Family Friendly Peru

Day 1

Arrival + Pisac village + stop at wildlife rescue center

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the Cusco airport before continuing down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the region’s fertile agricultural heartland. Along the way, you’ll stop at a conservation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating native Andean wildlife.

Continue to the mountain village of Pisac, where you’ll have time to wander through the colorful market and enjoy lunch before driving up to the impressive ruins set high above town. From this vantage point, you’ll take in sweeping views across the Sacred Valley below.

In the afternoon, continue onward to your hotel.

Day 2

Horseback Riding at Maras and Moray

This morning, set out on horseback to visit two of the Sacred Valley’s most iconic sites. Begin at Moray, where a series of striking circular terraces are believed to have served as an Inca agricultural laboratory, used to experiment with crops and microclimates. From there, continue to Maras, where thousands of salt pans cascade across the hillside and are still harvested by local families today.

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Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the valley’s dramatic scenery before continuing to the picturesque Inca village of Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll stroll through narrow cobblestone streets and climb the terraces of the great fortress, taking in sweeping views over the village and surrounding mountains. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3

Whitewater Rafting + Ollantaytambo Village

This morning, you’ll gear up for a whitewater rafting adventure along the legendary Urubamba River, surrounded by views of snow-capped mountains and passing Inca archaeological sites along the way.

After your descent downriver, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to Ollantaytambo for an afternoon visit. Stroll through the village’s picturesque cobblestone streets, then climb the terraces of its impressive Inca fortress for sweeping views over the town and the valley below.

Day 4

Train to Machu Picchu

This morning, depart early from your hotel and transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. Along the way, enjoy striking views as the landscape gradually shifts from the high Andes to the lush, green cloud forest.

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This afternoon, travel by bus with your guide to the entrance of Machu Picchu for your first visit to the Inca citadel. As you explore the site, you’ll learn about its history, construction, and the many theories surrounding its purpose, all while taking in the dramatic mountain scenery that makes this place so unforgettable.

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In the evening, return to town for dinner and an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s morning visit to the site.

Day 5

Second visit to Machu Picchu

Rise before the sun this morning and return to Machu Picchu for a second visit, experiencing the citadel in a quieter and completely different light. With your guide, continue exploring the site and take in the surrounding peaks as the morning unfolds.

You also have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, two additional routes that climb above the citadel and offer spectacular views from higher vantage points.

In the afternoon, return by train to Ollantaytambo, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 6

Chinchero and Piuray Lake

Early this morning, say goodbye to the Sacred Valley and begin the journey back up toward Cusco. Along the way, stop in the town of Chinchero to visit its archaeological site and spend time at a local weaving center, where you’ll see traditional techniques still used by the community today. You’ll learn about the natural dyes, patterns, and methods behind the textiles, with the option to purchase pieces directly from the weavers.

Afterward, continue to scenic Piuray Lake for a lakeside picnic surrounded by open skies and mountain views. In the afternoon, enjoy time on the water with paddleboarding or kayaking, or take a refreshing plunge into the cold lake if you’re feeling brave.

Later, continue onward to Cusco, where you’ll have the evening at leisure in the historic capital of the Inca Empire.

Day 7

Exploration of Cusco City + Chocolate Making

This morning, set out to explore Cusco, one of South America’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Begin on foot in the historic center, visiting its main squares and the Koricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun, later incorporated into the colonial Church of Santo Domingo.

You’ll then continue to San Pedro Market, where colorful produce, fresh juices, produce, local breads, flowers, and everyday food stalls offer a lively look at daily life in Cusco.

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In the afternoon, enjoy an fun and interactive chocolate making session, after which you'll be able to bring home your unique creations!

Day 8

Sacsayhuaman + San Blas + Ceramic Bull Painting

This morning, head into the hills above Cusco to visit Sacsayhuamán, the impressive Inca ceremonial complex known for its monumental stone walls and sweeping views over the city.

From here, walk back down toward the historic center through the charming neighborhood of San Blas, passing colonial aqueducts and other notable sites as you explore its narrow cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and timeless atmosphere.

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You’ll also take part in a traditional torito painting workshop, led by a local artisan, learning about the symbolism of these beloved Andean ceramic bulls while creating your own piece to take home.

Day 8

Departure

Enjoy your last day in Cusco before heading back to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight.