South and Central America

Peru: Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca 2026

South and Central America offer a tapestry of vivid destinations and unforgettable experiences. Find yourself immersed in inspiring landscapes and captivating culture, from spectacular glacial fiords to the majestic Andes Mountains.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is from late March to May and from September to mid-December. These months fall before and after the rainy season, providing excellent weather conditions and fewer crowds.

Sep 10, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026

Included Highlights

• Pisac Market
• Ollantaytambo Ruins
• Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio
• Quechua Community Visit & Lunch

Must-See Inclusions:

• Cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca.

  Spend the afternoon with a guide uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu.

  Venture through the Andes in a train to Machu Picchu.

Cultural Experiences:

• Explore the colorful markets of Peru, including the famous Pisac village market.

  Discover the artist’s techniques and designs at Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio.

  Learn traditional methods of harvesting and weaving from a rural community.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Enjoy a culinary demonstration at your hotel at the base of Machu Picchu.

  Delight in a farm-to-table lunch with a local Quechua community.

  Experience a home-hosted meal on Lake Titicaca.

Includes escorted motorcoach with driver and guide, 9 nights accommodation, meals and sightseeing as shown.

Day: 1

Lima, Peru

Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores

Welcome to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world’s most legendary sites, including Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Arrive late this evening in Lima, the “City of Kings.” Due to arrival times, there are no scheduled activities today.

Day: 2

Lima

Breakfast & Dinner Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores

Discover Lima’s fascinating history during a colonial tour through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas and visit the Casa de Aliaga – former house of the conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez – where the energy of colonial and republican Lima comes to life. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to discover Lima on your own. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner featuring artfully crafted Peruvian dishes.

Day: 3

Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley

Breakfast Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Journey through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center of their grand empire. While en route to your hotel, explore different towns in the valley, each a representation of the region’s unique culture. After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. Settle into your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Day: 4

Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo – Sacred Valley

Breakfast & Lunch Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley

This morning, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Incan settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A uniquely terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Then, head to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio where you’ll get first-hand knowledge of this internationally renowned artist’s techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Deep dive into the cultures of modern Andean people and experience an Impact Moment as you mingle with a nearby community. Thanks to their effort and teamwork, tourism has become an additional income to agriculture which has positively impacted their quality of life. You’ll get a true taste of their daily life when participating in small group workshops that teach you traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving. Celebrate their culture as you learn their dances and listen to their musical instruments before enjoying a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties.

Day: 5

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

Breakfast & Dinner Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Prepare for an early morning departure as you climb aboard your train to Machu Picchu for breathtaking views through panoramic windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration and learn how to craft the perfect ceviche and pisco sour before your dinner featuring a Peruvian menu.

Day: 6

Machu Picchu – Cuzco

Breakfast Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

This morning, take advantage of free time and explore the local markets in Aguas Calientes on your own, or you may choose to visit Machu Picchu again this morning. Return to the Sacred Valley by train. Upon arriving in Cuzco this evening, take time to explore the captivating city at your leisure.

Day: 7

Cuzco

Breakfast & Dinner Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

Start your morning on a tour of Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. Later, it’s your choice! Travel above the city to discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour through the enchanting streets of Cuzco, going off the beaten path and uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets. The rest of the afternoon is yours. This evening, dine at your leisure at a local restaurant featuring the local flavors of Cuzco.

Day: 8

Cuzco – Puno

Breakfast GHL Lago Titicaca

Today, fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel. Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day: 9

Uros Floating Islands – Lake Titicaca – Chullpas de Sillustan – Puno

Breakfast & Lunch GHL Lago Titicaca

Spend today getting to know the locals. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the island’s spongy surface made from compacted beds of tortora reeds and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. Then, cruise to a local rustic village for a home-hosted meal and swap stories with Peruvian families before visiting the mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archaeological area boasting 13th-century funerary monuments.

Day: 10

Puno – Lima – Tour Ends

Breakfast & Dinner

As your tour comes to a close, spend the morning relaxing on the shores of Lake Titicaca before flying to Lima. Upon arrival, head to the Larco Museum, a former mansion built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple. The museum offers a collection of over 3,000 years of ceramic, textile, and precious metal artifacts. After this incredible trip through history, your tour concludes with a farewell dinner on the grounds of the museum before departing for Lima’s airport and your connecting flight home.

Call 516 248 3496 or email wisewomentravelellen@gmail.com for more info.

Deposit of $1000 for the tour required within 5 days of booking. Travel insurance optional and recommended.