Compare Machu Picchu and The Northern Kingdoms by Audley Travel vs Peru with Machu Picchu 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 : Lima

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima you will be met by your private guide and assisted to your airport hotel for the evening. As you will be off again tomorrow morning it doesn't make sense to trek into the city centre.

Day 2 : Cocachimba

You will make your way back to the airport for your flight to Jaen.Upon arrival in Jaen you will be met at the airport by your driver and taken to your hotel outside of the small village of Cocachimba. This will take around three hours.

Day 3 : Cocachimba

Walk though the magnificent cloudforest scenery on your private trek to the spectacular Gocta waterfall. There are a number of steps and it can be muddy so please do wear appropriate footwear.

Day 4 : Chachapoyas

Travel from your hotel to the town of Chachapoyas on a private transfer. On the way you will stop and have a short walk to reach the viewing area for the mysterious cliff sarcophagi built by the Chachapoya people.

Day 5 : Leymebamba

Continue on your journey through northern Peru via a private transfer to Leymebamba via the Kuelap ruins.At Kuelap you will take a glorious 20-minute cable car ride, followed by a 1km walk up to the ruins. Here you will learn about the current theories on the site and take in the incredible views.

Day 6 : Leymebamba

Today begins with a visit to the Leymebamba Museum to view the collection of over 200 Chachapoya mummies and remarkably well-preserved textiles. It can be rather unnerving! After a 90 minute drive through the countryside you will arrive at the village of Santo Tomas where you will begin your walk to the viewing platform of the Revash ruins built high into the cliffs above.

Day 7 : Cajamarca

Today you will embark on one of the most spectacular drives in Peru as you cross landscapes ranging from cloud forest to the desert-like region around the Marañón Canyon. For the most part the road is a paved single track winding up and down the mountains - the views are gorgeous.

Day 8 : Cajamarca

On your privately guided tour of the Cajamarca region today you will visit the site of Cumbe Mayo, see 3,000 year old petroglyphs, and admire the stonework at an altar once used for rituals performed on the full moon.Please bring layers and comfortable footwear as the weather changes quickly up in the gorgeous landscapes of Cumbe Mayo.

Day 9 : Cuzco

An early start this morning as you make your way to the airport via private transfer for your flight to Lima. Here you will pick up the onward flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in Cuzco. You have the afternoon to begin acclimatising.

Day 10 : Cuzco

Enjoy a privately guided tour of the highlights of Cuzco and nearby Inca ruins.

Day 11 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Leave Cuzco and head into the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way you will stop to visit the Inca fortress at Pisac as well as the bizarre agricultural terraces of Moray and salt pans at Maras.

Day 12 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Enjoy a day at leisure in the beautiful Sacred Valley. You might like to have a relaxing day to catch your breath before visiting Machu Picchu tomorrow. However, if you are still feeling energetic there are plenty of things to do in the area, including walking, mountain biking and horse riding.

Day 13 : Machu Picchu

Get your hiking shoes on for an active day as you make your way towards Machu Picchu. Begin with a privately guided trek along km104 (the final days of the classic Inca Trail) before reaching the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. In the evening you will make your way down to the town of Aguas Calientes below the ruins.

Day 14 : Cuzco

Today you may return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with your private guide. You also have tickets to climb Huayna Picchu mountain for an alternative view of this fascinating site. In the afternoon return to Cuzco by rail and road.

