Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. The city is also gaining a reputation as a culinary centre, so why not try some ceviche (fish marinated in citrus juices) or sip on a pisco sour?

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 2pm for a welcome meeting followed by a guided tour of the city. We'll 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, too.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM), which is a 45-minute to one-hour drive away.

Please note that if you wish to join the city tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 1.30pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport plus one hour to reach the hotel. The latest your flight can arrive is 11.30am. Should you miss the meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Today we'll head south on the Panamerican Highway. We'll 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'll continue to Paracas and its national park where we can observe some extraordinary lunar landscapes and have the chance to see varied birdlife.

This morning, there's the possibility to take an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see a large colony of sea lions, seabirds and even penguins. We'll then continue south pausing at the huge dunes outside the town at Huacachina Oasis before driving 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 are limited accommodation options in Nazca and tonight we'll stay in a simple hotel with en-suite rooms and a small swimming pool.

Today's total driving time is approximately four hours.

Today, we have a full day's drive through desert landscapes. Following the coastal route through the desert, we'll pass the settlement of Puerto Chala. In Inca times relays of chasquis (runners) transported fresh fish 250 kilometres to Cusco in the mountains in just one day from nearby. Depending on timing we'll visit the Quebrada de la Vaca Inca ruins en route; these remains are thought to be part of an original Inca Trail to Cusco and include ancient llama corrals and grain stores. As we leave the coastal plain behind, our road climbs steadily through the Andean mountains to reach the charming city of Arequipa.

Today's total driving time is approximately ten hours.

This morning we'll explore this beautiful city, situated at 2,380 metres/7,809 feet and surrounded by snowcapped mountains including the conical peak of El Misti (5,822 metres/19,102 feet). The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on the site of an old Inca settlement. Today it's famed for its colonial architecture, including what is arguably one of the finest city squares anywhere in the Americas. Our morning walking tour includes Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion for nearly four centuries.

The afternoon is free to further explore the city, starting in the Plaza de Armas you could visit the twin-towered cathedral or the archaeology museum and wander through the colonial districts.

Heading north from Arequipa, today we'll enter the world of the Altiplano (high plain). We'll drive behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay, passing herds of llama and alpaca - if we're lucky, we might spot the elusive vicuna. We'll briefly reach the highest point of our trip at 4,800 metres/15,749 feet before descending towards the Colca Canyon.

The afternoon is free to bathe in the hot springs (optional) or take a walk in the Colca Valley. The walk begins from Canocota, following the Colca River through the mini canyon, passing by cacti and flowered bushes. There are also hot springs in La Calera where the walk ends.

Today's optional moderate 8-kilometre/5-mile walk is expected to take around three hours.

A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Largely unknown to the outside world until the latter years of the 20th century, today it allows us to discover a world of Andean villages and Inca terraces that make up one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas. This is the world of the Altiplano, where the Rio Colca meanders through a landscape of towering volcanic peaks that offer a stunning backdrop to a land inhabited by Cabana and Collagua Indians.

Today we'll experience this spectacular natural wonder on foot. Beginning in the town of Coporaque we'll walk along terraces above the river before climbing to the Pre-Inca runis of Uyo Uyo. We can step back in time to explore the ruins of this village before we descend, walking past colcas (mud and stone caves used for storing harvested crops) and crossing the orange Sifon Bridge to reach the town of Yanque from where we'll drive back to the hotel.

Today's moderate 8-kilometre/5-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 160 metres/525 feet of ascent and descent.

From Chivay, we'll make an early start to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, overlooking the magnificent Colca Canyon, where we'll hope to spot the rare Andean Condor. Seeing these magnificent birds in flight is a highlight of any trip.

Driving east, via the Patapampa Pass, we'll head towards the beautiful landscapes that surround the unique waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (3,856 metres/12,652 feet) and the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilisation. Our destination is the town of Puno, a centre of Incan folklore nestling in a bay at the northwestern tip of the lake and the perfect base from which to explore the cultural and historical significance of the lake itself.

Today's total driving time is approximately six-and-a-half hours.

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'll 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.

In the late afternoon, we'll walk to the top of this terraced island to watch the sunset. This evening, we'll stay in a local village house on the island with dorm rooms and shared facilities.

Today's easy 1-kilometre/0.6-mile walk is expected to take around one hour with 200 metres/656 feet of ascent.

This morning, we'll walk across the island to take in the views. On Taquile Island, the local people 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'll walk back to the harbour to return to Puno by boat.

Today's easy 5-kilometre/3.10-mile walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours.

