Ancient Cities & the Inca Trail

Day 1  Fly to Lima  

Days 2-3  Lima  
Arrive into Peru's buzzing capital and settle into your hotel. Head out on a guided tour to learn about Lima’s fascinating history and see the wonderful highlights of this dynamic city.  

Day 4  Lima to Sacred Valley  
Fly to Cusco and drive into the stunning Sacred Valley. En route, visit an Andean textile centre to see traditional weaving techniques.

Day 5  Sacred Valley  
The Sacred Valley is teeming with Inca history and, with the backdrop of the Andes mountains, the scenery is breathtaking. Visit the Pisac market, marvel at the ruins of Ollantaytambo and perhaps shop for local handicrafts to take home.  

Day 6  Inca Trail: Sacred Valley to Wayllabamba  
Rise early and head to the starting point of the Inca Trail. Walk to the first camp (approximately 5-6 hours) passing the impressive Inca ruins of Llactapata and pretty valleys lying in the shadow of snow-capped mountains. Your Inca Trail experience will be on a private basis, with an experienced trek guide and porters to help carry your belongings.  

Day 7  Inca Trail: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo  
This full day hike (approximately 6-7 hours) begins with a steep climb to the highest point on the trail, the Abra Warmihuañusca, also known as Dead Woman’s Pass. Descend into the Pacaymayo Valley to reach your second camp.  

Day 8  Inca Trail: Pacaymayo to Wiñay Wayna  
Today, embark on the longest day of the trek (approximately 8 hours), taking you through lush cloud forest and beautiful mountain scenery. Arrive in Wiñay Wayna, an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces.

Day 9  Inca Trail: Wiñay Wayna to Machu Picchu  
Enjoy your last day of hiking (approximately 4 hours). Rise early and walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) for an incredible view over mighty Machu Picchu as the sun rises. Enter the Inca Citadel from the highest point ‘House of the Guardians’ and enjoy a two hour guided tour of the ‘Lost of the Incas’. Later, descend the mountain to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.  

Day 10  Machu Picchu to Cusco  
Return to the ruins this morning and be awed by the views as you explore the citadel at your own pace. Later this afternoon return to Cusco by train.

Day 11  Cusco  
Put your feet up with a well deserved morning at leisure, before seeing the highlights of Cusco on a guided tour this afternoon.

Day 12  Cusco  
Today is free for you to further explore this beautiful city. Alternatively, opt to join a cooking class to create (and taste!) delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Days 13-14  Fly home  
Fly to Lima before your flight home.