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Duration 19 days 15 days
Price From $ 2,695 $ 2,960
Price Per Day $ 142 $ 197
Highlights
  • Explore Lima a mix of modern and classical culture, enjoy the beauty of Paracas, fly over the incredible Nazca Lines and visit the fairy tale like oasis of Huacachina.
  • See the pyramid of Caral amidst the 3rd oldest city in the world and first astronomy centre of America. Bring you to a variety of wildlife along the Peruvian coast and more precisely in the Ballestas Islands.
  • Witness the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, the great Condor in the depth of Colca Canyon and see also the White City of Arequipa with its cultural events.
  • Discover the wonders of Cusco city (Incas’ capital prior the conquistadors) and its surrounding archaeological sites. Experience its rich culture and its taste for a sweet variety of thing such as the colorfulness of their weaving fabrics.
  • Trek via the famous Inca Trail to the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world, and to the incredible Rainbow Mountain.
  • Discover Lake Titikaka starting with a nice boat ride through the floating Uros islands made completely out of reed. Meet with their special vision on ecological growth while showing you the fundamental of these floating natural structure fashioned in the Inca’s traditional style.
  • Adventure yourself in the Amazon jungle near Tambopata and spot beautiful macaws, playful monkeys, incredible caimans and many more species along a charming river that litter the area. 

 

  • Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.
  • Roam the Amazon Jungle by boat at night (with an expert local) and float down the river, keeping an eye out for the glaring eyes of jaguars, anacondas and caimans. 
  • Head to a local community and rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the Sacred Valley – if you’re lucky, your travel day might even fall on market day where you can pick up some hand-painted beads or a warm poncho. 
  • The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca look like they could be straight out of a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie! Spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village.   
  • Explore Lima in your own time, at your own pace. This trip gives you heaps of free time to explore all the best bits of Peru’s capital. This is also Peru’s best spot for foodies – so make sure you eat your way through the coastal streets – yum!   
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Awamaki. Donations help them empower indigenous women artisans in Peru with skills training and job opportunities that provide financial independence.   
Trip Style Group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Standard Basic
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 4- Strenuous
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Transformative
  • 18 - 30's
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Cusco
  • Inca Trail
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Aguas Calientes
  • Cusco
  • Inca Trail
  • La Paz
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Puno
Flights & Transport Internal airfare and ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Nature
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Culture
Meals Included

18 Breakfasts and 13 Lunches

N/A
Description

Discover the best parts of Peru during our most complete 12 day tour through this beautiful country. The best combination of history, culture, nature and so much more, guaranteeing that you will return back home with the experience of a lifetime. 

Not only does this two-week adventure visit one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu), but it also dips into the natural wonder of the Amazon Jungle as well as Puno, capital city Lima and bustling Cusco. Whether you opt to sweat it up on the ancient Inca Trail or take the scenic train route, you can choose your own adventure – then celebrate it all with a few pisco sours! Stay in a proper eco-lodge in the jungle, where you’ll explore by day and float on the Amazon River by night (look out for anacondas, jaguars and caimans) then stay with a local family on the shores Lake Titicaca, where you can soak away your worries. Hit the nightlife in Cusco, then end it all with a couple of relaxing days in foodie paradise Lima.

Itinerary: Wonderland Of Peru

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA – CITY TOUR

Our representative will be at the airport when your plane arrives leading you to your hotel. First, you will have time to settle into there before our first tour. At around 14:15, our guide and driver will pick you up to begin a 4 hour city tour of Lima. You will go to Huaca Pucllana which was a ceremonial and administrative pre-Incan building. Then, we will visit the city centre where we will get to see the Cathedral of Lima, Francisco Pizarro’s tomb, the catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery, the National Congress, and the Palace of Torre Tagle. We will then continue to the sophisticated and modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro. From these areas we will have nice views of the ocean. Our tour will finish at Kennedy Park in Miraflores. At this point you are free to revisit your preferred places and meet with delicious Peruvian cuisine in one of the many restaurants that can be found in the area.

