I n 1911, Hiram Bingham stumbled on the astonishing ruins of a city hidden in the mists and perched on a rocky ridge in the sky: the "Lost City of the Incas" – Machu Picchu. Today, teens and adults alike are thrilled with this journey through the mysterious world of the Children of the Sun.

After getting to know the ancient capital of Cuzco, we’ll take a dramatic train ride through a spellbinding landscape to stunning Machu Picchu, where the wonders of history will come alive for you and your teen. We continue our sojourn through the high Andes, trekking worn pathways amid herds of llamas and alpacas to age-old villages, witnessing a way of life that time nearly forgot. Along the way, we’ll spend two incredible nights camping under the stars, we’ll meet modern-day shepherds, browse local artisan shops, and learn from expert weavers how the extraordinary textiles, now seen in Peruvian gift shops, are made.

We'll stop to experience more of the incredibly advanced building techniques of the Inca at the ruins of Pisaq and Saqsayhuaman. Take lots of pictures because you and your teenagers will never want to forget this unbelievable trip of a lifetime.

If you have a few more vacation days to take advantage of while you’re in South America, go on our Ecuador extension. A family adventure that includes Machu Picchu AND the Galapagos Islands can’t be beat.

2010 Dates

Discounts for More Traveling Customers:

$200 per person for 6-10

$400 per person for 11+

Dates

Don't see your travel dates? Please call and we'll offer a trip to meet your needs!

Extensions

This trip is great in combination with one of our Galapagos adventures. International air to/from Lima and Quito not included.

Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Lima

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Peru Teen Trekking vacation begins.

Day 2 – Sacred Valley

After flying into Cuzco, we will transport you to the Sacred Valley. Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where temples and buildings once shimmered in gold. The Spanish may have stripped this city of its golden architectural trademark in the 16th century, but the ruins of the Sacred Valley are still in amazing condition, and teenagers can actually be rendered speechless when seeing the stonework for the first time.

Sacred Valley Impressive ancient ruins, gentle mountain slopes and quaint farming towns make the Sacred Valley a perfect stop. Enjoy this first encounter with remarkable Inca ruins. Train ride to Machu Picchu This hour and a half train journey follows along the Urubamba River, providing families with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyons of the Urubamba Valley.

Day 3 – Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was hidden so well in the Andes that it wasn’t rediscovered until 1911. As you look closely at how this “Lost City” was built, notice that the Incas used no mortar at all when putting together the large, heavy blocks of perfectly cut stone. That they are still standing is proof of the remarkable skill and engineering knowledge of this civilization.

Explore the ruins at Machu Picchu Now one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World,” Machu Picchu is revered as one of the most exquisite and enigmatic sites on the planet. The Inca turned this spot into a small (about five square miles) but extraordinary city that is invisible from below and completely self-contained. Optional mountain hike This afternoon you can choose to hike a local point of interest (such as Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu mountain) for an up-close and personal view of a world-renowned site.

Days 4 to 6 – Trekking and camping on the Inca Trail

These  days of trekking worn pathways and camping under the stars will have your family raving about Peru for months. As your camp gear is transported by horseback, you’ll cross a pass at 14,300 ft., then enjoy days of walking through the high Andes alongside isolated peasant families herding large flocks of llamas and alpacas. You and your teenagers will be well off the beaten path on this little-known route through the Andean countryside.

Learn about traditional crafts Stop at a weaving workshop and learn about the traditional native arts as local weavers demonstrate the skills and techniques that have been passed down through generations. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind folk arts here in a friendly, hands-on environment. Camping Spend two nights sleeping on the Inca trail. As the moon rises over the mountains, your family will enjoy a sense of accomplishment after your exhilarating treks, and sleep soundly in this quiet and serene environment. Pisaq Ruins These ruins are some of the largest and well-kept in all the Sacred Valley, but surprisingly little is known about the site’s actual purpose. It could have been a royal estate, a military complex or even a small city. Saqsayhuaman Ruins The construction of this complex took over seven decades and the work of over 20,000 men, and is a masterpiece created by the Inca to show the world their great power and elegance.

Day 7 – Cuzco

A closer exploration of Cuzco reveals how well the Peruvians preserve, with pride, their cultures and traditions. During your walking tour of the city, stop and stand in the middle of the spacious and handsome Plaza de Armas – you’ll be at the historic heart of the entire region.

Koricancha This luxurious temple was built by the Incas to honor the Sun God. Known as the Sacred Sun Temple, it’s located just a few yards away from the main square of Cuzco. The Spanish Cathedral This magnificent monument, located in the main square, boasts an alter made of solid silver and a bell made of silver, gold and bronze that can be heard more than twenty-five miles away. Artisan shops The artisan shops are located in the charming San Blas neighborhood, which is filled with steep, narrow streets that lead to unbelievable views of the city. Take your time and look around in case you want to purchase some souvenirs – this is an ideal spot for it.

Day 8 – Cuzco - Lima

Enjoy your last morning in Cuzco in leisure. This afternoon you'll fly back to Lima. At tonight's special farewell dinner you will  say goodbye to your travel companions.

Day 9 – Depart Lima / Arrive U.S.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Peru?

See Machu Picchu, new wonder of the world The “lost city” of Machu Picchu was so remote and so well hidden that it wasn’t rediscovered until 1911, when Hiram Bingham stumbled onto the astonishing ruins hidden in the mists and perched on a rocky ridge in the sky. No longer “lost,” your family will discover first-hand why Machu Picchu was recently voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Rich history and culture Five hundred years ago, Peru lay at the heart of a vast empire that stretched over 400,000 square miles from northwest Argentina to southern Columbia. A legendary kingdom, this Land of the Inca came to an end when conquering Spaniards swept across South America. Today, Peruvians preserve, with pride, their rich and diverse culture and traditions. Explore the charms of colonial Cuzco Founded in the 11th century and capital of the Inca Empire from the 13th century through the arrival of the Spanish in the mid 16th century, Cuzco is a delightful mix of Inca and Spanish architecture. Around the city you can still see the remains of Inca buildings and foundations – many of which have proven to be stronger than buildings constructed in the present day! Inca Trails The roads from the Inca Empire once stretched from present-day Quito, Ecuador in the north all the way down to Santiago, Chile in the south. The extensive network of roads and trails covered roughly 14,000 miles and crossed mountain passes over 16,000 feet. To top it off, the Inca did not use the wheel or horses until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, so these roads were used almost exclusively by people on foot and pack animals such as llamas. These roads – some of which were paved – wind through the stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

Why Peru with Thomson?

Adventures designed with our own families in mind Thomson brings parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren together to explore exotic new places through hands-on experiences. Guided by local partners — who know, love and respect the heritage and traditions of their country — each of our vacations is a personal odyssey of discovery.

Peru: Trek Adventure for Teens

Sacred Valley Impressive ancient ruins, gentle mountain slopes and quaint farming towns make the Sacred Valley a perfect stop. Enjoy this first encounter with remarkable Inca ruins. Machu Picchu One of the “New 7 Wonders of the World,” Machu Picchu is revered as one of the most exquisite and enigmatic sites on the planet. The Inca turned this spot into a small (about five square miles) but extraordinary city that is invisible from below and completely self-contained. Your teens will learn how these ancient citizens moved such enormous stone blocks to this remote, hard-to-reach location. Inca Trails Three days of trekking worn pathways and two nights of camping under the stars will have your family raving about Peru for months. As your camp gear is transported by horseback, you’ll cross a pass at 14,300 ft., then enjoy days of walking through the high Andes alongside isolated peasant families herding large flocks of llamas and alpacas. You and your teenagers will be well off the beaten path on this little-known route through the Andean countryside. Cuzco On your walking tour of the unforgettable city of Cuzco, you will see the Koricancha temple, built by the Inca to honor the Sun God. In the main square, the Spanish Cathedral with its shining alter made of solid silver and bell made of silver, gold and bronze, will delight the senses. Local Culture In Chinchero Village, you’ll try your hand at back strap weaving, an Andean craft that has been passed down through the generations of Quechuan women. Perhaps most enjoyable, you and your family will be the guests of a local couple in Ollantaytambo, who will treat you to an authentic Peruvian meal.

Peru: Land of the Ancient Inca

Pisaq Ruins These ruins are some of the largest and well-kept in all the Sacred Valley, but surprisingly little is known about the site’s actual purpose. It could have been a royal estate, a military complex or even a small city. Impressive ancient ruins, gentle mountain slopes and quaint farming towns make the Sacred Valley a perfect stop. Whitewater Rafting This exciting rafting trip on the Urubamba River is fun and great for first-timers. Children really love the rush of rafting on the river. Running right through the heart of the Sacred Valley, this excursion offers a fun glimpse at the Inca past and the surrounding natural environment. You’ll see local Peruvians working in their fields beneath the soaring valley walls that rise up to snow-covered peaks. Train to Machu Picchu This one and a half hour train journey follows along the Urubamba River, providing you and your children with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyons of the Urubamba Valley on your way to Machu Picchu. Weaving lesson in Chinchero Village Quechuan women demonstrate the age-old Andean craft of back strap weaving that has been passed down for generations. You’ll even get the chance to try your hand at it! Grandparents Exploring a new place is a great adventure for grandparents and their grandchildren to do together. Thomson can help you plan the perfect trip that is just right for you and your grandchildren, no matter how old your grandchildren are and how many are going with you — one or the whole clan! Peru is a special place to visit and one that will not soon be forgotten as a wonderful shared experience between you and your grandchildren.