History, Culture & Natural Delights in Cusco & Machu Picchu

Weaving together stunning Andean landscapes, fascinating Inca history and captivating Quechua culture, our trip wraps you in the essence of Peru. Witness a blend of Pre-Columbian, Colonial and 21st-century cultures in Cusco, where trendy galleries rest on foundations of ancient Inca stonework and young locals clad in jeans pass rural women dressed in rainbow-colored pollera skirts and ponchos. Marvel at the folk music that keeps ancestral traditions alive. Feel the energy of the apukuna (mountain spirits) as you explore the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. Journey to a remote village in the Ollantaytambo region for a look at exquisite hand-loomed textiles. Put your artistic flair to the test at a ceramics studio dedicated to preserving ancient techniques. And delight in the company of our Peruvian guides, who offer personal insights into the region's deep mythological and religious roots. 

View the Family Premiere Inns Itineraries.

View other Insider Trips

Larger View

Cusco

Urubamba

Aguas Calientes

Aurelio Aguirre, Andes Mountain Guide

A 36-year veteran of tourism in the Andes, professional guide Aurelio Aguirre feels a deep passion for the mountains and the Quechua people who live there. Recognized as Tour Guide of the Year by the Peruvian government, Aurelio founded the Cusco Mountain Club in 1978, which trains local trekking and mountaineering guides. Skilled at bringing 5,000 years of native culture to life, these guides treat you to a unique Andean experience, and share intimate knowledge of regional customs, history, folklore, music and food.

Lodging What's this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.

Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.

Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.

Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.

Detailed Itinerary

Reserve This Trip!

Guest Trip Reviews

I loved every aspect of the trip. The variety of experiences - from staying at the magnificent Monasterio Hotel, interesting tours of Cuzco, markets and museums, visiting a kindergarten to fine dining in collectors home in Urubamba, to our beauiful day at Machu Picchu. We learned a great deal about Peru from our leader and local guide and we thought the variety of experiences gave us a wonderful understanding of the history, culture and a cross section of people.

More Reviews of this Trip

All Guest Reviews

HEAVENLY HAVENS: Premiere Inns

Hotel Monasterio del Cusco

Cusco (3 nights)
Delight in a unique encounter with Inca and Spanish traditions at this elegant museum-hotel, a favorite among readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure.

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Urubamba (2 nights)
Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this lodge is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and features comfortable and tastefully appointed bungalows.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel

Aguas Calientes (1 night)
The savvy traveler's preferred choice at Machu Picchu: adobe cabañas adorned with regional weavings and surrounded by a pool and gardens where Peru's leading botanist Dr. Isiais Rolando has created a refuge for rare orchids.

You are viewing the Clasic Premiere Inns version of this trip.

View the Family Premiere Inns Itineraries.

Route Rating: Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain