10 Day Adventure through Peru Small Group Tour
You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is categorised as 5 out of 5
Challenging hikes and unforgettable experiences: Embark on a physically demanding adventure with hikes and activities designed for experienced and fit travellers. A medical declaration may be required.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including city tours of Lima, Cusco, La Paz & Colonial Sucre. See Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley of the Incas and Lake Titicaca.
✓ Full-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
✓ 9 nights in quality, 3 to 5-star hotels throughout Peru
✓ Breakfast daily, 6 lunches
✓ Fully escorted by professional, English-speaking local guides in each city
✓ Dedicated, comfortable transportation throughout
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Lima, the "City of Kings". Upon arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel.
At 6:00PM, you will meet your tour leader for a welcome briefing & some tips during your stay in Peru.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Today, embark on an active, full-day walking tour of Lima. We will start with a private vehicle transfer to the historical centre, where we begin our tour at Plaza de Armas, home to key buildings such as the cathedral, Government Palace, and Archbishop’s Palace. From there, visit the Central Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, including local fruits and delicacies.
For lunch, we’ll head to ChinaTown to enjoy a meal at a "Chifa" restaurant, where Peruvian and Chinese cuisines blend.
After lunch, we return to Miraflores to continue our tour, visiting Parque del Amor (Love Park) and the Malecon, a scenic strip of parks and gardens along the cliffs overlooking the sea.
After returning to your hotel, enjoy an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Cusco, the historic heartland and former capital of the Incan Empire. Known for its unique blend of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture, Cusco is a favourite among visitors to Peru. Spend some time acclimatising to the city's altitude of 3450 metres (11,150 feet) and exploring its Baroque churches and ancient temples.
In the afternoon, our guide will take us on an orientation walk around the city centre. We will visit the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace on Hatun Rumilloc Street and see the façade of the Coricancha temple, regarded as the most sacred Inca building. We’ll then walk to the Plaza de Armas, surrounded by colonial arcades and four churches, including the beautiful 16th-century Cathedral of Cusco. Finally, we explore the traditional and picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas, known for its art studios, artisan workshops, bars, and restaurants. Following the tour we return to our hotel.
The evening is free to relax. Perhaps head out to exlpore one of the many local restaurants.
Today, we’ll be visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop is at El Mirador, where we can see the entire valley and learn about Inca history. The Sacred Valley was a key settlement for the Incas, with its agreeable climate and fertile plains. Here, they sculpted the mountain flanks with terracing and irrigation channels. Our driver and guide will suggest the best points for pictures.
Next, we continue to the ruins of Pisac, where we'll learn about Inca culture and see fine stonework and agricultural terraces. We’ll then visit the Andean community of Amaru near Pisac, where the women will demonstrate ancient weaving techniques. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a local family, supporting their livelihood.
Afterward, we will drive through the valley, along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. We’ll visit the ruins, including an impressive rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. At the end of the day, we check into our hotel in this beautiful Inca town.
Today, we’ll embark on an exhilarating hike along part of the iconic Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. Starting early, we make our way to the nearby train station to board a scenic train ride to Kilometre 104, the gateway to our adventure.
We’ll cross the river and start our climb towards Machu Picchu. Our journey takes us past the Chachabamba archaeological complex before tackling an 8 km (5 miles) ascent. We’ll reach the stunning Wiñaywayna complex, known for its impressive agricultural terraces, religious sector, and urban area, after about four hours of trekking.
As we hike, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Urubamba River valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex, and a spectacular waterfall. We’ll refuel with a box lunch on the trail. Our adventure continues as we ascend to Inti Punku, or The Sun Gate, where we’ll be rewarded with our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After descending to the main entrance, we’ll stop at a classic viewpoint for an unforgettable photo opportunity with Machu Picchu in the background.
Finally, we’ll board a tourist shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll unwind in a cozy hotel and prepare for our official exploration of the Machu Picchu site tomorrow morning.
Waking Time : 6- 7 hours, depending on physical conditions.
Hiking distance : 12.5 km approx.
Lowest Elevation : 2040 metre-high
Highest Elevation : 2700 metre-high
Please Note: For the 1-Day Inca Trail trek, you’ll need to take just a backpack with your personal items for the night in Aguas Calientes town. Your main luggage will be safely stored at your hotel in Ollantaytambo and will be collected the next day on the way back to Cusco.
