Peru
From Pre-Inca to Conquistadors
Discover Peru’s colonial cities, rich archaeological sites, stunning museum collections and lush hidden valleys.
tour snapshot
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February 3-17, 2026 | 15 Days
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The tour starts at 4pm on Tuesday 3 February, at the Lima Country Club hotel (airport transfer included).
The tour ends with a mid-morning flight from Cusco to Lima on Tuesday 17 February (in time for onward flights to Santiago and then on to Sydney).
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Download detailed itinerary >
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Grade Three. This tour is among our most physically demanding.
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$XX,XXX AUD per person, twin share (land content only)
$X,XXX AUD supplement for sole use of a hotel roomA $1,000 AUD non-refundable deposit is required per person to confirm your booking on tour
Inclusions
XX nights’… View standard tour inclusions > -
Status: Places Available - Maximum 16
tour overview
With a rich history dating back thousands of years and landscapes that vary from majestic mountain ranges to arid deserts and lush rainforests, Peru is an unforgettable destination.
Here a vibrant, modern country is built on the fascinating vestiges of ancient civilisations, including the Inca Empire which reached its magnificent zenith in the years before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, leaving behind sites such as Machu Picchu, one of the world’s great wonders.
Led by naturalist and archaeologist Juan Cardenas, and indigenous historical archaeologist Dr Chris Carter, this 15-day tour will introduce you to the extraordinary country of Peru, focusing on the pre-Columbian cultures that flourished prior to the arrival of the conquistadors. Beginning in Lima we continue to the colonial cities of Trujillo and Chiclayo and onto the Sacred Valley and Agua Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu where we spend two full days. Our tour concludes in Cusco, where Spanish Baroque architecture meets Inca urban planning in a bustling contemporary city.
Our tour is complemented by free time to relax and enjoy the cities, towns and villages we visit and to appreciate Peru’s excellent cuisine.
tour highlights
The aim of every Academy Travel tour is to provide a rewarding, in-depth travel experience.
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Machu Picchu
Discover the wonders of the legendary Machu Picchu, nestled on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley and one of the most extraordinary archaeological legacies of the Inca Empire.
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Historic Center of Lima
With its beautifully preserved historic churches, cathedrals, and plazas, explore the 16th century centre of Lima - once known as the “City of the Kings”.
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Chan Chan Trujillo
Marvel at the imposing earthen architecture of Chan Chan, a magnificent pre-Colombian city and once the seat of the ancient Chimú civilisation.
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City of Cusco
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, unique fusion of Inca and European architecture, and incomparable beauty of Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire.
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Qhapaq Ñan
Linking the snow-capped Andes, humid rainforests, fertile valleys and deserts to the coast, trace part of the Andean Road System, once the backbone of the Inca Empire.
YOur expert tour leaders
In good hands...
In addition to your expert tour leader, you will be accompanied by a trained tour manager for the duration of the tour. Our tour managers will ensure your safety and comfort on tour, while also overseeing the behind-the-scenes logistics. Our tour managers are great travel companions who ensure your needs are well taken care of. From offering suggestions for your free time, to a lively chat at dinner or even providing space for a quiet moment of reflection, rest assured you are in good hands when travelling.
Juan Cardenas is a Peruvian and South American Tour Manager and naturalist with more than 30 years’ experience leading trekking, adventure and nature tours including to the Galapagos, Pantanal, Patagonia, Uyuni Salt flats and more.
Chris Carter is an Indigenous and historical archaeologist with over 25 years’ experience leading tours nationally and overseas, including over 30 South American tours. He has a BA (Hons), MA and PhD from the Australian National University.
tour itinerary
Included meals are shown with the letters B, L and D
tour Accommodation
All hotels are excellent four-star standards and have been selected
principally for their central locations.
Lima, Country Club Lima Hotel (2 nights)
Trujillo, Costa Del Sol (2 nights)
Chiclayo, Casa Andina Chiclayo (2 nights)
Sacred Valley, Aranwa (2 nights)
Aguas Calientes, Inkaterra (2 nights)
Cusco, Palacio del Inka (4 nights)
tour booking
$X,XXX AUD per person, twin share (land content only)
$X,XXX AUD supplement for sole use of a hotel room
A $1,000 deposit is required per person to confirm your booking on tour. This deposit is non-refundable.
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Book Online
To secure your place(s) on tour, book online below with “Athena”, our virtual tour consultant.
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Book via Email or Post
Download a printable booking form. You can also complete the form on screen and submit via email.
Still deciding? Hold a place…
We are happy to hold a tentative place for 7 days while you make your final arrangements.
can’t make this departure?
If these dates don't work for you, register to hear about the next tour.
your tour consultant
The consultant for this tour is Jamal Fairbrother. For further information or to discuss the tour, please call 9235 0023 (Sydney) or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email jamal@academytravel.com.au
have you thought about?
Academy Travel is more than just a tour operator. We are also a full-service travel agency who can assist you with all aspects of your travel, including flights, transfers, pre-tour arrival, additional travel and comprehensive travel insurance.