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Trip cost per person
(See below for inclusions and exclusions)
$3,750 USD – Double occupancy
$4,435 USD – Single occupancy
Payment schedule
A deposit of half the trip cost is needed to secure your spot once booking opens. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.
$300 of the deposit is a non-refundable booking fee. You can view our cancellation policy here.
Credit or debit card payments are subject to processing fees at booking and those fees are non-refundable. You can pay via bank account to avoid card processing fees.
Roommate pairing policy
If you are traveling solo but are open to sharing a room, we offer roommate pairing with another traveler of the same gender on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll be introduced to your roommate after booking. IMPORTANT: If a match is not found by 75 days prior to the trip start date, the single occupancy rate will apply.
What is included :
- 9 nights accommodation (4 in the Sacred Valley, 1 in Aguas Calientes, 4 in Cusco split between the start and end)
- Local trip leader throughout
- Private ground transportation during the tour
- Train to and from Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu admission and guided visit
- Activities noted as included in the itinerary
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners
What is not included :
- Flights to and from Cusco
- Airport transportation on arrival and departure
- Travel insurance
- Visas, if needed
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages except as included in a listed activity
- Optional activities, including Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake
- Gratuities and personal expenses
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The Globe Drifters Peru tour is a 10-day, nine-night small-group journey through the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco, running September 2–11, 2027. It combines Inca sites, Andean traditions, village visits, local food and time to explore independently. The trip begins in Cusco and ends in Cusco.
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Four nights in the Sacred Valley give you time to settle in and experience its scenery, villages and living traditions. Alongside Machu Picchu, we join an Andean shaman ceremony and Pachamama offering, visit local farming communities, and enjoy farm-to-table lunches. Guided experiences are balanced with independent evenings and a free day in Cusco.
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There are three hotel changes: one night in Cusco at the start, four nights in Yucay in the Sacred Valley, one night in Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu, and three nights back in Cusco. We return to the same Yucay hotel after our Sacred Valley day trips.
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Yes. Solo travelers, couples and friends are welcome on this Globe Drifters Peru tour. Many of our guests travel alone, and shared excursions and meals make it easy to get to know the group. Free time also gives you space to pursue your own interests. See the Price tab for room options and contact us about current roommate-pairing availability.
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Many Globe Drifters travelers are in their 50s, 60s and early 70s, although adults of all ages are welcome. This Peru trip is open to all genders and is not a women-only tour. Guests must be at least 18 and comfortable with the walking, altitude and independent time described on this page.
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We plan for 7–12 travelers, plus our local trip leader. A small group makes it easier to share local meals, visit farms and experience the Sacred Valley together without traveling as a large coach group.
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No. This itinerary reaches Aguas Calientes by train and Machu Picchu by shuttle bus, followed by a guided walking visit. The multi-day Inca Trail trek is not included. You still need to be comfortable with stairs, uneven stone paths and walking at archaeological sites.
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Expect cobblestones, uneven paths, stairs and hills at Inca sites and in Cusco. You should be able to walk approximately 1–2 miles over a day, stand or walk for several hours, and get in and out of a van and train without assistance. The Machu Picchu route will depend on the tickets secured. Optional Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain outings are considerably more strenuous than the included itinerary.
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The trip begins with one night in Cusco, followed by four nights in the lower Sacred Valley. Take it easy on arrival. This route does not eliminate the risk of altitude illness. Discuss the full itinerary and any health concerns with your healthcare professional before booking. Read the CDC’s guidance on high-altitude travel.
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Yes. The Peru tour includes return train travel to Aguas Calientes, the Machu Picchu shuttle, admission and a guided visit. The exact circuit and entry time depend on ticket availability and will be confirmed after tickets are secured. Different circuits cover different areas, so a particular viewpoint or additional mountain hike is not guaranteed.
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Staying in Aguas Calientes puts us close to Machu Picchu for our visit the following morning, avoiding a very early train journey from the Sacred Valley that day. We transfer to Ollantaytambo to board our train, then return by train after Machu Picchu and continue to Cusco.
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Train luggage limits apply, so plan to bring a small overnight bag for the one-night Aguas Calientes stay. Keep medication, travel documents and overnight essentials with you. We will confirm the permitted baggage allowance and arrangements for your larger suitcase before departure.
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We join a local shaman for an Andean ceremony and an offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Our guide will explain the traditions and their connection to the land. No prior knowledge is needed.
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From Yucay, we visit Pisac, Chinchero’s Sunday market, the Maras salt ponds, Moray’s circular terraces, the Inkarri Museum and a working corn farm. We also visit the Amaru community for an agricultural experience, weaving workshop and pachamanca lunch. On Day 6, we travel through Ollantaytambo to board our train to Aguas Calientes.
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We visit a working corn farm for a farm-to-table lunch and share a traditional pachamanca meal with the Amaru community. In Cusco, we visit San Pedro Market with a chef, then prepare a Pisco Sour, three Andean dishes and a fruit dessert in a private cooking class. A separate Pisco-making experience is optional at extra cost. Meals are included where specified in the itinerary.
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Day 9 is free until our farewell dinner. Explore Cusco’s historic streets, artisan shops, museums and cafés, or arrange an optional excursion at your own expense. The quoted options are Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and a Pisco-making experience. Mountain outings are full-day experiences at high altitude. Ask the trip leader about availability, travel time and whether an outing fits the farewell dinner schedule before booking.
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The September 2–11, 2027 tour starts at our hotel in Cusco and ends in Cusco. Fly into and out of Cusco airport (CUZ); many international journeys connect through Lima. Wait for our trip-confirmation email before purchasing flights. We will send the hotel details before departure.
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Airport transportation is not included on arrival or departure. Please arrange your own transfers between Cusco airport and our Cusco hotel. We will send the hotel address and guidance before departure.
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The trip includes nine hotel nights, a local trip leader throughout, private ground transportation during the tour, return train travel to Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu admission, shuttle and guided visit. Activities listed as included in the itinerary, nine breakfasts, five lunches and two dinners are also included. Flights, arrival and departure airport transportation, insurance, other meals, optional activities, gratuities and personal expenses are separate. See the Price tab for the full details.
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September generally falls within the drier season in the Sacred Valley and Cusco region, but mountain weather is changeable and rain is still possible. Expect cool mornings and evenings, with warmer periods during the day. Aguas Calientes is lower and generally warmer than Cusco. Pack layers, sun protection and a light rain jacket.
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Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip, layers for changing temperatures, a warm evening layer, a light rain jacket, sun protection and a small day bag. You will also need an overnight bag for Aguas Calientes and any medication you normally use. Some hotels offer laundry for a fee. We will send a detailed packing list before departure.
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Peru’s currency is the sol (PEN). Carry some local cash for markets, small purchases, tips and places that do not accept cards. Card acceptance varies by business, so do not rely on cards alone. ATMs and currency-exchange offices are available in the towns and cities on the route; check your bank’s fees and travel settings before departure.
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Budget for meals not listed as included, airport transfers, drinks, tips, shopping and any optional excursion. The amount depends on your dining choices and activities. Tips are discretionary; our current guidance for an exceptional trip leader is approximately US$100–150 per traveler for the whole trip. See our tipping guide for more information.
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The hotels offer Wi-Fi, but speed and reliability can vary. Mobile coverage may be limited on mountain routes and in remote areas. Check international roaming charges with your provider before traveling, or investigate a compatible local SIM or eSIM. Download important travel information for offline access.
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Peru’s electricity supply is 220 volts. Bring a universal travel adapter and check the voltage label on each device. An adapter changes the plug shape but does not convert voltage. Devices labeled 100–240V can accept Peru’s voltage; a device designed only for 110–120V needs an appropriate voltage solution and should not be plugged directly into a 220V supply.
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Tell us about allergies and dietary requirements when booking so we can discuss arrangements with our local partners. Available choices can be more limited in smaller communities, so contact us about strict requirements before committing. Use bottled or appropriately treated drinking water rather than drinking tap water.
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Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check official Peruvian embassy or consulate guidance and your airline’s requirements before travel. Review the CDC Peru travel guidance and consult your healthcare professional about altitude and recommended precautions. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering your planned activities, medical care, evacuation and trip cancellation or interruption.
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Private Peru trips may be available depending on group size, dates and local availability. Contact info@globe-drifters.com with your preferred dates, number of travelers and interests so we can discuss the options.
Flights
Your arrival and departure airport is Cusco (CUZ). Most travelers from North America will connect through Lima. Please arrange your own transportation between Cusco airport and our Cusco hotel on arrival and departure. Airport transfers are not included.
Please do not purchase flights until Globe Drifters confirms that your departure is guaranteed. After booking the tour, you will receive additional arrival and departure guidance by email.
Visa
Currently, passport holders of the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa to travel to Peru for tourism. You may be required to show proof of exit from Peru in the form of a departure ticket.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Peru.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Many countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
The best time to visit the Sacred Valley is during the dry season between May and October.
The accommodations in which you will stay at in Peru have been carefully selected. They are usually locally-owned or family-run hotels rather than big chains with hundreds of rooms and big crowds of tourists. We try our best to select accommodations with impeccable service, old-world charm, central location.
*Hotels are subject to change.
Cusco
Our boutique hotel in Cusco’s San Blas neighbourhood offers a welcoming base at the start and end of our trip. A leafy courtyard with fireplaces gives you a comfortable spot to sit with a drink after exploring the city’s cobbled streets, cafés and artisan shops.
Rooms combine locally crafted wooden furniture and terracotta floors with modern comforts, including heating, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Breakfast features fresh, local ingredients, and the on-site restaurant makes it easy to stay in for dinner. You can also book a spa treatment or join a yoga class at extra cost.
Yucay, Sacred Valley
Our home for four nights in the Sacred Valley is a historic colonial property in the village of Yucay. Built around a house dating to 1810, the hotel is surrounded by mountains and spacious gardens, with quiet corners to sit, read or enjoy the scenery between our day trips.
Bright rooms feature wooden floors, garden views and modern comforts, including Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The on-site restaurant serves Peruvian and international dishes, using some produce grown in the hotel’s own organic garden. In the evening, settle into the bar beside the fireplace for a Pisco Sour or a light bite before another relaxed night in the valley.
Aguas Calientes
We spend one night in Aguas Calientes, the small town below Machu Picchu, so we can visit the site the following morning without a very early train journey. Our centrally located hotel is a short walk from the train station, with restaurants, cafés and shops nearby—making it easy to explore town and choose somewhere for dinner.
Our city-view rooms offer a clean, comfortable place to rest for the night, with private bathrooms, heating and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included, and the hotel has an elevator and luggage storage for added convenience during our short stay.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around for a provider and policy that best suit your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
