13-Day Peru with Machu Picchu & Nazca Lines - Small Group 2027
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US$5568 ￥37568 €4817 C$7768 Rs.529728
US$6187 ￥41745 €5352 C$8632 Rs.588618
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Highlights
Discover Peru on a 13-day Small Group journey through ancient cultures, living traditions and remarkable landscapes. From the heights of Machu Picchu to the coastal landscapes of Paracas and the mystery of the Nazca Lines, this journey connects Peru’s best-known sites with local insight and distinctive cultural experiences. Explore Korikancha, visit the salt pans of Maras and meet a local Quechua weaver for a private presentation of long-held weaving traditions. In Cusco, a private planetarium visit reveals the role of astronomy in Andean culture, before a Local Expert leads your visit through Machu Picchu.
- Lima: Unwind at your luxury abode, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening for a dinner.
- Lima: Make your way to Lima's Pueblo Libre District and indulge on a lunch in the Museo Larco's 18th century garden.
- Sacred Valley: Enjoy lunch at Altar Inca with impressive views of the Sacred valley surrounded by the breathtaking Andes Mountains.
- Sacred Valley: Make your way to the small lagoon of Laguna Piuray where you’ll enjoy your lunch of Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast.
- Cusco: Enjoy an immersive slow-cooked Cusquenian lunch at Pacha Papa. Lunch will be served al fresco at the courtyard of a historic mansion in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas.
- Cusco: In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Inka Grill, where you'll embark on a journey of flavors from Ceviche Palteado to Quinotto and Aji de Gallina.
- Cathedral of Lima: This morning, explore Peru's buzzing capital with your Local Expert, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall.
- Lima: Discover Museo Larco with a Local Expert who will guide you through private museum's impressive collection.
- Sacred Valley: The Maras Salt Mine will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. Learn how salt once harvested by Incas at this site is now exported to the entire world. Discover how the Incas found a water stream with high salt content and learned - in Pre-Incan times - how to build terraces to extract salt. You’ll be amazed at how, to this day, it is not known where the water actually comes from and has only been measured in the last 20 years during which the flow and intensity has not changed.
- Sacred Valley: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. At the Moray Incan laboratory northwest of Cusco, learn how the Incas determined the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. You’ll be fascinated by how this ancient culture learned how to build these terraced circular depressions on a high plateau at an altitude of about 11,500 feet and experimented with different kinds of soils and temperatures to grow their crops.
- Sacred Valley: On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, consisting of a large fortress built in the 1400s, a stepped terrace, and an area known as the Princess Baths, where ceremonial bathing took place. Later, stop by a a local house in the village and meet the family living there.
- Machu Picchu: Walk in the footsteps of Inca engineers as you explore this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, uncover the astronomical precision of the solar observatory, the ceremonial significance of the Temple of the Three Windows and the ingenious design behind the ritual baths. Marvel at dry-stone walls so masterfully constructed they’ve resisted centuries of seismic activity. Learn how this 15th-century sanctuary, perched high in the Andes, eluded Spanish conquistadors, its secrets safeguarded by the cloud forest until its rediscovery.
- Aguas Calientes: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. With a full day, you have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a different circuit. Or, take advantage of a day at leisure in Aguas Caliente – the town of Machu Picchu of 3,400 residents - to stroll along the river, go shopping for that perfect local souvenir or grab a coffee all midst the cloud forest.
- Cusco: Once you arrive, head on a walking tour of Cusco with a Local Expert. Explore what's known as the "historic capital" of Peru as you discover its ancestral magic through visits to the cathedral and the Qorikancha temple.
- Cusco: Start your day with a walking tour of Cusco, before heading to Sacsayhuaman.
- Paracas: A windswept coastline and haven for wildlife. The Ballestas Islands are a wildlife sanctuary that hold over 200 species of birds including Peruvian boobies, Inca terns, pelicans, red-legged cormorants and Humboldt penguins. You’ll treasure this opportunity to see these penguins in their natural habitat alongside a plethora of different birds.
