Compare Majestic Peru by Intrepid Travel vs Apurimac Canyon and Machu Picchu Explorer by Adventure Unbound

Day 1 Lima

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Kick off your adventure in the coastal capital of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head out on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps meet back up with the group for an optional dinner. Whether you dine with the group or sample the city's renowned food scene on your own, don't miss the chance to try Peru's national dish – ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, often served with hot peppers). If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other excellent options on offer – ask your leader for tips on the best local eats.

Day 2 Paracas

Today, start with a guided walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets flanked with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish colonial churches, taking in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the central market. Your leader will guide you through the market, where you'll find vendors selling a variety of fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda. This pedestrian strip is where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to beautiful Paracas.

Day 3 Nazca

Today, take a 2-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to abundant wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. After some awesome wildlife viewing, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping off at the oasis town of Huacachina to grab some lunch. Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to the dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with clear snapshots of the highly developed, pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower, or maybe take an optional flight over the lines for even better views! Leave Nazca at sunset, then drive south to a local’s traditional mud house in the middle of the desert. Among paintings of local flora, you’ll have a homemade pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, pacha means earth and manka means pot) – a traditional Peruvian dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Eat with your hosts after a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama (with chicha, otherwise known as corn beer).

Day 4 Arequipa

Leave Nazca behind this morning and travel to Arequipa by private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and boasting beautiful baroque buildings, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander and stretch your legs after a long driving day.

Day 5 Arequipa

Get to know this beautiful city with the help of a local guide. Visit the main plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and San Ignacio Chapel on a walking tour. After, head for lunch with your group at a picanteria for some classic Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Practice your Spanish with the locals and then you're free to explore Arequipa at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the suburb of Yanahuara. You may also like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’, the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. Ask your tour leader for other tips on how to make the most of your free afternoon.

Day 6 Puno

This morning you’ll travel by minivan to Puno – a town located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the dramatic views of Peru’s highlands, the Altiplano, make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to pay a visit to the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a beautiful peninsula near Lake Umaya, the pre-Inca ruins comprise circular towers called chullpas that served as burial sites for noblemen. Continue to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indigenous culture. Traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here, earning the town the title of Folklore Capital of Peru.

Day 7 Puno / Lake Titicaca

Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. It is 3820 m above sea level and holds the title of the highest navigable lake in the world. While cruising across its waters, hop in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made entirely from layers of totora reeds. As you'll find out, the islands are constantly under construction – as the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added. Reeds are used for making everything on the island, including the boats used to travel to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make their livelihood out of textiles. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there is a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch consisting of a local staple, quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea). After a brief stay, a descent of about 500 steps brings you back to the boat, which will take you back to Puno.

Day 8 Cusco

Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco. You’ll be travelling by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before your journey. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and colonial buildings are built upon foundations that remain from Inca times. Set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight, ask your leader for great restaurant recommendations for dinner.

Day 9 Cusco

Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with your included boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, and Pisac. The most easily accessible among these sites is Qoricancha, which was once the Incan empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.

Day 10 Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo

Today, you’ll hop on a bus and drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced valley walls and the sacred river beneath. Just outside Cusco, stop off for a guided tour of the Inca fortress, Sacsayhuaman. Overlooking the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. You’ll then head to the AMA restaurant in Urubamba for coffee and homemade cakes – this café provides job opportunities and childcare solutions to single mothers and decadent treats to visitors. Travel further into the Sacred Valley to visit the Huilloq community, where tourists are an uncommon sight. Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and learn about the community’s ancestral textile techniques. Sit down for a pachamanca lunch and then drive onwards to the day’s final destination – Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll take a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, including remnants of an Inca city and soaring views over the present-day settlement.

Day 11 Aguas Calientes

This morning, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley, climbing to Aguas Calientes – this seriously scenic journey will surely give your camera a good workout. If you’d like to give your legs a workout too, your leader can recommend some beautiful walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your peaceful surroundings. One Day Inca Trail If you're the active type, you can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles). Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. If you choose this option, the day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. With a local guide leading the way, the trail will lead uphill and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites. See Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude), also known as 'Forever Young'. This impressive complex is considered by many to be the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail and is made up of a terraced agricultural centre, religious sector and urban sector. From here, it's about a 1.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where (weather permitting) you'll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu. Depending on how long the trek takes, you'll have time to snap some pics and look around before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll re-join the group and spend the night at a hotel.

Day 12 Machu Picchu - Cusco

Take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the awe-inspiring ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After your tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and finally a drive to Cusco, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 13 Cusco

Enjoy free time to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You may like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed last time you were here or simply grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those still seeking an active adventure, the hills that surround Cusco are well-suited for some mountain biking. Ask your tour leader for advice on optional activities and how to make the most of your free day.

Day 14 Lima

Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima. You will be unescorted on your flight today. When you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. When you arrive in Lima, the day is free to spend how you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip, or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your tour leader will be happy to offer tips on how to make the most of your last day.

Day 15 Lima

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Day 1: Arrive in Cusco

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

Fly into Cusco and begin your adventure through quintessential Peru. Upon arrival, a Peru Unbound guide greets you and takes you to your hotel where you have some time to freshen up and relax.

This evening, enjoy your first taste of Peru with a guided walking tour of Cusco, visiting the Temple of the Sun, or Korikancha, as well as the San Blas neighborhood. Then, enjoy an authentic Peruvian dinner as well as an orientation before bed.

Day 2: Cusco, Maukallacta, Hauanoquite and Loretuyoc Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Wake early and depart Cusco for Maukallacta, an Incan archeological site that retains its sense of mysticism. Enjoy the surrounding views as we hike to Maukallacta, and take a break with a snack while you learn stories about the Ayar brothers and wives, the founders of the Inca civilization, once there.

Our day’s journey then takes you to Molle Molle and then on to Huanoquite and the heights of the Willkacunca Pass. Travel along the Apurimac River canyon with its impressive views of the river gorge, the headwater of the Amazon River, and surrounding mountain ranges. As we drive, you travel father into the majestic reaches of a native forest over 3 centuries old. Our journey eventually takes us to the Loretuyoc Bridge, where we make camp beside a crashing waterfall. If you wish to immerse yourself in the Peruvian landscape, you have the option to hike from the pass to the campsite. Relax with happy hour before dinner.

Day 3: Hike to Rocoto Community, Huajachaca Bridge at the Apurimac River

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Wake to the sound of the nearby waterfall and a freshly prepared breakfast before setting off on a short hike to the Loretuyoc forest where you can wander amongst groves of 200 year old endangered trees. We then follow part of the royal highway stretching from Cusco toward the Apurimac River and then to the Pacific Ocean. Our hike takes us down through the Kusichaca ruins to the Rocoto village, where you have the special opportunity to meet with the local people and bring some help to the local school.

From Rocoto, you have the opportunity to continue walking or board a van to transfer you to the end of the road. Once there, rejoin with the group and hike down a descent leading to the river near the base of the Inca bridge of Huajachaca, used by ancient Peruvians to exchange goods between the Pacific Ocean and the capital of Cusco. Relax from the morning’s ventures with a picnic lunch near the river.

Our river rafting guides join us here to prepare us for our expedition down the river. As you paddle through Class II-III rapids, look out for stunning views and glimpses of ancient bridges that have been in use since the Incas. Our paddle takes us to tonight’s campsite, where you can enjoy a refreshing happy hour as well as a fresh dinner served around the campfire.

Day 4: Santos Tomas River & 3 Condores Rapids at the Black Canyon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Rise to the soothing sounds of the river and enjoy a hearty breakfast before walking amongst the surrounding landscape carpeted in orchids and bromeliads. After, we continue our rafting excursion—taking on some easy rapids, passing through a stunning canyon striped with waterfalls and exploring a nearby creek. The calm waters ultimately take us to the Santo Tomas River tributary and pass through a stunning limestone canyon.

Take a break with some lunch on a sandy beach before hopping back into the raft. Take on some Class III rapids and make sure to keep an eye out for river otters, deer, cormorants torrent ducks and other tropical Andean birds that frequent the region. Set up camp on the shore by late afternoon and enjoy another evening immersed in Peru’s enticing wilderness.

Day 5: "The Other Right" Rapids, Hualpachaca Bridge and The Sacred Valley

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel

We continue our way down the river this morning. Get a shot of adrenaline as you take on the river’s intense set of Class III and IV pool-drop rapids including “The Other Right” rapids. Our path also takes you to several waterfall creeks, which you can explore. Conclude our morning of rafting with lunch before traveling by car to the Sacred Valley. After check-in at the hotel, rejoin for an authentic Peruvian dinner.

Day 6: Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Aguas Calientes Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Sacred Valley before lunch. This afternoon, travel to the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive citadel that served as both a temple and a fortress in pre-Inca times and which still remains well-preserved to this day. Walk up to the hill overlooking the village and view the distant quarry from which he citadel was constructed. You may also see Incan canchas—enclosures of multi-family living quarters that share just one exit to the street—cobbled streets, ingenious stonework and an extensive communal water system that survives to this day.

This afternoon, take the train to Aguas Calientes and enjoy an evening of independent exploration.

Day 7: Machu Picchu and Cusco

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Cusco Hotel

After an early breakfast, set out to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu—one of Peru’s most iconic archeological sites and a highlight of the tour. Explore the main areas as well as the more obscure as you find yourself immersed in the Inca’s legacy. If you wish, you may also hike up to the looming heights of Huayna Picchu, from which you may not only explore other archeological ruins but enjoy new views of Machu Picchu nestled into the hills below.

After lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, catch a train to Ollantaytambo. From here, continue the day’s travels back to Cusco where you may discover new delicious dining spots and historic sites before bed.

Day 8: Cusco - Lima - Home

Meals: Breakfast

After a final Peruvian breakfast, make your way to the Cusco airport to meet your flight back home.