Peru with Machu Picchu

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

Tour Year:

20262027

Exploring Lima’s Larco Museum

The incredible history of Peru may be best experienced by visiting the one-of-a-kind Larco Museum. Located just outside central Lima, this museum remains dedicated to showcasing pre-Columbian art and preserving the unique and compelling history of the great country of Peru. Today, this museum might just be the very best museum in the country, proudly showcasing ancient artifacts that tell stories of a history of indigenous Peruvian culture.

While it may feel intimidating or overwhelming when visiting a new destination, Museums can help you learn and appreciate new cultures!

Provocative and compelling, the many pieces of the gallery here are culturally priceless, preserving stories and cultural identities that would otherwise be lost. Explore a museum dedicated to celebrating Peruvian culture, sexuality, and ways of life from a time thousands of years ago. See for yourself why this museum remains the pinnacle of art, ancient history, and culture, where Peruvian history tells important stories and provides a looking glass into a way of life that is tens of thousands of years old.

The Story Behind the Larco Museum

Founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, the close to century-old museum maintains an impressive collection of Peruvian artifacts, where thousands of visitors can take in art, history, and culture through well-preserved art collections. Today, it has turned into one of the continent’s most impressive and culturally important museums, set alongside a colonial mansion transformed into a one-of-a-kind museum experience.

Award-winning and globally recognized, this museum is sure to impress those who have visited some of the world’s most impressive collections.

The 18th-century mansion that lies atop an ancient Colombian pyramid is home to some of the most impressive ancient artifacts in the country. Learn more about ancient Peruvian history by browsing this private collection that takes visitors on a chronological tour of the country’s ancient history. With such historical importance, the collection has grown and spawned off into a smaller museum as well, known as the Pre-Columbian Art Museum in Cusco. Simply, wondering the grounds is a visual novel of impressive dedication to celebrating the beauty that Peru has to offer.

Highlights of the Pre-Columbian Collection

Home to several permanent exhibits, visitors can enjoy browsing through Moche ceramics, including gold and silver jewellery, ancient textiles, and erotic pottery. Much of the gold and silver includes crowns, earrings, masks, garments, and jewelry owned by pre-Columbian Peruvian leaders, offering an important glimpse of ancient culture that has been carefully preserved.

The collection of ceramics in the museum includes handmade ancient artifacts, depicting so much more ancient life, but also offers unique and erotic visuals that may prove to be controversial in nature. Some items in the collection are estimated to be more than 10,000 years old, taking guests through a chronological tour of pre-Columbian history.

Many of the ancient pieces still shine today, where one of the nation’s most important and culturally relevant collections of ancient artifacts calls its home. See the relics of the Inca Empire and understand why this country’s culture is so unique and worth celebrating.

The Erotic Gallery of The Larco Museum and Its Cultural Significance

The erotic gallery of the Larco Museum is unique and showcases not just the lives of pre-Columbian Peruvians, but also great details of ways of life, including their sexual endeavors. While it has been known to stir up controversy, the collection celebrates fertility but also sexuality without judgment. Many artifacts depict all kinds of different sex acts, but also reveal that these ancient cultures had a sense of humor regarding sex. The experience is uniquely educational, but reveals the unique and ancient attitudes to sexuality, fertility, and spirituality.

Consider many of these artifacts as a unique looking glass into a time period of ancient civilization, where love, motherhood, and sex were celebrated and preserved with remarkable craftsmanship. Preservation of these pieces of history works to teach important lessons of a time that was untouched by colonialism, where art and Peruvian culture came together. Much of the imagery in the erotic pottery collection will offer a unique perspective into attitudes of an ancient civilization, offering a differing perspective on love and sex.

Aside from the erotic imagery, the Museum also regularly hosts important international exhibitions and collaborations with museums from around the world. This museum is an important collection of artifacts that reflect the beauty and culture of Peru.

A Museum Experience Beyond the Exhibits

The grounds of the Larco Museum are truly stunning, to say the least. Well-kept and beautiful gardens surround the museum itself, providing a level of calm and tranquility that deserves its own recognition. The collection of well-groomed plants and cacti is placed alongside beautiful pottery that is picturesque and worth the visit by itself. Consider taking photos alongside your loved ones, or snap a picture for social media that will truly dazzle your friends from home.

The museum café serves exceptional Peruvian cuisine and caters to visitors who speak both English and Spanish. Welcoming and relaxing, the food and dining experience is a great compliment to a museum that clearly takes great pride in Peru’s cultural footprint. Enjoy the neighborhood and take in exceptional food, culture, and ancient history in the heart of an incredible city.

Let Caravan Guide The Way Across Peru

The Larco Museum is just one of the many cultural icons worth visiting in Peru. Lean on Caravan for exceptional guided tours that include this museum and so much more. Leave the complexities of travel to those who can provide insight, safety, and unique travel experiences without any complications. The Lima Museum is worth visiting by itself, but the great country of Peru offers incredible amounts of travel experiences that will create memories that will surely last a lifetime.

Caravan continues to provide exceptional guided and all-inclusive tours to South America, helping you enjoy the very best of countries, just like Peru. Get closer to the exceptional cultures and communities of this stunning country, while also seeing incredible natural beauty and delicious culinary experiences. Take on an outdoor adventure, experience incredible natural beauty, and see why Peru is a top travel destination for people worldwide. Guided tours from Caravan are a unique way of making the most of your trip to South America, helping you learn, travel, and inspire you to see what this great country has to offer.

Before your next trip, let the travel experts at Caravan make your dream adventure to Peru a reality. Call one of Caravan’s agents at 1 (312) 321-9800, or call 1-800-CARAVAN, and embark on your next journey to this incredible country. Visit the Caravan contact page to learn more about our all-inclusive tours and adventures. Call us today and learn more about the adventure across the Andes that awaits you!

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 Urubamba-Cusco

Days 3, 4, 5 • Urubamba

Rustica Hotel Urubamba-Cusco

Rustica Hotel Urubamba-Cusco

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)

LimaUrubambaMachu 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
Urubamba
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 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. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

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