Day 15 : International return flight

Today you will be met at your hotel and driven to the airport in good time for your domestic flight to Lima. Here you will connect for your international flight home.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1: Welcome to Lima

Arrive in Lima for the first day of your journey. In the evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at the hotel bar for a welcome dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Explore Lima Relaxed Start

Explore the colourful capital of Peru this morning with your Local Expert. Delve into its colonial past and see key attractions, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Monastery and its underground cemetery. One for those with an appreciation for art, head to Museo Larco, a private museum located in Lima’s Pueblo Libre District. It is the highest-rated museum in South America and houses the largest collection of Pre-Columbian art. Indulge in a Highlight Lunch with an 18th-century garden as your backdrop. After lunch, meet a local guide who will take you around the Museo Larco and share the museum’s private collection with you. Delve into Peruvian culture, its ancient history and the country's religious beliefs. Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Lima to Sacred Valley

Take a transfer to the airport in the morning, where you'll catch your flight to the ancient capital of Cusco. Begin your tour of the Sacred Valley, while taking in impressive views on your scenic drive along the way. After a few stunning photo stops, enjoy lunch at Altar Inca, surrounded by some of the most impressive views of the region. Enjoy a leisurely trip to your hotel for the next couple of nights, where the evening is yours to do as you please. We recommend that you rest in order to adjust to the altitude comfortably.

Day 4: Explore Sacred Valley Relaxed Start

Start the morning off with a visit to the Maras salt pans, where the Incas harvested their salt. Today, the salt from Maras is exported to the entire world. Move on to an Incan laboratory in Moray, an archaeological site close to Cusco. Find out more about the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience as you visit a local traditional Quechua weaver in the Sacred Valley and learn about the importance these textiles have in shaping personal and regional identities. Afterward, make your way to Laguna Piuray, where you’ll enjoy a Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast, for your Highlight Lunch. In the evening, transfer to Hacienda Huayoccari, where you'll discover this gem of the Sacred Valley while exploring its grounds and small museum. Sit down for a special Peruvian dinner before heading back to your hotel, the luxurious Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel.

Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu

Transfer to the station for your IncaRail train ride. Enjoy lunch on your way to Machu Picchu pueblo, the gateway village to Machu Picchu. On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, followed by a stop at a local house in the village’s cobblestoned old town and visit with the family living there. In the afternoon, visit Machu Picchu, where you’ll meet your Local Experts for a guided visit in small groups. They will take you through the ruins and explain their historical and archaeological significance, as well as the importance of their location. Set high in the Andes Mountains, it offers spectacular scenery and history, dating back to the 15th century. End your day with a relaxing dinner and drinks at your hotel.

Day 6: Machu Picchu at Leisure

Take in the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu for a second time. Spend your morning exploring at your own pace, with your Travel Director on hand to answer any queries you may have. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Relax back at your hotel or perhaps explore the town of Aguas Calientes on your own. Spend the evening as you please before sitting down to a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 7: On to Cusco

After breakfast, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will transfer to the ancient city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco showcases a mix of Spanish colonial architecture, ancient remains and a lively cosmopolitan scene for modern inhabitants. On arrival in Cusco, head out on a walking tour with a Local Expert. Visit its cathedral and the Korikancha temple, the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The evening is yours at leisure. Ask your Travel Director for local restaurant and bar recommendations.

Day 8: Exploring Cusco

Start your day with a walking tour of Sacsayhuaman, a citadel built in the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca of the Kingdom of Cusco. Afterward, choose to join a local expert on a guided hike of the Inca ruins at Puca Pucara. Alternatively you can explore the artisan bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries. After lunch at Pachapapa, visit San Blas Church and the surrounding streets, before making your way to San Pedro Market, where you will find local produce. Later, make your way to the city’s planetarium, for a private, after-hours tour. Learn about astronomy, cosmology, and its influence on Andean culture. While here, try some local delicacies paired with hot wine.

Day 9: Leisure time in Cusco Relaxed Start

Choose between an optional visit to Rainbow Mountain, the ChocoMuseo, where you’ll learn more about the chocolate making process, or perhaps relax and simply enjoy the facilities at your hotel? Set in a beautiful 16th century building, make the most of this boutique hotel’s signature spa and Andean-inspired healing treatments, massages, facials and custom spa packages. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Calle del Medio, where you will toast to your adventures and end of your trip.

Day 10: Depart Cusco

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. Take a private transfer to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport.