Experience Overview
With a stay in the heart of the jungle, plenty of pisco sours and some hot and heavy hiking on the Inca Trail, this trip is 15 days of exploring, drinking, eating and sweating (nobody said the trail would be easy, but boy is it worth it). Experience the real Amazon in a proper jungle lodge, follow in the footsteps of ancient people on the Inca Trail to Wonder of the World Machu Picchu and stay with a local family who live in a mud-brick house on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Hit the nightlife in Cusco, sail down the Amazon River in the pitch-black of night (look out for jaguars!) and experience an I’m-so-far-from-home moment with this epic trek through Peru to Bolivia.
Highlights
- Roam the Amazon Jungle by boat at night (with an expert local) and float down the river, keeping an eye out for the glaring eyes of jaguars, anacondas and caimans.
- Spend the night under the stars in a traditional island village – the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca look like they could be straight out of a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie!
- Whether you trek the Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, you'll be travelling responsibly with a company that cares about balancing profit and purpose. Intrepid is the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail and we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.
- Head to a local community and rub shoulders with the inhabitants of the Sacred Valley – if you’re lucky, your travel day might even fall on market day where you can pick up some hand-painted beads or a warm poncho.
- Explore in your own time, at your own pace. This trip gives you heaps of free time to explore Cusco’s history, lounge in the Amazon Jungle at your eco-lodge, wind your way through the streets of the Sacred Valley and hang out with homestay hosts on Lake Titicaca.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1962
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Plane,Motorised Canoe,Boat,Private Vehicle,Public Bus
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGYP
Starts: Lima, Bolivia
Finishes: La Paz , Bolivia
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (7), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (8 nights),Jungle Lodge (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3155 (CAD 210 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Your adventure begins at around 2 pm with a welcome meeting. Then, your trip leader will take you on a walking tour of the Miraflores district, including Central Park (Parque Kennedy), the LarcoMar entertainment complex and Parque del Amor (Love Park) for great views over the coast of Lima. Along the way, maybe treat yourself to some Limenian desserts like mazamorra morada, rice pudding or rice zambito. Tonight, you’re free to explore or hit the city’s nightlife with your new fellow travellers. Maybe head to the famed Tanta restaurant in downtown Lima – home to the most famous chef in Peru Gaston Acurio.
Included Activities:
- Lima - Leader Led orientation walk of Miraflores
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
- Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery, including The Catacombs Admission Fee (20 PEN)
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) (39 USD)
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) (52 USD)
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) (85 USD)
- Lima - Museum of the Inquisition (entrance fee) - Free
- Lima - Gold Museum (entrance fee) (35 PEN)
- Lima - Museo de la Nacion (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
- Lima - Banco Central de Reserva Museum (entrance fee) (5 PEN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll fly to Puerto Maldonado in the Amazon Jungle, where you'll be staying for two nights. When you arrive, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town. Here, you can leave most of your luggage in safe storage and continue travelling with a small pack of essentials. You’ll take a motorised canoe upriver to your jungle lodge right in the middle of the jungle, in the Madre de Dios area – this is a real pinch-me moment! The next two days are packed with activities. Your full day in the jungle includes a half-day trek – this can get muddy and tiring, but what better way to explore the Amazon than on foot. There will be regular stops on the way and you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat. You might even spot macaws, monkeys, peccaries, jabirus and otters, not to mention thousands of butterflies. The guides will also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the local plants. For your night-time excursion, you’ll venture out in the dark in search of caimans on the Tambopata River. The naturalist guide will use a spotlight to locate them on the banks of the river, so you can observe them from a respectable distance. Travelling in the dark, on the river in the jungle can be a bit spooky, but this atmosphere just adds to the fun.
