Visit machu picchu Peru with Adventures by Disney Tour (Review)

Looking for an incredible adventure in Peru? My son and I recently had the priveledge of doing Disney Peru with Adventures by Disney. The experience way exceeded our expectations by not only covering the historical and cultural aspects of Machu Pichu and South America, but giving us truly memorable experiences such as Selfie Llama Activity, delicious lunches in white covered tents, making pan pipes, Peruvian cooking class, and of course seeing one of the wonders of the world – Machu Pichu. Let us take you along on our amazing week in Peru!

Disney Peru

Take an unforgettable family vacation in Adventures by Disney Peru! Not only will you take an unforgettable Machu Picchu Tour exploring ruins of the Incan Empire, but you will get to enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking Andes Mountains right out of the Paddington movie. Luxurious accomidations, mouthwatering meals under tents, first class service, and attention to detail will make this trip truly magical. Some other highlights of Disney Peru include the Urubamba River Raft Trip, up-close experience with llamas, alpacas and the rare vicuña, shoppint at the Pisac Market, a traditional weaving demonstration, and an Andean Music Experience. This is the perfect way to enjoy Machu Picchu with kids!

When you fly into Peru, don’t miss what to see in Lima, learn  about the best family vacation spots, plus how to plan a family vacation!

adventures by disney peru

First off, there are lots of ways to travel the world.  It can be very overwhelming to look at all the different tour package options. So why should you do this trip with Adventure by Disney? You get what you pay for. I’ll be the first to admit  Disney’s vacations are among the most expensive, but like my mother always said – you get what you paid for. The quality of the food, special opportunities like Peruvian cooking class, snacks and water, luxurious hotels, and English and native guides. Not only do these Cast Members attend to your every need but have planned ahead with over the counter meds for your family, will take you to the pharmacy in the middle of the night, oxygen in case you get altitude sickness, fun Disney pins daily based on location, and so much more. 

Day 1 – Settling In

machu picchu tour package

Your Adventures by Disney Peru trip begins when they pick you up at the airport in Lima Peru.  The people who pick you up from the airport are super friendly and easy to spot, but are not necessarily your guides. When we checked into the hotel we got a letter with a welcome and where to meet our group. They also texted us – a great way to get ahold of them throughout your trip (i.e. you get sick, want to be reminded what time to meet, etc.)

Westin Lima Hotel

They will take you to the Westin Lima Hotel for a great nights rest, gormet breakfast buffet, and then back to Jorge Chavez International Airport to take a flight (included in your fare) to Cusco International Airport where you will spend the rest of your trip. We were tired and didn’t feel like exploring after our late afternoon flight, glad we brought granola bars to just enjoy in our room (saving the cost of dinner) and watched a movie on our kindle before bed.

Tip – Arrive Early to Tour Lima

I highly suggest you arrive 1-2 days early. You can coordinate that with Disney so there adventure guides will still pick you up from the airport and you can add on pre-trip stays at the Westin at Disney’s discounted rate. Not only will allowing early offer a buffer in case their are any travel delays with your flights, but it will also give you a chance to explore amazing Lima as the Disney tour does not include any time in Lima.  Learn about things to see in lima and if you opt for 2 days early you must try this Paracas Ica and Huacachina (see penguins, sea lions, and desert oasis)

They have a meet and greet with guides we missed because we were in Lima. It was not on our itinerary so we didn’t even know it was happening. But truely it was not a big deal, got explore! You will see a lot of your guides and they will make sure you meet up with the group and know when and where to be!

Day 2 – Fly to Cusco, Textiles, welcome Dinner & Show

Meeting your Group and Adventure Guides

Even if you got in early, we are going to talk about days now following the Itinerary. So you are on day 2. We enjoyed the vast buffet breakfast with yummy sandwiches, pastries, toast and jam, potaotes, and so much more! There truly was a LOT! Then we checked out, left our tagged luggage outside our hotel door (where they picked it up and took it to a coach and right to the airport), and meet our group in the lobby.

We got our pin of the day. If you are into Disney pins or not, these are such a fun keepsake! They will give you one pin a day with cute Disney characters featuring somewhere you are going that day. You can only get these pins on Adventures by Disney trips (or ebay).

We went together to the airport where they guided us through check-in, security, and on to the gate. It is a small airport so don’t expect much! Mostly it is everyone flying out to Cusco to see Machu Pichu as well! We boarded our flight almost last, and some families were not seated together. Not sure why, but my son and I were.  The flight was quick, only 1 hour 20 minutes. They served us a drink and snack on board.

things to see in cusco

We arrived in Cusco, an even smaller airport. Cusco is a densly poppoulated city in the a valley, surrounded by mountains. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire. From here you will set off to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which lies at the heart of the historic area.

We gathered our luggage, were given a snack, and were seperated into two groups for the remainder of our trip – Pacha and Cusco. We then boarded buses based on our group and headed out to our first site.

altitude sickness peru

It is 11,152 feet above sea level now. Some people may get altitude sickness, but the guides were knowledgeable and ready to help! If it is going to affect you, you will know within 24 hours. For some in our group it hit them within 30 minutes of landing, others it came on within the first 4 hours. As your body adjusts, you will feel better. Make sure to take things slowly, get plenty of rest, and stay well hydrated (I used Liquid IV) to minimize effects.

Coca tea and coca candy is  recommended by Andean indigenous peoples as a traditional medicine to prevent altitude sickness. Many from our group tried it and some felt it helped. Just to be clear, they are all made with leaves of same plant as cocaine is made from. So in case you were planning to bring tea or candy back with you, you cannot; it is against US customs.

Everyone, even fit personal trainers in our group felt the effects at some point. Most of us it just involved getting more winded on hikes. But symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.. Neither of us got sick from the high altitude, but there were 5 in our group who did need some oxygen the first couple days.  All of our group had oxygen levels of 90 for our trip (I was curious so we checked.). At home, your doctor will generally be concerned if you are not at 98 or highter. As I understand it, those that needed oxygen were in the 80s. Good to know, all hotels in the area also have a supply of oxygen on hand for guests that feel ill.

Bulls on Rooftops in Peru

We traveled through the windy roads up out of Cusco and to the coutry side in the Sacred Valley. On our drive we were humbled by the dusty roads, and simple homes of the local people. Our guide talked about the bull on the roof of most homes. When the Spanish came they brough cattle which helped greatly with farming and other tasks, they became a symbol of prosperity. Thus people began putting a bull on their rooftops as a sort of good luck blessing.

I was surprised on our trip at how many women especially still wore traditional clothes. We’d see them in town, by the side of the road, at market, etc. There were also plenty of people taking their llamas to market in addition to women who carried baby llamas purely to take pictures with tourists.

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco

Our first stop was a weaving demonstration at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. We started with lunch in the back. We started with a delicious lunch.

Once we were full we had a chance to learn more about this charming settlement with those that still practice dying and weaving by hand just like their ancestors did. We saw llamas and alpacas, learned how they dyed the animals wool with natural ingredients, and then witnessed how they used the beautiful material to make beautiful scarfs, blankets, ponchos, purses, and more. The youth had a chance to help dye the wool and then did a fashion show of the materials they make. Families were able to get pictures in ponchos.

what to buy in peru

The quality of the work here is exquisite with such interesting patterns, beautiful color combinations, and quality you can see and feel. The items were expensive, I know they were made by hand and I’m sure they are worth it, but still –  expensive. A poncho will set you back $200+ dollars. I was thinking a throw blanket would be a fun souvenir but they ran almost $400. If you want a souvenir of llama, alpaca, vicuna, or baby alpace, this is the best quality. You will be able to stop at a market torwards the end of your trip and get much cheaper items $45 for a blanket, but it will not be pure llama. Then there is a final stop at Loco for Llama where you can purchase similar goods, but they are much more expensive and way fewer choices. But now you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.  While we asked the guides, they must be prevented from giving price ball parks and suggestions; they only said there will be more availabilibty, but that quality was up for us to decide.

