Region Overviews: Peru Travel Guide: Overview
From the Amazon jungle to the to the Pacific Ocean, Peru is extraordinarily diverse. In fact, few places on this planet can claim the geographical variety of Peru.
Couples, Friends & Solos
7 days 6 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $5,999 - $6,549 pp dbl occ
($1,100 for sgl occ)
Machu Picchu has a gravitational pull. It urges you to hike in Cusco at 11,000 feet. Investigate the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Stonehenge of the Andes. Make friends with children who live in hidden weaving Quechua communities. Climb terraced mountainsides. Stand above it all at Machu Picchu's mystical Gate of the Sun and testify to the resilience of humanity. Experience life from above on our Peru Walking & Hiking Tour.
Start/End Cusco
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Enjoy a private farm-to-table lunch in the home of a local family in the Maras Valley | Explore the Inca salt pans’ beautiful honeycomb of pools above the Urubamba River Valley | Visit a weaving community tucked in the hills | In peaceful Ollantaytambo, climb the ruins of an Inca fortress and walk along the terraced valley | Shop for ceramics crafted using traditional Inca techniques at the Seminario Studio in Urubamba | Enjoy our exclusive cooking demonstration with a local chef.
"An unpretentious but impeccably maintained lodge set in a wonderful garden surrounded by mountains," according to the Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Experience the 15th-century Inca retreat of Machu Picchu with its intricate stonework and mysterious religious designs | Hike the Inca Trail, lined with ancient stones and stairs, to reach the Gate of the Sun and your first view of Machu Picchu | Spend a second day exploring the incredible site with a local expert | Walk the grounds of our hotel with a local naturalist to learn more about the area's flora and fauna.
This eco-friendly hotel's Andean-style casitas blend seamlessly into the surrounding cloud forest. (pool, spa)
Joined by a local guide, enjoy a walking tour of Cusco's historic center to learn how it was the heart of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire | Following narrow streets lined with centuries-old walls, discover the grand main cathedral and a Spanish colonial church built atop the ruins of an Inca temple | Our expert guide leads us on a discovery of some of South America's most impressive sites—Sacsayhuamán, the historic capital of the Inca Empire | Sip a pisco sour, Peru's famous national drink | Take a walk to people-watch at buzzing Plaza de Armas.
This luxurious property, a former palace set in a tranquil plaza behind Cusco's main square, offers personal butler service and is home to the city's first outdoor pool. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
The terrain on this trip includes walking and hiking routes with a mix of village and archaeological site walks, Inca stone jungle and rugged mountain trails. Activities take place at elevations between 9,000–11,000 feet, which can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest, so we have bumped up the route rating by one level to account for this. Some of the routes involve substantial elevation loss, which can also add to the perceived difficulty of the walks.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
One of our hikes requires an Inca Trail permit that Backroads will obtain on your behalf (included in your trip price). Therefore, we recommend booking your trip at least 3-4 months prior to departure to have the best chance of securing your permit.
Also, due to national park regulations and difficulty securing permits, your Backroads leaders may not be able to accompany you along the hike requiring an Inca Trail permit. If they're unable to join you, rest assured you will always be well supported by our local Peruvian guide, who we've worked with for years, and a staff of porters.
Our hikes through Peru's captivating rugged terrain climb rocky and sometimes uneven paths, many of which are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won't see our vans along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
This trip has been designed to offer as many hiking options as possible. Since many of the trails are unmarked, we recommend that you hike in the company of a Backroads leader or one of our local support staff. On the few days when we're in national parks, regulations require you to hike accompanied by one of our certified park guides.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a Premiere Hotel. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
From the Amazon jungle to the to the Pacific Ocean, Peru is extraordinarily diverse. In fact, few places on this planet can claim the geographical variety of Peru.
Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. You’re free to opt out at any time.