Peru: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
-
Overview
Unleash the magic of the Andes with your family on an adventure to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley! Journey through breathtaking landscapes to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Delve into the heart of the Sacred Valley, where time seems to stand still. Explore its magnificent temples, terraces and hidden corners, imagining the lives of the ancient civilizations before us.
Explore the World Famous Machu Picchu
Hidden deep in the Andes, it is one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations. With a guide, you’ll crack the code of this ancient Incan city, learning how people lived there centuries ago. You and your family will marvel over its wonders!
Tour the Maras Salt Mines
Take a scenic drive to the Maras region and hike along its fascinating salt mine terraces. Here, the ground glitters sparkling white against the blue sky. Learn how people have used these mines to make salt for hundreds of years.
Discover Cusco’s Ancient Sites
Cusco blends Inca and Spanish architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Explore the Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun, where the walls were once covered in sheets of gold, and the courtyard glittered with golden statues. Then, walk along Hatun Rumiyoq, a narrow street lined with ancient Inca walls made of massive, towering stones.
Hike Huana Picchu
This guided hike takes you to the sacred summit of Huayna Picchu, the rocky knoll overlooking the entire site of Machu Picchu. Challenge yourselves with the climb and be rewarded with panoramic views unlike any other. You might even spot hidden Inca trinkets tucked away in the cliffs, remnants of a civilization long gone.
-
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Peru
Days 1-3
Ollaytantambo
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!
Days 2-5
Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo Ruins
Take a step back in time with your family as you explore the fascinating archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, imagining life as an Incan family in this supremely-preserved setting!
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.
Visiting Machu Picchu
Days 5-7
Cuzco
Train Transfer to Ollantaytambo
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.
Days 6-8
Depart
Sacsayhuamán Ruins
Explore the best-known ruins outside Cuzco, the Sacsayhuamán military complex, comprising of a zigzag double wall made of massive stones weighing up to 125 tons each, a masterpiece created by the Inca to show the world their great power and elegance.
Day 8
Arrive home in the US
-
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
04/12-04/19
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290Internal Air $600
06/07-06/14
Adult $4390Teen $4390Child $4190Internal Air $500
06/21-06/28
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290Internal Air $600
07/19-07/26
Adult $4390Teen $4390Child $4190Internal Air $500
08/16-08/23
Adult $4390Teen $4390Child $4190Internal Air $500
12/20-12/27
Adult $4690Teen $4690Child $4490Internal Air $600
12/26-01/02
Adult $4690Teen $4690Child $4490Internal 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
The Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is a 5-star resort near Cusco housed in a historic 17th-century hacienda. Choose comfy rooms with balconies and jacuzzis, then explore the Sacred Valley or relax by the pool. Kids will love the on-site activities like a cinema, fishing area, and orchid garden, while parents can unwind at the spa or enjoy delicious meals at the hotel’s restaurants. Free Wi-Fi, laundry service, and a complimentary breakfast buffet add convenience, and unique experiences like an organic garden and handicraft stores make your stay unforgettable.
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
The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a 5-star hotel housed in a restored 16th-century convent that offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort. The rooms are chic and comfortable, and come with air conditioning, which is especially helpful at Cusco’s high altitude. The property has a swimming pool, a yoga room, and a spa to relax in after a day of exploring.
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
- Hotels