Peru

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Peru tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Chinchero
Machu Picchu
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20262027

Discover Chinchero, Peru

Why Is It Called Chinchero? (Meaning)

The town of Chinchero gets its name from Quechua, the language of the Inca. Historians debate
its exact meaning.

Some believe the name comes from the Quechuan word “sinchi,” and means “brave man.”
However, more scholars argue the city’s name alludes to “Chinchay” or “Kay Pacha,” a
powerful, divine puma or jaguar in Andean spirituality.

Chinchay is one of the three powerful, god-like animal spirits in Inca mythology (and the
contemporary, syncretic Quechua religion). The puma symbolizes the spiritual power of the
present: the land of the living, strength, the earth, and the hearth (home).

The name “Chinchero” might also stem from the Quechua word K’uychi, meaning “rainbow.” If
so, it fits. Chinchero’s lush mountain climate, and its position at the edge of a cloud forest,
makes rainbows commonplace. In certain cosmologies, Chinchero is the birthplace of the
rainbow itself.

Climate of Chinchero, Peru

Chinchero has a semi-dry, temperate climate with a rainy season and a dry season.

  • Köppen Climate Classification: Dry-winter, Subtropical, Highland
    • Avg. Annual Precipitation: 527 mm (20.7 in)
  • Rainy Season: November - April
    • Avg. Daytime Temps: 18°C (64°F) - 22°C (72°F)
    • Avg. Nighttime Temps: 7°C (45°F) - 10°C (50°F)
  • Dry Season: May - October
    • Avg. Daytime Temps: 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64°F)
    • Avg. Nighttime Temps: -3°C (26°F) - 9°C (48°F

Where Is Chinchero, Urubamba Province, Peru?

The town of Chinchero is in the southern Andean Highlands.

District: Chinchero
Province: Urubamba
Region: Cusco
Nation: Peru

The Chinchero District encompasses multiple Andean mountains.

Chinchero Altitude (Elevation)

Avg. Altitude of Chinchero : 3,762 m. (12,343 ft.)

Altitude Range of Chinchero District: 2,980 m. (9,780 ft.) - 4,400 m. (14,436 ft.)

5 Best Things To Do & See In Chinchero

There’s plenty to enjoy in the Chinchero District and its namesake town.

Tour Ancient Wonders In Chinchero Archeological Park (Arqueológico de Chinchero)

Chinchero Archeological Park protects and preserves ancient ruins.

Step into the past when you set foot on Qhapaq ñan, roads built by the Wari to traverse the mountainscape. Explore remains of an Incan royal palace and ancient, tiered Incan crop terraces.

Finally, round out experience with the Spanish Colonial Church built on the Incan palace’s ruins.

Canoe or Kayak In Piuray Lagoon

Piuray Lagoon is a pristine freshwater lake on the west side of Chinchero. Visitors can enjoy paddling across the glacial waters, fishing, and touring the scenic waterscape. Bikes and ATVs are available to rent and ride on the lakeshore.

Explore Chinchero’s Open-Air Market & Artisan Street Fair

The town of Chinchero hosts two lively markets: Mercado Chinchero and Perú Arte (also called Mercado de Artesanias).

Mercado Chinchero is food-centric, while Perú Arte features handmade, artisan goods. Handwoven alpaca textiles, silverwork, and pieces crafted with traditional, indigenous Andean metallurgy are highlights.

Dine On Authentic & Fusion Peruvian Cuisine

Many dining spots in Chinchero serve iconic Peruvian and Quechua cuisine.

Try papa rellena (savory, meat-stuffed, potato puffs), or, for a veggie option, tacu-tacu (savory, fried rice-and-bean cakes).

For dessert, a bowl of sweet-spiced purple corn pudding, mazamorra morada.

Enjoy Chinchero, Peru With Caravan

Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Peru With Machu Picchu offers guests the Peruvian journey of a lifetime.

Caravan’s all-inclusive tours bundle the best food, overnight stays, and experiences into one affordable trip. To book a spot, call our team toll-free at 1-800-227-2826. Or, call +1-312-321-9800 to learn more.

Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco
Moray

Caret DownCaret Up Red2026 Hotels

2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Days 1, 2 • Lima

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.

Rustica Hotel

Days 3, 4, 5 • Sacred Valley

Rustica Hotel

Rustica Hotel

Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba is a brand-new boutique retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With just 32 spacious rooms, each offering panoramic views of the Andes, the hotel provides an intimate and serene experience. Resident alpacas freely roam the hotel grounds offering guests a chance to interact and take photos with these gentle Andean locals. Rustica Hotel Cusco Urubamba has a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and three jacuzzis. Spa services are available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

Day 6 • Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is a luxury hotel housed in the beautifully restored 16th-century San Augustin convent, just three blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers oxygen enriched rooms, two restaurants, and a boutique gift shop. Guests can unwind at the full service spa which features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room - all available for an additional fee. Free Wifi.

