Join CPT on an 8-day/7-night Wondrous Peru Experience to Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu in 4-star Accommodations. Home to one of the new seven wonders of the world, Peru is a unique, multicultural and colorful destination. A country full of contrasts that come to light after discovering its diverse culture, history, geography, biodiversity and gastronomy; jetset from the coastal lands of the capital and dunes of Ica, crossing the Andes Mountain Range up to the Peruvian Amazon. Exploring Peru should definitely be on your bucket list.

NOTE: A Good Fitness Level is Highly Recommended for this Tour.

▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Peruvian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider. 

This trip is active and requires a moderate level of fitness. During your sightseeing you will encounter steps particularly in ruins that are higher than our standards of stairs, as well as cobblestone streets and some dirt paths.  A health form is required to participate on this trip. CPT has the right to decline a passenger's registration at any time for any reason.

If the passenger is affected by any condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour, the passenger must advise Changing Pace Travel at the time of booking. It is your responsibility to advise CPT of any pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. CPT strongly recommends a visit to a doctor and dentist before your trip. You can ask the doctor about the current inoculation requirements. All clients are expected to carry their own bags, and the itinerary, accommodation, and transport can be physically demanding. 

The trip leader has the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if it is felt that the passenger’s continued participation will jeopardize the passenger involved or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. If in the event a trip member is subject to injury or illness, the tour company we contract with will attempt to secure the best possible medical attention available. However, both Changing Pace Travel and the tour company we hire in Peru assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. 

All passengers must complete a Booking Agreement before travel and, by so doing, formally accept Changing Pace Travel's Terms & Conditions. Passengers will be required to complete the Booking Agreement at the time of booking. Travel documents will not be released without a completed Booking Agreement. Changing Pace Travel reserves the right to cancel bookings and return deposits without a completed Booking Agreement. The Booking Agreement incorporates these Terms & Conditions, including the following Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Clauses. Completing the Booking Agreement constitutes agreement to these Travel Terms & Conditions and Changing Pace Travel's Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Clause.  

To ensure the desired group synergy, Changing Pace Travel reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group, including, but not limited to, (a) if it is reasonably believed that an individual is dangerous to others or to themselves; (b) has engaged in or threatening to engage in behavior that may adversely affect the safety, security, well-being or enjoyment of other individuals; (c) who are intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs (d) who has failed or refused to follow Changing Pace Travel's rules and procedures or the instruction of Changing Pace Travel's employees or representatives. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the responsibility of the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable. Changing Pace Travel shall be entitled to recover from the individual any cost or expenses incurred by Changing Pace Travel or its representative in the removal of the individual.

Changing Pace Travel, LLC has a 24-hour cancellation-refund policy. From the time the initial deposit/purchase has been made until 24 hours later, no penalty will be charged for cancellation or revisions. 

After 24 hours of initial deposit/purchase, All payments made to Changing Pace Travel, LLC are non-refundable and non-transferable. CPT has contractual agreements with hotels and vendors that do not allow us to obtain any refunds. This allows us to keep our package prices reasonable and allow you to make monthly payments on your travel experience.

Today is arrival day. Welcome to the ‘City of Kings’. Upon arrival to the Lima airport (LIM) you’ll come through Peruvian immigration, collect your luggage then exit the arrival area after passing Peruvian Customs. There will be lots of people holding signs and offering you transportation. Here, our transportation service will greet you and accompany you to a waiting vehicle for a private transfer to your hotel for the day. 

Check in and enjoy the lively atmosphere in Lima. Our group will meet with a local Lima host (TBD meeting time) for a complete orientation meeting today or tomorrow morning. 

Overnight in Lima: 4*Accommodation: Hotel Mecure Ariosto Miraflores or similar

Elevation: 50m 

After a leisurely breakfast, set off in private transportation to discover the Peruvian Capital on a private Highlights of Lima excursion (09:00am approximate departure). 

We’ll depart directly to the Historic District of Central Lima and the San Francisco Convent and catacombs, a true 16th century architectural gem. 

In route to the Plaza Mayor, you’ll pass the impressive Plazas San Martin (San Martin Square) and Plaza Grau. In the main ‘Plaza de Armas’, see the City Hall, the Government’s Palace and the Archbishops Palace and the main Basilica Cathedral. 

The tour continues passing the ‘Desamparados’ train station, and Exposition Park, then on through the modern district of San Isidro passing the famous ‘Parque los Olivos’ or Olive Grove Park, where Spanish conquistadores planted hundreds of olive trees, then to the district of Miraflores where you’ll get a glimpse of the ‘Huaca Pucllana’, a pre-Inca adobe pyramid smack in the middle of the bustling city. 

Make a short visit to Surquillo’s Local Market. Spend about ½ hour exploring the market where inside the main building you find the food market with fresh fruits and vegetables, meat from rabbit to guinea pig, fish and seafood, groceries of all kinds and little food stands where 'Mamá or 'Jefe' cooks a simple, but fresh and delicious menu for a few Soles. An interesting cultural stop to say the least!

Time permitting, swing by Barranco, which is considered Lima’s romantic bohemian district where Lima’s foremost artists, musicians and authors call home. See the famous ‘Puente de los Suspiros’ or Bridge of Sighs and Barranco’s Plaza de Armas. Here sample the famous ‘Picarones’ or sweet potato donuts, a famous desert throughout the country. 

We’ll round out the excursion at the Parque del Amor ‘Lover’s Park’ for a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean before returning to your Miraflores hotel for an afternoon and evening at your leisure where you’ll be free to explore around Miraflores. 

This afternoon you'll have some free time to indulge in a massage, spend a few hours at the spa or enjoy a cold one around Miraflores. 

Take a stroll to the Larco Mar shopping center, where sheik Limeños go to be seen. Kennedy Park is worth a visit in the evenings. Located only minutes from the hotel, Parque Kennedy offers restaurants, open-air markets, art exhibits and glimpse into the fast-paced modern Limeño lifestyle. 

We recommend taking full advantage of the culinary scene in Lima too; they have some of best food on the continent! For lunch try ‘Punto Azul’ or 4 ‘Alfresco’ for outstanding seafood. For dinner, the ‘Panchita’ should not be missed! If you like gourmet, ‘Central’ or ‘Casa Moreya’ are world renowned. 

Overnight: 4*Accommodation: Hotel Mecure Ariosto Miraflores or similar 

Elevation: 50m 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today we take a direct flight to the Inca Imperial capital of Cusco. (07:00am approx. pick up) and a short flight to Cusco (09:30 approx. departure).  

(11:00am approx. arrival) greeting and transfer directly to the lower, less harsh, Sacred Valley of the Incas, which at 1500ft lower than Cusco, will help with acclimatization to the altitude. 

Transfer to major archaeological site of Pisac for a breath taking, but optional, 1.5-hour or 3km hike that will allow you to fully appreciate the Incan city nestled high in the Andean range. 

Transfer to Ollantaytambo hotel. Today we recommend that you take it easy, which will help acclimatization, so walk around slowly, drink lots of water and enjoy the day.

Overnight Sacred Valley of the Incas / Ollantaytambo or Urubamba 4*Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Urubamba, Hotel Posada Sonesta Yucay  or similar 

Elevation: 2800m 

Meal(s): Breakfast

You’ll begin the day with breakfast followed by a series of low impact visits to the major archaeological sites of Ollantaytambo, Chincheros and Moray as well as visits through the local villages of Chincheros, Maras and Urubamba (08:00am approximate pick up). 

Our first stop is the enormous archaeological site in Ollantaytambo. Full of Inca ornamental terracing, temples, shrines, Inca pathways and water fountains, the religious sector of Ollantaytambo is one of the noteworthy destinations in Peru. The village, named after the Inca General Ollanta, is loaded with history and has been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.  

Take pleasure in the beautiful snowcapped Chicon and Veronica mountains in the Cordillera Vilcanota as we climb out of the valley to Chincheros. A small Andean Indian village, Chincheros is located high up on the windswept plains of Anta at 3762m about 30km from Cusco. There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the horizon. Chinchero is believed to be the mythical birthplace of the rainbow.  

The village is mostly mud brick or ‘adobe’ houses, and locals still go about their business in traditional dress. The village may have been an important town in Inca times. The most striking remnant of this period is the massive stonewall in the main plaza, which has ten trapezoidal niches. The construction of the wall and many other ruins and agricultural terraces (which are still in use) are attributed to Inca Tupac Yupanqui, who possibly used Chinchero as a kind of country resort. 

From Chincheros you’ll make your way to the next destination, Moray. Made up of several enigmatic circular, or spiral agricultural terraces, those found at Moray are some of the most mysterious in the region. Most theories  hold that the site was an Inca agricultural greenhouse or ‘laboratory’, to  study the adaptation of plants to new ecosystems and altitudes.  

Here after visiting the archaeological site here, you’ll continue to the ancient ‘Salineras’ or salt panes of Maras. Still in use from Inca times, the more than 3,000 shallow evaporation pools used for salt collection are a fascinating sight. 

Take a walk about the collection pools, taste the saline water and even purchase some small salt souvenirs from the vendors that sell small figurines. 

From the Salineras, head back to Urubamba where you’ll be treated to lunch.  After lunch transfer back to the Ollantaytambo train station and board the Inca Rail 360º Vista or Inca Rail Voyager Class train to Aguas Calientes (16:30pm approximate departure) traveling northeast through the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas.   

Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you and your local guide will walk about 5 minutes to check into your hotel. After a short briefing you’ll have the afternoon to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, take a dip in the hot thermal pools, trek to Mandor Pampa waterfalls, have a nice dinner and get some rest for an early morning visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.  

Overnight Aguas Calientes: 4* Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Jaya or similar Elevation: 2040 

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today is the big day, and you may need a wakeup call for an early breakfast this morning. You’ll be collected by your private host for a pre-dawn start departing by shuttle to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the park in virtual solitude for the first few hours during an expert 2.5-hour private guided tour during which you’ll visit the principal temples, plazas and shrines at Machu Picchu. Your guide will attempt to rationalize sensible theories as to who, when, where and why as the sun rises over the Andes and illuminates the Citadel. 

After the guided tour you’ll have free time to explore, rest, meditate or simply chill out. Make the hour-long hike up to the ‘Intipunku’ or Sun Gate, trek to the Inca Bridge, a secret back entrance to Machu Picchu. Like a drawbridge, the bridge itself could even be made impassable across its 20- foot gap in the narrow mountain trail right where it clings to the face of a 1,900-foot cliff. Two long tree trunks could traverse the breach, but when removed, there would be no simple way through. 

Following Machu Picchu descent back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch.  We suggest the ‘Indio Feliz’ for Peruvian French fusion, for some of the best food in Aguas Calientes. 

Later this afternoon board the Inca Rail 360º Vista or Inca Rail Voyager Class train to Ollantaytambo (15:00pm approximate departure) and private transfer to your hotel in Cusco (18:30pm approximate arrival).  

Overnight in Cusco:  4*Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Hotel Novotel Cusco or similar 

Elevation: 3350m 

Note: Train travel time 90 minutes 

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning your host will collect you from the hotel to embark on a magical, yet low impact excursion to some of Cusco’s famed highlights (09:00am approximate departure). 

Set off from the city center by private van towards the X-zone and the magnificent Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which majestically overlooks the city of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman can be translated as 'speckled falcon' or 'speckled head'. The last interpretation refers to the belief that the city of Cusco was set out in the form of a puma whose head was the hill of Sacsayhuaman. The origins are uncertain, but the fortress is generally credited to the period of Inca Pachacutec (1450-1490), the Inca king who essentially founded the Inca Empire. 

After Sacsayhuaman, your van will be waiting to continue with visits to  Q’enko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay also located near the X-zone, just outside the city, before returning to Cusco for a stop by the ‘Koricancha’ or Inca Temple of the Sun located beneath the Santo Domingo church and convent.  

After the Koricancha, we’ll round out the excursion with a visit to the local market, where inside the main building you find the food market with fresh fruits and vegetables, meat from rabbit to guinea pig to whole pigs, fish and seafood, groceries of all kinds and little food stands where 'Mamá or 'Jefe' cooks a simple, but fresh and delicious menu for a few Soles. 

Following the visit enjoy an afternoon at your leisure. Grab a map and your camera and set off to discover Cusco’s true amalgamation of Spanish and Inca cultures! The city offers an endless system of narrow Inca alleyways and colonial mud-brick construction, both built atop original Inca stone foundations. Visit the many ‘Chicherias’ or local corn beer bars or try out the local food at one of the ‘Picanterias’. You can stick around the city center or decide to venture outside the city to explore isolated sights reachable by private transportation.  

The artisan crafts market at Wanchaq is also close to the Historic district of Cusco. Full of unique souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles and ceramics, you are sure to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones back home.  

Overnight in Cusco: 4*Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Hotel Novotel Cusco or similar 

Elevation: 3350m 

Note: Trip order today may vary according to traffic and guides’ recommendation 

Meal(s): Breakfast

We’ll begin bright and early with a (05:00am approximate pick-up) from your hotel. We will travel roughly 2.5 hours along a paved road to the community of Pitumarca before turning onto a dirt road for another 45 minutes until we reach its end and our beginning.  

After stretching our legs for a bit and having a light breakfast, we will start our hike towards Rainbow Mountain. The first half of our walk is a 4km, roughly 1.5-hour ascent to an elevation of 5,029m (16,500ft). This section will be moderate+ hiking. Once we arrive, we will be treated to unparalleled views and a huge sense of accomplishment. We will stay long enough to truly savor it and take some photos before descending to lower altitudes, warmer temperatures and lunch. 

Our driver will be waiting to take us back to Cusco, arriving at about 17:00pm.  

Overnight in Cusco: 4*Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Premium Cusco, Hotel Novotel Cusco or similar 

Elevation: 3350m 

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today is departure day from Peru. This morning, after a leisurely breakfast and a few of hours to wrap up last minute sightseeing and shopping, we’ll collect you from the hotel (TBD pick up) for private transfer to the Cusco airport and a direct flight to Lima (TBD departure). 

Upon landing in Lima (TBD arrival) collect your luggage and exit the domestic arrivals area and connect your ongoing flight out of Peru (TBD departure).  

Adios Amigos! 

Our services end today at the Lima airport. We hope you had a spectacular trip.

Meal(s): Breakfast