Peru

Countless centuries of culture unfurl in Peru’s Sacred Valley and among its terraced hillsides. Machu Picchu, the nation’s renowned and mysterious feat of engineering, gets all the attention, but it’s only a single wonder of many when you join a VBT Peru walking tour. From ritualistic religious sites like Tambomachay to the rich colonial flavor of Cusco, from pristine rivers rushing at the foot of Andean peaks to tiny Quechua villages that keep ancient traditions alive, Peru’s timeless beauty is best savored by foot, at the least hurried pace.

Few walking tours get you as close to Peru’s ancient and colonial treasures as VBT’s. We’ve mapped the most scenic routes through the Inca homeland, lifting your discoveries to new heights and opening doors you never imagined stepping through. Uncover daily life in charming Cusco, its colonial architecture built upon Incan foundations. Witness the early Inca method of urban planning at Ollantaytambo. Stroll the grounds of the jaguar-shaped Sacsayhuaman fortress, assembled without modern tools. And marvel at pre-Hispanic religious sites most Americans miss.

Approach Peru’s unparalleled spectacle as the Inca did – walk the breathtaking Inca Trail. Meticulously built structures, many of them mysterious in their purpose, tell only part of Machu Picchu’s legendary story. The rest lies in the location of the “Lost City,” perched upon a saddleback mountain surrounded by cloud forest and dramatic peaks. Arriving by foot sends the spirit soaring … and heightens the mystery of its construction. A VBT walking tour lets you explore during two visits, so you can ponder the mystery at your leisure.

Far less mysterious, daily life comes into sharp focus in VBT’s Peru. Chug through the Sacred Valley aboard the narrow-gauge Vistadome train. Head into the heart of the Andean countryside where salt mines and underground springs have shaped a landscape. And count on your VBT Trip Leaders to illuminate the nuances of a rich culture, whether you’re bartering with local farmers in a traditional Pisac market or sampling the flavors of authentic cuisine in an Andean chicheria.

You’ll close each day in complete comfort, pampered by the amenities at carefully chosen, luxurious accommodations. Fall asleep in a charming whitewashed bungalow nestled in the terraced hills of Machu Picchu. Settle in to a chalet-style retreat with stunning Andes views. Come mealtime, savor your place at the table with delicious and creative Peruvian fare.