Peru: Lima, the Inca Trail & the Amazon - Machu Picchu by train

Take in a lungful of ocean air on arrival to Lima and keep your eyes out for surfers riding the waves as you follow the coastal highway to your hotel. The district of Miraflores is bustling with trendy restaurants, bars and shops in all directions and there are great views of the ocean from the cliffside boardwalk, or malecón. We welcome you to Lima, and invite you to bring your appetite for incredible food and adventure that awaits you in Peru.
Arrive to Lima at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Meal plan: DINNER

The neighbourhoods of Lima and Barranco may be right next to each other but they feel quite different. Fashionable Miraflores contrasts with the more bohemian Barranco in the most wonderful of ways as the bustling commercial area gives way to quaint cafés, art galleries and historic buildings. Both lie on the coast which offer amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and of Lima's sprawling coastline.
Set off to explore Miraflores and Barranco by bike and on foot before stopping for a typical lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a free afternoon before meeting the group for a sunset drink on the rooftop terrace of the hotel.

Bike Miraflores and Barranco: Head out on a bike tour through Miraflores and Barranco visiting iconic districts in Lima along the way. You will bike a total of 13km or about 8 miles on this particular tour. Take in the colourful atmosphere as you pass by historic house in the Bajada de Baños district and visit the famous Puente de los Suspiros.

Free Time: Spend free time in Lima exploring on your own.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Watch the ocean disappear in the horizon as you head high up in the sky towards the Andes where magic awaits in Cusco. Feel the energy and see the mix of Spanish colonial architecture with ancient Inca stonework all around you. Take it slow as you begin to explore in order to get the most out of the city and to acclimatize to the altitude.
Fly to Cusco and then take a CEO-led orientation walk of the historical centre with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy dinner out in the city with new group members joining the next portion of the tour.

Cusco City Tour: Set off on foot to explore the Plaza de Armas (main square) and discover the vast history of this Incan city. Take in the sights while learning about the Spanish conquest, archaeology, and other historical facts about Cusco. Finally, wander the food and shop stalls in San Pedro Market where all of your senses will come to life. Pick up some souvenirs, from magnets to Pachamama dolls, and try local street fares like salchipapas (fried sausages and potatoes), or empanadas at this authentically Peruvian market.

: Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.

Free Time: Free afternoon to acclimatize, relax, and get to know Cusco on your own.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

The Sacred Valley is aptly named for its importance to the people who have lived there and it is also stunningly beautiful with mountain scenery and colourful farmland along the Urubamba River. You'll see the massive ruins of Pisaq perched up above the town as you approach and you'll get to spend time with a local community on the way up to the site. Lunch is an experience unto itself at a community-run restaurant, using locally-grown ingredients for a delicious and traditional meal. Back at the hotel for dinner, feast on a traditional pachamanca meal consisting of various types of meat, potatoes and vegetables cooked for hours in the ground under hot stones.
Travel from Cusco into the Sacred Valley. Visit the Cuyo Chico community for a snack and to learn about their traditional ceramics and adobe before taking a guided tour of Pisaq archaeological site. Continue to the hotel after lunch. In the evening enjoy a pachamanca dinner.

Cuyo Chico Visit & Empanada Making Demonstration: In the rural village of Cuyo Chico in the Sacred Valley, a group of families joined together to create a small business based on their traditional adobe ceramic crafts. Visit this community learn about the ceramics process and partake in an empanada making demonstration.

: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle with stops along the way to Cuyo Chico, Pisaq, and Parwa.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Sitting at a slightly lower altitude than Cusco, spending time in the Sacred Valley helps to get you used the altitude in these parts. Choose from a scenic acclimatization hike to a waterfall or get the adrenaline flowing by scaling a via ferrata network of rungs and ladders for lunch with a view.
Choice of activity in the morning, both options including lunch.

Hike to Perilnilloq Waterfall or Via Ferrata: Option 1: Start the day with an acclimatization hike to Perilnilloq waterfall. Follow a meandering trail through the mountains to the gorgeous waterfall, and to the Inca ruins of Raqaypata that lie just beyond. Option 2: Get the adrenaline flowing and scale a via ferrata for epic views. Test your fear of heights as you climb the rungs and ladders and enjoy lunch with a view.

Free Time: Enjoy free time back at the hotel this afternoon and evening before your group dinner.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Beyond the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley lies a long history of cultural practices that endure throughout the region. You'll marvel at Inca stonework at Ollantaytambo and also see living traditions like ceramic-making that embody both the local spirit as well as be an expression of those that lived here in the past. You'll get the chance to appreciate the old and the new as well as eat some delicious local food along the way.
Take a morning tour of Ollantaytambo ruins before heading to Urubamba for a visit of Pablo Seminario's ceramic workshop where, if lucky, you may get the chance to meet him. Have lunch at the beautiful Hacienda Huayoccari before returning to the hotel for a free evening to relax.

Ollantaytambo Ruins Visit: Explore this ancient site right in the heart of Ollantaytambo city. Learn about the principles of Incan architecture and get a first taste of climbing around a massive ruins site.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Evidence of the Inca in these parts is astounding as ancient ruins and archaeological sites are scattered all over the landscape. Driving along the Sacred Valley you may catch a glint of white up in the mountains before you ascend, as the salt pans of Maras shine in the sunlight with Moray lying just beyond.
Drive up out of the Sacred Valley with stops to visit the salt pans of Maras and the Moray archaeological site. Continue to the town of Chinchero and explore the ruins on the way back to Cusco for a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants near the main plaza.

Maras Salt Mines and Moray Visit: Drive a little more than an hour to get to the Moray archaeological site. Tour these unique Inca ruins, consisting of circular terraces and a sophisticated irrigation system located at 3500m (11483 ft). Learn about the history and study of this fascinating site – speculation has it that it was an Inca agriculture experiment station. Visit the impressive Maras Salt Mines, after Moray. See thousands of individual ancient salt pools spilling over a hillside. Learn about the different varieties of salt, and try the renowned pink salt, famous worldwide.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Cusco is an incredible city to discover on foot with its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas. You'll explore the city with an expert guide to show you the way, passing by some of the "must-see" historical and cultural highlights as well as some hidden gems and great panoramic views.
Set off on a walking tour of Cusco before a delicious lunch at a restaurant near the main plaza. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for individual exploration, shopping or relaxing near the plaza to watch the world go by.

Cusco Colonial Side Walking Tour: Spend time on a group walking tour of the colonial areas in Cusco. Start in Cusco City and finish with a visit to the Sapantiana waterfalls before having a delicious lunch at a restaurant near the main plaza.

Free Time: Spend more time getting to know this fascinating city and surrounding area. Free time is yours to explore any way you want.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Watching the mountains go by from a train is the perfect build-up of what's to come, as you follow the Urubamba River along the valley. You'll feel the anticipation building as you get closer and closer to your goal and you'll see the vegetation start to get lusher as the train descends in elevation. Only one more sleep until the big day.
Drive back to the Sacred Valley and catch the train to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a free evening with an optional visit to the local hot springs.

Aguas Calientes Orientation Walk: The group will arrive at Aguas Calientes with their assistant guide or CEO and they will have an orientation walk through the town of Aguas Calientes. Your CEO can then help you coordinate any optional activities you may want to try during your time here.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Exploring the mountaintop Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a magical experience, no matter how many pictures you may have seen of it. The history of the ancient Inca that you've heard in the days leading up to this moment seem to all come together as you wander the site's temples and terraces. Relive the memories and take in the views as you return by train on the way back to Cusco.
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins followed by lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Return by train and bus to Cusco and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Rise and shine – the best time to see the Lost City of the Incas is in the early morning light. Follow the local guide to Machu Picchu to learn about its history at a leisurely pace. Gain local insight into the Inti Mach’ay cave, Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Water, the Temple of the Condor, and the Room of the Three Windows. Take time to sit and feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World (in a worldwide Internet poll). Transport to and from Aguas Calientes is provided with the tour.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Feel the energy of Cusco as you wander the cobblestone streets past the mix of Spanish colonial-style architecture and Inca stonework. Soak in a diverse land of natural beauty and traditional cultures and we invite you to open yourself to curiosity and wonder.
Spend a full free day in Cusco to partake in optional activities in the area.

Free Time: Enjoy a full free day in Cusco for optional activities in the area like the Rainbow Mountain hike or exploration on your own to the city's landmarks and museums, Opt to relax in cafes, shop, or people watch in the main square.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, DINNER

The options of what to do in Cusco are seemingly endless, and today you'll get the choice to approach the day on your terms. Take to the trails on a hike outside of the city past ancient ruins with sweeping views of the city or stay local to dig deeper into the history and the delicious local cuisine as well as learn how to prepare some dishes at a cooking class.
Choice of activity in the morning, both options including lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants, or join the CEO at their local favourite.

Hike to Templo de la Luna or Historical & Culinary Tour of Cusco: Option 1: Begin the day with a hike to Templo de la Luna and Inkilltambo Ruins with a picnic lunch. The hike is around 14km (9 miles) and typically takes 3.5 hours to complete. There will be around 632m of elevation gain on this hike. This Inca site with a quechua name has tombs, irrigation channels, ceremonial places, and Andean terraces used for both ceremonies and architecture. Option 2: Visit Koricancha in the heart of Cusco and learn about it's importance to the Inca Empire. From this landmark you will visit the San Pedro market to select ingredients for the cooking class which will take place before an included lunch of your creations.

Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in Cusco. Spend time exploring before getting dinner on your own at one of the many great restaurants in the city.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

The Amazon has sparked the imagination for as long as curious travellers have known about it, conjuring up images of lush green vegetation and exotic wildlife. The biodiversity of plant and animal life is staggeringly varied, and the cultural traditions of those who live here have thrived along the rivers and from living off of the land.
Fly from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado and continue by boat upriver to the jungle lodge, your base of exploration by boat and on foot for the next couple of days. Local community members make up the majority of lodge staff, including multilingual naturalist guides. Take the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich flora and fauna and locals' extensive use of medicinal plants and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques for building, fishing, and hunting.

: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time: Take advantage of free time this afternoon to relax and settle in to your lodge in the Amazon. Dinner will be served this evening in the cozy eating area.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Awake to the sounds of the forest, hearing tropical birds and animals moving through the canopy above you, and maybe the eerie call of a howler monkey in the distance. You never know what you might see on any given occasion which is part of the adventure, and the anticipation adds to the excitement as new and incredible animals, birds and plants could be spotted around every corner or bend in the river.
Head out early to catch the jungle at its wildest (and coolest). Walk slowly through the forest searching for wildlife before heading out on an oxbow lake by canoe. Search for anaconda, the elusive giant river otter, or black caiman. Even if you don't spot these shy creatures, there are plenty of other birds, interesting plants, and other animals about.

Jungle Excursions: Enjoy visits to oxbow lakes to learn about the jungle and its inhabitants. Be introduced to the area’s rich flora and fauna by expert naturalist guides, who can teach extensive uses for medicinal and other forest plant resources through traditional techniques. Be prepared to go early morning or evening to avoid the heat of midday. Enjoy a leisurely pace – the trip requires some walking, but nothing too strenuous.

Free Time: Spend time around the lodge or go further afield. Free time can be used to explore any way you want.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

By now you willl have realized just how incredibly diverse Peru is, both culturally and geographically, from the mountains to the jungle and to the desert coastline. Equally as diverse and delicious is the regional food, highlighted and concentrated in Peru's capital city of Lima, which has become a hotspot on the global food map and with good reason. Celebrate the old and new over a final dinner with your travel companions next to an ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of the city.
Return to Puerto Maldonado for the flight to Lima. Stop to Visit the bohemian neighbourhood of Monumental Callao on the way to Miraflores from the airport and enjoy a farewell dinner next to the ruins of Huaca Pucllana.

Dinner at Huaca Pucllana: Enjoy a delicious Peruvian meal next to an ancient adobe pyramid in the heart of Miraflores.

: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Peru will live on.
Depart at any time.

Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST