Short Peru Expedition: Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
PERU
December 6 – 9, 2026
Peru
Tour to Peru
December 6 – 9, 2026
Peru
Tour to Peru
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Expedition along the Inca Trail: Lima, ancient Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the Rainbow Mountains of Palccoyo
Peru is a country where the stones still remember the Inca Empire, and elegant colonial squares stand side by side with ancient temples. In just a few days, you'll witness how two civilizations—the Spanish and the Inca—became intertwined before venturing into the very heart of the Sacred Valley.
This expedition takes you through the historic streets of Cusco, the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, the famous Maras Salt Pans, and the ancient town of Ollantaytambo—one of the last Inca strongholds in the struggle against the Spanish conquistadors.
Along the way, you'll discover the traditions of the Quechua people, learn how Peru's world-famous textiles are created, and even discover the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
The journey reaches its climax at Machu Picchu—the legendary Lost City of the Incas, hidden among the peaks of the Andes and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring this extraordinary ancient citadel, you'll return to Cusco with the unforgettable feeling of having touched one of history's most fascinating civilizations.
This expedition takes you through the historic streets of Cusco, the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the remarkable circular terraces of Moray, the famous Maras Salt Pans, and the ancient town of Ollantaytambo—one of the last Inca strongholds in the struggle against the Spanish conquistadors.
Along the way, you'll discover the traditions of the Quechua people, learn how Peru's world-famous textiles are created, and even discover the differences between llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos.
The journey reaches its climax at Machu Picchu—the legendary Lost City of the Incas, hidden among the peaks of the Andes and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring this extraordinary ancient citadel, you'll return to Cusco with the unforgettable feeling of having touched one of history's most fascinating civilizations.
SСHEDULE AND COST:
Travel Dates: December 6 – 9, 2026
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Number of Participants: 3 – 8
Cost per person (based on double occupancy):
• USD 1,490 — with 7–8 participants
• USD 1,590 — with 5–6 participants
• USD 1,750 — with 4 participants
• USD 1,850 — with 3 participants
Early Bird Discount: 10% if booked before August 6, 2026
Everything is included, except:
- international flight to Lima and back from Cuzco,
- Health insurance
- Peru visas (not required for citizens of Russia and several other countries)
- Lunches and dinners.
Approximate round-trip flight cost from Paris / Madrid / Amsterdam to Lima: USD 1,000–1,300
Approximate round-trip flight cost from Moscow to Lima: USD 1,400–1,800
Single supplement: 190 USD (throughout the whole route)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO PERU
This programme connects with the Peruvian Amazon Expedition (November 25 – December 6, 2026) to the Matsés people.
Day 1. December 6, 2026. LIMA
Transfer to Lima airport and flight to Cusco.
Welcome to Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire! We use this day to acclimatise to the altitude.
A full city tour absorbing the architectural traditions of both the Inca and the Spanish. In many buildings in the historic centre, the ground floor was built by the Inca from stone blocks, while the upper floor was added by the Conquistadors. On the ancient foundations of temples where the Inca performed human sacrifice, breathtaking Catholic cathedrals now stand. We visit the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church, the Cathedral, and the Coricancha — the main Sun Temple desecrated by the Conquistadors — as well as the San Pedro Market.
Meals included: none
Accommodation: Inca Plaza Nazarenas, San Pedro, or similar
Day 2. December 7, 2026. SACRED VALLEY & OLLANTAYTAMBO
After breakfast, we drive up to the magnificent Sacsayhuamán fortress, built from enormous megalithic stones — it was here that one of Pizarro’s brothers received his fatal wound. The fortress commands a stunning panoramic view of the city.
We then visit a traditional crafts centre where we learn about textile production: how fabrics are woven and dyed, and how to tell a llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña apart.
Next, we drive along a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco, stopping at El Mirador (The Viewpoint), from which we can admire the Sacred Valley — one of the Inca’s main settlement areas — its fertile high-altitude plains, and the extensive contour terraces and irrigation canals left by the Inca.
Our next stop is the charming town of Maras — a typical Spanish colonial settlement from the era of the Conquest. Time permitting, we visit the unique Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, with its remarkable concentric ring terraces.
