No longer available. See new versions below.
Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley tour

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Abercrombie & Kent Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.1 . Great
75%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. 3- Moderate
Lodging Level: The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays. Luxury (5*)
9 days
From: $ 5,995 $ 666 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Enjoy a private talk on Machu Picchu with a renowned scholar in Incan history before discovering the magnificent ruins for yourself in the company of a local expert guide
  • Relish the convenience of an overnight stay at the only hotel on site at Machu Picchu, and the extra time it affords you to explore this spectacular "Lost City"
  • Mingle with the farmers and children of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and gain an intimate understanding of their centuries-old customs during a private visit to their village
  • Savor a Chef's Table experience in the preparation of Peruvian cuisine while in the pastoral Sacred Valley
  • Discover Peru's rich musical traditions during a captivating private performance by an expert in Andean music
  • Celebrate your arrival in Peru with a welcome dinner adjacent to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site in Lima
  • Achieve a deeper appreciation of Peru's fascinating and rich pre-Columbian cultures as you explore the Larco Herrera Museum and the new Inkariy Museum

Short Description

Journey through Peru, from Lima to Cusco, mingling with locals in the Sacred Valley and exploring magnificent Machu Picchu, where you stay at the only hotel on site. You also visit massive, mysterious Sacsayhuaman.

Style Small group tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Lodging Level Luxury (5*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Lima
End City Lima

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru

Accommodation: Belmond Miraflores Park

Arrive in Lima this evening and transfer to your hotel. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, this “City of Kings” is a mélange of colonial structures, pre-Columbian sites and modern conveniences.

Day 2: Lima | Colonial Splendor and Inspiring Artifacts

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Miraflores Park  

Explore Peru’s capital, visiting the Plaza Mayor, which is the birthplace of the city of Lima, and the beautiful Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Continue with a journey into the past, exploring Casa Aliaga, Lima’s oldest colonial mansion. Built in 1535 by the illustrious Spanish conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga, this incredible relic of colonial splendor has been home to 17 generations of his descendants ever since. Note the grace of the wood and marble staircase leading up to a fine entrance patio. View its beautiful rooms, the family chapel, the Golden Salon with incredible golden mirrors, and a beautiful upper gallery, which is home to some important paintings from the Cusco School. Spend time exploring the Larco Herrera Museum, one of the city’s best museums for pre-Columbian artifacts. This evening, visit the impressive Huaca Pucllana archaeological site before a welcome dinner of contemporary Peruvian cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Day 3: Sacred Valley | Cusco and Cooking, Peruvian Style

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Sol y Luna

This morning, fly to Cusco, located more than 11,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy lunch in the central square before proceeding to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In this vast green valley that sprawls out far below Machu Picchu, an ancient way of life lives on. En route, visit Awana Kancha, a center where South American camelids, such as llamas and alpacas, are bred. Learn about the valuable fibers created from their coats, and feed these iconic animals. Next, explore the new interactive Inkariy Museum that showcases Peru’s amazing pre-Columbian societies. Then, acclimatize in your relaxing accommodations — a charming Andean-style casita set amid gardens teeming with flowers. Tonight, join the chef of Wayra Restaurant for a Chef’s Table culinary experience, as he deftly demonstrates the preparation of a variety of Peruvian dishes.

Day 4: Sacred Valley | Like a Journey Back in Time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Sol y Luna

Start to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to a remote village seemingly frozen in time. Experience the ancient agricultural methods they have used for centuries to support themselves in this challenging Andean mountain environment. Then, delve deeper into local culture with lunch at a local hacienda. This afternoon, prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu with a private, interactive lecture from a renowned scholar and certified expert on the Incan ruins. When school is in session, visit the Kuychi Center to meet the underprivileged children at Niños del Arco Iris (Children of the Rainbow), a project supported by A&K Philanthropy.

Day 5: Machu Picchu | Bingham’s Stunning Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Today’s exploration begins with a visit to the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo. A formidable structure of massive stone terraces that hug the mountain slopes, it is the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the invading Spanish. Next, journey deep into the Andes toward Machu Picchu on board the glass-topped Vistadome train, gazing out at the spectacular Peruvian countryside. Arrive to begin a thrilling overnight stay at the only hotel located on site at Machu Picchu, exploring the breathtaking Incan city from sunrise to sunset. Overlooking the Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of trees atop a mountain by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu forever holds the secret of its passing — its Incan inhabitants left no written records of its purpose. Built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca empire, it was most likely the estate of an emperor. Curiously, excavations here have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. Tour the ruins with your expert guide, and then enjoy exploring on your own. You may view the Temple of the Sun or Intihuatana, a ritual stone that may have been an astronomical clock or calendar. As you wander, sense the majesty of the age-old stone walls and picture life as it might have been for the leaders, warriors, priests and craftsman who once inhabited this Incan citadel some 8,500 feet above sea level. Tonight, rest easy in your accommodations, designed to echo the soaring natural surroundings.

Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco | Walking the Spectacular Ruins

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, for an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. You may opt for a hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the entry point to the ruins from the Inca Trail, or trek up to Huayna Picchu, the high mountain that forms the backbone of the ruins, to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. After your explorations, bid adieu to this “Lost City of the Incas” and return to Cusco aboard the Vistadome train, savoring incomparable views of the mountain scenery that surrounds you.

Day 7: Cusco | The Immense Stone Marvel of Sacsayhuaman

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Later, explore the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which may weigh as much as 200 tons, the walls were cut and placed together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. Later, visit San Pedro market, and then spend your afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy an Andean music presentation by regional expert Tito Leon, to learn the history and stories of a wide array of handmade musical instruments. Afterward, enjoy a farewell dinner at the elegant MAP Café.

 

Day 8: Lima | Colorful, Bohemian Barranco

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Return to Lima by late morning to explore the intriguing Barranco neighborhood, with its intimate art galleries, eclectic museums and the famous Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs). After lunch, return to the lively Miraflores neighborhood to enjoy the many comforts of your luxurious hotel or perhaps visit a local crafts market.

Day 9: Depart Lima

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 5,995
Price Per Day: $ 666 per day
Checking price
  • Other required costs: $ 495
  • Single Supplement: $ 8,990

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Abercrombie & Kent.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

60 Abercrombie & Kent Travel Reviews & Ratings

75%
4.1 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 45
Great 0
Average 2
Disappointing 1
Terrible 12
Value
4.0
Guide
4.1
Activities
4.1
Lodging
4.2
Transportation
4.1
Meals
4.1

Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Best tour; from the guides to the hotels to the sites - absolutely top notch

5.0
Details
Value4.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We did a private tour of Peru with A&K for our 30th wedding anniversary. It was truly remarkable. The attention to detail, sites we visited, hotels we stayed at and meals were absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived at the airport to the moment dropped off at the end of our tour we were made to feel special. Fantastic guide who told us the history and showed us the parts other tours miss. Highly recommended
Read more

Company Reviews

I will Never, EVER, EVER use A&K again. They are not what they were represented to be.

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide3.0
Activities2.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
We started planning our South Africa and Kenya Safaris 2 years in advance and could never get our questions answered by A&K representatives. The piles and piles of traveler information that A&K sent us was old and a lot of it incorrect. TAUCK customers that we talked to were taken care of. We were not. Our trip to Robben Island in Cape Town was never booked and we have not received a refund. A&K would not tell us our flight information for all the planes within Africa we were taking. We always travel first class yet they booked economy for us and then wanted to charge us change fees and penalties when we tried to change to first class which was available. We bought first class tickets but A&K will not refund the ticket price. If the trip were free, I would not travel with them again
Read more

Not what was described!

