Join us for this adventurous 4-day trek to visit the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The trek takes you through the enigmatic Inca Trail, which connects the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. During the trek, explore the numerous pre-hispanic ruins scattered along the Inca Trail, such as Puyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna.
The trail, which runs through the Andes mountain range, travels through a variety of Andean ecosystems, including cloud forest and alpine tundra. The Inca Trail ends at the Sun Gate on Machu Picchu mountain, which provides a unique view of the citadel during sunrise. The trek ends with a guided tour of Machu Picchu and includes bus and train tickets to return to Cusco.
Eco tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Darwin was the most amazing trip leader. So knowledgeable and so supportive and helpful and always there. So lucky to have him to show us his wonderful country. Itinerary works so well. Absolutely A1
Active and outdoorRafting
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Take a deep dive into Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil on an epic 51-day trip. With local leaders guiding you to the best neighbourhoods as well as plenty of time to explore independently, you’ll wonder what took you so long to appreciate this corner of the globe. Trek or train to the lost Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, spend a few days on an estancia in Uruguay, take a 4WD adventure through the Andean desert to the Uyuni salt flats and wind up in all the best cities – Buenos Aires, La Paz and Lima, to name a few. Finish up with beach and party vibes in Brazil – a perfect spot to chill out after your adventure to South America’s hotspots.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Inc
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Cusco, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Puno, La Paz, Sucre, Potosi, Uyuni, Salar De Uyuni, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, Tilcara, Buenos Aires, Colonia Del Sacramento, Estancia, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu Falls, Nazca, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Arequipa, Colca Canyon
Initially before booking the trip I thought it was extremely overpriced.
However(our tour guide) was fantastic. He made the trip worth every penny and was extremely organised and knowledgeable. The locations were great, and the activities were really cool.
was a fantastic character, and became a friend by ensuring we all had fun. He looked after and catered for everyone’s needs and requirements, promoting safety above all else, and more than once went the extra mile to ensure we all had a great time (joining myself at CrossFit and his traditional dance moves were personal highlights).
I hope he gets the recognition he deserves, as I would love to book a similar trip with Contiki in future because of this great experience.
I would also recommend that you include huacachina in future - I went there on my own and it was one of the coolest experiences - maybe this could be added as an extra at the beginning of the trip.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Home-stay
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, S
Lima, Cusco, Puerto Maldonado, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Arequipa, Puno
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you journey through the heart of South America on this small-group, multi-country tour through Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil! Kick off your escapade in Cartagena, a dazzling coastal gem where Caribbean charm meets colonial magic, set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Head into Colombia’s lush Coffee Triangle, where the scent of fresh brews fills the air and you’ll uncover the country’s most flavorful secret — its world-renowned coffee. Next, fall under the spell of Bogotá, a vibrant capital buzzing with culture and color. Then it’s off to Peru, where ancient mysteries await! Wander through the Sacred Valley, marvel at the architectural wonder of Machu Picchu, and stand in awe at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sail across the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca, visit the floating Uros Islands, and take in the coastal beauty and culinary delights of Lima. Fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s seductive capital, where tango rhythms echo through the streets of La Boca and San Telmo. Witness the jaw-dropping power of Iguaçu Falls from both Argentina and Brazil — a natural spectacle like no other. Wrap up your South American adventure in legendary Rio de Janeiro, where golden beaches, towering mountains, colonial charm, and urban energy collide. From Christ the Redeemer to Copacabana, this is the grand finale you’ve been dreaming of!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ca
Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Puno, Lima, Puerto Iguazu, Armenia, Bogota, Urubamba
There are many sides to South America, from the energy of the cities, the beauty of the lansdcapes and the spirit of its people. Discover it all on this trip that winds through the Inca heartlands and jungles of Peru, the enigmatic cities and natural wonders of Argentina and the dynamism of Brazil's vivacious Rio. See animals, meet locals, traverse trails and marvel at all the contrasts of this very special corner of the world.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Sacred Val
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, Cusco, Buenos Aires, Foz Do Iguazu, Foz Do Iguacu, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, Nazca, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Puno
Hotels were good and except for the one in Cusco, they were very well located. Itinerary was great. I was met with friendly guides and drivers at each stage. City tours were excellent.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cusco, Lima, Galapagos Islands
Cusco, Lima, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Sacred Valley, Quito, Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora
Peru wasn't love at first sight, but it became something unforgettable. Lima felt chaotic but I quickly fell into rhythm. Then the Amazon hit me like another world entirely. You don’t just see nature there. You hear it and feel it pressing in around you. The nights were humid and loud, filled with the chorus of life. It was wildly outside my comfort zone but I loved it.
Cusco had colonial charm and a sense of sacredness in every stone. Machu Picchu was, of course, the crown jewel. But what surprised me most? The way the guide told its story, not just facts, but legends, perspectives, reverence.
This trip didn’t feel curated to be “easy.” It was immersive. Real. A little demanding at times but that’s what made it stick. These guys handled everything greatly. I came home with stories I actually want to tell not just photos to post.
Arturo was a fantastic leader and guide. Knowledgable, helpful, caring, experienced and amusing. This was my 11th Explore holiday and Arturo is up there with the best guides. The porters and cooks are heroes - we were very happy to tip them generously. The itinerary was perfect, though no one should underestimate the challenge of around ten hours walking on day three. Cusco hotel staff were fine but the layout around a central atrium means the rooms are very noisy. The hotel near Machu Picchu was lovely but the staff were rude, unhelpful and disinterested. Overall I’d fully recommend this trip - but be sure to get into shape beforehand and consider your kit carefully.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Your tour starts with a walking tour to visit the principal local market, San Pedro. Then, walk around Cusco’s city center, visiting the beautiful main square and the Cathedral of Cusco, which holds many archaeological artifacts and relics. Among them is a famous painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata, showing Christ and the apostles eating a guinea pig.
Continue your tour to the huge Inca ceremonial center of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco. Then visit another important Inca site known as Qenqo, which houses subterranean passages and a mummification site. After that, you will make a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of Tambomachay, a temple dedicated to the god of water.
We will have a lovely home-style lunch, in the heart of the traditional neighborhood of San Blas, in a picturesque, rustic courtyard surrounded by cherry trees and tumbles. Perfect for an outdoor lunch next to the wood-fired oven accompanied by a melodious Andean harp.
After lunch, we will return to the city center, where you will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, the Temple of Qoricancha. Within its walls religious ceremonies were constant, and offerings to the Gods and the Inca’s mummies were made each day.
After the city tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.
ExplorerWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
On this 14-day guided tour trip, you will visit the highlights of both Ecuador and Peru. Experience the highlights of the City of Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, the Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz, El Chato, Charles Darwin Station, Pinzon Island / Isabela Island, Tintoreras, and Cabo Rosa Tunnels.
In Peru, you will have the opportunity to get to know the highlights of the ancient Inca civilization. Explore the city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, the mountain of colors, and Machu Picchu. Visit Inca structures, and learn about the historic Inca settlements and their history.
You will be accompanied by a guide, who will assist you with anything you need. We will also provide you with transportation, accommodation and some meals.
Trekking and HikingWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-80 yrs
Operated in
english, spanish
Destinations
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, Sacred Valley, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad Del Mundo, Isla Isabela, Los Túneles
Get Peru-sing through this South American hotspot on a 21-day in-depth adventure. Setting off from its cultural capital in Lima, pass by Paracas, Nazca and Arequipa on your way to Cusco. Watch condors ruling the skies of Colca Canyon, follow the ancient trade route of the Inca on the legendary Inca Trail – finishing up at the breathtaking Machu Picchu – and get a feel for local life on a visit to Lake Titicaca's floating islands. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader alongside to point you in the right direction, plus plenty of freedom to tailor your own adventure, so what’s stopping you from getting a feel for Peru?
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Home-stay
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Inca Trail
Lima, La Paz, Cusco, Inca Trail, Puno, Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon
