star rating
Peru a delightful experience
9/2/23 by 2nd-time traveler Anonymous
This was a lovely experience getting to know a different culture and country guided by a wonderful knowledgeable snd friendly tour guide who was there for all of us even before we arrived with useful tips to ensure a perfect adventure. All of our guides provided interesting information and were alwa...
Read more +
Show more reviews
Traveler photos
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.
Jose Antonio Deluxe Lima
This comfortable hotel is located by the University of Piura. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a gym, and outdoor pool. Nearby, you’ll find Parque Central de ...
Read more +
Casa Andina Premium Cusco
This charming hotel is located in the Main Square of Cusco. Guests enjoy the colonial styling, private balconies, and spa. Nearby you'll find the Cath...
Read more +
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...
Read more +
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...
Read more +
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
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.
Entrance tickets into Machu Picchu require full passport information. Travelers must enter these details via your online account, mobile app, or by giving the Traveler Support Team a call by your Tour Finalization Date or risk being denied entry into Machu Picchu due to scarcity of tickets and daily entrance restrictions.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PEW.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PEW.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 $8USD 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.
/assets/5f0e0cc6c942e122e03969ad-53040.png)
/assets/5f0e03d9c942e122e039624b-48892.png)
/assets/5f0e105bc942e122e0396cdd-53994.png)
/assets/5f0e107ac942e122e0396d0c-54021.png)
/assets/5f0e107ac942e122e0396d0b-54020.png)
/assets/5f0e070ec942e122e03964eb-50195.png)
