Meet your group before heading out into Lima. Your group leader will be hosting a walking tour, which we recommend you join to get an insight into Lima’s main attractions. If you’d like to explore Lima more, consider arriving a day early to ensure you get the most out of your stay.
This morning, a bike tour of Lima allows you to pedal into alternative places and discover hidden gems. Visit hilltops with epic views overlooking the city and Pacific Ocean, chill at the fisherman’s hangout, and get creative in the artists stomping ground. After your half day exploring Lima take a short flight to Cusco, where you can spend the evening acclimatising to the 3450m altitude and wandering the old streets.
Today you’ll head out for a short cycling tour of Cusco’s hidden archaeological sites, visiting ancient Inca settlements along the way. The ride is easy, giving you the chance to take in the gorgeous Andean landscape. After the bike tour, leisurely explore Cusco’s best sights, including the San Pedro Market, San Blas and Coricancha Temple.
Begin your 3 day bike expedition into the heart of the beautiful Sacred Valley with a mostly flat cycle to Pisaq. Admire the magnificent scenery as you travel alongside the Urubamba River that holds traces of Inca heritage. Visit the mysterious Pisaq Inca Site, then onward to the charming village of Pisaq, which boasts a blend of old and new cultures. Spend the night here after a tour of the vibrant streets.
An early start sets you on your way deeper into the Sacred Valley. Follow dirt tracks on a fairly easy ride that features only short climbs combined with breezy descents. You’ll travel downstream through farming fields, where you can feel immersed in the Andean communities that line the path. Tonight’s accommodation is a real highlight, as the views of surrounding hills and gardens from the bungalows is beautiful, and relaxing.
A slightly harder (but truly incredible) cycle today starts in Chinchero, which you’ll get to via a private bus. Make your way to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley, where you will begin your hiking adventure tomorrow. Stop by the remote Moray, an unusal Inca archaeological site shaped in a circle with terraced depressions and the Huaypo Lagoon.
To get to Machu Picchu, either take the Classic Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail, depending on whether you manage to obtain a Inca Trail permit. No matter what trail you do, you will need to be of a reasonable fitness as each day will include 7 hours of hiking and often uphill. Visit Inca archaeological sites on your way, and camp under stars amongst the wilderness. The luggage that you don’t need for the hiking can be stored at your hotel in Cusco and what you do take will be carried by porters.
Be prepared for a challenging day of hiking today on both trails, hiking up steep ascents to reach the highest point of the Inca Trail and top of the Puccaqasa pass. Admire the breathtaking views over lunch then head to the relevant campsites. If you are doing the Inca Trail, you’ll camp in the Pacaymayo Valley, and if you are doing the Inca Quarry Trail the campsite is located near Choquetacarpo.
Today’s section of the Inca Trail takes you past the mighty snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba mountains, then to Phuyupatamarca, which is also known as the town in the clouds. Camp next to the Winay Wayna archaeological site terraced on the hillside. The Inca Quarry Trail travels downhill to the Kachiqata quarry, which is incomplete due to the Spanish interception. After arriving back in Ollantaytambo you will be taken to Aguas Calientes, where you can visit the hot springs before settling down in your hotel for the night.
Today is the day you explore the famous Machu Picchu, which was built in the 15th century and never revealed to the colonial Spaniards. The Inca Trail will take you right to its doorstep, and if you were on the Inca Quarry Trail, you will take a bus to join the rest of your group on the Inca Trail. An early start means beating the crowds and watching an awe-inspiring sunrise over Machu Picchu. A guided tour will walk you around the spectacular ruins, after which you will be transferred back to Cusco.
Say goodbye to your fellow explorers and depart from Cusco after the 9am check out. Luggage can be stored in the hotel if you’d like to explore the city more.
Discover the ancient Inca culture in Peru’s spectacular cities and Andes mountain range. Cycle amongst iconic archaeological sites and settlements as you understand more about the rich Inca history dating back to the 15th century. A highlight of your trip is a visit to the famous Machu Picchu, which you can hike to via the Classic Inca Trail.
