Incas & Intrigue in Peru
Incas & Intrigue in Peru
Incas & Intrigue in Peru
9 Days Starting and ending in Cuzco
Visiting: Cusco, San Pedro District, Andes, Pisac, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EPT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
16-80
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
You don’t really get more ‘bucket list’ than Machu Picchu. But there’s much more crammed into this impressive nine-day itinerary besides discovering lost ancient cities. In fact, we’re pretty confident we’ve checked off everything you could want from a whistle-stop tour of Peru. A deep dive into Peruvian food and drink. The exquisite Rainbow Mountain and the ethereal Salineras de Maras salt flats. And an insight into rural community life. Seven days of annual leave well spent.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Get To Know Cuzco On A Walking Tour
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: No Meals
You arrive smack-bang into the epicentre of archaeological America: Cuzco,
the gateway to Machu Picchu. To get your bearings, there’s a walking tour
to explore the cobblestone passages and see the collision of
ancient-meets-modern life. Then you’ll return to the Xima Cuzco Hotel,
opposite the handicraft market.
Tonight, there’s a meeting, but definitely not your average workday kind.
You’ll gather with your group for a briefing about the adventures ahead
(and no, there’s no need for minute-taking).
Day 2 : Devour Peruvian Cuisine At San Pedro Market And Take A Cooking Class
Location: San Pedro District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s all about Peruvian food today, starting with a visit to the San Pedro
market. It’s lively, vibrant place with rows and rows of stalls. You’ll
chat with the locals, try some fruits, /chuta/ bread, and perhaps even a
serving of frog soup.
In the afternoon you’ll learn about the different plants and herbs used in
Peruvian cooking and more about traditional food and drink. Then feast on
your self-prepared food.
Day 3 : Cycle The Sacred Valley
Location: Andes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll leave the city clamour behind today, venturing north to the Sacred
Valley - a corner of the Andes known for its remote villages, markets and
Inca citadels. You’ll be cycling through this scenic wonderland today,
first stopping at Moray. This archaeological site is characterised with deep
amphitheatre-style terraces. It was once thought to be an Incan agricultural
research centre, where crop experiments were carried out at different
heights.
Your cycle ride continues 6km to Salineras de Maras, a dreamlike site of
thousands of salt pans created from a hot spring at the top of the valley.
Tonight, you’ll stay at the 17th century San Agustin Monasterio La
Recoleta.
Day 4 : Visit A Rural Community, Then Discover The Ruins At Pisac
Location: Pisac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There’s a visit to Agritourism association of Chichubamba today, a rural
community. Here, you’ll work alongside the locals preparing /pachamanca/, a
traditional dish that’s baked over hot stones and covered with stones and
earth for an hour or two. While it’s cooking, you’ll visit some homes and
see the local produce of pottery, chocolate and coffee. Then it’s back to
uncover the /pachamanca/ for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Pisac Ruins, a sweeping (and
lesser-explored) Inca fortress for a guided tour. You’ll then hike downhill
for 90 minutes to Pisac Market in the bustling village.
Day 5 : Join The Inimitable Inca Trail
Location: Inca Trail
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You’ll take the train to the village of Ollantaytambo today. You’ll
descend a 2km Inca stone staircase, with mountains as a backdrop and the
Urubamba River below. After a stop at the ruins of Wiñay Wayna, you’ll
walk through cloud forest high above the river to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.
From here you’ll get your first full sight of Machu Picchu, with Huayna
Picchu rising behind.
Then you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes, a town below the ruins, for a
well-earned rest. You’ll stay at Hatun Inti Classic for the next two
nights.
Day 6 : Epic Day Klaxon: Tour Machu PicchuÂ
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
To beat the day-trippers arriving from Cuzco, you’ll set off early for
Machu Picchu.
Hidden and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1911, Machu Picchu is an
archaeological masterpiece. Commanding a spectacular location, this ancient
city is a sight that will be seared in your memory for life. New regulations
mean that visitors have four hours on-site and follow a set route with a
guide.
The afternoon is yours. Later, you’ll take a Pisco Sour cocktail class in
Aguas Calientes. Because frankly, you can’t return home from Peru without
becoming an expert in this iconic drink.Â
Day 7 : A Citadel And Chocolate Day
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll make your way back to Cuzco today, by taking the train to
Ollantaytambo and then the bus on to the city. You’ll have time for a
breather before joining your group for an uphill walk to Sacsayhuaman
Archaeological Park for a tour of this Inca fortress. Afterwards, you’ll
walk to San Blas for a chocolate-making workshop. You’ll learn to make
chocolate from the cacao bean and prepare chocolate-based drinks that the
Mayas and Conquistadores enjoyed.
Day 8 : Climb The Remarkable Rainbow Mountain
Location: Machu Picchu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Set an early alarm – you’ll be collected at 5.30 am to board a bus bound
for Phulawasipata. It’s a three-hour journey with the last hour on a bumpy,
unpaved road, taking you (literally) off the beaten track. From here, you'll
trek up Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain as it's more famously known. This
mountain has become an undisputed Instagram star thanks to its multicoloured
mineral stripes, and its popularity has surged. To get the best views of the
rainbow effect, you’ll have to hope the weather is kind.
You'll hike for 90 minutes, starting at 4,600m and climbing to reach a lofty
5,000m. Don't forget to stop to appreciate the views and the snow-capped
peak of Ausangante in the distance, before returning downhill for another 90
minutes to the bus that'll drive you back to Cuzco (with a well-earned lunch
stop en route).
It's a long and physically demanding day at these heights, but you whould be
well acclimatised at this stage in the trip. For anyone unsure, there's an
option to opt out and spend further time in Cuzco today instead.
Day 9 : Return To The Airport
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
A final breakfast, before you part with your group and return home.
What's Included
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Tour leader throughout
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Transport and listed activities
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One Day Inca Trail
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All breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner
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Arrival and departure transfers
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinners.
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Travel insurances
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Visas and vaccinations
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Tips for leaders and staff
Food
All breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner included
Accommodation
San Agustin Monasterio La Recoleta A former Catholic monastery built in the 17th century, this boutique hotel is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Rooms are spacious yet cosy and well-equipped with TV and free Wi-Fi. Xima Hotel Xima Hotel is a short walk from Cuzco's main square and just in front of Cuzco's largest craft market. Rooms are modern with cable TV and free wired internet. Hatun Inti Classic A well-located hotel for Machu Picchu, Hatun Inti Classic has traditional style accommodation and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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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 allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus 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 charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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