Sacred Land of the Incas

15 Days | See Machu Picchu from all angles on a high-flying Peruvian adventure

4.9 out of 5 based on 168 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Walking & Trekking
From
NZD $4,174
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The wonders of Peru and Bolivia await as you walk beneath the Amazon Jungle's lush canopy, trek the llama-filled plains of the Sacred Valley and stroll the cobblestone streets of Cusco on this 15-day journey from Lima to La Paz. Search for monkeys and medicinal plants in the Amazon, tackle the ancient road to Machu Picchu, experience a homestay in a traditional community on the shore of serene Lake Titicaca and finish in La Paz, where Indigenous communities continue to form much of the city’s cultural fabric. With the option to see Machu Picchu by trek or by train, plus the expert knowledge of local leaders at all stages of your adventure, this trip will no doubt leave you breathless – in more ways than one.

Trip overview

Map of Sacred Land Of The Incas including Bolivia and Peru
Start
Lima, Peru
Finish
La Paz, Bolivia
Theme
Explorer, Walking & Trekking
Destinations
Peru, Bolivia
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
GGSQ
This trip generates 36 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Choose you own adventure on your way to the mother of all Inca cities – magical Machu Picchu. Test yourself on the challenging Classic Inca or Inca Quarry trails, or take the train for a more leisurely experience.
  • Marvel at the evergreen splendour of the untouched Amazon. Explore rainforest trails with a local guide, looking out for wildlife and medicinal plants, and stay in a tranquil jungle lodge overnight.
  • Head on a guided stroll through charming Cusco with your local leader, where Inca temples and Spanish cathedrals line the cobblestone streets – Peru’s true cultural and historic centre.
  • Sleep in a mud-brick hut on the shore of vast, ancient Lake Titicaca during a homestay in a traditional Andean community, and visit the floating reed islands of Uros with your small group.
  • Finish up in the eclectic and hectic La Paz, where Indigenous Aymara or Quechua traditions are flourishing in contemporary Bolivia – a living example of the resilient traditional communities of South America.
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, which can cause altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on travelling at altitude and ensure you are familiar with signs of AMS.
  • Please note that this trip can be partnered with other adventures into a ‘combo’, which means that some of your fellow travellers may have begun their journey before today, and some may carry on to further destinations at the end of this tour. If you’d like to spend more time in South America, have a look at the combos that include this trip’s itinerary, like Galapagos & Peru Adventure (GGSYC) and Explore Peru & Bolivia (GGSUC).
  • Be sure to wear sturdy footwear that's suitable for hiking. See the ‘What to Take’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more information.
  • The Amazon Jungle can be very hot and humid, so it's important to drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothing. Be sure to bring tropical-strength insect repellent.
  • 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.

Itinerary

Map of Sacred Land Of The Incas including Bolivia and Peru

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Canoe, Plane, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with basic facilities) (3 nights), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (8 nights), Jungle Lodge (2 nights)

Activities
  • Lima - Leader-led walking tour
  • Amazon Jungle - Jungle activities
  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
  • Sacred Valley - AMA Snack and Drink
  • 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
  • Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
  • La Paz - Orientation Walk
Add on activities
  • Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
  • Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) - PEN15
  • Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) - USD52
  • Lima - Guided tour of San Francisco Monastery including The Catacombs Admission Fee - PEN20
  • Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
  • Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) - USD39
  • Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
  • Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
  • Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
  • Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
  • Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
  • Ollantaytambo - Archaeological site - PEN70
  • 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
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) - PEN15
  • Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee - PEN40
  • Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
  • Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline - USD95
  • Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) - USD57
  • Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
  • Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) - USD170
  • Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
  • Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
  • Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
  • Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) - USD40

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Inca Trail permits are sold on request basis only. Once deposit is paid and passport details provided, Intrepid will endeavor to secure a permit for you.
If Inca Trail permits are unavailable by the time you book, you can opt to hike the Inca Quarry Trail instead (see https://www.intrepidtravel.com/inca-quarry-trail)
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 Inca Quarry Trail. Should you choose not to hike at all, please let us know in writing at the time of booking so alternative arrangements can be made. Without this prior warning, local fees may apply.

2. Overall we support these changes as they help preserve this invaluable archaeological site. While this somehow restricts the amount of time we are now allowed to spend in Machu Picchu, we’ll do all possible to maximize your time there and make sure you have the best possible experience.

3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2,3 (Amazon Jungle) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 m/ 9200 ft where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness.

5. Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor.

6. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

7. This trip starts in Lima on Day 1 at 2pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Lima.
This trip finishes at 11 am upon arrival in La Paz on Day 15. 

8. Most hotels in highlands should have oxygen cylinders available, however, you may be asked to pay surcharge for use of oxygen longer than 5 - 10 min at the time.

9. As you can choose different ways of reaching Machu Picchu (Inca Trail, Quarry Trail or Train), there is a small chance you may be the only traveller on your selected option.

10. Fees may apply if you choose to change from the Inca Trail to the Train or Quarry Trail after your booking has been made.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 168 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Rachel · Traveled January 2024
Our trip through the Scared Land of the Incas was magical! Our guide Will truly went above and beyond at so many points through the trip. In the Amazon we experienced the best of the rainforest staying in the most amazing lodges. In Cusco our guide suggested the BEST restaurants had heaps of great recommendations for all our random requests - he also went above and beyond to organise massages and express laundry for us to make our travels more comfortable. Through our countless road trips our guide shared with us an enormous amount of knowledge about local cultures, customs and cuisines, and would keep us all highly entertained with jokes throughout. Not only did Will have fun with us, he was very respectful for all the local communities and people we interacted with. I would recommend him and this trip in a heartbeat because of the amazing experiences and people we’ve met along the way.
Review submitted 27 Jan 2024

Sean · Traveled January 2024
Review submitted 20 Jan 2024

Joanne · Traveled January 2024
An excellent trip with a guide who was knowledgeable and organised. We felt safe at all times and had some unique interactions with the local communities.
Review submitted 20 Jan 2024

Arlenr · Traveled January 2024
I am happy to provide a review on my return home
Review submitted 22 Jan 2024

Maureen · Traveled January 2024
As usual Intrepid ticked all the boxes on the Sacred Land of the Incas tour; value for money, amazing local content and very professional knowledgeable Tour Leaders and guides. We were fortunate to have Holger as our leader and struck it very lucky. Thank you Intrepid and Holger.
Review submitted 20 Jan 2024
Sacred Land of the Incas
From
NZD $4,174