Signature: Peru's Lima, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley Adventure Tour

Trace the legacy of the Incas from the coast to the clouds. Explore the Sacred Valley's fertile lands before uncovering the secrets of Machu Picchu. Through immersive encounters with local chefs and artisans, experience a land where ancient traditions breathe life into the modern culture of Peru.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Women's Weaving Co-Op Textile Experience, Cusco
Your G for Good Moment: Cuyo Chico Visit, Valle Sagrado
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Lima
Signature Moment: Museo Larco Tour Led by a Curator, Lima
Signature Moment: Andean Culture Experience, Cusco
Your Foodie Moment: Nuna Raymi Potato Experience Dinner, Cusco. Arrival transfer. Private Casa Taller Víctor Delfin Visit & Reception. Cooking Class Welcome Dinner. Internal flight from Lima to Cusco. Pisac Ruins Guided Tour. Farm-to-Table Lunch and Corn Lecture. Cerámicas Seminario Workshop Visit. Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit. Machu Picchu Guided Tour. Maras Salt Mines and Moray Visit. Cusco Orientation Walk. Expert-Led Cusco City Tour and Picnic. Internal flight between Cusco and Lima. Free time to enjoy hotel/lodge amenities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private vehicle, public bus, walking, train, plane.

What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?  

While personal spending habits naturally vary, we recommend factoring in your individual preferences for shopping, tipping, and beverages to ensure a seamless experience. In addition to these day-to-day comforts, we kindly ask that you maintain access to a minimum of USD $200 (or its equivalent) as a dedicated emergency fund; though exceptionally rare, unpredictable circumstances such as changing weather patterns or natural events may occasionally necessitate a shift from our planned route, and this reserve ensures we can navigate any path ahead with peace of mind.

What meals are included in this trip?  

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

Please note that health requirements and recommended inoculations vary by destination. To ensure your well-being, it is your responsibility to consult with a specialized travel physician for up-to-date medical guidance well before departure.

We highly recommend carrying a personal first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and any essential prescription medications. Because our itineraries frequently trace paths through remote regions far from advanced medical facilities, legal regulations prohibit our National Geographic Expedition Leaders from administering any medication, including standard over-the-counter pain relievers. While local pharmacies along our route may stock familiar remedies, they are often produced under regional names, so we advise bringing the generic chemical name of any critical prescription. Before finalising your plans, please carefully review the itinerary and physical requirements to ensure your personal fitness aligns with our style of exploration. To safeguard the well-being of the group, we reserve the right to excuse any traveller from all or part of an itinerary if, in the professional judgment of our Expedition Leader, continuing would pose an undue risk to themselves or their fellow travellers.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

Upon your return, we invite you to share your insights with us. Your valued feedback shapes the future of our itineraries and ensures we continue to deliver meaningful experiences. As a token of our appreciation for your time, we are pleased to offer a 5% savings (up to a maximum of $100 USD) toward your next expedition with us. Simply submit your evaluation within four weeks of completing your travels to unlock this benefit and join our global community of returning travellers.

*This offer is valid for new bookings only, limited to one per person, and cannot be combined with other promotions or applied to independent itineraries. Maximum value of $100 USD (or local currency equivalent). This program may be amended or withdrawn at any time.

What are the mandatory group rules regarding laws and behaviour?  

Our philosophy of travel is rooted in deep respect for the people, cultures, and lands we encounter. To ensure the safety of our travellers, staff, and the communities that welcome us, the possession or use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all departures. While certain substances may be woven into local traditions in some regions, they are not permitted within our groups. Furthermore, any form of exploitation, including the solicitation of sex workers, directly contradicts our values. To protect the integrity of the experience and the well-being of the group, our National Geographic Expedition Leader retains the right to remove any traveller who violates these standards.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

22.

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

This compiled itinerary represents our thoughtfully designed plan, provided in good faith and correct at the time of publication. However, to ensure we deliver the most rewarding experience possible, our itineraries remain dynamic; we continuously refine our routes based on research, field insights, and guest feedback, meaning details may evolve between the release of our annual directory and your departure. Flexibility is a cornerstone of our travel philosophy, and while we intend to follow the path described, the nature of exploring unpredictable environments means alterations may occur, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. We invite you to view these travel times and details as an approximate guide rather than a strict contract, and we kindly ask that you review a final copy of your Trip Details a few days prior to departure to ensure you have the most current information for your upcoming expedition.

What should I do if I can't find my airport transfer or experience arrival issues?  

While we anticipate a seamless arrival, your peace of mind is our utmost priority. Should any unforeseen circumstances prevent you from beginning your expedition as scheduled, please refer to the essential emergency contact details provided in your documentation and contact us as soon as possible.

Upon landing, if you do not connect with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend making your own way to the starting point property by following the Joining Instructions. Rest assured, you may submit a request to your travel professional upon your return to secure a refund for any transport costs incurred during this time.

What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?  

To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.

For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3-5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members.

Who will be leading the group?  

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.

Is there a travel disclaimer for my itinerary I should review before booking this trip?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Are there Itinerary notes?  

Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to prevent overcrowding. The circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. At the time of booking, you may select your preferred circuit, subject to availability. If no selection is made, we will book a circuit based on availability at the time of booking. All circuits offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and impressive ingenuity of this ancient site. TO NOTE: Travellers completing the Inca trail and 1-day Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit of Machu Picchu, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate.

What important notes should I be aware of before the trip?  

EXPEDITION LEADER
When traveling across different countries, islands, or regions, travellers can expect multiple Expedition Leaders throughout their trip to ensure experiences are authentic and locally specialized.

Machu Picchu regulations require all visitors to follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to prevent overcrowding. The circuit-specific entrance tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. At the time of booking, you may select your preferred circuit, subject to availability. If no selection is made, we will book a circuit based on availability at the time of booking. All circuits offer the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and impressive ingenuity of this ancient site. TO NOTE: Travellers completing the Inca trail and 1-day Inca Trail will be assigned Circuit 3 for their guided visit of Machu Picchu, but will also have access to the panoramic viewpoint upon arrival via the Sun Gate.

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?  

Max 22, avg. 16.

What are the joining instructions?  

To review the specific details of your starting property, please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

A seamless arrival transfer is included for guests landing on the first day of the itinerary, or up to three days prior if your pre-trip accommodations were arranged directly through G Adventures at our starting property. To maintain the exceptional quality and continuity of your experience, all scheduled services must run consecutively.

Upon arriving at the starting property, where check-in begins typically by 3:00PM, please look for a dedicated notice from your National Geographic Expedition Leader at the reception desk. This message will outline the specific details for our evening welcome reception and meeting-typically held between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.-where you will gather with your Expedition Leader, Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers to look ahead at the days to come. Should you arrive later in the evening and miss this initial gathering, your Expedition Leader will leave a comprehensive briefing note for you at reception detailing the next morning's schedule.

Please note that the joining day of the itinerary can vary, please refer to your specific itinerary for further details.

International Arrivals: After exiting customs, proceed to Door 3, located between the two international arrival exits. You will find your transfer driver inside the terminal with a National Geographic Signature Journeys with G Adventures sign board displaying your name.

Domestic Arrivals: Wait inside the terminal near Door 1, where your transfer driver will meet you with a National Geographic Signature Journeys with G Adventures sign board.

If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day?  

You will be met at your hotel property and transferred to the airport for your onward travels at the end of your expedition. Please refer to your individual itinerary for more details.

Your tour will finish on arrival at Lima Airport.

Please speak to your Expedition Leader on tour about arranging a day use room at an airport hotel on your departure day before your return flight home.

What should I pack for this trip?  

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?  

Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.

When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase-such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name-along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Join the museum curator for a private look at ancient Peruvian treasures spanning 5,000 years of history, Visit a traditional indigenous weaving community with a National Geographic Explorer, Tour the private home and workshop of a legendary Peruvian sculptor in Barranco, Explore the Lost City of the Incas with an expert guide to uncover its secrets, Taste Peru's agricultural heritage with a ceremonial tasting of native potatoes

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (8 nts).

Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?  

Should you require urgent assistance during your travels, your first point of contact should be our local representative or regional office. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as quickly as possible. The numbers can be found below.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Office Lima, Peru.

During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)

After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712, (WhatsApp Available)

In addition, a dedicated toll-free line is available for guests within North America, connecting you directly to our global operations team during regular business hours. For support outside of standard hours, an emergency mobile line is actively monitored day and night to ensure you are never out of reach. In the rare event that your call is not answered immediately, please leave a detailed message along with your contact information so our team can return your call and assist you as swiftly as possible.

Toll-free (North America only): 1-800-465-5600

From the United Kingdom: 0870 080 1756

International (Outside North America and the UK): +1 416 260 0999

Emergency Mobile: (416) 305-6139

Your included arrival transfer has been meticulously arranged based on the flight details you provided. If you experience a flight schedule change or cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival, please contact our emergency number immediately with your updated details. Prompt notification ensures we can adjust your transfer; otherwise, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the starting property. Upon arrival, if your transfer representative does not connect with you within 30 minutes of exiting the arrivals area, please take a local taxi directly to the starting property.

Where can I do my laundry on this trip?  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What is the role of the group leader during this trip?  

Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites-delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.

What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?  

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities