Peru Insider
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Peru Walking or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
History, Culture & Natural Delights in Cusco & Machu Picchu
Weaving together stunning Andean landscapes, fascinating Inca history and captivating Quechua culture, our trip wraps you in the essence of Peru. Witness a blend of Pre-Columbian, Colonial and 21st-century cultures in Cusco, where trendy galleries rest on foundations of ancient Inca stonework and young locals clad in jeans pass rural women dressed in rainbow-colored pollera skirts and ponchos. Marvel at the folk music that keeps ancestral traditions alive. Feel the energy of the apukuna (mountain spirits) as you explore the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. Journey to a remote village in the Ollantaytambo region for a look at exquisite hand-loomed textiles. Put your artistic flair to the test at a ceramics studio dedicated to preserving ancient techniques. And delight in the company of our Peruvian guides, who offer personal insights into the region's deep mythological and religious roots.
- Meet local families, world-renowned artists, rural weavers and more to see the real Peru
- Aurelio, our expert on Peru's culture and ancient civilizations
- Vibrant Cusco, with fascinating Inca and Spanish-Colonial history
- Explore Peru's finest Inca architecture, including Machu Picchu
- Peruvian cooking class with a local chef
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Cusco
Explore Cusco, once the center of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire, with our knowledgeable guide 
Mingle with locals at a bustling outdoor market Visit the impressive Museum of Pre-Colombian Art and shop for handicrafts Prepare traditional Peruvian dishes at a fun-filled cooking class Wander by foot to discover awe-inspiring Sacsayhuamán, often called "Stonehenge of the Andes."
Urubamba
Stroll through the Salineras de Maras, a spectacular honeycomb of salt-encrusted basins, farmed by families for centuries Dine with a local family at their beautiful hacienda Investigate Ollantaytambo's historic treasures and visit with children at a nearby preschool Glimpse Andean home life on our visit to an isolated weaving hamlet 
Join world-renowned artists Pablo and Marilú for a ceramics workshop Spend time with Andean musicians, enjoying the sounds of ancient instruments.
Aguas Calientes
Travel by train to Aguas Calientes Explore the enigmatic citadel of Machu Picchu on a private walk, and learn about the exquisite temples and astrological designs Walk to the Inca Drawbridge or visit the famous Gate of the Sun Return to Cusco in luxury on the Orient Express Hiram Bingham train, accompanied by live music during our gourmet feast.
Cusco
Savor one last buffet breakfast at Hotel Monasterio before shuttling to the Cusco airport.
Aurelio Aguirre, Andes Mountain Guide
A 36-year veteran of guiding in the Andes, Aurelio Aguirre feels a deep passion for the mountains and the Quechua people who live there. In 1978, he founded the Cusco Mountain Club, which trains local trekking and mountaineering guides, and was recognized as Tour Guide of the Year by the Peruvian government. Skilled at bringing 5,000 years of native culture to life, these guides treat you to a unique Andean experience, and share intimate knowledge of regional customs, history, folklore, music and food.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was our first Insider Trip. It was super. There was enough physical activity while we learned the culture and history of Peru. The cooking, visit to the village to see the weavers, the antiques at the hacienda, the musicians were all great activities leading up to Machu Picchu. We do recommend Backroads trips to everyone who is willing to listen to us about our travels!- Akron, IN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For Insider tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Insider tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Peru Insider
HEAVENLY HAVENS: Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio
Cusco (3 nights) Delight in a unique encounter with Inca and Spanish traditions at this elegant museum-hotel, a favorite among readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure.
Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa
Urubamba (2 nights) Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this lodge features comfortable and tastefully appointed bungalows.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes (1 night) The savvy traveler's preferred choice at Machu Picchu: adobe cabañas adorned with regional weavings and surrounded by a pool and gardens where Peru's leading botanist, Dr. Isiais Rolando, has created a refuge for rare orchids.
Peru Insider
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
On certain days hikes will be offered for some activities. The terrain is mainly flat, with a downhill rolling landscape through dirt paths and grassy fields.