Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll land at Jorge Chavez International Airport and head to your hotel in Miraflores to settle in. At 2 pm, meet your tour leader and the group, then it's time to walk through downtown Lima. The guided tour takes you past colonial mansions, palaces, and churches, including a stop at the San Francisco Monastery where you can check out the catacombs beneath it. After that, wander through Lima's central market to get a feel for the local scene. The walking tour finishes at the main square, and then the rest of the evening is yours to either explore more on your own or grab dinner with other group members.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Lima's historical centre
- San Francisco Monastery and catacombs visit
- Lima central market browse
Optional Activities
- Coast Biking Urban Adventure - USD65 (minimum 2 participants)
- Home Cooked Tour Ceviche Experience - USD85 (based on 2 participants)
- Bohemian Barranco tour - USD75 (based on 4 participants)
- Lima Eat Street - USD75 (based on 4 participants)
- Lima Pisco Making - USD35 (based on 4 participants)
- Private Larco Museum - USD50 (based on 4 participants)
Landmarks San Francisco Monastery Lima Central Market Lima Main Square 
- Day 2
Lima to Puerto Maldonado to Madre de Dios
Start early and head to Lima airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. From there, you'll board a motorized canoe for about three hours into the jungle, with a packed lunch during the journey. Once you arrive at the eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region, you'll have time to settle in, take an orientation walk around the nearby area, and get ready to fall asleep to the jungle sounds.
- Meals
- Lunch (Packed lunch during canoe journey)
Included Activities
- Early morning transfer to Lima airport
- Flight to Puerto Maldonado
- Motorised canoe journey to eco-lodge (approximately 3 hours)
- Packed lunch during canoe journey
- Short orientation walk of the area
Landmarks Puerto Maldonado - Day 3
Madre de Dios (Amazon Jungle)
You'll set out on a half-day guided walk with local experts who'll teach you about medicinal and practical jungle plants that Indigenous people have used for thousands of years. Keep your eyes open for rainbow macaws, butterflies, peccaries, monkeys, capybaras, giant otters and jabirus. Head back to the lodge for lunch and some free time to rest. As sunset approaches, you'll head out on a night walk to search for the jungle's nocturnal animals.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Half-day guided jungle walk with local experts
- Night jungle walk
- Learning about medicinal and practical uses of jungle plants
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
Landmarks Amazon Jungle - Day 4
Madre de Dios to Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
You'll take a three-hour canoe ride back to Puerto Maldonado to collect your luggage, then fly to Cusco, which sits high in the mountains. After arriving, your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city. For dinner, you can try local cuisine like cuy (guinea pig) if you're feeling adventurous, or join the group at a local restaurant.
Included Activities
- Three-hour canoe ride to Puerto Maldonado
- Flight to Cusco
- Leader-led orientation walk of Cusco
Optional Activities
- Dinner with the group at local restaurants
- Trying local cuisine including cuy (guinea pig)
Landmarks Cusco - Day 5
Cusco to Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo
Start the day at Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Incan citadel perched on Cusco's outskirts. Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley, seeing maize terraces and the sacred river. You'll visit an authentic Andean community near Pisac to learn about traditional textile weaving. Lunch happens at the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba, a social enterprise that provides employment and training for single mothers. After eating, continue to Ollantaytambo to explore the town's ancient Incan ruins.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at AMA Restaurant in Urubamba - social enterprise supporting single mothers)
Included Activities
- Visit Sacsayhuaman archaeological site
- Travel through Sacred Valley by private bus
- Visit authentic Andean community near Pisac
- Learn about traditional textile weaving
- Lunch at AMA Restaurant in Urubamba
- Learn about AMA's inclusive enterprise model
- Visit Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Optional Activities
- Mountain Biking in Sacred Valley - USD170
Landmarks Sacsayhuaman Sacred Valley (Wilcamayo) Pisac Ollantaytambo 
- Day 6
Cusco to Inca Trail/Quarry Trail/Machu Picchu Train (Route-dependent)
Today marks the start of your Machu Picchu journey, and the route varies depending on which you've chosen. Route 1 takes you by minivan to the 82 km marker where you'll meet your porter crew and guide, then trek uphill to the 3100m campsite, seeing Incan sites including Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata with views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. Route 2 heads early to Choquequilla ceremonial site, then treks from Rafq'a, passing through Socma community, stopping at Perolniyoc Cascade, and reaching the 3700m campsite around lunchtime before exploring Q'orimarca. Route 3 visits Chinceros archaeological site on the way back to Cusco. You'll get a small duffle bag (5 kg maximum) for personal items; porters carry everything else and provide meals on trail.
- Meals
- Dinner (Nourishing meal prepared by trek cook at campsite)
Included Activities
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Guided trek to campsite at 3100m with views of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata sites
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Views of snow-capped Veronica Peak
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Nourishing meal prepared by trek cook
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Visit to Choquequilla ceremonial site
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Guided trek through Socma community
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Stop at Perolniyoc Cascade
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Exploration of Q'orimarca archaeological site
- Route 3 - Train option: Visit Chinceros archaeological site
Landmarks Ollantaytambo Huillca Raccay Llactapata Veronica Peak Choquequilla Socma Perolniyoc Cascade Q'orimarca Chinceros 
- Day 7
Inca Trail/Quarry Trail/Cusco (Route-dependent)
Route 1 features the most challenging day: ascend a steep path for about 5 hours to reach Warmiwanusca ('Dead Woman's Pass') at 4200m/13,779 feet, then descend to the Pacaymayo Valley campsite at 3650m/11,975 feet with valley views. Route 2 involves a 3-hour walk to Puccaqasa pass (4370m/14,337 feet), then a 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa (4450m/14,600 feet), the trek's highest point. Descend to Intipunku sun gate with views of Nevado Veronica mountain, then reach the 3600m/11,811 feet campsite. Route 3 offers a free day in Cusco; consider purchasing a boleto turistico pass for access to 16 archaeological sites.
Included Activities
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Trek to Warmiwanusca ('Dead Woman's Pass') at 4200m
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Descent to Pacaymayo Valley campsite
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Trek to Puccaqasa pass (approximately 4370m)
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Trek to Kuychicassa (4450m)
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Visit to Intipunku (sun gate)
- Route 3 - Train option: Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites)
Optional Activities
- Route 3: Pisco Making Urban Adventure - USD35
- Route 3: Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Route 3: Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Route 3: Humantay Lake Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Route 3: Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD100
- Route 3: Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Route 3: Rainbow Mountain Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD105
Landmarks Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass) Pacaymayo Valley Puccaqasa Pass Kuychicassa Intipunku (Sun Gate) Nevado Veronica Mountain 
- Day 8
Inca Trail/Quarry Trail to Aguas Calientes/Train to Aguas Calientes (Route-dependent)
Route 1 climbs through Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980m/13,058 feet) with views of Cordillera Vilcabamba, then descends 2-3 hours to Sayacmarca ruins. Cross the third pass to Phuyupatamarca ('Town Above the Clouds' at 3850m/12,631 feet), then descend 2 hours down Incan steps to the final campsite by Winay Wayna. Route 2 hikes downhill to the incomplete Kachiqata quarry (where Spanish intercepted Incas), reaches trek's end around midday, explores Ollantaytambo's cobbled streets, then takes a short train to Aguas Calientes to meet non-hiking group members. Route 3 drives 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo, then catches a train through the winding Urubamba Valley (1.5 hours) to Aguas Calientes in the cloud forest at Machu Picchu's foot, to meet hiking group members.
Included Activities
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Climb to Runkuracay Pass (3980m)
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Trek to Sayacmarca ruins
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Cross third pass to Phuyupatamarca
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Descent to Winay Wayna campsite
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Downhill hike to Kachiqata quarry
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Exploration of Ollantaytambo
- Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Train journey to Aguas Calientes
- Route 3 - Train option: Drive to Ollantaytambo
- Route 3 - Train option: Train journey through Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks Pacaymayo Valley Runkuracay Pass Cordillera Vilcabamba Sayacmarca Phuyupatamarca (Town Above the Clouds) Winay Wayna Kachiqata Quarry Ollantaytambo Urubamba Valley Aguas Calientes - Day 9
Machu Picchu to Cusco
Route 1 wakes at 4 am for breakfast, says goodbye to porters, and begins hiking by 4:30 am. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, start the 2.5-hour hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate), entering Machu Picchu with views of the 'Lost City of the Incas' if weather allows. Routes 2 and 3 take an early 5:30 am bus to Machu Picchu. The city, built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, features temples, palaces and living quarters. After exploring and taking photos, all groups catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take a scenic train to Ollantaytambo before driving back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in Aguas Calientes)
Included Activities
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Final hike to Intipunku (Sun Gate)
- Route 1 - Inca Trail: Entry to Machu Picchu
- Route 2 & 3: Early morning bus to Machu Picchu
- Route 2 & 3: Guided tour of Machu Picchu ruins, temples, palaces and living quarters
- All routes: Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- All routes: Scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo
- All routes: Drive back to Cusco
Landmarks Intipunku (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu Aguas Calientes Ollantaytambo - Day 10
Cusco
You'll have a free day to explore Cusco at your own pace. Relax at a Plaza de Armas cafe for people-watching or grab a meal at Manos Unidas, a central pizzeria supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational training. This afternoon, head to Casa Intrepid for a hands-on Pisco Sour mixology class. You'll learn to craft Peru's national cocktail by balancing Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white and bitters while discovering the drink's cultural story. This evening, perhaps join the group for dinner where your leader will have local recommendations.
Included Activities
- Pisco Sour hands-on mixology class at Casa Intrepid
Optional Activities
- Pisco Making Urban Adventure - USD35
- Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Humantay Lake Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD100
- Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Rainbow Mountain Hike (based on 4 participants) - USD105
- Meal at Manos Unidas (vocational training pizzeria)
- Cafe time at Plaza de Armas
- Dinner with the group at local restaurants
Landmarks Plaza de Armas (Cusco) Casa Intrepid - Day 11
Cusco to Puno
Travel by comfortable public bus with reclining chairs for about 7 hours to the tiny town of Puno on Lake Titicaca's shores. The journey takes you through spectacular mountain scenery on decent roads. Puno is a cultural melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan traditions and is known as the folklore capital of Peru, celebrating traditional Andean customs strongly. The town is famous for its traditional dances and many festivals, especially the Virgen de la Candelaria, so you might see colorful evening parades with costumed dancers and musicians if your visit aligns with celebrations.
Included Activities
- Comfortable public bus journey from Cusco to Puno (approximately 7 hours)
Landmarks Lake Titicaca Puno - Day 12
Lake Titicaca
You'll sail across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit the floating islands of the Uros, built from layers of totora reeds that must be regularly replaced as they rot. Learn how the Uros have maintained this ancient way of life since pre-Incan times and watch them craft reed boats that last up to a year. Continue to Taquile Island where men traditionally knit and women spin wool. Hike uphill to the main part of the island for sweeping views of the lake. Perhaps end your day with a simple dinner of quinoa soup and muna tea.
Included Activities
- Sail across Lake Titicaca
- Visit to floating islands of the Uros
- Learn about Uros history and reed boat craftsmanship
- Visit to Taquile Island
- Hike to main part of Taquile Island
- Experience traditional knitting and spinning practices
Optional Activities
- Simple dinner of quinoa soup and muna tea
Landmarks Lake Titicaca Uros Floating Islands Taquile Island 
- Day 13
Puno to La Paz
Travel to La Paz by bus this morning. Upon arrival, explore optional activities like riding the Mi Teleferico cable car for panoramic city views, wandering through the Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas), or watching Cholita wrestling. At 6 pm, you'll have a welcome meeting to meet new travelers joining for the final leg of your adventure. After the meeting, perhaps join your group for dinner at a local restaurant with your new and existing travel companions.
