Explore Peru

Fly to Lima

Begin your adventure with a flight to Lima, Peru’s lively sea side capital city. Situated above a stunning coastline of rugged cliffs, Lima offers a striking contrast between high-rise modern buildings and pre-Columbian temples.

Arrive in Lima

On arrival in Lima you will be met by your local expert guide and transferred to your hotel which is situated in the Miraflores District. Lying just south of downtown Lima, the Miraflores District is is the ideal base for a stay in Lima. It is an affluent area that is home to many restaurants, bars, nightclubs as well as shops, theatres, cinemas and art galleries.

Accommodation

3 star hotel in Lima’s Miraflores District (3 nights)

Explore Lima

Explore a traditional market in the Miraflores district where you will discover and taste a number of exotic fruits originally from Peru. You will learn about key ingredients used in Peruvian cuisines, such as the immense variety of potatoes, herbs, chili peppers and other flavorful additions. Also, you will see first-hand the fresh offer of fish coming straight from Peru's coast that serve as the centerpiece for many delicious native seafood dishes.Then, you will learn the tricks to make a perfect Pisco Sour before heading to the Chef’s table where you will discover the secrets to an excellent ceviche from a professional chef. After the cooking class, you will have the chance to enjoy your own creation of Peru’s most famous cocktail and dish as today’s lunch. Your local expert guide will be happy to suggest local restaurants, bars and sightseeing to keep you entertained.

At leisure

You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to spend as you wish in Lima. Speak to your local expert guide for top tips on where to eat, drink and explore independently.

At leisure

You will have one full day at leisure in Lima to explore this buzzing city at your own pace. Once called the ‘City of Kings,’ Lima is known for its friendly locals, rich culture, unique history and gastronomic delights. Visit one of the many art museums, relax at the beach, stroll along the beautiful boardwalks or learn about times gone by at one of Lima’s archaeological sites. Or you may simply wander the streets trying out the tasty cuisine. One thing is for sure, you will be spoiled for choice for things to see and do in Lima.

Optional Lima's bohemian neighbourhoods & art scene excursion

Barranco is one of the most picturesque districts of the city, home to Lima's best-known artists and writers, its bohemian atmosphere is filled with café, bars, art galleries and artists workshops offering a great opportunity to buy excellent pieces of Peruvian art. Embark on a walking tour with your local expert guide and see a side to Lima that not many tourists get to see. You will also have a guided visit to Santo Domingo Covent and Casa Aliaga to learn more about Lima's fascinating architecture and art scene. Guide and entrance fees included (This excursion is subject to minimum numbers)

Fly to Cusco

After some time at leisure you will transfer to Lima airport for your internal flight to Cusco. The cosmopolitan city of Cusco is the gateway to the awe-inspiring ancient city of Machu Picchu and the undisputed archaeological capital of South America.

At leisure

On arrival in Cusco you will transfer to your hotel where you will have the remainder of the evening to settle in to your new surroundings. Once the most important city of the Inca Empire, Cusco is South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city and is home to ornate cathedrals, Inca temples and impressive ancient ruins.

Accommodation

3 star hotel in the Cusco (2 nights)

Free time at leisure

You will have a full day at leisure in the city of Cusco so you have time to acclimatise to the altitude. You can take things at a relaxing pace as you stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets or perhaps you would like to independently explore the breath-taking ruins of the original city of Cusco, including Kenko, Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman, at your own pace. Your local guide will be happy to make suggestions to suit your interests.

Trek Piscacucho to Wayllabamba

Today you will embark on what is sure to be the highlight of your adventure to Peru, as you begin your challenging 4 day trek along the Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is the ultimate travel bucket list endeavour, and is ideal for anyone who wants to combine the cultural highlights of Peru with the while testing the limits of the mind, body and the spirit on one of the world’s best known hikes. Over the next 4 days you will trek through a combination of stunning mountain scenery, dense cloud-forests, and subtropical jungle. You will also encounter a captivating mix Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. Early in the morning drive through the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas to the beginning of the Inca Trail at KM 82 of the Machupicchu railroad. From here you will set out by foot with your local expert guide, crossing a footbridge and taking hike down in to the Urubamba Canyon. Along the way you will pass imposing sculpted Inca farming terraces and the settlement of Llaqtapata on the banks of the Cusichaca River. Following this there will be climb from Cusichaca valley up to Wayllabamba, the last inhabited village on the trail. Wayllabamba is where you will camp for the night with your local expert guide, porters and fellow travellers. Lunch and dinner are included during all trekking days.

Please note

Today is classed as a moderately difficult hike. The duration spent trekking will be between 5 – 6 hours. The approximate distance covered by foot will be 12km. The maximum altitude of the day will be 3,000 m. The campsite is located at 3,000m above sea level.

Accommodation

Overnight camp at Wayllabamba on the Inca Trail (1 night)

Trek Wayllabamba to Pakasmayu

After breakfast at the camp site you will begin a climb of the steep-sided Llulluchapampa valley. Trek past a rushing stream and through enchanted native polylepis woodland before crossing the rim of a small plateau to suddenly enter in to the treeless grasslands high in the Andes. The trail traverses an open slope opposite mighty mountain crags as you ascend to the first and highest pass, Warmiwañusca. Also known as Dead Woman’s Pass, it sits at 4,200m above sea level and offers spectacular views of the trail ahead to the second pass and looking back the snow peaks and valleys of the Huayanay massif can be seen. Continuing along the trail will lead to the floor of the forested Pakasmayu valley which will be the camping location for tonight.

Please note

Today is classed as challenging hike. The duration spent trekking will be between 6 - 7 hours. The approximate distance covered by foot will be 11km. The maximum altitude of the day will be 4,200 m. The campsite is located at 3,500m above sea level.

Accommodation

Overnight camp at Pakasmayu Valley (1 night)

Trek Pakasmayu to Winaywayna

After breakfast, start the morning with a climb up an Inca stairway and ascend again past the small Inca site of Runkuracay. Upon reaching the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snowpeaks of the Pumasillo range. From here you will descend to the ruins of Sayacmarca, an intricate labyrinth of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. The Inca trail, now a massive buttressed structure of granite paving stones, continues along the steep upper fringes of the cloud forest through a colourful riot of orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns. Upon reaching the third pass you will overlook the archaeological complex of Phuyupatamarca. There will be some time to explore the wondrous maze of Inca stone towers, fountains and stairways that spill down the mountainside here as you begin the long descent through the ever-changing layers of cloud forest. An Inca stairway partly cut from living granite will lead to the final camp site by the ruins of Winay Wayna, the largest and most exquisite of the Inca Trail sites.

Please note

Today is classed as a challenging hike. The duration spent trekking will be approximately 8 hours. The approximate distance covered by foot will be 16km. The maximum altitude of the day will be 3,900 m. The campsite is located at 2,650m above sea level.

Accommodation

Overnight camp at Winay Wayna (1 night)

Trek Winay Wayna to Machu Picchu

This morning you will rise very early to take a hike across a steep mountainside through lush, humid cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation towards the cross the threshold of Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. It is here that mist-shrouded views of Machu Picchu prove to all who make it that the climb was definitely worth it. Encounter an unforgettable backdrop as a twisting gorge and forested peaks frame the magical city of Machu Picchu. Despite its popularity among tourists, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Machu Picchu still retains an air of mystery and authenticity. Despite countless studies, knowledge of this 15th century Inca site remains incomplete. Some believe the citadel was founded in the waning years of the last Incas as an attempt to preserve their culture, while others think it may have been a royal palace, abandoned at the time of the Spanish invasion. Complete the final leg down to the royal flagstone walkway, passing outlying shrines and buildings and into end in the heart of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu exploring the main highlights as well as some of the hidden nooks and crannies. In the early afternoon, transfer by bus to the small town of Aguas Calientes, where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to recuperate after your epic trek.

Please note

Today is classed as a moderate hike. The duration spent trekking will be approximately 2 hours. The approximate distance covered by foot will be 4km. The maximum altitude of the day will be 2,700 m.

Accommodation

3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes (1 night)

Explore Aguas Calientes

You will have a morning at leisure to explore Aguas Calientes independently. Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, this small town lies in a deep gorge below the ruins of Machu Pichhu. Check out the thermal baths, grab a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants or simply wander around the shops and craft markets. The choice is all yours.

Return to Cusco

In the afternoon you will return to Cusco by Expedition train and upon arrival you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to spend as you wish. Your local guide will be happy to suggest sightseeing and local restaurants to suit your taste.

Accommodation

3 star hotel in the Cusco (2 nights)

At leisure

You will have a full day at leisure in Cusco for independent exploration. This is the perfect time to do any last minute shopping or sightseeing in the city or sample some more of the famous Peruvian cuisine at one of the many authentic restaurants.

South Valley of Cusco

Early in the morning it will be time to say goodbye to Cusco as you embark on the journey to Puno, passing through the stunning scenery of the South Valley of Cusco en route. A number of sightseeing and comfort stops will be made along the way, including a stop for lunch at a local restaurant to sample traditional food and a stop at at La Raya, highest point on the road between Cusco and Puno. (Driving duration: approximately 10 hours / Driving distance 387 km)

Puno

You will arrive in to Puno in the late afternoon and will have the remainder of the day at leisure to settle in to your new surroundings. Puno lies on South America’s largest lake, Lake Titicaca, and is a regional trading hub. The city is also considered Peru's "folkloric capital," due to its traditional festivals featuring vibrant music and dancing.

Accommodation

3 star in Puno (2 nights)

Uros Floating Islands

Today you will have a full day excursion around Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable body of water, taking in in the Uros Floating Islands & Taquile Island. Lake Titicaca, situated in the Andes Mountains on the border between Peru and Bolivia, you will have the chance to admire its stunning, shimmering blue waters. The Uros Floating Islands are made of reeds, rising six meters above the lake level. They are anchored by logs and connected to each other by ropes. The main activities of the people who live here are fishing and handcrafting several items that they sell to visitors. Transfer to Taquile Island which is well known for its natural beauty, offering a spectacular view from its hills and its standing as a first-rate textile centre. Textile activities are very important to the local people. Here you will see men walking about in rubber sandals wearing black pants, white flannel shirts and beautiful, finely woven chumpis), covering their heads with finely knitted warm "chullos".

Taquile Island

Enjoy lunch at a local house in Taquile Island followed by a guided visit of the island. Afterwards it will be time to make the journey back to Puno by boat.

Puno to Lima

You will have one final morning at leisure for any last minute sightseeing or shopping of your choice. In the afternoon it will be time to say goodbye to Peru as you head to Juliaca airport for your internal flight to Lima and your onward overnight flight home.

Arrive in Lima

On arrival in Lima airport you will transfer from the domestic terminal to the international terminal for your onward overnight flight home to Dublin.

Arrive home to Dublin following your once in a lifetime adventure to Peru.