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Day 7 • Lima

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Marriott Courtyard Miraflores

Courtyard by Marriott Miraflores is a modern hotel set in Lima’s vibrant Miraflores district, known for its cafes, green parks, and scenic coastal views. The hotel has a restaurant and 24-hour fitness center. Free Wifi.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from the Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Marriott Courtyard Miraflores (Calle Schell 400, Miraflores) in Lima. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the counters for official taxi companies such as Taxi Seguro and Green Taxi. Here you can request your taxi. You can book and pay at the counter before exiting the terminal. The driving time from the airport to your hotel, Marriott Courtyard Miraflores, is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic. You can pay using U.S. Dollars, Peruvian Soles, or with a credit card. Taxi fares range from 90 - 130 Peruvian Soles, or $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars (depending on the exchange rate) plus tip. ATMs and a currency exchange are available at the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes fixed departure transfers from your hotel to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), scheduled to arrive at 5:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. These transfers are only available at these set times on the day the tour ends. If you extend your stay in Peru or if you wish to go at a different time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Please ask the hotel bellman to arrange a taxi. Fares are approximately $25 - $35 U.S. Dollars per taxi, plus tip. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30 - 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Caret DownCaret Up RedPassports & Visas

Passports & Visas

Peru requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Caret DownCaret Up RedWeather & Clothing

Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

LimaSacred ValleyMachu PicchuCusco
TempRainTempRainTempRainTempRain
Jan79/681.073/515.569/5313.462/444.2
Feb80/691.673/514.169/5312.862/443.8
Mar80/681.373/513.670/5313.463/442.6
Apr76/650.574/481.970/537.364/411.1
May72/620.374/430.371/512.365/360.2
Jun69/610.574/400.572/502.064/330.1
Jul67/600.674/380.272/492.164/320.1
Aug67/590.575/410.474/502.464/350.1
Sep67/600.475/450.574/523.065/390.5
Oct69/610.476/491.973/536.465/421.3
Nov72/630.376/502.773/546.865/431.9
Dec76/650.574/514.270/5410.864/443.2

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Lima
temp79/6880/6980/6876/6572/6269/6167/6067/5967/6069/6172/6376/65
rainfall1.01.61.30.50.30.50.60.50.40.40.30.5
Sacred Valley
temp73/5173/5173/5174/4874/4374/4074/3875/4175/4576/4976/5074/51
rainfall5.54.13.61.90.30.50.20.40.51.92.74.2
Machu Picchu
temp69/5369/5370/5370/5371/5172/5072/4974/5074/5273/5373/5470/54
rainfall13.412.813.47.32.32.02.12.43.06.46.810.8
Cusco
temp62/4462/4463/4464/4165/3664/3364/3264/3565/3965/4265/4364/44
rainfall4.23.82.61.10.20.10.10.10.51.31.93.2

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.

Caret DownCaret Up RedTravel Tips & FAQs

Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 4 Travel Tips. Read all 39 Travel Tips

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

International Travel with Minors

If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Passport & Visas

To enter Peru, U.S. citizens must have a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. A valid passport is a passport that is not about to expire, has empty pages with room for entry/exit stamps, and is free from excess rips or wear & tear. Travellers with a history of criminal convictions should check with the Peruvian Consulate as some countries restrict entry to travellers with past criminal records. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements.

Passport Information

In compliance with local regulations for visiting Machu Picchu, all guests are required to provide their passport information to Caravan no later than 120 days before the tour begins. Please enter your information carefully as all guest names must exactly match passports to board the flight to Cusco and to visit Macchu Picchu. If you receive a new passport after submitting your passport number to Caravan (i.e., if you’ve replaced or renewed your passport) you must bring both passports to Peru, as entrance to Macchu Picchu is strictly controlled via submitted passport numbers.

Read All 39 Travel TipsClick Here for All 39 Travel Tips

Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 37 Customer Reviews

"...our tour guide was absolutely one of the best we have had on our many journeys. He was sensitive, kind, understanding, empathetic and detail-orientated. He showed a genuine interest in his group and each personality, and he exhibited a great love of his country and its history."

A. &. C. c., Loveland, Colorado

"The itinerary was well organized, the guides knowledgeable and friendly, and every destination—from Lima to Cusco and Machu Picchu—was fascinating."

J. W., Germantown, Wisconsin

"Rustica hotel was a great rural experience with lovely rooms with great balcony views, good food, and a herd of alpacas to interact with."

B. M., Denver, Colorado

"Machu Picchu was the highlight of the tour and the primary reason for booking the trip, but the other sites and activities stole my heart as well."

R. P., Dayton, Ohio

"[Tour director] was fun, caring, protective, knowledgeable and was the reason the tour was so successful!"

J. M., Canton, Texas

"After reviewing the Peru itinerary, I felt it would be a great choice, and it exceeded my expectations. Caravan does an excellent job of balancing the amount of time spent at each destination."

G. S., Rockaway, New Jersey

"Machu Picchu was absolutely amazing."

S., Burlingame, California

Read All 37 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 37 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA