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.
Walking & Hiking
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Peru Walking & Hiking Tour
Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu
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.
THIS ITINERARY: 7 days, 6 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$5,299 - $5,499 pp dbl occ
($800 for sgl occ)
Peru
Start/End Cusco
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike from Cusco along the Sacred Valley into Machu Picchu and be spellbound by its history
- Discover Peru's diverse ancient civilizations and rich culture thanks to insight from our knowledgeable local guide
- Explore the impressive citadel of Sacsayhuamán, known as the Stonehenge of the Andes
- Savor Peru's world-famous cuisine at an exclusive cooking demonstration and at a private home-cooked lunch with a local family
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
7 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
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.
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Urubamba
| Premiere Hotel "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)
Days 3-4
Experience the 15th-century Inca retreat of Machu Picchu with its intricate stonework and mysterious religious designs | Hike on 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 | Stroll the grounds of our hotel with a local naturalist to learn more about the area's flora and fauna.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes
| Premiere Hotel This hotel with Andean-style casitas is just minutes from the ruins of Machu Picchu. Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Days 5-7
Joined by a local guide, explore 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 | Pay a visit to Cusco's Museum of Pre-Columbian Art | Sip a pisco sour, Peru's famous national drink | Take a walk to people-watch at buzzing Plaza de Armas.
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Cusco
| Premiere Hotel 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)
Dates & Prices
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.
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Activity Level: 2-4
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: 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 8,000–12,000 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.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
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.
Hiking the Inca Trail
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 7-9 months prior to departure to have the best chance of securing your permit. Without it, you will miss this portion of the Trail but will still visit Machu Picchu with an alternate hike within the ruins.
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.
Terrain & Trail Support
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.
Hiking on Your Own
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.
Ask A Trip Expert
Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our FAQ’s.
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