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Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu

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Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu

with The Amazon extension

Duration: 11 or 14 days
Group size: 18-35
Reviews: 278

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Evocative ruins and artifacts bring the ancient Inca civilization to life.

Lima is home to excellent museums that showcase the achievements of ancient Peru, but the country’s main draw is the chance to uncover the very sites where the ancient Inca once thrived. Ascend into the Andes and explore the plazas of colonial Cuzco, the Inca sites in the Sacred Valley, and the legendary Lost City of the Incas with a Machu Picchu tour.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
4 lunches
2 dinners with beer or wine
4 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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Lima3 nights

Day 1: Travel to Peru

Board your flight to Lima and arrive later this evening.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome lunch before entering the Larco Museum to view its collection of pre-Columbian art.

Then, follow a local guide on a tour of both the modern and colonial quarters of Lima.

See the city’s cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and the Church of San Francisco, which houses a museum of religious art and 16th-century catacombs
Enter the Huaca Huallamarca archaeological site

Day 3: Free time in Lima

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Lima or add excursions.

Traditional Peruvian Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Nazca Lines

Excursion (additional cost)

Cuzco2 nights

Day 4: Flight to Cuzco

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to the airport this afternoon for your flight to Cuzco.

Upon arrival, enjoy free time to acclimate to the elevation as you explore on your own. Then, get a taste of Peruvian cuisine at a traditional dinner.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Enjoy a free evening in Cuzco or add an excursion.

Peruvian Cooking Demonstration & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Sacred Valley1 night

Day 6: The Sacred Valley

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A local guide leads you on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled between Cuzco, Machu Picchu, and the surrounding Andes Mountains.

Explore traditional markets in the village of Pisac
Stop in Urubamba to enjoy lunch with the group
Travel to the mysterious Ollantaytambo ruins to explore ancient homes, terraces, and temples within the fortress walls

Machu Picchu1 night

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Machu Picchu

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. You’ll uncover the Lost City of the Incas, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside a local guide.

Admire incredible views of the misty cloud forest and soaring Huayna Picchu mountain
Tour the ruins of the ceremonial center, cultivation terraces, and guard house
Visit Funeral Rock, the Main Temple, the Chamber of Ornaments, and the Sacred Plaza
Soak in the vistas from the Temple of the Three Windows

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Cuzco2 nights

Day 8: Free time in Cuzco or return Machu Picchu trip

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend a free morning near Machu Picchu or add an excursion to return to the ruins.

Rejoin the group for lunch in Aguas Calientes before taking a train back to Cuzco.

Machu Picchu: Return Visit

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free time in Cuzco

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Cuzco or add an excursion.

Incan Traditions: Moray, Maras & Chinchero Village

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 10: Departure

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell lunch

Fly to Lima this morning to say goodbye to your group at a farewell lunch. Then, relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning.

If you are continuing on the tour extension to the Amazon, you’ll spend tonight in Lima.

Arrive Home

Day 11: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to The Amazon

In the Amazon, nature is on display like nowhere else (seriously—more things live here than anywhere else in the world). Fly to Iquitos, then set out to see incredible wildlife in the world’s biggest rainforest and meet indigenous Yagua people to learn about their history.

Lima1 night

Day 10: Flight to Lima

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Lima this morning and settle into your hotel. Then, sit down to an included lunch and dinner with your group.

The Amazon2 nights

Day 11: Flight to Iquitos & rainforest hike

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Iquitos this morning to begin your adventure in the Amazon. When you arrive, enjoy lunch before setting out on an invigorating hike in the rainforest reserve surrounding your lodge.

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Please note: Some flights to Iquitos depart very early in the morning and breakfast may not be included.

Day 12: Free morning & Yagua village visit

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, enjoy a free morning in the Amazon or add an excursion. Then, sit down for an included lunch before setting out to visit a local village.

Take a short river cruise to a Yagua indigenous village, keeping your eye out for the elusive pink dolphin
Learn about the local village culture and watch a blowgun demonstration

This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

Amazon Canopy Walk

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 13: Franciscan mission town visit & departure

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Franciscan mission town of Indiana this morning. This large river community has grown to include its own market, high school, and small hospital.

Later, fly to Lima and relax in a dayroom before boarding your overnight or early morning flight home.

Arrive home

Day 14: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

A Fantastic Experience

12/16/2019 by 8th time traveler Marilyn D.

This was my first trip to South America, and I was not disappointed. From the beginning, our tour director, David , made sure that our experience was memorable and that we were well informed about every aspect of our tour. He took excellent care of all of us, getting medication for an ill member and...

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12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Teri L.

Had a wonderful tour of Peru. The accommodations were good, meals were excellent, tour value and Itinerary were excellent. Our Tour Director David Arce was wonderful. He was attentive to our group's needs, helped out when some of group members were not feeling well, knowledgeable and kept us on t...

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12/16/2019 by 2nd time traveler Jane L.

This was a wonderful trip with wonderful travelling companions. The tour was very well organised and directed by an amazing tour director. Accommodations were first class as were tour buses and meals. The tour location was legendary, of course, and we would not hesitate to travel with EF tours in th...

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Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu!

09/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Cynthia G.

What an awesome experience. Machu Picchu was a beautiful experience, as I expected it would be, but there was so much more. Visiting and learning about some of the many other archeological sites and indigenous people truly enriched the experience. The Larco Museum in Lima was breathtaking with ove...

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Guides make the tour!

09/29/2019 by 3rd time traveler Janet S.

This tour was jam-packed with lots of interesting things to explore. Leo, our main tour guide, went well above and beyond what we expected, and took care of every detail, even when unexpected little things arose. A native Peruvian, he told us about some of his own experiences that gave insight into ...

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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.

Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

This contemporary hotel is located in Santa Ana. Guests enjoy courtyard yoga, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour market. Nearby, you'll find Plaza de Armas, Quirika...

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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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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 ...

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Ceiba Tops Lodge

This lodge-style hotel is located in the Amazon rainforest. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a pool, and a hammock house. Nearby, you'll find the Amazon River and ...

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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

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 that 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.
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 3 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 (and ferries on the tour extension).
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 in and depart from Lima. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you after you clear customs in Lima. 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.
A round-trip flight between Lima and Cuzco is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes round-trip flights between Lima and Iquitos, in the northern Amazon).
All other included transportation on this tour is by PeruRail and 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 detailed information regarding 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 is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height).
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 stored in Cuzco. 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

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.
A lightweight jacket is recommended, as the temperatures will change with the elevation throughout your tour.
A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather.
Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent are recommended for some activities, especially in the Amazon on the tour extension.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
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

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 atcdc.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 difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your healthcare provider 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 stay hydrated and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re 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 and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your 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 some hotels in this region may not be as strong or as cool as what you 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. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
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 is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the same as Eastern Time (ET). Peru does not observe daylight saving time.
On the tour extension, Iquitos is 1 hour behind ET.
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s noon in Peru from November through March and 11am from April through October.

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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202020212022

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2020