call our experts
800-728-2875

business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST

south america: peru

Machu Picchu Explorer

Travel to Peru and explore the most spectacular archaeological monument in South America, the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu. Our Machu Picchu Explorer is a short 6 day/5 night adventure designed to compliment our Galapagos Small Ship Cruises or
Peru Amazon Cruise. This privately guided independent Peru Tour can also be combined with other regions of Peru such as Lake Titicaca, the Amazon River or the Inca Trail Trek, to craft a custom tour of Peru.

The journey begins with an overnight in Lima. Fly to Cusco and explore the Sacred Urubamba Valley including Pisac and Ollantaytambo before proceeding by rail to the citadel Machu Picchu. Enjoy a full day guided tour of Machu Picchu and an overnight at the famous Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Inn. Charismatic guides versed in archeology, history and Andean culture show you monumental Inca temples, traditional villages and markets of the Quechua Indians in Cusco and in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Day 1 - Arrive Lima

Upon arrival in Peru you will be greeted at the Lima international airport by our local representative. A transfer to is included to your airport hotel, conveniently located for your onward flights the following morning.

Accommodations: Costa del Sol or similar
Included Meals: none

For those arriving early into Lima an accommodation upgrade is available at added cost in the central Mira Flores district.

Accommodations: Casa Andina Private or similar

Day 2 - Cusco

Transfer to the Lima airport then fly from Lima to Cusco. (Price of flights from Lima to Cusco can vary and are quoted separately). Upon arrival in Cusco you are met by your guide who will remain with you throughout your time in the Peruvian highlands. The elevation of Cusco is 11,000 feet so we encourage a relaxed pace while travelers acclimatize. Enjoy an afternoon guided orientation of Cusco's Spanish churches, ancient Inca sites and surrounding ruins. Cusco has a number of quaint boutique hotels and your accommodations will vary depending on availability. Cusco also features some of the finest hotels in the world so ask our Peru Travel Experts about luxury upgrades.

Accommodations: Casa Andina or similar
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 3 - Urubamba Valley

Depart early on a scenic drive along farmlands and mountain peaks of the Urubamba River. Known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca, the Urubamba Valley is home to numerous important Inca Ruins and vibrant Quiche markets. Enjoy a full day guided tour of the Urubamba Valley including the traditional Andean towns, ancient Inca Ruins and traditional Indian Markets of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Like Cusco there are a number of excellent historic and unique accommodations in this region. Our Peru Travel Experts will confirm exact locations based on your interests and availability. Relax this evening with delicious Peruvian cuisine and surrounded by authentic Peruvian history and culture.

Travelers to Peru with more time should consider adding another day in the Urubamba Valley explore farther into the countryside. Choose from numerous hikes, activities, Inca Ruins and local markets. An extra day in the Urubamba Valley offers the opportunity to explore farther away from tourist crowds to reveal authentic Peruvian culture. Contact our Peru Travel Experts to discuss.

Accommodations: Posada Yucay, Sol Y Luna or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 4 - Machu Picchu

An early train follows the Urubamba River as it climbs high into the Andes Mountains revealing glaciers and spectacular scenery. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes proceed by bus to the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu. Your guide will introduce you to this history, nature and culture of this magnificent site with a guided tour. This evening overnight at the famous Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Inn. The grounds of this exclusive hotel covers acres of native rain forest including an orchid garden and nature trail offering a peaceful refuge within walking distance shops, restaurants and the train station in Aguas Calients.

Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar.
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 5 - Machu Picchu

Arise early and be among the first to experience Machu Picchu before the train arrives. Watch the sunrise, take a hike to the Temple of the Moon, the Inca Drawbridge or beat the crowds to Huaya Picchu, the steep sided mountain behind the ruins. Return by train Ollantaytambo before proceeding by road to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodations: Casa Andina, Sonesta Posada or similar
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 6 - Cusco to Lima

Most flights depart Lima late so enjoy the charms of Cusco on your own before an afternoon flight to Lima. Or consider an early flight to Lima and booking an optional tour of the city or a museum tour (at additional cost). If necessary we can arrange a hotel room to rest and clean up before a private late night transfer to your departing flight.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast


Peru Domestic Flights: Round trip flights Lima to Cusco are required for this itinerary. Because the price of flights in Peru is volatile we quote the price of flight separately from the Machu Picchu Explorer tour price. Round trip prices range from $350-550 per adult. Flight prices will be provided at the time of booking and payment in full is required to guarantee the fare.

Arrival and departure: Most flights arrive to Lima International Airport (LIM) late in the evening, but flights can arrive at any time on Day 1. Accordingly, this itinerary includes an airport hotel in Lima on Day 1. For those arriving earlier, usually from Quito, we can make arrangements at a hotel in downtown Mira Flores, Lima at Hotel Casa Andina Private for an additional $50 per person. Plan flights to depart Lima no earlier than 11:00am on Day 6.

Land Cost Includes: Transfers, Peru Hotel Accommodations, meals as outlined in itinerary, guide services from Cusco to Cusco, entrance fee into Machu Picchu.

Not Included:Airfare from US to Lima; excess baggage charges; airport departure tax from Peru; domestic aiport taxes in Lima and Cusco; tips to local staff and items of a personal nature such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of US$500 per person is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to cancellation penalties per person.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Note that Cusco is at an elevation of 11,000 feet.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com