Jul 23 — Aug 1, 2026
Peru: Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca
This tour has returned
About the tour
From the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the magical wonders of Peru are waiting behind every corner. Take in Lima and see the historical side of the “City of Kings.” Explore Andean art forms and the local way of life during your stay in the Sacred Valley. Delight in a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch at a local Quechua community. At Machu Picchu, spend a night at the base of the “Lost City of the Incas” and enjoy a culinary demonstration. Explore Cuzco, a city that blends Inca and Spanish colonial influences. Discover the birthplace of the Incan Empire in Puno and Lake Titicaca. Meet the indigenous Uros people of the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. Step into the past as you explore mysterious ancient sites and immerse yourself in the culture as you taste the country’s renowned cuisine.
Additional details
- Length of tour
- 10 days, 9 nights
- Included meals
- 15 meals — 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
- Activity level
- 4 — Very active
Day by day
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Day 1 Thursday, July 23, 2026
Lima, Peru
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.
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Day 2 Friday, July 24, 2026
Lima
Discover Lima’s fascinating history through a colonial tour of 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 Jerónimo de Aliaga y Ramírez — 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. (B, D)
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Day 3 Saturday, July 25, 2026
Lima — Cuzco — 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. (B)
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Day 4 Sunday, July 26, 2026
Sacred Valley — Ollantaytambo — 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. 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. (B, L)
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Day 5 Monday, July 27, 2026
Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu
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. (B, D)
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Day 6 Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Machu Picchu — Cuzco
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. (B)
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Day 7 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Cuzco
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 Sacsayhuaman 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. (B, D)
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Day 8 Thursday, July 30, 2026
Cuzco — Puno
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. (B)
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Day 9 Friday, July 31, 2026
Uros Floating Islands — Lake Titicaca — Chullpas de Sillustani
Spend today getting to know the Uros locals. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people. 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, swap stories with Peruvian families before visiting the mystical Chullpas de Sillustani — an archaeological area boasting 13th-century funerary monuments. (B, L)
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Day 10 Saturday, August 1, 2026
Puno — Lima — Tour Ends
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. (B, D)
Itinerary as published by Collette and subject to change. The brochure below is the authoritative version.
Important tour dates
- Final payment
- April 24, 2026
- Departure
- July 23, 2026
- Return
- August 1, 2026
Tour brochure
Tour brochure
The full itinerary and inclusions, as a PDF.
This trip has been and gone
Peru ran in 2026. It is kept here because it is part of the eighteen years, and because these tours come round again — tell us you are interested and you will hear when it does.