A luxury adventure to experience the grand landscapes, wildlife and culture of Peru

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Itinerary highlights

  • Discovering the Pisac Market on a culinary tour of Lima
  • Learning about the amazing wildlife of the Amazon with your naturalist guide
  • Rafting along the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley
  • Following in the footsteps of the Incas on your trek to Machu Picchu

What's included

  • Privately guided Inca Trail trek
  • Private tours in Lima, Cusco and the Southern Peruvian Amazon
  • Accommodation, domestic flights and transfers
  • Meet and greet airport service
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Created with the more adventurous traveller in mind, this trip is about experiencing the great outdoors and adventure activities of Peru from seeking out the tropical wildlife of the Amazon Rainforest to rafting in the Sacred Valley and trekking up through the cloud forests of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Your adventure starts with a night in Lima, Peru’s vibrant and exciting capital known for its culinary scene. From here, fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Amazon, where you’ll take a boat deep into the heart of the forest and your lodge. Spend the next three days on expeditions out into this incredibly biodiverse place in search of howler monkeys, caimans and giant river otters while also learning about its unique culture.

Next fly into the Andes and the beautiful Sacred Valley where you’ll explore the salt terraces of Maras and the Inca ruins at Moray. You’ll also get the adrenaline pumping as you raft along the Urubamba River, navigating your way through rapids, waves and whirlpools, and zip lining.

You’ll then spend the next four days trekking the iconic Inca Trail, crossing epic mountain passes and discovering ancient Inca ruins en route on a privately guided trek to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. After exploring the legendary site, head to the beautiful colonial city of Cusco for your final two evenings.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-2

Lima

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Meet and greet at Lima airport

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Lima

Accommodation in Lima

lima-green-coast-peru
One night in Lima One night in Lima

Enjoy the Capital of Peru, known for its excellent cuisine and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas. Your Travel Designer can arrange a tour for you should you wish and you'll have all of our recommendations at hand for the best things to see and do in the city to make the very most of your stay.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Lima airport

Flight

Flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado

Days 2-5

Southern Peruvian Amazon

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Transfer from Puerto Maldonado airport to your lodge

Accommodation in Southern Peruvian Amazon

Two nights in the Southern Peruvian Amazon Two nights in the Southern Peruvian Amazon

The last great natural wilderness, the Amazon is a truly awesome location that needs to be experienced to be fully understood. Peru’s Amazon region, called Madre de Dios, is located in the southeastern part of the country just north of Lake Titicaca and is home to the pristine Tambopata National Reserve. It’s a magnificent place to see hyacinth macaws, monkeys, caiman, giant otters and other amazing wildlife in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport

Flight

Flight from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco

Days 5-8

The Sacred Valley

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel in the Sacred Valley

Accommodation in The Sacred Valley

pachamama-ceremony-sacred-valley-peru
Three nights in the Sacred Valley Three nights in the Sacred Valley

Spend your days relaxing and exploring the incredible scenery of the Sacred Valley. North west of Cusco, it is one of the most beautiful and historically important parts of Peru. The Valley was one of the bases of Inca civilization and several of their finest works were built in this region making it a fantastic place to take in the ancient culture of Peru. The valley is also home to many indigenous people living the same way they have been for centuries and it’s possible to visit local markets and communities.

sacred-valley-maras
Maras and Moray excursion Maras and Moray excursion

Today, you'll enjoy an excursion to the Maras salt terraces and the Moray Inca terraces for some soft hiking in these spectacular landscapes.

Via Ferrata climbing and zip lining in the Sacred Valley Via Ferrata climbing and zip lining in the Sacred Valley

From your hotel your guide will take you to the 300-metre rock face in Pachar, and with safety equipment and instructors you’ll begin the climb that will give you fantastic views over the valley and spectacular mountain scenery. Once at the top, you’ll rappel back down and enjoy a picnic lunch with fantastic panoramas in front of you. After lunch you’ll get to zipline across canyons and rivers before being ferried back to your hotel for the evening.

cusco-rafting-peru
Rafting on the Urubamba River Rafting on the Urubamba River

A great expedition for those looking to combine the wild beauty of the Sacred Valley with a bit of adventure and thrill. You will be collected from your hotel for an early morning transfer through the Andes to Pachar. Here you will receive a safety talk and your equipment, and after a brief period practising on the flatter parts of the Urubamba river, your rafting experience, led by trained professionals, will begin.

First you will past the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, through class II and III rapids. Once through these you will go onto the final leg of the journey with ‘El Resbaladero’ (The Slippery One) which has strong class III rapids, waves and whirlpools. After this there will be time to go ashore, dry off, change your clothes and then sit down for a tented picnic lunch on the river bank.

Days 8-11

The Inca Trail

Private Inca Trail (3N/4D) Private Inca Trail (3N/4D)

A classic four-day trek over Peru's unforgettable Andean landscapes to one of the greatest mysteries of the Inca Empire, the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. Not only will the scenery move you but your personal guides will fill you in on the incredible history, legends and beliefs of the Incas perpetuated still today by the local Quechuan communities which you will also happen upon. The route will involve visits to archeological sites, dramatic mountain vistas and dense cloud forests rich in Andean flora and fauna. You will reach Machu Picchu at sunrise on the fourth day.

