Iconic Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Iconic Peru: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

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PRIVATE TOUR - 8 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4822

Private Tour Highlights

  • Visiting the traditional town of Pisac, known, among other things, for its authentic craft markets.
  • Jumping into some of the optional additional activities such as River Rafting, Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding.
  • Learning of the delicate Peruvian ecology during an optional visit to the Spectacled Bear Project, aimed at protecting this loveable species.
  • Walking the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, thought to be the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire.
  • Enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco where one will visit the Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum.
  • Walk through a lush orchid garden that holds a world record of having the most different orchids in bloom; 372 in total.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

This iconic Peru tour is a well-paced adventure through the famous Sacred Valley and, of course, the mystical Machu Picchu citadel. Experience hotels and activities for the entire family. Your tour will begin in the Sacred Valley with a visit to the colorful and indigenous market in Pisac. While in the Sacred Valley, choose from a list of adventure activities including river rafting, mountain biking, or horseback riding among many others. In Machu Picchu, your family will visit the remarkable and ancient ruins with a second day to explore the ruins or spend time in the town of Aquas Calientes. In Lima we will bike around the bay taking the easiest and most entertaining route in Peru’s capital.

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

Inclusions
Price includes:
Air transportation from Lima to Cusco return, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, All transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote) Prices based on minimum 1 adult and 1 child traveling.

Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train which provides travelers a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.

*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. Does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please add $575 per person.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4822

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Lima

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Yampu guide who will assist you with the check in at the airport hotel.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a Yampu guide who will assist you with the check in at the airport hotel.

Day
2

Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

At the appropriate time, you will walk back to the airport to check in for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Dropping in altitude, enjoy the peaceful countryside making the way to the selected hotel. Upon arrival, receive a briefing on available excursions in the Sacred Valley.

In the afternoon, arrive in Pisac and enjoy some time at the colorful market of Pisac, with time to visit the stands filled with local handicrafts. While exploring, have opportunities to meet the local people selling their merchandise, as their families have done for many centuries. Return to Sacred Valley hotel for the night.
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Peru_market
Day
3

Private Full Day River Rafting with Lunch

This morning, depart for the Urubamba River located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (north of Cusco). Here is where a guide will an introductory lesson on safety and equipment for the rafting trip along the Urubamba. This tour will last for approximately two hours in rapids of varying classes, II, III, IV+, and V, depending on the route selected based on one's ability and the season. The Ollantaytambo Class III runs from May to December; the Quiquijana Class III from December to May; and the Chuquicahuana Class III, IV and V also December to May. The Chuquicahuana is the hardest route and will have a safety guide in the kayak at all times. The harder route is recommended for those with the upmost experience.

After the rafting tour of the Urubamba River, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
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sacred_valley_rafting
Day
4

Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the train station.

The train will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, you will board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a private guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
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Hiram_Bingham_Train_Peru
Day
5

Machu Picchu - Cusco

Enjoy today at your leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. If you decide to return to Machu Picchu, new regulations require you to be accompanied by a guide at all times. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
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Day
6

Private tour of Cusco

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco where you will visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During your tour today you have the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market. The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University. San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where you will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.

This afternoon there will be time for lunch (not included) before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Cusco_Market_Fruit_Peru
Day
7

Flight to Lima

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a bicycle group tour through the city. This journey starts on Larco Avenue, located across from the well-known Kennedy Park, from where you will continue along Arequipa Avenue. Make the first stop in the market of Surquillo; have a fresh fruit juice and explore the immense variety of local products. You will continue with the route to the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial neighborhood in the middle of the district of Miraflores, and later you will visit El Olivar Forest, a beautiful and historical recreation area in the district of San Isidro that has around 1600 olive trees. Afterwards, enjoy a drink with a view of the Pacific Ocean from the Miraflores waterfront near the Larcomar shopping centre, from where you will return to Larco Avenue to finish the tour.
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Day
8

Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home, or to overlap with the add-on of your choice.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home, or to overlap with the add-on of your choice.

Lima, Peru

Cusco, Peru

Machupicchu, Cusco, Peru

Sacred Valley, Calca Province, Cusco, Peru

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Lima_city

    Lima

    Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    Cusco

    Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).

  • Sacred Valley

    The Sacred Valley of Peru is a breathtaking tapestry of majestic Andean peaks, fertile farmlands, and ancient Inca ruins steeped in history. Known as a cradle of spirituality, this region radiates a mystical energy, drawing travelers to its sacred temples and vibrant indigenous markets. Picturesque villages like Pisac and Ollantaytambo showcase the enduring traditions of the Quechua people, while terraced hillsides and the Urubamba River weave through the valley’s natural beauty. Whether for adventure or quiet reflection, the Sacred Valley offers a profound connection to Peru’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

  • Machu Picchu

    Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Lima : Doubletree El Pardo, Lima

Lima : Innside by Meliá Lima Miraflores

Sacred Valley : Casa Andina Premium, Valle Sagrado

Sacred Valley : Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

Cusco : El Mercado

Cusco : Palacio Manco Capac 

5 Star Properties

Lima : Hilton Lima Miraflores

Lima : Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima

Sacred Valley : Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Superior Suite)

Sacred Valley : Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Cusco : Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco : Palacio del Inka by Libertador, Cusco

Luxury Properties

Lima : Miraflores Park Plaza (Ocean View)

Lima : JW Marriott, Lima

Sacred Valley : Rio Sagrado

Sacred Valley : Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa Valle Sagrado

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (Mountain View With Terrace)

Cusco : Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco : Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Testimonials

Tina R.

Traveled September, 2014

Had the Most unbelievable time.

Had the Most unbelievable time. The trek was just awesome. Really hard in parts, but mostly just breathtaking. My worst nightmare was realized when I was introduced to the group of trekkers- 4, 20 something marathon runners. There was only 5 of us in the trek so there was nowhere to hide. Having said that, I didn’t hold them up too much. We were always first into camp, and Hector our guide did have to slow us down at times to let the porters set up tents etc. Everything was just great the food, knowledge of our guide, and we had 11 porters for the 5 of us. So thank you for your expertise in organizing this for me. The rest of south-america was equally as amazing, and will be going back next year with the Family, so will be in contact. Thanks to my Transfer guide who was just amazing, and helped me re-book the flights and get me to Cusco on time. All the transfers were just perfect, and so relieving to have things work smoothly, when you don’t speak the language. Thanks again for all your help. Everything worked like clock work.

Traveled To

Noel M.

Traveled August, 2012

Your professionalism, support, and understanding regarding my personal concerns is greatly appreciated

Ruby, how do I begin to thank you for the amazing trip you arranged for my wife and I to Peru and Bolivia this summer. Your professionalism, support, and understanding regarding my personal concerns is greatly appreciated. You and your staff went above and beyond to help me with my needs that made our trip truly an amazing one. I only have great things to say to my friends and family about all that you did for us. My wife loved Machu Picchu and it was great staying at the luxurious Inkaterra in Aguas Caliente. Ruby, thank you for everything. You know that I will highly recommend you to any of our friends that are considering a trip to south-america. Also, thank Jeff and Stephanie for all their help as well. Speak to you soon.

Traveled To


Ralph

Traveled February, 2015

Going with my son was pretty special because we enjoyed so much together and wanted to see all we could.

A father son trip to Peru. On Cusco: It was fascinating to see the spinning, coloring and weaving process which is a lot more than a person realizes. I bought a baby Alpaca sweater which means it was made from the first shearing which is the softest Alpaca wool and it was extremely reasonable and definitely the real deal. On Machu Picchu: we were shocked of how big this place was It’s truly a mystical place and we had beautiful weather in this rainy season. On the hike to Montana WaynaPicchu: We started climbing at 7:00. The fog was so thick we didn’t know if it would clear. We wandered through several of the lower dwellings overlooking the river and the valley. . . we could imagine what it would have been like to wake up looking out those windows. It’s no wonder this is one of the new 7 wonders of the world.We felt special knowing that only 200 people a day get to see this view and we had perfect weather. We had to crawl through a tunnel and up a wood ladder and then we were on the very top of the mountain scattered with big boulders. It’s a sight we will never forget. After enjoying the view of a lifetime we headed down and it was quite a feat to come down the steep stairways without tripping. That climb will always be one of the highlights for us to remember. Going with my son was pretty special because we enjoyed so much together and wanted to see all we could. I believe we will be going back to Peru in the future.

Traveled To

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