Ultimate Peru Explorer

Welcome to Peru! Meet your guide and new tour mates in the hotel lobby at 6.00pm for an informal welcome meeting. Afterwards, get amongst the hustle of Lima for an optional group dinner or explore the streets as they come to life after dark!

Fill up on breakfast before heading to the airport. Today we’ll make tracks towards the Amazon Jungle as we hop on board an included flight to Puetro Maldonado. Known as the capital city of the Madre de Dios region, Puetro Maldonado is known as the gateway to the Amazon Jungle! On arrival, we’ll jump on a motorized riverboat and navigate through the Madre de Dios River on the lookout for Jungle wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Ronsocos, Caimans, Turtles, Herons, Cormorants and plenty more. In the afternoon, follow your local guide through natural trails to the Caimán Cocha Lake, a small lake with an abundance of different crocodilian species. Finish up an epic day in the Amazon with a jungle sunset! In the evening, we’ll return to the Ecoamazonia Lodge for dinner and a few drinks with your new travel mates.

Wakey, wakey – the Amazon awaits you! Put on your hiking shoes and head into the depths of the forest as you follow your guide along trails, down narrow bridges, and across rivers and gorges. Tackle the flooded forest and visit the majestic Lake Apu Victor to marvel at the crystal clear waters surrounded by marshes and giant trees. Soak up the serenity and keep an eye out for tropical rainforest birds including Parrots, Macaws, Toucans and Camungos. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the rainforest’s most sacred animals resting by the water-edge – the Giant Otter! In the afternoon, we’ll head down the Madre de Dios River to Monkey Island and witness another spectacular sunset as dusk falls over the Amazon jungle.

Wake up to the natural alarm of tropical birds humming and chirping in the distance. Today we’ll pack up our bags and head out of the Amazon Jungle for a domestic flight to Cusco. The city of Cusco is a gateway to Peru’s incredible valleys, ruins, villages, and world-famous trails of the Inca Empire! Enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening to explore Cusco at your own pace.

Fill up on breakfast ahead of big day exploring Cusco. Follow your guide around the town center, visiting San Blas, a quaint neighborhood that is home to many renowned artists. Stroll along its cobblestone alleys as you make your way toward its iconic church, which features a beautiful pulpit carved from a single block of wood. Then, follow the guided walking tour towards Hatum Rumiyuq Street, translating to “Of the Old Rock”, to admire the famous Piedra de los Doce Ángulos (Twelve-Sided Stone). Feel free to join an optional city tour to leave no stone unturned or finish up a big day exploring Cusco with an optional cocktail making class to perfect the art of Peru’s favourite cocktail, the Pisco Sour. Cheers!

This morning we’ll head towards the Sacred Valley, where our journey into the ruins and mystique of Peru truly begins! But first, we’ll visit Awanacancha – home to the world’s most beautiful camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos). After snapping a few Llama selfies and witnessing the ancient Incan art of weaving, hop back on board the coach and grab a window seat as we continue into the depths of the Sacred Valley. We’ll make another stop at Pisac, where Incan and colonial influences blend to create a unique way of life for the locals. Explore the quaint town famous for artisan markets where you’ll be able to splash some cash on fine jewelry, ceramic and textile craftwork! Visit the Ccor Ccor Community and learn of their rural way of life in the Sacred Valley. The community has preserved its pre-Hispanic ancestral customers and the villages open their doors to share their way of life, beliefs, traditions, and culture. Join the Ccor Ccor people for a traditional lunch surrounded by the serenity of Sacred Valley.

Grab a window seat as we drive through the windy, rural roads of the Sacred Valley, en route towards the world-famous Inca Trail! On arrival, we’ll be welcomed by porters and cookers who’ll join us over the next three days of hiking towards Machu Picchu. Start the trek with a climb to Urubamba River and visit the community of Miskay where we’ll be treated by the natives to a cup of ‘Chicha’ — a popular drink in the region. Later we will continue our trek through the Andean landscapes and tablelands to visit the Patallacta — a beautiful archeological site at the base of the mountains and Cusichaca River. Throughout the day your local guide will share stories of the incredible Inca legacy. Tonight we’ll rest up at the first camping site along our Inca Trek in Wayllabamba, 3,000 metres above sea level.



Trekking Info

Maximum Altitude: 3000 m

Minimum Altitude: 2650 m

Total Distance: 12 km

Approximate Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Rise and shine! A huge, but rewarding day of hiking the Inca Trail awaits. We’ll pass narrow bridges, hike through cloudy lush forests and climb many stairs as we make the ascent to Llulluchapampa. We highly recommend that you take your time and stop for breaks whenever necessary throughout this challenging section of the hike. Then, rest up and munch down a few celebratory snacks before the next leg – the famous Warmy Huañusca pass. Located at 4,200 metres above sea level this section of the hike will be the highest point we reach on the Inca Trail. The 2-kilometre pass can be both steep and challenging, so take your time and stop for breaks along the way. Trust us when we say it’ll all be worth it — don’t forget to look up and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in all the world! Once we reach the top of the mountain, we’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Andes mountains. Snap a few postcard-perfect Inca Trail shots to share with everyone back home. After a challenging but epic day of trekking, rest up at the Pacaymayo Camp (3,600 metres above sea level). Tonight’s accommodation is an official campsite, offering baths and showers — but beware, the water can be very cold this high in the mountains (brrrrrrrr…)!



Trekking Info

Maximum Altitude: 4200 m

Minimum Altitude: 3000 m

Total Distance: 13 km

Approximate Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Today is set to be the biggest day of your Inca Trail adventure – but all the more rewarding with jaw-dropping mountain scenery and glimpses at an abundance of Inca ruins along the way. Set an alarm for 6.00 am for an early breakfast before the hiking continues! First up you will come across the semi-circular shape of the Runkurakay ruins. Continue along the Runkurakay pass (3,900 metres above sea level) before descending to a beautiful valley filled with lush wildlife and the Sayacmarka ruins (3,624 metres above sea level). This is an interesting Inca construction, built over a steep slope, surrounded by marvelous mountains. After visiting Sayacmarka, we will continue descending to the cloudy forest, arriving at the Phuyupatamarka ruins – composed of impressive fountains and water channels that are spectacular works of hydraulic engineering made by the Incas. Next up, one of the most breath-taking Inca buildings of the region: the ruins of Wiñaywayna meaning ‘forever young’. These are without any doubt one of the most beautiful of all the ruins after Machu Picchu. Tonight, we will set up camp near Wiñaywayna and enjoy a small party to farewell our porters and cooks on our last night of trekking with them!



Trekking Info

Maximum Altitude: 3900 m

Minimum Altitude: 2700 m

Total Distance: 16 km

Approximate Trekking Time: 7-8 hours

This is it! Today we’ll ticket off a bucket list experience as we lay our eyes on Machu Picchu. Wake up early with a 4.00am alarm as we follow trails lit by flashlight for one and a half hours towards the Sun Gate. From here, we’ll get our very first glimpse of a seventh wonder of the world: Machu Picchu. Enjoy plenty of time to take that iconic shot over the mountain ranges with Inca ruins below. Marvel at one of the most amazing urban creations of all time. Explore the massive walls, terraces, and ramps with your local guide and learn stories of the enchanting Inca city. We will have plenty of time here, so take it slow and truly embrace this bucket-list experience! Then, we’ll travel by bus to Aguas Calientes town before a train back to Ollantaytambo where a private coach will await for transfers back to your hotel in Cusco! Let your head hit the pillow with a massive grin across your face tonight, knowing you have truly conquered the Inca Trail!



Trekking Info

Maximum Altitude: 2700 m

Minimum Altitude: 2400 m

Total Distance: 6 km

Approximate Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Today we farewell the city of Cusco for Puno! Sit back on board a comfortable coach as we journey through the Andes mountain range with a brief stop at Andahuaylilla — home to one of Peru’s unique churches, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. We’ll also make stops at the archaeological site of Racchi and travel through the scenic La Raya Pass, which lies at a marvellous 4,335 metres above sea level. Our final stop will be the town of Pucará. This town is famous for its earth-coloured pottery — including the ceramic Toritos (bulls) often seen perched on the roofs of Andean houses for good luck. Today we’ll tantelise our taste-buds with a country-style buffet lunch of regional cuisine!

Waking up in Puno, we’ll spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca. This large lake spans Peru and Bolivia in the Andean Highlands and is believed by the local people to have been the birthplace of the sun. Our first stop will be the floating islands of Uro — a peculiar grouping of 40 small man-made islands made from a natural reed that grows around the lake called Totora. The Pre-Inca Uros people began constructing and living on these islands hundreds of years ago when the Inca Empire expanded and the Uros were forced to retreat onto the lake. Still to this day, they continually rebuild their islands, laying down new layers of the reed as the bottom ones disintegrate. Get to know the indigenous locals as they invite you to learn of their traditional lifestyle and customs. After spending the morning exploring Lake Titicaca, head over to Taquile Island to discover some of Peru’s most colourful textiles! The rich coloured clothing worn by the Taquileños (also known as locals), will amaze you — quite like their hospitality! Enjoy an included lunch on Taquile Island with the local community. This is one meal you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. If you’re feeling adventurous, finish you day with an optional guided tour to Sillustani to visit the pre-Incan cemetery on the shore of Lake Umayo.

Today we’ll leave Puno on an included flight for Lima. Check in to your hotel in the afternoon with free time to explore the sprawling capital city at your own pace.

Take in all the city’s sights with a panoramic tour through Colonial Lima including views of the Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, and City Hall, and learn about the fascinating local history. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional bike tour along the boardwalk and the luxurious districts of Lima. Miraflores offers stunning cliffside views perfect for a scenic cycle. Alternatively, join an optional Peruvian cooking class where you’ll learn the country’s best dishes and shop for fresh products at a local market. In the evening, head out for an optional tour of one of the world’s most impressive water fountain performances – the Magic Water Circuit of Lima – We’re talking lights, music, and interactive displays! Or explore the colourful streets of Lima after dark at your own pace.

This morning we’ll enjoy one last breakfast before hotel check out at 11.00am. Say adios to your travel buddies and explore Lima at your own pace until departure.