Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll arrive in Lima and have a welcome meeting at your hotel at 4 pm. If you're interested, there's an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour where you can walk through the bohemian Barranco district, try local street food and sample pisco cocktails.
Optional Activities
- Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures - explore Barranco district, sample local street food and pisco cocktails
Landmarks Barranco District - Day 2
Lima to Paracas
Start with a walking tour of downtown Lima, checking out Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the Central Market. Then board a local bus heading to Paracas, which will likely stop three or four times along the way. Once there, you'll have time to explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of downtown Lima including Plaza Mayor, Cathedral of Lima, San Francisco Monastery and Central Market
Optional Activities
- Visit a bar serving Pisco sour (Peru's national drink)
Landmarks Plaza Mayor Cathedral of Lima San Francisco Monastery Central Market - Day 3
Paracas to Nazca
If you enjoy wildlife, there's a two-hour boat tour to the Ballestas Islands where you can spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos. Otherwise, spend the day wandering around Paracas on your own. Later, travel to Nazca with a stop in Huacachina by a small lake surrounded by sand dunes. You can take in views from the platform or opt for a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- Ballestas Islands guided boat tour - two-hour tour to spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos (PEN97)
- Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (USD100, excluding 77 PEN Taxes at Nazca Airport)
Landmarks Ballestas Islands Paracas National Reserve Huacachina Nazca Lines - Day 4
Nazca to Arequipa
This morning you'll explore the Chauchilla desert graveyard, where dry conditions have naturally preserved remains of the Nazca people. The atmosphere is eerie and unique. In the afternoon, board a local overnight bus heading to Arequipa, so grab snacks for the journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Chauchilla Cemetery Tour
Landmarks Chauchilla Cemetery 
- Day 5
Arequipa
You'll arrive in Arequipa this morning and check into your hotel. After breakfast, the rest of the day is free. The White City is built from pale volcanic rock and sits at the foot of El Misti Volcano. Wander the main plaza with its cafes and cathedral, or visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum which houses Peru's famous Ice Maiden.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Andean Sanctuaries Museum visit - see Peru's famous Ice Maiden (Inca mummy)
- Santa Catalina Monastery admission (PEN45)
- Juanita Museum admission (PEN20)
Landmarks El Misti Volcano Plaza de Armas - Day 6
Arequipa to Chivay
Travel by minivan to the traditional market town of Chivay, watching for llamas, alpacas and vicunas along the way. You'll stop to stretch your legs, take photos and try local coca tea. The route climbs to Patapama (4800 m/15,748 ft) before descending into Chivay. Have lunch in town, then relax in the Colca Canyon hot springs and enjoy llama steak with live Andean music at a local pena bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Travel through high altitude stops with opportunities to spot llamas, alpacas and vicunas
- Local coca tea tasting
Optional Activities
- Colca Canyon hot springs visit (La Calera - PEN15)
- Llama steak dinner at local restaurant with live Andean music at a pena bar
Landmarks Patapama Colca Canyon 
- Day 7
Chivay to Puno
Visit the Colca Canyon, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. You'll see terraced crops cultivated since pre-Inca times and look out for the Andean condor, one of the world's largest flying birds. Later, board a bus to Puno for a long but scenic drive through the Altiplano highlands. Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon guided tour - view terraced crops and spot Andean condor from prime viewing point
Landmarks Colca Canyon Altiplano Lake Titicaca 
- Day 8
Puno - Uros Islands
Take a motorboat tour of Lake Titicaca this morning. You'll stop at the floating Uros Islands, which are constructed from layers of totora reeds. Then experience a homestay with a local community where you'll help with daily activities, learn some Quechua language and maybe join a soccer game. Share a home-cooked meal with your hosts in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Home-cooked meal with host family)
Included Activities
- Lake Titicaca motorboat tour
- Uros Islands visit
- Homestay with local community on Uros Islands
- Home-cooked meal with host family
Landmarks Lake Titicaca Uros Islands - Day 9
Puno - Taquile Island
Board another motorboat and cruise to Taquile Island, where the local people are known for producing intricate textiles. Men knit while women do the spinning. Shop for high-quality locally knitted goods, then take a one-hour hike uphill to the main area. Shop for more handicrafts and descend about 500 steps back to the boat. Return to Puno where you can enjoy a drink at a local bar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Motorboat cruise to Taquile Island
- One-hour hike uphill to main area of island
Optional Activities
- Shopping for locally knitted textiles and handicrafts
- Evening drink at local bar - Chilcano or Pisco sour
Landmarks Taquile Island - Day 10
Puno to Cusco
Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco (3450 m/11,316 ft), the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. You'll have time to acclimate to the high altitude, then explore lesser-known Cusco sights on a guided walking tour. Visit Qoricancha temple facade, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. End at Cusco's Chocolate Museum to sample hot chocolate made from local cacao beans.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Cusco's lesser-known sights including Qoricancha temple facade, San Pedro market, main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square
- Cusco Chocolate Museum visit with hot chocolate tasting
Landmarks Qoricancha San Pedro Market Plaza de Armas 12 Angled Stone Regocijo Square San Blas Square - Day 11
Cusco
You have a free day in Cusco to explore at your own pace. With a boleto turistico pass, you can visit several museums and archaeological sites including the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Coricancha is the most easily accessible site. Your leader can give you tips for making the most of your time.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit museums and archaeological sites with boleto turistico pass: Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Coricancha
- Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
- Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75
- Coricancha Temple entrance fee - PEN20
- Mountain biking in hills surrounding Cusco
- Pisco Making Urban Adventure - USD35
- Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
- Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD100
- 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40
Landmarks Contemporary Art Museum Regional History Museum Qosqo Native Art Museum Saqsaywaman Q'enqo Puka Pukara Pisac Ollantaytambo Coricancha - Day 12
Cusco - Inca Trail/Quarry Trail/Train Option
Depending on your route choice, you're either starting the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail, or staying in Cusco before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. All routes visit Machu Picchu. For the Inca Trail, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker to meet your guide and porter crew, then hike uphill to campsite (3100 m/10,171 ft) with views of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay, Llactapata and snow-capped Veronica Peak. For the Quarry Trail, start early to the Choquequilla moon worship site, climb Qory Song'o hill for valley views and explore protected sacred tombs before reaching campsite (3700 m/12,139 ft). For the train option, stay in Cusco to visit museums and archaeological sites with your leader's guidance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Nourishing meal prepared by cook at campsite)
Included Activities
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail guided hike with porters' support (Route 1)
- 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail guided hike with porters' support (Route 2)
- Guided Cusco stay option (Route 3)
Landmarks Ollantaytambo Huillca Raccay Llactapata Veronica Peak Choquequilla Qory Song'o Perolniyoc Cascade Q'orimarca 
- Day 13
Inca Trail/Quarry Trail/Sacred Valley
On the Inca Trail, this is the most challenging trekking day. Ascend steep path to Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's Pass) at 4200 m/13,779 ft for valley views, then descend to Pacaymayo Valley campsite (3650 m/11,975 ft). On the Quarry Trail, it's the most challenging and rewarding day with a 3-hour walk to Puccaqasa (4370 m/14,337 ft) pass, then hike to Kuychicassa (4450 m/14,600 ft), the trek's highest pass. Descend to sacred Intipunku (sun gate) and continue to campsite (3600 m/11,811 ft). For the train option, drive through Sacred Valley with lunch in a local community to learn about traditional lifestyle and Quechua language. Stay overnight in Ollantaytambo.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Warmiwanusca pass (Route 1)
- Trek to Kuychicassa and Intipunku (Route 2)
- Sacred Valley drive with lunch in local community (Route 3)
Landmarks Warmiwanusca Pacaymayo Valley Puccaqasa Kuychicassa Intipunku Sacred Valley - Day 14
Inca Trail/Quarry Trail/Aguas Calientes
On the Inca Trail, climb through Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m/13,058 ft) with snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba views. Descend 2 to 3 hours to Sayacmarca ruins, cross the third pass to Phuyupatamarca (3850 m/12,631 ft, Town Above the Clouds) and descend 2 hours on Inca steps to campsite near Winay Wayna archaeological site. On the Quarry Trail, hike downhill to the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, explore cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo, then take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes and meet group members who didn't hike. Stay in hotel overnight. For the train option, meet the hikers who took the Quarry Trail, catch the 1.5-hour train through Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes and stay in hotel overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek to Runkuracay Pass, Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca ruins (Route 1)
- Descent hike to Kachiqata quarry and Ollantaytambo (Route 2)
- Train journey through Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (Route 3)
Landmarks Runkuracay Pass Cordillera Vilcabamba Sayacmarca Phuyupatamarca Winay Wayna Kachiqata Ollantaytambo Urubamba Valley - Day 15
Machu Picchu to Cusco
On the Inca Trail, you'll start early with breakfast at 4 am, say farewell to your porters and begin the final 2.5-hour hike at 5 am through Intipunku (Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you'll have views of the Lost City as you enter through the gate. On the other routes, take an early 6 am bus to Machu Picchu. Built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Inca nobility, you'll take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. Catch a bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Final trek to Intipunku and Machu Picchu entrance (Route 1)
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour (Route 2 & 3)
Landmarks Intipunku Machu Picchu - Day 16
Cusco
You have free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco. Rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market where you'll find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and handicrafts. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market also has popular local soups. If you're looking for something active, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Mountain biking in hills surrounding Cusco
Landmarks Plaza de Armas San Pedro Market - Day 17
Cusco to Amazon Jungle
Rise early for your journey into the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado. Pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region, about two hours away with a lunch stop along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge and take a short orientation walk, then spend the evening soaking in the jungle atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Amazon jungle lodge stay
- Motorised canoe cruise to lodge
- Short orientation walk
Landmarks Madre de Dios 
- Day 18
Amazon Jungle
Explore the jungle depths on a half-day guided trek with local experts who'll teach you about medicinal and practical uses of jungle plants that Indigenous people have studied for thousands of years. Look out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, listen for peccaries and chattering monkeys, and watch for capybaras, giant otters and jabirus. Return to lodge for lunch and relax. After sunset, venture on a night walk searching for caimans, jaguars, anacondas and other nocturnal creatures.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Half-day guided jungle trek with local experts
- Night walk after sunset
Landmarks Madre de Dios - Day 19
Amazon Jungle to Lima
Leave the Amazon behind and return to Puerto Maldonado to board a flight back to Lima. A local representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. Time permitting, the rest of the day is free to explore more of Lima's sights and do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, perhaps regroup for one last night out on the town with a celebratory farewell dinner of Peruvian favourites.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Lima's sights and last-minute shopping
- Celebratory farewell dinner of Peruvian favourites
- Day 20
Lima
You have a free day in Lima. Explore further, take up a fun optional activity or just rest and recharge, ready for the next stage of your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 21
Lima to Quito
Take a flight to Quito, Ecuador at 2850 m/9,350 ft altitude with Pichincha Volcano on the horizon. If your flight arrives in time, head to your second welcome meeting at 2 pm to get to know your new group and trip leader. Your local leader will take you on a tour of Quito's historic centre, visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with its neo-Gothic facade featuring Galapagos tortoises, Andean condors and Amazon alligators, and La Compania de Jesus, considered the most beautiful church in the Americas with seven tons of gold leaf on the interior. The tour finishes at San Francisco Square.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Quito historic district walking tour including Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and La Compania de Jesus
Optional Activities
- Dinner in Quito's Old Town
Landmarks Pichincha Volcano Parque de la Alameda Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus La Compania de Jesus San Francisco Square 
- Day 22
Quito to Isla San Cristobal, Galapagos
After breakfast, board a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Eastern Pacific Ocean famous for its abundant wildlife and plant species. Charles Darwin visited in 1835 and was inspired to create his theory of evolution. Head to La Loberia where you'll put on snorkelling gear for the first time and swim among friendly sea lions and look out for sea turtles. Return to town for a free evening to explore and maybe enjoy fresh seafood with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Flight to Galapagos Islands
- Snorkeling in La Loberia (1.5 hours) with sea lions and sea turtles
Optional Activities
- Fresh seafood dinner
Landmarks Galapagos Islands La Loberia 
- Day 23
Isla San Cristobal
Take a 45-minute boat ride to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock). On the way, you might spot nesting frigates and blue-footed boobies, and you might even swim among sea lions again. Snorkel at Leon Dormido and look for sea turtles, manta rays and harmless Galapagos sharks. Eat lunch on the boat, then head to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history and conservation projects. Continue to Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) for a climb with views of the bay. Return to town late afternoon for a free evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch on boat)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) with boat ride and snorkeling
- Galapagos Interpretation Center visit (45 minutes)
- Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill) viewpoint hike (1 hour)
Landmarks Leon Dormido Cerro Tijeretas - Day 24
Isla San Cristobal to Isla Floreana to Isla Isabela
Take an early morning boat ride to Isla Floreana, looking for dolphins and whales along the way. Snorkel in clear blue waters then break for lunch. Venture to a black-sand beach belonging to the Witmers, descendants of some of the first settlers. Puerto Velasco Ibarra has about 150 residents and an intriguing history. Wave goodbye to Floreana in the afternoon and continue to Isla Isabela where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat ride to Isla Floreana with dolphin and whale watching opportunities
- Snorkeling at Isla Floreana
Landmarks Isla Floreana Puerto Velasco Ibarra Isla Isabela 
- Day 25
Isla Isabela
Hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley), looking for blue-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins. Take a short walk on this isolated islet and popular iguana nesting site, then snorkel in a calm inlet with colourful fish and underground lava tubes where green sea turtles rest on the sandy bottom. Return to Isabela and visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center to observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. Visit a brackish lagoon to see flamingos, then take a kayak around the island and soak in your first Isabela sunset.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) excursion with Zodiac boat, short walk and snorkeling
- Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center visit
- Flamingo lagoon visit
- Kayaking around island
Landmarks Las Tintoreras Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center - Day 26
Isla Isabela
Start your last day heading towards the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the Galapagos' most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater. Weather permitting, take a challenging hike of around 17 km up the rocky mountain. Make your way back to town for free time to curl up with a book, soak tired muscles or venture down to the water for a relaxing swim before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Sierra Negra Volcano hike (approximately 17 km, 5-6 hours)
Landmarks Sierra Negra Volcano - Day 27
Isla Isabela to Isla Santa Cruz
Jump aboard a private speedboat and head to Isla Santa Cruz. Leave your bags at the hotel and head to the Santa Cruz Highlands. Visit a local farm where giant tortoises roam freely. Meet with an expert chef for a cooking class to make encebollado, a famous local tuna soup widely considered one of the best in the world. This hearty dish uses slow-cooked albacore tuna and savoury broth made of onions, cilantro and spices. Enjoy the soups for lunch, wander the grounds with the tortoises and visit an organic sugar cane farm run by a local family for a tour of their trapiche (sugar cane mill). Learn how they harvest and process sugar cane and cacao.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Encebollado (local tuna soup) prepared during cooking class)
Included Activities
- Private speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Highlands visit (3 hours)
- Farm visit with giant tortoises
- Encebollado cooking class
- Organic farm tour with sugar cane and cacao processing
Landmarks Isla Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Highlands 
- Day 28
Isla Santa Cruz
Take a morning walk in Tortuga Bay after breakfast, keeping an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies. Head to the local fish market for a dose of local life. Visit The Galapagos Conservancy, which helps protect the archipelago's unique biodiversity. Learn how The Intrepid Foundation supports the WISE program, providing capital for sustainability initiatives and building entrepreneurial capacity of Galapagos women. Head to the Charles Darwin Research Station, an international non-profit dedicated to scientific research and conservation of the archipelago's environment and biodiversity.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tortuga Bay walk
- Local fish market visit
- The Galapagos Conservancy visit
- Charles Darwin Research Station visit
Landmarks Tortuga Bay Charles Darwin Research Station - Day 29
Isla Santa Cruz to Quito
Say goodbye to the islands and your Galapagos leader before taking a flight back to Quito, making a stop in Guayaquil on the way. You'll arrive in Quito later in the afternoon, where an Intrepid representative will take you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy a free evening in Quito and perhaps head out for a final dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Final dinner with group
- Day 30
Quito
Your adventure comes to an end this morning. With no activities planned, you can depart your accommodation at any time. We recommend staying a few extra days to see more of Ecuador, as there are volcanoes, hot springs, Indigenous markets and more to explore nearby.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Bellavista Cloud forest (Full day) - USD110
- Cotopaxi National Park Hiking Tour - AUD95
- Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day, minimum 2 people) - USD150
- Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
- Otavalo Indigenous Market (Full day) - USD70
