Peru

Peru: Machu Picchu & Cuzco

  • Overview
    Starts at

    $4290

    Duration.

    8 days

    Activity Level

    Moderate

    Our moderate adventures are similar to our easy adventures, but you’ll spend more time on your feet.
    Meals

    7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners

    Discover Machu Picchu and Cuzco on this fun and exciting family vacation in Peru! Hike the amazing site and wander in wonder among the mysterious ruins. Also, discover the breathtaking sites of the superbly preserved Ollantaytambo, the military complex of Sacsayhuamán, the Sun Temple Ruins at Pisaq, and the fascinating city of Cuzco.

    Explore Famous and Mysterious Machu Picchu

    Walk and hike the grounds of Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city shrouded in mystery, that was discovered in 1911 when an archaeologist stumbled upon the 400 year old stone city that use and purpose is still being investigated today.

    Hike to the Top of Huayna Picchu

    Venture through the grounds of Machu Picchu and hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, a rocky knoll overlooking the ancient complex. It’s one of the best views in the world.

    Meet the Kids of Chinchero for Friends Across Borders

    Watch as your kids meet local Peruvian kids in a Chinchero village. They will play with them, get to know one another, and kick around a soccer ball.

    Walking Exploration of Cuzco

    The city of Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the capital of the ancient Incan Empire and many of its old buildings and structures are well preserved today for your family to discover.

    Discover the Ruins of Pisaq

    Explore the incredibly well preserved ruins of Pisaq, a place most travelers never get to, in the Sacred Valley and see its incredible stone terraces, aqueducts, and Sun Temple.

     

  • Itinerary

    Day 1

    Fly to Peru


    Days 2-3

    Ollaytantambo

    Fly Lima to Cuzco

    Pisaq Ruins

    Journey to one of the best preserved and least visited ruins in the Sacred Valley, Pisaq, showcasing the Inca’s advanced masonry skills from stone terraces to aqueducts and the Sun Temple.

    Chinchero Quechua Weaving Lesson

    Visit the small Andean village of Chinchero, to watch local Quechua women demonstrate the age-old craft of back-strap weaving, the oldest type of loom in the world.

    Maras Salt Terraces Hike

    A scenic drive takes you out to the Maras region for a hike among its fascinating salt mine terraces, operated since early Inca times. The saline waters from a local spring bubble up to the surface and flow through an intricately constructed series of channels to form shallow pools. When the sun evaporates the water, mounds of salt remain—the sight of the glittering white against the indigo skies is dazzling!


    Machu Picchu

    Watch in awe as you approach the main entrance of Machu Picchu, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the legendary, “in the clouds” view at 7,800 feet.

    Gate of the Sun Hike Option

    Experience this moderately strenuous but rewarding route following the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the Inti Punku, or “Gate of the Sun.”

    Huayna Picchu Hike Option

    Intrepid adventurers will enjoy a guided hike to the sacred summit of Huayna Picchu, the rocky knoll overlooking the entire site of Machu Picchu.

    Excursions at Inkaterra

    While staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, there are a few included excursion options, such as birding, a guided nature walk or visiting an orchid garden, tea plantation or native farm. Talk to your guide or hotel reception for more information. Located just outside of the hotel is a wonderful local market with handicrafts, clothing and much more.


    Days 6-7

    Cuzco

    Free Time and Dinner with Your Family

    Explore and eat dinner on your own in enchanting Cuzco, a city founded in the 11th century that mixes both Inca and Spanish architecture.

    Friends Across Borders: Chinchero

    Kids will have the opportunity to meet their Peruvian pen pals in the village of Chinchero, where they’ll enjoy a soccer game together and spend some time getting to know one other.

    Cuzco Walking Excursion

    Explore the temples and buildings of Cuzco, a city that revels in marrying ancient Inca artistry with the splendor of Spanish architecture.

    Koricancha Temple

    Meaning “golden courtyard” in Quechua, Koricancha — the Temple of the Sun — once glittered in gold, with golden panels covering the walls and a giant golden sun disk.

    Hatun Rumiyoq

    A narrow street, lined with the ancient walls of a huge building and named for the tightly fitting stones cut with impossible precision (like those at Sacsayhuaman), works its way through the lively, modern San Blas neighborhood. The vast building may once have been the palace of the sixth Inca ruler, but no one knows for sure. Follow your guide to the most famous stone of all cut with 12 angles to fit the rest of the stones that surround it.



    Day 8

    Arrive home in the US


  • Dates & Prices

    2024 Dates


    03/23-03/30

    Sold Out
    Adult $4690
    Teen $4690
    Child $4490
    Internal Air $600

    04/06-04/13

    Adult $4290
    Teen $4290
    Child $4090
    Internal Air $550

    06/08-06/15

    Adult $4290
    Teen $4290
    Child $4090
    Internal Air $550

    06/22-06/29

    Adult $4290
    Teen $4290
    Child $4090
    Internal Air $550

    07/20-07/27

    Adult $4290
    Teen $4290
    Child $4090
    Internal Air $550

    08/17-08/24

    Adult $4290
    Teen $4290
    Child $4090
    Internal Air $550

    12/21-12/28

    Adult $4690
    Teen $4690
    Child $4490
    Internal Air $600

    12/26-01/02

    Adult $4690
    Teen $4690
    Child $4490
    Internal Air $600

    Additional Info

    Small Group Supplement

    A supplement may apply to smaller groups. Please contact a Travel Consultant for more information.

    Single Supplement

    Single supplement starts at $1,000.

    Alumni Discount 

    If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.

    Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.

    Price Includes

    All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, all meals, bottled water, snacks in the vehicle and Machu Picchu entrance permits (subject to availability, entrance time not guaranteed until deposit and passport copies are confirmed).

    Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination.  Prices are subject to change.

  • Hotels

    Wyndham Costa del Sol Airport Hotel

    The Wyndham hotel is attached to the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Amenities include air conditioning, a hair dryer, heating, a safe deposit box and internet access. The hotel has a business center, restaurant and gym. This hotel is chosen because of its proximity to the airport.

    Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel

    Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

    The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is located just outside Machu Picchu. Amenities include a hot tub, spa, jogging track, hair dryer, business center, outdoor non-chlorinated pools, laundry service and internet access.

    Marriott Cuzco

    Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary and its hotels as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

What Travelers are Saying

“Sharing the magic of Peru with my granddaughter Maddie was the greatest gift I could have ever asked for. Thomson Family Adventures has a client for life!”

Jan Harding

3 trips with Thomson Family Adventures


Starts at

$3590

Duration

8 days

Activity Level

Active

Active trips revolve around multi-sport activities that keep your family outside and having fun! Your family will spend more time interacting with the elements and exploring than sitting on a beach or inside of a museum. These activities are not always physically demanding but they can be and do require a basic level of fitness.
Starts at

$5690

Duration

7 days

Activity Level

Challenging

Our challenging trips are the most active adventures that we have and require a high level of fitness. These trips generally involve over four hours of strenuous activity on multiple days. While these trips can be demanding, they are rewarding and gratifying at the end. These adventures are perfect for families to bond over unique experiences that will challenge and excite.
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