After breakfast, we’ll return to Machu Picchu by shuttle bus. This is truly a magical place, and the sight of the site emerging from the mist is unforgettable. Perched high in the Andes and surrounded by lush cloud forest, Machu Picchu sits on a ridge, hidden from view below and maintaining its secret until 1911.
We’ll embark on a guided tour along “circuit 3,” exploring various ruins including temples, palaces, and living quarters. It’s mesmerising to look down on the city from above and imagine what it was like during the height of the Inca empire. After our 2-3 hour tour, we’ll catch the shuttle bus back to town for a delicious “celebration” lunch at a local restaurant before making our way back to Cusco. Our return journey will be via a scenic train journey to Ollantaytambo where we will collect our luggage before continuing by road back to Cusco.
Today is a day for rest and rejuvenation. For those feeling adventurous, an optional hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain is recommended.
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Cusco (3300m) to Palcoyo (4900m) starting with a 4:30 am pick-up from your hotel. We´ll drive for 1.5-hour to Cusipata Town for a brief breakfast and restroom break. Continuing for an additional 1:20 hrs driving, we reach the Palcoyo Community.
En route, witness picturesque villages, potato and corn farms, alpaca herds, and the stunning red river landscape. Upon reaching Palcoyo, embark on a 45-minute hike to the lookout point, offering breathtaking views of three rainbow mountains, the Red Valley, and the majestic Mt Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco. A further 20-minute walk leads to the fascinating 'Bosque de Piedras' (Stone Forest), where you can explore for approximately 2 hours.
Heading back, stop at Combapata Bridge to visit the historic colonial Rumichaca Bridge, dating back to 1604. We´ll stop at Cusipata town for lunch (included) before the drive back to Cusco City, with an estimated arrival around 5:00 pm.
Today, we’ll say goodbye to Cusco and head to Puno, the gateway to the famous Titicaca Lake. We’ll travel by private vehicle (approx. 10 hours), with the journey offering a range of landscapes. The first part of the trip features the dramatic Andean mountains and deep valleys, transitioning to the gentler rolling Andean plains where we might spot vicuñas and alpacas. Along the way, we’ll pass notable sites such as the Andahuaylillas church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, the Raqchi archaeological site, and the scenic La Raya pass with views of the Chimboya Glacier.
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant on our route. We’ll arrive in Puno around 6:00 PM and settle into our hotel in the city centre. Puno is renowned for its location by Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world, surrounded by vibrant islands and rich wildlife. The area is steeped in history, with ancient Quechua communities like the Aimaras, Uros, Pacajes, and Paquinas. Founded by the Spanish in 1668, Puno is a colourful and welcoming city that beautifully blends tradition and culture.
Today, we’ll explore and navigate the stunning Lake Titicaca, the highest lake in the world. Our full-day boat tour will offer a glimpse into Andean culture. The lake is dotted with islands where the locals continue to uphold ancient customs and traditions.
Our first stop will be the Uros Floating Islands, with its unique community that has lived on these reed islands for decades. Originally created by the indigenous Uros tribe to protect themselves from rival tribes, these floating islands are made from bundled reeds and feature reed houses and canoes, forming a small, self-sustaining world.
After exploring the floating islands, we’ll head to Taquile Island, where about 2,200 residents live. Taquile is renowned for its warm hospitality, skilled weaving traditions, pre-Columbian constructions, and picturesque landscapes.
Included is a traditional lunch at a local family's home before returning to Puno by boat in the afternoon.
Today you will be transferred to Juliaca Airport for your included flight back to Lima. Your tour ends on arrival at Lima airport to allow you to connect to your next destination.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”5”
5 - Strenuous
Challenging hikes and unforgettable experiences: Embark on a physically demanding adventure with hikes and activities designed for experienced and fit travellers. A medical declaration may be required.
Travelling at altitude
Several areas visited on this tour are located at approximately 3700-4000 metres (approx. 13000 feet) above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided.
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
In order to secure Inca Trail permits and entrance tickets into Machu Picchu, it is essential we receive your passport details no later than 70 days prior to your trip commencement. Please ensure you have added your passport details to your booking via the Traveller Hub. Failure to do so may result in inability to obtain the best possible route for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $482.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 14
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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