currency
Inca Tour
cost
From AUD $2400 (3 Star), AUD $2770 (4 Star)
departure
Daily
duration
16 Days
locations
Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Puerto Inca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Cusco and the world famous Inca Trail passing through Machu Picchu.
A comprehensive snapshot of Peru's highlights
Day 1: Lima: City Tour
Today, we spend the morning touring Lima, the Colonial "City of Kings", and get a first hand glimpse of its majestic past. We visit sites such as the Cathedral and Presidential Palace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. We get to see, first hand, Lima's magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-Colombian past.
The afternoon is free to continue to get a feel for this bustling capital, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2: Lima - Huacachina
We depart early and head south down the Pan Americana Highway passing the little known Inca ruins of Pachacamac and into Peru’s coastal desert strip.
We arrive in the desert oasis town of Huacachina, where our hotel is located and where you can take part in sand boarding or boating on the lagoon.
Day 3: Huacachina - Paracas - Nazca
Leaving Huacachina early, we drive to the small port of Paracas where we take a boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands to see marine mammals and birdlife up close and in huge numbers. We also take a look at some ancient etchings in the coastal cliffs including the mysterious Candelabra .
Once back on shore, we make the drive to Nazca, famous for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the best-known relic of the Nasca culture.
Once in Nazca, the afternoon can be spent in the fascinating museum, looking at mummies in Chaucilla Cemetery or just enjoying the desert climate.
Day 4: Nazca - Arequipa
This morning, you will probably wish to take the option of a flight over the Nazca Lines in order to unravel the mystery for yourself. You can make out giant figures including a hummingbird, monkey and many other animals. There are also other figures etched into the desert plain, including large elongated triangular shapes. Flights last for 40 minutes and give a fantastic overview of this wonderful attraction. This is highly recommended, as it is the best way to see all the lines clearly.
This evening, we take a luxury bus, with hostess service, to Arequipa where we arrive early morning..
Day 5: Arequipa: Free Day
Today you have the chance to relax in the peaceful surrounds of the colonial city of Arequipa. You may spend the time checking out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Santa Catalina Monastery, or the Inca Ice mummy Juanita who was found intact in the crater of a volcano. Or you could just sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the mighty volcano Misti which dominates the landscape.
This evening you can sample the town’s fantastic nightlife!
Day 6: Arequipa - Colca Canyon
We venture into the Andes for the first time on the tour. We ascend to an altitude of approximately 5,000 metres before descending again into the Colca Valley.
We spend the night in the small town of Chivay and you may like to bathe in the magnificently-set La Calera thermo-medicinal baths at sunset to soothe any aches and pains.
Day 7: Colca Canyon - Puno
The Colca Canyon is the world's deepest, formed by the erosion of the Colca River. The harsh landscape, with spectacular scenery, is home to eagles, llamas, vicuñas and of course the magnificent Andean Condor.
This morning, we will be taken by expert local guides to the best locations to view the Condors as they rise on thermals from the valley.
On our return we will witness pre-Inca tombs, Inca terracing and traditional Andean villages, all set against the splendid mountain backdrop.
In the afternoon, we continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, arriving there in the evening.
Day 8: Puno: Lake Titicaca
Today we spend the day on the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca. First, we get the opportunity to visit the unique, man-made, floating reed islands of Uros to get an impression of how the Aymara-speaking locals have lived for centuries.
Then we make our way to Taquile Island, where time appears to have stood still. Around 350 families live here, operating a collective agricultural system dating from the 14th Century and renowned for their textiles - beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). The views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains in Bolivia overlooking the lake are the icing on the cake!
The evening is free for the brave to sample some local cuisine: guinea pig (known locally as cuy) perhaps? Or maybe alpaca?
Day 9: Puno - Cusco
After breakfast, today is spent on the jaw dropping ride across the altiplano to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. This drive will take us through sleepy Andean villages, past spectacular snow capped mountains, sheer cliffs and rampaging rivers. Stops along the way include the atmospheric towns of Pucara and Andahuaylillas, and the pre-Inca ruin of Raqchi. Lunch is also included.
We arrive in the famous city of Cusco in the early evening.
Day 10: Cusco: City Tour
A gentle wander through the cobbled stoned streets is recommended during the morning, to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city.
During the afternoon we have a guided bus tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
The evening is free to sample some of Cusco’s famous nightlife first hand!
Day 11: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour
Today, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.
Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included).
