Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail


Overview
Highlights
- Comprehensive journey visiting Peru's stunning highlights
- Walk the classic Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu
- Experience a night on Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Max Group Size
Itinerary

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. The city is...
Today we'll head south on the Panamerican Highway. We'll stop at the ancient religious centre of Pachacamac, whose many pre-Inca and Incan adobe walls and temples have miraculously stood for hundreds of years, preserved by the desert climate. We'll continue to Paracas...
This morning, there's the possibility to take an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see a large colony of sea lions, seabirds and even penguins. We'll then continue south pausing at the huge dunes outside the town at Huacachina Oasis before driving to the ...
Today, we have a full day's drive through desert landscapes. Following the coastal route through the desert, we'll pass the settlement of Puerto Chala. In Inca times relays of chasquis (runners) transported fresh fish 250 kilometres to Cusco in the mountains in just o...
This morning we'll explore this beautiful city, situated at 2,380 metres/7,809 feet and surrounded by snowcapped mountains including the conical peak of El Misti (5,822 metres/19,102 feet). The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on the site of an old Inca...
Heading north from Arequipa, today we'll enter the world of the Altiplano (high plain). We'll drive behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay, passing herds of llama and alpaca - if we're lucky, we might spot the elusive vicuna. We'll briefly reach the ...
A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Largely unknown to the outside world until the...
From Chivay, we'll make an early start to the Mirador Cruz del Condor, overlooking the magnificent Colca Canyon, where we'll hope to spot the rare Andean Condor. Seeing these magnificent birds in flight is a highlight of any trip. Driving east, via the Patapampa Pa...
The Uros people dwell on the lake itself, on floating islands of totora, a reedlike papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in the construction of houses and boats. We'll continue by motorboat to Taquile Island which has preserved much of its Inca and pre-Inca ...
This morning, we'll walk across the island to take in the views. On Taquile Island, the local people preserve a rich tradition of music and dance. This is the ideal opportunity to buy locally produced knitted goods - produced by the men of the island. In the afternoon...
Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to Cusco. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano on a public bus, we'll cross La Raya pass (4,335 metres/14,223 feet) and make a stop at the Inca temple of Raqchi,...
Today is free for you to explore the Sacred Valley and there are plenty of things to do. You could choose to visit the market at Pisac, and its incredible Inca ruins spread out amphitheatre fashion far above the town, or walk to the ruins at Moray. There is also th...
Once the Inca Trail permits sell out, we organise our hikes to Machu Picchu along the Quarry Trail, with a fully licenced and experienced trekking guide and the usual crew of porters. We'll let you know prior to booking which permits are available, and the itinerary f...
Inca Trail After a hearty breakfast, we'll cross the river to visit the Llaqtapata Inca ruins before continuing with the trek. Today, we'll follow the course of the Kusichaca River past small communities, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba, a quiet village of Inca orig...
Inca Trail Today we'll have an earlier start as we trek over the Warmiwanusca (Dead Woman's) Pass to 4,200 metres/13,780 feet. The two-hour ascent is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, we'll take it slow and steady with many stops to admire the view an...
Inca Trail Today is our final day walking along the Inca Trail. We'll say thanks and goodbye to our porters and begin our trek into Machu Picchu. We'll pass the Phuyupatamarca ruins and spend the majority of the morning going down following stone paths and stairways,...
Our final morning in the mountains is spent at Machu Picchu, probably the most astounding feat of engineering in all of ancient America. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the buil...
This morning, we'll take an immersive walking tour through the captivating city of Cusco, kicking things off in the colossal archaeological site of Sacsayhuaman, a stone fortress that's still at the core of Cusco's traditions. Winding our way along an old Incan trail,...
Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cusco. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you\ d like an airp...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
This trip was amazing and Ernesto was an exceptional tour leader, making sure to integrate the whole group and going above and beyond in every instance. His knowledg...
Michelle
Nov 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
Fantastic from start to finish and the landscapes just kept getting more and more impressive. Our guide Darwin was fantastic and everything was organised to a T. It ...
Alan
Oct 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
A well structured tour of an interesting and diverse country. Highlights included the spectacular landscapes, the wildlife, pre-Inca and Inca sites, the superb food ...
Caron
Oct 2024
Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail
An amazing trip exploring just some of Peru whilst acclimatising for the Inca Trail and to see Machu Picchu. Travelled down the coastal areas, through desert areas,...
Other Explore! Reviews
Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Bangkok to Saigon by Bike
We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...
Mel
Mar 2025
Walking in Madeira
Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...
Darren
Mar 2025
Efficient and easy to navigate online booking
Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 18
- Dinner : 3
- Lunch : 6
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations