Compare Majestic Peru by Intrepid Travel vs Huayhuash Circuit by World Expeditions

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 Lima

If you’re flying into Lima today you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel, where the remainder of the day is free at leisure for you to rest or start exploring. We plan to have a group briefing before dinner, however this will be subject to all group members arriving during the day – otherwise we will have the briefing tomorrow. Our hotel is in the Miraflores area, home to some of Lima’s best galleries, restaurants and shops. Steeped in fascinating history, Lima is South America’s oldest capital. It was in 1535 that the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro overthrew the Inca Empire and moved the capital from Cusco, establishing the new city of Lima. Peru’s busy capital is now a sprawling metropolis that’s blessed with world-class restaurants, brilliant museums and galleries, and a superb combination of Spanish colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the Museo de La Nacion or the Larco Herrera Museum. Overnight in Lima.

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Huaraz

Today we drive via private transport to Huaraz, our gateway to the stunning Cordillera Blanca. It’s a long day’s journey but we’ll be treated to some incredible scenery along the way! Overnight in Huaraz.

meals : B

Day 3 In Huaraz, day hikes

We now have two days in Huaraz to explore this stunning region with some day walks—and at an elevation of 3,052 m (10,013 ft), our time spent in Huaraz is crucial to our safe acclimatisation. Huaraz is a scenic town set at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca with views directly up to the highest peak in Peru, Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). There is a range of different walking excursions we can make from our base here for a couple of days, and these hikes will be invaluable acclimatisation for our trekking program ahead. As the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, Huaraz is a bustling tourism hub and also serves as a pick up point for our crew and all supplies and equipment for the trek. On Day 3, we walk to the pre-Inca ruins of Willcahuaín (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) and back to the hotel in a loop walk that will last 4–5 hours, finishing the day with a relaxing soak in the Monterrey hot springs. On Day 4, we make a day trip to Laguna Churup (4,485 m / 14,715 ft), a beautiful glacial lake set at the base of Nevado Churup (5,493 m / 18,022 ft). This is one of the most popular day treks in the Cordillera Blanca and takes around 4–5 hours to complete. Today’s trek is an excellent training and acclimatisation hike for our upcoming Huayhuash Circuit, and our efforts will be justly rewarded when we arrive at this stunning turquoise glacial lake. Overnight in Huaraz.

meals : B,L

Day 5 Drive to Matachancha

Today we head south of Huaraz to our first campsite Matacancha (4,185 m / 13,730 ft). Today we get our first glimpses of the range, and we’ll pass Conococha Lake, the village of Chiquián and our trek finishing point at Lllamac. After around 6 hours, we’ll arrive at our first night’s camp at Matacancha, where our “arrieros” (muleteers) and “burros” (donkeys) will be waiting. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Trek to Mitococha via Cacanampunta Pass

Trekking to our first pass and crossing the divide to the east, we gain our first serious views of the mountains. Zigzagging steadily upwards over rocky and loose terrain above our previous night’s camp, the trail then becomes steep in a final hill across to the Cacanampunta Pass (4,700 m / 15,420 ft). From here we descend briefly before contouring the hillside to find the mountains at the north end of the Huayhuash opening out before us: Ninashanca (5607 m / 18,396 ft), Rondoy (5879 m / 19,288 ft), Jirishanca (6,094 m / 19,993 ft) and Jirishanca Chico (5445 m / 17,864 ft) among them. Our path descends to the village of Janca and continues on for another hour to Mitococha (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), where we’ll find our camp by the river, surrounded by mountain vistas. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Lake Carhuacocha via Carhuac Pass

Today we trek for around 6 hours, making our way to Lake Carhuacocha (4,180 m / 13,914 ft). After trekking south for 3-4 hours, steadily gaining altitude, we reach the Carhuac Pass (4,650 m / 15,256 ft). The trail then drops steeply for the next hour, passing a couple of dwellings at Yanayana and then a small lake, before the one kilometre-long emerald green Laguna Carhuacocha comes into view. If we’re lucky we may see the Andean geese that are often spotted on the lake. Tonight’s camp is set above the lake, beneath the eastern flanks of Yerupaja Chico and Yerupaja, the latter being the centrepiece of the massif and the second highest mountain in Peru, after Huascaran (6,768 m / 22,205 ft). Yerupaja is the highest point of the vast Amazon basin watershed that feeds into the Rio Marañón, a principal tributary of the Amazon. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Trek to Huayhuash village via Carnicero Pass

Today’s trek is a long one as we make our way to the tiny village of Huayhuash. Leaving Lake Carhuacocha by its eastern side, we trek southward past some of the grandest peaks of the range including Suila Grande (6,344 m / 20,814 ft) and Carnicero (5,960 m / 12,554 ft), passing close by their stunning glaciers and glacial lagoons. Today we are seeing the eastern or ‘other’ side of Suila Grande, with the western face being the route made famous by Joe Simpson’s book (and the subsequent film), Touching the Void. Simpson and his climb partner Simon Yates ascended the western face of Suila Grand in 1985 but became embroiled in one of history’s most dramatic mountaineering disasters on their descent. It’s a long walk to the Canicero Pass (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)—around 5 hours—but not particularly strenuous. As we descend to Huayhuash (a tiny settlement of one house and little else!), the views are spectacular. The mountains of Trapecio (5,644 m / 18,517 ft) and Jurau (5,650 m / 18,537 ft) tower above us, as well as Canicero. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trek to Puscanturpa Valley via Portachuelo Pass

Once again, the day begins with three hours of scenic climbing towards our next mountain pass, with the peaks of Puscanturpa (5,442 m / 17,854 ft) before us. From the Portachuelo Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) we make a long descent towards Laguna Viconga, an immense glacial lake. We’ll enjoy incredible alpine views today as we make our way to our next camp, set adjacent to the hot springs beyond the lake. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Trek to Cuyoc Valley via Cuyoc Pass

Today we cross the highest pass of our trek, the Cuyoc Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). From camp we head in a northwest direction, switching back and forth for around 3 hours as we make our way to the gap between Puscanturpo Sur (5,440 m / 17,848 ft) and Nevado Jirishanco Chico (5,248 m / 17,218 ft). If the weather is clear, we’ll be rewarded here with a dazzling view of the mountains. We continue on our journey into the western side of the range, descending from the pass into the Quebrada Puyoc and Huanacpatay valleys towards our camp. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Trek to Cutatambo via Santa Rosa Pass

Today we begin with a 2 hour ascent to the Santa Rosa Pass (5,078 m / 16,660 ft), where we’ll have views of three glacial lakes: Siula, Sarapo and Jurau. From the pass we begin our descent into the Sarapo Valley, making our way to our camp at Cutatambo, passing the beautiful lakes we saw this morning from afar. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 Day trek to ascend Cerro Bella Vista

Today we’ll be using our camp at Cutatambo as a base while we pack a picnic lunch and head out on a day trek to the summit of Cerro Bella Vista (5,150 m / 16,896 ft). Today’s excursion offers what are arguably some of the best views in all of Peru! After a fulfilling day in the mountains we descend back to our camp at Cutatambo for the night. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Trek to Huancho Valley via Huaylapa

This morning we take a half-day to descend the Huancho Valley at a leisurely pace, following the river to the pretty farmlands of Huaylapa. We have lunch just outside the village, then start climbing up the valley for another three hours to our beautiful camp at Huatia. From tonight’s scenic campsite we’ll have excellent views of the peaks of Diablo Mudo (5,223 m / 17,136 ft) and Suerococha (5,350 m / 17,552 ft). Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 14 Trek to Cashpapampa via Tapush Pass

Leaving camp, we trek northwards and wind our way up and over a lesser-defined trail to the plateau. After around three hours we cross the Tapush Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), continuing on past a small glacial lake and several alpine meadows as we make our way to our next campsite, a couple of hours away. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 15 Trek to Jahuacocha via Yaucha Pass

We start today with a 2 hour ascent to our last mountain pass of the trek, followed by an easy descent to Jahuacocha Lake, our camp for the next two days. If this circuit trek had a highlight it would most likely be the views from this camp, truly encapsulating the wild beauty of the Huayhuash range. There is a small community living nearby that can often be seen fishing for trout in the pristine lake in their spare time. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 16 Rest day at Jahuacocha

Today we have a rest day in our stunning camp at Jahuacocha. In the morning we’ll take a hike up to Lake Solterococha Lake where we’ll have really close views of the main glaciers of the Huayhuash range. In the afternoon we will try the famous ‘Pachamanca’—a traditional Peruvian BBQ feast of meat and vegetables cooked in the ground using hot stones. Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 17 Trek to Llamac

On the last day of our trek we see distinct changes in climate and flora as we descend through farmland to the warm, desert environment that we originally set out from. We follow a canal for 4 hours to our lunch stop, and then descend steeply for two hours to the small village of Llamac (3,320 m / 10,892 ft). Overnight at campsite.

meals : B,L,D

Day 18 Drive to Lima

With our trek now complete, we make our way by private vehicle south to Lima. A full day’s driving of around 8 hours. Overnight in Lima.

meals : B

Day 19 In Lima, trip concludes

After breakfast, our trip concludes. If you are flying home today, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure.

meals : B