DAY 2: CARAL

Today, we will travel to the oldest city in the Americas! Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Lima at 6h30am to drive to the Valley of Supe. Along the route there are many villages, agricultural areas and beautiful sights of the Peruvian coast. When we arrive, we will start with a guided tour through the complex about the many archaeological discoveries that have been made in this area. You’ll witness the 6 pyramids, an amphitheatre and a temple. It is believed that this area was first inhabited between 2000 and 2600 BCE. After the 2-hour-tour we will go to the city of Huacho where we will have lunch. Then we will reach back to Lima at 17h, where you’ll spend the night before next morning.

DAY 3: LIMA – PARACAS – BALLESTAS ISLANDS – NAZCA

Early next morning at 3h30am our staff will pick you up and escort you to the bus station in direction of Paracas. Once you arrive there, you will find time to visit this wonderful coastal city and have breakfast before the tour. We will then go by private transport to the port where we will catch a boat to the Ballestas Islands. On our way to the islands, we will be able to appreciate the Candelabro (Candleholder), a giant figure drawn in the sand in the same style as the Nazca Lines. On the islands, we will observe lots of playful sea lions, pelicans, penguins, and other sea birds that live on the Peruvian coast. When we finish the island tour we return to the port and continue by bus to Nazca where we spend the night.

DAY 4: NAZCA LINES FLIGHT – HUACACHINA – LIMA

After breakfast in your hotel, we will transfer you to the airport from where we are going to take a 30 minute flight over the incredible Nazca Lines. During this flight over the Nazca Lines, we will be able to see the most fascinating figures such as: the monkey, hummingbird, tree, parrot, astronaut, dog, condor and others. After our flight, we will have enough time to have lunch before we drive to Ica where we will visit the beautiful Huacachina Oasis. Lined with palm trees, the blue-green oasis is surrounded by sand dunes on which you can have a wild, unforgettable sand buggy ride and sand-boarding adventure (not included). After this adventure in the Peruvian desert, our private transportation will take us back to Lima where you will stay in a hotel for the night.

DAY 5: LEISURE DAY IN LIMA – JULIACA – PUNO

Today, you will have the day to yourself in the beautiful city of Lima. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your hotel and go out to explore! Check out the beautiful Parque Del Amor in Miraflores, the many museums, take a bike ride along the coast, or eat at one of the many culinary hotspots the city has to offer. In the evening we will transfer you from your hotel to the airport, where you will board your flight to Juliaca. There will be someone awaiting you at your arrival to go in private transport to Puno where you will spend the night.  

DAY 6: LAKE TITICACA TOUR – PUNO – AREQUIPA

Welcome to Lake Titicaca! To get the most out of this day we recommend you to start with a delicious, early breakfast because our staff will pick you up at around 06:40am to begin our tour of the lake. First, we will visit Los Uros which are floating islands inhabited by very friendly local people. These islands are handmade by their inhabitants, using only totora reeds. Long ago, these people established their own settlement upon the enormous lake. Then, we will visit Taquile Island, a spiritual home of the Incas. Here, we will enjoy a delightful and traditional lunch that will be prepared by a chef while you relax in this beautiful place. You will also have an opportunity to explore the island and see the best views of the entire lake. After the tour we return to the bus station in Puno, where we’ll take a bus to Arequipa. Here we will spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 7: AREQUIPA CITY TOUR

In this day we will do the city tour of Arequipa including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIX century Peruvian architecture housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the “La Compania” Church and ancient Jesuit temple, one of the most important in Arequipa due to its history and tradition with a beautiful façade, carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers and birds. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have native faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers following the Inca culture. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent; a “small town” built in the XVII century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years cloister. Perfectly preserved for four centuries, you go back in time as you enter the cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this convent. Afterwards, we will bring you back to your hotel and the rest of the night is free to spend as you like.

