Join me as we visit an incredible country by way of Private Small Group Touring. My name is Elana Christiansen, and I own a Travel Agency specializing in group trips. I'm a seasoned traveler that has seen many countries and never been to Peru! This trip will be fairly active with a good blend of fast-past activities and personal downtime - It's called The Machu Picchu Adventure! The proposed itinerary is below. Ask if you have questions, and I'm always ready to share my travel tips.
The map on the left shows our proposed route.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
This will be your opportunity to meet your Chief Experience Officer and fellow travelers, and learn more about your tour. This will last about 1 hour. (The CEO is not me. We'll have a local guide with us for the trip that will be our tour leader.)
I'm inviting everyone to have dinner together this evening as a group. This is optional! Feel free to dine on your own if you prefer.
I'll be arriving in Lima at least two days ahead of time to acclimate to the time zone and city. I recommend this! Travel days can be tiring and being able to see Lima ahead of the tour will be fun.
Travel to the airport for the early morning flight (approx 1h-1h30m) to Cusco. Spend the day relaxing and exploring this fascinating city.
Our best advice for exploring Cusco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Grab a city map and set out to explore.
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Contribute to sustainable tourism in Huchuy Qosqo, a small village of 65 families in the Sacred Valley, by eating at the Parwa Community Restaurant. Learn how the resident-run restaurant was kickstarted by G Adventures and the Multilateral Investment Fund, to become a successful farm-to-table program that boosts the local economy and several spin-off microenterprises.
Board a morning train that winds through the spectacular Urubamba Valley to the end of the line: the village of Aguas Calientes, a frontier town nestled in the hills beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy the rest of the day taking advantage of the hikes and hot springs in the area.
Start early to catch the sunrise at the top. Take the bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas. Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Later, return by train to Ollantaytambo and meet a private vehicle to head back to Cusco.
Head out and explore. Free time is yours to use how you want!
We head to the airport and fly back to Lima. The flight is about 1h30m-2h. Make the most of a few more hours in Lima. Free time is yours to explore any way you want.
Depart at any time or engage in one of the optional tours below.
Accommodations
Hotels (7 nights).
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Allow USD230-300 for meals not included.
Transportation
Public bus, train, private van, plane.
Staff & experts
G Adventures Representatives in Lima and Cusco, specialist Inca Trail CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Please Note: I'm inviting people on this trip that will be good travel companions. We'll be spending the week together so flexibility in attitude and a "go-with-the-flow" mindset is crucial. We'll be on the move everyday and some of our days will be long. My ideal scene is that we're a supportive group that can have fun together.
Click here to schedule a consult with me about the trip after you've read through the information below:
I have 2 spots left. This trip is for people 18 and over only.
$1,749.00 per person, not including air to Peru.
This is based on double occupancy. If you're traveling solo and want to book a room alone, the single traveler supplement is $399. There is 1 more single space available.
Deposit is $350 to hold your space due by April 1, 2024 and is non-refundable, but you can use it again on another tour. If you would like to join us and this date has passed, please contact me and I will check if there is hotel space available for the tour.
Final payment is due on or before May 15, 2024.
Pre-tour and Post-tour hotel nights to add in Lima are: $65/night per room.
Let's prebook any add-on activities because they are popular and may sell out.
We have the following pre-bookable activities.
I can support you in finding flights if you need help but recommend that you book these directly with the airline of your choice.
There is only space for 14 people so we'll be a small group. I anticipate these spots to go quickly.
Travel Insurance is required for this trip. I have 2 companies that I can recommend. If you don't like buying Travel Insurance, ask me about the time I fell off a bike in Holland.
A U.S. Passport with at least 6 months validity is required for this trip. If you don't have a passport, please start the process now. The passport office is receiving record numbers of applications, and your application can take longer than anticipated.
This trip will require some moderate physical activity. If this concerns you at all, call me and we'll talk.
Cancellation Policy
Please also note that regulations have been implemented for all visitors to Machu Picchu which require that different circuits be followed within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The new circuit-based entrance tickets are available on first come first serve basis. We will do all that is possible to get everyone traveling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it is possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. Rest assured that regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site.
I'm partnering with G Adventures for this trip and they support Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
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