Experience Overview
Travel from the heady heights of the Andes to the exotic lowlands of the Amazon on this journey through the best of Peru. Get acquainted with the charm and grace of historic towns before hiking along ancient pathways to Machu Picchu and discovering the heart and soul of the Inca Empire. Then eyeball exotic plant and wildlife in the world's most remarkable jungle. From vibrant cities to glorious natural wonders, this trip shows you all corners of Peru.
Highlights
- Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. The city has ancient foundations, an interesting blend of Incan and colonial influences, and seemingly endless things to do and see.
- Adjust to the altitude with a pisco sour and some ceviche to get to know Peruvian cuisine.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley – known for its steep and soaring scenery, its mystical significance for the Inca and the indigenous cultures that still reside here.
- Explore the greatest icon of ancient South America and one of the Seven Wonders of the world – Machu Picchu – on a guided tour.
- Experience the untouched, evergreen splendour of the Amazon Jungle. Explore rainforest trails with a local guide, looking out for monkeys, parrots and medicinal plants, then fall asleep in a lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1909
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Canoe,Private minibus,Train,Plane
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGSEC
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Lima, Peru
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (6), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Route 1 Inca Trail: Camping with basic facilities (3 nights),Hotel (6 nights). Route 2 - Quarry Trail: Camping with basic facilities (2 nights),Hotel (7 nights). Route 3 - Train option: Hotel (9 nights),All Routes: Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3324 (CAD 277 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. With Indigenous cultures dating back millennia, this country is a fascinating land of Amazonian rainforests, diverse wildlife and soaring mountains. Your adventure begins in Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm at your hotel in Lima. After, head downtown for a guided walking tour of the city's historical centre to take in the colonial mansions, palaces and churches that line the streets. Then, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free. You might visit the Museum of the Inquisition to learn about Spanish colonialism in Peru. Otherwise, wander around the city until night falls, then embark on an optional Lima Bites and Sights Tour with Urban Adventures, taking you to the bohemian Barranco district to sample the best local street food and Pisco cocktails.
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Gold Museum Entrance Fee (35 PEN)
- Lima - Museo de la Nacion (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
- Lima - Pachacamac Tour (30 km from downtown) (Based on 4 participants) (37 USD)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll fly to Cusco. When you arrive, you’ll have a second welcome meeting at 2 pm where you'll meet your next group of fellow travellers (some people will probably start this trip in Cusco, rather than Lima). After, get acquainted with this charming city and its intriguing blend of cultures on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. In the evening visit Casa Intrepid for your trek briefing, then you are free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (135 PEN)
- Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (75 PEN)
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee (40 PEN)
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum (20 PEN)
- Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
- Cusco - Cusco Eat Street (Price based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
This morning, drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced walls and the sacred river beneath. Stop for lunch in a local community, where you'll also get the chance to learn about their traditional lifestyle and maybe wrap your tongue around a few words of the Quechua language. If it’s market day, you'll have time to browse the local handicrafts on offer, such as beads and ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Continue your journey to Ollantaytambo, opt to check out the town’s fascinating archaeological site – ancient remnants of an Inca city with soaring views over the present-day settlement.
Included Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Optional Activities:
- Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site (70 PEN)
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you’ll be either hiking the Inca Trail (Route 1), hiking the Quarry Trail (Route 2) or staying in Cusco for two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes (Route 3). All routes visit Machu Picchu.
While away from Cusco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (5 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. You won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cusco and travel with only a small bag for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Today, travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Your first day will include uphill trekking to the campsite, which sits at 3100 m above sea level. On the way, you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, as well as incredible views of snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal prepared by your cook.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. From here, you’ll head to the small community near Qory Song’o (Golden Heart) hill, where you’ll climb to the top for the incredible views of the Soqma Perolniyoc, Pachar and Huarocondo valleys. There are also several sacred tombs in the area, protected by the locals, which you can explore with your leader and even see some of the original structures crafted from wood and leather. These remains have never been seen by travellers before, so you can be a part of this exclusive experience. Carry on to the Perolniyoc Cascade lookout, where you can stop for some snacks and photos. Arrive at the campsite, 3700 m above sea level, around lunchtime. After, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Route 3 Cusco:
After spending the night in Ollantaytambo, take a short drive to the town of Pisac. Pisac is well known for its market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and perhaps try some local empanadas. Arrive back at Cusco in the afternoon, where your leader will take you to San Pedro Market, where you have the option to buy some local favourites for a picnic tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- 3 Night/4 Day Inca Trail (or 2 Night/3 Day Inca Quarry Trail) guided hike(s) with porters' support. Or guided Cusco stay (Machu Picchu by train)
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you ascend a 5-hour long steep path to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4200 m above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3650 m.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A 3-hour walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa, about 4370 m high. After enjoying the picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. After, make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site that the Incas called Intipunku. This is a sun gate, where the sun will stream through at particular times of the year and there are views of the Nevado Veronica mountain year-round. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away and at 3600 m.
Route 3 Cusco
Today, take a taxi to Tambomachay, an archaeological site just outside of Cusco. From here you’ll take a 2 to 3 hours walk back to Cusco. On the way, stop to admire some of the archaeological sites, including Puka Pukara, Quenqo and Saksaywaman. Arrive back in Cusco in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. Maybe visit the Merida, Mendivil and Olave art galleries and workshops before finding a great spot to sit down and enjoy some dinner.
Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass at 3980 m. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca at 3850 m, also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the 2-hour descent down the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site.
Route 2 Quarry Trail
Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo when you finish your trek. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike, before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes
After a 1.5-hour drive to Ollantaytambo. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. You’ll catch a 1.5-hour train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu – one of the famed Wonders of the World. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking. Once the final checkpoint opens at 5 am, you’ll begin the final 2.5 hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate). Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 6.00 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters. This is a day to remember!
For all travellers, after taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to catch the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stop for lunch together. From here, take a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, then drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Included Activities:
- Machu Picchu - Guided tour
This morning after breakfast, you’ll have loads of free time to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. Those with weary legs may want to simply grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those who prefer an active adventure, the hills surrounding Cusco are idyllic for mountain biking. You may want to consider purchasing a Boleto Turistico (tourism ticket) It gains access to the many fascinating museums here, such as the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.
Rise and shine early today for your journey into the wilds of the Peruvian Amazon. Take an early transfer to the airport, then fly to Puerto Maldonado. Here, you’ll pack a small duffle bag with essentials for the next two days. Board a motorised canoe and cruise deep into the jungle. The journey to your eco-lodge in the Madre de Dios region will take a couple of hours, so you’ll stop for lunch along the way. Settle into your thatched-roof lodge before a short orientation walk of your surroundings. Spend the evening taking in the sights and smells of the jungle and enjoy an I’m-so-far-from-home moment.
Get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the depths of the jungle! Set out on a half-day trek guided by local experts on the area's flora and fauna. Learn from your guides about the medicinal and practical uses for some of the plants that grow here, which Indigenous people have been studying and using for thousands of years. On your walk, keep an eye out for rainbow macaws and butterflies, and listen for the barking call of the peccaries and chattering of monkeys that call the jungle home. This part of the Amazon is also known to house capybaras, giant otters and jabirus, so keep your eyes peeled for these exotic creatures. Enjoy your packed lunch before going back to the lodge and some free time to relax. Once the sun goes down, venture out on a night walk in search of some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants (caimans, jaguars and anacondas).
Included Activities:
- Amazon Jungle - Guided nature walk
Leave behind the natural wonders of the Amazon and return to Puerto Maldonado, where a flight will take the group back to Lima. One of our local representatives will meet you at the airport and will accompany you back to the hotel. Time permitting, the rest of the day is free to explore more of Lima's sights and maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, maybe gather the group together for one last night out on the town and a celebratory farewell dinner of Peruvian favourites.
