Compare Peru Explorer by Exodus Travels vs Peru at a Glance by Geckos Adventures

Day 1 Start Lima

Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district. There is a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 2 Free morning; afternoon city tour

This morning has been left free; in the afternoon, we have a tour of Lima. We visit Miraflores, the modern residential district, and then explore the historic downtown area. We discover the Plaza de Armas, Basilica Cathedral and Government Palace (also known as House of Pizarro) as we take a short walk around the colonial centre. We also visit the incredible Church of San Francisco, which houses one of the oldest libraries in the Americas and sits on top of a labyrinthine network of catacombs complete with the bones of Lima’s wealthy 18th- and 19th-century residents. This evening, perhaps visit the bohemian district of Barranco for local food and pisco sours, the national cocktail of Peru. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 3 Drive to Paracas, visiting Pachacamac and Pucusana

We drive south from Lima today, visiting Pachacamac Fortress, the largest coastal Inca city at the time of the conquest. We stop for a late lunch of fresh seafood at the attractive fishing village of Pucusana. A stroll around the village, where the day’s catch is displayed at the market, and a boat ride around the bay (subject to weather conditions) offer great insight into a contemporary Peruvian coastal town. We then continue southwards to the town of Paracas, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Gran Palma (or similar)

Day 4 Sail to Ballestas Islands; continue to Nazca via Ica

A short drive from our hotel takes us to the port, where we board our launch to visit the Ballestas Islands, a national park containing the highest concentration of marine birds in the world. There are also sea lions and numerous bird species on the islands and we also see the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the cliff face, only recognisable from the sea. We drive to Nazca in the afternoon and visit viewing platforms close to the Nazca Lines. These are one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries: enormous figures and patterns etched in the desert sand, best seen from the elevated position of the viewing platforms. There should also be time for optional visits to the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, a pre-Inca cemetery, or the Nazca Aqueduct, which gives an insight into the Nazca civilisation’s ingenious subterranean irrigation system. Accommodation: Hotel Alegria (or similar)

Day 5 Drive along the coast then turn inland to Arequipa

We have a long drive south through the coastal desert, with great views of dunes and the Pacific Ocean, before heading inland into the mountains on the road to Arequipa. Our drive is approximately 12 hours, including time for lunch and stops to stretch our legs. Accommodation: Su Majestad (or similar)

Day 6 Arequipa city tour, including Santa Catalina Convent

Arequipa is a beautiful colonial city in a fertile oasis, with many historic buildings characterised by their use of white volcanic stone from the nearby Misti, whose dramatic cone dominates the town. In the morning, we visit the cathedral, the Jesuit church of La Compañia and the huge, serene convent of Santa Catalina, which retains typical features from the 16th and 17th centuries and is a peaceful refuge for the nuns who still live here today. Accommodation: Su Majestad (or similar)

Day 7 Drive to Colca Canyon

A spectacular drive takes us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and almost certainly see vicuñas in the highlands before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself. As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay, the sight of the green, fertile terraces of the canyon is a real contrast to the barren yet beautiful landscapes we have travelled through for most of the day. This is the first day where we may feel the effects of altitude – although we do not linger at the top of the pass, we spend the night at around 11,810ft (3,600m) and so it is a good idea to take it easy on arrival. Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo, Chivay (or similar)

Day 8 To Colca Canyon; explore and search for condors

We have a full day exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see mighty Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see the ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and stop in the villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches. Depending on time, we may take a short walk along farm tracks to learn more about the agriculture on which the whole region is dependent. After a long day of exploration, an optional visit to the hot springs near Chivay this evening is a wonderful way to relax. Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo, Chivay (or similar)

Day 9 Drive via Sillustani to Puno, by Lake Titicaca

Today, we drive through the mountains to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can see vicuñas before making a short visit to the unique burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. The altitude here (12,470ft/3,800m) makes physical effort very tiring, and the evenings are very cold, so taking time to rest is highly recommended. Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Full-day Lake Titicaca tour (Uros and Taquile islands)

We spend a full day on Lake Titicaca today visiting the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. First, we take a boat to Uros, where the people have been living on reed rafts for centuries. Although many have now moved to the mainland, there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also fish the lake and barter with mainland communities to obtain essential daily items. Our cruise continues as we visit picturesque Taquile Island, home to a community known for their male-only weavers and traditional lifestyle. Our walk to the village affords us panoramic views of the lake, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Drive across the altiplano to Cuzco

We take a bus ride across the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungles. Although it is quite a long drive (approximately 10 hours), it is often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to break up the day and appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. These include La Raya Pass (14,150ft/4,313m), the watershed and geographical dividing line between the altiplano and the Vilcanota Valley where Raqchi Inca temple is located. We arrive in Cuzco (11,155ft/3,400m) in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 12 Morning stand-up paddleboarding; afternoon cooking class

This morning, we travel to nearby Piuray Lagoon, where we spend the morning paddleboarding while surrounded by a stunning scenery of mountains and terraced fields. In the afternoon, we enjoy a cooking class, learning all about different plants and herbs used in Peruvian cooking and how to prepare traditional food and drink. After our lesson, we have time to enjoy the well-deserved dinner we’ve prepared ourselves. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 13 Free day in Cuzco for optional activities

Day 14 Visit Pisac market and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley

This morning, we head out of Cuzco to the colourful handicraft market at Pisac, at the entrance to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After free time to browse the stalls, we take a walking tour of the huge Inca ruins above the village. We enjoy a traditional pachamanca lunch today, whereby the food is wrapped and buried in the earth along with hot stones, which cook it slowly. After lunch, we drive down the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore the unique village whose streets still follow the pre-conquest grid plan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Tunupa Lodge (or similar)

Day 15 Free morning in Ollantaytambo and then travel to Aguas Calientes

We have a free morning to explore Ollantaytambo and then make the scenic train journey through the Urubamba River Valley to Aguas Calientes (approximately 1hr 30min), arriving in the afternoon. The rest of the day has been left free to explore at your own leisure. Aguas Calientes is a bustling town with a large handicraft market (although prices here are at a premium in comparison to Pisac or Cuzco markets). Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)

Day 16 Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and road

Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today. This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min). Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17 Tour of Cuzco and Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman

We have a full-day tour combining the highlights in and around the city. Outside the town are Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. In the centre, we visit the Plaza de Armas, and many examples of the famous Inca stonework like those of the Qoricancha Sun Temple in the Santo Domingo church and monastery. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 18 Fly to Puerto Maldonado; travel by boat into rainforest; afternoon jungle walk

We leave Cuzco early today as we take a short flight to the small rainforest town of Puerto Maldonado (due to poor flight availability, this flight will connect through Lima and be considerably longer on some departures). On arrival, we transfer to the dock for a boat trip to our lodge in the Tambopata Reserve – this journey takes between 1hr 30min and three hours depending on which lodge we stay in. On the way, we may see caimans, river turtles and waterfowl. After time to settle in, we take a short walk along the forest trails near the lodge to look for nocturnal animals. Accommodation: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (or similar)

Day 19 Jungle exploration by boat and on foot

Activities today vary according to the lodge used but generally include a mixture of walks along forest trails, time spent in canoes to explore rainforest lakes, and the opportunity to go high into the canopy for a completely different view of the forest. The resident guides are normally around in the evening to answer questions and from some lodges (not all) there is the option to take a canoe onto the river in search of caiman by torchlight. Accommodation: Cayman Lodge Amazonia (or similar)

Day 20 Fly to Lima; end Lima

We return to Puerto Maldonado after breakfast today and board our flight back to Lima. If booking an onwards flight from Lima today, please ensure it does not depart before 7pm. You can also speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Lima.

Day 1 Lima

Welcome to Lima, Peru. Your adventure starts with an orientation walk around Peru's capital. You'll be lead around locations such as Miraflores and head from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to the entertainment complex of LarcoMar. At around 2 pm there will be a pre-departure meeting. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform the accommodation as soon as possible. Afterwards, get to know your group with a few pisco sours and a plate of Lima's famous ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, chilli, onions and tomato). If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Is This Trip Right For You?' and 'Fitness' sections in the trip notes for detailed information.

Day 2 Cusco

Say farewell to Lima today and fly to Cusco, which takes around one hour and ten minutes. Spend the next two days trying to acclimatise to the high altitude of this location (i.e. no strenuous activity). Visit the alpaca farms in the Sacred Valley for knitted creations and the market town of Pisac for leather goods. After dropping your luggage off and having some lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around downtown Cusco, the local San Pedro market, the main square and past the 12 Angled Stone.

Day 3 Cusco

Today is free to continue your exploration of Cusco and its surrounding areas. Perhaps venture out to the great Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, Quenca and Tambo Machay. Later in the day, meet the rest of your fellow travellers who may be joining today. Use your evening to relax, grab some food and prepare for the Inca Trail if you're heading out tomorrow.

Day 4 Inca Trek/ Quarry Trek or Train option

Depending on your pre-arranged travel arrangements, during the next four days you may: hike the Classic Inca Trail, hike the Inca Quarry Trail or stay in Cusco for another two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca 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, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that 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 only travel with the necessary items for the next few days.  Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:  Today travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3,100 metres above sea level. On the way you’ll see the ruins of Llactapata, which was burnt to the ground by the last Inca emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail. In the evening, set up camp while the cook makes dinner. Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 2 Quarry Trail:  Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3,700 meters above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Notes: The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.  Route 3 Train: For those travellers disinterested in hiking the trail or who are unable to, spend two extra nights in Cusco before travelling by bus to Ollantaytambo. From here take a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll spend a third night. Notes: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.

Day 5 Inca Trek/ Quarry Trek or Train option

Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:  This is the most challenging day of the trek, as we ascend a long steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 meters above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres.   Route 2 Quarry Trail:  This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A three-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 meters high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 meters. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo.   Route 3 Train: Today, perhaps your free day indulging your inner foodie in the eateries of Cusco. Head to lunch at the arty Fallen Angel restaurant, and if you still have room for dessert, the ChocoMuseo offers tastings and chocolate-marking workshops. All optional activities are at your own cost.  \Notes: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.

Day 6 Inca Trek/ Quarry Trek or Train option

Route 1 Classic Inca Trail:  Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around two to three hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 metres), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the two-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. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a soothing way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.   Route 3 Train: In the morning take a bus and train which is nestled in the hills at the foot of Machu Picchu. For those who want to, there’s time to visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the next day. If you’d like to do this, please advise your group leader at the welcome meeting at the beginning of the trip. Otherwise, you might like to while away the afternoon in the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes. Notes: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.

Day 7 Machu Pichu/ Cusco

Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around two-and-a-half hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ Route 2 Quarry Trail: Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5:30 am this morning along the winding road to Machu Picchu. The journey takes around 30 minutes. At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If skies are clear, enjoy spectacular views over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins. Route 3 Train: In the morning at 5.30 am, take a bus up to Machu Picchu. 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, and enjoy free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Cusco. Visiting Machu Picchu: According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. For all trails - after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cusco for a well deserved shower and a pisco sour. Your evening is then free for the last night of your adventure. Notes: Due to Gecko's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.

Day 8 Cusco

Your Inca Trek & Machu Picchu adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no more activities planned and you're free to leave the accommodation at any time.