Active Peru

You’ll arrive in Peru’s vibrant capital of Lima today, perched on the Pacific coast. After a warm welcome from our friendly team on the ground, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead. Your guide will give you a brief introduction to Lima’s highlights on the way, helping you get your bearings and plan where to head for your first evening in the country. 

Today, your active Peru holiday kicks off on two wheels, with a cycling tour around the laid-back seafront districts of Miraflores and Barranco. Lunch is a real gastronomic adventure, stopping off at different places and hidden spots to sample local specialities and introduce your taste buds to the flavours in store. We’ve left this afternoon free for you to relax or explore some more at your own pace.

Your alarm will sound early today, ready for an unforgettable experience. You’ll board a light aircraft for a truly unique flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines. With vast geometric designs covering so much land, they’re thought to have been created by ancient civilisations many, many centuries ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is so huge, taking the intricate shapes and figures in from the air is by far the best way to do it. Once you’re back on land, you’ll head to the Paracas Desert to try your hand at sandboarding down the dunes as the sun sets over the sand. 

This morning, you’ll head to Lima airport for a quick flight to Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca empire. When you arrive, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel, hidden away in the historic centre. There are so many pretty plazas, boutiques, and restaurants to explore here, spend the rest of the afternoon getting your bearings and acclimatising to the higher altitude. 

You’ll head off on a guided walking tour around Cusco today. Your local guide will have plenty of insights and tales to share along the way. Discovering stories, living cultures, and hidden nooks and crannies through the eyes of a local is our favourite way to explore. It’s also the perfect way to set yourself up for the undeniable highlight of your trip… 

Hiking the Inca Trail features on so many travel wish lists, for good reason. Starting with a transfer to the Sacred Valley, you’ll lace up your hiking boots and begin your four-day adventure trek through the Andes. You’ll camp for the next three nights, and all meals and porterage will be included along the way. You’ll only need to carry what you need during the day, freeing you up to focus on the experience. Today, you'll hike along lush valleys and riverbanks, with stunning mountain scenery as your backdrop. Eventually, you’ll reach Wayllabamba, where your team will set up comfortable tents and prepare delicious, hearty meals before settling down for the night.

Today marks the most difficult part of your Inca Trail trek, starting with an abrupt and steep ascent towards the highest pass on the trail known as ‘Warmi Wañusca’ (4,200m / 13,776ft). It’s tough going, but the endless views along the way make every step worthwhile. Next, you’ll begin the descent to your second campsite in Pacaymayo, where you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch and dinner, and plenty of time to recuperate and rest your weary feet in great company. 

The third day of your trek is the longest one, but also the most impressive. There are a number of archaeological sites dotted along the way, and the lush cloud forest area that you’ll cross through is so rich in Andean flora and fauna, there’s so much to look at. From Pacaymayo, you’ll climb to the Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,700m / 12,073ft), and walk on through the cloud forest until you reach your final campsite at Wiñayhuayna (8,792ft). Go to sleep with a smile on your face, knowing you’re edging ever closer to your destination. Tomorrow you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. 

After an early start this morning, the last stage of your trek will get you to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) before sunrise. Walk through the gateway to Machu Picchu, soaking up every spine-tingling moment of this World Wonder in the dawn light. You’ll descend to the citadel and continue exploring the ancient terraces of the Incan citadel, led by your expert and knowledgeable guide. After the tour, you’ll have some time to explore on your own, taking it all in and filling your camera roll with unforgettable moments. You’ll take the shuttle bus back to the town for lunch, before enjoying some free time and an overnight stay with a celebratory dinner. 

We’ve included a second entrance to Machu Picchu today, after all of the effort to get there, one visit would never be enough. For a different, lesser-seen perspective of the World Wonder, we’ll arrange for you to scale Huayna Picchu today, one of the mighty peaks that form part of Machu Picchu’s famous backdrops. A head for heights is essential, but the views from the top are nothing short of incredible. This afternoon, you’ll head back to the Sacred Valley by train for a two-night stay in this beautiful, rural region.

For your last full day in Peru today, you’ll get kitted out for a scenic electric bike tour to the impressive sites of Maras and Moray. Your route will pass the vast Huaypo Lake, heading towards the archaeological site of Moray with its impressive amphitheatre-like agricultural terraces. Next up, you’ll continue along a bridle path that leads you to the village of Maras, where you’ll see the unique salt pans carved into the hillside. Today is a real insight into more of the history and culture that make Peru so special. The perfect way to end your active Peru adventure. 

After a week of adventures, breathtaking landscapes, thrilling hikes, and unforgettable active experiences, today you’ll head back to the airport for your flight home via Lima. Pat yourself on the back for an iconic hiking adventure well conquered!