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Peru Family Hiking & Walking Tour

Sacred Valley, Cusco & Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has a certain gravity. It pulls you onward at every step. But as you hike between lacy salt springs, through fields of quinoa and along terraced mountainsides, you realize: it was always about the journey.

7 days, 6 nights

Luxury Hotels

Activity Levels 2-4

Families with Teens & 20s

Best for ages 16+ (min. age 14)

Also Available for:

From $6,299 - $6,849/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

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Snapshots from the Trip

Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Hike a section of the renowned Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu for the first time through the ancient Sun Gate
Sink into luxury at our pastoral garden resort in the verdant Sacred Valley
Our knowledgeable local guide brings each kilometer to life with fascinating history and insider stories
Explore the citadel of Sacsayhuamán, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and more spectacular Inca sites
Savor Peru’s modern culture and cuisine in cooking lessons, intimate village visits and more

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Cusco Airport & Travel Details

Enjoy a private farm-to-table lunch in the home of a local family on the Maras plateau
Explore the beautiful white honeycomb of Inca salt pans above the Urubamba River Valley
Visit a weaving community tucked in the hills
In peaceful Ollantaytambo, marvel at an Inca archaeological site and walk along the terraced valley
Shop for ceramics crafted using traditional pre-Inca techniques at the Ceramicas Seminario studio in Urubamba
Enjoy our exclusive cooking demonstration with a local chef.

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

lounge chairs by the pool surrounded by flower beds

red house in front of a rainbow in the sky

Nights 1-2

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Urubamba

Luxury Hotel

"An unpretentious but impeccably maintained lodge set in a wonderful garden surrounded by mountains," according to the Hideaway Report. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Experience the 15th-century Inca retreat of Machu Picchu with its intricate stonework and mysterious religious designs
Hike the Inca Trail, lined with ancient stones and stairs, to reach the Sun Gate and your first view of Machu Picchu
Spend a second day exploring the incredible site with a local expert
Stroll the grounds of our hotel with a naturalist to learn more about the area’s flora and fauna.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Inkaterra Machu Piccu Pueblo Hotel Exterior

lobby with steeple ceiling and leather seats

wood walkway with railing into the trees

Nights 3-4

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Aguas Calientes

Luxury Hotel

This eco-lodge's exclusive location, tucked into gardens and cloud forest at the edge of Aguas Calientes village, makes it the best digs in town as a base camp for Machu Picchu (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Joined by a local guide, explore Cusco’s historic center to learn how it was the heart of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire
Following narrow streets with centuries-old walls, discover the grand main cathedral and a Spanish colonial church built atop the ruins of an Inca temple
Our expert guide leads us on a discovery of some of South America’s most impressive sites including Sacsayhuamán, the historic capital of the Inca Empire
Sip a pisco sour, Peru’s famous national drink
Enjoy some people-watching at buzzing Plaza de Armas.

Inkaterra La Casona

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

couch and coffee table around a fireplace

Nights 5-6

Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco

Luxury Hotel

Located between the San Blas arts district and Cusco’s vibrant main square, this serene oasis mixes contemporary fixtures with traditional design. A Relais & Châteaux member.

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Cusco Airport & Travel Details

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This trip has an activity level range of 2-4

Route & Terrain Notes

Walking and hiking routes on this trip include a mix of village and archaeological site walks and rugged trails paved with Inca stone through jungle and mountains. Altitude ranges between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, and some routes include substantial elevation loss. The altitude, terrain and elevation profiles can make activities feel more challenging than the mileage suggests.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

3 miles

200 ft. gain; 600 ft. loss

Level 3

7 miles

300 ft. gain; 1800 ft. loss

Level 4

8 miles

300 ft. gain; 2500 ft. loss

Day 2

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

1 mile

200 ft. gain; 200 ft. loss

Level 2

3 miles

800 ft. gain; 200 ft. loss

Level 3

4 miles

1300 ft. gain; 700 ft. loss

Other

Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Walk (1 hour)

Day 3

Hiking & Walking

Level 4

8 miles

2400 ft. gain; 1700 ft. loss

Day 4

Other

Morning Nature Walk (1.5 hours)

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

500 ft. gain; 500 ft. loss

Day 5

Other

Cusco Walking Tour (half day)

Day 6

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

200 ft. gain; 700 ft. loss

Level 3

8 miles

600 ft. gain; 1200 ft. loss

Level 4

9 miles

600 ft. gain; 1800 ft. loss

Day 7

Other

Cusco Market Discovery Walk (2 hours)

View Dates & Prices From $6,299/person

What to Know

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Terrain & Trail Support

Our hikes through Peru’s captivating, rugged terrain climb rocky and sometimes uneven paths, many of which are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won’t see our vans along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.

Hiking on Your Own

This trip has been designed to offer as many hiking options as possible. Since many of the trails are unmarked, we recommend that you hike in the company of a Backroads leader or one of our local support staff. On the few days when we’re in national parks, regulations require you to hike accompanied by one of our certified park guides.

Air-Conditioning

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a Premiere Hotel. While it offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that it is not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

Permits & Passport Information

Some of our activities require trail permits, which Backroads will attempt to obtain on your behalf. Permits for Peru’s most popular hikes are limited; booking as early as possible—and at least 6 months before your departure date at the very minimum—will give you the best chance of securing them. Unless you’re contacted by your Trip Consultant, you can assume we secured your permits successfully.

Trail permits are linked to the traveler's passport information. For this reason, your passport information will be collected at the time of booking. If your passport information changes between then and your departure, it's essential that you let us know as soon as possible.

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Route and activity options to match your pace and preferences.
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Small Groups

More access, flexibility and connection, with an average of 14 guests.