Experience the deep-rooted heritage of the Incas as you engage with the people of the Sacred Valley, savor Peru’s rich and flavorful cuisine, and learn about the art of ancestral weaving, crafted from a variety of native wools. Hike a portion of the legendary Inca Trail and stand in awe before the breathtaking majesty of Machu Picchu—an unforgettable experience that promises lasting memories and stories to share for generations.

Join Mariah Travel on this immersive 8-day / 7-night Peruvian tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Peru

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, a Mariah Travel host will meet you at the airport, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to your hotel. You'll receive a personalized Welcome Package with detailed trip information, local contact numbers for each city, and 24-hour emergency support for peace of mind throughout your journey. Settle in for a two-night stay at the stylish AC Hotel Lima Miraflores, where your Deluxe Ocean View Room offers comfort and stunning coastal views—the perfect start to your adventure.

Day 2: City Tour of Lima & the Larco Museum

Start your day with a guided tour through Lima, known as the “City of Kings,” exploring its most iconic and historic landmarks. Visit the elegant Plaza San Martín and the grand Plaza Mayor, home to the Government Palace, City Hall, Lima Cathedral, and its Religious Art Museum—all part of the city’s original foundations laid in 1535.

Next, step into history at the Convent and Church of San Francisco, a masterpiece of colonial architecture and a designated UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Explore its impressive library and venture into the hauntingly fascinating Catacombs, once used as Lima’s primary cemetery.

Continue to the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion built over a pre-Columbian pyramid. Discover 3,000 years of pre-Columbian history through exquisite collections of textiles, ceramics, gold, and silver artifacts.

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Café del Museo, set within the peaceful gardens of the museum—an ideal spot to reflect on the richness of Peru’s past. Afterward, return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or set out to explore more of Miraflores at your own pace. (B, L)

Day 3: Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your local guide and begin your scenic journey into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, located at a lower elevation than Cusco—an ideal stop to ease into the altitude.

En route, visit the Awanacancha Textile Center, where you’ll meet the region’s four native camelids: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and the delicate vicuñas. Learn about the harvesting of wool, natural dyeing methods, and the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations. This stop offers a meaningful connection to Andean culture and the living heritage of traditional textile art. Arrive at your hotel and settle into the serenity of the Sacred Valley. (B)

Day 4: Ollantaytambo Fortress, Wayra Gardens & Pisac

Today begins with a guided visit to the Ollantaytambo Fortress, a formidable archaeological site believed to have protected the valley from jungle tribes and later served as the stronghold of Manco Inca during the Spanish conquest. Marvel at the expertly crafted terraces and the Temple of the Sun, where massive stones were precisely placed without mortar. Stroll the ancient streets of Ollantaytambo town, where original Inca infrastructure—cobbled alleys and water channels—still remains intact.

Lunch is a feast for the senses at the Wayra Gardens, surrounded by native plants and filled with the aroma of wood-fired bread, empanadas, and rare heirloom potatoes sourced from remote Andean communities.

After lunch, enjoy a graceful Peruvian Paso horse show, then journey to Pisac, where the Incas once studied the stars from the hilltop ruins. Time permitting, browse the colorful Pisac market, known for handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and ceramics—an ideal place to find unique souvenirs.

Return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for a relaxing evening. (B, L)

Day 5: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu via Vistadome Train

After breakfast, transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the Vistadome train, offering panoramic windows for spectacular views as you journey along the Urubamba River into the lush jungle lowlands. After a scenic two-hour ride, arrive in Aguas Calientes—also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo—nestled at the base of the iconic citadel.

From here, a short but dramatic bus ride winds up the mountain to the sacred site of Machu Picchu, a marvel of pre-Hispanic engineering and spiritual design. Built as a royal retreat by the Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438–1572), Machu Picchu was also intended to house his “malqui,” or mummified remains.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a place where stone seems to rise naturally from the earth, seamlessly blending with the surrounding peaks. Explore at your own pace—visit the Royal Mausoleum, follow the trail to the Inca Bridge, or climb the central stairs to the Intihuatana stone, believed to be a solar calendar.

Pause to simply absorb the atmosphere: the sacred river below, the majestic Mount Salkantay in the distance, and the sense of profound reverence this place inspires.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Tinkuy Restaurant, located next to the sanctuary at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, before returning to Aguas Calientes for your overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 6: Guided Tour of Machu Picchu & Surroundings

Rise early for a return visit to Machu Picchu, boarding the shuttle bus back up the winding mountain road. With fewer visitors in the morning light, the citadel takes on an even more mystical atmosphere. Enjoy a special guided tour led by an expert who will interpret the spiritual, astronomical, and architectural significance of this ancient wonder.

For the adventurous, opt to climb Wayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), a steep yet rewarding hike offering panoramic views over the site and surrounding peaks. This one-hour ascent leads to the fascinating Temple of the Moon, a hidden complex of ceremonial caves believed to have been used by Inca elites. (Note: access to Wayna Picchu is limited and subject to availability.)

In the afternoon, descend to Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome train for your scenic return to Cusco. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel, Palacio del Inca, where you’ll settle in for two nights in a charming Colonial Luxury Room—a beautiful blend of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial elegance. (B)

Day 7: Exploring Cusco

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Begin with a visit to Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Incan archaeological site on the outskirts of the city. Marvel at the massive stone terraces, some weighing over 100 tons, that were expertly fitted together without mortar.

Next, head to Qorikancha, the Temple of the Sun, once the richest temple in the Inca Empire, where golden walls shimmered in the sunlight. Admire the fine Inca masonry, as well as the colonial-era church that was built atop the ancient ruins.

Stroll through the plaza and streets of Cusco’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where Incan and colonial architecture blend seamlessly. Visit the Cusco Cathedral, and enjoy a walk through San Blas, a charming artisan neighborhood known for its narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant galleries.

Take a break and enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample regional specialties. In the afternoon, explore the bustling San Pedro Market, where you can immerse yourself in the colors, sounds, and flavors of Cusco—an ideal spot for unique souvenirs and local produce.

Return to your hotel to relax, or venture out for more exploration in the evening at your leisure.(B, L)

Day 8: Departure from Cusco

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax or explore a bit more of Cusco on your own before your departure. Your guide will assist with a private transfer to Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, where you’ll catch your flight home, taking with you memories of Peru’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and ancient wonders. (B)

2025 - 2026 COST:  PRICE UPDATE!

Starting at only $3599 per person, dbl occupancy, 4-star lodging  $650 single supplement

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 ​    *Inquire for small group pricing

 INCLUDED WITH YOUR TOUR: 

• Round trip flights from Lima to Cusco

• Private services with local English speaking guide.

• Seven nights in luxury hotel accommodations

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• All entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary

• Round trip train and bus tickets to Machu Picchu 

• All entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and/or Huayna Picchu  

• Continuous assistance during the trip

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NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP:

• International airfares 

• Meals not described in the itinerary

• Personal expenses

• Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending

• Tips to guides and hotel staff

• Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended USI Travel Insurance Services)

https://www.mariahtravel.com/travel-insurance

Please Note: Arriving in Cusco can be an exciting experience, but the altitude can catch some travelers off guard since it's located at about 11,150 feet (3,400 meters). Here are some tips to help you adjust to the altitude and enjoy your visit:

Take It Slow on Arrival

• First Day: When you arrive in Cusco, take it easy for the first 24 hours. Rest and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude before starting any strenuous activities.

• Hydrate: Dehydration can make altitude sickness worse. Drink plenty of water throughout your stay.

Eat Light and Avoid Alcohol

• Meals: Stick to light, easily digestible foods during your first day. Heavy meals can be hard to digest at high altitudes.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can exacerbate altitude sickness and dehydration, so it's best to avoid drinking until your body is more accustomed to the altitude.

Coca Tea

• Many visitors find coca tea (made from the leaves of the coca plant) helpful in preventing altitude sickness. It's commonly served in Cusco, and many people swear by it to help with symptoms like headaches or nausea.

Altitude Sickness Medication

• If you're concerned about altitude sickness, consider bringing altitude sickness medication like Diamox (acetazolamide). You can also get it from a pharmacy in Cusco, but it’s best to consult a doctor before your trip.

Signs of Altitude Sickness

• Be aware of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. If you experience severe symptoms, it's important to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention.

Adjust Your Itinerary

• Gradual Acclimatization: If you're traveling from sea level or a much lower altitude, consider spending a day or two in a slightly lower altitude town like Sacred Valley (about 9,400 feet/2,900 meters) before heading to Cusco to give your body time to adjust.

Wear Sunscreen

• At high altitudes, the sun’s UV rays are stronger, so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days.

By easing into your time in Cusco and taking these precautions, you'll be better prepared to enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of the region without letting the altitude slow you down. Carpe diem...