Best of Peru

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you are free to rest in the hotel or wander into town to walk around Miraflores. Some of Lima’s best galleries and shops and restaurants are located in this area. Founded by Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is the oldest capital in South America, with a superb combination of Spanish Colonial and 19th century European architecture. If you have time to visit a museum we would recommend the brilliant Larco Herrera Museum which also has an excellent onsite restaurant or the Museo de La Nacion.

Overnight: Dazzler Hotel Miraflores or similar.

NOTE: This evening, please be sure to re-pack your luggage for the jungle. Dependent on your accommodation in the jungle the luggage policy differs. Please see pre-departure information (under 'luggage') for more details. You will also be advised on arrival in Lima on the applicable luggage regulations.

Today we head out to the jungle, you will receive assistance from the hotel in Lima to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. This provides an opportunity to experience a real jungle frontier town. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport where you'll be taken to the Lodge's office in town, 5 minutes away, to prepare for your journey to the lodge. After an hour road trip we will hop onboard to take a tranquil hour boat trip through the Tambopata River to immerse ourselves in the heart of the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno, a private communal reserve. On the journey take the time to relax, watch the river bank and jungle canopy for the abundant bird life in this region. Among the birds we may expect to see (dependent on weather and river height) are horned screamers, raptors, plovers, terns, macaws, parrots, kingfishers and toucans. The lodges we use are beautifully positioned and apart from being our jungle home, they also serve as a base for naturalists to work from. The rainforest (both pristine primary and secondary growth forest) surrounding the lodges are a naturalist's paradise. During the remainder of the day we go for walks with our naturalist guide along forest trails. After dinner we get a chance to relax and discuss with resident naturalists the research projects taking place in the area. Serenaded by a chorus of jungle noises we go to sleep in our comfortable bedroom.

NOTE: It is important to be aware that the lodges are comfortable but basic - only some of the lodges have electricity or hot water for a few hours a day. Please note that due to demand it is sometimes necessary to use an alternative lodge in this area. While staying at the jungle lodge you may be with other people from other operators worldwide in a group.

The day is spent enjoying jungle walks to find monkeys and capybaras and also taking canoes out on to some of the jungle lagoons in the area. There is a particularly abundant bird life - including anhinga, hoatzin, horned screamers, raptors, plovers, terns, macaws, parrots, kingfishers and toucans. We can almost guarantee we will see lots of monkey including troops of capuchin, dusky titi, spider & howler, plus possibility of seeing large caymans and giant river otter. Before the evening meal we head out for a short river trip using torches to look for caymans - this always proves to be exciting.

PLEASE NOTE: The program may vary according to flight schedules, weather, river height, group sizes, etc and participants should be aware there is no guarantee of seeing specific animals or birds and in general you may not see much wildlife since the rainforest provides such good camouflage for its inhabitants - but you will have a good chance to experience true Amazon rainforest first hand.

Early morning departure after breakfast for the downriver trip to Puerto Maldonado and the short flight back to Cusco, sitting at 3,400m (11,200 feet) above sea level, arriving there around midday. After your transfer to our hotel located in the historic centre you will have some time to explore the city and also enjoy a few hours of rest, essential to initiate successful acclimatisation to the altitude. In the evening you will meet with your guide and others joining the trip at 6pm at your hotel for a trip briefing.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Today we have a guided tour of Cusco and its nearby ruins. The city, once capital of the extensive Inca Empire, has seen many changes since Francisco Pizarro's men took the city with such apparent ease in November 1533. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most famous monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua), an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, we return to our hotel. In the afternoon you may have time to explore some of the central parts of the city and have a chance to look at some of the great varieties of local craft work on sale in open-air artisan markets and shops.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

We are heading out from Cusco today to go explore the rural village of Pisac including the amazing open-air market. After a winding, ascending 45-minute drive passing through serene mountain countryside, we’ll get our first view of Pisac’s impressive ruins on the mountain across from us. Climbing to their high point, we’ll be greeted with amazing views of the Sacred Valley and its surrounding peaks, or Apus. Their names are Apu Linli, Apu Intihuatana, Apu Chiwuanco, Apu Ventanayoc, and Apu Ñusta. They stand as guardians and protectors of the Sacred Valley and its inhabitants.After our explorations, we’ll return to the village of Pisac, or, time permitting, we may take a leisurely hike (30 min) to the village on a well-maintained trail that winds its way through extensive Andean agricultural terracing and stunning mountainside vistas. Arriving at the picturesque Andean village of Pisac, we’ll visit its large open-air market, where vendors sell everything from colorful local handicrafts to semi-precious stones, hand-woven garments, sweaters, ponchos, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays are Market Days, when villagers from miles around arrive with colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, flowers, and many varieties of Andean potatoes for sale or barter with neighboring communities. After exploring Pisac Market, we’ll head deeper into the Sacred Valley, travelling west towards Ollantaytambo, stopping for a typical Andean lunch. A walk through the labyrinthine streets of the town demonstrates the Inca drainage canals still in use today. Some of the ancient Inca homes, complete with trapezoidal doors and interior courtyards, are likewise still inhabited.

Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Today we are learning all about Peru’s ancient cultures along with a visit to a friendly local community. Transferring across to Urco we have a gentle 2.5 km walk through the agricultural terraces at the crest of the surrounding farmlands, all covered by the shadow of Pitusiray Mountain. Stopping to visit the Urco Archaeological Site, where special knowledge of the cosmos and weather patterns were employed in past centuries to assist in farming crops. The highlight of the site is an intriguing stone figure, resembling a snake with a carved water channel running between its eyes. After we head to the Inkariy Museum, a recent museum opened in 2015 which displays more than 5,000 years of Peruvian history. The museum walks you through the timeline of ancient civilizations, from the Caral to the Incas exploring in depth the contributions these cultures with dramatic displays depicting typical textiles, sculptures, ceramics, and clothing of each civilization. After exploring these intriguing exhibitions it’s time for lunch were we will enjoy an attractive outdoor seating area plus a full menu full of local offerings. From here we head out to visit Lamay where we will spend a delightful afternoon learning about life in this serene Sacred Valley community. We will visit the Lamay Cathedral, which dates from the 1600’s and is replete with religious works of art. Visit the belltower and learn also how the church bells’ various rings connote different occasions. We will visit the local bakery, where we can learn about the breadmaking process, and then observe how the traditional Andean activity of raising guinea pigs, or “cuy” has become something of a cottage industry for this region. We will explore the process of making Chicha de Jora, a fermented corn beer, and of course, have a chance to sample this typical beverage of the Andes along with a traditional local snack. Your visit to this community is part of a project of sustainable tourism that directly supports communities like Lamay to thrive in their traditional ways. Return to your accommodation.

Overnight: Sol Ollantay Hotel or similar.

Today is an early start as we get up at sunrise to start our trekking experience. Most groups cross the Urubamba River at Km 82, we will instead head further downstream and cross at Km 88. Starting our trek further down will set the tone for the rest of this adventure; by avoiding the crowds and enjoying a more isolated experience we will have landscapes all to ourselves. When we arrive to Chamana, part of the Llaqtapata Community, a warm lunch will wait for you at our private campsite. As evening closes in you get the opportunity to visit the archaeological sites of Llaqtapata and Wayna Q’ente. These charming ruins of Incan monuments and constructions will leave you in awe. After a full day you will be offered tea, followed by a warm dinner all while reminiscing on the day's beautiful trekking outdoors.

Overnight: Chamana Campsite.

Walking: Approx. 10 km, 4.5 hours, max elevation 2,840m.

*Important: Please be aware that, because of the Peruvian authorities' rules on the Inca Trail, there may be changes in the actual trek itinerary and the campsites we use.

Greeted by the sun and a cup of warm tea we continue our journey by heading up into the narrow Cusichaca Valley, this journey passes houses inhabited by herdsman and farmers, until we reach Huayllabamba. Stopping for a quick rest, take advantage of the spectacular views of the cloudy and misty peaks of the magnificent Andes backdropped by the Urubamba River below for a perfect photo opportunity. Heading up, the cobble-stoned Inca Trail rises sharply through native forests before levelling out just as we reach our campsite of Llulluchapampa, sitting just below the first pass. Our camp for the night displays breathtaking views of Mt. Huayanay and gives us our first glimpse of the rare Andean cloud forest of Polyepis (Quenua) trees, also known as the "paper tree" due to their reddish bark peeling into paper-like sheets.

Overnight: Campsite.

Walking: Approx. 11.7 km, 7 - 8 hours, max elevation 3,800m.

Today is a tough day as we being our steady ascent up to the highest point of the journey, Warmiwanusqa (Dead Woman’s) Pass (4228 metres / 13,871 feet), named for its resemblance to a woman lying down. This point is nearly 1,800m (5,905 feet) higher than Machu Picchu, and you can get a real sense of accomplishment by having overcome this challenge. From here we head down, with relief, towards the Pacaymayo River ahead of us. Stopping for lunch and to catch our breath we continue back up to the ruins of Runkuraqay, believed to be the administrative point of the Incas, and to the second pass sitting at 3,968m (13,018 feet). From here we continue along the original Trail towards the site of Sayacmarca passing via a dry lake and through the Andean cloud forest. Many plants and animals thrive in the cloud forest, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, keep your eye out for butterflies, hummingbirds and delicate orchids of various brilliant hues. Our trek continues along the ridge line while we admire the incredible views of the Aobamba Valley below, until we reach out camp for the night. Flanked by the snow-capped Mt. Salkantay to the west and Mt. Pumasillo to the north our camp of Phuyupatamarca, or "village at the end of the clouds" in Quechua, is a spectacular spot to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise.

Overnight: Campsite.

Walking: Approx. 12 km, 8 hours, max elevation 4,228m.

