Active Peru

12 days

Indicative cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from

£5,500 per person

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Cusco

Lima

Machu Picchu

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Day 1

You will fly into Lima today, which is situated on the Pacific coast. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your guide will give you an overview of the city to help you make the most of your time in this cosmopolitan capital.

Day 2

Your adventure begins with exploring Lima from a different angle with a cycling tour around the laidback seafront districts of Miraflores and Barranco, pedalling first along the Malecon overlooking the Pacific. Lunch is a gastronomic adventure, stopping at different places to try local specialities. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3

An early start to take a small aircraft flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines etched in the desert south of Paracas. These lines form intricate and vast geometric designs thought to have been created many centuries ago by ancient civilisations and are best appreciated from the air. You then head to the Paracas desert to have a go at sandboarding down the dunes.

Day 4

Drive back to Lima for your fight to Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca empire. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your hotel in the historic centre, an area filled with pretty plazas, boutiques, and restaurants.

Day 5

You will meet your guide for a walking tour to explore Cusco, its story, its living culture, and its nooks and corners through less frequented areas that not only offer a more intimate experience but ideal for those who love the great outdoors.

Day 6

Starting with a transfer to the Sacred Valley, you begin your four-day adventure trek to reach Machu Picchu, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. You will camp for the next three nights, all meals are included during your trek as well as porterage; you only need to carry what you need during the day. Begin your hike to Wayllabamba where you will stay.

Day 7

Begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent towards the highest pass on the trail known as Warmi Wañusca (4,200m / 13,776ft). Then we begin the descent to our second campsite in Pacaymayo, where we will have lunch and dinner.

Day 8

The third day is the longest one, but also the most impressive and interesting, due to the number of archaeological sites and the lush cloud forest area that we cross that is so rich in Andean flora and fauna. From Pacaymayo, we climb to Phuyupatamarca Pass (3,700m / 12,073ft), walk on through the cloud forest until we reach our final campsite at Wiñayhuayna (8,792ft) . Walk through the cloud forest until we reach our final campsite at Wiñayhuayna (8,792ft).

Day 9

Today’s arrival is before sunrise at Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. From here, you will experience your first extraordinary view of Machu Picchu at dawn and then descend to the citadel. Walk on to this iconic ancient city, where your guide will lead a 2-hour tour, and then enjoy time to explore on your own. After visiting Machu Picchu, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then free time and overnight with dinner included.

Day 10

A second entrance is included to the citadel to scale Huayna Picchu, one of the mighty peaks that forms part of Machu Picchu's iconic backdrop. A head for heights is essential, but the views from the top are breathtaking. Return to the Sacred Valley by train for your stay in this beautiful region.

Day 11

You will get kitted out for your scenic electric bike tour to Maras and Moray's impressive sites. Your route will pass the vast Huaypo Lake, heading towards the archaeological site of Moray with its impressive amphitheatre-like agricultural terraces. Continue along a bridle path that leads you to the village of Maras, where you can see the salt pans that are carved into the hillside.

Day 12

You will be transferred to the airport for your overnight international flight home via Lima.

Day 13

Arrive home today.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

For those more active this trip will certainly keep you on your toes. Flying over the enigmatic Nazca Lines is second only to Machu Picchu as the most famous archaeological site in Peru. The mysterious geoglyphs at the UNESCO World Heritage Site range from geometric shapes and swirls to hummingbirds and monkeys. Then head to the Huacachina Oasis to ride a dune buggy and enjoy sandboarding while watching the stunning sunset.

Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru is one of the most iconic multi-day hikes in the world. Following this ancient and moderately challenging trail is the ultimate way to reach the spectacular ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend four days following in the footsteps of the Incas, walking alongside the river through a lush valley, over mountain passes, and through the tropical cloud forest. There is also plenty of time to explore pretty Cusco and cosmopolitan Lima, both with their fascinating histories and culinary delights to sample!

The Inca Trail is limited in terms of the number of hikers each day, making it incredibly popular in peak season from May to September. Permits are often sold out between 12 and 6 months in advance. Check with us first to see whether permits are still available for your preferred travel dates. For any trekking fan, it is a must. It is a fantastic hike that takes you up to 4,800 metres above sea level. Crucially, spend time in Cusco before you hike to acclimatise to the higher altitude. Cusco is a fascinating city to explore with its Incan and colonial histories. A classic!

2 nights Lima – 1 night Paracas – 2 nights Cusco – 3 nights Inca Trail – 1 night Machu Picchu – 2 nights Sacred Valley – 1 night on plane