Included Activities
- Bus journey to La Paz
- Welcome meeting at 6 pm
Optional Activities
- Mi Teleferico cable car for panoramic city views
- Visit to Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
- Cholita wrestling show
- Dinner with the group at local restaurants
Landmarks La Paz Mi Teleferico Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas) 
- Day 14
La Paz
Start the day with a walking tour through La Paz. You'll see the San Francisco Church, historic Plaza Murillo and Calle Jaen with its clustered museums. Discover traditional Bolivian crafts and medicinal herbs at the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas). Ride the teleferico (cable car) for aerial city views. Stop at the famous Killi Killi viewpoint, then head to Moon Valley, a geological site where erosion has sculpted massive sandstone monoliths over thousands of years. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace or relax on a nearby beach.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of La Paz
- Visit San Francisco Church
- Visit Plaza Murillo
- Explore Calle Jaen and clustered museums
- Visit Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
- Teleferico (cable car) ride over the city
- Stop at Killi Killi viewpoint
- Visit Moon Valley
Optional Activities
- Relax on nearby beach
- Explore Sopocachi Neighborhood
- Dinner at a bohemian-style bistro
- Coca Museum - USD3
- Tiwanaku Archeological site (shared service) - USD50
Landmarks San Francisco Church Plaza Murillo Calle Jaen Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) Killi Killi Viewpoint Moon Valley Sopocachi Neighborhood - Day 15
La Paz to Uyuni
Today's adventure takes you across the Andean plateaus to Uyuni, a high-altitude frontier town perched at the edge of the altiplano stretching toward Argentina and Chile. The scenic journey includes stops to stretch your legs and grab lunch. When you arrive in Uyuni this afternoon, the rest of the day is free so you can relax at your hotel or find a local restaurant for dinner with recommendations from your leader.
Included Activities
- Scenic journey across Andean plateaus to Uyuni
Optional Activities
- Lunch during journey
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks Andean Plateau Uyuni Altiplano 
- Day 16
Uyuni
This morning, visit the Train Cemetery on Uyuni's deserted outskirts. The town was once a mineral distribution hub, but when the mining industry collapsed in the 1940s, many trains were abandoned. Walk through old, rusting antique train carriages and steam engines. Then explore Uyuni's famous Salt Flats by 4WD. Visit Colchani town to see how locals process salt from the Salar. See the Salt Hotel, a unique structure built entirely of salt. Discover cacti and coral-like structures on rocky Isla Inca Wasi, then stop for a picnic lunch in the heart of the salt flats. Visit the iconic salt sculpture rising from the white expanse, a Dakar Rally tribute. If weather allows, watch the sunset over this otherworldly landscape before returning to your hotel.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch in the middle of the salt flats)
Included Activities
- Visit Train Cemetery
- Explore old and rusting train carriages and steam engines
- 4WD exploration of Uyuni's Salt Flats
- Visit Colchani town
- Learn about salt processing from the Salar
- See the Salt Hotel (built entirely of salt)
- Visit Isla Inca Wasi
- See cacti and coral-like structures
- Picnic lunch in the salt flats
- Visit iconic salt Dakar Rally sculpture
- Sunset viewing (weather permitting)
Landmarks Train Cemetery (Uyuni) Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats) Colchani Salt Hotel Isla Inca Wasi 
- Day 17
Uyuni to Siloli Desert
Today is a long travel day through the Andean Desert to Siloli Desert, a good time to settle into your book or favorite podcasts. Along the way, you'll pass the active Ollague Volcano and small colorful lakes. Stop at San Cristobal de Lipez, a small village known for its relocated church (Iglesia San Cristobal Lipez), moved stone by stone when the original town relocated due to silver mining. Continue to Alota, known for its distinctive rock formations, then to the Hedionda and Canapa Lagoons, often home to vibrant flamingo populations. Finish your day at Siloli Desert with its vast expanse of volcanoes and arid terrain. Settle into your accommodation in the middle of the desert, then head out to dinner with your group.
Included Activities
- Travel through Andean Desert to Siloli Desert
- Pass active Ollague Volcano
- Pass small colourful lakes
- Stop at San Cristobal de Lipez
- See Iglesia San Cristobal Lipez (relocated church)
- Stop at Alota
- Visit Hedionda and Canapa Lagoons
- View flamingos (if present)
- Arrive at Siloli Desert
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group
Landmarks Andean Desert Ollague Volcano San Cristobal de Lipez Iglesia San Cristobal Lipez Alota Hedionda Lagoon Canapa Lagoon Siloli Desert - Day 18
Siloli Desert to San Pedro de Atacama
This morning, visit Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon), a shallow salt lake in the Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve. Continue to the Sol de Manana Geysers, then soak in the hot springs at Polques. Travel across the dramatic Pampas de Dali Desert to Laguna Verde, a green lagoon at the foot of Licancabur Volcano. Continue to the Bolivian border post at Hito Cajon, change vehicles, and descend the paved road to the Chile immigration post on the outskirts of San Pedro de Atacama. This high-altitude town sits on an arid plateau in the Andes mountains and serves as the gateway to the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar desert on Earth. After immigration procedures, the rest of your evening is free.
Included Activities
- Visit Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon)
- Visit Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve
- Visit Sol de Manana Geysers
- Soak in hot springs at Polques
- Travel across Pampas de Dali Desert
- Visit Laguna Verde at foot of Licancabur Volcano
- Cross Bolivian border at Hito Cajon
- Immigration procedures at Chile border
Landmarks Laguna Colorada (Red Lagoon) Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve Sol de Manana Geysers Polques Hot Springs Pampas de Dali Desert Laguna Verde Licancabur Volcano Hito Cajon San Pedro de Atacama Atacama Desert - Day 19
San Pedro de Atacama
Today is a free day to explore the unique attractions of San Pedro de Atacama and the Atacama Desert at your own pace. Options include visiting El Tatio Geysers to see geothermal activity, exploring the red rock formations and volcanic landscape at Piedras Rojas, or walking through the ancient fortress ruins of Pukara de Quitor while learning about the pre-Hispanic Lickan Antay culture. This evening, perhaps head out for dinner with the group where your leader will have plenty of local recommendations.
Optional Activities
- Visit El Tatio Geysers
- Explore Piedras Rojas (red rock formations and volcanic landscape)
- Walk through Pukara de Quitor ruins
- Learn about pre-Hispanic Lickan Antay culture
- Cejar Lagoon (guide and entrance) (min. 2 participants) - CLP66000
- Meteorito Museum - CLP5000
- Astronomic Tour (min. 2 participants) - CLP39000
- Dinner with the group at local restaurants
Landmarks El Tatio Geysers Piedras Rojas Pukara de Quitor - Day 20
San Pedro de Atacama
Travel to Atacama Desert's most colorful landscape this morning: Rainbow Valley, named after the vivid reds, greens, yellows and whites that paint the hills. From a scenic viewpoint, watch the valley's natural colors come alive as the sun rises over Rainbow Canyon. Continue to Yerbas Buenas to learn about the region's important collection of petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings) revealing the lives and beliefs of the area's earliest inhabitants. This afternoon, travel across the Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) to Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), a valley with small, sharp-crested hills created by wind that resembles the moon's surface. Watch the sunset over this moon-like landscape. Tonight, celebrate the last night of your trip by joining your group at a local restaurant for dinner featuring dishes like pastel de choclo (corn and meat casserole) or empanadas (savory pastries).
Included Activities
- Visit Rainbow Valley
- View scenic sunrise over Rainbow Canyon
- Visit Yerbas Buenas
- Learn about petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings)
- Travel across Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range)
- Visit Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon)
- Watch sunset over Valle de la Luna
Optional Activities
- Celebration dinner with group at local restaurant
Landmarks Rainbow Valley Rainbow Canyon Yerbas Buenas Cordillera de la Sal (Salt Mountain Range) Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) - Day 21
San Pedro de Atacama (End)
As there are no activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you'd like to spend more time in San Pedro de Atacama, you can arrange this with your booking agent ahead of time. Alternatively, pre-book a departure transfer to Calama airport through your booking agent.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Pre-book departure transfer to Calama airport
Landmarks San Pedro de Atacama Calama Airport
