Peru Family Insider
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Peru Multisport or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
History, Culture & Natural Delights in Cusco & Machu Picchu
Weaving together stunning Andean landscapes, fascinating Inca history and captivating Quechua culture, our trip wraps you and your family in the essence of Peru. You'll witness an engaging 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 ancestral folk music during an interactive performance and lunch at a family home. While adults visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo, kids enjoy a special encounter and activities with students from a local elementary school. Feel the energy of the apukuna (mountain spirits) as you explore Machu Picchu. And fun for all ages: put your artistic flair to the test at a famous ceramics studio dedicated to preserving ancient techniques. Along the way, delight in the company of our Peruvian guides, who offer personal insights into the region's deep mythological and religious roots.
- Dive into the real Peru as you meet local families, acclaimed artists and rural weavers
- Our guide Aurelio, expert on Peru's culture and ancient civilizations
- Vibrant Cusco and its fascinating Inca and Spanish-Colonial history
- Investigate Peru's most amazing Inca architecture, including Machu Picchu
- A ceramics workshop with world-renowned artists Pablo and Marilú
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Cusco
Meet in Cusco, once the center of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire, and explore with our knowledgeable guide 
Rub shoulders with locals at a bustling outdoor market Visit the impressive Museum of Pre-Colombian Art and shop for handicrafts Prepare traditional Peruvian dishes at a fun-filled cooking class Discover awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán, often called "Stonehenge of the Andes."
Urubamba
Feast your eyes on the Salineras de Maras, a spectacular honeycomb of salt-encrusted basins, raked and bagged for centuries Dine with a special local family at their beautiful hacienda Investigate Ollantaytambo's historic treasures and Inca city planning and interact with children at a nearby preschool Glimpse Andean home life on our visit to an isolated weaving hamlet Join world-renowned artists Pablo and Marilú for a ceramics workshop Spend time with local musicians, enjoying the sounds of ancient instruments.
Aguas Calientes
Travel by train to Aguas Calientes Explore the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu on a private walk, and learn about the exquisite temples and astrological designs Walk to the Inca Drawbridge or visit the famous Gate of the Sun Return to Cusco in luxury on the Orient Express Hiram Bingham train, accompanied by spectacular views of the Urubamba River Valley and snowcapped Andean peaks.
Cusco
Savor one last buffet breakfast at Hotel Monasterio before shuttling to the Cusco airport.
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.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Peru Multisport Costa Rica Multisport Yucatan MultisportOther Central/South America Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Backroads is really excited to add our latest way to explore the world - Insider Trips - to our award-winning biking, hiking and multisport vacations. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus, or in a few excursions from a cruise ship or a secluded resort.- Backroads President and Founder All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For Insider tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Insider tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Peru Family Insider
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, surrounded by beautiful gardens and featuring comfortable and tastefully appointed bungalows.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo 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.
Peru Family Insider
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |