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The per person trip cost includes the following:
Please note that the following are not included and are your responsibility to arrange:
Welcome to Peru!
You'll begin your adventure in Cusco, the ancient Incan empire's centre and modern Peru's capital city. At 11,200 ft (3,400m) above sea level, Cusco's altitude can take a day or two to adjust to, so your first day of the trip will be a relaxed one. We encourage you to book your flights to arrive in the morning or the night before the trip starts so you'll have time to settle in and take it slow while your body adjusts.
For your first night in Peru, you'll have a special welcome dinner at Artisano where you'll be treated to a Peruvian menu highlighting the flavours of the region. While in Cusco, you'll stay at Niños Hotel, a social enterprise that supports the Niños Unidos Peruanos Foundation, providing meals and healthcare to Peruvian kids in underserved communities. Rest easy on your first night in Peru knowing your stay is contributing to a worthy local cause.
For your first full day in Cusco, your Peruvian guide will take you on a tour to better understand the geographical, political, and social realities of the region. During the tour, you'll learn about Peru's education system, development, and healthcare, visiting a number of districts across the city. You'll have the opportunity to see a side of Cusco many visitors do not experience - an understanding of the challenges and beauty of daily life in Peru.
This morning you'll visit Sacsayhuaman - an Incan Citadel just outside of Cusco that showcases some incredible examples of Incan building techniques with huge stone walls across a vast site. You'll have the opportunity to explore the large archeological park, seeing Sacsayhuaman and its neighbouring ruins, as well as some of the best views of Cusco from above!
In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to meet some of the young women scholars of Peruvian Hearts - The Centre for GOOD Travel's partner charity in Peru. Peruvian Hearts works to end poverty and gender inequality by educating young women and creating community leaders in Peru - one girl at a time. Peruvian-born Ana Dodson developed this nonprofit organization to enable young women to embrace education, believe in their own power, and dream of a life beyond the conditions into which they were born. $100 USD from each trip fee per person will be donated directly to Peruvian Hearts.
On your visit, you'll meet the inspiring young women who are supported by this non-profit, and hear directly from them about life in Cusco, and how the work of Peruvian Hearts and your donation supports their access to education and other opportunities. In the evening, the scholars will join you for dinner where there will be more opportunity to connect and share experiences together.
Today you'll depart Cusco and drive in to the Sacred Valley where you'll be spending the night in Ollantaytambo.
On the way, you'll make a stop at Chinchero market, known for its traditional fabric. Textile craft is an ancient tradition in Peru and across the Andean region, so this is an opportunity to get an insight into an age-old cultural tradition as well as to support some local artisans by purchasing souvenirs or gifts to take home.
The Sacred Valley of Peru is known to be a very spiritual area, and a good place to pay respects to Pachamama or Mother Earth. you'll have the opportunity to take part in a Pago a la Tierra (payment to the earth) ceremony that will include music and offerings to Pachamama to give thanks and ask for prosperity.
After lunch, you'll visit Ollantaytambo's impressive Incan ruins that are right in the centre of the small town - history is ever present in this region!
You'll spend the next two nights at Casitas del Arco Iris, another incredible social enterprise hotel supporting young children and their families in the Sacred Valley regions through donating their profits to the Niños del Arco Iris Foundation.
This morning you'll visit the Maras and Moray archeological sites - both unique examples of Incan civilisation preserved in stone and striking terraced landscapes.
For lunch, you'll have the opportunity to taste some traditional Peruvian food at Unu, a unique and authentic restaurant with incredible views and fresh local cuisine.
The afternoon will be yours to relax, explore on your own, and connect with your fellow travellers.
Today you'll experience the Sacred Valley from a new perspective on an unique walking tour with Llama Pack Project. You'll have the opportunity to learn about how the Project is using tourism as a tool for sustainable rural development and conservation of mountain ecosystems in the Urubamba mountain range. They work with high-Andean communities that are located between 3,200 – 4,500 meters above sea level with a focus on empowering communities so that they are able to hope for a better future and make it a reality. You'll walk with their local guides - and their llamas! - through the valley enjoying panoramic views and learning about mountain life in Peru.
In the afternoon, you'll take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu! Tomorrow morning you'll be rising early for the sunrise visit to the site, so we'll reccomend a relaxed evening and early night tonight!
Today is a once in a lifetime opportunity - to visit Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Machu Picchu is at its best at sunrise, the light coming up over the mountains that surround the city before the crowds of the day arrive is astounding, so you'll join the day's first tour at 6am. The early start will be well worth it as you have the opportunity to visit this remarkable site and learn about its history and conservation.
After Machu Picchu, a relaxed afternoon is needed to process what you've just experienced! Aguas Calientes is also true to its name (translates from Spanish as "hot waters") in that it has geothermal hot spring and pools where you can have a relaxed evening soak.
Today you'll make your way back to Cusco by train and have the day to do your own exploring or just to rest and reflect on the trip so far. There's so much to see and do in Cusco - your guide will be able to provide suggestions for museums, historic sites, restaurants or markets! Enjoy exploring the city, try out a bit of Spanish, and fall in love with Cusco like so many visitors do!
Today will be your last full day in Peru! You'll spend some time exploring Peru's food and market culture with a tour of San Pedro Market and San Blas where there are loads of delicious things to smell and taste.
You'll also have a chance to visit the Chocolate Museum where you can learn about the important role of cacao in Peru's history and try your hand at some chocolate making.
Tonight you'll have a special farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an incredible adventure.
Adios Peru! You'll depart today from Cusco International Airport. We will arrange airport transfers for you to get to your departure flight, or if you'd prefer to stay a few extra days in Peru we can also help you to arrange additional accomodation and activities.
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