Peru Express
Overview
This 6‑day, 5‑night express journey offers a perfectly paced introduction to Peru’s most celebrated destinations, blending vibrant city energy with timeless Andean charm. Thoughtfully designed for travellers seeking a rich yet efficient experience, the program moves seamlessly through contrasting landscapes, cultural heartlands and iconic mountain settings. From dynamic urban rhythms to serene valley moments and a legendary finale, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable snapshot of Peru, ideal for those who want maximum impact in a shorter timeframe without sacrificing depth or comfort.
Format
Locations
- Peru
- Lima
- Cusco
- Chinchero
- Ollantaytambo
- Yucay
- Urubamba
- Aguas Calientes
- Machu Picchu, Peru
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Lima
- Round-trip domestic flight in economy class between Lima and Cusco
- Round-trip train ride between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
- Round-trip bus ride between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Shared airport, sightseeing and inter-city transfers, unless noted otherwise.
- 5 nights accommodation in select category (2 nights in Lima, 2 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Urubamba).
- Early check-in upon arrival (not counted towards the total number of nights)
- Daily breakfast, unless noted otherwise
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Lima’s Historic Centre shared tour
- Cusco half-day city shared tour
- Chinchero visit
- Yucay Living Museum tour
- Ollantaytambo Fortress tour
- Full-day Machu Picchu tour
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
- *Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
*Personal and non-transferable document that provides access to 16 important attractions in Cusco and its surroundings, such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. It also allows entry to various sites in the Sacred Valley Circuit, including Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Moray and Chinchero.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Lima
Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterward, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. Your early check-in is included!
This afternoon, enjoy a guided experience through Lima’s Historic Centre with a hotel pick‑up and return transfer included.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Lima’s Historic Centre shared tour
Begin with a visit to the Aliaga House, a historic mansion with over five centuries of history and considered the oldest residence in the Americas. Continue to the UNESCO‑listed Plaza Mayor, including a visit to the impressive Lima Cathedral. Conclude at the Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre, home to an extensive collection of pre‑Hispanic gold and silver artifacts, as well as a curated selection of erotic art, offering insight into more than 5,000 years of ancient Peruvian history.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 2
Lima - Cusco
After breakfast and check-out, your local representative will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to take you to Jorge Chávez International Airport to catch your flight to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire.
Upon arrival, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up before beginning your first adventure in this magnificent city.
This afternoon has been thoughtfully planned with a half-day city tour designed just for you. After the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city shared tour
Begin with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the sacred Coricancha temple, followed by the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, the city’s main religious landmark. Continue to the surrounding hills to explore the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, the Qenqo archaeological complex, Puca Pucara’s military structures and the ruins of Tambomachay, known as the Inca spa. Return to your selected hotel at the end of the tour.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Cusco – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo – Yucay – Urubamba
After breakfast and check‑out, meet your local guide and begin a scenic drive into the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas toward Urubamba, its cultural capital.
Along the way, enjoy visits to Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Yucay, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s most iconic landmarks and enduring traditions.
Upon arrival in Urubamba, you will be transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Chinchero visit
Discover a picturesque Andean village famed for its impressive agricultural terraces and a striking 17th‑century church (entrance to the church is not included), built atop the remains of an ancient Inca palace.
Yucay Living Museum tour: Step into a living cultural showcase where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional textile weaving, pottery and silverwork, all crafted using time‑honoured Inca techniques passed down through generations.
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Yucay Living Museum tour
Step into a living cultural showcase where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional textile weaving, pottery and silverwork, all crafted using time‑honoured Inca techniques passed down through generations.
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Ollantaytambo Fortress tour
Explore one of the most significant ceremonial centres of the Inca Empire, renowned for its monumental stonework and dramatic agricultural terraces that rise majestically along the surrounding mountainsides.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
After breakfast and check‑out, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Ollantaytambo, where you board your scenic train journey toward Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll exit the train station where a local representative will greet you with a sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to the bus station for the scenic, winding ascent to Machu Picchu, marking the beginning of a truly iconic, once‑in‑a‑lifetime Inca experience and the crown jewel of your Peruvian journey.
Notes:
- Your journey to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, will be aboard the Voyager or Expedition train.
- The train policies allow each passenger to carry only one small backpack weighing up to 5 kg (11lbs) during the stay at Machu Picchu. We recommend packing light and bringing just the essentials. Items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent will help ensure your comfort throughout the excursion. The rest of your luggage will be transferred from your hotel in Uurubamba to Cusco.
Following your visit to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will take you back to Aguas Calientes to board your train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a local representative will be waiting to greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Once at the hotel, you’ll proceed with check‑in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Machu Picchu tour
Discover Machu Picchu, an extraordinary masterpiece of Inca engineering and architecture, believed to have served as a sacred sanctuary and royal retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacútec. Perched dramatically amid mist‑covered peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of history and natural beauty. Known as the “Old Mountain,” Machu Picchu stands as a timeless symbol of ingenuity, mystery and awe—offering a truly unforgettable journey into the heart of the ancient Andes.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Cusco – Lima
After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport for your flight to Lima.
Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name on it. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Lima – Canada
After checking out, you’ll meet your local representative in the lobby of your hotel, they will assist you with your transfer that will take you to Jorge Chávez International Airport for your return flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Boxed continental breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 double beds (bed type available upon request (not guaranteed)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 double beds (bed type available upon request (not guaranteed)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Important Information
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October 25, 2026 – March 27, 2027
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Not Included:
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Travel insurance and visa fees (where applicable)
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Optional activities, excursions, and any related transfers
- Transfers or services not expressly included in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions not listed in the program
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and inter-city transfers
- Plane from Lima to Cusco
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Bus from Machu Pichu to Aguas Calientes
- Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Plane from Cusco to Lima
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- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
- Please note that some areas of this tour may present challenges for travellers with limited mobility. While all locations included are accessible, the itinerary covers a variety of regions, towns and historic and archaeological sites where uneven surfaces and steps may be encountered. Customers should be fully aware of this before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
- This itinerary includes travel through high‑altitude regions in the Andes. Please plan accordingly.