- Admission to the Larco Museum, home to Lima’s finest collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts
- Tour through Maras and Moray
- Spend a day exploring Machu Picchu
- Explore Cusco, Peru’s most culturally important city
- Visit Uros and Taquile islands on Lake Titicaca
Highlights of Peru
Highlights
Step into a land where ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant traditions come alive on this unforgettable tour. Your journey begins in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital, where colonial history meets modern energy. Fly to the heart of the Andes and explore Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, rich with stone temples, colorful markets, and centuries-old culture.
Wander through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, a patchwork of emerald fields, rivers, and mountain villages that showcase Peru’s timeless beauty. The adventure crescendos at legendary Machu Picchu, perched high above the clouds—a true bucket-list wonder that inspires awe at every turn.
Continue south to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, where you’ll visit the remarkable floating islands of the Uros people and experience the authentic traditions of Taquile Island. From misty mountains to living history, Peru promises a journey as powerful as it is unforgettable.
What Guests are Saying
Very Active
Designed for travelers seeking an immersive, fast-paced experience.
Walking distances often exceed 2 miles per day, with frequent movement between locations.
Long travel days, multiple hotel changes, and early morning departures.
Many sites feature stairs, rugged terrain, or inclines requiring a good level of mobility.
Limited leisure time; itineraries are packed with sightseeing and exploration.
Not suitable for wheelchair users or those who require walking aids.
Click to Learn More
Tour Includes
1 Country
- Peru
Locations Visited
- Lima
- Cusco
- Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
- Puno
- Uros
- Taquile Island
Hotel Accommodations
- 9 nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners
Service
- A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
Baggage Handling
- To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of checked baggage per person.
Tour Starts:
Lima, Peru
Tour Ends:
Lima, Peru
Day 1
Arrive in Lima
If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel.
Note: Depending on the departure time of your outbound flight, you may depart one day earlier.
Jose Antonio Deluxe hotel or similar
Day 2
Lima
Start your journey with a tour of Lima, Peru’s scenic capital. Explore the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s packed with historic buildings. You’ll see the Main Square, a stunning showcase of wealth from the Spanish Empire, the 16th century Church of Santo Domingo, and Casa Aliaga, one of Lima’s finest colonial mansions. In the traditional Pueblo Libre District, you will spend time at the Larco Museum, a pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 18th century mansion. Enjoy lunch on the terrace at the Cafe del Museo Larco (included), in front of the museum’s gardens. This evening join your fellow travelers for an included welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jose Antonio Deluxe hotel or similar
Add-On: Visit To Indian Market (OR) Half-day Tour To Modern Lima
Day 3
Lima - Cusco - Urubamba
Fly from Lima to Cusco, in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Deep in the Andean highlands, the Sacred Valley was the center of the Inca Empire. The region boasts countless ruins, beautifully intact stone terraces, and stunning mountains. Shop for locally-made alpaca textiles, musical instruments, and paintings, as well as carvings, necklaces, and replicas of old Inca pieces at the Pisac Market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba or similar
Day 4
Urubamba
Hidden from view by the rugged Andes, the Inca sites of Maras and Moray are two of the Sacred Valley’s most unique destinations. Maras is home to Salineras de Maras, ancient, terraced salt ponds. Moray contains circular terraces that were used by Inca leaders as “test gardens” where they could experiment on plants grown across the empire. Continue to Chinchero town, where you will see ruins framed by the snow-capped Chicón and Verónica mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba or similar
Day 5
Urubamba - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Travel by Peru Rail’s Vistadome panoramic train to the country’s most famous site; the ancient sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the ultimate example of Inca architecture, with its polished stone walls and elegantly designed terraces. After your tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy an Andean fusion lunch overlooking the Vilconota River at the Cafe Inkaterra.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Note: Machu Picchu is nearly 8,000 feet in elevation.
Hotel San Agustin El Dorado or similar
Day 6
Cusco & Cusco-Puno
Your tour of this UNESCO designated city starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a Spanish complex built on top of the sacred Inca Coricancha. Then, visit the Cusco Cathedral.
Head to the hills to visit Sacsayhuamán, a fortress with panoramic views of the city. Finally, visit Puka Pukara, an Inca military installation perched on one of Cusco’s most prominent hills. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, and join us for an included dinner and show this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hacienda Cusco Centro Histórico or similar
Add-On: Alpaca Experience in Sulca & Mini Chocolate Workshop at Chocomuseo (OR) Cusco Baroque and Viceroyalty Tour
Day 7
Cusco & Cusco-Puno
Take a scenic drive from Cusco down to Puno. Keep your eyes peeled for landmarks including the town of Andahuaylillas, the Temple of Wiracocha, and the La Raya Pass.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jose Antonio Puno or similar
Day 8
Puno, Uros & Taquile Island
Spend the day on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and one of South America’s largest freshwater lakes. Your first stop is on the floating islands of Uros, a series of manmade islands built by weaving together giant bulrush plants. Continue on to Taquile Island, home to the Taquileños, whose textiles are renowned for their quality. Have lunch on the island, then enjoy free time in Puno.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Jose Antonio Puno or similar
Day 9
Puno - Lima
Take an included flight from Puno to Lima, then enjoy a final day in the Peruvian capital. Join us for a farewell dinner and folklore show.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar
Day 10
Depart for Home
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Request A Quote
Reviews
The director went out of his way to make sure everything flowed
No stone was not turned up!! The director went out of his way to make sure everything flowed, he was thorough and fun!! This was one of those perfect get aways. And his assistants in the other cities and even the bus drivers were awesome. Please let him know just how much we appreciate everything he did.
The itinerary was well-organized, packed with travel and activities
The itinerary was well-organized, packed with travel and activities. The guides were spectacular - Celestino was the overall lead and he did not slip up in any way in managing logistics. He was very attentive to the small details (such as when we needed a twin room vs. double) and addressed needs of travelers of differing abilities and health. He was also VERY personable and knowledgeable and many different areas, including history, geography, local customs, cuisine, etc. . The local guides Carlita, Cesar, and Gilbert were passionate, and experts in their areas.
The schedule of events were educational and interesting
The schedule of events were educational and interesting. Our guide Richard was absolutely Wonderful, Caring and Committed to ensure everyone had a good experience.
I have traveled with YMT for more than 25 times
I have traveled with YMT for more than 25 times. I have always experienced great treatment, professionalism, wonderful tours and reliability.
Add-Ons
Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Alpaca Experience in Sulca & Mini Chocolate Workshop at Chocomuseo
Your adventure begins with a transfer from your hotel to the Sulca House Museum, a fascinating cultural destination where history and art come together. Here, you’ll see ancient Pre-Inca and Inca looms alongside vibrant modern art exhibits. Witness live weaving and dyeing demonstrations, and enjoy the sight of alpacas roaming freely in the open air.
Next, you’ll head to the Chocomuseo, and take part in a fun and interactive mini-chocolate workshop. Learn more about the entire chocolate-making process—from the cocoa harvest to the final product. Along the way, delve deeper into the fascinating history of chocolate in Peru, known for its rich cacao traditions. Transfer back to your hotel at the end of the experience.
Inclusions
-
Transfer to and from your hotel
- Interactive mini-chocolate workshop
Note: This tour cannot be combined with Cusco Baroque and Viceroyalty Tour as the timings overlap. There’s limited spacing on this tour.
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Morning)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $65 USD
Cusco Baroque and Viceroyalty Tour
Enjoy an immersive tour of Cusco, a historic city at the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Your first stop is the Compañía de Jesús, a Catholic church in the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. Then, you will walk to the Convent of Santa Catalina, 100 meters away. Founded in 1590 by religious noblewomen, the convent’s architecture blends Baroque and Renaissance styles.
The tour continues to the Museum of Religious Art where you’ll find colonial religious paintings. Next on the agenda is Hatun Rumiyoq (which means “major rock” in Quechua). See the 12-Angled Stone, a large Inca stone block embedded in the wall of a colonial building. The street is lined with elaborate mansions dating back to the colonial period and the Viceroyalty era.
Inclusions
-
Transfer to and from your hotel
Note: This tour cannot be combined with Alpaca Experience in Sulca & Mini Chocolate Workshop at Chocomuseo as the timings overlap.
Duration: Approx. 4 Hours (Morning)
Activity Level: Moderate
Price: $45 USD
Half-Day Tour to Modern Lima
Begin your tour of bustling Lima by exploring the charming neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores, both with rich histories and their own unique character. Along the way, you’ll stop at Huaca Pucllana, an impressive pre-Hispanic site featuring a 25-meter-high pyramid. As you walk through the site, you’ll see ancient squares, ramps, stairways, and storage areas once used for offerings to deities.
Next, visit El Olivar de San Isidro, a peaceful oasis that was once a colonial hacienda known for its olive groves. The tour continues to Barranco, Lima’s bohemian district, home to the city’s most celebrated artists. Here, you’ll visit the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion once owned by the De Osma family. Admire the mansion’s tall windows, intricately carved columns, beautiful gardens, and sculptures—an example of the elegant summer homes of Lima’s past aristocracy.
Inclusions
-
Transfer to and from your hotel
- Guided tour
Note: This tour cannot be combined with the Visit to Indian Market tour as the timings overlap.
Duration: Approx. 4 Hours (Afternoon)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $45 USD
Visit to Indian Market
On this tour, you’ll get a chance to explore Lima’s vibrant Indian Market (Mercado Indio) near Miraflores Central Park. This lively market is a great spot to shop for traditional Peruvian handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other authentic souvenirs.
Inclusions
-
Transfer to and from your hotel
Note: This tour cannot be combined with the Half Day Tour to Modern Lima as the timings overlap.
Duration: Approx. 3 Hours (Afternoon)
Activity Level: Easy
Price: $20 USD
Sign Up & Save
Join our mailing list and be the first to see our weekly hot deals, the latest blogs and our newest tours.
By clicking “Sign Up” you confirm that you have read our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your info.