Peru with Machu Picchu a Women-Only Tour
On this 10-day tour, created by women, for women, feast on Peruvian delicacies in Lima, tour the ancient Qorikancha temple in Cusco and adventure through the Ollantaytambo ruins and Machu Picchu. In Cusco, embark on a private planetarium tour uncovering the influence of astronomy on Andean culture and visit Mantay store which supports mothers and their children. In Lima, visit Casa Aliaga, an impressive mansion the Aliaga family has called home for 17 generations, and tour and dine in Museo Larco guided by an archaeologist who shares her insights. Join a Local Expert in Machu Picchu for a guided tour through the ancient ruins. Visit the salt pans of Maras in the Sacred Valley where the Incas harvested minerals, and visit a local Quechua Weaver for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to learn about their ancient weaving techniques in a private presentation.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Cusco: Join a guided hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara.
- Cusco: Explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Prices include economy air and air-related charges for the flights between Lima - Cusco. This trip experiences high elevations, we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
- Sacred Valley: Make your way to the small lagoon of Laguna Piuray where you’ll enjoy your lunch of Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian feast.
- Cusco: Enjoy an immersive slow-cooked Cusquenian lunch at Pacha Papa. Lunch will be served al fresco at the courtyard of a historic mansion in the artsy neighborhood of San Blas.
- Cusco: In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner at Inka Grill, where you'll embark on a journey of flavors from Ceviche Palteado to Quinotto and Aji de Gallina.
- Cusco: Join a guided hike of the Inca ruins in Puca Pucara.
- Cusco: Explore the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas and visit the prestigious art galleries.
- Cusco: Visit Cusco's planetarium to learn more on how the Incas interpreted the stars. After a reception with hot wine (or tea) and appetizers, local experts will explain and share stories about the influence the stars had on Andean culture. You'll then be led to a room specially accommodated to view the ancient night skies, weather permitting.
- Sacred Valley: Visit a local traditional Quechua weaver for a private textile presentation and learn about ancient technique and their cultural significance. Your experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 & 10: Gender Equality Reduced Inequalities.
- Cathedral of Lima: This morning, explore Peru's buzzing capital with your Local Expert, including the Cathedral of Lima, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall.
- Sacred Valley: The Maras Salt Mine will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. Learn how salt once harvested by Incas at this site is now exported to the entire world. Discover how the Incas found a water stream with high salt content and learned - in Pre-Incan times - how to build terraces to extract salt. You’ll be amazed at how, to this day, it is not known where the water actually comes from and has only been measured in the last 20 years during which the flow and intensity has not changed.
- Sacred Valley: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. At the Moray Incan laboratory northwest of Cusco, learn how the Incas determined the ideal altitude to grow crops in the Sacred Valley. You’ll be fascinated by how this ancient culture learned how to build these terraced circular depressions on a high plateau at an altitude of about 11,500 feet and experimented with different kinds of soils and temperatures to grow their crops.
- Machu Picchu: Transfer to the station for your 360° IncaRail train ride. This train ride offers an unforgettable experience journeying through the Andes Mountains in style with large panoramic views allowing guests to enjoy the amazing scenery of the lush mountains and the Urubamba River en route to Machu Piccu Pueblo.
- Sacred Valley: On the way, visit the Ollantaytambo ruins, consisting of a large fortress built in the 1400s, a stepped terrace, and an area known as the Princess Baths, where ceremonial bathing took place. Later, stop by a a local house in the village and meet the family living there.
- Machu Picchu: Walk in the footsteps of Inca engineers as you explore this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your Local Expert, uncover the astronomical precision of the solar observatory, the ceremonial significance of the Temple of the Three Windows and the ingenious design behind the ritual baths. Marvel at dry-stone walls so masterfully constructed they’ve resisted centuries of seismic activity. Learn how this 15th-century sanctuary, perched high in the Andes, eluded Spanish conquistadors, its secrets safeguarded by the cloud forest until its rediscovery.
- Aguas Calientes: Peru’s Incan history and archaeology will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. With a full day, you have the option to return to Machu Picchu for a different circuit. Or, take advantage of a day at leisure in Aguas Caliente – the town of Machu Picchu of 3,400 residents - to stroll along the river, go shopping for that perfect local souvenir or grab a coffee all midst the cloud forest.
- Cusco: Once you arrive, head on a walking tour of Cusco with a Local Expert. Explore what's known as the "historic capital" of Peru as you discover its ancestral magic through visits to the cathedral and the Qorikancha temple.
- Cusco: Start your day with a walking tour of Cusco, before heading to Sacsayhuaman.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- Lima: Unwind at your luxury abode in Lima before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers in the evening for a dinner that elegantly captures typical flavors of the Peruvian capital.
- : Join archaeologist Samantha Encalada Rafael from Museo Larco to indulge in lunch in its 18th-century garden setting. You’ll love this opportunity to learn insights into the museum’s history and the archaeologist's experience working there.
- : Discover Museo Larco with a Local Expert who will guide you through private museum's impressive collection.
- Lima: Visit Casa Aliaga that the Aliaga family has called home for 17 generations. Meet Wilma Ehni de Aliaga, who’ll show you around her family's impressive mansion and share personal stories. Learn how the colonial home dates to the founding of Lima in 1535 and is the oldest dwelling in the Americas that has been in the same family for generations. Discover how the home was rebuilt and reshaped after earthquakes and architectural trends and represents both the Colonial and Republican history of Lima.
- : Founded more than 20 years ago with the aim of sheltering and helping teenage mothers and their children, Mantay store not only offers a safe place, but also provides women with health services, education and job training. The women at Mantay apprentice at a leather workshop as part of their vocational training, learning how to make beautiful hand-sewn leather goods. Once the women reach the age of 18, they transition out of the home with their children but can continue to work full-time in the workshop, providing them with the opportunity for long-term stabilised income. To commemorate your visit, you’ll receive a small present supporting the Mantay project.
- Noctourism
- Women's Trips
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
