Compare Real Peru by Intrepid Travel vs Andean Adventure by Sky Vacations

Day 1 Lima

La Bienvenida! Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Your adventure begins at around 2 pm with a welcome meeting. Then, your trip leader will take you on a walking tour of the Miraflores district, including Central Park (Parque Kennedy), the LarcoMar entertainment complex and Parque del Amor (Love Park) for great views over the coast of Lima. Along the way, maybe treat yourself to some Limenian desserts like mazamorra morada, rice pudding or rice zambito. Tonight, you’re free to explore or hit the city’s nightlife with your new fellow travellers. Maybe head to the famed Tanta restaurant in downtown Lima – home to the most famous chef in Peru Gaston Acurio.

Day 2-3 Puerto Maldonado (Amazon Jungle lodge)

This morning, you’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights. When you arrive, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Here, you can leave most of your luggage in safe storage and continue travelling with a small pack of essentials. You’ll take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge right in the middle of the jungle, in the Madre de Dios area – this is a real pinch-me moment! The next two days are packed with activities. Your full day in the jungle includes a half-day trek – this can get muddy and tiring, but what better way to explore the Amazon than on foot? There will be regular stops on the way and you'll encounter magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. You might even spot macaws, monkeys, peccaries, jabirus and otters, not to mention thousands of butterflies. The guides will also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the local plants. For your night-time excursion, you’ll venture out in the dark in search of caimans on the Tambopata River. The naturalist guide will use a spotlight in order to locate them on the banks of the river, so you can observe them from a respectable distance. Travelling in the dark, on the river in the jungle can be a bit spooky, but this atmosphere just adds to the fun!

Day 4 Cusco

Say goodbye to the jungle and fly to Cusco, where you’ll spend the day acclimatising to the high altitude. After dropping off your luggage and having some lunch, your leader will take you on a walk around downtown Cusco. You’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, the Twelve Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Maybe try some delicious donas along the way. This afternoon is free to explore. Maybe head to the Cusco cathedral or discover the history of Saqsaywaman. As you’re acclimatising today, it’s recommended that you keep strenuous activity to a minimum.

Day 5 Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo

This morning, unwind on a drive through the Sacred Valley, on the fringes of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas – this lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Head to a local community to learn about the valley’s lifestyle and activities – if your travel falls on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, it’s market day! Comb the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and master the local Quechuan language (a few words will be deemed a success). Take a short drive to Ollantaytambo. Later in the afternoon, maybe head out to visit Ollantaytambo’s awesome Incan ruins. Tonight, rest up at your hotel and prepare for the Inca Trail – one of the Wonders of the World!

Day 6 Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option

Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days, you’ll be doing one of the following – hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu. The bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cusco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, along with the trail's food and equipment. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Route 1 Inca Trail Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Today you’ll trek uphill to the campsite, 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. Tonight, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook. Route 2 Quarry Trail Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Route 3 Cusco Enjoy a free day in Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations.

Day 7 Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option

Route 1 Inca Trail Today is the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll ascend a 5-hour long steep path to the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m. Route 2 Quarry Trail Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A 3-hour long walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 m high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, you’ll stop for lunch. Then make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa – the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year, and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away, at 3600 m. Your trek today will take about 5 hours. Route 3 Cusco Today is yours to spend as you wish in Cusco. Perhaps use the day to indulge your inner foodie at Cusco's many cafes, restaurants and markets. The ChocoMuseo is a must for those with a sweet tooth – they offer tastings and chocolate-making workshops, too.

Day 8 Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option

Route 1 Inca Trail Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata Quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. If time permits, you can explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes After a drive to Ollantaytambo, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 9 Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train Option and Machu Picchu

Route 1 Inca Trail This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. Start your day before dawn with breakfast at a crisp 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking. Walk 2.5 hours to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) and, weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. When you arrive, all the hiking and the early morning will definitely be worth it! Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.

Day 10 Cusco

Today you’ll enjoy free time to relax, shop for souvenirs or see more of Cusco's sights. Maybe head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas, or if you're a thrill-seeker, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco. You might also want to go for a walk through Seven Borreguitos – one of the most Instagrammable streets in Cusco! In the evening, you might want to chew the fat with your group over dinner and share photos of your Machu Picchu experience. Cusco is also a hotspot for fun nightlife, so if you’re feeling like a boogie or a cocktail (or three), grab your new mates and hit the streets.

Day 11 Puno

This morning, travel by bus through the Altiplano plateau to Puno. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians. Once you're settled, head out in town and shake your tailfeather!

Day 12 Lake Titicaca (Homestay)

Puno sits on Lake Titicaca's shores, the world's highest navigable lake. Today, you'll take a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros peoples built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They're built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Tonight, enjoy a homestay in a local community on Llachon – a cosy mud-brick house with shared drop-toilets (no shower is available here). It can get quite cold, but the homestay will provide plenty of blankets. It’s recommended that you pack thermals and plenty of layers. Help your host family with their daily activities or maybe play a game of soccer in the village.

Day 13 Puno

Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast by your host family this morning, learning about their life and their stories. Then, explore the rest of the island. In the afternoon, take the boat back to Puno, where the rest of your day is free to explore.

Day 14 Lima

After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Puno to Lima. When you arrive, the rest of your afternoon is free to see the last of the sights in the Peruvian capital. Maybe you’d like to take a class on how to make the perfect pisco sour. Maybe you’d prefer to take a foodie walking tour or hit the streets on your own and try some of the famous eats and treats in Lima’s favourite foodie hotspot. Tonight, why not reflect on your epic trip with a farewell dinner with your group?

Day 15 Lima

Your adventure ends today after breakfast, and you’re free to leave anytime. If you’d like to explore Lima further, why not take a coastal bike tour or book a homecooked ceviche experience with Urban Adventures? If you’d like to book extra accommodation in Lima, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Welcome

Upon arriving to Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our Sky Vacations ambassadors who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to your program while en-route e to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: Lima

This morning you’ll be met at your hotel to begin a tour of the city. You’ll see the main avenues, boulevards, and squares plus the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). You’ll have time to explore the square by and admire the exteriors of the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), the Cathedral of Lima, and the Municipalidad (City Hall), all examples of Lima’s colonial architecture. Next, you’ll will visit La Casa Aliaga, the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll also see the Convento de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Convent).

Your tour continues with a journey through the streets of modern Lima as you head towards San Isidro and Miraflores. In San Isidro, see the heart of the city’s financial district and enjoy a panoramic view of the Huaca Hullamarca Pyramid. Next it’s Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Complete your tour of Lima with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along the charming streets lined with boutiques and galleries and stop at Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda. The rest of today is yours to enjoy Lima.

Day 3: Lima To Cusco

Today you’ll be met your the hotel and escorted to the airport for your flight to Cusco.  You will be free for the rest of the morning so that you can adjust to the altitude.

This afternoon, you will begin your tour with the best view of the city atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak). Then visit nearby Fortaleza de Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Sacsayhuamán). As you return to the lower part of the city stop off at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter) that will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco. You’ll discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Korikancha (the Golden Temple) ending your tour with time to stroll through the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and a visit to the Cathedral t0 admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Day 4: Sacred Valley

This morning, you’ll be heading to the Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) and  the must-see stop of Awanakancha. Here learn about the Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos that live in the Andes Meet with local villagers will teach you about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their textile art. Continue to Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. You’ll have free time to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets. We’ve arranged lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your tour.

After lunch, visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archeological  and surviving structures that  include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. You’ll also have a chance to mingle with the locals  either at a “chichería” (establishment for the brewing and sale of chicha, the famous traditional Andean drink made of germinated corn) or a bakery with still-functioning traditional ovens. After your tour, return to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Today you visit the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu). Board your train departing for Aguas Calientes enjoying a spectacular views along the way. Upon arrival, your bus will be waiting to take you to the entrance gate of the citadel.

Discovered by Hiram Bingham more than 100 years ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away as you explore the citadel with your guide. After the tour, stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After your time at the citadel,  return to Cusco.

Day 6: Road Trip To Puno

Early this morning depart from Cusco to Puno enjoying some of  the most beautiful views of the Andes. During your trip, we make a stop at Andahuaylillas, home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel.  The next stop is Racchi, one of the most important locations of the Inca Empire, known for its architecture. Cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 14,222 feet (4,335 meters) above sea level. See herds of vicuñas and llamas before visiting the town of Pucará. A special buffet lunch at a country-style restaurant will be served before heading to your hotel in Puno.

Day 7: Uros And Taquile Island

Today you’re offf to enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to places where time seems to stand still. Your first stop are the Uros floating islands, a group of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. Continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one including lunch at the home of a local.

Day 8: Catamaran Cruise To La Paz

This morning, your drive will meet you and take you to the Sanctuary of Copacabana.  Upon arrival, visit the main square and the Cathedral (sanctuary of the Black Virgin of Copacabana), before boarding the catamaran that will take you on a cruise through Lake Titicaca to the Island of the Sun, the cradle of the Inca Empire.

On this legendary island visit the Garden, the Steps, and the Inca Fountain. Also visit he Inti Wata Cultural Complex, Bolivia’s main private tourist attraction. At this complex seta sail on a huge traditional totora reed vessel and enjoy the panoramic view of the Incan Pilkokaina Palace. You’ll also have an opportunity to participate in the ancient Kallawaya ceremony as well as the water ceremony.

At the end of this visit board the catamaran again, which will take you to the Port of Chua as we enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Upon arrival, your bus will be waiting to take you to La Paz for an overnight.

Day 9: La Paz, Tiawanaku & Valley Of The Moon

Today you’ll visit the archaeological complex of Tiahuanaco, one of the most ancient civilizations of the Americas (approx. 1589 B.C.). During its golden age it served as the main ceremonial center and was also the cradle of Andean culture. Visit the Temple of Kalasasaya (Sun), the Gate of the Sun, the Semi-Subterranean Temple (Earth), the Akapana Pyramid and its museum, where you can see an impressive collection of objects and instruments from ancient civilizations. After this visit, we will return to the hotel for a break before your afternoon tour.

This afternoon,  visit the famous Witches’ Market, the colonial Church of San Francisco, and the artisan shops of Calle Sagarnaga. Continue your tour through the city of La Paz with Plaza Murillo, the Government Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Parliament are located.  Then  onto the Jaen street, where the city’s most important museums are located. From here move on to the replica of the Tiahuanaco culture’s semi-underground temple. At the end of this visit will shift gears and go to the residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto and La Florida. The tours ends  with a visit to the spectacular Valley of the Moon, where you will visit a traditional pottery workshop and have a demonstration of this incredible craft.

Day 10: Departure

It’s time to say goodbye as you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.