Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca Tour with 59 Reviews by Exodus Adventure Travels

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Lima, Peru

Ends

Lima, Peru

Highlights

Walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and fully guided exploration

Rest and refresh after your trek with overnight in charming Aguas Calientes

Explore Cuzco, the old Inca capital

See the mysterious Nazca Lines

Travel through the imposing Apurimac Valley

Visit floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca

Travel through the imposing Apurimac Valley

Visit floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca

Itinerary

For seasoned explorers seeking a blend of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion, the "Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca" tour package offers a 15-day odyssey through Peru’s most iconic highlights. Beginning and ending in Lima, this guided trekking and hiking adventure invites experienced travelers to traverse the legendary Inca Trail, uncover the mysteries of the Nazca Lines, and experience life on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

Your journey includes the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, timed to arrive in the afternoon for those picture-perfect shots before an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. Refreshed, you’ll return the next morning for an in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu, enjoying the citadel at its most serene. In Cuzco, delve deep into archaeological wonders, while at Lake Titicaca, meet indigenous communities who continue to live in harmony with their environment.

The tour’s challenging activity rating is best suited for experienced travelers comfortable with multi-day hikes at altitude and eager for authentic cultural encounters. Along the way, you’ll explore diverse environments—from the arid coastal deserts marked by the enigmatic Nazca Lines to the lush Sacred Valley and Andean highlands.

A unique selling point of this trip is the extra time given at Machu Picchu, allowing for both iconic sunset photos and a relaxed, detailed visit the next morning. If you’re seeking a tour package that weaves together adventure, discovery, and Peru’s living heritage, this is your path to an unforgettable South American experience.

day 1 - Start Lima

Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima – please read the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for information on how to confirm your free transfer.

There will be a noticeboard in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held.

Accommodation:Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

day 2 - Drive south to Paracas and tour the Ballestas Islands; to Ica

We set off around 5.30am and drive south (four to five hours) to the port of Paracas. Here, we take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, a national park with one of the highest concentrations of marine birds in the world. There are also sea lions here and the Paracas Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the hillside, only recognisable from the sea. The boat trip lasts around two hours, and once we’re back on dry land we drive for around an hour to Ica, in the heart of Peru’s wine-growing region. At the Huacachina oasis, just outside Ica, there are high dunes where we may have time to try sand surfing (optional).

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Jazmin (or similar)

Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Villa Jazmin (or similar)

day 3 - To Nazca; Nazca Lines viewing platforms; optional scenic flight

We arrive at Nazca in the afternoon with time to marvel at the Nazca Lines from viewing platforms. These are one of the world’s great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. Afterwards, for those who wish, there is the chance to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (optional).

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina (or similar)

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Casa Andina (or similar)

day 4 - Head into the Andes to Abancay

We turn inland from the coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes on a long (11 to 12 hours) but spectacular drive. This region has only recently become easily accessible due to an upgrade of the Abancay-Chalhuanca road. We may see vicuñas (a smaller wild relative of the llama), as this area is the largest vicuña reserve in Peru, while flamingos are also usually sighted at high Andean lakes near the road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult (the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu at approximately 15,090ft/4,600m). We stay in Abancay tonight and we recommend resting after the long drive.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar)

day 5 - Continue to Cuzco; afternoon free to acclimatise

We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping en route to visit the unique Inca Saywite stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes, and we should expect stunning scenery throughout today’s five to six-hour drive.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:MamaSara Hotel (or similar)

day 6 - Free day in Cuzco to explore Inca ruins and Spanish churches

Cuzco has a multitude of attractions in and around the city, both active and historical, and today is free to explore. An optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Pisac ruins is available, as is the option to try paddleboarding on a high-altitude lake on the plateau just outside the city.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:MamaSara Hotel (or similar)

day 7 - Start Inca Trail trek from Km82; walk along Vilcanota River; climb to Huayllabamba

Early this morning, we transfer (1hr 30min) from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley. Reaching the town of Ollantaytambo, we drive for one hour along the final stretch of road to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, recognized among adventurers as Km82. After greeting our trekking crew, we show our passports at the checkpoint and begin the fabled Inca Trail trek. Our route today runs alongside the Vilcanota River, beneath the snow-capped peak of Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and settlements, until we reach the terraced Inca ruins of Llactapata, where we continue up the Cusichaca Valley to camp near the village of Huayllabamba (9,186ft/2,800m).

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:: Huayllabamba Camp (full-service camping)

day 8 - Summit Dead Woman's Pass; descend to Pacaymayu

The morning begins, as all do on our Inca Trail trek, with a hot drink delivered to your tent. Today’s journey is both challenging and rewarding, marking the most demanding and best-known stretch of the trail. A slow and steady climb takes us through a cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then we summit Dead Woman’s (Warmihuañusca) Pass, the highest point on the trek at 13,829ft (4,215m). After a well-deserved round of high fives and photos at the summit, we begin our steep descent on original Inca steps to reach our campsite in the scenic valley of the Pacaymayu River (11,811ft/3,600m). Warm up in the dining tent with a hot, fresh meal followed by a well-deserved sleep under the Andean night sky.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Pacaymayu Camp (full-service camping)

day 9 - Over Runquracay Pass to the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day with a climb, which takes us past the ruins of Runquracay and over the Runquracay Pass (12,894ft/3,930m), our second and final pass. From here, the Inca Trail becomes a clearly defined rolling path of flat boulders, providing access to sites only available to those on foot. One of the standout archeological sites we visit is Sayacmarca (11,893/3,625m), perched high above the green cloud forest. From here, we enjoy views of Salkantay mountain as we hike to our spectacular campsite on the ridge above the Inca site of Phuyupatamarca (12,073ft/3,680m), where we can enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Phuyupatamarca Camp (full-service camping)

day 10 - Walk down Inca steps to Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate

From Phuyupatamarca, we take the famous Inca steps: a 1.2mi (2km) stone staircase that rapidly descends into an immense panorama, with the peaks of the Vilcabamba range above and the Vilcanota River far below.

Reaching Wiñay Wayna, we have plenty of time to explore these beautiful ruins and eat lunch before continuing along a relatively flat section of the trail (by Inca standards), through cloud forest and wild orchids to finally reach Inti Punku (the Sun Gate).

From here, we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain rising behind… congratulations, you made it!

Inti Punku is traditionally busy with photo-taking trekkers in the morning, so our late afternoon arrival affords us unobstructed views of the magnificent ruins. We also get a chance to snap some classic photos of Machu Picchu before we take the 30-minute bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes for a shower and comfortable bed for the night.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Others: Terraza de Luna (or similar)

day 11 - Guided tour of Machu Picchu; return to Cuzco by train and by road

Well-rested and refreshed, we return to Machu Picchu this morning for our guided tour. Machu Picchu is an architectural and engineering marvel, the staggering mountain backdrop making it even more dramatic. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained an enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Your guided tour highlights the history, culture, architecture and mysteries that Machu Picchu still holds today.

This afternoon, we catch the train back to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) and continue by private bus to Cuzco (1hr 30min).

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:MamaSara Hotel (or similar)

day 12 - Drive across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca, visiting Inca sites en route

Today we travel for 10 hours by private coach along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, it is interesting and often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to break up the day and all along the route we feel the immensity of the Andean landscapes. A packed lunch is included today. This afternoon, we arrive into Puno (12,470ft/3,800m) on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

day 13 - Day trip to floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile

We take a boat to the floating island of Uros, where the Uros people have been living on reed rafts for centuries. Although many have now moved to the mainland, there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities to obtain essential daily items.

After, we continue to Taquile Island, home to a community known for their remarkable weaving and traditional lifestyle. The panoramic views of the lake from the island are incredible, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. There is the option to eat lunch on the island before we return to Puno.

Accommodation: Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Casona Plaza (or similar)

day 14 - Transfer to Juliaca; fly to Lima

Today we transfer approximately one hour to Juliaca Airport and fly back to Lima in the afternoon. In the evening, there is the chance to go for a final meal together at one of the local restaurants (at own expense).

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

day 15 - End Lima

Begin your return journey home after breakfast. Alternatively, journey into the wilds on our Amazon Rainforest extension and explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of the abundant wildlife that lives there.

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation

Meals

All breakfasts, five lunches, three dinners

Transport

All transport and listed activitiesArrival and departure transfers

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

Kitbag to keep and inflatable sleeping mat to use while camping

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca

4.9

based on 59 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 215+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.66/5

Excellent based on 805 customer reviews from

Karen

Excellent booking process. Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help

17 hours ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights