Summary
Short description
Combine a trek along Peru’s Inca Trail with luxury stays in Lima and Cusco
Highlights
- Trek the Inca Trail in the company of expert guides, cooks and porters
- Beat the crowds as you arrive at Machu Picchu at sunrise
- Explore high Andean landscapes dotted with ancient ruins
- Take in the Spanish-colonial gems of Lima and Cusco
- Bookend your trek with stays in luxury hotels
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | History & culture | Natural world
This unforgettable adventure, beginning in Peru's capital Lima and ending in the Andean city of Cusco, includes a fully-guided four day Inca Trail trek, following in the footsteps of the ancient Incas to Machu Picchu, the lost city hidden high in the Andes Mountains. Your journey begins with a city tour of Lima, followed by a flight to Cusco where you'll explore this historic city's most important Incan and colonial sites. You'll then head deep into the mountains, staying at campsites with trained masseurs on hand as you follow the world-famous Inca Trail across high mountain passes, surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Andes, finally arriving at Inki Punku, the Gateway of the Sun, and the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu itself. During your Inca Trail trek you'll be staying under canvas in comfortable tents, while your accommodation in Lima and Cusco will be in superior hotels.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Lima
Enjoy included airport lounge access before your daytime flight to Lima. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city's Barranco district, a bohemian neighbourhood home to some of the Lima's best restaurants and a stretch of beach known for its world-class surf break. After you've checked in, spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring at your own pace, perhaps taking in the the grand colonial architecture of the city centre or heading to trendy Miraflores for superb seafood served to sweeping Pacific views.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe)
Day
2
Lima to Cusco
After breakfast, depart on a half-day city tour of Lima in the company of an English-speaking local guide. Throughout the morning you'll visit some of Lima's most important sites, beginning in the historical centre where you'll see the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall and a maze of old streets lined with colonial mansions and beautiful Moorish balconies, and one of the city's old convents, famed for its intricate colonial architecture. Later you'll head to the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where you'll find sacred Inca structures alongside a modern seafront with views across the Pacific Ocean.
Return to your hotel to collect your luggage, followed by a transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. On arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old city.
Stay: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Meals: B
Day
3
Cusco
Today you'll enjoy a tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cusco and nearby archaeological sites, beginning at the temple of Koricancha, an ancient Inca palace and worship centre of the Sun God that now sits beneath an impressive Baroque church of Santo Domingo. From there you'll head to the Plaza de Armas to see the city cathedral and Church of the Society of Jesus, along with a raft of other colonial buildings. Your next stop is San Cristobal, a colonial church that boasts wonderful views across the city, before heading to the ancient Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman, renowned for its giant walls of hewed stone. Your tour finished at the important archeological sites of Qenko and Puca Pucara.
Stay: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Meals: B
Day
4
Cusco to Wayllabamba
An early morning bus journey takes you to Piscachuco at Km 82 of the Cusco to Machu Picchu railway, the starting point of your Inca Trail trek. The early part of the hike follows the Urubamba River, the pace gentle to allow you to acclimatise to the higher altitude. The first stop of the day will be at Laqtapata archaeological site where you'll enjoy lunch and the chance to enjoy the views in this incredible setting. After lunch the trail becomes steeper as you head to the village of Wayllabamba, the site of the first night's camp. On arrival you'll enjoy a relaxing massage followed by dinner.
Stay: Inca Trail campsite
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Wayllabamba to Pacamayo
A healthy breakfast sets you up for the ascent to the 4,200-metre Warmiwañusca Pass. This steady climb will take most of the morning, followed by an easy two-hour descent to your camp at Pacamayo where dinner and a therapeutic massage await.
Stay: Inca Trail campsite
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Pacamayo to Wiñaywayna
Today begins with an ascent to Runcuracay Pass at 3,900 metres, followed by a two-hour descent to the remarkable archaeological site of Sayacmarca. After exploring the site you'll continue to the third pass, Phuyupatamarca, at 3,800 metres, where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. The last part of today's journey takes you to the mysteriously beautiful Wiñaywayna archeological site and your final camp. The day ends with dinner at the campsite and another relaxing massage.
Stay: Inca Trail campsite
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Wiñaywayna to Machu Picchu
Your final day on the Inca Trail starts with a walk to Punku, also known as the Doorway of the Sun, from where you'll catch your first sight of Machu Picchu. Continue along the trail, arriving at the Lost City of the Incas where you'll take a well-earned rest before beginning an enthralling guided tour. After two hours exploring the complex you'll journey by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, before boarding the Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From there you'll transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
Stay: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Meals: B L
Day
8
Cusco
Enjoy a day at leisure, exploring Cusco at your own pace. Perhaps take a stroll through its maze of laneways, soak up the atmosphere of the Plaza de Armas or tuck into some local delicacies at any one of the city's acclaimed restaurants – there's everything from locals favourites to fine dining.
Stay: Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Meals: B
Day
9
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
9-day tailor-made holiday
from £5,985 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £5,985 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £6,385 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between London and Lima
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco
- Private airport transfers
- 5 nights accommodation in 4*(Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
- 3 nights accommodation in luxury mobile tents on a full-board basis
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes
- Private half-day city tour of Lima including visit to Larco Museum
- Private half-day city tour of and the nearby archaelogical remains
- Privately guided Inca Trail trek including daily massage
- All entrance fees
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
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Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions
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A flight from Lima to Chiclayo will take you off the beaten track to the remote delights of Peru’s wild north. Start with a tour of Sipan’s Royal Tombs where adobe edifices hide mausoleums filled with gold pieces and precious stones before travelling on to Trujillo the next day.
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