Explore Cusco’s top highlights and the iconic Sacred Valley before arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This classic 5-day itinerary is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see it all. You can book this trip with us just as it is—or use it as inspiration to create a custom itinerary tailored to your travel style.
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Every itinerary is designed by local specialists who know the land, the culture, and the details that make a trip unforgettable. Enjoy authentic service and real value - no middlemen.
Reserve your adventure with just a 25% deposit and pay the rest upon arrival in Peru. Postpone your trip for free up to 30 days before the start date!
Upon your arrival at Cusco’s airport, one of our representatives will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. We recommend taking it easy and allowing your body to adjust to the higher elevation.
Cusco is a city brimming with history and charm, and it’s a great place to explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk through the Plaza de Armas, visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán, or wander through the cobbled streets of the San Blas neighborhood, where you can enjoy local art, culture, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling up to it, stop by one of the many excellent restaurants or cafes to sample some Peruvian specialties, or our team can provide restaurant recommendations and help with securing reservations.
Begin your day with a gentle horseback riding excursion designed with families in mind. After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the outskirts of Cusco, where friendly, well-trained horses and experienced guides await. The ride follows quiet, scenic trails through the hills, offering beautiful views of Cusco and its surrounding landscapes. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time for photos and breaks. Horses are chosen for their calm temperament, and lead-rein options are available for younger riders. Helmets are provided and required for everyone’s safety.
Following the ride, your adventure continues with a guided walking tour of the remarkable Sacsayhuaman archaeological site. With its towering stone walls and expansive grounds, it’s a place that captures both the imagination and energy of young explorers. Kids can safely roam the open spaces while your guide shares fascinating tales of Inca engineering and ceremonial traditions. It’s a memorable blend of outdoor activity, history, and stunning scenery—perfect for curious travelers of all ages.
Set off on an unforgettable journey through the Sacred Valley, designed to delight and inspire travelers of all ages. Begin with a visit to Awana Kancha, an interactive Andean textile center and alpaca farm, where the family can get up close with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Learn about the centuries-old traditions of spinning, dyeing, and weaving—often demonstrated by skilled local artisans. Continue to the Ccochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, a heartwarming stop where you’ll meet rescued animals including majestic condors and curious pumas, while learning about wildlife conservation in the Andes.
The adventure continues with a stroll through the colorful Pisac Market, where kids and adults alike will enjoy browsing vibrant textiles, ceramics, and handmade treasures. A visit to the nearby Pisac Archaeological Site reveals dramatic Inca terraces and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, explore the fortress of Ollantaytambo, a still-inhabited Inca town filled with history and towering stonework.
Get ready for a fun and family-friendly adventure in the Sacred Valley. In the scenic area of Pachar, you’ll have the chance to experience a gentle yet thrilling zipline activity tailored for all ages. This outdoor adventure offers a safe and exciting way to enjoy the valley’s stunning landscapes from above. With multiple lines of varying lengths and heights, even younger members of the family can participate (depending on age and weight). Experienced guides will provide all safety equipment and walk everyone through the process to ensure comfort and confidence before you take off. It’s an unforgettable way to combine adventure and natural beauty.
After your zipline experience, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby family-friendly restaurant. The Sacred Valley offers a delicious variety of traditional and contemporary dishes that will suit every palate. With full bellies and fun memories made, the rest of your day is free to unwind or continue exploring the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.
Begin your unforgettable family adventure to Machu Picchu with a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley, where panoramic windows reveal towering mountains, rivers, and rural villages. Arriving in Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), you’ll board a short bus up the mountain to reach the legendary Machu Picchu Citadel. During your guided tour, the whole family will marvel at the stonework, terraces, and stories that bring this wonder of the world to life. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, take in the sweeping views, and snap plenty of family photos in this bucket-list destination.
After descending back to town, you’ll have time to enjoy one of Aguas Calientes’ hidden gems before catching your train. Curious minds may enjoy the Manuel Chávez Ballón Site Museum and nearby Butterfly House, which offer a deeper look into Inca culture and the region’s unique ecosystems. Or, for a more laid-back option, relax in the local hot springs—a perfect way for the whole family to unwind after a day of exploration.
Your day kicks off with an 8:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the South Valley toward the quaint riverside village of Llocllora. Located about 45 minutes from Cusco, this is the ideal launching point for an unforgettable whitewater adventure on the Upper Urubamba River. Once at the river, you’ll be outfitted with a wetsuit, helmet, life vest, and paddle before receiving a thorough safety briefing and paddling orientation from your professional, English-speaking river guides.
The adventure begins as you enter the legendary Chuquicahuana section—home to over six miles of exciting class II to III+ rapids, each one uniquely named and shaped by the canyon’s rugged terrain. Rapids like The Knife, Siphon, Butterfly, and Hawaii Bombay promise heart-pounding action, all set against a backdrop of towering mountains, lush greenery, and traditional Andean communities. Between rapids, soak in the beauty of eucalyptus forests and dramatic rock formations that line the gorge. A safety kayak shadows your group throughout the journey for added peace of mind. After a couple of hours on the river, you’ll arrive at the takeout point, where a delicious riverside lunch of freshly prepared local dishes awaits. Once the gear is packed up, you’ll return to Cusco by late afternoon, wrapping up a day of high-energy adventure and natural beauty in the Sacred Valley region.
Begin your day wandering through the charming San Blas neighborhood, known for its artistic spirit and steep cobbled streets. This bohemian district is filled with local artisan workshops and colorful galleries—an ideal setting for curious minds to see traditional crafts being made and to discover unique handmade souvenirs. Children often enjoy watching artisans carve wood, shape pottery, or weave vibrant textiles, offering a deeper appreciation for Cusco’s creative culture.
Later, dive into Peru’s rich culinary traditions with a hands-on family cooking class. Start with a guided visit to a local market to handpick fresh ingredients while learning about Andean superfoods and local flavors. Then, guided by a local chef, everyone will help prepare a delicious traditional meal. It’s a fun, educational, and tasty experience that brings the whole family together. In the afternoon, wrap up the day with a visit to the Cusco Planetarium. Here, you’ll learn how the Incas interpreted the stars, with engaging astronomy presentations that spark wonder and connect past and present under the vast Andean sky.
As your adventure in Peru comes to a close, we’ll ensure your departure is smooth and stress-free. One of our representatives will meet you at your hotel at the designated time and escort you to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. Once there, you’ll have ample time to check in for your flight and prepare for your journey home or onward.
We hope that your time in Cusco has been filled with unforgettable experiences. As you bid farewell to the Inca imperial capital, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future.
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medds2017
Travel Designer
Diego is an adventurer and outdoor fan who has lived and breathed all of Peru—its coast, its mountains, and its jungle. Currently based in Cusco, he's committed to creating tailor-made plans for those visiting Peru for the first time and...
Read moreDidn’t find the tour you were looking for? Don’t worry! We are experts at building custom tours and treks in Cusco and throughout Peru. Just contact us, tell us about the tour you’d like and let us do the rest.
Excellent, safe, and fun experience! Everything from start to finish was perfect! The communication between Diego/the company and I was seamless. My guide, Rumi, was absolultely wonderful! I went to Peru on my own, and wanted to ensure a safe, easy experience-Cusco Native definitely delivered!
We booked our Peru trip through Cusco Native and Leidy was great help. We had millions of questions and adjustments and changes to our travel plan and Leidy at Cusco Native was very patient and helpful. We had a great time and made memories that will last a lifetime.
Excellent service, great coordination, nice hotels. Everything was smooth as could be.
My husband and I did a day trip to see Machu Picchu, which has been a dream of mine for over 10 years, at the end of January this year. Once we were in Cusco and the day before the trip the team came by and explained everthing and there were no hazzle on the day of our trip either. The day was perfect and it was truly a dream come true thanks to Cusco Native.

Didn't find the tour you were looking for? Don't worry! We are experts at building custom tours and treks in Cusco and throughout Peru. Just contact us, tell us about the tour you'd like and let us do the rest..
The hidden gem of the Andes is a mystical paradise with breathtaking landscapes and ancient architecture
The Sacred Valley is a stunning blend of ancient ruins, vibrant culture, and breathtaking Andean landscapes!
A captivating city where rich Inca heritage meets vibrant culture amid stunning Andean landscapes.
An awe-inspiring natural wonder, teeming with wildlife, lush greenery, and unparalleled biodiversity!
Personalized tours to Machu Picchu and other iconic destinations, handcrafted by passionate local experts.
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