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Lima for longer, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Tracey - Traveled, April 2024
I booked the Inca trail through intrepid as recommended by a family friend. I would now also advise anyone who is thinking of taking an adventure holiday to book through intrepid. Going forward this will be the company of my choice. The guides are amazing and knowledgeable. The trips and accommodation are great. I would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/08/2024
Fiona - Traveled, February 2024
I had a wonderful experience with Intrepid Travel. The guides were awesome. Everything was well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Darko - Traveled, January 2024
Highly recommended trip. Nice combination of nature exploring, history, anthropology, social studies of local people and customs. Great staff from Intrepid travel, from porters to cooks to guides. All questions promptly answered. They are ready for any emergencies (altitude sickness, fever... ).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Kylie - Traveled, January 2024
We had the most wonderful tour leaders in Kleberth and Victor . The Quarry trail was challenging, fun , adventurous and the food was incredible. We loved the company and the guides. Highly recommend the first part of this tour . But extremely disappointed in the Amazon . No wildlife and accommodation was terrible . Not to Intrepid’s standards . Thanks Todd
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Tracy - Traveled, January 2024
This tour was an awesome experience just remember though if hiking the Inka trail make sure you have a very good level of fitness.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Marlow - Traveled, December 2023
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was amazing! Such a challenging hike, but so worthwhile. Our fearless Intrepid guide Kleberth was so knowledgeable and helpful! He’s an incredible leader and made the trip so much more memorable. It’s a journey of a lifetime and I’d highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Geoff - Traveled, December 2023
A most amazing trip. Not easy but views were outstanding and the history of the track and the Incas was amazing. Organisation was faultless and knowledge and assistance of team guide was superb. Would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2023
Duane - Traveled, November 2023
Had my phone stolen less than 4 hours into my 12 day trip due to Intrepid making us take unsafe bus transportation to Lima. Intrepid, please pop for the $5, safe, taxi or uber ride for your next group tour. Best trip, turned into worsed trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Debra - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was everything I could have wished for. The leader/guide Saret was brilliant and the group gelled well. We were kept informed of what we were doing daily and taken to places that other tour companies would not have taken you. Ie to local business and homes where meals were provided by them and allowing us to see how they produced their products (silk weaving). Well done Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Kevin - Traveled, October 2023
What a trip! Like many people, Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list. I was a bit nervous about the difficulty of the Inca Trail, but with proper training, anyone can do it. Luiz our guide on the Inca Trail was amazing and ensured we were comfortable throughout the entire trek. He also taught us a lot about the trail and the Incas which was a bonus. Armando (our trip leader) and Leonor were also amazing guides and you can just see the passion they have for their country. The Amazon jungle was a nice way to end the trip and we got to explore and see a lot of wildlife. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to check Machu Picchu/Inca Trail off their bucket list!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Nishal - Traveled, September 2023
An amazing trip to Peru, Inca trail was simply amazing. Our guides Bobby and Joel were truly inspiring and kept us all going each day to finish the trail. The porters and cooks were also the most hardworking and happy people and kept us very well fed and carried our loads. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone. Our Amazon jungle guide, Roldan was also very good and informative and he took us on the most amazing night hike through the jungle.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Deena - Traveled, September 2023
This was an incredible trip. I travelled alone but had no reason to be nervous. The trip was very well organised. The accomodation was excellent. The guides in Lima, on the Inca Trail and Jungle were fantastic. They had extensive knowledge and were very professional. They were friendly, approachable and ensured that each part of the trip was flawless and thoroughly enjoyable.The Inca Trail was very challenging, but the reward of reaching Machu Picchu on day 4 made the effort worthwhile. I highly recommend this trip. It was my first holiday with Intrepid, but won't be my last.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2023
Jessica - Traveled, September 2023
If you love hiking, great landscapes, history and nature, then this is the trip for you! A once-in-a-lifetime trip that we will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2023
Mary - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was excellent. I was the only one who took the Quarry Trail option and I had a wonderful time. The staff treated me so well and I learned a ton about the local people of Peru. I would recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Declan - Traveled, August 2023
We don't normally use the tour company for our holidays, but decided to go with Intrepid to do the Inca Trail. The local knowledge of the guides was amazing and brought everything to life. They were also very helpful and supportive. They organised all the accommodation and transport, which removed a lot of the stress and worry. They chose excellent restaurants, but they were more expensive than usual, due to the fact they didn't want us to get ill. They supplied all the water we needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Shagen - Traveled, July 2023
This was an amazing trip. Being older and not so fit, we wondered about making it to Machu Picchu but the leader Juan Carlos made it possible. You have to be there to experience the beauty of Machu Picchu. Photos don’t do justice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Rayanna - Traveled, July 2023
I have really loved my Peru tour. It was my first time going to a country where English was not a primary language. It was so helpful to have the logistics sorted by I terpid and just enjoy my time aboard.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Gad - Traveled, June 2023
Traveling with Intrepid are life changing - must haves - once in a lifetime experience!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Darragh - Traveled, May 2023
Booked Inca trek and Amazon adventure through Intrepid and was amazing. Everything organized so well with best of hotels and best of food while camping. All staff and crew were amazing and will be missed! Would highly recommend this trip to anyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2023
Jason - Traveled, May 2023
The trip was fantastic the guides Paola, Paul and Cesar were amazing and were very informative. The trek was challenging but the views were amazing. Make sure you pack for all seasons, it rained and snowed but the sun came out on the last day for an amazing view of Machu Picchu.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2023
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