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to Cusco. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano on a public bus, we'll cross La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,223 feet) and make a stop at the Inca temple of Raqchi, before descending towards Cusco. The bus is an extremely comfortable coach with good-quality seats and will make stops en route. When we arrive in Cusco, we'll switch to a private vehicle and continue to Ollanta in the Sacred Valley. The mountain scenery is desolate but magnificent and we might spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures.

Today's total driving time is approximately seven hours.

Today is free for you to explore the Sacred Valley and there are plenty of things to do.

You could choose to visit the market at Pisac, and its incredible Inca ruins spread out amphitheatre fashion far above the town, or walk to the ruins at Moray. There is also the option to visit the community of Misminay, a village which lives off agriculture, traditional weaving techniques and providing porterage services to the Inca Trail. The community has worked together to welcome tourists, introducing them to life in the Andes and showcasing their food and traditions in authentic cultural interactions. Your Tour Leader will run through the available options in country.

Once the Inca Trail permits sell out, we organise our hikes to Machu Picchu along the Quarry Trail, with a fully licenced and experienced trekking guide and the usual crew of porters. We'll let you know prior to booking which permits are available, and the itinerary for the next four days depends on which trek you are doing.

Inca Trail

This morning we'll drive to Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town. Here, we'll have a short walking tour to stretch our legs, visiting a traditional house and our first view of Inca terracing. We'll continue by bus for another hour to reach KM82, the starting point for the classic Inca Trail, with an altitude of 2,600 metres/8,530 feet. 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'll meet our porters and support staff and begin 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 (2,700 metres/8,859 feet). Here we'll camp opposite the ruins of Llaqtapata a spectacular spot with amazing night skies. There are no permanent facilities here but the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's moderate 8-kilometre/5-mile walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with an ascent of 100 metres/328 feet.

Quarry Trail

This morning, we'll drive to Rafq'a, the starting point for the Quarry Trek, with an altitude of 2,800 metres/9,186 feet. Here, we'll meet our porters and support staff. After walking for an hour, we'll reach the small remote community of Socma, from where we'll take a trail to the viewpoint of the Perolniyoc waterfall. The path continues towards the camp, located at 3,600 meters/11,811 feet above sea level. We'll arrive in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to rest and explore the archaeological site of Q'orimarca, which once served as a control point for the Incas.

Today's moderate 9-kilometre/5.6-mile walk is expected to take around five hours with an ascent of 800 metres/2,625 feet.

Inca Trail

After a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today, we'll 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 (3,800 metres/12,468 feet) which affords stunning views of the snowy peaks of Veronica (5,750 metres/18,866 feet). Here we'll set up camp for the night; there is a well-maintained facilities block with flushing toilets and sinks at this site.

Today's moderate 10-kilometre/6.2-mile walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,080 metres/3,543 feet of ascent.

Quarry Trail

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. After three hours of trekking, we'll reach the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4,370 metres/14,338 feet), with spectacular views of snowy mountains on one side, and the Sacred Valley on the other. From here, we'll descend for half an hour to the lunch spot.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Kuychicasa, the highest pass of the trek (4,450 metres/14,600 feet). Continuing, we'll visit the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku or "Puerta del Sol" (Gate of the Sun), where we can see the Veronica Mountain and the Sacred Valley of the Incas in all its splendour. Tonight's campsite is Choquetacarpo camp (3,600 metres/11,812 feet).

Today's challenging 15-kilometre/9.3-mile walk is expected to take around nine hours with an ascent of 850 metres/2,789 feet.

Inca Trail

Today we'll have an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres/13,780 feet. The two-hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we'll take it slow and steady with many stops to admire the view and sunrise. After a rest and photo opportunity, we'll descend along a stepped path to the valley of the Pacamayo River with its tropical vegetation. Here we'll break for brunch before beginning the ascent (mainly on steps) to the second pass of the day. We'll visit the ruins of Runkuraqay and then it's the final ascent to cross the Runkuraqay Pass (3,950 metres/12,960 feet).

After the pass, we have 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'll cross the valley to reach the Sayacmarca campsite for a late lunch. From here, the trail goes through a cloud forest with vines, exotic flowers and trees, with views of the snowcapped peaks of Salkantay. We'll walk through an Inca tunnel and along a ridge above the Urubamba River to our campsite above the Phuyupatamarca ruins (3,579 metres/11,743 feet). The campsite has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and down the valley towards Machu Picchu Mountain. There's a toilet block but it's not kept in the best condition so the camp crew will set up a toilet tent for the group to use.

Today's challenging 15-kilometre/9.3-mile walk is expected to take around eight hours with 1,000 metres/3,281 feet of ascent and 630 metres/2,067 feet of descent.

Quarry Trail

Today's walk is mainly downhill, our first stop will be Cachicata, the Inca quarry, where it's said that the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish conquerors and so the quarry was subsequently never finished. Here we can observe the Inca stone works before continuing our descent for three hours to reach Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is an original Inca town, we'll have lunch and take a short walking tour to visit a traditional house and view the Inca terracing. The rest of the day is free ahead of an early start tomorrow, we'll stay in a hotel here tonight.

There's an optional excursion to visit a traditional Peruvian farm this afternoon, learning about artisanal distillation methods and coffee production and enjoying a delicious Pachamanca lunch (stew baked underground).

Today's moderate 5-kilometre/3.1-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with a descent of 1,500 metres/4,922 feet.

Inca Trail

Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We'll say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We'll pass the Phuyupatamarca 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\ re greeted by spectacular views down the valley, then, walking through the impressive Inca terraces at Intipata, we'll reach our lunch stop at Winay-Wayna (2,591 metres/8,501 feet). 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'll follow a wide path adorned with wildflowers and orchids to take the final steps up to reach Inti Punku - the Gate of the Sun. Passing through we'll get a sudden and fantastic view of the Lost City itself, Machu Picchu, set in a grandiose landscape. We'll walk through the site and then take the public bus down the mountainside to our hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes, situated on the valley floor below Machu Picchu.

Today's moderate 14-kilometre/8.7-mile walk is expected to take around six hours with 1,000 metres/3,281 feet of descent.

Quarry Trail

This morning is our final day of trekking, and we'll join the Inca Trail. We'll drive to Ollantaytambo train station and board the train towards KM104, where we'll begin our trek crossing the River Vilcanota, following the Inca Trail through woodland ascending to the magnificent ruins of Winay-Wayna (2,591 metres/8,501 feet) where you'll be reunited with the group. From Winay-Wayna the route is the same as above, trekking through the Sun Gate into Machu Picchu.

Today's moderate 12-kilometre/7.5-mile walk is expected to take around six hours with an ascent and descent of 500 metres/1,641 feet.

We'll be reunited with the rest of the group and enjoy a celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes tonight.

Our final morning in the mountains 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'll have a guided tour with our tour leader before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.

Before your guided tour, it's possible to get up early and climb (unguided) the steep peaks of either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain from where you can look down on the citadel (it is not possible to do both hikes due to time constraints). Machu Picchu Mountain is a 700-metre/2,297-foot climb from the top of the citadel. There are cobbled stairs all the way up with a few eye-opening drops in some parts, but predominantly very enclosed and with a fairly steady, but not too strenuous, gradient. The round-trip takes about two-and-a-half to three hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is only 350 metres/1,148 feet, half the size of Machu Picchu Mountain, but much steeper. There are many more sheer drops, and it's not suitable for someone with a fear of heights. For those who fancy doing the two-hour climb, you'll be rewarded with world-class 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 the time of booking. If you change your passport between the time you book and your travel, please take your original passport with you. Those doing one of the optional climbs will take the first bus up to Machu Picchu to begin the climb, after which you'll exit the site and meet up with the rest of the group to take the guided tour.

In the afternoon, we'll get the train to Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and then return to the historic town of Cusco by bus.

This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail, we'll head down to the colonial neighbourhood of San Cristobal, where the plaza gives us a sweeping view over the city's rooftops. Navigating the narrow streets of the old city, we'll reach the aqueduct of Sapantiana, a hidden engineering marvel only known by locals. This aqueduct directs us to arty San Blas, where coffee shops converge with traditional artisan's workshops, we'll explore the cobbled calles, venturing inside the studios to marvel at the local craftsmanship.

Entering the main Plaza de Armas of Cusco, the focal point of the city, we\ re welcomed by the baristas of Three Monkeys Coffee who serve us the finest Peruvian beans. Then, once revived, we'll continue walking, gazing upon the Qoricancha complex, once the Inca's most sacred site dedicated to the Sun God. Our final destination is Mercado de Wanchaq, a local hot spot jammed with rows of colourful stalls and filled with the aromas of seasonal fruit. Slurping freshly pressed juice, we'll watch the sellers hawking their wares before returning to the hotel.

The walking tour is approximately 4 kilometres/2.5 miles and is expected to take around four to five hours.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco.

There are no activities planned today, so you\ re 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\ d like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ), which is around a 15-minute drive from our hotel.

Depending on the schedule of your flights, you might have additional time to visit a museum shop for souvenirs in the winding streets and alleys of the city.

If you\ re travelling on to the Amazon, you'll be transferred to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado.