If you want to see the best of Peru in a short time frame, this itinerary takes in all the highlights between Lima and Cuzco and the Inca Trails to the ruins of Machu Picchu. This includes the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Desert, the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon, Arequipa and, of course, Cuzco itself. We also get you off the beaten track by trekking along on our exhilarating Wild Andes Trail through the remote Andes above the Urubamba Valley. We cap off your trek with a visit to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. You will see few people on this unique alternative to the Classic Inca trail, which is your other option if you prefer. We will also get you into the local community and have a great Andean homestay with our Quechuan Indian hosts to learn about their culture.
Great for lovers of culture and history along with those wanting a trekking challenge (Inca Trails). Plenty of insight into local life and stunning drives across remote Andean scenery. A good mix of camping, with small comfortable hotels and the chance to explore deserts, mountains and wildlife.
Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Islands
Visit the incredible ancient Nazca sites of the Chauchilla Cemetery
Guided trip to see Colca Canyon and Andean condors
Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project
Guided visit to the Raqchi ruins
Border information: if joining in Lima, you will most likely enter Peru at Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport (IATA code: LIM).
There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Lima before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Lima.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Visit the Gold Museum & Catacombs of Lima
Entrance: 40 PEN
Take a ceviche and pisco sour class at one of the top restaurants in Miraflores a lively district of Lima
Ceviche class: 40 USD
Explore the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum in Lima containing the largest private collection of pre-Colombian art in the world
Entrance: 30 PEN
Today we will have a very early start to leave Lima before the rush hour, and drive 270kms south to Paracas. There we will board one of the local boats for an included trip to the Ballestas Islands to view its incredible array of resident wildlife and birds.
After lunch, we will continue south to arrive at the stunning desert oasis town of Huacachina, where we have the option to head out for an evening of sand boarding and dune buggying.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Included Activities
Boat trip to see the seals & seabirds on the Ballestas Islands
Optional Activities
Dune buggying or boarding in the spectacular sand dunes of Peru Desert
Dune buggy and sandboard: 20 USD
Today we continue south to the world-famous village of Nazca, the location of the mysterious Nazca Lines. On the drive, we will stop at a viewing platform to get a glimpse of some of these lines. The Nazca Lines are a series of figures, lines, and geometric shapes that were etched into the ground of the desert plateau over a thousand years ago by the ancient Nazca culture, and their purpose is still unknown to this day.
In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to take an optional 30-minute flight over the Nazca Lines in a small aircraft - this is by far the best way of seeing the figures, and we use a local operator with an excellent safety record.
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Optional Activities
Visit to the Nazca Lines viewing tower
Entrance: 3 PEN
Fly over the Nazca lines
Scenic flight (not incl 35 PEN airport tax): 120 USD
This morning we head south of Nazca, and have an included visit to the nearby ancient sites of the Chauchilla Cemetery and the Cahuachi Pyramid, thought to have once been the religious centre of the Nazca civilisation.
In the afternoon we will continue our drive to the coastal resort of Puerto Inca.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Included Activities
Visit the incredible ancient Nazca sites of the Chauchilla Cemetery
Today we will start our drive inland, and head uphill to the beautiful 'White City' of Arequipa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Today we will have a free day to explore the colonial city of Arequipa, or for some optional activities in and around the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Take a fascinating cooking class in Arequipa learning how to create some iconic Peruvian cuisine and taking a tour of the nearby food markets
Class and market tour: 150 PEN
Explore the Museo Santuarious Andinos
Entrance: 20 PEN
Take a 'Reality Tour' of Arequipa - a walking tour with an alternative focus on the daily lives of the local people and contemporary issues facing modern Peru
Tour cost for 1 pax (75 PEN per pax if 2 pax, 70 PEN per pax if 3 or more pax): 150 PEN
Guided tour of Arequipa's Santa Catalina convent
Entrance: 40 PEN
Head out for an exciting morning of white-water rafting on the Chili River near Arequipa
Rafting: 35 USD
We will have some more free time to explore Arequipa this morning, before continuing our drive to the highland town of Chivay after lunch.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
This morning we will head out on a short drive to some of the best viewpoints along the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world! The canyon is famous for its resident condors, and we will spend a good amount of time at the viewpoints to give ourselves the best chance of spotting them. We will also visit a couple of local communities on the way back to Chivay.
We will have a free afternoon to explore Chivay, and possibly take an optional trip to the nearby hot springs.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Guided trip to see Colca Canyon and Andean condors
Optional Activities
Visit the thermal springs in Chivay
Entrance: 15 PEN
Today we will drive through the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian highlands to the small village of Raqchi. Here we will stay at a homestay as guests of the local villagers in their traditional family homes. The houses are very clean and have basic facilities. This evening the villagers will invite us to take part in a traditional Quechua religious ceremony, and we'll have some lively music from some of the village's musicians.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Included Activities
Quechua Indian homestay and community crafts project
This morning we will visit the Inca ruins of the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, and then see a pottery demonstration at a local artisan centre.
In the afternoon we will drive to the incredible historical city of Cuzco, the former Inca capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Included Activities
Guided visit to the Raqchi ruins
Today we have a free day to explore the wonderful city of Cuzco, discover its many historical gems, or to take part in number of optional activities near the city.
There will be an important meeting this evening for our Wild Andes and Classic Inca Trails, where we will have a full detailed briefing from our local trekking guides about the next few days!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Optional Activities
Visit the Cuzco Chocolate museum and take part in a workshop
Workshop: 70 PEN
Take part in a Peruvian cooking class in Cuzco learning how to make a variety of local dishes
Class: 79 USD
Visit one of Cuzco's excellent museums
Entrance : 22 PEN
These four days will be spent either trekking in the Andes, on our pioneering Wild Andes Trek, on the Classic Inca Trek or for those not wishing to hike, free time to explore and a guided tour of the Sacred Valley on our Train package.
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Leaving Cuzco early in the morning, we visit the ruined temples of Sacsayhuaman for a fascinating tour of the site. We then head on to Chinchero, a small Quechua-speaking village in the Sacred Valley. Here we will see a traditional weaving demonstration that has been unchanged for a thousand years, and explore their beautiful archaeological ruins. We will drive to a stunning viewpoint for a picnic lunch, and then visit the Quillarumiyoc temple (the Temple of the Moon).
We will start our trek from here in the afternoon, heading by foot to Zurite where we have a picturesque stay in a colonial house. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional dinner and get a taste of the local village lifestyle.
Approximate walking distance: 8km, Estimated time: 4hrs, Meals provided: Lunch and Dinner
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
This morning we go for a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, followed by a visit to the market town of Pisac, where we will have an included lunch. We then head to Ollantaytambo, where we have free time to explore the impressive archeological site. Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.
Please note that we have the evening to ourselves in Ollantaytambo, our Guide will meet us in the morning.
No Meals are included in Ollantaytambo.
There is no trekking today.
Option 3 - Train Package
You will leave Cuzco with your fellow passengers who will be trekking the Wild Andes Trek. You will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, followed by a beautiful scenic drive over mountains and through valleys, via the ancient city of Pisac and on to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. After lunch you will head back to Cuzco where you will stay at our nice, centrally located hotel for a further 3 nights.
Meals included: Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Included Activities
Trekking Options:
Option 1 - Trek the Classic Inca Trail up the Royal Inca Road.
Option 2 - Hike unspoilt Inca Trails in remote stunning Andes scenery away from tourist treks on our exclusive Wild Andes trail.
Option 3 - Take a Sacred Valley Tour, visit Ollantaytambo and take the train to Machu Picchu without trekking.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST ADVISE AT TIME OF BOOKING IF YOU WISH TO BOOK THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL OR THE NON TREKKING OPTION, OTHERWISE YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE PUT ON OUR WILD ANDES TREK.
Visit the incredible remains of the Inca temple of Sacsayhuaman and the Sacred Valley on a guided tour
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Zurite to Amaruwatana
After a hearty breakfast we leave Zurite and head towards Amaruwatana camp. The walk will take us through Qenteqentiyoc (the Hummingbird Temple), where we will visit and admire this Inca archaeological site. We will then follow the ancient path all the way to the top of our first pass at 4,400m, where we will have a dramatic view of both the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. From here we start walking down on the way to our first camp in the Sambor Valley where we will spend the night camping.
Approximate walking time: 8hrs, Distance: 13kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
Ollantaytambo to Wayllabamba
After breakfast, we catch a bus to Piscaycuscho and the start of the Classic Inca Trek - the railroad KM82 marker (at 2,700m altitude). Here we are joined by our crew of local porters and cooks. We will cross the bridge over the River Urubamba and following a trail along the left-hand shore of the river, enjoying stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Veronica (5,830m) and the Incan archaeological remains at Llactapata. Continuing through lush farmland and woodland, we gradually climb for approximately 5 hours to our first campsite at Wayllabamba (3,000m).
Approximate trekking time: 5-6hrs, Distance: 12kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Option 3 - Train Package
Today is a free day to enjoy Cuzco, with its museums, churches, incredible colonial architecture, beautiful restaurants and a vast array of shops, selling textiles and handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Amaruwatana to Ancascocha
We have an early start this morning, trekking for approximately 2 hours to reach the top of our second pass at 4,700m. From here we have fantastic views of the rock formations below us, and if we're lucky we may spot Andean ibises, caracaras, eagles or foxes up here!
After descending for approximatley 2 hours, we arrive at a stunning highland valley with a glacial river named Kenqo Mayu (meaning "Zig-zag River") flowing down it - which makes an idyllic stop for lunch!
After lunch we will continue trekking downhill following the ancient trail, which leads us to our campsite in the Ancascocha area.
Approximate trekking time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 10kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Option 2 - Classic Trek
Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo
This is the most challenging day of the trek as we ascend a long steep path (approximately 4 hours) through Andean cloud forest and highland puna to reach the highest point of our trek, Warmiwañusca (meaning "Dead Woman's Pass") at a height of 4,200m. During our ascent, we can appreciate the wide variety of plant, flower and bird species supported by this unique eco-climate. On reaching the pass, our challenge is rewarded by an astonishing panoramic view of the Vilcanota and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. From here we descend for 2 hours into the Pacaymayo Valley (3,650m altitude) and to our second campsite.
Approximate trekking time: 6-7hrs, Distance: 11kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Option 3 - Train Package
Today is a free day for you to enjoy Cuzco, with its museums, churches, incredible colonial architecture, beautiful restaurants and a vast array of shops selling textiles and handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ancascocha to Ollantaytambo
Today we will descend the narrow Silque Canyon, allowing us to observe its tall granite walls which are populated by a large variety of orchids and bromeliads, filling the environment with magnificent colours when they bloom. After crossing many little bridges we will reach the Camicancha area, where we stop at a magnificent volcanic viewpoint looking towards the snow-capped Mt. Veronica.
From here it is only a short trek to Chilca, where our trail ends. We'll be picked up by our vehicle and head to Ollantaytambo, taking a well-earned shower and rest at our hotel.
In the afternoon we will have an included guided tour around the incredible archaeological site of Ollantaytambo and its world-famous Temple of the Sun.
Please note that we have the evening to ourselves in Ollantaytambo, our Guide will meet us in the morning. No Meals are included in Ollantaytambo.
Approximate trekking time: 5hrs, Distance: 12kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch
Option 2 - Classic Inca Trek
Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna
Today we follow ancient stone paths and steps to ascend the well-preserved Inca remains of Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Phuyupatamarca (the "Town above the Clouds") where we can appreciate the Incas’ complex architectural style and reverence of natural geography and beauty. Heading down the Andean slope, we reach our final night's camp by the Wiñay Wayna (meaning "Forever Young") ruins, with panoramic views of the valley below.
Approximate walking time: 8hrs, Distance: 16kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Option 3 - Train Package
After being picked up from your hotel in the morning you will be driven to the fortress city of Ollantaytambo and our hotel for the night, the Tunupa Lodge. Here you will rejoin the Wild Andes Trekkers and your tour leader who will be arriving from their trek this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Included Activities
Take a guided tour of the fantastic Inca temples at Ollantaytambo
Option 1 - Wild Andes Trek
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cuzco
Today we will have an early start to catch the train to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From there, we will take a bus up the winding mountainside to the legendary ruined city of Machu Picchu - one of the world's most iconic sights! We have a guided tour with our expert local guide and there will be plenty of free time to explore this magical place.
In the afternoon we will head back to Ollantaytambo and then on to Cuzco, where we return to our joining hotel at the end of a long but phenomenal day!
Meals provided: Breakfast
Option 2 - Classic Trek
Wiñay Wayna to Machupicchu
Leaving Wiñay Wayna, we descend gradually further through the highland jungle to our destination - Intupunku (the "Sun Gate") leading into Machu Picchu. Arriving at daybreak, we catch our first breathtaking view of this historical wonder. As with the Wild Andes Trek, our local guide will show us the most important constructions as well as explain the history and the mythology of this magnificent place. There is also some free time to explore the ruins further at your own pace or just chill out and watch the hummingbirds or vizcachua. In the afternoon we head back down to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cuzco for a well-deserved rest.
Approximate walking time: 2hrs, Distance: 4kms, Meals provided: Breakfast, Snacks
Option 3 - Train Package
After an early breakfast and walk to the train station, your stunning 2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes begins. The journey takes you through several different micro-climates, past Inca terraces, lookout posts, ancient river bank reinforcements and small towns. You will get a glimpse of different temples and the beautiful Mount Veronica (5,750m). Passing through 8 tunnels, the train journey finally comes to an end in the busy pueblo, Aguas Calientes. From here you take a local bus that winds up the mountainside for about 30 minutes until you arrive at the entrance to Machu Picchu (2,400m), the awe inspiring 'Lost City of the Incas'. The guide will take you around the immense, mystical ruins for about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, explaining the rich history of the ancient site. Afterwards, you will have time to explore on your own before returning down the mountain to Aguas Calientes.
In the afternoon you will catch a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and a private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Cuzco.
Meals provided: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Included Activities
Guided visit to the fabled Incan citadel of Machu Picchu
Border information: if you are finishing in Cuzco, you will most likely exit Peru at Cuzco Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (IATA code: CUZ).
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Cuzco. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities available.
Meals: Breakfast
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