- Ica: The pride of Peru and their national drink, Pisco is a must-try on any trip to Peru. Visit the beautiful Hacienda La Caravedo to learn about how Pisco was traditionally made on this unique opportunity to see the oldest, continuously operating distillery in the Americas established in 1684 and the biggest distillery in South America. In addition to learning about this tasty beverage, you’ll love learning how the distillery has plants on their rooftop to offset Co2 emissions.
- Sacred Valley: Visit a local traditional Quechua weaver for a private textile presentation and learn about ancient techniques and their cultural significance. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Reduced Inequalities.
- Sacred Valley: Learn to play the zampoña at Laguna Piuray, where local musicians introduce one of the Andes’ most recognizable instruments. As you try the panpipe for yourself, the workshop offers a direct connection to the music and traditions still heard across the region.
- Machu Picchu: Travel to Machu Picchu aboard IncaRail’s The Prime, where spacious seating, attentive service and premium finishes bring added comfort to one of Peru’s most memorable rail journeys. Along the way, enjoy an Andean-inspired tasting made with local ingredients and live music on board as the landscapes of the Sacred Valley begin to unfold.
- Cusco: Visit Cusco's planetarium to learn more on how the Incas interpreted the stars. After a reception with hot wine (or tea) and appetizers, Local Experts will explain and share stories about the influence the stars had on Andean culture. You'll then be led to a room specially accommodated to view the ancient night skies, weather permitting.
- Paracas: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs.
- Paracas: In Paracas, meet a local fisherman who will share how traditional practices are passed down through generations. Gain insight into daily life at sea, learn how small-scale fishers contend with industrial fleets and discover what a day’s catch is worth in a community where the ocean still shapes survival.
- Cusco: Explore Cusco’s lively San Pedro Market with your Local Expert, browsing stalls filled with colorful produce, regional grains and everyday ingredients used in Andean cooking. Select essential food items to donate to a local community, supporting families in need while gaining a more personal insight into daily life in Cusco.
- Cusco: Visit Cusco’s magnificent Cathedral with your Local Expert, built between 1560 and 1664 on the site of the Inca Wiracocha’s former palace. Admire its Renaissance facade, intricate colonial goldwork and celebrated religious art, including a distinctly Peruvian interpretation of ‘The Last Supper’ and the revered Lord of the Earthquakes statue.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Cusco: Explore Cusco’s lively San Pedro Market with your Local Expert, browsing stalls filled with colorful produce, regional grains and everyday ingredients used in Andean cooking. Select essential food items to donate to a local community, supporting families in need while gaining a more personal insight into daily life in Cusco.
- Cusco: Visit Cusco’s magnificent Cathedral with your Local Expert, built between 1560 and 1664 on the site of the Inca Wiracocha’s former palace. Admire its Renaissance facade, intricate colonial goldwork and celebrated religious art, including a distinctly Peruvian interpretation of ‘The Last Supper’ and the revered Lord of the Earthquakes statue.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Limited Offer
3% Group Discount: 1. Receive 3% off when you purchase 3+ rooms on the same tour (single order only). 2. Receive 3% off when you book 3+ multi-day tours with minimum order total of $500 at once. Not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or pricing offers.
Itinerary
Arrive in Lima, a capital shaped by history, culture and one of Latin America’s most influential food scenes. Home to a UNESCO-listed historic center, Lima was once the seat of Spanish rule in South America and still carries that significance today. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow small group travelers this evening for dinner with drinks, a relaxed first introduction to the journey ahead.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Explore the colorful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Discover its colonial heritage, taking in key landmarks such as the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit Casa Aliaga, an impressive mansion that's been home to the Aliaga family for 17 generations. For those with an appreciation for art and history, enjoy a visit to Museo Larco, a renowned private museum nestled in the Pueblo Libre District. Rated as one of South America's top museums, it houses the world’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Enjoy lunch set in an 18th-century garden at Cafe del Museo Larco, where regional Peruvian dishes draw on centuries-old traditions. Dine beneath bougainvillea-draped terraces in the grounds of a vice-royal mansion, part of one of Lima’s most storied colonial estates. Afterwards, a Local Expert will guide you through the museum's treasured collection, offering fascinating insights into Peru’s ancient civilisations and spiritual traditions.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the region of Peru surrounding the city of Cusco. The valley is full of the ruins of this once-powerful empire, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Tipon.
