Peru Inca Trail

Arrive Lima and check-in at hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Heading south on the Panamerican Highway we stop at the ancient religious centre of Pachacamac, whose many pre-Inca and Incan adobe walls and temples have miraculously stood for hundreds of years, preserved by the desert climate. We continue on to Paracas and it’s National Park where we can observe some extraordinary lunar landscapes and have the chance to see varied birdlife.

Overnight Standard Hotel

There is the possibility this morning to take an (optional) excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see a large colony of sea lions, seabirds and even penguins. We then continue south pausing at Ica to visit the small but excellent museum (optional) or the huge sand dunes outside the town at Huacachina Oasis. Then we drive on to the mysterious Nazca Lines. Some specialists have speculated that they represent the world’s largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline. Here we'll climb the nearby viewing platform for views out over the lines etched into the desert. There should also be time for optional visit to the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetry or the Nazca aqueduct.

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Following the coastal route through the desert we reach the tiny settlement of Puerto Inca. In Inca times relays of chasquis (runners) transported fresh fish 250kms to Cusco in the mountains in just one day! In the afternoon you can watch the wildlife in the quiet bay or explore the ruins including ancient llama corrals and grain stores.

Overnight Standard Hostel Included meals: Dinner

A full day’s drive takes us through strange desert scenery. As we leave the coastal plain behind, our road climbs steadily through the Andean mountains to reach the beautiful city of Arequipa.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The day is free to explore this beautiful city, situated at 2380m and surrounded by snowcapped mountains including the perfect conical peak of El Misti (5822m). Arequipa is famed for it’s colonial architecture and the arcaded city square, dominated on one side by the twin towered cathedral (1612), is among the finest to be found in South America. We visit Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion.

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Heading north from Arequipa we enter the world of the Altiplano. We pass behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. Passing herds of Llama and Alpaca – if lucky we may spot the elusive Vicuña. Today we briefly reach the highest point of our trip at 4,800m before descending on towards Colca.

Overnight Standard Hotel

From Chivay we make an early start to the mirador Cruz del Condor in the hope of spotting the rare Andean Condor. Seeing these magnificent birds in flight is a highlight of any tour. We continue to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca: the highest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3,856m, and the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. The local Aymara and Quechua–speaking Indian people have adapted over generations to life at altitude and have larger lungs, hearts and spleens, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles.

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The Uros people dwell on the lake itself, on ‘floating islands’ of totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in the construction of houses and boats. We continue by motorboat to Taquile Island which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage and the islanders still speak the language of the Inca-Quechua. Accommodation is limited to rustic, dormstyle facilities in a local house. We recommend walking to the top of this terraced island to watch the sun set.

Overnight Simple Village House

This morning is free on Taquile Island where the local people still preserve a rich tradition of music and dance. This is the ideal opportunity to buy locally produced knitted goods – produced by the men of the island. In the afternoon we return to Puno by boat, where there is the opportunity to visit the British built Yavari Steamer now under restoration (optional). We return by bus to Puno later on.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler – Manco Capac – on his way to find Cuzco. En route to Cusco we stop at the beautifully scenic site of Sillustani – a fitting home for the chullpas (funeral towers), which probably date from the 14th century. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano we cross La Raya pass (4335m) and descend to Cuzco. Depending on time, those who wish may visit the colonial church at Andahuaylillas. The scenery is desolate but magnificent and we may spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures.

Overnight Standard Hotel

The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. The interlocking stones, assembled so carefully that a knife blade cannot be forced between the multi-sided joints, were highly functional as well as beautiful – they are earthquake-proof! During our stay, we plan a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca and Colonial monuments, such as the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls. We will visit Cusco’s templecitadel, Saqsaywaman which broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Non Trekking Itinerary

Today we travel into the Sacred Valley where we say a temporary goodbye to our trekking companions at Ollantaytambo. Whilst the trekkers are taken to the start of their hike, you will have a few hours to explore the town and nearby site before continuing to our comfortable hotel in the nearby village of Yucay.

Overnight hotel (H++) Included meals: Dinner

Trekking Itinerary

We drive to Chilca, stopping at the Inca site of Ollantaytambo. The major highlight of the trip is without doubt the trek along the Inca Trail. To the east runs the Kusichaca river; to the north the Urubamba. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot. Our trek starts at by crossing the Urubamba river, then following its rapids down the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2700m). Here we camp below the ruins of Llaqtapata. (6Km, 2.5hrs walking)

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Lunch, Dinner

Non Trekking Itinerary

Today we take a full day trip out to the remarkable saltpans of Maras and visit Moray, known locally as ‘the laboratory of the Incas’.

Overnight Hotel (H++) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Trekking Itinerary

Following the course of the Kusichaca river the trail leads to Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. We continue to Llulluchapampa (3800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks around us. Here we set up camp for the night. (10km, 5 hrs walking)

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Non Trekking Itinerary

Free day in the Sacred Valley; optional white water rafting or visit the village of Misminay where our Inca Trail porters live.

Overnight Hotel (H++) Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.

Trekking Itinerary

Today we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman) Pass (4200m), to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. We then cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3993m). Here the selva (jungle) becomes visible on the slopes of the mountains. The Sayaqmarka ruins are on a rocky promontory. They command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. Our trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, then on through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba river to the lovely Puyupatamarka ruins (3597m). The views of the Urubamba and (if we are lucky) the snowcapped peaks of Veronica (5750m) and Salkantay make these ruins one of the most beautiful places on the trail. (15km, 8hrs walking)

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Non Trekking Itinerary

Today the non-trekkers cath the train as it rumbles through the Sacred Valley and follows the dramatic course of Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. From here we take a bus up the steep winding road to Machu Picchu where we rendezvous with the trekkers and then return together to Aguas Calientes.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trekking Itinerary

We descend to Winay-Wayna ruins (2591m), a small Inca city which, like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons. Then from Inti-Punku – the Gate of the Sun – there is a sudden and fantastic view of the ‘Lost City’ itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site, then travel down to our simple accomodation in the town of Aquas Callentes situated on the valley floor. Tonight we recommend a dip in the thermal springs. (walking 4hrs)

Overnight Simple Hostel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of Ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Train permitting, there may be time to climb Huayna Picchu mountain and admire the site from a different perspective. In the afternoon we return to Cusco by train and then bus.

Overnight Standard Hotel

There are plenty of things to do in Cusco. One possibility is to go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River (grade 2–3) – no previous experience is necessary and all safety equipment is provided (optional). You can also choose to visit the market at Pisac and it’s incredible Inca ruins spread out amphitheatre fashion far above the town. From here it is an enjoyable walk into the village. This is your chance to bargain for some exotic craftwork or simply enjoy the colourful spectacle. Alternatively you could visit some of the outlying sites of Qengo, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay.

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A morning transfer for our flight back to Lima. Founded in 1535 and called the City of Kings, Lima today is both ancient and modern. Time permitting there might be the opportunity to stroll through Plaza San Martin and Bolivar and enter the fascinating Catacombs of the convent of San Francisco. We can make an optional orientation tour on foot, passing through the colonial squares and under the intricate modern balconies of old Lima, seeing some of the city’s best surviving examples of colonial architecture (optional). There may be time for some last minute shopping.

Overnight Standard Hotel