Included Activities:
- Amazon Jungle - Jungle Lodge Stay and Activities
Accommodation:
- Amazon Lodge (Number of Nights: 2)
Say goodbye to the jungle and fly to Cusco, where you’ll spend the day acclimatising to the high altitude. After dropping off your luggage and having some lunch, your leader will take you on a walk around downtown Cusco. You’ll visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, the local San Pedro market, the main square, the Twelve Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Maybe try some donas along the way. This afternoon is free to explore. Maybe head to the Cusco cathedral or discover the history of Saqsaywaman. As you’re acclimatising today, it’s recommended that you keep strenuous activity to a minimum.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee (40 PEN)
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (135 PEN)
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, unwind on a drive through the Sacred Valley, on the fringes of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas – this lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Head to a local community to learn about the valley’s lifestyle and activities – if your travel falls on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, it’s market day! Comb the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and master the local Quechuan language (a few words will be deemed a success). Take a short drive to Ollantaytambo. Later in the afternoon, maybe head out to visit Ollantaytambo’s awesome Incan ruins. Tonight, rest up at your hotel and prepare for the Inca Trail.
Included Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days, you’ll be doing one of the following – 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.
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 Cusco 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, along with the trail's food and equipment. 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
Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, your cook and your guide. Today you’ll trek uphill to the campsite, 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. Tonight, 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
Enjoy a free day in Cusco – the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to purchase a boleto turistico, which allows entry to the city's many museums and archaeological sites. Ask your leader for their recommendations.
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)
Accommodation:
- Camping on trek or Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Route 1 Inca Trail
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll ascend a 5-hour long steep path to 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
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. A 3-hour long walk takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4370 m high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, you’ll stop for lunch. Then make the 2-hour hike to Kuychicassa – the highest pass of the trek at 4450 m. From here, descend to the sacred site 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. The Incas built several sun gates, the most notable overlooking Machu Picchu. Head to the campsite, only a stone’s throw away, at 3600 m. Your trek today will take about 5 hours.
Route 3 Cusco
Today is yours to spend as you wish in Cusco. Perhaps use the day to indulge your inner foodie at Cusco's many cafes, restaurants and markets. The ChocoMuseo is a must for those with a sweet tooth – they offer tastings and chocolate-making workshops, too.
Accommodation:
- Camping on trek or Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Route 1 Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay Pass (3980 m). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for 2 to 3 hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3850 m), also known as '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. If time permits, you can explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Route 3 Train to Aguas Calientes
After a drive to Ollantaytambo, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Quarry Trail. Spend the night in a hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Accommodation:
- Camping on trek or Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Route 1 Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. Start your day before dawn with breakfast at a crisp 4 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking. Walk 2.5 hours to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) and, weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. When you arrive, all the hiking and the early morning will definitely be worth it!
Route 2 and 3 Machu Picchu to Cusco
Take an early bus up to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for 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.
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
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll enjoy free time to relax, shop for souvenirs or see more of Cusco's sites. Maybe head to a cafe on the Plaza de Armas, or if you're a thrill-seeker, try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco. You might also want to go for a walk through Seven Borreguitos – one of the most photogenic streets in Cusco. In the evening, you might want to head out to dinner with your group and share photos of your Machu Picchu experience. Cusco is also a hotspot for fun nightlife, so if you’re feeling like a boogie or a cocktail, grab your new mates and hit the streets.
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) (170 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel by bus through the Altiplano plateau to Puno. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians. When you’re settled, maybe head out and make the most of the nightlife.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Puno sits on Lake Titicaca's shores – the world's highest navigable lake. Today, you'll take a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros peoples built these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They're built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Tonight is your homestay in a local community on Llachon – a cosy mud-brick house with shared drop-toilets (no shower is available here). It can get quite cold, but the homestay will provide plenty of blankets. It’s recommended that you pack thermals and plenty of layers. Help your host family with their daily activities or maybe play a game of soccer in the village.
