Itinerary
- Day 1
Lima
You'll arrive in Lima and meet your group at 4 pm at the hotel. If your flight gets in early, there's time to check out the Gold Museum or walk through some of the hidden markets and street food spots with Urban Adventures. It's a good chance to get oriented and grab dinner before the full itinerary kicks off tomorrow.
Optional Activities
- Gold Museum visit
- Lima Discovery Tour with Urban Adventures - explore hidden hangouts, markets and street food vendors
- Day 2
Lima to Paracas
Start with a walking tour through downtown Lima, hitting the historic plazas, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, and the Central Market. After that, you'll board a local bus heading to Paracas with several stops along the way. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your own pace once you arrive in Paracas, so grab lunch somewhere and settle in.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of downtown Lima - Plaza Mayor, Cathedral of Lima, San Francisco Monastery, Central Market
Optional Activities
- Visit local bar for Pisco sour
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Mayor Cathedral of Lima San Francisco Monastery Central Market - Day 3
Paracas to Nazca
Choose between spotting wildlife on the Ballestas Islands or taking it easy in Paracas on your own. Later, you'll head to Nazca to see the ancient geoglyphs carved into the desert floor. On the way, stop in Huacachina, the sand dune town, where you can check out the views from the platform or opt for a scenic flight if it appeals to you.
Optional Activities
- Ballestas Islands boat tour - two-hour wildlife viewing tour to spot pelicans, red-footed boobies and flamingos
- Self-paced sightseeing in Paracas
- Scenic flight over Nazca Lines
Landmarks/POIs Ballestas Islands Paracas National Reserve Nazca Lines Huacachina - Day 4
Nazca to Arequipa
This morning, explore the ancient Chauchilla Cemetery in the desert where naturally preserved Nazca remains are buried. After that, you'll board an overnight bus to Arequipa, so grab snacks and settle in for the journey. It's a long ride, so bring something to read or just rest up.
Included Activities
- Chauchilla Cemetery tour - explore the desert graveyard with naturally preserved remains of the Nazca people
Landmarks/POIs Chauchilla Cemetery - Day 5
Arequipa
You'll arrive in Arequipa this morning and check into your hotel. Have breakfast and freshen up, then the rest of the day is free time. The city is known as Peru's White City because of its pale volcanic rock buildings, and it sits right at the foot of El Misti Volcano. Wander around the main plaza, try some local dishes, or visit the Andean Sanctuaries Museum if you're interested in learning more.
Optional Activities
- Wander the main plaza with cafes and nearby cathedral
- Try local dishes like rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper)
- Visit Andean Sanctuaries Museum - houses Peru's famous Ice Maiden, the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s
Landmarks/POIs El Misti Volcano Andean Sanctuaries Museum - Day 6
Arequipa to Chivay
Travel by minivan to Chivay, a traditional market town. Along the way, you'll spot camelids like llamas, alpacas, and vicunas, and learn what makes each one different. Stop to stretch and try coca tea. You'll reach the highest point at Patapama at 4800m/15,748ft, then descend into Chivay. Have lunch and explore the plaza or relax in the hot springs if you prefer. Try llama steak and catch some live Andean music at a local bar.
Optional Activities
- Soak in Colca Canyon hot springs
- Try llama steak at a local restaurant
- Watch live Andean music at a pena (bar)
Landmarks/POIs Colca Canyon Patapama - Day 7
Chivay to Puno
Head out to Colca Canyon this morning, which is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. See the terraced crops built into the canyon walls and watch for Andean condors flying overhead. Later, board a bus toward Puno, crossing through the scenic Altiplano highlands. Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca and is known as Peru's folklore capital, home to both Aymara and Quechua peoples.
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon guided tour - view terraced crops and Andean condor from prime viewing point
Optional Activities
- Get acquainted with Puno town upon arrival
Landmarks/POIs Colca Canyon Lake Titicaca - Day 8
Uros Islands
Take a motorboat out on Lake Titicaca and visit the floating Uros Islands, which are built entirely from totora reeds. You'll stay with a local family in a homestay, helping out with daily activities and learning some Quechua words. Maybe join a soccer game, and definitely share stories with your hosts over a home-cooked dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Home-cooked meal with host family)
Included Activities
- Lake Titicaca motorboat tour with Uros Islands visit
- Homestay with local community - participate in daily activities, learn Quechua language, join local activities
- Home-cooked meal with host family
Landmarks/POIs Lake Titicaca Uros Islands - Day 9
Taquile Island
Board a motorboat heading to Taquile Island, where the locals are famous for their intricate textiles and knitting. Men handle the knitting while women do the spinning. Shop for high-quality locally made handicrafts if anything catches your eye. Hike uphill for about an hour to reach the main area, then descend around 500 steps back down to the boat. Head back to Puno and grab a drink at a local bar.
Included Activities
- Motorboat cruise to Taquile Island
- One-hour uphill hike to main area of Taquile Island
Optional Activities
- Shop for handmade textiles and handicrafts
- Gather the group for a local drink (Chilcano or Pisco sour)
Landmarks/POIs Taquile Island - Day 10
Puno to Cusco
Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano toward Cusco, the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city sitting at 3450m/11,319ft. Spend some time getting used to the altitude, then explore Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. You'll see the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, and a few plazas before ending at the Chocolate Museum to try some local hot chocolate.
Included Activities
- Cusco guided leader-led orientation walk - Qoricancha temple facade, San Pedro market, main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square, San Blas Square
- Cusco Chocolate Museum visit with hot chocolate tasting made from local cacao beans
Optional Activities
- Browse artisanal chocolate treats at the museum store
Landmarks/POIs Qoricancha San Pedro Market San Blas Square Regocijo Square Cusco Chocolate Museum - Day 11
Cusco
The whole day is yours to explore Cusco's museums and archaeological sites. Get yourself a boleto turistico (tourism ticket), which covers the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum, and several Inca ruins like Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. The most accessible option is Coricancha, which was once the richest Inca temple.
Optional Activities
- Visit Contemporary Art Museum
- Visit Regional History Museum
- Visit Qosqo Native Art Museum
- Explore Inca ruins of Saqsaywaman, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara, Pisac or Ollantaytambo
- Visit Coricancha - once the richest Inca temple with Dominican church built on top
Landmarks/POIs Coricancha Saqsaywaman Q'enqo Puka Pukara Pisac Ollantaytambo - Day 12
Cusco / Inca Trail / Quarry Trail Start
You have options for getting to Machu Picchu: hike the Inca Trail over 4 days and 3 nights, take the Quarry Trail for 3 days and 2 nights, or stay in Cusco and take the train. If you're hiking, pack a 5kg duffle bag with essentials since porters will carry everything else and handle the camp gear. Day 1 of the Inca Trail involves uphill trekking to a campsite at 3100m/10,171ft with views of Veronica Peak and other Inca sites. Day 1 of the Quarry Trail starts early at Choquequilla ceremonial site, climbs Qory Song'o hill, explores sacred tombs, visits Perolniyoc Cascade, and reaches a campsite at 3700m/12,139ft.
- Meals
- Dinner (Nourishing meal prepared by your cook at campsite)
Included Activities
- Route 1 Inca Trail Day 1: Uphill trek from 82 km marker to campsite (3100 m) with guide, cook and porter support - includes visits to Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata Inca sites
- Route 2 Quarry Trail Day 1: Trek from Choquequilla ceremonial site through Qory Song'o hill area with exploration of sacred tombs, Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, arrival at Q'orimarca archaeological site and campsite (3700 m)
- Route 3 Cusco: Stay in Cusco for optional sightseeing and museum visits
Landmarks/POIs Ollantaytambo Huillca Raccay Llactapata Veronica Peak Choquequilla Qory Song'o Q'orimarca - Day 13
Inca Trail / Quarry Trail / Sacred Valley
Route 1 brings the most challenging trekking of the day, a steep ascent to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwanusca) at 4200m/13,779ft with great valley views, then a descent to Pacaymayo Valley campsite at 3650m/11,975ft. Route 2 is the most rewarding, starting with a 3-hour walk to Puccaqasa pass at 4370m/14,337ft, then hiking to Kuychicassa pass at 4450m/14,600ft with a descent to the sacred Intipunku sun gate and a campsite at 3600m/11,811ft. Route 3 means driving through the Sacred Valley with lunch in a local community and staying in Ollantaytambo to see the Inca city remnants.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in local community (Route 3 only))
Included Activities
- Route 1 Inca Trail Day 2: Trek to Dead Woman's Pass (Warmiwanusca) at 4200m with valley views, descent to Pacaymayo Valley campsite (3650m)
- Route 2 Quarry Trail Day 2: Trek to Puccaqasa pass (4370m), hike to Kuychicassa pass (4450m), visit Intipunku sun gate, arrive at campsite (3600m)
- Route 3 Sacred Valley: Drive through Sacred Valley with lunch in local community and learning about traditional lifestyle and Quechua language
Landmarks/POIs Warmiwanusca Pacaymayo Valley Puccaqasa Kuychicassa Intipunku Sacred Valley Ollantaytambo - Day 14
Inca Trail / Aguas Calientes
Route 1 starts with a climb through Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980m/13,055ft with views of Cordillera Vilcabamba, then a 2 to 3 hour descent to Sayacmarca ruins. After that, cross the third pass to Phuyupatamarca at 3850m/12,631ft, known as Town Above the Clouds, then descend 2 hours on Inca steps to a campsite near Winay Wayna. Route 2 is all downhill, where you'll explore the incomplete Kachiqata quarry and hike to Ollantaytambo for a short train ride to Aguas Calientes. Route 3 means catching a 1.5-hour train through the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes.
Included Activities
- Route 1 Inca Trail Day 3: Trek through Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980m), descent to Sayacmarca ruins, traverse to Phuyupatamarca (3850m), descent on Inca steps to campsite near Winay Wayna
- Route 2 Quarry Trail Day 3: Downhill hike through Kachiqata quarry, trek to Ollantaytambo, short train ride to Aguas Calientes
- Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes: 1.5-hour train ride through winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes
Landmarks/POIs Runkuracay Pass Cordillera Vilcabamba Sayacmarca Phuyupatamarca Winay Wayna Kachiqata Urubamba Valley - Day 15
Machu Picchu
Route 1 has you waking up at 4 am for breakfast, saying goodbye to your porters, and hiking the final 2.5 hours to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, which opens at 5 am. Weather permitting, you'll enter through the gate with spectacular views of Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World. Routes 2 and 3 take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6 am for a guided tour of the temples, palaces, and living quarters. After that, bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch, catch the scenic train to Ollantaytambo, and drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at 4am (Route 1 only))
Included Activities
- Route 1 Inca Trail Day 4: Final 2.5-hour trek to Intipunku (Sun Gate) with entry at 5am and guided exploration of Machu Picchu
- Routes 2 & 3 Machu Picchu: Entrance to Machu Picchu and guided tour of temples, palaces and living quarters
Landmarks/POIs Intipunku Machu Picchu Ollantaytambo - Day 16
Cusco
Take a free day to relax, shop, and check out more of Cusco. Sit at a cafe on Plaza de Armas and watch the world go by, head to San Pedro Market for local produce, cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and handicrafts, or try a mystery soup if you're feeling curious. If you want something more active, mountain bike in the hills surrounding the city.
Optional Activities
- Rest at a cafe on Plaza de Armas
- Visit San Pedro Market - local produce, meats, cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines, handicrafts, mystery soups
- Mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de Armas San Pedro Market - Day 17
Cusco to Puerto Maldonado
Rise early and head into the Peruvian Amazon. Transfer to the airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado. Pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. From there, board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle for a couple of hours, stopping for lunch along the way, until you reach your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region. Take a short orientation walk and settle in to experience the jungle's sights, sounds, and smells.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch stop during canoe journey to eco-lodge)
Included Activities
- Amazon jungle lodge stay with orientation walk
Landmarks/POIs Madre de Dios - Day 18
Amazon Jungle
Spend the day exploring the jungle with local expert guides. Learn about medicinal plants and how Indigenous people have used them for thousands of years. Look out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for peccaries, monkeys, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time. After sunset, head out on a night walk searching for caimans, jaguars, anacondas, and other creatures that come out after dark.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at jungle lodge)
Included Activities
- Half-day guided jungle trek - learn about flora, fauna, medicinal plants and Indigenous knowledge
- Night walk searching for nocturnal wildlife
Landmarks/POIs Madre de Dios - Day 19
Puerto Maldonado 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. Spend the rest of the day checking out more of Lima's sights and doing last-minute shopping. In the evening, gather the group for a celebratory farewell dinner with Peruvian favorites.
Optional Activities
- Explore more of Lima's sights
- Last-minute shopping
- Celebratory farewell dinner with the group - Peruvian favorites
- Day 20
Lima
Your tour ends after breakfast with no activities planned. This gives you time to depart or arrange a personal extension stay if you'd like to stick around longer.