On your first day you will be collected from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley at around 4-4.30am for private transportation to Piskacuchu (2700m/8856ft) located along the Machu Picchu railroad and the starting point of the Inca Trail. A hike across the Urubamba River bridge will take you northwest along the shore to the Sacred Valley followed by a trail along flat terrain to arrive at Miskay (2800m/9184ft). You will then ascend to a lookout point over the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2750m/9020ft. The trek will continue along the valley created by the Kusichaca River gradually climbing for about five hours to reach the Wayllabamba Community(3000m/9840ft) where your camp will be set up for the evening. Throughout the day's hike you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Vilcanota ridge on the opposite side of the Urubamba where the impressive Veronica peak reigns at 5832 meters above sea level. Not to mention the diversity of wild flora and fauna that can be found all along the valley.

Private Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Two Private Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Two

Today your route will take you from Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo. Waking up at around 6am you will set off after breakfast for your hike back to Wayllabamba from which point you begin the most difficult part of the trek. This consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for about 9 km, and along this climb you will see the landscape change from sierra to puna (a dry and high area with little vegetation). This will take you to the first mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s Pass) at 4200m/13776ft. Here you will see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. You'll also cross an area of cloud forest, home to many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrow as well as the Andean Spectacled bear. We advise that on this day especially, your day pack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar levels high, and help with altitude sickness. Immediately after the pass, you will descend into the Pacaymayo valley (3600m/11808ft) where camp will be set up for the evening.

Private Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Three Private Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Three

As well as being the longest day of your trek, today will also be the most impressive and the most interesting as you journey from Pacaymayo to Wiñaywayna.

After breakfast and pack up of the camp you will climb from Pacaymayo to the second pass, the Abra de Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft), halfway up which you stop to visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This is a site, located at 3800m/12464ft, which consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served as a watchtower. From here you go over the pass to descend towards Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca (3624m/11887ft): a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, terraces, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals

To arrive at the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft), it is an easier climb along which you can appreciate the magnitude of the Incas ancient craft, with paths semi-detached from the mountain and rocks placed so that they fill up the ravines in perfect order. You will then go through an Inca-built tunnel to arrive at the aforementioned pass and down to the complex of the same name. Phuyupatamarca also happens to be one of the most complete and best-preserved archaeological complexes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and is located on the highest point of a mountain and its name fittingly translates to¨town over the clouds¨. From various lookout points you can observe this sophisticated and sacred complex made up of water fountains and impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. You continue your trek down the long descending stone steps that lead to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft), an impressive Inca complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, and all close to where camp will set up that evening. Tonight's campsite will be hosted at a trekker lodge with a bar and bathrooms with hot shower facilities. After visiting the impressive archaeological site, you will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at the camp.

Private Deluxe Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Four Private Deluxe Inca Trail (3N/4D): Day Four

Day four and your final day on the Inca Trail begins with an early start of 4am in order to reach Machu Picchu's Intipunku or Sun Gate in time for sunrise. This will take around an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones that traverse these cliffs of highland jungle, but this is all well worth the mesmerising spot you arrive at to see the sun come up over the sacred citadel (weather permitting). From Intipunku you descend to Machu Picchu which you enter 40 minutes later from the highest point through the 'House of the Guardians'. There will then be a complete guided tour around the site, taking approximately two hours after which you can enjoy some free time to rest, stroll around the citadel or climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain to appreciate spectacular views of the ruins, valleys and mountains that surround it, or perhaps visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. After this you will meet in the village of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. You have reached the end of your trail, well done!

Days 11-12

Machu Picchu

Accommodation in Machu Picchu

A llama walks around the ruins of Machu Picchu
Morning free to explore Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Morning free to explore Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

Discover the Machu Picchu citadel by climbing up either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Both scenic sites offer incredible, sweeping views, but vary in route. Huanya Picchu is a steeper route for the confident hiker as you pass sheer drops and takes around two hours. Machu Picchu Mountain is a rewarding three-hour ascending hike taking you away from the larger crowds to enjoy the vistas.

Vistadome Train from Machu Picchu to Ollanta station Vistadome Train from Machu Picchu to Ollanta station

Catch the afternoon Vistadome train from Machu Picchu town to Ollanta station, in a comfortable journey that takes about one hour and thirty minutes.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from Ollanta Station to your hotel in Cusco

Days 12-14

Cusco

Accommodation in Cusco

The terracotta roofs of the Cusco skyline, Peru
Two nights in Cusco Two nights in Cusco

Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Cusco, the former Inca capital, is a fascinating mix of ancient Andean culture and Spanish colonialism. In the city you’ll see beautiful churches built on top of giant Inca walls, grand central plazas, fabulous markets and cobbled streets lined with colourful textiles. Outside the city you’ll find lots historical Inca ruins to explore.

San Pedro market tour San Pedro market tour

Begin your day with a visit to Cusco’s central market, a wonderful way to discover the Andean culture and daily life. This vibrant spot, with its dazzling displays of fresh produce and fascinating local products, could keep you entertained for hours.

Marcelo Batata hands-on cooking class Marcelo Batata hands-on cooking class

Today you will become an honorary Peruvian chef! You'll make two appetisers, a main course, enjoy a Pisco tasting and learn how to make a Pisco sour. You'll also enjoy delectable bite-sized appetisers throughout the class prepared by Marcelo Batata's restaurants.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Cusco airport

Flight

Flight from Cusco to Lima

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Inca Trail and Amazon Tour

14-Day Example Trip
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We create fully personalised trips from start to finish, working with you to pick locations, accommodation and guides that suit you.

Every trip helps support Conservation.

From in-depth private tours to restaurant reservations, we take care of every detail so you can make the most of your journey.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline