Spend 11-days on this Peru tour exploring the countries unique landscapes and sights. Lima’s people welcome you with warm smiles and friendly greetings during this comprehensive trip. Visit the lush valleys of Machu Picchu and learn the ancient Inca culture in Cuzco.  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lima

Fly overnight to Peru.

Day 2 - Lima

Arrive this morning in Lima. A Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in to your hotel, an expert local guide leads you on an extensive tour through the two facets of Lima, ancient and new. With over 9 million inhabitants, Lima is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Center but also a bustling modern metropolis. You’ll see the city’s Cathedral, the Plaza de Armas and the Church of San Francisco, which houses catacombs dating back to the 16th century. Tonight, enjoy our included Welcome Dinner in Lima.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Lima

With a full free day in Lima, you may want to sample one of Lima’s several museums. The National Museum houses a plethora of pre-Columbian artifacts from the nearby Incan ruins, as does the private museum of Rafael Larco Herrera. Or find unique souvenirs at the Polvos Azules city market. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to the Nazca Lines, mysterious geometric designs visible only from the air. This excursion includes lunch. Tonight, sample a traditional Peruvian specialty at at an optional ceviche dinner.
Included meals: breakfast

$59 CAD

Ceviche Dinner Captivate your senses with a visit to a cevicheria to taste Peru's favorite dish.

$385 CAD

Nazca Lines Today, take flight over one of the world’s greatest remaining mysteries, the Nazca Lines. You’ll take a plane tour of the region, learning about the many theories behind the Lines’ origin—from local Nazca tribes to extraterrestrials. Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 4 - Cuzco

This morning, you’ll be escorted to Lima’s airport for a flight to Cuzco, center of the Incan culture. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to your hotel for checkin. Tonight, dinner is included.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5 - Cuzco

Cuzco is a brilliant example of a living museum. This magnificent capital of ancient Peru was—and still is—the base for accessing the surrounding religious sites. The city still contains walls and roads originally built by the Incas. In fact, when the Spanish conquered Cuzco in the 16th century, they were so impressed with the Incan architecture that they simply built upon and around it. On a guided sightseeing tour, you’ll view the old Spanish cathedral, La Merced Church and the breathtaking Korikancha Temple, a testament to the wealth and power of the Incas that used to be fully covered in gold. Later, you’ll venture off to four separate Incan archaeological sites, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the location of a historic battle that forever changed Peruvian life. The Spanish defeated the Incas here in 1536.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 6 - Machu Picchu

Approaching Machu Picchu is a journey you’ll never forget. Today, you’ll take a train up Picchu mountain and through the lush valleys that lead to the evocative “Lost City of the Incas.” Surrounded by the emerald green Andes Mountains, shrouded in mist with breaks of golden sunlight and totally hidden from ground level, Machu Picchu is truly one of the world’s most spectacular sites. Explore the perfect stonework of the Temple of the Sun, the fountains of the Royal Sector, the views from the Temple of the Three Windows, the cave of the Temple of the Condor and the mysterious calendar of Intihuatana. There is a break for an included buffet lunch. Dinner is also included tonight as you stay in the Machu Picchu area.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Please note: It is recommended to pack an overnight bag for the one night you’ll spend in Machu Picchu, leaving the rest of your luggage at your hotel in Cuzco.

Day 7 - Cuzco

Spend a free morning in Machu Picchu valley and enjoy an included lunch. Then return to Cuzco via train and spend the night in Cuzco.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch

Day 8 - Cuzco

A local guide leads a full-day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled below and between Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes Mountains. In some ways even more historically important than Machu Picchu, the valley illustrates the Incas’ technological expertise. You’ll see the famous ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo and visit several local market towns. Also featured is the longest man-made pre-Columbian canal ever built. Lunch is included today. This evening, you might enjoy an optional Peruvian Folk Show and Dinner, featuring native dances and local specialties.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Ollantaytambo Ruins

$59 CAD

Peruvian Folk Show & Dinner The vibrancy of Peru’s diverse cultures comes alive this evening as you experience a native folk show, showcasing the region’s love of folk music and dance. Then taste local dishes during an included buffet dinner.

Day 9 - Cuzco

With a free day in Cuzco, you might choose to head to the Archaeological Museum with thousands of artifacts from nearby ruins.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 10 - Lima

Fly to Lima this morning. After an included lunch, view worldwide icons of pre-Colombian art at the Larco Herrera Museum, where you will see the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru as well as the famous erotic archaeological collection. Also, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can enter the storage area and view the museum's 45,000 classified archaeological objects. Then join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner in Peru.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrances: Larco Herrera Museum

Day 11 - Lima

Board your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 CAD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 CAD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 CAD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 CAD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Peru, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Peruvian consulate for your specific entry requirements. Upon arrival in Peru, you will be given an Andean immigration card. Please keep this with you. You will need it for
your trip to Machu Picchu.

Health

It is strongly advised that you drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages while traveling in Peru; avoid tap water. It is also advisable to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables except those that can be peeled.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Transportation on Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu is conducted by private motorcoach and train. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for some more walking through elaborate monuments and museums, with steps.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting layers with lightweight, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. A lightweight jacket and emergency rainwear is advised. Most Peruvians do not wear shorts except on the beach.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter promotion code JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

Currency is the nuevo sol. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/ CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.