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
We took the Singapore & Malaysia Tapestry of cultures. It was a Marco Polo tour which is supposed to be their best and a small group. There were 13 of us and we all agreed this would be our last trip with them. This was billed as a foodie experience and the places they took us were awful. Experiences like a special mahjong class touted as an A&K exclusive experience vanished. The A&K representative apologized at the end of our trip saying he knew this was not the trip we expected. Since we didn't receive events as stated in the description we requested that they give use partial refund. Everyone on the tour complained to A&K in detail about everything that went wrong. We were offered $1000 toward another trip. This is not a way to treat repeat customers.
Read more

High Fees with Low Quality Experience

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
Recently traveled throughout Japan coordinated by A & K. Two couples, paid $4k per day for excursions alone (hotel not included). Experience FAR below what one would expect for this fee. Lunch at a food court in a mall. Nothing unique or helpful to elevate the experience. Booking the activities ourself would have cost less than half the total fee we paid. Guides were pleasant but certainly not insightful or highly knowledgable. Called A & K and spoke with Julie Skrei, director of sales, to explain our experience. She was highly defensive and rude. I would caution you strongly about using this company for any travel. Looked online and they actually rank 1.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp with similar experiences described there. Wish I had read those before agreeing to using their service.
Read more

Overpriced, too much crammed into each day, and important aspects of the trip dropped....with no advance notice

3.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
Wings over Mediterranean Sept 2022. Other than the intra-city flights which were first class private jet, the rest was......average. Tour buses with windows too small to see any passing points of interest. A 250 sq ft "luxury" hotel room---thought I was in a Motel 8. Museum tours led by local experts who over-talked so long that they cut into anything that was planned for the remainder of that day. Restaurants....3 in particular very small, crowded, and not even remotely above average. Written itinerary says "and then return to your host city and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure." No way...we usually got back to the hotel around 5:30 after already passing up at least one planned exhibit. We had no special tour group privileges...we were just part of the pack and were overrun by tourists at every stop. $40,000 per person....a big huge "ouch"
Read more

Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum Number of People in Group: 18

Limited to 18 guests

Cancellation policy

Cancellation Charges :

Cancellations must be received in writing and will become effective on the date of receipt, fax or email. Cancellations received by A&K are subject to the following:

Cancellation Fees Per Person

Luxury Small Group Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Connections Land Journeys, and related Group Pre/Post Tour Extensions

91 days prior to departure or more: $500

90-61 days prior to departure: 20% of program price

60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of program price

30 days prior to departure or less: 100% of program price

Age Notes :

Min. Age: 10

Additional Information

 

Pre-Tour Extension: Galápagos & Quito, Days: 8 | From: $7,295

Internal Air from: $1,175

Day 1

Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Accommodation: Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil

Days 2-6

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: 'Xperience'

Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands and embark on eco-friendly ‘Xperience.’ Enjoy a welcome dinner your first night on board. Set out on twice-daily shore excursions that take you up close to sunbathing sea lions, skittering Sally Lightfoot crabs, tangles of marine iguanas and amusing blue-footed boobies. Marvel at the determined dignity of the Galápagos tortoise, and scout out flora and fauna along one island’s rocky coastline aboard a panga (rubber raft). Snorkel, swim or kayak, or bask in the sun. Back on board ‘Xperience,’ relax and enjoy evening lectures.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Grande

Disembark and fly to Quito, transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a morning city tour of colonial Quito before flying to Lima, Peru, to begin your Peru journey.

  • Take This Journey Private | This itinerary is also available as an independent journey, Signature Peru & Machu Picchu, with A&K local guides.
  • Customize This Journey | If you would like to customize this itinerary and create a Tailor Made Journey just for you and your companions, click here to inquire, or speak to your travel professional.

Trip ID#:

permacabe

What's excluded

  • International flights
  • Internal flights (At additional cost)
  • Passport and Visa expenses
  • Any kind of insurances
  • Personal expenses

Meals Included

9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 5 Dinners

×
Great Choice!

You can access members-only savings of up to $700 on over 6,000 Travelstride Select trips.

Sign in to see trip eligibility

or
or
Provide email and password

With your FREE membership you get to:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
Already a member?

We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

×

You could save $ 600 per person on this trip!

TripSaver
Flexible travel vouchers redeemable on thousands of trips like this one!
×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."
Roy M. Goodman
x
x
Download your brochure

Enter your email to get the "" brochure.

x
Brochure successfully sent!

We've sent the "" brochure to "". Check your inbox!