Today is the day you've been waiting for, your first glimpse of the incredible citadel of Machu Picchu. Waking up in time for the sunrise, take a short hike up the hill from our campsite, where our hardworking porters await us with steaming cups of tea to greet the morning. This site is known to deliver some of the most radiant sunrise views in the entire Machu Picchu Sanctuary. After heading back down to enjoy a fortifying breakfast we continue along the trek passing the ruins at Phuyupatamarca, containing an irrigation system that still works today built over five centuries ago! The flag-stoned path begins to head sharply towards the well-conserved ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) located just below the ridge. Walking in the Inca’s footsteps, along the very same trail they would have once used, we trek for two hours through dense, misty cloud forest until we at last reach Machu Picchu via Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun). Stop to marvel at our first sight of the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu spread out below us, perhaps a friendly alpaca or llama will join you for that epic shot. We will enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary followed by time to explore this fascinating site at your own pace (with the accompaniment of the guide) before taking the bus down to the village of Machu Picchu, where you'll spend the night at a local hotel, be sure to take advantage of finally having a hot shower.

Overnight: El Mapi Hotel or similar.

Walking: Approx. 10.9 km, 7.5 hours, max elevation 3,750m.

*Important: To ensure the protection and conservation of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enhance the visitor experience, several restrictions and regulations are in place. The site features three main circuits divided into ten predetermined routes. Visitors are limited to a maximum of four hours within the site to reduce congestion and preserve the ruins, and admission is not permitted after 4pm. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. Despite these restrictions, World Expeditions endeavours to ensure you have a memorable and fulfilling Machu Picchu experience.

This morning we get up early to savour the views and atmosphere of the mystical morning light over Machu Picchu. We are treated to a unique second visit to Machu Picchu including another guided tour (conducted by a local guide) visiting the sites that you may have missed yesterday in this colossal sanctuary. In the afternoon or early evening we depart from Machu Picchu for the train ride back to Cusco.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

NB - depending on train schedules, we may arrive into Cusco very late at night.

OPTIONAL HUAYNA PICCHU CLIMB OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN CLIMB - For the adventurous, you can purchase a permit for either the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb (please enquire for costs). Choosing this option means forgoing the guided tour of Machu Picchu, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Huayna Picchu, with its narrow trails, reaches an elevation of 2,963m, while Machu Picchu Mountain, with a wider path, peaks at 3,082m. Both climbs are steep, slippery, exposed, and involve vertiginous drops, requiring a minimum of 3 hours return. Note that these climbs are not guided. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, and a waiver form must be signed before purchase. Both permits are limited and sell out quickly, so please contact us if interested.

A good day to relax, do your washing and re pack after the trek and perhaps a chance to do some 'tourist shopping', selecting from a great variety of expertly made craft work - including alpaca sweaters and hats, ceramics, weavings and traditional Andean instruments. In the evening we prepare for the next stage of our journey through the Andes.

Overnight: Hotel Abbitare or similar.

Heading out from Cusco nice and early, we start our journey to Puno, the road takes us through the wonderful Andes scenery. First, we stop in Andahuaylillas, a town located 40 kilometres from Cusco with the Church of Andahuaylillas as the main attraction. The church is nicknamed the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’, due to its impressive art inside. We continue the route to Racchi, where the Wiracocha Temple is located, a surprising 30-meters wide by 20-meters high construction of rectangular shape. Followed by a brief stop in La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco, over 4,313 metres above sea level. In the afternoon we arrive at the town of Pucara, where the Pucara Lithic Museum is located. Developed between the years 100 and 300 AC, this town was the first proper urban settlement of the lacustrine highlands. Finally, arrive in the city of Puno. Our first glimpses of lake Titicaca reminds us that this is hardly a lake - its more like a vast inland sea that also happens to be the highest navigable lake in the world! On the way to Puno we will take a quick visit the Sillustani chullpas, a pre-Incan cemetary which lies on Lake Umayo. This site has over 90 huge tombs, up to 12 metres high, made in the shape of an inverted cone (chullpas) where Colla nobles were buried. Unique to the region, due to the brick-like rectangular edges contrasting with the stones of various shapes that the Incans used, these chullpas are adorned with complicated carvings. Entrances or openings to the tombs face east where it was believed Pachamama (Mother Earth) re-birthed the sun every day We spend our night at our hotel in Puno.

Overnight: Casa Andina Standard, Puno.

Puno is a typical high Andean town, set on the great altiplano that surrounds the lake and stretches all the way to La Paz. After breakfast we head down to the old lake port with its century old steamers still tied up at the wharf. From here we board small motor boat to cruise out to visit the famous Uros Islands. These islands often given the misnomer of 'floating islands' are in fact tortora reed mats that grow out of the shallower waters of the vast bay of Puno. The islands have for centuries been occupied by the small Uros community who continue their traditional methods of 'farming' and fishing the lake. From here we continue to the islands of either Taquile or Amantani where we spend a night in a local island home. These islands have been occupied by traditional farming communities and spending a night gives us a good chance to learn more about the Andean people and their traditional lifestyles.

Overnight: Homestay

Return by boat to Puno before being dropped off at Juliaca airport.