Included Activities:
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a home-cooked breakfast by your host family this morning, learning about their life and their stories. Then, explore the rest of the island. In the afternoon, take the boat back to Puno, where the rest of your day is free to explore.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by local bus this morning and cross the border into Bolivia. You'll be asked to leave the bus to proceed through Peruvian immigration. The group will then walk across a bridge, submit passports at the Bolivian immigration office and reboard the bus for La Paz. Today is a long travel day, so make sure you’ve got your favourite playlists or books ready – or play some road trip games with your fellow travellers. Tonight, why not head out on the town for an optional group dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure ends today and you're free to leave the accommodation at any time. If you have some more time in La Paz before flying out, take a walk around the city's famous Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse the weird and wonderful stalls selling everything from aphrodisiac potions to dried frogs and llama foetuses. If that’s not for you, there are plenty of markets selling goods made of alpaca wool, leather and other traditional materials. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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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
Cameron - Traveled, September 2024
Peru is such an amazing place. Our guide Jose was the best and made the trip by himself, his friendliness, knowledge, and humour was great! Thank you Jose!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Toby - Traveled, September 2024
An unforgettable journey exploring the many diverse ecosystems of Peru. This trip offers many unique experiences amongst the wildlife of the Amazon, the ruins of the powerful Inca Empire and the floating islands of the Uros people. Highly recommended to those with a thirst for adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2024
Jess - Traveled, October 2024
This was genuinely a trip of a lifetime. From the Inca trail to the Amazon to Lake titikaka. Amazing locations, culture, history. Carmen was an incredible leader. Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Kieran - Traveled, September 2024
Amazing trip, well organised.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2024
Jack - Traveled, August 2024
My trip with Intrepid exceeded my expectations in every way possible. I was able to focus on the enjoyment and new experiences whilst they dealt with any complications and logistical challenges. Our guide was excellent with our group as a whole and had an incredible range of knowledge across a wide variety of topics. Intrepid also used local guides where necessary which were all excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2024
Nicole - Traveled, August 2024
Peru is a beautiful country with friendly people. Intrepid will show you the highlights and take you to communities that are grateful to have you visiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2024
Danielle - Traveled, August 2024
1st of all - amazing Intrepid guide/leader: Yathman Hernan, Yepez Pardo (Hernan) - you could tell he loves his country and his culture and it makes you really fall in love with Peru too! This trip is jam packed full of adventure, culture, and “bucket list” unforgettable experiences! Book it, you won’t regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2024
Claire - Traveled, July 2024
An incredible trip, couldn’t recommend it enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Ayla - Traveled, July 2024
Great trip, amazing guide and really fun itinerary that hits all the high points.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Laura - Traveled, August 2024
Wilmer was excellent. Would totally recommend him as the best tour guide I have ever had. His knowledge and friendliness was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, October 2024
This was a fantastic trip that I will remember forever! Intrepid were so helpful and informative on the run up to the trip and my tour guide Yathman Hernan was the most exceptional leader I have ever had! Thank you, Hernan!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2024
Charles - Traveled, October 2024
Worthwhile and satisfying tour with a packed itinerary. Travelling with a great local tour leader takes any stress out of the trip and lets you fully enjoy it and embrace the region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2024
Emily - Traveled, October 2024
Would thoroughly recommend this trip, such a knowledgeable tour guide and the experiences were better than I had ever imagined.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2024
Eric - Traveled, October 2024
Loved this trip and the people on it, the itinerary is full of exciting activities, definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2024
Cara - Traveled, October 2024
Amazing trip would recommend anyone who is wanting to visit Peru to book via Peru, the Quarry Inca trail was incredible
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2024
Niamh - Traveled, October 2024
A jam packed 2 weeks seeing various parts of Perú with a small group. The guides were very knowledgeable and there was great communication throughout. Would recommend for solo travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/02/2024
Michael - Traveled, October 2024
Real Peru enabled me to see the country from a new angle. I particularly loved the homestays and visiting local Andean communities, an eye opening experience which I couldn’t have done alone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2024
Cameron - Traveled, September 2024
Peruis such an amazing place. Our guide Jose was the best and made the trip by himself, his friendliness, knowledge, and humour was great! Thank you Jose!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2024
Piper - Traveled, September 2024
So many people recommended intrepid to me and I didn’t understand until I went on this trip. I was well looked after by my guide Jose Luis and my group became like family. I felt like I got to see so much of Peru in a short space of time. Machu Picchu and the hike will forever be a highlight. Because you are doing so much it can be tiring but I had the most amazing time !!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2024
Nathaniel - Traveled, September 2024
Intrepid is one of the best ways to see the world. They are prepared and organised. Their guides are friendly and helpful. If you want to see more of the world from a local point of view, go with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2024
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