Essentials of Peru Small Group Tour
Experience Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Sacred Valley
July, August, September 2026
8 Days / 7 Nights
From $3,530 Per Person
Max 16 Travelers
Moderate Activity
Enjoy an immersive Peru journey featuring a guided exploration of historic Lima with a culinary experience and Pisco Sour class, private tours of Machu Picchu with an expert guide, and gourmet dining overlooking the citadel. Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley with exclusive excursions, including hot springs and spa relaxation, while staying seven nights in deluxe hotels with daily breakfasts. Throughout your trip, enjoy seamless private transfers and personalized service for a comfortable, enriching experience.
Day 1: Welcome to Lima, Peru and the Casa Andina
The Casa Andina Premium Miraflores Hotel is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores, surrounded by the best restaurants and boutique stores in the city of Lima. Its unmistakable local touch showcases valuable colonial antiques and an exquisite collection of contemporary art decorating the rooms and common areas of the hotel. Try the breakfast buffet, a varied menu with gourmet dishes at Alma Restaurant. Amenities include room service, gym, sauna, spa and swimming pool.
Night at Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Day 2: Private Colonial Lima and Culinary Experience
Join our journey through time and enjoy the history of pre-hispanic, colonial and modern Lima. Visit Lima´s oldest resorts, its valleys, pre-hispanic temples and its grand Main Square. View its colonial architecture and recreational spaces, hear about their religious beliefs and the unique names of its streets, and enjoy the evolution, modernization and the lifestyles of its most picturesque characters.
After the tour in Lima, we will then head towards the district of Pueblo Libre and visit the Larco Museum considered one of the best museums in Latin America. At the end of the excursion, we will drop you off at your hotel.
Night at Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Day 3: Private Tour of Cusco
Today’s comprehensive tour of Cusco and the most important surrounding architectural sites begins with a visit to Qoricancha, which means “Golden Courtyard”. It was considered to be the most sacred site in the Inca religion and was actually the center of the Inca world. From there you will visit the Cusco Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas.
Next is a stop at the famous Citadel, Sacsayhuaman. This The spectacular fortress was built with huge carved boulders adjoined with incredulous accuracy. We’ll have plenty of time to discover the massive fortress on your own.
We will finish by visiting two other amazing sites boasting architectural precision which are Qenqo and Tambomachay.
Night in Cusco at Casa Andina Premium Cusco Hotel
Day 4: Private Sacred Valley Tour
Today we begin early morning as we set out on a private tour to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our journey begins with a visit to the salt mines of Maras, a stunning network of thousands of salt pools still harvested by local families using ancient techniques.
We then continue to Moray, an impressive Inca archaeological site made up of circular agricultural terraces believed to have been used as an experimental farming center.
Afterward, we head to the picturesque town of Ollantaytambo, known for its well-preserved Inca fortress and charming cobblestone streets. This site played a crucial role during the resistance against the Spanish conquest and offers panoramic views over the valley. Because of its location and strategic position that controls a great part of the region it has been defined as the fortress or the fortified citadel.
After a full day of discovery, you’ll spend the night in the Sacred Valley, surrounded by the tranquility of the Andes and the cultural richness of this timeless region.
Night at the Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley Hotel
Day 5: Private Half Day Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Early departure to Ollantaytambo train station to board the exclusive Vistadome Observatory train toward the town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting to accompany you on the bus ride up to the citadel and begin the classic tour route.
This route allows you to explore the main areas of Machu Picchu’s urban sector. It starts in the agricultural area, where you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the site. It then continues to Llaqta Punku (the main entrance), the viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, the main square, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors.
It is the perfect circuit to take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Please note that the route may vary depending on the official availability assigned by the Ministry of Culture on your travel date.
Night in Aguas Calientes at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Day 6: Private Half Day Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Today, enjoy a second visit to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu, allowing you more time to take unforgettable photos and truly absorb its grandeur. Explore the site at your own pace, feel its peaceful energy, and admire the breathtaking Andean landscape surrounding this Wonder of the World. After an early lunch, you’ll take the train back to the Sacred Valley, arriving at Ollantaytambo Station, where you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
Night in the Sacred Valley at Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
Day 7: Choose your Activity in the Sacred Valley
Choose one or two activities from our curated experience menu and immerse yourself in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Whether you’re seeking deep cultural connection or meaningful interaction with nature, we offer unforgettable experiences designed for every kind of traveler.
Our Sacred Valley Experience Menu includes:
- Traditional Weaving & Natural Dye Workshop
Discover the ancient Andean techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving alpaca and sheep wool using natural dyes from local plants and insects.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Location: Misminay
Includes: Materials and guide
Not included: Guide in other languages, souvenirs, gratuities - Participatory Farming Session
Join the local community in seasonal agricultural activities and learn traditional farming techniques. During harvest season, enjoy a typical “huatia” meal cooked in earthen ovens.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Location: Misminay
Includes: Tools and local guide (Spanish) - Andean Ceremony with a Shaman
Connect with the spiritual essence of the Andes in a sacred ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (sacred mountains).
Duration: 30–60 minutes | Location: Misminay
Includes: Andean priest, ceremonial materials, and guide - Adobe Brick Workshop
Learn how Andean communities build their homes using traditional adobe bricks—sustainable, durable, and thermally efficient.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Location: Misminay
Includes: Local guide (Spanish) and wash station access - Andean Cooking Class
Learn how to cook authentic Andean dishes using local ingredients and traditional methods in a picturesque setting.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Location: Misminay
Includes: Spanish-speaking guide and tasting of your preparation - Stand Up Paddle Yoga or Kayak on Piuray Lake
Practice yoga on a paddleboard or simply kayak through peaceful waters, surrounded by stunning mountain views. A relaxing and energizing experience.
Duration: 2 hours | Location: Piuray Lake
Includes: Instructor, all equipment, hot drinks, water, snacks, stretching, photos - Birdwatching
Explore the diverse birdlife of Piuray Lake with a specialist who will help you identify endemic and migratory species using a telescope and field guide.
Duration: 4 hours | Location: Piuray Lake
Includes: Specialist guide, equipment, hot drinks, snacks - Mountain Biking
Ride through scenic routes ranging from beginner-friendly to moderate difficulty, guided by local experts.
Duration: 2–4 hours | Location: Piuray Lake
Includes: - Archery
Learn how to shoot a bow and arrow in a safe and supervised setting, surrounded by nature.
Duration: 1 hour | Location: Piuray Lake
Includes: Archery equipment, safety gear, instructor, hot drinks, snacks - Yoga by the Lake
Relax your body and mind with a rejuvenating yoga session led by a certified instructor on the peaceful shores of Piuray Lake.
Duration: 1.5 hours | Location: Piuray Lake
Includes: Yoga instructor, hot drinks, water, and fruit - Hot Springs at Huaypo Lagoon
Unwind with a magical outdoor hot tub experience on the shores of Huaypo Lagoon. Bathe in warm water while watching the sun set behind the Andes, then enjoy a simple, comforting meal around the fire.
Duration: 3 hours (starting at 4:30 PM) | Location: Huaypo Lagoon
Includes: Robes, towels, water, soup, and hot chocolate by the bonfire
Day 8: Sacred Valley – Cusco – Lima: International Departure
At the appropriate time, our vehicle will pick you up to take you to Cusco airport. Upon your arrival in Lima, our guide will be waiting for assist you at the airport with check-in and boarding procedures.
Essentials of Peru Small Group Tour
Experience Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Sacred Valley
Join us on an extraordinary journey through Peru and discover the wonder of Machu Picchu while this unique opportunity remains available. Contact by phone, text, email, or by completing the short inquiry form. We look forward to helping you plan this remarkable experience.