We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca town planning and dominated by a giant Inca fortress, which was the scene of a rare victory for the Incas against the invading Spanish Conquistadors.
After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!
Day 12: Cusco - Km 82 – Huayllabamba: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Day 13: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Day 14: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, we continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, we will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). We have a guided visit of the complex before we have dinner and overnight in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Day 15: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco: Snack
After an early breakfast, we will make the one-hour walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparallelled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where we will be transferred to our hotel – tired, but happy!
Day 16: Cusco
Our tour ends after breakfast.
We can arrange onward travel or extra accommodation in Cusco, as necessary. Just email us at info@chimuadventures.com for more details.
If you like this itinerary but would prefer to see more or Peru, why not consider the El Chimu Grande tour? Or, should you wish to continue your quest through South America, please visit the La Paz Stopover or Bolivian Highlights tours.
Today, we spend the morning touring Lima, the Colonial "City of Kings", and get a first hand glimpse of its majestic past. We visit sites such as the Cathedral and Presidential Palace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. We get to see, first hand, Lima's magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-Colombian past.
The afternoon is free to continue to get a feel for this bustling capital, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Day 2: Lima - Huacachina
We depart early and head south down the Pan Americana Highway passing the little known Inca ruins of Pachacamac and into Peru’s coastal desert strip.
We arrive in the desert oasis town of Huacachina, where our hotel is located and where you can take part in sand boarding or boating on the lagoon.
Day 3: Huacachina - Paracas - Nazca
Leaving Huacachina early, we drive to the small port of Paracas where we take a boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands to see marine mammals and birdlife up close and in huge numbers. We also take a look at some ancient etchings in the coastal cliffs including the mysterious Candelabra .
Once back on shore, we make the drive to Nazca, famous for the enigmatic Nazca Lines, the best-known relic of the Nasca culture.
Once in Nazca, the afternoon can be spent in the fascinating museum, looking at mummies in Chaucilla Cemetery or just enjoying the desert climate.
Day 4: Nazca - Arequipa
This morning, you will probably wish to take the option of a flight over the Nazca Lines in order to unravel the mystery for yourself. You can make out giant figures including a hummingbird, monkey and many other animals. There are also other figures etched into the desert plain, including large elongated triangular shapes. Flights last for 40 minutes and give a fantastic overview of this wonderful attraction. This is highly recommended, as it is the best way to see all the lines clearly.
This evening, we take a luxury bus, with hostess service, to Arequipa where we arrive early morning..
Day 5: Arequipa: Free Day
Today you have the chance to relax in the peaceful surrounds of the colonial city of Arequipa. You may spend the time checking out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Santa Catalina Monastery, or the Inca Ice mummy Juanita who was found intact in the crater of a volcano. Or you could just sit back, relax and enjoy the views of the mighty volcano Misti which dominates the landscape.
This evening you can sample the town’s fantastic nightlife!
Day 6: Arequipa - Colca Canyon
We venture into the Andes for the first time on the tour. We ascend to an altitude of approximately 5,000 metres before descending again into the Colca Valley.
We spend the night in the small town of Chivay and you may like to bathe in the magnificently-set La Calera thermo-medicinal baths at sunset to soothe any aches and pains.
Day 7: Colca Canyon - Puno
The Colca Canyon is the world's deepest, formed by the erosion of the Colca River. The harsh landscape, with spectacular scenery, is home to eagles, llamas, vicuñas and of course the magnificent Andean Condor.
This morning, we will be taken by expert local guides to the best locations to view the Condors as they rise on thermals from the valley.
On our return we will witness pre-Inca tombs, Inca terracing and traditional Andean villages, all set against the splendid mountain backdrop.
In the afternoon, we continue to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, arriving there in the evening.
Day 8: Puno: Lake Titicaca
Today we spend the day on the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca. First, we get the opportunity to visit the unique, man-made, floating reed islands of Uros to get an impression of how the Aymara-speaking locals have lived for centuries.
Then we make our way to Taquile Island, where time appears to have stood still. Around 350 families live here, operating a collective agricultural system dating from the 14th Century and renowned for their textiles - beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). The views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains in Bolivia overlooking the lake are the icing on the cake!
The evening is free for the brave to sample some local cuisine: guinea pig (known locally as cuy) perhaps? Or maybe alpaca?