Tambo del Inka Hotel

Next we headed to our hotel, Tambo Del Inka Hotel,  to check in and get settled before our evening entertainment. This is probably my favorite hotel we’ve ever stayed out, like anywhere in the world! It is nextled in beautiful mountains with lush landscaping and lovely architecture. There are two baby llamas that graze by the water in front of the lobby; at night the llamas come inside and hang out by the fire where guests can pet them, take pictures with them, and maybe even help feed them. Speaking of the lobby, it is HUGE with a massive fireplace that is lit at night; it makes the perfect gathering place to sit and talk about the days advetnures. The food is absolutely delicious! Plus there was live music during breakfast on the harp and pan flutes. There is so much to see and explore from a breaktaking pool, spa, games to play, and more. The rooms were lovely and comfy!

peru disney adventures

In the evning we had a Pachamanca – Welcome Dinner. The special live entertainment and exquisite meals that are delicious both visually and in taste are one of my favorite parts of ABD.  We went to a gorgeous outdoor eating space at the hotel where we got to learn about Pachamanca and watch them make our dinner.

what is Pachamanca

Pachamanca is a traditional cooking method that hails from the Andean region of Peru and is as much a feast for the senses as it is a cultural experience. The word “Pachamanca” itself comes from the Quechua language (their local dilect), where “Pacha” means Earth and “manca” translates to pot or oven. This beautiful term perfectly encapsulates the essence of this age-old culinary practice, which involves cooking various ingredients underground using the natural heat of hot stones.

Typically, the process begins with digging a pit in the ground, where a fire is lit to heat large stones until they are blazing hot. Once the stones are ready, the fire is removed, and a variety of ingredients—commonly including meats like lamb, chicken, or pork, alongside potatoes, corn, and other vegetables—are layered on top. To finish, the pit is covered with earth, allowing the ingredients to slow-cook and absorb all the tantalizing flavors infused by the stones and the steam created inside the pit.

This is not only a delicious feast, but a cultural experience. Pachamanca is a celebration of community and tradition. Friends and family gather together to partake in this unique cooking experience, often accompanied by traditional music and dance. It’s a way to honor the Earth and the bounty it provides, as the dish has roots that stretch back to ancient civilizations in the Andes.

Teatro Tambo del Inka Performance

While the food was cooking, we got to witness a Teatro Tambo Del Inka show. This vibrant performance venue stands as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of the Andean region. Housed within the stunning Tambo del Inka Hotel in Sacred Valley, Peru, this theater is not just a place to watch performances; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the intersection of history, culture, and creativity.

Teatro Tambo del Inka hosts a variety of captivating performances, from traditional Peruvian music and dance to modern theatrical productions. Each show is designed to transport you into the heart of Peru’s rich tapestry of folklore and storytelling. Imagine the sounds of Andean flutes and the vibrant colors of traditional costumes as they come alive on stage, engaging both your senses and your spirit.

While we were waiting for our food to be ready, our guide showed us some constellations in the night sky including the southern cross.

traditional peruvian food

Our food was ready and we got to watch them unearth it. They set up the amazing buffet and we got to eat a delicious feast.

Day 3 – Rafting, Ollantaytambo Ruins, Date Night

You will love the included breakfast at Tambo Del Inka Hotel. The space is gorgeous with a large see through fireplace and large windows. We loved that there was live music from a local who played on the harp and pan flutes in traditional clothes. Beucase it took me a while to figure out, know that the menu they give you is INCLUDED. You can order something hot (and delicious) then while you wait go visit the buffet for pastries, fruit, yougurt, deli meats, etc. After a delicious breakfast in the stuning hotel restaurant, we headed out for our excursion for the morning.

Raft Trip Down the Urubamba River

I was most nervous about this activity. Not because of the white water rafting itself, because I have done that before and loved it, but because of the we wet suit. First, let me tell you I’m a plus size girl, I wear a 2x at home, but I am tall 5’8ish. My son is super skinny and 6’3. Well, it fit us both. Mine was tight, as it is suppose to be, but I fit. My son’s wetsuit was just as tight and a wee bit short.  There was another mom who had trouble getting into hers and we helped her tug and it too fit. But, just know if it doesn’t fit – you can wear street clothes. Just bring a change as you will get soaked and be COLD!

Make sure to put on sunscreen in the bus as it will save you time. I also wore sunglasses along with the safety helmet they required.

NOTE: Make sure you check the packing list they send you. You will need to bring water shoes.

machu picchu with kids

The rafting trip was absolutely AMAZING! They subdivide you into groups of 6 and each group gets a local guide. They will practice their rowing instructions, getting in the boat, etc. You will enjoy stunning scenery, some local information, view the sky lodge (crazy!),  and enjoy several rounds of rapids (Class I – Class III rapids).

Afterwards they had a heavy snack prepared for us to eat after we changed. There were sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and drinks.

Something I LOVE about Adventures by Disney is they are snapping candids of you and your family the whole trip! Now, don’t forget to take your own pictures because theirs are just bonus pics and supplements.   But for the rafting trip, you will get professional pictures they take perched up along the river with a telephoto lense of a DSLR. You won’t get them until after the trip, but you will get them.

Ollantaytambo Town & Ruins Tour

We took a quick drive to our next stop at Ollantaytambo. You will walk quickly through town and up towards the ruins. You will pass water canals on the sides of the street; these are the way the Incans distributed water to the town and it is still working today. You will also walk past lots of inviting shops, but you wont have time to stop.

Inka communities used stone irrigation channels and water distribution systems to effectively manage shared water resources for drinking and irrigation. Today, parts of this ancient infrastructure are still in use by towns in the Andes.

Get ready to step back in time and explore the incredible ruins of the royal estate, citadel, and temple of the legendary Incan Emperor Pachacuti.

Your adventure guide will give you a private tour through the heart of an ancient civilization. They set a very reasonable pace with stops every 2-3 terraces to catch your breath while he gave you some interesting history, geographical, and local information. You will all need to catch your breath because of our lungs not being as efficient in the high altitude.

 

Lunch at Sol Natura in Ollantaytambo

After your hike, you will have lunch around 2pm at this beautiful hidden courtyard in town,  Sol Natura in Ollantaytambo. It was such a beautiful lunch, I felt so spoiled with this all included lunch. Linen table cloths, tent with greenery, attentive staff with all sorts of included beverages. WE had paltters of meats, sides, bread, desserts, and more. Plus it was lots of fun to talk with fellow travelers.

Try something new! I loved the Inca Cola you can only buy in Peru. It is yellow, lightly carbonated, very sweet with a mild flavor almost reminiscent of gum. It was so unique and yummy!

What is Chicho drink from Peru

We made one last impromput stop before heading back. Many guest were asking about the red bags or flags tied to the front of doorways. Basically it means they have chicho available, kind of like small bars. Chicho is a traditional beverage made primarily from corn, and it embodies the rich agricultural heritage of the Andes region. This unique fermented drink, that is slightly sweet and tangy, is steeped in culture and history.

We got a chance to try two different chicho drinks and play a typical Peruvian frog coin toss game played while hanigng out with others.

machu pichu trip

Back at the hotel we got a little over an hour to unwind and enjoy the hotel amentities like the pool, spa, and game spaces. For dinner, Children enjoyed a Junior Adventurer’s Dinner and Movie Night while adults could eat at the hotel (included). Since we had a late lunch, and we were so tired, we ended up skipping dinner, resting in our room, and going to sleep early.

Day 4 – Moray Ruins, Salt Pans of Maras, Andean Horses, Peruvian cooking

After breakfast at the hotel we headed out for our morning adventure to the Moray Ruins. On a personal note, my son got food poisoning, as did about 5 others. You need to be VERY careful eating in Peru. You cannot drink non-filtered water or even brush your teeth with it. In addition be very mindful to only eat food at the correct temperature so it doesn’t have time to pick something up – i.e. cold cut meats should be cold to the touch, meat and egg dishes should be warm to the touch.

Moray Ruins Peru

The Moray Ruins are nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru; it is an archaeological site with interesting remnants of the Inca civilization. It’s not just cool acnient ruins; it’s an example of the ingenuity and agricultural prowess of the Inca people.

Moray is characterized by its incredible terraced circular depressions, which are often mistaken for mere agricultural fields. However, these terraces served a very specific purpose: they acted as agricultural experiments for different crops. The Incas used this unique site to study the effects of different altitudes, climates, and soil types on various plants. This innovative method of farming allowed them to cultivate diverse crops, ensuring food security in their thriving empire.

HINT: While there are boxes of water on the bus to refill your water bottle, I was glad I brough 2 bottles today for our hike. The sun is really hot in Peru, and the elevation is high. So although the weather wasn’t to bad, mid 80s, it felt really hot in the sun.

Salt Pans of Maras

The Maras salt pans, known as “Salinas de Maras,” date back to the time of the Incas and have been in continuous use ever since! The unique system consists of thousands of shallow, terraced ponds that collect natural mineral-rich saltwater from an underground spring. As the water evaporates in the warm sun, it leaves behind pure white salt crystals that have been sustainably harvested by local families for generations.

Visiting Maras is not just about the stunning views; it’s an experience steeped in history and culture. As you stroll through the intricate network of pans, you’ll notice how the brilliant white salt contrasts beautifully with the earthy tones of the surrounding mountains. The sight is nothing short of spectacular, especially when the sun casts a golden hue over the landscape during sunrise or sunset.

While we enjoyed the visit, the hike after seeing the salt pans was really long and so very hot. I went through two bottles of water, and wished I had more. There were not places to refill while on this 1-2 hour hike, although they did have a snack set-up for us with dried fruit and clementines.

Lunch at Tambo del Inka

We discovered yet another area of the hotel grounds with our included lunch. Once again, the space was so scerene and beautiful. And we were starving from our long hike. After lunch there was a Peruvian riding demonstration.

machu picchu trip package

In the afternoon you had the opportunity of staying and relaxing at the hotel or joining them to see some local artists works and a fun market experience where you will learn to barter and give to the community at the same time.

Peruvian Cooking Demonstration

For dinner we went to a different terrace at the hotel that was so beautiful. The kids got a chance to make pizzas while the adults were service Pisco Sours and got to experience a Peruvian Cooking Class. While you could eat the Peruvian food, much of it was not what we were looking for, we opted to eat brick oven pizza instead – it was absolutely fabulous!

Day 5 – Machu Picchu

This is the day we’d been waiting for! We get to see one of the seven wonders of the world – Machu Pichu Peru!  Machu Picchu is a breathtaking ancient citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Macchu Picchu is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas” because of its rich history. It is truly both a truly awe inspirting and  iconic archaeological site everyone should visit.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates back to the 15th century, was built by the Inca civilization and is a testament to their incredible engineering and architectural prowess. Set at an elevation of about 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), its stunning terraces, temples, and plazas overlook the lush Urubamba River valley, creating a scene that seems almost magical. It was such a high altitude, which limited what the people ate, that most never made it past the age of 40.

Visit machu pichu

The exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, but historians believe it may have been a royal estate or a religious retreat. Regardless, it certainly serves as a spectacular window into Inca culture and their harmonious relationship with nature. As you wander through the well-preserved ruins, you’ll find intriguing features like the Sun Temple, the Intihuatana stone (often referred to as the “Hitching Post of the Sun”), and the agricultural terraces that showcase the Incas’ advanced farming techniques.

How to get to machu pichu

There are several ways to visit this 7 wonder of the world! Many travelers approach Machu Picchu via the famous Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that rewards hikers with jaw-dropping views and a deep connection to the Andean landscape. Others begin their journey in Aguas Calientes, and then they catch a train to make it more accessible. This is the option we took. It was convenient, comfortable, beautiful scenery, and quick!

We even enjoyed some Andean music and dancing during our ride.

Visiting Machu Picchu is more than just a journey to a historical site; it’s a chance to connect with a rich cultural heritage and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Peru. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this incredible feat of engineering and creativity that has stood the test of time.

We traveled with others who had visited Machu Pichu about a decade earlier. They were shocked how much in the site has changed. Guests are allowed to see less, and there is even talks of putting up a cable car to limite guests from walking near the remains at all. So my advice it to visit sooner than later!

The scenery all around it breathtaking! I can’t begin to describe the beauty and majesty of the Andes mountains in this area. If you’ve seen the movie Paddington and they talk about the darkest Peru, that is the exact area they are talking about. The spectacled bear, which is the type of brear Paddington was based on, is seen roaming the Machu Pichu ruins.

Once again, bring 2 waterbottles with you as there is no refill stations, or bathrooms, in the Machu Pichu site itself. You will use the restroom at the lunch right before going in. 3 hours later, when you finish, you will get a chance to use some pretty gross, but welcome restrooms.

A word about sand flies. Wear bug spray, and long pants if you can tolerate them in the heat. They are not mosquitoes that bite, but sand flies. The sand flies do not hurt when they bite; you will not likely even know that they are biting until it is too late. I figured IF I felt them I’d put bug spray on. Oops. As we boarded the train for the return trip I discoverd 30-40 bites all over my calves (they tend to prefer lower legs almost exclusively). If you get them, DON”T PICK THEM OPEN! Take allergy meds, put on cortione cream if it bothers you and leave them alone. Continue for several days to allow them to heal. If you pick at them (even at night by accident) they will take months and months to heal and can be painful. You’ve been warned 😉

We returned at the end of a very long, overwhelmingly wonderful day. We were tired, we got back late, and we were HUNGRY! It was almost 8, but we were so hungry we had to eat. Dinner was included, but if you sit down for the meal it will take 2 hours. We asked our guide to call in our order of pizza (kids menu that everyone can order off) ahead so it was ready within 5 minutes of our arrival. Thank goodness. We ate the fabulous pizza and went to bed.

Day 6- Guinea Pig, Camelid Center, Pisac Market, Cathedral, and Farwell Dinner

Today we packed up and left our gorgous hotel in the Sacred Valley. We had to set our suitcases out of the door with our tags and they loaded them on the bus – easy, peasy! We enjoyed our last breakfast and boarded the bus to head back to Cusco.

We had a quick stop to learn about a local delacy – guinea pig. We didn’t try it, although we had an opportunity on our own in Cusco.

Camelids Center Visit

One of my favorite things we saw was the Camelids Center where we went loco for llamas! We got to take selfies and pitures with lots of alpacas and llamas – it was hilarious and made such great pictures!

Then they told us about how they dies wool to make textiles. This was a repeat presentation from earlier, but I think it was mandatory to experience the llamas. You can then buy things if you like, but we found them to be the most expensive of all the places we visited.

Visit Cusco Peru

Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll find an incredible fusion of Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. The famous Sacsayhuamán fortress, with its massive stone walls and stunning views, is an absolute must-see! The craftsmanship of the Incas is truly awe-inspiring, and exploring these ancient ruins feels like stepping back in time.

One of the best parts about Cusco is its lively atmosphere. The Plaza de Armas serves as the heart of the city, surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, bustling markets, and cafés where you can enjoy a warm cup of coca tea. The local cuisine is another highlight—don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and the famous alpaca steak.

Local Peruvian Restaurant

We went into town where we said goodbye to our busses and fabulous bus drivers and headed down the hill on foot. We were lucky to be in town during a festival so we got to experience various locals in costumes doing traditional dances. Then we ate at a Local Peruvaian Restaurant. It was ok, nothing terribly fancy or interesting.

Then we walked to the hotel. On the way they helped us get our bearings with the main square and other buildings.

Palacio del Inka Hotel Cusco

Our final hotel was my least favorite, but it was convenient, historical, and nice enough. The Palacio del Inka was around when  Cusco was the capital of the Inca civilization and home of famous Spanish conquestadores before it was finally repurposed into a colonial-style hotel.  The hotel boasts an impressive collection of art and artifacts that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

There is no pool or grounds to walk. Our room was pretty, but definetly antique and small, as well as hot. If you are hot, ask for a fan for your room, they will bring one up – there is no air conditioning. But we did love the big square in the middle where you could see a baby llama, shop for textiles, or eat at the restaurant – their pizza is a great value as it is huge, plus it was super yummy!

cusco tourist attractions

We were surprised there was no formal plan to explore Cusco with the group, but our wonderful guide added a visit to the cathedral.   The unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles is a testament to the rich history and cultural fusion that defines Cusco. The high, ornate ceilings and intricate wooden altar are nothing short of stunning, and the beautiful colonial artwork displayed throughout reminds us of the city’s deep-rooted religious heritage.

Did you know that the cathedral was built on top of a former Incan palace? It’s fascinating to think about the layers of history beneath our feet as we walk through the massive stone walls. The cathedral houses several chapels, each more charming than the last, and it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of its detailed carvings and vibrant stained glass windows.

Dinner was on our own and a chance to wander through the cobblestone streets and explore.

Day 7 – Stones of Sacayhuaman & Andean Music

Today is the last day with the group. We headed out to see another ruin and learn about Andean music.

The Stones of Sacsayhuaman

This impressive Incan fortress, dating back to the 15th century, is renowned for its enormous, precisely cut stones that have stood the test of time, making it a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Inca civilization.

What stands out most about Sacsayhuaman is the sheer size and weight of its stones. Some of these massive blocks weigh as much as 200 tons! Each stone was meticulously carved and fitted together without the use of mortar, showcasing an incredible level of engineering skill that continues to baffle historians and archaeologists today. The precision of the stonework is so remarkable that the joints between the stones are nearly invisible, demonstrating a profound understanding of structure and stability.

Andean Music Experience

Learn about the instruments used to make beautiful Andean music in this fun cultural experience. You will be introduced to various instruments, and then get a chance to make your own pan flutes to take home. We played a song together with our pan flutes to finish our morning.

We had the afternoon on our own to explore, pack, and eat. I highly recommend the chocolate experience either this afternoon or tomorrow if you have a later flight.

Dinner at Palacio del Inka

We ate a Peruvian feast all together to end our tour. We exchanged white llama gifts, enjoyed entertainement and dance from local characters, ate while we told stories from our time together, and enjoyed a fun slide show that took us back through the whole week. It was such a special way to end our time together. Our guides and fellow adventurers became like family and we exchanged contact information with various families.

adventures by disney peru reviews

I was worried going in a group would feel like I was in grade school again, you know the tour groups I’m talking about. It was nothing like that. They treated us like adults and were respectful that sometimes we walked slower, or needed the bathroom, or wanted free time, etc. It was the perfect balance. The guides were there to guide us through the trip, but dictate every second. The guides added a wealth of not only knowledge about our trip, but were fun and friendly and great travel companions. They throught of everything from toilet paper for public restrooms to tylenol, oxygen for those that got altitude sickness to snacks and water refill jugs.  Everyone on the trip become like extended family and it made it more fun to travel with others.

I’m actually already dreaming of more Disney tours because I enjoyed this one so much. I appreciated the attention to not only main sites, but cultural experiences, and special things like the beautiful lunches. I loved having others to talk with on vacation and the way Disney engaged kids along the trip without it being a kid trip at all. I would love to vacation with Adventures by Disney again!