20 Days | Take an all-encompassing journey through incredible Peru, from Lima to Cusco
Visit Peru and discover its highlights from Lima to Cusco on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. From the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes and on to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities. Take the chance to hike the iconic Inca Trail and witness the glorious Machu Picchu, delve into the heart of preserved island traditions during a homestay with the Uru people, observe Andean condors take the sky at sunrise over the Colca Canyon and acclimatise to the altitude with a classic pisco sour cocktail in the city of it’s creation.
Trip overview
- Start
- Lima, Peru
- Finish
- Lima, Peru
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Peru
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- GGSA
- Colonial facades, Spanish houses, endless culture and delicious cuisine during your free time in the Peruvian capital.
- Take the opportunity to board a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines – whether they’re the work of ancient civilizations or something more supernatural, it’s an incredible experience.
- Trek the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail or take the scenic train route, no matter how you get there, the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu are a majestic destination.
- Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, with its ancient foundations and interesting blend of Inca and colonial influences.
- Experience the untouched world of the Amazon rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caimans.
- 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.
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
- This trip involves a lot of walking to see the sites, and if you trek the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail, there'll be strenuous hiking. The trip is recommended for those with a good level of fitness. Please bring comfortable footwear suitable to hiking. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
- In many locations you'll have very basic accommodation. This includes the two homestays in rural Peru, the Amazon eco-lodge and camping along the Inca Trail or Quarry Trail (if you do either of these options). There'll be no power in these places, some won't have showers or hot water.
- Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
- According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only, and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Please refer to the Itinerary for details.
- Travellers who choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), will not follow the same routes within Machu Picchu. This means that you may not be able to have photos together, overlooking Machu Picchu. This applies to travellers on the same booking or separate bookings.
- Can't decide which trek is for you? Read up on them here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/inca-trail-vs-quarry-trail/
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Plane, Taxi, Public bus, Private Vehicle, Canoe, Boat, Train
Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (12 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights), Overnight Bus ( 1 night)
- Chauchilla Cemetery Tour
- Colca Canyon -Guided tour
- Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
- Cusco - Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
- 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)
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
- Amazon Jungle - Amazon jungle lodge stay
- Lima - Gold Museum Entrance Fee - PEN35
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) - USD52
- Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) - USD39
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
- Ballestas Islands - Guided tour - PEN97
- Nazca - Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (excluding 77 PEN Taxes at Nazca Airport) - USD100
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee - PEN45
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum Admission Fee - PEN20
- Colca Canyon - La Calera hot springs - PEN15
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN135
- Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) - PEN75
- Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70
- Machu Picchu Site Museum - PEN25
- Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - PEN15
- Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
- Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD85
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. The passport you travel with must match the booking details provided to us. This will be used to apply for your Inca permit and if any info doesn’t match your passport, the Inca authorities will refuse your entry. Delays in providing this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Overnight Bus), Day 8 (Homestay) and Days 17 & 18 (Jungle Lodge) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. At the time of booking, please advise whether you would like to hike the classic Inca Trail, Inca Quarry Trail or take the train. When available, the Inca Trail will be booked as the default option. Fees may apply to changes made after the time of booking, and availability on other options cannot be guaranteed.
4. Inca Trail permits are sold on a request basis only. Once a deposit is paid and passport details are provided, Intrepid will endeavour to secure a permit for you. If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Quarry Trail instead https://www.intrepidtravel.com/machu-picchu-peru/quarry-trail or travel to Machu Picchu by train.
5. The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the trek portion of your trip starts in February, you will be automatically booked to hike the Quarry Trail.
6. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), you may be joined by other Intrepid and/or non-Intrepid travellers. There is also a small chance you may be the only traveller from your group on your selected option.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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