11 Day Itinerary
£9,900pp
An exciting adventure, indulging in Lima’s diverse culinary traditions and diving into outdoor thills like mountain biking, river rafting and hiking in the Sacred Valley before taking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Explore the culinary traditions and exciting food scene in Lima
Mountain biking, river rafting and hiking in the Sacred Valley
Visit some of the most impressive Inca ruins in Peru
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Discover the Inca and Colonial history of Cusco
Explore Lima’s famous fish market followed by a farm-to-table lunch out of town
Stay in the pretty Barranco district with views of the Pacific Ocean
Take an early-morning tour of Lima’s fish market followed by a visit to a local farm on the outskirts of town.
For early risers, a morning visit to the thriving fish market in Lima is a thrilling experience. Watch as hundreds of fish stalls bargain and sell their daily catch. Sustainability is deeply important to True Travel and our local guide will explain the highs and lows of the fishing industry in this part of the world.
From here continue south to the 2000 year old site of Pachacamac (named after the god, Pacha Kamaq, ‘Maker of the Earth’). This was once one of the important sacred sites in the Andes. Pachacamac was considered a sacred oracle and place of burial visited by pilgrims of many Andean cultures, including the Incas. Then enjoy a delicious lunch at a working organic farm blazing the trail for sustainable agriculture in Peru.
Located in a restored 1920’s Belle-Epoque-style mansion with views of the Pacific Coast, Hotel B is the perfect place to start your Peruvian adventure. This delightful boutique hotel in Lima is in the heart of Barranco, our favourite neighbourhood in Lima. Walk the colourful streets lined with some of the city’s finest galleries, shops and restaurants. If you can spare the time, we usually recommend two nights at Hotel B to give you plenty of time to enjoy the best of Lima and the hotel.
River Rafting in the Ollantaytambo Valley
Mountain climbing using Via Ferrata carabiner system for spectacular views of the Andes
The Sacred Valley is home to a number of sleepy Andean villages, agricultural terraces the climb the steep valley walls, rushing rivers and ancient Inca ruins.
On the way from Cusco airport to the Sol y Luna hotel visit Sacsayhuaman, the largest of the four sites on the fringes of the city. The site was an important Inca military base and the site of a major battle with the Spaniards in 1536. Have lunch at a local hacienda (farm) where you will learn how the Incas developed their unique corn variety and how many of their agricultural techniques are still used in Peru today.
You will stay at the Sol y Luna hotel, our favourite lodge in the Sacred Valley. The 43 cottages are set within lovingly tended gardens filled with flowers and hummingbirds. The outdoor pool gazes over the mountains beyond and the two restaurants serve organic farm-to-table dishes inspired by Peru’s culinary traditions. There is also an excellent spa with an extensive wellness menu and no end to the adventures waiting beyond.
We will include a three full days with a private guide to explore some of the most significant historical sites in the valley as well as some adrenaline-filled adventure. Start at Moray, once an Inca agricultural research laboratory. Here they studied temperature variation from one terrace to the next in order to develop crop varieties. Then continue to the town of Maras which grew in importance during the 17th Century salt trade. Cross the extensive Maras Pampas where cattle and sheep feed on these verdant pastures with the snow-capped Urubamba mountains presiding in the distance.
The next day we can arrange anything from mountain biking to horseback riding. We love the river rafting experiences to be had that come with a mixture of exciting rapids and drifting peacefully between towering canyons. Couple this with a beautiful picnic in the mountains as you ascend using a double-carabiner safety system to take you safely to lofty peaks. Climb to a total of 300 metres with breathtaking views from the top.
Finally, anyone who enjoys walking will not be disappointed with a trek to a High-Andean lake. Walking alongside Andean guides working with Llama Pack, a initiative that preserves purebred llamas. Help to load up your llamas before heading into the mountains on a trail rarely trodden on by other visitors. Arriving at the Collalay lake you will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch before descending back to the village.
Take the short version of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Explore Machu Picchu with a private guide
Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’ and the profound sense of time is rooted in every aspect of this site. You cannot fail to be moved by a visit to Machu Picchu and changed in some way.
Your 5 mile hike to Machu Picchu starts at the ancient site of Chachabama. One of the highlights of the trail is a visit to Winaywayna, an impressive Inca complex that was once an important agricultural centre with a thriving community. Enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba Valley and waterfalls cascading down to the river. Continue to Intipunku (The Sun Gate) and descend into Machu Picchu. Spend time reflecting on this incredible hike before taking a shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.
Spend the night at the charming Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel at the foot of the mountain. The lodge was inspired by an Andean village with tropical gardens frequented by colourful birds.
Opportunity to hike to Machu Picchu via a less-travelled trail
Travel to Cusco on the luxury Hiram Bingham Train
For those with good fitness levels, there are a handful of wonderful trails that will take you into the gates of Machu Picchu via a less-travelled route and with spectacular mountain views long the way.
After a hearty Peruvian breakfast return to Machu Picchu via a mountain trail that winds through the valley (we will discuss the best route according to how challenging you would like the morning to be). This will give you extraordinary views of Machu Picchu from another angle.
In the late afternoon board the luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. Enjoy the very best of train travel with a delicious dinner prepared by a celebrated team of chefs and stunning mountain views as you wind your way through the Sacred Valley. The train features an open-air observation deck to take in the fresh mountain air as the sun descends.
Arriving in Cusco you will be driven to the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas. This is arguably the most exclusive boutique hotel in Cusco with a fantastic restaurant and award-winning spa. There is a heated swimming pool in the garden and the service is second-to-none.
During your time in Cusco we will arrange for you to spend half a day with our private guide to explore the cobblestone streets of this bustling city. Walk to the vibrant San Pedro food market where locals gather to buy and sell a wide variety of fresh produce from cheese to chocolate. We highly recommend visiting the Koricancha temple. The walls of this Inca site were once plated in sheets of gold and devoted to the Sun God, Inti. Finally, end the morning in the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas where many of the town’s most prevalent artists live and work.
The rest of your time will be free for you to enjoy the hotel and the sites of Cusco at your own pace.
Fly from Cusco to Lima
Depart home or continue your journey in Peru and beyond
A direct flight from Cusco takes you back to Lima to connect with onward international flights or continue the adventure into other corners of Peru. We usually recommend a night in Lima before international connections unless they are evening flights.
2 nights at Hotel B with breakfast included
4 nights at the Sol y Luna Hotel with breakfast and picnic lunches included
1 night at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with breakfast, lunch and dinner included
3 nights at the Palacio Nazarenas with breakfast included
Domestic land transfers
Guiding as mentioned in the itinerary
Day Itinerary
£9,900pp
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