Incas & Intrigue in Peru

Incas & Intrigue in Peru

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Incas & Intrigue in Peru

9 Days Starting and ending in Cuzco

Visiting: Cusco, San Pedro District, Andes, Pisac, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu

Tour operator:

Exodus

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:
English
Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Savour several food experiences, including pisco sour making, a chocolate workshop, market tastings and /pachamanca/

  • Walk part of the Inca Trail and tour the indomitable Machu Picchu

  • Get a feeling of utter elation as you reach the top of Rainbow Mountain

  • Savour several food experiences, including pisco sour making, a chocolate workshop, market tastings and /pachamanca/

Itinerary

Expand All

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 Picchu 

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. 

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

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Transport and listed activities

  • One Day Inca Trail

  • All breakfasts, four lunches and one dinner

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Meals

    8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • International flights

  • Travel insurances

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • 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

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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