DAY 8: COLCA CANYON TOUR

We depart at 08:00 a.m., picking you up at your hotel. On the way we will appreciate the spectacular Volcanoes of Misti (5825 m.s.n.m) and Chachani (6057 m.s.n.m.), also we see wild vicuñas, alpacas & llamas in Pampa Cañahuas national reserve. It is possible there to observe exotic birds such as: flamingos, ducks, ibis, falcons, eagles, and many others. The view point of the Volcanoes and snow covered mountains in Patapampa (4,800 m.a.s.l). Continuing with the trip we start our decent into Chivay (3600 m.a.s.l), capital of the valley. In the afternoon there is the option to visit the thermal springs and pools in La Calera (40ºC).

DAY 9: COLCA CANYON TOUR

Today, you will have to wake up at 6:00am to have breakfast in the hotel before continuing our excursion to the Condor Cross Viewpoint. Here, we will be able to admire the flight of condors, huge and wonderful Andean birds that are a symbol of the Andes Mountain Range. From this viewpoint, we will also be able to appreciate the depth of the Colca Canyon. Approximately 4,160m or 13,650ft deep, it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. After leaving the viewpoint, we will visit the towns of Maca and Yanque where we will find many examples of typical colonial architecture. After lunch, you will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in Arequipa to rest or to explore this beautiful city.

DAY 10: AREQUIPA – LEISURE DAY CUSCO

Today, after breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel to the airport, where you’ll board a flight to Cusco. After your arrival in Cusco we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. You might take some time to get acclimatized to the altitude (3400 m), so take some rest and drink coca tea or you can explore this incredible city and the many markets, restaurants and colonial architecture.

DAY 11: CUSCO CITY TOUR

You will have the morning to spend at your leisure. Go and check out some of Cusco’s attractions such as the traditional San Pedro Market, the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas or one of the city’s many museums. Just after lunch, our city tour of Cusco will begin, between 13:00hrs and 13:20hrs. First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco, located on the Plaza de Armas. Then our tour will continue to Qorikancha (The Temple of the Sun) and the Convent of Santo Domingo as well as to several of the city’s impressive archaeological ruins such as Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Pukapukara, and Tambomachay. Our tour will finish at the main square. At this time, you might like to enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the many nearby restaurants. Alternatively, we can arrange to drop you off at your hotel. Just tell your guide what you are in the mood to do.

DAY 12: SACRED VALLEY VIP TOUR

An amazing tour awaits us today. We will start our VIP excursion through the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Chinchero where we will join a traditional weaving workshop. This village is mainly comprised of mud brick (adobe) houses and the locals still go about their businesses in traditional dress. The walls and roofs of this town are covered in beautiful floral and religious designs. We will be part of the most remarkable textile hand making shows and see great presentations made by locals. We continue with a guided tour to the non-traditional Moray circuit, a unique archaeological group that is one of a kind. The gigantic circular depressions in the ground surface, with their respective irrigation canals were believed to be an agriculture investigation centre of the Inca’s. Then we drive to the salt mines located 7 km from Moray, pass through a typical Spanish village called Maras. To the northwest of the town of Maras, we will find around 2000 small wells that local people still use today to provide themselves with salt. Then we go to the next stop, Urubamba, where we will enjoy a great lunch. Afterwards we continue to Ollantaytambo where you’ll have the rest of the night at your leisure and spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 13: INCA TRAIL– CHACHABAMBA – WIÑAYHUAYNA – AGUAS CALIENTES

In the morning we will transfer you from your hotel to the train station at around 5:30am. The train ride will last for about 3 hours until we reach kilometre 104 where we start our trek. The guide will direct you on foot to the ruins of Chachabamba where the tour will begin. From there the journey will continue and we will pass a small and refreshing waterfall on the way to the ruins of Winay Wayna where the impressive platforms will demonstrate the skill of Andean engineering. After lunch we will continue the walk to Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol) from where we will have the first sight of Machu Picchu as a beautiful panoramic of the town on the hill. From here we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night, have dinner and prepare for the following day up at Machu Picchu.

DAY 14: MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO

At 5:30 am, after breakfast, we begin the trek to Machu Picchu where we will have a guided tour of the different sectors of the archaeological complex tour. We will experience the mysteries and magic of the sacred Incan citadel of Machu Picchu by visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and various cemeteries. To climb the mountain of Huayna Picchu (optional), we recommend the 2nd group of 9-10 a.m. The walk takes only about an hour, and it’s absolutely worth it, the view is breath taking and the experience will be unforgettable. (Note: to climb Huayna Picchu, you need to reserve at least 3 months in advance due to limited availability). When the tour finishes, we will be served a pleasant lunch in a cosy restaurant. At a given time we take the bus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then go by bus to Cusco.

DAY 15: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30am and head south through the town of Urco to the Checacupe District (2 hours by bus) until we arrive in Pitumarca where we’ll have breakfast. Then we continue along the road through small villages until we arrive to the community of Hanchipata - Quesuino (1 hour and 20 minutes by bus), the ideal starting point to walk the route. We will see many mountains such as Ausangate, beautiful blue lagoons, and many other natural sites. The walk to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) will last approximately 3 hours. At this peak we will savour the view for about an hour taking photos of the beautiful scenery before descending the path back to our bus. We will drive back to Pitumarca to have lunch. It will then take about 2.5 hours to drive back to Cusco.

DAY 16: MONTE AMAZONICO LODGE – TAMBOPATA

Arrival at the airport or bus station and transfer to the office of Monte Amazoníco Lodge and his tour Operator Carlos Expeditions for the final talk about our tour before leaving to our adventure. In case you have big luggage, we suggest re pack to store the not needed items and carry just enough for the trip. The transfer in a 4X4 wheeled truck to our destination lasts for about 2 hours to reach the banks of the Tambopata River. Then we will take a boat to the lodge "Monte Amazoníco - Tambopata." We will welcome you with lunch upon your arrival. In the afternoon we make an introductory walk into the rainforest where we will have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat as amphibians, mammals, reptiles and wonderful insects, among others.

DAY 17: MACAW CLAY LICK – CHUNCHO CLAY LICK

We wake up early, at 4:30, to leave for the lick of the world's largest macaw clay lick the Chuncho, a journey of about 1.5 hours by boat. On the way we will have the incredible opportunity to see species such as capybara, which is the world's largest rodents, tapirs, and you can even see the most beautiful South American feline, jaguar, many of our clients are witnesses with photographic evidence of encounters with these beautiful mammals. The most colourful macaws of America, reds and greens, blues and yellows gather here to eat clay needed in their daily diet to eliminate toxins. After breakfast, our boat takes us to transport back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the port where we will take the boat for an hour until our lodge welcome with a refreshing fruit juice of our region. After lunch, we visit the "Monkey Island", located in front of our lodge across the Madre de Dios River where we find different species of monkeys living on the island like the brown capuchin, squirrel monkey and saddle back tamarin. We will return to the lodge and in the evening we will go for caiman search, white alligators are typically found on sand banks in the Madre de Dios River for which it will needed to bring a flashlight. Also, we may see some capybara too. Afterwards, we return to the lodge to have dinner and rest.

DAY 18: LAKE SANDOVAL (PIRANHA HABITAT)

After breakfast we will walk for about 3 km in the midst of the dense rain forest, headed to Lake Sandoval (piranha habitat), one of the largest in the Tambopata National Reserve. In this area we will be rowing around in a boat and appreciate many animals of different species (shansho cormorant jacanas, puma heron, buzzards, howler monkey, brown capuchin monkey, tamarins and sloths). Perhaps we will even meet with the family of giant river otters (almost two meters long) that is in danger of extinction, before we return to the lodge to enjoy a typical Peruvian lunch. In the evening we will have one more opportunity to go for a walk and appreciate diversity of species of insects, amphibians, reptiles and other nocturnal animals. 

DAY 19: CANOPY WALK-WAY – END OF TOUR

At 5.30a.m. we will take a short walk in the jungle to our canopy walk-way, about 30 meters high, allowing us to appreciate nature from as high as possible, with a panoramic view of the Madre de Dios river. Observe different species of birds, including toucans, macaws, tanagers, orioles from up high, an amazing experience to end your journey with. After we enjoy breakfast, we’ll return to the city and transfer you to the airport or bus station where our tour concludes.

Itinerary: Real Peru

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.

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"You can't have a narrow mind and a thick passport."
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