Spend the day in the Sacred Valley, where ancient ingenuity, living traditions and local flavors come together. Visit the Maras Salt Mines with a Local Expert and see the thousands of terraced pools still used to harvest salt, before continuing to Moray, where the Incas created circular terraces believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. Later, head to Laguna Piuray for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience weaving demonstration, revealing how textiles continue to shape personal and regional identity in the Andes. Then enjoy an experience at Laguna Piuray. Sit down to a traditional lunch, cooked in the earth with hot stones and accompanied by local musicians, before learning to play the zampoña, a traditional Andean panpipe.
Sacred Valley, Peru
The heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is the region of Peru surrounding the city of Cusco. The valley is full of the ruins of this once-powerful empire, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Tipon.
Begin the day in Ollantaytambo, where the surviving stone streets and terraces still reflect the layout of an Inca town. Visit the ruins with a Local Expert, then stop at a local home in the old town to meet the family who live there and learn more about daily life in the village. Later, enjoy your travels as you board IncaRail’s The Prime train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, traveling in superior comfort with an Andean-inspired tasting and live music on board. On arrival, visit Machu Picchu with a Local Expert, who will guide your Small Group through the 15th-century citadel and explain the significance of its architecture, engineering and mountain setting.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The famous citadel of the Inca sits atop a scraggy mountain peak overlooking the valley that was sacred to those people. These ruins feature many temples and the famous terraced-gardens the Inca developed for agriculture in the Andes.
Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The remainder of your day is at your leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The famous citadel of the Inca sits atop a scraggy mountain peak overlooking the valley that was sacred to those people. These ruins feature many temples and the famous terraced-gardens the Inca developed for agriculture in the Andes.
Board your IncaRail 360 train to Ollantaytambo after breakfast, then continue to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and still one of Peru’s most important historic cities. You’ll join a Local Expert for a walking tour through the old center, including Plaza Mayor, the 12-Angled Stone and Koricancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Cusco Planetarium to see the southern sky through dome projections, Inca constellations and Andean astronomy, with telescope observation when conditions allow.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The famous citadel of the Inca sits atop a scraggy mountain peak overlooking the valley that was sacred to those people. These ruins feature many temples and the famous terraced-gardens the Inca developed for agriculture in the Andes.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Explore the Inca sites above Cusco this morning, where ceremonial spaces, defensive outposts and monumental stonework reveal how the empire shaped its capital. Visit Tambomachay, Puka Pukara and Qenqo before continuing to Sacsayhuaman, whose vast zigzag walls still overlook the city. After lunch, explore further with Insight Choice. Visit San Pedro Market with a Local Expert to one of Cusco’s most traditional market halls. Here, you’ll buy local food products that will later be donated to the community. Or step inside Cusco Cathedral on Plaza de Armas to see gilded altars, carved woodwork and paintings from the Cusco School, where colonial art and Inca heritage meet.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Spend the day at leisure in Cusco, with time to explore more of this historic Andean city at your own pace. You may wish to join an Optional Experience to ChocoMuseo to learn more about cacao and the chocolate-making process, or choose an Optional Experience to Rainbow Mountain for a striking high-altitude landscape beyond the city. You could also spend time around Plaza de Armas, browse the artisan shops of San Blas or visit San Pedro Market for a look at local produce and everyday life in the city. This evening, join your fellow Small Group travelers for dinner at Inka Grill and share memories of your journey through Peru and the landscapes of the Andes.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Depart Cusco and fly to Lima. From here, enjoy a leisurely coastal drive to the beach town of Paracas. Known for its sandy beaches, tranquil bay, wildlife and the Paracas Candelabra geoglyph. With the rest of your evening free, take the opportunity to relax at your beautiful resort right on the beach. Take a cooling dip in one of their two swimming pools or stroll through the fragrant gardens.
Cusco, Peru
This city once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Many of its most popular sights are the ruins of this once-great people, such as the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. Cuzo itself also has many sights.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin your day in Paracas, one of Peru’s most historic coastal communities, where fishing is not only a livelihood but a deeply rooted cultural identity. Meet a local fisherman who shares how small-scale communities are sustained by the sea—economically, socially and spiritually. Gain insight into the growing pressure from industrial fleets and the fragile balance between tradition and modernity. This personal exchange offers a rare window into a way of life that is both resilient and under threat. Later, board a scenic flight over the UNESCO-listed Nazca Lines. Etched into the arid plateau more than 1,500 years ago, these vast geoglyphs continue to puzzle archaeologists and enchant travelers.
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nazca, Peru
A city and system of valleys on the southern coast of Peru. The name is derived from the Nazca culture that flourished in the area between 100 BC and 800 AD.
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to blue footed boobies, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian pelicans, fur seals and sea lions, the Ballestas Islands are famous for their abundant marine life as well as striking rock formations. Soak it all in on this morning’s scenic cruise with your Local Expert. Experience another side of the area in the nearby city of Ica at a pisco distillery for a tasting. Sip and savor the national drink in Peru in this region known for growing grapes and producing the best pisco. Enhance your cultural discoveries at one of Peru’s finest small museums housing mummies, skulls, fossils, ceramics, textiles and artifacts from the Inca and other significant civilizations of the region.
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ballestas Islands
The Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets with beautiful geographical formations, just a few kilometres off the western coast of Peru. The islands are the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of larger wildlife like seals, boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the endangered Humboldt penguin.
Ica, Peru
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Return to Lima today with your small group, stopping in Chincha at Hacienda San José, a 17th-century estate in Peru’s Afro-Peruvian south coast. Its original house, baroque chapel and underground tunnels reveal the history of the estate and the role it played in Peru’s colonial-era slave economy, adding further depth to your understanding of the country’s past. Later, continue to Lima and transfer to the airport, where it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your journey through Peru comes to an end.
Paracas, Peru
The Paracas Peninsula is a desert peninsula within the boundaries of the Paracas National Reserve, a marine reserve which extends south along the coast. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, was founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. This city's historic places include the National University of San Marcos, which was established in 1551 and is the oldest university in the Americas.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- ARRIVAL: Guests to arrive into Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM).
- DEPARTURE: Guests to depart from Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). Complimentary group transfer by motorcoach will arrive at approximately 18:00. Please allow ample time (recommendation is three hours) between this approx arrival time and flight departure time to allow for check-in / clearance of immigration etc (as per domestic / international guidelines for guests onwards flight).
- TRANSFERS: Complimentary transfers are available on the arrival and departure days of the itinerary or in conjunction with a pre-trip or post-trip accommodation booked through Insight Vacations. International Inbound and Outbound flight information is due at the time of final payment in order to qualify for airport transfers. Please note guests booking independent hotel nights should make their own transfer arrangements.
- TRIP NOTE: Brochure price includes economy air and related charges for internal flights within South America only.
- INTERNAL AIR: Intra - Air Ticketing requires guests to provide passport details including full legal name as appears on passport, passport number, expiration date, country of issue, gender and date of birth.
- MOTORCOACH NOTE: The Business Class legroom that is provided on motorcoaches in other regions is not provided on this itinerary due to regional limitations with vehicles.
- IMPORTANT: In some locations you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations so we recommend guests with pre-existing medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
- ELEVATION: The highest overnight elevation point for this guided vacation is 11,150 ft. / 3,399 m, in Cusco.
- MACHU PICCHU TRAIN JOURNEY: Guests are allowed to bring one 11 lbs./5 kg piece of hand luggage per person on the train journey to/from Machu Picchu. Your primary luggage will be securely stored and returned to you on arrival in Cusco.
- PASSPORT NOTE: A valid passport with at least six months validity after your return date from Peru is required to enter the country.
- GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by ground handler South American Tours.
- SMALL GROUP SERIES: This trip is featuring exclusively small-group departures, operating with a maximum of 24 guests for the entire series.
Policies
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Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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