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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Machu Picchu & the Andes

14-day escorted Peruvian journey from Lima to Sacred Valley, two scenic trains included

Illustration of Machu Picchu & the Andes

Vacations By Rail's 14-day Machu Picchu and the Andes tour is an escorted journey through Peru's Inca heartland, beginning in the colonial capital of Lima and concluding in the Sacred Valley. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. The itinerary weaves between high-altitude mountain towns, archaeological ruins, and scenic rail journeys. Day 2 includes a guided tour of Lima's colonial districts and churches. Days 3-4 explore the "White City" of Arequipa and its Santa Catalina Monastery. Day 5-6 drive into the Colca Canyon to view Andean condors and visit local villages. Days 7-8 cross the Andean plateau to Lake Titicaca, where you sail to the reed-built Uros Islands and Taquile Island. Day 9 is a full-day train journey on the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco. Day 10 tours Cusco's Inca temples and fortress. Day 11 takes the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes and coaches up to Machu Picchu for a guided exploration. Days 12-13 visit the Sacred Valley's Ollantaytambo and Pisac archaeological sites before a final night in Cusco. The tour suits history-lovers and first-time rail travellers seeking an immersive, guided introduction to Peruvian culture and high-altitude rail travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour involves substantial high-altitude exposure (up to 14,700 feet); the operator rates it Mobility Rating 4, indicating significant walking and physical demands.
  • Flights and airport transfers beyond the included internal flights and the Day 14 transfer to Cusco airport are not included; book separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lima

    Arrival in the Peruvian capital, Lima

    Arrive in Lima and make your own way to the hotel in Miraflores. Meet the Tour Manager and group for a first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Lima

    Discover Lima, the city of conquistadors

    Sightseeing tour of colonial Lima including the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Casa de Aliaga and Huaca Huallamarca, with lunch at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  3. Day 3overnight: Arequipa

    To the "White City" of Arequipa

    Short internal flight to Arequipa; lunch of regional cuisine, panoramic views from Carmen Alto Viewpoint, Yanahuara, Plaza de Armas and Compania de Jesus Church.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4overnight: Arequipa

    Santa Catalina Monastery and Arequipa at leisure

    Guided tour of the Santa Catalina Monastery complex, then a free afternoon in Arequipa.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Yanque

    Crossing the pampas to the Colca Canyon

    Coach journey through the Andes via the Pampa Canahuas reserve and mountain viewpoints to Yanque in the Colca Valley, with time at the hot springs.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Yanque

    Admiring the condors of Colca Canyon

    Excursion to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see Andean condors, then visits to Coporaque, Chininia and the ruins of Uyo-Uyo.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7overnight: Puno

    Into the high plains to Lake Titicaca

    Drive across the Andean plateau (up to 14,700 ft) with a picnic lunch, arriving in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  8. Day 8overnight: Puno

    Sailing to the floating islands of Titicaca

    Sail to the floating Uros Islands and UNESCO-listed Taquile Island, with lunch in a restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  9. Day 9railovernight: Cusco

    An Andean adventure on the Titicaca Train

    Full-day journey on the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco, with an Andean lunch and stop at La Raya Pass.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10overnight: Cusco

    Sacsayhuaman and Capital of the Inca Empire

    Half-day tour of Cusco's Inca and colonial sites including Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman fortress and the cathedral.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  11. Day 11railovernight: Yucay

    To the lost city of Machu Picchu by rail

    Vistadome Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, coach to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, then train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to the Sacred Valley.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Yucay

    Into the Sacred Valley

    Coach excursion to Chinchero for a guided tour, lunch, then a guided tour of Ollantaytambo including the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  13. Day 13overnight: Cusco

    From the Sacred Valley to Cusco via Pisac

    Explore the Pisac archaeological site and marketplace, then transfer to Cusco for a final dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  14. Day 14

    Tour conclusion

    Breakfast at the hotel, included transfer to Cusco airport, internal flight to Lima to connect with onward travel home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 6Day 6: excursion to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see Andean condors soaring above the Colca Canyon.
  • Day 8Day 8: sail to the floating Uros Islands and UNESCO-listed Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca.
  • Day 9Day 9: full-day journey on the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Puno to Cusco with lunch and a stop at La Raya Pass.
  • Day 11Day 11: ride the Vistadome Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and ascend by coach to Machu Picchu for a guided tour.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 13 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel on the PeruRail Titicaca Train (Puno to Cusco) and the PeruRail Vistadome Train (Cusco to Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu). Coach and internal flight segments are also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Tour Manager travels with the group from start to finish and leads guided tours at major sites.
What is included in the price?
13 nights' accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, Standard Class rail and coach travel throughout, all internal flights, breakfast each day, 8 lunches, 4 dinners, all guided tours and excursions, and the Tour Manager's expertise.
How many days is the tour?
14 days and 13 nights, starting in Lima and ending in the Sacred Valley (Yucay), with the final day returning to Cusco for your onward flight.
What is the altitude and activity level?
The tour climbs to 14,700 feet in the Andes. Vacations By Rail rates it Mobility Rating 4, involving significant walking at archaeological sites and city tours.
What hotels are used?
Hotels include the Hilton Garden Inn in Lima, Hampton by Hilton in Arequipa, Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca in Colca Valley, Sonesta Posada del Inca in Puno, Costa del Sol Wyndham in Cusco, and Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness or Sonesta Posadas del Inca in the Sacred Valley.

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