Peru Insider
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Peru Walking 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 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.
Cusco
Explore Cusco, once the center of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire, with our knowledgeable guide 
Mingle 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 Wander by foot to discover awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán, often called "Stonehenge of the Andes."
Urubamba
Stroll through the Salineras de Maras, a spectacular honeycomb of salt-encrusted basins, farmed by families for centuries Dine with a local family at their beautiful hacienda Investigate Ollantaytambo's historic treasures and visit 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 Andean 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 live music during our gourmet feast.
Cusco
Savor one last buffet breakfast at Hotel Monasterio before shuttling to the Cusco airport.
HEAVENLY HAVENS: Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio (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 (2 nights): Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this lodge features comfortable and tastefully appointed bungalows.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (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.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was our first Insider Trip. It was super. There was enough physical activity while we learned the culture and history of Peru. The cooking, visit to the village to see the weavers, the antiques at the hacienda, the musicians were all great activities leading up to Machu Picchu. We do recommend Backroads trips to everyone who is willing to listen to us about our travels!- Akron, IN
This was the best trip we've had yet. It was our first Insider Trip. For me, it was a better balance of walking activities and cultural activities. I like the walks, but I loved the music, the art and the cooking lessons - and also enjoyed some fascinating time in an elegant, art-filled private home of a very old Peruvian family. More trips like this would be hard to resist. Great balance of cultural and outdoors.- San Jose, CA
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.- Great Barrington, MA
I liked how this Insider Trip kept the max number of people to l8. This gave people a chance to get to know each other and was more intimate than having the large number of people we've had in the past on two of our biking tours. Backroads does a wonderful job of planning hotels, restaurants and taking you to places you wouldn't think to see on your own. I would highly recommend this Peru Insider Trip. There were six family members on the trip and everyone thought it was the best vacation they had ever been on. We would all highly recommend it.- Reno, NV
One of the highlights on my Insider Trip was the Orient Express Train ride from Machu Picchu to Cusco; we dined like kings and queens while listening to live music on the famous, authentically decorated Hiram Bingham train.- Trip Development Coordinator, South America
Once again, Backroads exceeded my expectations! I have gotten to the point where I would be reluctant to travel other than with Backroads.- Roslyn, NY
I was very impressed with the Insider trip. I was a little worried prior to the trip that there might not be enough activity. The activity level was challenging and perfect for the group.- Oceanside, NY