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Ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu, meet Quechua locals in the Sacred Valley, and push to Rainbow Mountain above 16,000 feet.
DAYS /
6
NIGHTS
Base yourself in Cusco, visit a Quechua community near Chinchero, take the train to Aguas Calientes, tour Machu Picchu with a local guide, learn Peruvian cooking, and tackle Rainbow Mountain.
Most people book this trip solo — small groups of like-minded 21–35s mean connection happens fast. No third-wheeling, no FOMO.
Meet the group in Cusco at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, then take the included transfer into the city and start acclimating at 11,200 feet.
Arrive a few hours before 12:00 p.m. for the included group transfer; later pickups can be arranged with your flight details.
After breakfast in Cusco, included airport transfers run to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport based on your flight time.
Plan your departure a few hours after 9:00 a.m.
This is a high-activity trip at serious altitude. Expect moderate to intense days, 6–8 hours of activity on most days, and hiking as high as 17,000 feet at Rainbow Mountain. If altitude has been an issue for you before, this trip may feel especially challenging.
You’ll get some open time in Cusco to wander the historic center, browse the artisanal market, grab a pisco sour, or add extra sites. But Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley visit, the cooking class, and Rainbow Mountain keep the schedule moving.
Cusco is your main base for the week. It’s where you acclimate, eat well, and explore between big days in Chinchero, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain.
Expect a small crew, usually around 12 travelers and no more than 15.
Arrive in the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, and take included transportation with your group to your boutique hotel with your group and Trip Leader.
Get to know your new friends as you begin to acclimate at 11,200 feet (3,400 meters) of elevation and take it easy exploring the historic center of Cusco.
See Cusco's incredible Plaza de Armas and Spanish Cathedrals at night and feel like you've traveled in time.
Take it easy as you adjust to the altitude and wander Cusco’s historic center before heading to Plaza de Armas after dark.
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Depart Cusco for the Sacred Valley to a small Indigenous village near Chinchero and participate in a community outreach project exclusive to Under30Experiences travelers.
This local sustainability project brings tourism to a rural area travelers would not usually visit on a trip to Peru and supports a humble community of Indigenous people.
Learn how the native Quechua people live in the Andes and understand their spiritual connection to Pachamama or Mother Earth. This is an incredible cultural exchange with textile weavers and subsistence farmers who still embrace their traditional language and dress.
Continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo and catch the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, where you’ll stay the night.
Wake up early and take the winding bus ride up the mountain from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
"The Lost City of the Incas" will take your breath away as you weave through the paths and tour this archeological site. Explore Machu Picchu with a local guide who will explain the history of this ancient Inca citadel.
After your llama selfie, enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides on the planet back to Cusco and reflect on the beauty of what you just experienced.
If you'd prefer to a four-day trek to Machu Picchu, consider our trip hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Cusco is the center of Quechua culture and the capital of the former Inca Empire. Walking the narrow pedestrian streets, you can see the layers of history come alive. See history firsthand as Spanish Cathedrals were built on top of Inca temples.
Take in the vibrant colors at the artisanal market and find alpaca wool sweaters for friends back home.
Explore Peru's famed gastronomy and see why chefs around the world decide to collaborate in Cusco. Try local delicacies like alpaca or cuy guinea pig, washed down with a pisco sour.
Ask your Trip Leader if you want to enter famous sites like Saksaywaman, Coricancha, or the Inca Museum as optional activities.
Entry to sites like Saksaywaman, Coricancha, or the Inca Museum
Spend the day exploring Cusco on foot, shopping the market, and trying local dishes and drinks around the city.
Today, immerse yourself in the world-renowned Peruvian gastronomy.
Learn how to make causa limeña, a traditional Peruvian dish made with mashed potatoes, peppers, and avocado–similar to a tiny casserole. You’ll also get a chance to make a pisco sour, the national drink of Peru!
After learning to make these dishes, gather with your new group of friends and enjoy a delicious dinner sure to delight your taste buds.
Climb even higher into the Andes for a colorful adventure that is both challenging and rewarding. Remember your coca leaves as you hike above 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) and earn stunning views of Vinicunca--the famous Rainbow Mountain.
Under30Experiences is proud to be one of the first group travel companies to visit the Rainbow Mountains of Peru.
Once you've taken in the vibrant mountainside, head back and take one last stroll through Cusco before our final dinner in Plaza de Armas.
Back in Cusco, take one last stroll through the city before the final dinner.
Have breakfast as a group before saying adios to the fantastic new travel buddies you've made in Peru.
Feel free to stay and explore more of the Andes or take the provided transportation back to the Cusco airport. As our trip comes to a close, we hope you keep in touch with our community back home.
Looking for a more active challenge in Peru? Hike the legendary Inca Trail with Under30Experiences instead.
Expect shared boutique hotel rooms close to the historic center, with comparable stays throughout the trip and laundry available at some hotels for an extra fee.
Hotels may vary by departure; solo travelers share with a same-gender roommate unless they book a private room.
Taxes are included, never hidden, and you can switch your trip more than 60 days before departure.
Plenty of companies will fly you to Costa Rica for less. Here's what you're actually paying for — and why people who travel with us rarely go back to the alternative.
Small enough that you'll know everyone's name by day two. Not a 40-person coach where you're a wristband.
Locally-owned places with character and comfort — not a bunk in a 12-bed dorm. Where you sleep is part of the trip.
We guide the big moments and leave the rest open. No 6am wake-up calls to tick boxes you didn't ask for.
Hotels, activities, ground transport, your leader, and taxes — included. No hidden fees stacking up after you book.
I chose the Under30Experiences Machu Picchu & Peru trip and all I can say is WOW! Probably the best trip I’ve ever taken! I was nervous to travel solo and meet new people but from the time I got there until I left I felt very comfortable and taken care of! Our guide Roland was truly amazing. He knew Cusco inside and out, took us to some of the most amazing restaurants and showed us so much WHILE beating most of the crowds at some of the more touristy places! Under30Experiences was organized and stuck to each planned day in a timely manner. They also provided alternative activities should we wish to do those (which our group did and they were just as amazing as the pre planned activities!) I was more than impressed with my trip overall and made some amazing memories with new friends to last a lifetime! If you’re looking to travel solo but not alone, Under30Experiences is the way to go!
I just returned from the six day Peru trip ending in Machu Picchu. It was a thrilling unforgettable "experience." The guides Jonno and Roland are fantastic! I consider them more as friends than tour guides to be honest. They were very knowledgeable of the country, its rich history, culture, and food! I recommend traveling with this company to anyone. Even though they attract young adults in their twenties, they are open to anybody up to age 35. I hope to return on a trip with U30X in the near future.
This is my second time using Under30Experiences and it has been amazing both times. The trip to Machu Picchu in Peru was a great experience. Our guide, Roland, was very helpful and attentive to our needs. He ensured that we had everything and whatever we asked for, he was sure to get it for us. I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone thing about going.
Every departure is led by a dedicated U30X Trip Leader who handles the logistics, brings the group together from day one, and works alongside our trusted local guides on the ground.
"My job is to make sure you never feel lost — and never feel like you're traveling alone."
24/7 global support
Reach a real person any time, anywhere, before and during your trip.
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Message us at 1 (888) 959-4436 — we answer how you actually communicate.
Safety-first, always
Vetted partners, trusted accommodations, and a leader who's done this before.
The community starts the day you book — not the day you land. By the time you're at the airport, these are already people you've been talking to for weeks.
What optional activities are available?
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Do I need a visa?
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
Is this trip for me?
If you want to immerse yourself in some of Peru's most spectacular sights while minimizing time off from work, this trip is for you!
Through this experience you will visit Machu Picchu from the comfort of a public train and bus. You'll also spend time exploring the old capital of the Incan empire--Cusco.
Cusco, Machu Picchu, & the Rainbow Mountains are located at high altitudes. If you've struggled with altitude sickness in the past, this trip may be challenging.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 15 max, average 12
-Physical rating: High physical activity. This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities and participants should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle, and may want to consider training for high altitude.
Have a question that's not on this list?
Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at info@under30experiences.com or by messaging on WhatsApp +1 (888) 959-4436.
Do you have last-minute deals?
Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program last minute slots open up on sold out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals.
Sign up to the list to be notified.
What is the nightlife like?
There are plenty of nighlife options in Cusco that are within walking distance from the hotel.
How much should I budget for food and activities?
All breakfasts and most dinners are included.
Average price of a lunch with a drink is USD $15-$20. Only you know your spending habits. There will be opportunities to purchase some local, hand-made souvenirs. So plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that most restaurants will accept credit card. We recommend having around $300 USD in cash (for just in case purposes). Although many places will accept US Dollars, we recommend exchanging into the local currency for a better exchange rate.
What is the physical level of the trip?
High. This trip is for those who enjoy being physically challenged and reaping the rewards. It includes moderate to intense physical activities and participants should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days.
Participants should have an active lifestyle, and may want to consider training for high altitude.
What should I pack for Peru?
Winter gear is suggested for the Rainbow mountian hike in particular.
For more information check out our packing list.
What is the weather like in Peru?
Weather in the Peruvian Andes can be unpredictable ranging from hot to cold. Hikers should be prepared with proper gear and be ready for variable weather conditions throughout the day.
We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to leaving Cusco if we feel conditions are unsafe. Temperatures can range from 35° F degrees in the morning to 50°F degrees in the afternoon. The sun does get intense in the afternoon and we highly recommend bringing sun protection.
What is the altitude in Peru?
Our hikes and tours take place anywhere from 8,000-17,000 feet in altitude. It is essential to spend 2-3 days minimum in Cusco or at a similar elevation prior to taking any trek with us.
We recommend staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest prior to your hike.
Please ask your doctor if you are concerned with the altitude. Altitude meds can be prescribed.
What are the accommodations like in Peru?
Stay in shared boutique hotel rooms close to the historic center of Cusco.
Solo travelers will be paired with another person of the same gender.
You can request a friend to be your roommate upon checkout.
If you'd prefer not to have a roommate, private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge. Please contact bookings@under30experiences.com for more details.
What food can I expect to eat in Peru?
Breakfasts will be served at your hotel. Dinners are enjoyed in local restaurants and your hotel.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Lunch Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Many meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.
From $1,595 with a $195 deposit, and you can switch your trip up to 60 days before departure.
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