Walking Machu Picchu - With Private Guide
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the "Walking Machu Picchu - With Private Guide" tour. This immersive adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of Lima to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, offering a deep dive into Andean history and culture. Explore the colonial charm of Lima, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the breathtaking Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain. Enjoy a unique culinary experience by Piuray Lake, savoring traditional Pachamanca. With a private English-speaking guide and driver, you'll benefit from insider knowledge and a personalized experience. Stay in comfortable accommodations, including a lovely hotel in Lima's Miraflores area, and enjoy included meals and transfers. This tour promises a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an enriching Peruvian adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Lima, the 'City of Kings'. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with your local private guide (approx. 30mins).
While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535 when Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Lima Guided City Tour
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, you have a guided city tour of Lima. Beginning with a panoramic view of the 'Pucllana Pyramid' a magnificent ceremonial and archaeological centre built in the 4th century A.D. and considered a 'sacred village' by the Incas.
You'll visit the colonial side of the city where you'll see attractions like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the City Hall, and other important monuments. Later, you'll visit the Convent of San Francisco, a seventeenth-century architectural complex that includes a church, convent, and the catacombs, a dark chamber found under the church.
The City of Lima, like many others capital cities in the world, has spectacular museums that show great collections of treasures of ancient Peru. On your guided tour, you will visit the Museum Larco Herrera, displaying remains that show ancient Peruvians from around 3,000 years ago. Unlike other museums, this place is the only one that has over 45.000 archaeological pieces properly classified.
In the evening, you have a guided walking tour of the trendy Barranco area, which is off the usual tourist trail and shows you where the locals go for a good night out! This bohemian district is full of tradition and history and an ideal place to discover vintage Lima, offering colourful streets and small colonial squares.
Immersed in the old colonial vibe with classical architecture all around us, you'll wander Barranco in search of local flavours. You'l pass by the public library, the love-inspiring traditional bridge of sighs, romantic boulevards and great ocean views too. As this is an evening tour, you'll be meandering and mixing with locals on their night out, keeping pace with them and living the local experience. Before returning to your hotel, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Cusco Acclimatisation Guided Walk
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco (1.5hr flight), the historic heartland, and former capital of the Incan Empire. Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel (approx. 15mins).
Cusco is a favourite destination of many visitors to Peru. As you wander the streets and side alleys of the city you will witness the perfect tapering Inca stonework that provided the foundations for many of Cusco's colonial and modern buildings. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Take the time today to acclimatise to the city's 3,450m altitude.
In the afternoon, your private guide will take you on a walking tour around Cusco. You will see the Stone of Twelve Angles at the Inca Roca Palace and the facade of Qoricancha temple, considered the most important temple of the Inca Empire. Then, you will head to the heart of the city, 'the Plaza de Armas', surrounded by colonial arcades and four churches. In this place you will find the beautiful 'Cathedral' of Cusco, built in the XVI.
Later on, you'll visit Florencia y Fortunata cafe for an organic coffee tasting. They are a social enterprise that seek to highlight women working in the world of specialty coffee. Their coffee batches come from different parts of Peru, especially Cusco and Cajamarca. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 4 : Guided Tour of Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras & Moray
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You will be transferred from your Cusco hotel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (approx. 1.5hrs). Here, you will embark on a private guided trip to Maras Salt Ponds and the circular terraces of Moray. On the way you will see some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley. First, you'll visit the ancient salt ponds near the village of Maras, where salty springs emerge from the hillside where the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt.
Continue to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance, however, the Incas used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species in varying altitudes.
You will then arrive to Piuray Lake, for an amazing culinary experience. You will taste traditional Pachamanca, a Peruvian dish based on the baking with the aid of hot stones of potatoes, lamb, mutton, pork or chicken marinated with Andean ingredients. Enjoy this traditional dish while you relax in a unique Andean landscape, surrounded by mountains, farmlands and the Piuray Lagoon. After this great experience, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ollantaytambo town (1hr 15mins).
Day 5 : Full Day Guided Inca Trail Walk
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Early in the morning, you'll head to the local train station located in Ollantaytambo town to board the tourist train to the starting point of the trek. After going through passport control, you will start your full day trek to the site of Machu Picchu.
On route, you'll visit the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2,150m), where you embark on a 8km (5miles) ascending trail, which after approx. 4 hours takes you to the archaeological complex of Winaywayna (2,650m). On the way up, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall not far from Winaywayna. You then continue to climb to Inti Punku, 'The Sun Gate'. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, you may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From Inti Punku you will descend to the back side of Machu Picchu and then head straight to the main entrance to take the tourist bus to Aguas Calientes, the little town close to Machu Picchu.
Note: For this Inca Trail trek, you'll need to take a backpack with your personal items to pass the night in Aguas Calientes town. Your main luggage will be safely stored at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
Day 6 : Guided Walk Machu Picchu Ruins
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll return to the Machu Picchu site by shuttle bus for the guided tour. This is one of those genuinely magical places, and your first glimpse of these ruins in the mist is something to remember. The site is perched high in the Andes, surrounded by verdant cloud forest, with the river Urubamba running through the gorge far below. Hidden away on a ridge, Machu Picchu is invisible from below, so it's no surprise it remained a secret for so many years (until 1911).
Explore the upper terrace with your guide first, making sure to get that great portrait! You'll then take a guided tour of the ruins, learning more about these 200 or so houses and temples. It's fascinating to be able to gaze down on the city from above and imagine how it would have looked during the height of the Inca empire. Catch the bus back into town and enjoy some free time to look around. At around 14.30, take the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town (approx. 1hr 45mins), followed by the private transfer to your hotel in Cusco (approx. 1.5hrs).
Day 7 : Guided City Tour of Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a city tour of Cusco, first visiting the huge 'Inca Ceremonial Centre of Sacsayhuaman'; the enormous structure overlooking the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still unknown today. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec.
Later, you continue visiting another important Inca site known as 'Qenqo'. This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards you will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca sites of 'Tambomachay' a temple dedicated to the God of Water and 'PucaPucara'. After these visits, you will return to Cusco by private car transfer.
Day 8 : Guided Walk Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain
Location: Palcoyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you'll explore 'Palcoyo' known as the new mountain of colours. Depart from your hotel at 05:30, driving for approx. 1.5hrs to Cusipata Town where you have the first stop to use the facilities. Then continue the journey for another 1.5hrs to the community of Palcoyo and the starting point of your hike. On the way, you'll enjoy an amazing view of the Andean landscapes with farm areas of potatoes, corn, alpaca and the 'red river', one of the most mesmerising places in Peru.
Once in Palcoyo community, you will start hiking for about 45mins until you reach the viewpoint. Here, you can truly appreciate the three rainbow mountains at 4,900m high with panoramic views of the Red Valley and the impressive Ausangate snow mountain (considered the highest mountain in Cusco).
Continue walking for 20mins to the 'Bosque de Piedras' (Stone Forest), a stunning rocky attraction that dazzles its visitors. Here you'll spend 2hrs exploring before returning to Combapata (1-hour hiking) to see a colonial bridge called Rumichaca built in 1604. Finish the tour at Checacupe village to appreciate three more bridges from different periods (Inca, Colonial and Republic times). Return to Cusco by car, arriving to your hotel at approx. 17.00.
Day 9 : Guided Walking Tour of Miraflores, Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Say goodbye to Cusco as you're transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Lima. Upon arrival at Lima airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Miraflores, Lima (30mins).
By the late afternoon, your private guide will take you on a walking tour around the modern district of Miraflores. You will visit the popular Kennedy Park, considered the point of convergence of both limenos and travellers alike, and arguably the forefront of modern Lima. It is surrounded by a vast array of restaurants, cafes, shops, and about every other thing the capital of Peru could offer you.
You will walk through the Larco Avenue before heading to the nice shopping mall named Larco Mar, which was built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the traditional 'Parque del amor' (Love Park), entirely dedicated to all lovers. Finally, you will visit the traditional 'Malecon', a six-mile strip of parks, gardens and green space along the cliffs overlooking the sea; paragliders launch from just north of Larcomar. Before returning to the hotel, head to a local restaurant for your included last dinner in Peru.
Day 10 : Depart Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wave goodbye to Lima with fond memories of your Peruvian Adventure!
What's Included
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9 nights accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation in comfortable hotels during your tour.
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All breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
Savor daily breakfasts, along with 3 lunches and 2 dinners included in your itinerary.
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Briefing at the start of your holiday
Receive a comprehensive briefing at the start of your holiday to prepare for your adventure.
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Your own private English speaking guide
Benefit from a private English-speaking guide for a personalized experience throughout your trip.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Enjoy the convenience of luggage transfers between hotels during your journey.
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All car, train and bus transfers included as per itinerary
All necessary car, train, and bus transfers are included as per the itinerary.
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Return flights between Lima and Cusco (20kg bags)
Round-trip flights between Lima and Cusco are included, with a baggage allowance of 20kg.
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Half day guided city tour of Lima including visit to the San Francisco Catacombs
Explore Lima with a half-day guided city tour, including a visit to the San Francisco Catacombs.
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Guided orientation walk in Cusco (acclimatisation) with local coffee tasting
Acclimatize in Cusco with a guided orientation walk and enjoy a local coffee tasting.
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Guided tour of Sacred Valley of the Incas and Maras & Moray
Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the sites of Maras and Moray with a guided tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for your safety and protection.
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional supplement.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and should be arranged independently.
Accommodation
Situated in the heart of Lima, in the Miraflores area, this lovely hotel has 60 rooms, a sun deck, terrace, and buffet breakfast served in their restaurant.
Food
Mode of Transport
All car, train, and bus transfers are included as per the itinerary, with return flights between Lima and Cusco. Luggage transfers between hotels are also provided, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of culinary experience can I expect on this tour?
During the tour, you will have an amazing culinary experience at Piuray Lake, where you will taste the traditional Peruvian dish Pachamanca. This dish is based on baking with hot stones and includes ingredients like potatoes, lamb, mutton, pork, or chicken marinated with Andean ingredients. ...more ...less
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Will I have a private guide during the tour?
Yes, you will have your own private English-speaking guide throughout the trip, providing insider knowledge and a personalized experience.
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What is the highlight of the Machu Picchu visit?
The highlight of the Machu Picchu visit is the guided tour of the ruins, where you will explore the upper terrace and learn about the 200 or so houses and temples. You will also have the opportunity to gaze down on the city from above and imagine how it looked during the height of the Inca empire. ...more ...less
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What unique experiences are included in the Cusco city tour?
The Cusco city tour includes visits to the Inca Ceremonial Centre of Sacsayhuaman, the site of Qenqo with its subterranean passages, and the archaeological Inca sites of Tambomachay and PucaPucara. These sites offer insights into the Inca civilization and its architectural marvels. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain walk?
During the Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain walk, you will hike to a viewpoint to appreciate the three rainbow mountains at 4,900m high, with panoramic views of the Red Valley and the Ausangate snow mountain. You will also explore the 'Bosque de Piedras' (Stone Forest) and visit a colonial bridge called Rumichaca. ...more ...less
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Walking Machu Picchu - With Private Guide
10 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Palcoyo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W09PE
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99