We then explore Ollantaytambo — a city and fortress that served as the Inca’s stronghold in their struggle against the Conquistadors. Rock formations representing the Inca god Viracocha can be found here. After dinner, we stroll through the ancient yet still-living cobblestone streets of this Inca-built town.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Paqariq Inn or similar
Day 3. December 8, 2026. AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we arrive at the railway station by 7:00 AM for the 7:20 AM tourist train to Aguas Calientes village (1.5 hours), near the great Inca archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
We board the bus at 9:30 AM to the archaeological site and spend from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM exploring every corner of this Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site — unhurried, taking it all in. We then return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
After lunch, we arrive at the station by 4:00 PM for the 4:12 PM train back to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), then continue by car towards Cusco. En route, we stop in Chinchero — a centre of textile production — where we meet members of the local Quechua community. We may overnight in their guesthouse or return to Cusco.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Inca Plaza Nazarenas, San Pedro, or similar
Day 4. December 9, 2026. CUSCO – LIMA – DEPARTURE
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Lima. End of programme. International flight home, or an additional night in Lima.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: not included
*Recommended flights from Cusco to Lima:
- Latam LA-2040, departure from Cusco (CUZ) on 9 December 2026 at 06:30, arrival in Lima (LIM) at 07:55;
- Sky Airline H2-5016, departure from Cusco on 9 December 2026 at 08:45, arrival in Lima at 10:15;
- JetSmart JA-3201, departure from Cusco on 9 December 2026 at 10:25, arrival in Lima at 11:45.
Recommended international flights from Lima:
- Air Europa, departure from Lima on 9 December 2026 at 11:35, arrival in Madrid on 10 December 2026 at 05:10;
- Qatar Airways, departure from Lima on 10 December 2026 at 13:20, arrival in Tocumen (Panama) and then in Istanbul (Turkey)
* Visits and excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions (road conditions, ferry/airline schedules and actual weather). If some visits and/or tours could not be realized due to external reasons, they will be replaced if possible.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Number of Participants: 3 – 8
Cost per person (based on double occupancy):
• USD 1,490 — with 7–8 participants
• USD 1,590 — with 5–6 participants
• USD 1,750 — with 4 participants
• USD 1,850 — with 3 participants
Early Bird Discount: 10% if booked before August 6, 2026
Everything is included, except:
- international flight to Lima and back from Cuzco,
- Health insurance
- Peru visas (not required for citizens of Russia and several other countries)
- Lunches and dinners.
Approximate round-trip flight cost from Paris / Madrid / Amsterdam to Lima: USD 1,000–1,300
Approximate round-trip flight cost from Moscow to Lima: USD 1,400–1,800
Single supplement: 190 USD (throughout the whole route)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO PERU
This programme connects with the Peruvian Amazon Expedition (November 25 – December 6, 2026) to the Matsés people.
Day 1. December 6, 2026. LIMA
Transfer to Lima airport and flight to Cusco.
Welcome to Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire! We use this day to acclimatise to the altitude.
A full city tour absorbing the architectural traditions of both the Inca and the Spanish. In many buildings in the historic centre, the ground floor was built by the Inca from stone blocks, while the upper floor was added by the Conquistadors. On the ancient foundations of temples where the Inca performed human sacrifice, breathtaking Catholic cathedrals now stand. We visit the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church, the Cathedral, and the Coricancha — the main Sun Temple desecrated by the Conquistadors — as well as the San Pedro Market.
Meals included: none
Accommodation: Inca Plaza Nazarenas, San Pedro, or similar
Day 2. December 7, 2026. SACRED VALLEY & OLLANTAYTAMBO
After breakfast, we drive up to the magnificent Sacsayhuamán fortress, built from enormous megalithic stones — it was here that one of Pizarro’s brothers received his fatal wound. The fortress commands a stunning panoramic view of the city.
We then visit a traditional crafts centre where we learn about textile production: how fabrics are woven and dyed, and how to tell a llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña apart.
Next, we drive along a road that winds around the mountains north of Cusco, stopping at El Mirador (The Viewpoint), from which we can admire the Sacred Valley — one of the Inca’s main settlement areas — its fertile high-altitude plains, and the extensive contour terraces and irrigation canals left by the Inca.
Our next stop is the charming town of Maras — a typical Spanish colonial settlement from the era of the Conquest. Time permitting, we visit the unique Inca agricultural laboratory of Moray, with its remarkable concentric ring terraces.
We then explore Ollantaytambo — a city and fortress that served as the Inca’s stronghold in their struggle against the Conquistadors. Rock formations representing the Inca god Viracocha can be found here. After dinner, we stroll through the ancient yet still-living cobblestone streets of this Inca-built town.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Paqariq Inn or similar
Day 3. December 8, 2026. AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After an early breakfast, we arrive at the railway station by 7:00 AM for the 7:20 AM tourist train to Aguas Calientes village (1.5 hours), near the great Inca archaeological site of Machu Picchu.
We board the bus at 9:30 AM to the archaeological site and spend from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM exploring every corner of this Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site — unhurried, taking it all in. We then return by bus to Aguas Calientes.
After lunch, we arrive at the station by 4:00 PM for the 4:12 PM train back to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), then continue by car towards Cusco. En route, we stop in Chinchero — a centre of textile production — where we meet members of the local Quechua community. We may overnight in their guesthouse or return to Cusco.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Inca Plaza Nazarenas, San Pedro, or similar
Day 4. December 9, 2026. CUSCO – LIMA – DEPARTURE
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Lima. End of programme. International flight home, or an additional night in Lima.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: not included
*Recommended flights from Cusco to Lima:
- Latam LA-2040, departure from Cusco (CUZ) on 9 December 2026 at 06:30, arrival in Lima (LIM) at 07:55;
- Sky Airline H2-5016, departure from Cusco on 9 December 2026 at 08:45, arrival in Lima at 10:15;
- JetSmart JA-3201, departure from Cusco on 9 December 2026 at 10:25, arrival in Lima at 11:45.
Recommended international flights from Lima:
- Air Europa, departure from Lima on 9 December 2026 at 11:35, arrival in Madrid on 10 December 2026 at 05:10;
- Qatar Airways, departure from Lima on 10 December 2026 at 13:20, arrival in Tocumen (Panama) and then in Istanbul (Turkey)
* Visits and excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions (road conditions, ferry/airline schedules and actual weather). If some visits and/or tours could not be realized due to external reasons, they will be replaced if possible.
Cost includes:
- One-way domestic flight from Lima to Cusco
- Accommodation in hotels based on double occupancy
- Accommodation in a guesthouse on the Inca Trail based on double occupancy
- Breakfasts throughout the itinerary
- Transfers and transportation as outlined in the program
- Activities and excursions specified in the program
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Permits for visiting communities, financial support for tribes, and fees for local guides
- Services of English- and Spanish-speaking guides and a Russian- and English-speaking team leader throughout the program
Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):
- International flights to Lima and back from Cusco
- Medical insurance
- Visa for Peru (not required for Russian citizens)
- Riding horse during the Huchuy Qosqo trek
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Water during transfers and excursions, except during trekking on the Inca Trail
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses and tips
- Payment for excess baggage at the airport
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
- Single occupancy
To take with:
- 2 or 3 sets of clothing (pants, long-sleeved shirt, t-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat)
- comfortable and practical shoes: 1) comfortable for the city and the beach; 2) trekking sneakers or indoor shoes for tribal and light tracking
- lightweight hiking jacket, warm jacket with wind protection for high mountains;
- fleece;
- panama or hat;
- sports socks
- raincoat;
- bathing accessories;
- mask and snorkeling tube (optional);
- sunglasses and cream;
- personal first-aid kit (analgesics, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, multivitamins, rehydron, intestinal medicals, medications necessary for you personally);
- personal hygiene items (a small microfiber towel, soap, wet wipes);
- headlamp and spare batteries;
- hiking backpack (preferably waterproof) with a capacity of not more than 80 liters;
- lightweight backpack for personal items and photo and video equipment, for radial hikes;
- flask or bottle for water while trekking;
- if you wish, your sleeping bag at 0 degrees for the Inca Trail;
- mosquito repellents;
- photo and video equipment
- an additional set of batteries for photo and video equipment
- power bank
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbs are tested by Mzungu himself and guided by seasoned team-leaders, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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