Day 9: Puno - Cusco
After breakfast, today is spent on the jaw dropping ride across the altiplano to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. This drive will take us through sleepy Andean villages, past spectacular snow capped mountains, sheer cliffs and rampaging rivers. Stops along the way include the atmospheric towns of Pucara and Andahuaylillas, and the pre-Inca ruin of Raqchi. Lunch is also included.
We arrive in the famous city of Cusco in the early evening.
Day 10: Cusco: City Tour
A gentle wander through the cobbled stoned streets is recommended during the morning, to appreciate fully the magnificent blend of Colonial and Inca influence on the city.
During the afternoon we have a guided bus tour of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Rock of the 12 Angles, and Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo and Koricancha.
The evening is free to sample some of Cusco’s famous nightlife first hand!
Day 11: Cusco: Sacred Valley Tour
Today, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious.
Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you can pick up a bargain! You have free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included).
We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, the best surviving example of Inca town planning and dominated by a giant Inca fortress, which was the scene of a rare victory for the Incas against the invading Spanish Conquistadors.
After the day’s activities, we recommend having an early night and preparing for the challenge of the Inca Trail!
Day 12: Cusco - Km 82 – Huayllabamba: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
Early this morning, our guide will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you by bus to Km 82 where you will arrive mid-morning and meet the team that will join you during the trek - porters, camp assistants and cooks.
The first day’s walk is quite easy and during the first part you will have a beautiful view of the snow-peaked Veronica Mountain above you and the Vilcanota River below you. Lunch will be waiting for you when you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta.
After re-energising, we begin the steady climb to Huayllabamba, where the first camp is set up.
Day 13: Huayllabamba – Pacaymayu: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the hardest part of the trail begins, with a steep, three-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass), at some 4200m (13,800ft) above sea level. Here you will not only enjoy incredible, panoramic views, but you will have a great sense of achievement at reaching this milestone.
After lunch in Vizcachayoc, we will descend towards Pacaymayu (3500m/11,480ft) for dinner and camp.
Day 14: Pacaymayu – Wiñayhuayna: Snack/ Lunch/ Afternoon Snack/Dinner
After breakfast, the ascent will begin to the second highest pass on the Trail, at more than 3900m (12,800ft) above sea level. On the way up, you can enjoy a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Runkurukay and, on the way down, the Inca Citadel of Sayacmarca (3,600m/11,800ft).
Lunch will be ready for you in Chaqquicocha. Then, we continue walking towards Phuya Patamarka (Town in Clouds), another important archaeological monument.
After a brief rest, we will continue walking to the spectacularly-located Archaeological Complex of Wiñay Huayna (Always Young). We have a guided visit of the complex before we have dinner and overnight in the nearby campsite.
N.B. The above are our regular camp sites; however, these can be changed by the Machu Picchu Management Unit without previous warning. It will not affect the itinerary.
Day 15: Wiñay Huayna - Machu Picchu – Cusco: Snack
After an early breakfast, we will make the one-hour walk through high rainforest to Inti Punku (Gateway of the Sun), the well-known entrance to Machu Picchu, with its unparallelled panoramic view of the Inca Citadel.
Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, we will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. This is followed by free time to stroll around the Citadel, before meeting the rest of the group to be transferred by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch.
In the afternoon, you take the train back to Cusco, where we will be transferred to our hotel – tired, but happy!
Day 16: Cusco
Our tour ends after breakfast.
We can arrange onward travel or extra accommodation in Cusco, as necessary. Just email us at info@chimuadventures.com for more details.
If you like this itinerary but would prefer to see more or Peru, why not consider the El Chimu Grande tour? Or, should you wish to continue your quest through South America, please visit the La Paz Stopover or Bolivian Highlights tours.
| Accommodation | Tourist Class Hotels and Camping (on Inca Trail) |
| Inclusions | Accommodation All sightseeing Airport transfers Breakfast in hotels. All meals on trek (except lunch on last day) Entrances/ permits Transfers Camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags) Trail Guide, Cook, Communal Porters (for tents, food, cooking equipment etc). |
| Difficulty Rating | 4 (average fitness required). |
| Sustainability | Carbon Offsets not available for this tour Renewable energy used at hotel Local foods used on tour Local guides used (English-speaking; most University-educated). |
| Single Surcharge | US $740(or other currency equivalent). |
| Notes | Porters can be hired to carry personal items at an extra charge. Sleeping bags can be hired in Cusco. |
| Price dependent on: | Availability of entrance permits and seasonality. |
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