Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail

Arrive in Lima, Peru's capital, that was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. It was built on the Pacific coast, by the Rimac River and close to the natural harbour of Callao, on land that had already been inhabited for thousands of years. Today Lima is a modern city, but there are obvious reminders of its ancient and colonial past. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre; try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus) or sip on a Pisco sour.

If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which is 30 minutes to one hours' drive (traffic dependant).

For those arriving on time today our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for the initial tour briefing and to take us on a guided walking tour of the city. We will pass through the historical centre, seeing some of the city's best surviving examples of colonial architecture and strolling through Plaza San Martin. Time permitting there might be the opportunity to enter the fascinating Catacombs of the Convent of San Francisco.

Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and from the airport to the hotel is around 30 minutes to one hours' drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 11.30am. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Heading south on the Panamerican Highway we stop at the ancient religious centre of Pachacamac, whose many pre-Inca and Incan adobe walls and temples have miraculously stood for hundreds of years, preserved by the desert climate. We continue on to Paracas and its national park where we can observe some extraordinary lunar landscapes and have the chance to see varied birdlife.

There is the possibility this morning to take an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see a large colony of sea lions, seabirds and even penguins. We then continue south pausing at Ica to visit the small but excellent museum (optional) or the huge sand dunes outside the town at Huacachina Oasis. Then we drive to the mysterious Nazca Lines. Some specialists have speculated that they represent the world's largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline. Here we'll climb the nearby viewing platform for views out over the lines etched into the desert. There should also be time for optional visits to the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetry or the Nazca aqueduct.

Following the coastal route through the desert we reach the settlement of Puerto Chala. In Inca times relays of chasquis (runners) transported fresh fish 250km to Cusco in the mountains in just one day from nearby. Depending on timing we will visit Quebrada de la Vaca Inca ruins either en route or tomorrow morning. These remains are thought to be part of an original Inca Trail to Cusco, and include ancient llama corrals and grain stores.

A full day's drive takes us through strange desert scenery. As we leave the coastal plain behind, our road climbs steadily through the Andean mountains to reach the beautiful city of Arequipa.

This morning we explore this beautiful city, situated at 2380m and surrounded by snowcapped mountains including the perfect conical peak of El Misti (5822m). Arequipa is famed for it's colonial architecture and the arcaded city square, dominated on one side by the twin towered cathedral (1612), is among the finest to be found in South America. Our morning walking tour includes Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion. The afternoon is free to further explore this fascinating city, starting in the Plaza de Armas you could visit the La Catherda or the archaeology museum and wander through the colonial districts.

Heading north from Arequipa we enter the world of the Altiplano. We pass behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. Passing herds of Llama and Alpaca - if lucky we may spot the elusive Vicuña. Today we briefly reach the highest point of our trip at 4,800m before descending towards Colca.

From Chivay we make an early start to the mirador Cruz del Condor, overlooking the magnificent Colca Canyon, in the hope of spotting the rare Andean Condor. Seeing these magnificent birds in flight is a highlight of any trip. From here we make a short walk to Cruz del Cura before continuing to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca: the highest navigable lake in the world at an elevation of 3,856m, and the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. The local Aymara and Quechua-speaking indigenous people have adapted over generations to life at altitude and have larger lungs, hearts and spleens, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles.

Todays four kilometer walk is expected to take around one hour with an ascent of 100m

The Uros people dwell on the lake itself, on floating islands of totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in the construction of houses and boats. We continue by motorboat to Taquile Island which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca heritage and the islanders still speak the language of the Inca-Quechua. Accommodation is limited to rustic, dormstyle facilities in a local house. In the late afternoon we walk to the top of this terraced island to watch the sun set.

Todays one kilometer walk is expected to take around one hour with 200m of ascent.

This morning we walk across the island for the views. On Taquile Island the local people still preserve a rich tradition of music and dance. This is the ideal opportunity to buy locally produced knitted goods - produced by the men of the island. In the afternoon we walk back to the harbour to return to Puno by boat.

Todays five kilometer walk is expected to take around two and half hours.

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way to Cusco. En route we stop at the beautifully scenic site of Sillustani - where the chullpas (funeral towers) are thought to date from the 14th century. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano we cross La Raya pass (4335m) and descend towards Cusco, and then continue on to Ollanta in the Sacred Valley. The mountain scenery is desolate but magnificent and we may spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures. Depending on time, those who wish may visit the colonial church at Andahuaylillas (45kilometres south of Cusco).

Today is left free to explore the Sacred Valley and there are plenty of things to do. There is the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River (grade 2-3, seasonal) - no previous experience is necessary and all safety equipment is provided. You can also choose to visit the market at Pisac and its incredible Inca ruins spread out amphitheatre fashion far above the town.

This morning we drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town. Here we have a short walking tour to stretch our legs, visiting a traditional house and our first view of Inca terracing. We continue by bus for another hour to reach KM82, the starting point for the classic Inca Trail. The trail was first explored by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and opened for walkers in 1970. The famous ruins of Machu Picchu are not the only historical remains within the area: many other interesting sites are hidden in places which can only be reached on foot, and have scarcely been explored.

We meet our porters and support staff, beginning our trek after lunch. The route crosses the Urubamba river, following a wide dirt trail alongside the riverbank. The undulating path takes us into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Llaqtapata (2,700m). Here we camp opposite the ruins of Llaqtapata, a spectacular spot with amazing night skies.

Todays six kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent of 100 metres.

After a hearty breakfast we cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today we follow the course of the Kusichaca river past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca origins and the last settlement on the route. After lunch we gradually ascend through the start of the cloud forest to Llulluchapampa (3,800m) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks of Veronica (5,750m). Here we set up camp for the night; there is a well maintained toilet black at this site.

Todays 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,080 metres ascent.

Today is an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres. The two hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we take is slow and steady with many stops to admire the view and sunrise. After a rest and photo opportunity we descend along a stepped path to the valley of the Pacamayo river with its tropical vegetation. Here we break for brunch before beginning the ascent (mainly on steps) to the second pass of the day. We visit the ruins of Runkuraqay and then it's the final ascent to cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3,950m).

After the pass it was a long gradual descent passing into the start of the main cloud forest to reach the bottom of the valley. The Sayacmarca ruins are visible on a rocky outcrop, they command an imposing view and have only one means of access, a narrow granite stairway. We cross the valley to reach the Sayacmarca campsite for a late lunch. From here the trail goes through cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers (among them orchids) and luxuriant trees, with views (if we are lucky) of the snowcapped peaks of Salkantay. We walk through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba River to our campsite above the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,579m). The campsite has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the valley towards Machu Picchu mountain.

Todays 15 kilometre walk is expected to take around eight hours with 1,000 metres ascent and 630 metres descent.

Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We pass the Puyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairways, 80% of which are original Inca architecture. Coming out of the cloud forest we are greeted by the spectacular views down the valley, walking through the impressive Inca terraces at Intipata we reach our lunch stop at Winay-Wayna (2,591m). Those who wish can visit the ruins here, this Inca site is built into the steep hillside and like Machu Picchu, was abandoned for unknown reasons.

Winding our way along the edge of the mountain we follow a wide path adorned with wild flowers and orchids to we take the final steps up to reach Inti Punku - the Gate of the Sun. passing through there is a sudden and fantastic view of the Lost City itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. We walk down through the site and then take the pubic bus down the mountainside to our hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu.

Todays 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,000 metres descent.

Our final morning is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. We have a guided tour with our Explore Leader then before taking the bus back down to Aquas Calientes.

It is also possible to climb the steep peaks of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain to look down on the citadel. Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700m climb from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few eye-opening drops in some parts, and the round-trip takes about tow and half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350m, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it is definitely not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the one hour climb, you'll be rewarded with world-beating views of Machu Picchu, and the feeling that you're standing on a precipice at the top of the world.

These climbs must be pre-paid at time of booking. If you change your passport between your time of booking and prior to travel please take your original passport with you. Those doing one of the optional climbs will take the first bus back up the Machu Picchu to begin the climb at 7am after which you will meet up with the rest of the group to take the guided tour.

In the afternoon we get the train to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and then return to the historic town of Cusco by bus. Depending on the time of the train, you may have a free afternoon in Aquas Calientes, where there are many restaurants and cafes and a large covered market.

The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish style city of today's Cusco, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones. The interlocking stones, assembled so carefully that a knife blade cannot be forced between the multi-sided joints, were highly functional as well as beautiful - they are earthquake-proof! During our stay, we plan a walking tour of this lovely city to see important Inca and colonial monuments, such as the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone. The stone, measuring some 5 feet across, has the typical bevelled joints which create the patterns of light and shadow on Inca walls. We also visit Cusco's temple-citadel, Sacsayhuaman which broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire - and walk back down to the city centre.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around 15 minutes' drive.

Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to visit a museum or do some souvenir shopping in the winding streets and alleys of the city.

If you are travelling onto the Amazon, you will be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.